August 2023

Hugo Beck Returns to PACK EXPO Vegas

Posted on 7 August, 2023 by David Priestman

Hugo Beck, a leading innovator in horizontal packaging machines, is returning to the highly anticipated PACK EXPO in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As one of the most prominent trade shows in the packaging industry, PACK EXPO provides an ideal platform for Hugo Beck to showcase its latest film and paper packaging solutions for primary and secondary packaging, alongside its diverse range of packaging styles for industries such as e-commerce, pharmaceuticals and medical technology or confectionery.

Taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Centre from September 11 – 13, visitors to booth N-11243 in the North Hall can witness Hugo Beck’s cutting-edge packaging machinery which help to reduce material consumption, drive greater efficiency, and improve recyclability.

“Building upon our successful track record of European exhibitions this year, PACK EXPO is a chance for Hugo Beck to highlight our commitment to the American market, with our continuous investment in cross-industry machine innovation for efficient and sustainable packaging concepts,” explains Timo Kollmann, Managing Director at Hugo Beck.

Consequently, the focus at PACK EXPO will be the paper e-com fit packaging machine – the first time it has been on display in the United States. Ideal for e-commerce and mail order applications requiring minimal material to package goods, the paper packaging machine is suitable for the direct dispatch of individual goods, packaging groups of products, or meeting the complex requirements of returned goods packaging. Automatically adjusting the shipping bag size to varying product dimensions to minimize material use, the paper e-com fit can process both uncoated and coated recyclable papers to produce a new type of dispatch packaging, with two sewn sides.

Hugo Beck’s paper e-com fit will also feature as part of Vice President of Polypack, Emmanuel Cerf’s presentation on the packaging manufacturer’s journey towards sustainability. This will take place on the Innovation Stage on Monday, September 11 at 11:30am.

And with sustainability now a global issue across all industries, PACK EXPO attendees can hear how Hugo Beck’s packaging solutions can help meet their environmental objectives. Whether maximizing production efficiencies and replacing plastic films with paper or minimizing packaging materials used, the team will be on hand to highlight savings which can be effectively achieved in the production of film and paper bags, shrink packs and flowpacks.

“Following conversations with attendees at interpack 2023, it became clear that American customers would welcome our unique, resource-efficient packaging styles. One example: thanks to our extremely tight packaging technology, which is capable of material savings of 60-70%, we achieve precise, high-quality film shrink packaging results – a revolutionary breakthrough in the industry,” concluded Kollmann.

Representatives from Hugo Beck will be available on the PACK EXPO stand to talk through the company’s complete machine portfolio, now available for both sustainable paper packaging and sustainable film packaging, with resource saving technology.

New USA-UK Air freight Solution

Posted on 7 August, 2023 by David Priestman

With expertise in logistics and worldwide transport, cargo-partner is pleased to announce the introduction of a new air freight solution from Chicago in the USA, to specifically support customers with the export of goods to the United Kingdom.

cargo-partner’s new air freight consolidation between Chicago and London Heathrow Airport commenced on June 1, 2023 and is already supporting local and international customers. The service provides weekly departures, with an in-house team of trade experts overseeing the service.

The cut-off date for goods arriving to cargo-partner’s Chicago warehouse is Thursday each week, with the team finalising all arrangements for a Sunday departure. The goods are routed by air from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) via Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and then on to the final destination of Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London, UK.

Customers benefit from cargo-partner’s network of office branches across the USA and the UK, providing local knowledge and expertise, as well as access to a gateway of further airport, storage and transport connections within both countries and the wider continents.

Speaking about this new solution, Ralf Schneider, President cargo-partner USA & Regional Director Americas, said: “We’re excited to continue to expand our global network and create reliable air capacity for our customers between the USA and the UK. Introducing this regular air console to the market will support businesses on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean with a cost-effective, flexible air freight solution.

“Our goal is to provide a reliable service for general cargo shipments originating in the Midwestern US. Thanks to our extensive network and expert in-house customs teams, we can also offer customs, brokerage and final mile services at competitive rates.”

cargo-partner is a privately owned full-range info-logistics provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of air, sea, land transport and warehousing solutions. With 40 years of expertise in information technology and supply chain optimization, the company designs tailor-made services for a wide range of industries to create competitive benefits for its customers all around the world. Founded in 1983, cargo-partner generated a turnover of over 2.06 billion euro in 2022 and currently employs more than 4,000 people worldwide.

New USA-UK Air freight Solution

Posted on 7 August, 2023 by Keith McKinley

Driving Logistical Efficiencies with Finance Software

Posted on 7 August, 202331 July, 2025 by David Priestman

The requirement to maintain operational logistical efficiencies has long placed the logistics industry at the forefront of technological advancement, writes Simon Kearsley (pictured), CEO of bluQube. Inventory management technology and process automation has transformed supply chain operations, but recent economic uncertainties have illustrated that these practices aren’t enough to combat logistical challenges.

Non-core back-office functions, like accounting systems, have typically been overlooked in their ability to boost efficiencies. Far from a small cog in the machine, accounting functions today play a greater role than handling quotes, billing, and invoicing. In fact, accounting systems can generate invaluable insights for organisations to respond to rapidly changing circumstances.

Solving resource constraints

Interoperable accounting software interacts with third-party software without the requirement for human intervention. It enables optimal resource reallocation by allowing information to automatically replicate across every system throughout the organisation and preventing hours of manual rekeying efforts. Automated invoicing, payroll, and expense tracking is key for minimising data silos and discrepancies within supply chain operations and reducing the risk of errors. This efficiency translates into time and effort savings whilst providing employees with greater opportunities to add strategic input to the business.

Data-led reporting

The dramatic rise in freight costs poses an ongoing challenge to logistics operators, and without the right accounting software, fluctuations in transport expenses, warehousing fees and fuel costs can be difficult to navigate. When combined with other software, such as warehouse management systems, finance software can become a powerful reporting tool to enhance the decision-making capacity of logistics businesses and identify areas for cost-saving opportunities. To manually produce and analyse reports of this scale would usually take significant employee resource, but the automated process allows employees to extract the relevant information and streamline inefficient processes.

Responding to future challenges

As we have seen over the last three years, it is impossible for logistics operators to prepare for all eventualities. However, the introduction of interoperable systems would award businesses a greater degree of flexibility to respond to supply chain challenges as they arise.

Interoperable accounting software can produce a real-time data exchange by seamlessly integrating with systems crucial to the logistics operation, such as inventory management and transportation systems. In doing so, it provides a comprehensive view of the supply chain’s financial health and allows businesses to identify bottlenecks, track inventory levels accurately, and make informed decisions promptly in response to market demand.

Preparing for volatility

Geopolitical and economic instabilities have demonstrated an alarming ability to place supply chains into a state of disarray. As this disruption is aggravated by a lack of visibility and an inability to respond to demand fluctuations, many logistics businesses are prioritising the implementation of methods to increase efficiencies and respond to fluctuations as they arise.

Interoperable accounting software is becoming increasingly important for logistics businesses to achieve this goal. The financial data gathered allows them to gain critical insights to spot trends or opportunities within the supply chain, whilst minimising data silos and freeing staff to take on more strategic roles. For a back-office function, it can create powerful results.

Post-Brexit Border Check Delays

Posted on 7 August, 202331 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Following reports that post-Brexit border checks for EU imports are to be delayed (for the fifth time), Andrew Thurston, Customs Duty & Indirect Tax Consultant at MHA, says inflation has led to the government’s latest border check postponement, but frustration among businesses will be growing with each delay:

“Another post-Brexit border check delay will be no surprise. The government is reluctant to place additional costs on businesses and risk pushing inflation higher. The most likely scenario is that border checks will be delayed by 3-6 months. Those businesses that invested time and money to prepare for the checks, only to see them delayed again, will be frustrated. We should be encouraging firms to think ahead but those who did repeatedly see their good efforts go to waste. While unlikely, there will be businesses who would welcome some form of compensation, particularly as this is the fifth delay to border checks.

“It is very important to understand that the risk for businesses from these checks (when they finally arrive) is not so much additional cost but administrative pitfalls. For example, exporters could see costs of around £200-£250 per consignment once checks are implemented. Yet the addition of any new certification increases the likelihood of errors and delays. Especially if you deal in fresh produce, getting held up at a port can spell trouble for the whole consignment potentially ruining it.”

Government can’t keep kicking border checks down the road

“Smaller businesses with a high exposure to the EU will need to make sure that their certification is up to date regularly. Animal product businesses in particular will need to have several additional documents, including veterinary certificates,” Thurston concludes.

Post-Brexit Border Check Delays

Posted on 7 August, 2023 by David Priestman

Government can’t keep kicking border checks down the road

New Distributor for Vacuum Lifters

Posted on 3 August, 202325 July, 2025 by Keith McKinley

B&B Attachments, leading manufacturer and supplier of forklift truck attachments and material handling solutions, has announced its official role as authorised UK distributors for Autem Vacuum Lifters Ltd.

Autem Vacuum Lifters Ltd are manufacturers of lifting and handling equipment. The company has over 20 years’ experience in designing and manufacturing vacuum lifters. Its registered office is in Kilmarnock, Scotland.

The company manufactures high-quality vacuum lifting systems for a variety of industries worldwide. Vacuum lifting machines are a great way to transport heavy items. They are designed for material handling in the construction, manufacturing, and logistics industries.

This easy-to-use system improves the handling and movement of difficult-to-manoeuvre objects, such as concrete blocks, steel, cladding, pipes, paving slabs and more. The lifters work by using suction which is achieved via a vacuum pump connected to a suction pad. Vacuum suction and release can be achieved in seconds.

“We are excited to add Autem Vacuum Lifters as a new lifting option to the UK, Ireland, and export markets. Our partnership with Autem allows us to offer an even wider range of material handling solutions to our customers. These innovative lifters are battery powered and require no installation, making them extremely user friendly, flexible, and cost effective.” Comments Mike Barton, Managing Director at B&B Attachments.

B&B Attachments is the UK’s sole distributor for three of Europe’s leading manufacturers of material handling equipment. The company also supplies specialist forklift truck attachments, designed and developed to order, and offers one of the most comprehensive after-care services available in the forklift truck attachments industry.

New Distributor for Vacuum Lifters

Posted on 3 August, 2023 by David Priestman

ASC Invests in German Logistics Site

Posted on 3 August, 20237 August, 2025 by David Priestman

Technology-led logistics company Advanced Supply Chain (ASC) is investing £60million in establishing a new European operating facility in Nettetal, Germany in a move that will create 400 new jobs over the next three years.

Part of Reconomy, a leading provider of tech-enabled solutions for the circular economy, ASC delivers a range of supply chain services for leading retailers and consumer brands. The company develops specialist software in-house to provide value-added services covering pre-retail, returns processing, fulfilment, wholesale distribution, and transportation.

The company pinpointed Nettetal as the prime location to support its existing sites and its ongoing expansion, with the new 21,647 sqm European operating facility opening in July 2023. This forms part of ASC’s plans to open a new logistics and fulfilment centre in Bradford, UK in September 2023, and a new site in Poland by the end of 2027.

The Nettetal facility was developed by logistics real estate specialist Verdion for its European logistics fund VELF1, which focusses on urban logistics in strategic locations.

150 new jobs will be created at the new facility during the first year, with this rising to 400 jobs by the end of 2026. Low carbon technology including a photovoltaic system will be utilised at the new facility, which also has 12 electric vehicle charging stations.

Ben Balfour, COO at ASC, said: “Opening in Nettetal will provide retailers and consumer brands throughout Germany and Europe with access to our full range of solutions for optimising their omni-channel supply chains. Our industry-leading technology can enhance supply chain visibility, effectively integrate multiple sales and returns channels, and deliver rich data that helps inform much more strategic decision making.

“We develop bespoke supply chain management software, solutions, and strategies to improve the efficiencies and effectiveness of stock inventory management. This enables our customers to maximise margins, grow retail channels and maximise sales opportunities.”

Ben Balfour concludes: “Expanding in Nettetal is part of our mission for supporting customers’ goals to maximise the value of their supply chains. For example, the new operating facility provides retailers with the ability to process European customer returns much closer to the point of sale. This can help to reduce supply chain mileage, cut carbon emissions, and generate new financial savings that benefit the overall feasibility of customer returns and avoid margin dilution.

“Investing in Germany will help keep us ahead of the demand for our technology-led supply chain solutions, and support ASC’s future expansion across Europe and internationally.”

The Nettetal facility represents another major investment by Reconomy in the global capabilities of its Re-use division, which consists of ASC and omnichannel returns management specialists, ReBound.

ASC Invests in German Logistics Site

Posted on 3 August, 2023 by David Priestman

The Nettetal facility was developed by logistics real estate specialist Verdion for its European logistics fund VELF1, which focusses on urban logistics in strategic locations.

“Investing in Germany will help keep us ahead of the demand for our technology-led supply chain solutions, and support ASC’s future expansion across Europe and internationally.”

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