Brother UK Opens New Market Opportunity

Business technology solutions provider Brother UK has partnered with ECS Global to help the business better support its customers across retail, healthcare, transport and logistics. The partnership, which launched in October 2023, will see ECS Global make the full Brother print portfolio available to the company’s existing and prospective customers.

The agreement covers the Brother PJ range of mobile printers and RJ range of rugged portable devices, alongside the TD line of desktop labelling printers and TJ industrial printer range.
ECS Global, which works with 40,000 clients across 20 time zones, provides an innovative cloud-based media communication suite that helps businesses manage all of their communication channels, from impactful and colourful point of sale, all formats of digital signage, and interactive media displays, through one design suite.

The partners say that the breadth of Brother’s product range, from mobile and desktop to industrial print devices, will enable ECS customers to unlock efficiencies in consumables across their operations without having to compromise on their print hardware.

The new partnership follows the announcement that Brother UK is aiming to double sales across its specialist printing services (SPS) business, which supplies industrial, desktop and mobile printers used for everything from food safety labelling to Auto-ID in warehousing.

Market Opportunity

Over the last two years, Brother UK has partnered with major Auto-ID resellers and vendors in the UK, as well as specialist partners BarcodeGenie and Planglow, to create new routes to market and develop tailored solutions for the retail and food hygiene markets respectively.

Ged Cairns (pictured), head of SPS business category at Brother UK, said: “There is growing demand among businesses across supply chain, retail and hospitality to digitise their day-to-day operations and we have built a strong product proposition to take advantage of this buoyant market.

“Our new partnership with ECS Global will serve to strengthen our position and provide clients with the broadest range of print devices available from a single vendor. In addition to consistent device management and deployment tools, businesses will benefit from simplifying their consumables ordering, service, support and user training. The firm has a significant footprint in the UK and has seamlessly deployed our solutions with customers already, so we’re looking forward to supporting ECS Global with their current and prospective customers moving forward.”

Derek Buchanan, chief executive officer at ECS, said: “When Brother approached us with a partnership proposal, we knew it would be a great opportunity to work with such an instantly recognisable brand, offering the full range of print solutions our customers need. They can now choose devices for each section of their operations from the same vendor to meet any level of print type and volume, which will simplify their administration, boost their workflow efficiencies and help reduce costs.”

Brother UK Opens New Market Opportunity

Business technology solutions provider Brother UK has partnered with ECS Global to help the business better support its customers across retail, healthcare, transport and logistics. The partnership, which launched in October 2023, will see ECS Global make the full Brother print portfolio available to the company’s existing and prospective customers.

The agreement covers the Brother PJ range of mobile printers and RJ range of rugged portable devices, alongside the TD line of desktop labelling printers and TJ industrial printer range.
ECS Global, which works with 40,000 clients across 20 time zones, provides an innovative cloud-based media communication suite that helps businesses manage all of their communication channels, from impactful and colourful point of sale, all formats of digital signage, and interactive media displays, through one design suite.

The partners say that the breadth of Brother’s product range, from mobile and desktop to industrial print devices, will enable ECS customers to unlock efficiencies in consumables across their operations without having to compromise on their print hardware.

The new partnership follows the announcement that Brother UK is aiming to double sales across its specialist printing services (SPS) business, which supplies industrial, desktop and mobile printers used for everything from food safety labelling to Auto-ID in warehousing.

Market Opportunity

Over the last two years, Brother UK has partnered with major Auto-ID resellers and vendors in the UK, as well as specialist partners BarcodeGenie and Planglow, to create new routes to market and develop tailored solutions for the retail and food hygiene markets respectively.

Ged Cairns (pictured), head of SPS business category at Brother UK, said: “There is growing demand among businesses across supply chain, retail and hospitality to digitise their day-to-day operations and we have built a strong product proposition to take advantage of this buoyant market.

“Our new partnership with ECS Global will serve to strengthen our position and provide clients with the broadest range of print devices available from a single vendor. In addition to consistent device management and deployment tools, businesses will benefit from simplifying their consumables ordering, service, support and user training. The firm has a significant footprint in the UK and has seamlessly deployed our solutions with customers already, so we’re looking forward to supporting ECS Global with their current and prospective customers moving forward.”

Derek Buchanan, chief executive officer at ECS, said: “When Brother approached us with a partnership proposal, we knew it would be a great opportunity to work with such an instantly recognisable brand, offering the full range of print solutions our customers need. They can now choose devices for each section of their operations from the same vendor to meet any level of print type and volume, which will simplify their administration, boost their workflow efficiencies and help reduce costs.”

FEFPEB at International Pallet Meeting

The European Federation of Wooden Pallet & Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB) presented its work on packaging waste and other key issues to global colleagues at the Interpal conference, which was held in Montreal in October.

The event, which is held once every four years, sees members of the international wooden pallet and packaging business discuss developments concerning the industry. It was co-hosted this year by the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) and the Canadian Wood Pallet and Container Association (CWPCA).

FEFPEB presented its recent work, including its key involvement in the development of new Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR) regulations, and central role in the future circular economy in Europe. The organisation took part in discussions about other current topics, including sustainability in the supply chain, increasing reuse, and trends in global wood markets; and attended the important Global Forum meeting of delegates representing the sector in regions of the world including North America, Asia, and Europe.

Secretary general Fons Ceelaert presented FEFPEB’s awareness campaign Packaging from Nature, which was launched in Europe in 2011 to promote the benefits of using wood for packaging and pallets. The campaign is evolving, with the launch of a new logo and a revamp of the information on its websites.

FEFPEB President Rob van Hoesel, who also attended the Interpal conference, said: “FEFPEB was proud to represent our European membership at Interpal. As one of the world’s most naturally sustainable businesses, the global wooden pallet and packaging sector has an increasingly important role to play in the development of circular supply chains, and in Montreal we were able to share FEFPEB’s industry leading work with our international colleagues.

“The occasion also allowed us to learn from others and work together to progress our shared agenda for an even more innovative, sustainable, and profitable pallet and packaging business for the future.

FEFPEB at International Pallet Meeting

The European Federation of Wooden Pallet & Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB) presented its work on packaging waste and other key issues to global colleagues at the Interpal conference, which was held in Montreal in October.

The event, which is held once every four years, sees members of the international wooden pallet and packaging business discuss developments concerning the industry. It was co-hosted this year by the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) and the Canadian Wood Pallet and Container Association (CWPCA).

FEFPEB presented its recent work, including its key involvement in the development of new Packaging and Packaging Waste (PPWR) regulations, and central role in the future circular economy in Europe. The organisation took part in discussions about other current topics, including sustainability in the supply chain, increasing reuse, and trends in global wood markets; and attended the important Global Forum meeting of delegates representing the sector in regions of the world including North America, Asia, and Europe.

Secretary general Fons Ceelaert presented FEFPEB’s awareness campaign Packaging from Nature, which was launched in Europe in 2011 to promote the benefits of using wood for packaging and pallets. The campaign is evolving, with the launch of a new logo and a revamp of the information on its websites.

FEFPEB President Rob van Hoesel, who also attended the Interpal conference, said: “FEFPEB was proud to represent our European membership at Interpal. As one of the world’s most naturally sustainable businesses, the global wooden pallet and packaging sector has an increasingly important role to play in the development of circular supply chains, and in Montreal we were able to share FEFPEB’s industry leading work with our international colleagues.

“The occasion also allowed us to learn from others and work together to progress our shared agenda for an even more innovative, sustainable, and profitable pallet and packaging business for the future.

How AI Can Transform Intralogistics

There are many safety and efficiency gains to be experienced with the help of artificial intelligence, especially if technology is allowed to coexist with humans – as Kardex states in its new publication.

Despite the complexity, initial operating costs, and resource-intensive implementation, AI has emerged as a crucial Industry 4.0 solution. AI can help companies meet challenges linked to increased customer demands, new and existing needs for streamlined logistics, and labour shortages.

In the publication “Warehouse Insights: 4 Ways AI Transforms Intralogistics”, Kardex, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of vertical storage systems and customised warehouse solutions, takes a deep dive into key elements of AI technology that will no doubt transform intralogistics.

It concludes that AI can help reduce costs while maintaining or even increasing productivity. For example, AI-powered automated storage and retrieval systems, which process and detect patterns in large amounts of data, can determine the optimal placement of items and predict purchase needs. There are also great opportunities for AI in predictive maintenance.

AI and warehouse staff

It is also highlighted that AI and humans can advantageously coexist, not least to ensure optimal security. Robots can perform tasks that are considered dangerous and demanding for humans and AI can monitor storage spaces and equipment to identify potential safety risks. At the same time, warehouse staff are freed up for more dynamic roles.

There is still a lack of knowledge among industrial companies about how they can benefit from AI. This is where Kardex wants to guide.

“We have a deep understanding of the distinct challenges faced by our customers. By closely monitoring inventory challenges and staying up to date with the latest technology trends, we continuously adapt our solution to ensure that our customers’ facilities always stay at the forefront of innovation.” Says Debra Grimwood, Marketing Manager at Kardex UK.

Kardex installs and services both simple, scalable solutions and large, fully automated flows for customers in e-commerce, electronics, production, automotive and the food industry.

Read “Warehouse Insights: 4 Ways AI Transforms Intralogistics” here.

How AI Can Transform Intralogistics

There are many safety and efficiency gains to be experienced with the help of artificial intelligence, especially if technology is allowed to coexist with humans – as Kardex states in its new publication.

Despite the complexity, initial operating costs, and resource-intensive implementation, AI has emerged as a crucial Industry 4.0 solution. AI can help companies meet challenges linked to increased customer demands, new and existing needs for streamlined logistics, and labour shortages.

In the publication “Warehouse Insights: 4 Ways AI Transforms Intralogistics”, Kardex, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of vertical storage systems and customised warehouse solutions, takes a deep dive into key elements of AI technology that will no doubt transform intralogistics.

It concludes that AI can help reduce costs while maintaining or even increasing productivity. For example, AI-powered automated storage and retrieval systems, which process and detect patterns in large amounts of data, can determine the optimal placement of items and predict purchase needs. There are also great opportunities for AI in predictive maintenance.

AI and warehouse staff

It is also highlighted that AI and humans can advantageously coexist, not least to ensure optimal security. Robots can perform tasks that are considered dangerous and demanding for humans and AI can monitor storage spaces and equipment to identify potential safety risks. At the same time, warehouse staff are freed up for more dynamic roles.

There is still a lack of knowledge among industrial companies about how they can benefit from AI. This is where Kardex wants to guide.

“We have a deep understanding of the distinct challenges faced by our customers. By closely monitoring inventory challenges and staying up to date with the latest technology trends, we continuously adapt our solution to ensure that our customers’ facilities always stay at the forefront of innovation.” Says Debra Grimwood, Marketing Manager at Kardex UK.

Kardex installs and services both simple, scalable solutions and large, fully automated flows for customers in e-commerce, electronics, production, automotive and the food industry.

Read “Warehouse Insights: 4 Ways AI Transforms Intralogistics” here.

New CEO of TGW Logistics in February

The Board of Directors of TGW Future Private Foundation, the sole owner of TGW Logistics, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Henry Puhl as the new Chief Executive Officer. Puhl will take over as CEO from February 2024, succeeding Harald Schröpf, who has led TGW Logistics as CEO for the past six years and has been instrumental in the company’s growth and success.

The search for a new CEO was an intense process. Henry Puhl’s track record and leadership experience in the automation industry – most recently as CTO of the KION Group – as well as his strong identification with the company’s values stood out and made him the ideal choice to lead TGW Logistics into the next phase.

The TGW Future Private Foundation, owner of TGW Logistics, is responsible for the selection of the new CEO. Chairman of the Board of Directors of TGW Future Private Foundation Martin Krauss on the selection:

“With Henry Puhl, we have been able to gain a highly qualified and empathetic leader who has a deep understanding of the industry and an impressive track record. His competence and the high level of identification with our foundation’s philosophy “Focusing on people – learning and growing” testify to the right mix of heart and mind. These qualities, together with his strong customer orientation, make Henry Puhl the ideal leader for TGW Logistics and we look forward to working with him,” says Krauss.

In addition to his experience as CTO of the KION Group, Henry Puhl has an international track record in industrial technology and automation, and has extensive knowledge covering the entire value chain. He is a charismatic leader with a deep understanding of the customer perspective, broad technical know-how and a lot of transformation experience. The 52-year-old’s professional career includes well-known global companies such as the CLAAS Group and John Deere (Deere & Company).

“Intralogistics is looking forward to a very positive growth market. TGW Logistics has state-of-the-art technology and unique know-how, already has a very good business base in Europe and a lot of potential to position itself more strongly in the USA as well. We will use the transformation that has already begun in the company to elevate TGW Logistics to the top league of international players and make optimal use of market potentials.” adds Puhl.

TGW Future Private Foundation is convinced that TGW Logistics will further strengthen its global position in intralogistics and logistics automation under Puhl’s leadership and looks forward to a promising future.

Outgoing CEO Harald Schröpf, who was instrumental in paving the way for today’s TGW Logistics, will retire in 2024. His commitment to TGW Logistics and his successful work are deeply appreciated. He will play a critical role in preparing the company for the transition and facilitating a smooth transition over the next few months. To ensure this he will continue to be available as an advisor to the company after February 1st.

New CEO of TGW Logistics in February

The Board of Directors of TGW Future Private Foundation, the sole owner of TGW Logistics, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Henry Puhl as the new Chief Executive Officer. Puhl will take over as CEO from February 2024, succeeding Harald Schröpf, who has led TGW Logistics as CEO for the past six years and has been instrumental in the company’s growth and success.

The search for a new CEO was an intense process. Henry Puhl’s track record and leadership experience in the automation industry – most recently as CTO of the KION Group – as well as his strong identification with the company’s values stood out and made him the ideal choice to lead TGW Logistics into the next phase.

The TGW Future Private Foundation, owner of TGW Logistics, is responsible for the selection of the new CEO. Chairman of the Board of Directors of TGW Future Private Foundation Martin Krauss on the selection:

“With Henry Puhl, we have been able to gain a highly qualified and empathetic leader who has a deep understanding of the industry and an impressive track record. His competence and the high level of identification with our foundation’s philosophy “Focusing on people – learning and growing” testify to the right mix of heart and mind. These qualities, together with his strong customer orientation, make Henry Puhl the ideal leader for TGW Logistics and we look forward to working with him,” says Krauss.

In addition to his experience as CTO of the KION Group, Henry Puhl has an international track record in industrial technology and automation, and has extensive knowledge covering the entire value chain. He is a charismatic leader with a deep understanding of the customer perspective, broad technical know-how and a lot of transformation experience. The 52-year-old’s professional career includes well-known global companies such as the CLAAS Group and John Deere (Deere & Company).

“Intralogistics is looking forward to a very positive growth market. TGW Logistics has state-of-the-art technology and unique know-how, already has a very good business base in Europe and a lot of potential to position itself more strongly in the USA as well. We will use the transformation that has already begun in the company to elevate TGW Logistics to the top league of international players and make optimal use of market potentials.” adds Puhl.

TGW Future Private Foundation is convinced that TGW Logistics will further strengthen its global position in intralogistics and logistics automation under Puhl’s leadership and looks forward to a promising future.

Outgoing CEO Harald Schröpf, who was instrumental in paving the way for today’s TGW Logistics, will retire in 2024. His commitment to TGW Logistics and his successful work are deeply appreciated. He will play a critical role in preparing the company for the transition and facilitating a smooth transition over the next few months. To ensure this he will continue to be available as an advisor to the company after February 1st.

Locus Robotics’ Deals in Europe and Central America

Locus Robotics, a market leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for fulfilment warehouses, has increased its global presence with expansion across two continents.

In Europe, the US-based robotics supplier has announced an expanded commitment to Italy and Poland, while in Central America, lifestyle brand, Solo Brands has deployed the award-winning AI-enabled Locus AMR Solution at its fulfilment warehouse in Mexicali, Mexico. The deal represents Locus’s first AMR deployment there. Locus’s intelligent robots leverage innovative technology and artificial intelligence to optimise productivity, lower costs, and improve workplace ergonomics and quality for workers.

“We are thrilled to continue to expand Locus’s transformative warehouse automation solutions to Italy and Poland as we continue to grow our European footprint,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “Our continued investment underscores our dedication to supporting and growing with our partners in Italy and Poland. Locus enables customers in these countries to optimise productivity, efficiency, and accuracy in their facilities, boosting output 2-3X while lowering labour costs by 50% or more. As the pressure grows on supply chains, our intelligent robots enable companies to cost-effectively scale and stay competitive. We enable the future of smart warehouses.”

Building on Locus’s existing presence and initial sites in both regions, Locus is further investing in these markets to bring its award-winning AMR warehouse automation solution to even more customers.

In Mexico, Faulk said: “LocusBots work collaboratively alongside Solo Brands’ workers, enhancing productivity, improving safety, and helping drive operational excellence. We are delighted to join forces with Solo Brands to speed order picking, lower labour costs, and deliver an amazing experience for their customers.”

He added that in today’s fast-paced and competitive e-commerce landscape, efficient order fulfilment was a key driver of customer satisfaction. Solo Brands’ decision to team up with Locus Robotics underscores its commitment to optimising operational efficiency, reducing order processing times, and ensuring timely delivery to customers worldwide.

“We are excited to partner with Locus Robotics to revolutionize our order fulfilment operations,” said Brett Kulesza, Operations Vice President of Solo Brands. “The integration of these advanced AMRs will not only increase the speed and accuracy of our order processing but also empower our dedicated workforce to focus on higher-value tasks, further elevating our overall efficiency.”

Locus’s intelligent robots utilise cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and elevate workplace ergonomics and quality for workers. Locus Robotics’ innovative AMRs are designed to work collaboratively with human associates and easily scale up and down to meet fluctuating order volumes during peak and standard seasons.

Its flexible robotics-as-a-service subscription model provides customers with a fully managed solution covering bots, upgrades, maintenance, and support. By collaborating with human workers, Locus enhances productivity and fulfilment efficiency. Its award-winning technology, algorithms, and real-time analytics optimise warehouse layouts, reduce travel time, and boost accuracy – enabling faster processing and reduced costs.

Locus is currently deployed at more than 65 sites in Europe – including the UK, serving dozens of retail, ecommerce, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics customers. In August, Locus surpassed its 2 billionth pick globally, just 11 months after reaching the industry-first landmark of 1 billion picks.

“LocusBots have already helped our European customers in retail, e-commerce, healthcare, and logistics to significantly improve productivity and efficiency,” said Denis Niezgoda, Vice President, Eat Locus Robotics. “Our powerful and flexible AMR technology enables a wide range of businesses to easily meet today’s existing demand, seamlessly scale for future growth, and remain competitive within their industries.”
The AI and data science-driven LocusOne warehouse automation execution platform enables the smooth orchestration of multiple robotic form factors at enterprise-scale within a single coordinated platform.

It provides real-time optimisation of tasks to be completed within the four walls and across multiple levels in warehousing environments. LocusOne optimises task allocation, route planning, and resource use, while delivering real-time business insights into warehouse operations.

The Locus solution has won more than 27 industry awards, including the coveted IFOY award. Global businesses across industries like retail, ecommerce, logistics and 3PL have used Locus to pick more than 2 billion units worldwide with 99.99% accuracy. Locus AMRs easily deploy into existing warehouses and new greenfield sites without infrastructure changes or disrupting workflows. The Locus solution delivers a measurable return on investment (ROI) in just months vs. years.

Proven at enterprise scale, labour-challenged 3PL, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing operators can seamlessly add robots to increase capacity or meet growth in any operation in just minutes to optimize productivity in their operations, reduce costs, and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving fulfilment and e-commerce landscape. accuracy reinforcing the company’s position as the premier robotics provider for the warehouse and logistics industry.

Locus Robotics’ Deals in Europe and Central America

Locus Robotics, a market leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for fulfilment warehouses, has increased its global presence with expansion across two continents.

In Europe, the US-based robotics supplier has announced an expanded commitment to Italy and Poland, while in Central America, lifestyle brand, Solo Brands has deployed the award-winning AI-enabled Locus AMR Solution at its fulfilment warehouse in Mexicali, Mexico. The deal represents Locus’s first AMR deployment there. Locus’s intelligent robots leverage innovative technology and artificial intelligence to optimise productivity, lower costs, and improve workplace ergonomics and quality for workers.

“We are thrilled to continue to expand Locus’s transformative warehouse automation solutions to Italy and Poland as we continue to grow our European footprint,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “Our continued investment underscores our dedication to supporting and growing with our partners in Italy and Poland. Locus enables customers in these countries to optimise productivity, efficiency, and accuracy in their facilities, boosting output 2-3X while lowering labour costs by 50% or more. As the pressure grows on supply chains, our intelligent robots enable companies to cost-effectively scale and stay competitive. We enable the future of smart warehouses.”

Building on Locus’s existing presence and initial sites in both regions, Locus is further investing in these markets to bring its award-winning AMR warehouse automation solution to even more customers.

In Mexico, Faulk said: “LocusBots work collaboratively alongside Solo Brands’ workers, enhancing productivity, improving safety, and helping drive operational excellence. We are delighted to join forces with Solo Brands to speed order picking, lower labour costs, and deliver an amazing experience for their customers.”

He added that in today’s fast-paced and competitive e-commerce landscape, efficient order fulfilment was a key driver of customer satisfaction. Solo Brands’ decision to team up with Locus Robotics underscores its commitment to optimising operational efficiency, reducing order processing times, and ensuring timely delivery to customers worldwide.

“We are excited to partner with Locus Robotics to revolutionize our order fulfilment operations,” said Brett Kulesza, Operations Vice President of Solo Brands. “The integration of these advanced AMRs will not only increase the speed and accuracy of our order processing but also empower our dedicated workforce to focus on higher-value tasks, further elevating our overall efficiency.”

Locus’s intelligent robots utilise cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and elevate workplace ergonomics and quality for workers. Locus Robotics’ innovative AMRs are designed to work collaboratively with human associates and easily scale up and down to meet fluctuating order volumes during peak and standard seasons.

Its flexible robotics-as-a-service subscription model provides customers with a fully managed solution covering bots, upgrades, maintenance, and support. By collaborating with human workers, Locus enhances productivity and fulfilment efficiency. Its award-winning technology, algorithms, and real-time analytics optimise warehouse layouts, reduce travel time, and boost accuracy – enabling faster processing and reduced costs.

Locus is currently deployed at more than 65 sites in Europe – including the UK, serving dozens of retail, ecommerce, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics customers. In August, Locus surpassed its 2 billionth pick globally, just 11 months after reaching the industry-first landmark of 1 billion picks.

“LocusBots have already helped our European customers in retail, e-commerce, healthcare, and logistics to significantly improve productivity and efficiency,” said Denis Niezgoda, Vice President, Eat Locus Robotics. “Our powerful and flexible AMR technology enables a wide range of businesses to easily meet today’s existing demand, seamlessly scale for future growth, and remain competitive within their industries.”
The AI and data science-driven LocusOne warehouse automation execution platform enables the smooth orchestration of multiple robotic form factors at enterprise-scale within a single coordinated platform.

It provides real-time optimisation of tasks to be completed within the four walls and across multiple levels in warehousing environments. LocusOne optimises task allocation, route planning, and resource use, while delivering real-time business insights into warehouse operations.

The Locus solution has won more than 27 industry awards, including the coveted IFOY award. Global businesses across industries like retail, ecommerce, logistics and 3PL have used Locus to pick more than 2 billion units worldwide with 99.99% accuracy. Locus AMRs easily deploy into existing warehouses and new greenfield sites without infrastructure changes or disrupting workflows. The Locus solution delivers a measurable return on investment (ROI) in just months vs. years.

Proven at enterprise scale, labour-challenged 3PL, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing operators can seamlessly add robots to increase capacity or meet growth in any operation in just minutes to optimize productivity in their operations, reduce costs, and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving fulfilment and e-commerce landscape. accuracy reinforcing the company’s position as the premier robotics provider for the warehouse and logistics industry.

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