1 February, 2024

Honeywell and Hai Robotics Collaborate

Posted on 1 February, 202425 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Honeywell (Nasdaq: HON) today announced it will team up with Hai Robotics to deliver flexible, high-density storage and retrieval solutions to distribution centers (DCs). The alliance couples Hai’s innovative robotics technology with Honeywell’s Momentum Warehouse Execution Software, enhanced cybersecurity capabilities and experience integrating robotics solutions. Additionally, it supports Honeywell’s portfolio alignment to three compelling megatrends: automation, the future of aviation and energy transition.

“Companies face high costs for warehouse space, continued labor shortages and pressure to deliver goods quickly,” said Keith Fisher, President of Honeywell Intelligrated. “This automated solution allows them to maximize space in their existing facilities, increase productivity and best use their workforce. The combination of Honeywell and Hai Robotics delivers faster time-to-value than most traditional material handling storage and retrieval solutions, providing greater flexibility to meet changing demand and reducing execution risk for our customers.”

Hai Robotics’ autonomous case- and tote-handling mobile robotics (ACR) solutions, which automate item storage and retrieval and make the warehouse put-away and picking processes more efficient, use guided robots capable of reaching up to 32 feet high. These systems condense the required footprint to store goods and can operate within existing brownfield DC and warehouse sites, as well as in the back of retail stores for micro-fulfillment.

The ACR solutions store a variety of cases, totes, moving pallets and shelves, and can support e-commerce, automotive, third-party logistics and manufacturing operations. Hai robots can increase productivity by achieving typical throughput rates of approximately 500 pieces per hour (pph), compared to 100-250 pph without the use of robotics.

“Honeywell’s 30+ years of experience in supply chain automation technology development and deployment, robotics integration expertise and ability to complement our ACR technology through powerful software and support services make them an ideal partner for our company,” said Brian Reinhart, Chief Revenue Officer at Hai Robotics.

Hai Robotics solutions integrate with Honeywell’s Momentum Warehouse Execution Software, enabling DC operators to analyze real-time operating information across a DC and prioritize and redirect work as it is performed by both robotic systems and people, allowing for reduced costs and greater customer service levels.

Tanger Med Port Surpasses 8m TEUs

Posted on 1 February, 2024 by Keith McKinley

In 2023, Tanger Med Port processed 8,617,410 TEUs (Twenty-foot equivalent), marking a growth of 13.4% compared to 2022. This remarkable achievement, equivalent to 95% of the port’s nominal capacity, was accomplished 4 years ahead of targets.

The outstanding performance is attributed to the successful operations of terminals TC1 and TC4, managed by Maersk-APM, and the continuous development of terminal TC3, operated by Tanger Alliance (A joint venture owned by Marsa Maroc with a 50% stake, in partnership with Eurogate holding 40% and Hapag Lloyd holding 10%). Additionally, 2023 witnessed record productivity levels, surpassing monthly peaks of 800,000 TEUs handled.

RO-RO TRAFFIC ON THE RISE

In 2023, 477,993 trucks were processed, representing a 4.1% increase from 2022. Industrial product traffic saw a significant surge of 14.3% compared to the previous year, offsetting a 7.7% decrease in agribusiness product traffic.

INCREASE IN NEW VEHICLE TRAFFIC

The two vehicle terminals in the port complex handled 578,446 vehicles in 2023, reflecting a 21% increase from 2022. This traffic primarily includes 341,758 vehicles for export, produced by Renault factories in Melloussa and SOMACA in Casablanca, along with 176,208 vehicles exported by the Stellantis plant in Kénitra.

RISE IN SOLID AND LIQUID BULK TRAFFIC

Liquid bulk traffic experienced a 6% growth compared to 2022, a total of 9,838,157 tons of handled hydrocarbons. Simultaneously, solid bulk traffic witnessed a 44% increase from the previous year, totalling 581,042 tons processed.

PASSENGER TRAFFIC: RETURN TO NORMAL

In 2023, Tanger Med Port Complex welcomed 2,700,747 passengers, marking a 30% growth from 2022. This traffic has returned to pre-COVID-19 crisis levels.

GLOBAL TONNAGE: SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH

Tanger Med Port Complex handled 122 million tons of goods in 2023, reflecting a 13.6% increase from 2022, with 21% in Import/Export. This recorded global traffic is highest at the Strait of Gibraltar and across the Mediterranean. This traffic also represents more than half of the total tonnage handled by all ports in Morocco.

MARITIME TRAFFIC ON THE RISE

In 2023, a total of 16,900 ships called at Tanger Med Port Complex, marking a 17% growth from 2022, including 1,113 mega-ships (over 290 meters), representing a 16% increase from the previous year. Tanger Med remains firmly focused on the future, ready to face new challenges and strengthen its position as a major logistics hub in Morocco and the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Tanger Med Port Surpasses 8m TEUs

Posted on 1 February, 2024 by David Priestman

RO-RO TRAFFIC ON THE RISE

INCREASE IN NEW VEHICLE TRAFFIC

RISE IN SOLID AND LIQUID BULK TRAFFIC

PASSENGER TRAFFIC: RETURN TO NORMAL

In 2023, Tanger Med Port Complex welcomed 2,700,747 passengers, marking a 30% growth from 2022. This traffic has returned to pre-COVID-19 crisis levels.

GLOBAL TONNAGE: SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH

MARITIME TRAFFIC ON THE RISE

Manhattan Associates Reports Record Results

Posted on 1 February, 202429 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Leading Supply Chain and Omnichannel Commerce Solutions provider Manhattan Associates Inc. (NASDAQ: MANH) today reported revenue of $238.3 million for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023. GAAP diluted earnings per share for Q4 2023 was $0.78 compared to $0.60 in Q4 2022. Non-GAAP adjusted diluted earnings per share for Q4 2023 was $1.03 compared to $0.81 in Q4 2022.

“Manhattan’s business fundamentals and momentum are strong. Our fourth quarter results exceeded expectations, capping a very successful year for our company,” said Manhattan Associates president and CEO Eddie Capel.

“While appropriately cautious regarding the global economy, Manhattan enters 2024 from a position of strength, and we are optimistic about our growing market opportunity. We remain firmly committed to helping our customers succeed by delivering leading innovation across supply chain execution, omnichannel and retail point of sale markets,” Mr. Capel concluded.

FOURTH QUARTER 2023 FINANCIAL SUMMARY:

• Consolidated total revenue was $238.3 million for Q4 2023, compared to $198.1 million for Q4 2022.
• Cloud subscription revenue was $71.4 million for Q4 2023, compared to $51.7 million for Q4 2022.
• License revenue was $5.2 million for Q4 2023, compared to $5.0 million for Q4 2022.
• Services revenue was $119.1 million for Q4 2023, compared to $99.8 million for Q4 2022.
• GAAP diluted earnings per share was $0.78 for Q4 2023, compared to $0.60 for Q4 2022.
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure, was $1.03 for Q4 2023, compared to $0.81 for Q4 2022.
• GAAP operating income was $58.9 million for Q4 2023, compared to $44.7 million for Q4 2022.
• Adjusted operating income, a non-GAAP measure, was $76.8 million for Q4 2023, compared to $59.9 million for Q4 2022.
• Cash flow from operations was $88.4 million for Q4 2023, compared to $55.2 million for Q4 2022. Days Sales Outstanding was 70 days at December 31, 2023, compared to 71 days at September 30, 2023.
• Cash totalled $270.7 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $182.3 million at September 30, 2023.
• During the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company did not repurchase shares of Manhattan Associates common stock under the share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors. Our $75.0 million repurchase authority replenished by our Board of Directors in October 2023 remains in effect.

FULL YEAR 2023 FINANCIAL SUMMARY:

• Consolidated total revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, was $928.7 million, compared to $767.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
• Cloud subscription revenue was $254.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $176.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
• License revenue was $18.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $24.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
• Services revenue was $487.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $394.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
• GAAP diluted earnings per share for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, was $2.82, compared to $2.03 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share, a non-GAAP measure, was $3.74 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $2.76 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
• GAAP operating income was $209.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $152.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
• Adjusted operating income, a non-GAAP measure, was $281.5 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $212.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
• Cash flow from operations was $246.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $179.6 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022.
• During the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased 1,024,328 shares of Manhattan Associates common stock under the share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors, for a total investment of $166.0 million.

Manhattan Associates Reports Record Results

Posted on 1 February, 2024 by David Priestman

FOURTH QUARTER 2023 FINANCIAL SUMMARY:

FULL YEAR 2023 FINANCIAL SUMMARY:

Packaging Technologies on show at LogiMAT

Posted on 1 February, 202431 July, 2025 by David Priestman

IMA Group, with its new ecommerce division, an innovator in efulfillment and intralogistics packaging solutions, announces its participation at LogiMAT 2024, one of the premier European events dedicated to the Intralogistics solutions and process management. The exhibition, to be held from 19th to 21st March 2024, brings together industry experts, innovators, and businesses from around the world to exchange ideas and explore the latest trends and technologies.

At LogiMAT, on stand 4C35, IMA E-COMMERCE will present its state-of-the-art technologies and industry innovations. First born of this new Division is the machine E-CO Flex: packaging equipment designed to streamline and accelerate the packaging process. The machine is a composed of two modules: a multi-size case erector and a height-reduction box closer. These modules can be combined to form an automated packaging station or remain as stand-alone equipment, accommodating countless plant configurations and needs.

E-CO Flex packaging process is easy: the machine automatically selects the best-fit to size box for the products to be packed, connecting to the customer’s WMS system. Once the most suitable case is identified, the blank is automatically picked from the magazine, erected and the box’s bottom is then taped using water-activated tape. The result is a pre-assembled container presented to the operator, who simply inserts the items to be shipped and secures them with the required amount of dunnage. The operator reinserts the open-faced case back into the machine where the remaining void is measured: if necessary, the E-CO Flex is capable of automatically reduce the height of the box and then close it, adapting the flaps folding to the new case dimensions.

Automated packaging solutions for packaging with right-sizing capabilities like the E-CO Flex enable e-tailers to consolidate multiple stations into a single unit, improving the productivity and ensuring a safe transition from weight-based pricing to dimensional (DIM) weight thanks to the reduction of the cubic footage of cases to the minimum, significantly reducing material usage by using less corrugate and often eliminating the need for void fill. E-CO Flex is a modular solution designed fit in any kind of plant, either in greenfields or brownfields, adapting to the fast-changing needs of logistics flows. The box closing module will be present on show: let our experts guide you through its multiple features.

Also, virtually available at LogiMAT is the SealMatic: the NEW automatic case sealer of the IMA E-COMMERCE Series. This equipment integrates the range of solutions that IMA is offering to e-tailers. The machine is designed to automatically close and seal FEFCO 201 cases at high speed, and it’s capable to process an extensive range of case sizes adjusting its mechanical movements according to dimensions of the incoming box. The boxes, already filled with products and with top flaps open, are directed to SealMatic by a conveyor. The machine is capable of automatically fold the top flaps and then sealing the top and bottom of the case with tape. SealMatic is equipped with sustainable water-activated tape technology, sealing up to 20 boxes per minute with no need for operator intervention. In case a SIOC (Ships In Own Container) case is recognized, the machine can bypass it without taping. Several additional features can be equipped on the machine, such as the application of hazardous materials (hazmat) labels, print & apply of shipping labels, quality inspection smart cameras to verify correct flap folding, taping application and tape leg length.

Warehouse Project Construction Launched

Posted on 1 February, 202431 July, 2025 by Keith McKinley

On 23rd January, Prologis and Yusen Logistics (Germany) GmbH celebrated the start of construction of the logistics facility in Bottrop in accordance with Japanese and German tradition. After the traditional sake barrel ceremony ‘kagami-biraki’, the customary ground-breaking ceremony in Germany took place to officially start the development of the 57,200 square metre property.

A sustainable logistics facility with two properties is being built on the Braker Straße site, which Yusen Logistics will use as a new European central warehouse for Mitsubishi Electric. The buildings will be constructed in accordance with the BEG-40, WELL Building Gold and DNGB Platinum standards. To achieve this, the buildings will be constructed as so-called all-electric buildings and heated with heat pumps. Solar panels will be installed on the roofs of each of the two property units. This should enable Yusen Logistics to cover its entire electricity requirements. These measures help the company to save more than 7,000 tonnes of CO2 every year. Prologis is also creating a comfortable and pleasant working environment on the site with electric charging stations for cars and bicycles, green façades, an outdoor gym and table tennis tables. The brownfield project is scheduled for completion at the end of 2024.

“The logistics centre in Bottrop is a high-quality addition to our nationwide real estate portfolio, as the strategically advantageous and central location in the Ruhr region not only facilitates Yusen Logistics’ daily operations, but also supports efficient supply chains,” says Philipp Feige, Vice President, Head of Capital Deployment at Prologis.

Project manager Christina Deuß, Director, Capital Deployment Germany at Prologis, adds: “At the same time, it is in line with our sustainability strategy to reutilise old brownfield sites. The site, which was formerly used by a steel production company, is ideally suited for the construction of the logistics facility with high sustainability standards.”

Around 70 people attended the ground-breaking ceremony, including representatives from Prologis, Yusen Logistics, Mitsubishi, the responsible estate agent, the consultancy and construction company, the city of Bottrop and the Bottrop Economic Development Agency.

“The combination of Japanese and German traditions at the ground-breaking ceremony symbolises much more than just the start of a construction project. It symbolises the coming together of different cultures, reflecting our global perspective and the diversity of our partnerships,” explains Toshikazu Shiota, Managing Director at Yusen Logistics (Germany) GmbH. “The project also epitomises our efforts to increase the efficiency of our logistics services while demonstrating our commitment to sustainable practices. Our collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric and Prologis is an important step in advancing standards in the logistics industry.”

Warehouse Project Construction Launched

Posted on 1 February, 2024 by David Priestman

Rental Firm Chooses New Big Trucks

Posted on 1 February, 202429 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Sunbelt Rentals, one of the UK’s largest rental equipment providers, has taken delivery of a new fleet of fifteen Hyster® H16XD6 Big Trucks for the handling of accommodation units.

The new machines will ensure better performance at its Accommodation Depots located across the UK. Depending on customer requirements, the specially adapted accommodation units feature water and power supply, and can be equipped for use as office space, changing areas, break rooms, kitchen and bathroom facilities, or a first aid area.

Working closely with Asset Management and Engineering Services Specialist, Briggs Equipment, Sunbelt Rentals selected the Hyster heavy duty lift trucks, which can lift up to 16 tonnes. The machines are designed with a robust chassis and offer the high uptime needed to support the demanding operations at Sunbelt Rentals. With an ergonomically designed high visibility cab, the new models prioritise operator comfort, helping to put greater productivity within easy reach. So that each operation benefits from a low Total Cost of Ownership, the forklifts are engineered to minimise tyre wear and fuel consumption, while optimising serviceability.

Corinna Davies, Briggs Equipment’s Key Account Manager, commented: “We are delighted to have completed the delivery of this new fleet of Hyster Big Trucks to Sunbelt Rentals. We have been through an extensive process to ensure that the equipment meets Sunbelt Rentals requirements to support their customers and colleagues both today and in the future.

“The specialist container handlers are manufactured by Hyster and feature the latest technology and ergonomic features to ensure a more comfortable, safe and productive working environment for operators. The trucks are also Stage V compliant to meet industry regulations and support Sunbelt Rentals’ strategic objectives to invest in green technology that reduces harmful emissions.
“We are looking forward to working closely with the Sunbelt Rentals team to ensure they get the most out of their new equipment.”

Ian Needham, Director of Accommodation at Sunbelt Rentals UK and Ireland, said “We are thrilled about the addition of H16XD6 lift trucks to our fleet. Our decision to partner with Briggs Equipment and Hyster was carefully made, considering their excellent safety and reliability records and commitment to providing driver comfort features in their equipment.

“This partnership is a testament to our dedication to safety, as well as our focus on improving operational efficiency and creating a comfortable working environment for our team. This partnership with Briggs and Hyster aligns perfectly with our ever-growing and evolving Accommodation offerings, setting us up for continued success in the future.”

New Big Trucks

Drew Reeves, Head of Major accounts at Hyster Europe, commented on the partnership:, commented: “Hyster has a long history in providing tough and reliable equipment for high intensity container handling applications, and we understand that moving accommodation containers comes with specific demands. That combined with the expertise of Briggs Equipment led the customer to the Hyster H16XD6 as a great fit for their particular application. The new forklifts also include a three-stage mast and can handle the welfare units on the forks, without the need for any special attachments.”

Rental Firm Chooses New Big Trucks

Posted on 1 February, 2024 by David Priestman

Sunbelt Rentals, one of the UK’s largest rental equipment providers, has taken delivery of a new fleet of fifteen Hyster® H16XD6 Big Trucks for the handling of accommodation units.

New Big Trucks

Subscribe