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Day: 4 March 2024

Ready to Optimize Your Logistics?

Posted on by David Priestman

In the fast-paced world of logistics, staying ahead is not just an advantage – it’s imperative. The LogiMAT 2024 fair is a gateway to discovering cutting-edge solutions that can revolutionize operations. One exhibitor, Ammeraal Beltech, invites visitors to meet its experts in person.

As the logistics landscape evolves with just-in-time inventory management and the booming e-commerce sector, the demand for speed and efficiency has never been higher. Ammeraal Beltech, a long-standing supplier of conveyor belting solutions, claims to understand the pulse of the industry. The company’s expertise, technology, and collaboration with diverse logistics businesses ensure delivery of reliable, high-quality belt systems designed for optimal operational standards.

Tailored Solutions for Unique Challenges

The company is dedicated to providing innovative belting solutions tailored to the customer’s specific needs, ensuring the highest availability and reliability, coupled with the lowest power consumption and maintenance downtime. Serving as a go-to ‘Belt Shop’, it offers a range of seamlessly integrated solutions; from smart roller conveyors to versatile curved, straight, or pallet conveyors.

With a focus on innovation, Ammeraal Beltech’s belting solutions bring energy-saving features, low noise, flame-retardant, and anti-static properties, along with resilience in abrasion, temperature, and weather conditions. Designed for versatility in every logistics facility, the belts handle telescopic loaders, automatic parcel handling, cross-belt sorting, accumulation, merge, and takeaway processes, as well as line conveyors, curve conveyors, roller conveyors, and pallet handling for warehousing.

Read more

Modular Belt Conveyor Now Being Built in Germany

 

 

Ready to Optimize Your Logistics?

Posted on by David Priestman

In the fast-paced world of logistics, staying ahead is not just an advantage – it’s imperative. The LogiMAT 2024 fair is a gateway to discovering cutting-edge solutions that can revolutionize operations. One exhibitor, Ammeraal Beltech, invites visitors to meet its experts in person.

As the logistics landscape evolves with just-in-time inventory management and the booming e-commerce sector, the demand for speed and efficiency has never been higher. Ammeraal Beltech, a long-standing supplier of conveyor belting solutions, claims to understand the pulse of the industry. The company’s expertise, technology, and collaboration with diverse logistics businesses ensure delivery of reliable, high-quality belt systems designed for optimal operational standards.

Tailored Solutions for Unique Challenges

The company is dedicated to providing innovative belting solutions tailored to the customer’s specific needs, ensuring the highest availability and reliability, coupled with the lowest power consumption and maintenance downtime. Serving as a go-to ‘Belt Shop’, it offers a range of seamlessly integrated solutions; from smart roller conveyors to versatile curved, straight, or pallet conveyors.

With a focus on innovation, Ammeraal Beltech’s belting solutions bring energy-saving features, low noise, flame-retardant, and anti-static properties, along with resilience in abrasion, temperature, and weather conditions. Designed for versatility in every logistics facility, the belts handle telescopic loaders, automatic parcel handling, cross-belt sorting, accumulation, merge, and takeaway processes, as well as line conveyors, curve conveyors, roller conveyors, and pallet handling for warehousing.

Read more

Modular Belt Conveyor Now Being Built in Germany

 

 

Automated Order Processing Solutions at LogiMAT

Posted on by David Priestman

Coesia, a leader in innovative industrial and packaging solutions, will showcase its internal logistics and e-commerce solutions to automate order fulfilment processes at LogiMAT (March 19-21, 2024; Hall 7, Stand 7A61.) At the show, Coesia’s Groups will display technologies to support picking, consolidation, packaging, and palletising. Coesia’s full suite of end-to-end solutions support its customers up and down their supply chains.

“Choosing Coesia as a single partner in the field of in-house logistics, and in particular e-commerce, offers infinite advantages, and above all that of having an end-to-end solution provider of innovative, flexible and efficient technologies,” says Alessandro Parimbelli, CEO of Coesia. “In fact, Coesia guides its customers through every step of their e-commerce automation journey, from the production and filling of boxes and bags to inline printing, all the way to the end of line phase. Coesia’s e-commerce solutions revolve around three key areas, with finely tuned technologies to ensure high performance and customer satisfaction.”

1) Coesia’s on demand packaging solutions redefine the production, customization and filling of boxes and bags for e-commerce orders fulfilment. These solutions meet the need for fit-to-size personalized packaging leading to a significant reduction in production and shipping costs and in material consumption.
2) Flow automation solutions usher in a new era of process automation, meticulously crafted to address the ever-evolving challenges faced by e-commerce operators. From conveying solutions to ground-breaking sorting technologies, the portfolio is designed to optimise every aspect of this production stage.
3) Coesia’s advanced robotics skills ensure secure handling of a wide range of products, boxes and bags, starting from picking systems to palletizing and de-palletizing equipment.

Order Processing Solutions

Logistics hubs need systems capable of handling, sorting and packaging an increasing number of products of different shapes and sizes. This is why it is essential to use a partner that combines long-term experience in developing rigid box packaging solutions with the strength of a leading industrial automation group. E-BM is the complete fit-to-size box production solution for the industry, developed by EMMECI, a Coesia Company, leader in the design and production of luxury box-making machines and systems.

E-BM is engineered to integrate seamlessly with warehouse control and management systems, allowing the packaging dimensions to be automatically adapted to fit the end product. This makes it possible to reduce the box sizes by up to 40%, saving on materials and facilitating the management and optimisation of space and transport during shipping, resulting in a smaller emission and inventory footprint. In addition, E-BM offers the possibility to customise packaging to meet specific conveying needs, including tape closure and the option to print codes and labels to assist in package control and traceability processes.

ACMA unveils a preview of the new E-SWL

ACMA, a Coesia Company, leader in the design and production of automatic packaging systems for the FMCG world, will present at LogiMAT the preview of E-SWL, a complete solution for the packaging of products destined for shipment in paper bags. E-SWL is an innovative, scalable, flexible and easy-to-use solution designed to produce customised bags for products that do not require special protection during shipment, significantly reducing the amount of packaging around the product. It also offers on demand customisation, making it possible to print and include any type of documentation inside the package.

BRIXX® by FlexLink

FlexLink, a Coesia Company and leader in material flow solutions, will be present at the stand with BRIXX®: an extremely flexible solution based on modules consisting of advanced conveyors and robots that can be disconnected and rearranged to suit new layouts. New lines can therefore be changed and programmed in a matter of minutes. Its modular, click-and-play design based on intuitive software allows for the rapid transformation of the module layout to facilitate seasonal peak work management with an extremely user-friendly experience.

Read more

e-commerce Box-making Solution

 

Electric Courier Delivers Toilet Rolls

Posted on by David Priestman

Sustainable toilet paper brand Who Gives A Crap is partnering with all-electric courier Packfleet to provide carbon-neutral deliveries to London toilets.

Thousands of rolls of the purpose-driven toilet paper will arrive on doorsteps via the courier’s cutting-edge routing technology. Every order within the M25 will be delivered by Packfleet, and London-based customers will get free delivery with orders that exceed £20. Aided by Packfleet’s live map tracking, London customers can follow every step of their bog roll’s journey – even gaining the option to change the time their parcel arrives and the address it is delivered to on delivery day.

The courier’s success rates mean that Who Gives a Crap customers don’t need to worry about getting caught short. Packfleet’s delivery failure rate of only 0.07% is 10x less than leading traditional couriers – reducing waste and the volume of resource-intensive redeliveries. The two B Corp certified brands are disrupting their respective sectors by putting sustainability at the forefront.

Packfleet is combining its environmental credentials with initiatives to revolutionise driver employment standards in logistics. By leveraging technology to unlock new efficiencies in last mile delivery, the Real Living Wage employer is paying driver wages 30% higher than the industry average, and offering private healthcare and pensions.

Electric Courier

Meanwhile, Who Gives a Crap makes its toilet paper from bamboo and recycled paper, and donates 50% of profits to help build toilets for those in need.

Tristan Thomas, CEO and co-founder of Packfleet, commented: “Who Gives A Crap is doing great work for the planet, and for the everyday toilet experience. Their commitment to providing toilets to those in need is admirable, and we knew we had to work with them. Whilst we can’t guarantee delivery to the bathroom door if you’re in a pinch, we’re as dedicated to providing high-quality delivery as Who Gives A Crap is to toilet paper. The customer interaction is the most important bit for repeat business, and our merchants trust us with the final part of their sale. We’re proud that Who Gives A Crap has shown faith in us, and we’re delighted to be working with a brand that shares our values for sustainability and ethics.”

Emily Kraftman, Managing Director UK & Europe at Who Gives A Crap, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Packfleet, a company who really shares our values for sustainability and mission-led business, as well as our relentless focus on customer service. Delighting our customers is a really central part to the Who Gives A Crap brand, and we’re excited to be working with Packfleet to deliver that at every last touchpoint.”

read more

Packfleet steers away from gig economy

 

 

Electric Courier Delivers Toilet Rolls

Posted on by David Priestman

Sustainable toilet paper brand Who Gives A Crap is partnering with all-electric courier Packfleet to provide carbon-neutral deliveries to London toilets.

Thousands of rolls of the purpose-driven toilet paper will arrive on doorsteps via the courier’s cutting-edge routing technology. Every order within the M25 will be delivered by Packfleet, and London-based customers will get free delivery with orders that exceed £20. Aided by Packfleet’s live map tracking, London customers can follow every step of their bog roll’s journey – even gaining the option to change the time their parcel arrives and the address it is delivered to on delivery day.

The courier’s success rates mean that Who Gives a Crap customers don’t need to worry about getting caught short. Packfleet’s delivery failure rate of only 0.07% is 10x less than leading traditional couriers – reducing waste and the volume of resource-intensive redeliveries. The two B Corp certified brands are disrupting their respective sectors by putting sustainability at the forefront.

Packfleet is combining its environmental credentials with initiatives to revolutionise driver employment standards in logistics. By leveraging technology to unlock new efficiencies in last mile delivery, the Real Living Wage employer is paying driver wages 30% higher than the industry average, and offering private healthcare and pensions.

Electric Courier

Meanwhile, Who Gives a Crap makes its toilet paper from bamboo and recycled paper, and donates 50% of profits to help build toilets for those in need.

Tristan Thomas, CEO and co-founder of Packfleet, commented: “Who Gives A Crap is doing great work for the planet, and for the everyday toilet experience. Their commitment to providing toilets to those in need is admirable, and we knew we had to work with them. Whilst we can’t guarantee delivery to the bathroom door if you’re in a pinch, we’re as dedicated to providing high-quality delivery as Who Gives A Crap is to toilet paper. The customer interaction is the most important bit for repeat business, and our merchants trust us with the final part of their sale. We’re proud that Who Gives A Crap has shown faith in us, and we’re delighted to be working with a brand that shares our values for sustainability and ethics.”

Emily Kraftman, Managing Director UK & Europe at Who Gives A Crap, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Packfleet, a company who really shares our values for sustainability and mission-led business, as well as our relentless focus on customer service. Delighting our customers is a really central part to the Who Gives A Crap brand, and we’re excited to be working with Packfleet to deliver that at every last touchpoint.”

read more

Packfleet steers away from gig economy

 

 

GXO Trumps CEVA’s Wincanton Offer

Posted on by David Priestman

Wincanton Logistics Directors are now supporting a £762m takeover offer from the American third party logistics company GXO and have withdrawn their backing for a rival bid from CEVA Logistics.

Wincanton said on Friday that directors intended to recommend unanimously an offer of 605p a share made by GXO on Thursday. In the latest twist in the takeover battle, the Wincanton board withdrew their backing for an increased and final cash offer from Marseille-based CEVA Logistics at 480p a share. The GXO offer is pitched at a 29% premium to the record high share price of 470p reached during the period to 18 January, the last business day before Wincanton received a £567m bid from CEVA.

Currently listed on the London Stock Exchange, Wincanton is a leading supply chain partner for British and Irish business, and a trusted partner to many of the UK and Ireland’s most recognisable brands and influential public bodies. Wincanton provides business critical services and takes care of all customers’ supply chain needs and a range of outsourced and integrated supply chain solutions, across four sectors: efulfilment; Grocery & Consumer; General Merchandise; and Public & Industrial.

With almost 100 years’ heritage, Wincanton’s 20,300-strong team operates from more than 170 sites across the country, responsible for 8,500 vehicles. For FY23, Wincanton generated revenue of £1,462 million, underlying EBITDA of £121.9 million.

GXO Trumps CEVA

CMA CGM provided this statement to Logistics Business:

On 19 January 2024, the boards of directors of Wincanton plc (“Wincanton”) and CEVA Logistics UK Rose Limited (“CEVA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CEVA Logistics S.A. (“CEVA Logistics”), itself a subsidiary of CMA CGM S.A. (“CMA CGM”), made an announcement pursuant to Rule 2.7 of the Code that they had reached agreement on the terms and conditions of a recommended cash offer for the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Wincanton by CEVA (the “Acquisition”), to be implemented by means of a scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Scheme”).

The scheme document in respect of the Acquisition (the “Scheme Document”) was published and made available to Wincanton Shareholders on 15 February 2024. A supplementary announcement to the Scheme Document was then published on 26 February 2024 pursuant to which CEVA announced the terms of an Increased and Final Offer (as defined therein) (the “Supplementary Scheme Announcement”). CEVA reserved the right to increase the Increased and Final Offer Price (as defined in the Supplementary Scheme Announcement) if a competing offer was made for Wincanton.

On 29 February 2024 a competing offer was announced for Wincanton. On 1 March 2024 the Wincanton Directors announced that they no longer recommend the Increased and Final Offer.
Following the Wincanton Directors’ change in recommendation, in accordance with Note 2 on Rule 32.2 of the Takeover Code, CEVA confirms that it will not set aside the no price increase statement in the Supplementary Scheme Announcement. Furthermore, CEVA will not switch to a takeover offer (as defined in section 974 of the Companies Act 2006) in respect of Wincanton. It is CEVA’s intention that the Increased and Final Offer will lapse in due course.

CEVA felt that the Increased and Final Offer represented a very attractive opportunity for all Wincanton stakeholders, notably its employees, clients and the Wincanton Shareholders.
As a global leader, CMA CGM will continue deploying its growth roadmap, leveraging its clear business strategy and very robust balance sheet, while always maintaining a clear focus on value creation with financial discipline in any acquisition.

CEVA Logistics and CMA CGM are committed to serving their clients and growing their presence in the United Kingdom which remains a core market for the CMA CGM group.
This announcement should be read in conjunction with the Scheme Document and the Supplementary Scheme Announcement. Capitalised terms used but not defined in this announcement have the meanings given to them in the Scheme Document.

Wincanton chairman, Sir Martin Read, said: “Under the current management team, we have made positive progress and ensured that Wincanton is at the forefront of logistics innovation. The board of Wincanton is pleased that GXO recognises the very significant value inherent in this business and intends to recommend the offer to shareholders for their consideration.”

Read more

GXO completes Clipper acquisition

 

 

 

 

GXO Trumps CEVA’s Wincanton Offer

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Wincanton Logistics Directors are now supporting a £762m takeover offer from the American third party logistics company GXO and have withdrawn their backing for a rival bid from CEVA Logistics.

Wincanton said on Friday that directors intended to recommend unanimously an offer of 605p a share made by GXO on Thursday. In the latest twist in the takeover battle, the Wincanton board withdrew their backing for an increased and final cash offer from Marseille-based CEVA Logistics at 480p a share. The GXO offer is pitched at a 29% premium to the record high share price of 470p reached during the period to 18 January, the last business day before Wincanton received a £567m bid from CEVA.

Currently listed on the London Stock Exchange, Wincanton is a leading supply chain partner for British and Irish business, and a trusted partner to many of the UK and Ireland’s most recognisable brands and influential public bodies. Wincanton provides business critical services and takes care of all customers’ supply chain needs and a range of outsourced and integrated supply chain solutions, across four sectors: efulfilment; Grocery & Consumer; General Merchandise; and Public & Industrial.

With almost 100 years’ heritage, Wincanton’s 20,300-strong team operates from more than 170 sites across the country, responsible for 8,500 vehicles. For FY23, Wincanton generated revenue of £1,462 million, underlying EBITDA of £121.9 million.

GXO Trumps CEVA

CMA CGM provided this statement to Logistics Business:

On 19 January 2024, the boards of directors of Wincanton plc (“Wincanton”) and CEVA Logistics UK Rose Limited (“CEVA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CEVA Logistics S.A. (“CEVA Logistics”), itself a subsidiary of CMA CGM S.A. (“CMA CGM”), made an announcement pursuant to Rule 2.7 of the Code that they had reached agreement on the terms and conditions of a recommended cash offer for the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Wincanton by CEVA (the “Acquisition”), to be implemented by means of a scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act 2006 (the “Scheme”).

The scheme document in respect of the Acquisition (the “Scheme Document”) was published and made available to Wincanton Shareholders on 15 February 2024. A supplementary announcement to the Scheme Document was then published on 26 February 2024 pursuant to which CEVA announced the terms of an Increased and Final Offer (as defined therein) (the “Supplementary Scheme Announcement”). CEVA reserved the right to increase the Increased and Final Offer Price (as defined in the Supplementary Scheme Announcement) if a competing offer was made for Wincanton.

On 29 February 2024 a competing offer was announced for Wincanton. On 1 March 2024 the Wincanton Directors announced that they no longer recommend the Increased and Final Offer.
Following the Wincanton Directors’ change in recommendation, in accordance with Note 2 on Rule 32.2 of the Takeover Code, CEVA confirms that it will not set aside the no price increase statement in the Supplementary Scheme Announcement. Furthermore, CEVA will not switch to a takeover offer (as defined in section 974 of the Companies Act 2006) in respect of Wincanton. It is CEVA’s intention that the Increased and Final Offer will lapse in due course.

CEVA felt that the Increased and Final Offer represented a very attractive opportunity for all Wincanton stakeholders, notably its employees, clients and the Wincanton Shareholders.
As a global leader, CMA CGM will continue deploying its growth roadmap, leveraging its clear business strategy and very robust balance sheet, while always maintaining a clear focus on value creation with financial discipline in any acquisition.

CEVA Logistics and CMA CGM are committed to serving their clients and growing their presence in the United Kingdom which remains a core market for the CMA CGM group.
This announcement should be read in conjunction with the Scheme Document and the Supplementary Scheme Announcement. Capitalised terms used but not defined in this announcement have the meanings given to them in the Scheme Document.

Wincanton chairman, Sir Martin Read, said: “Under the current management team, we have made positive progress and ensured that Wincanton is at the forefront of logistics innovation. The board of Wincanton is pleased that GXO recognises the very significant value inherent in this business and intends to recommend the offer to shareholders for their consideration.”

Read more

GXO completes Clipper acquisition

 

 

 

 

Loads of ATLS Solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Ancra Systems is a leading specialist automatic truck, trailer, and container loading and unloading solutions (ATLS) provider, with over 35 years of experience supporting a comprehensive package of standard and bespoke solutions. The company has a particular focus on cost-effective solution design, which has been developed to help it achieve its goals of improved loading and unloading efficiency, optimised logistics costs, improved worker ergonomics, and the elimination product damage.

Ancra Systems has experienced multiple incarnations over the years, with its origins going back to the 1970s as a subsidiary of the American firm Ancra International LLC, which sold products for load restraints handling air freight pallets. By the mid-1980s, Ancra Systems was producing and selling roller conveyors for air freight pallets, and it was during this period that the company took its first steps into loading and unloading systems. This was the beginning of Ancra Systems’ meteoric rise to the success it enjoys today. After a series of ownership changes, Ancra Systems became an independent company in 2005, after which its focus was set firmly on long-term growth. Consequently, by 2008, Ancra Systems was considered a market leader in the field of automatic loading and unloading systems.

Passion for Innovation

The company’s passion for innovation was bolstered by its exponential growth, culminating in the development of new systems and products, including 2019’s development of automatic train loading and unloading solutions. Additionally, in 2021, Ancra Systems developed and engineered a new version of Skateloader, which automatically loads high volumes of palletised goods or slip-sheeted goods into non-modified trucks, trailers, or containers in a total cycle time of approximately eight minutes.

As such, Ancra Systems currently acts as a one-stop shop ATLS manufacturer, with services including trailer systems, dock systems, and peripheral equipment. The company provides turn-key solutions for ATLS to both end customers and as a sub-contractor through system integrators. Thanks to its wealth of experience, Ancra Systems is able to seamlessly integrate ATLS systems into any automated production or warehouse system. Such solutions have a variety of benefits, including the optimisation of worker ergonomics, they improve dock utilisation and boost efficiency, and cut labour and equipment costs.

However, in order to achieve true excellence, Ancra Systems has delved into Modified Cargo Space Solutions (MCS) and Non-modified Cargo Space Solutions (NMCS) solutions. Indeed, MCS loading and unloading requires two combined systems – one in the truck or trailer and a fixed installation on the loading platform or warehouse. Truck loading conveyors and other automated solutions allow increased efficiency. Henceforth, through a direct connection to a production line or warehouse system, the rate of truck turns can escalate. Through the implementation of MCS solutions, truck loading and unloading times can be reduced from half an hour to just three minutes.

Meanwhile, NMCS solutions adjust automatically to the exact trailer position or the stationary system installation on the loading platforms in a warehouse or distribution centres – without modifications. It transfers a pre-staged collection of unit loads directly into a non-modified truck, trailer, or container. The most commonly used truck loading systems are for outbound service – thereby, the addition of these systems can reduce these processes from half an hour to just eight minutes. This system is perfect for loading or unloading palletised goods or non-palletised goods, or even at the same time.

Evolving Needs

Ancra believes it provides the most comprehensive package for both NMCS and MCS solutions on the market. It says it understands its clients’ specific needs and challenges, and it plans to leverage this knowledge to continue developing, engineering, and refining its technology to meet the evolving needs of its customers’ loading and unloading bays worldwide. A significant factor in this mission is trends, which the company strives to remain on top of. Ancra Systems endeavours to build the richest portfolio of ATLS solutions that it can offer to businesses around the world, whilst responding to movements within the industry.

Firstly, Ancra Systems aids businesses in line with rising labour costs, unavailability of workforce, the development of infrastructure, and the rapid growth of the eCommerce market. By offering its expert advice and experience of creating ATLS, Ancra Systems says it improves the overall work-face so that the business can work like clockwork, every day. Thanks to its wealth of experience, Ancra Systems can seamlessly integrate ATLS systems into any automated production or warehouse systems. Such solutions have a variety of benefits, including the optimisation of worker ergonomics, they improve dock utilisation and boost efficiency, and cut labour and equipment costs.

Secondly, the adoption of autonomous vehicles and robots in an increasing number of companies creates an important role for ATLS as the last related step in the logistic process, the loading of the truck is often still carried out manually. The future of logistics will at some point consist of fully automated production lines in combination with fully automatic loading of trucks and automatic transportation. As a step towards this goal, Ancra offers a range of solutions for the automatic loading of trucks, from large automatic systems that can load a full truckload into a trailer in one shot in several minutes to automatic forklifts that assist in the loading and unloading of goods. Ancra says it ensures a brighter future for all by successfully integrating ATLS. The systems elevate safety during the goods receipt and dispatch process within warehouses and focus on more economical logistic procedures. This means that better ROI is achieved and logistic chains are streamlined, helping to keep the wheels of logistics turning.

Ancra Systems says its future is summed up in one word: success. The company is utilising its experience and knowledge to ensure the efficiency and safety of loading and unloading operations for trucks, trailers, and shipping containers. Moreover, with demand rising in European and American markets, it can be expected that the company will further increase its operations within these areas.

Ancra Systems will be showcasing the capabilities of its solutions at the upcoming MODEX, (booth No. A9113 in Hall A) and LogiMAT (booth No. D61 in Hall 3) trade shows. There, Ancra will be demonstrating how it can help revolutionise logistics and supply chain processes by enhancing operational efficiency.

Read more

Improved dock utilisation with Ancra Systems

 

Loads of ATLS Solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Ancra Systems is a leading specialist automatic truck, trailer, and container loading and unloading solutions (ATLS) provider, with over 35 years of experience supporting a comprehensive package of standard and bespoke solutions. The company has a particular focus on cost-effective solution design, which has been developed to help it achieve its goals of improved loading and unloading efficiency, optimised logistics costs, improved worker ergonomics, and the elimination product damage.

Ancra Systems has experienced multiple incarnations over the years, with its origins going back to the 1970s as a subsidiary of the American firm Ancra International LLC, which sold products for load restraints handling air freight pallets. By the mid-1980s, Ancra Systems was producing and selling roller conveyors for air freight pallets, and it was during this period that the company took its first steps into loading and unloading systems. This was the beginning of Ancra Systems’ meteoric rise to the success it enjoys today. After a series of ownership changes, Ancra Systems became an independent company in 2005, after which its focus was set firmly on long-term growth. Consequently, by 2008, Ancra Systems was considered a market leader in the field of automatic loading and unloading systems.

Passion for Innovation

The company’s passion for innovation was bolstered by its exponential growth, culminating in the development of new systems and products, including 2019’s development of automatic train loading and unloading solutions. Additionally, in 2021, Ancra Systems developed and engineered a new version of Skateloader, which automatically loads high volumes of palletised goods or slip-sheeted goods into non-modified trucks, trailers, or containers in a total cycle time of approximately eight minutes.

As such, Ancra Systems currently acts as a one-stop shop ATLS manufacturer, with services including trailer systems, dock systems, and peripheral equipment. The company provides turn-key solutions for ATLS to both end customers and as a sub-contractor through system integrators. Thanks to its wealth of experience, Ancra Systems is able to seamlessly integrate ATLS systems into any automated production or warehouse system. Such solutions have a variety of benefits, including the optimisation of worker ergonomics, they improve dock utilisation and boost efficiency, and cut labour and equipment costs.

However, in order to achieve true excellence, Ancra Systems has delved into Modified Cargo Space Solutions (MCS) and Non-modified Cargo Space Solutions (NMCS) solutions. Indeed, MCS loading and unloading requires two combined systems – one in the truck or trailer and a fixed installation on the loading platform or warehouse. Truck loading conveyors and other automated solutions allow increased efficiency. Henceforth, through a direct connection to a production line or warehouse system, the rate of truck turns can escalate. Through the implementation of MCS solutions, truck loading and unloading times can be reduced from half an hour to just three minutes.

Meanwhile, NMCS solutions adjust automatically to the exact trailer position or the stationary system installation on the loading platforms in a warehouse or distribution centres – without modifications. It transfers a pre-staged collection of unit loads directly into a non-modified truck, trailer, or container. The most commonly used truck loading systems are for outbound service – thereby, the addition of these systems can reduce these processes from half an hour to just eight minutes. This system is perfect for loading or unloading palletised goods or non-palletised goods, or even at the same time.

Evolving Needs

Ancra believes it provides the most comprehensive package for both NMCS and MCS solutions on the market. It says it understands its clients’ specific needs and challenges, and it plans to leverage this knowledge to continue developing, engineering, and refining its technology to meet the evolving needs of its customers’ loading and unloading bays worldwide. A significant factor in this mission is trends, which the company strives to remain on top of. Ancra Systems endeavours to build the richest portfolio of ATLS solutions that it can offer to businesses around the world, whilst responding to movements within the industry.

Firstly, Ancra Systems aids businesses in line with rising labour costs, unavailability of workforce, the development of infrastructure, and the rapid growth of the eCommerce market. By offering its expert advice and experience of creating ATLS, Ancra Systems says it improves the overall work-face so that the business can work like clockwork, every day. Thanks to its wealth of experience, Ancra Systems can seamlessly integrate ATLS systems into any automated production or warehouse systems. Such solutions have a variety of benefits, including the optimisation of worker ergonomics, they improve dock utilisation and boost efficiency, and cut labour and equipment costs.

Secondly, the adoption of autonomous vehicles and robots in an increasing number of companies creates an important role for ATLS as the last related step in the logistic process, the loading of the truck is often still carried out manually. The future of logistics will at some point consist of fully automated production lines in combination with fully automatic loading of trucks and automatic transportation. As a step towards this goal, Ancra offers a range of solutions for the automatic loading of trucks, from large automatic systems that can load a full truckload into a trailer in one shot in several minutes to automatic forklifts that assist in the loading and unloading of goods. Ancra says it ensures a brighter future for all by successfully integrating ATLS. The systems elevate safety during the goods receipt and dispatch process within warehouses and focus on more economical logistic procedures. This means that better ROI is achieved and logistic chains are streamlined, helping to keep the wheels of logistics turning.

Ancra Systems says its future is summed up in one word: success. The company is utilising its experience and knowledge to ensure the efficiency and safety of loading and unloading operations for trucks, trailers, and shipping containers. Moreover, with demand rising in European and American markets, it can be expected that the company will further increase its operations within these areas.

Ancra Systems will be showcasing the capabilities of its solutions at the upcoming MODEX, (booth No. A9113 in Hall A) and LogiMAT (booth No. D61 in Hall 3) trade shows. There, Ancra will be demonstrating how it can help revolutionise logistics and supply chain processes by enhancing operational efficiency.

Read more

Improved dock utilisation with Ancra Systems

 

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