New Cargobull Trailers for Chemical Specialist

WM Cyril McGuinness has taken its first new Schmitz Cargobull trailers, adding three Manchester-built S.CS FIXED ROOF curtainsiders to its fleet after being bowled over by the manufacturer’s first-class levels of service.

Cyril McGuinness, owner of the Rush, County Dublin-based haulier, was so impressed by the response to his enquiry and the subsequent knowledge demonstrated by Schmitz Cargobull Regional Sales Manager Philip Keenan at their first meeting, he increased his order from two to three trailers on the spot.

“I knew right there and then that I wanted to do business with Schmitz Cargobull. However, the competitive pricing of the trailers and the short production lead time offered at Manchester sealed the deal,” says McGuinness, “the level of service throughout the process was fantastic, and if any issues arose, we were kept informed. Ultimately, we received the trailers that we wanted, on time, and with no messing about.”

The haulier specialises in hazardous waste transportation mainly in Ireland, complementing this with general haulage services in the Greater Dublin area, which is home to both an airport and major port. “It means we need flexibility with our trailers, as we can be heavy going one way but light on the return journey,” explains McGuinness.

Meeting these requirements, each S.CS FIXED ROOF semi-trailer has a straight front wall for free side loading and tarpaulin tensioning, a DIN EN 12642 Code XL load securing side curtain with standard anti-theft protection and a Schmitz Cargobull aluminium roof, which allows a side loading height of 2,700mm.

McGuinness also opted for additional 7,100kg heavy-duty flooring on the trailers, internal lighting to assist with loading and LED taillights. The trailers feature load securing lashing eyes down both sides of the side raves with roof straps – essential due to the nature of the firm’s work with many customers requiring chemical loads to be secured internally from the top of the trailer for safety.

Each unit has Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect® telematics as standard, which provides 24/7 monitoring of the trailer’s exact location. Another attraction of the UK-spec trailers was that at 4.1m tall they are a better option for deliveries to many of the firm’s chemical customers, who often have gantries at their sites that taller equipment could strike.

“The environmental impact is also important to me, and these trailers will fit snug against the cabs reducing drag and making sure we’re not pushing air when we don’t need to be,” says McGuinness.

Setting up in 1991 as an owner-driver, McGuinness has grown his business to ten trucks, ten drivers and two office staff. Approaching a third of the firm’s 36 trailers feature the blue elephant with several second-hand Schmitz Cargobull curtainsiders in service. Headquartered in Rush, the business has a depot in nearby Balbriggan, County Dublin.

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Brexit’s Impact on the UK Logistics Industry

Since the historic referendum in June 2016 Brexit has been a seismic event, reshaping the landscape of the UK’s logistics and transport sector. With the official departure from the European Union on 31st January 2020, followed by subsequent negotiations and agreements, the impacts continue to reverberate throughout the industry, raising questions about its future trajectory.

There’s no denying that the aftermath of Brexit has seen logistics businesses grappling with a host of operational adjustments, from managing delays in transportation to navigating intricate import and export regulations. Meanwhile, compliance with new import and export procedures and health regulations have posed formidable challenges for businesses of all sizes. Nick Ghia (pictured), Chief Revenue Officer of Transporeon, a Trimble company, explores how Britain’s split from the EU has affected the logistics Industry as a whole.

Paperwork at UK Borders

Due to customs changes being introduced as a result of Brexit and the end of free trade between Britain and the EU, the knock on effect has seen the introduction of more paperwork and logistics businesses having to meet new product standards which are stricter, particularly when trading restricted goods and livestock, to name a few. These new customs regulations have made it more difficult and time-consuming to ship goods between the UK and the EU. Ultimately this means that businesses reliant on international trade have had to adapt to the new regulations, which has added costs and delays.

Brexit’s impact on UK borders is starkly evident in the realm of food exports, with significant financial burdens placed on businesses sending products to the EU. In fact, in recent reports, lorry drivers from continental Europe are set to reject jobs taking them to the UK unless delays are reduced and driver conditions improved at post-Brexit border posts. The delays are due to the border checks for plant and animal products brought in on 30 April. Not only this, but the requirement for exporters of foods of animal origin to obtain veterinary sign-offs and export health certificates (EHCs) has led to a significant rise in costs. And with data from the Office for National Statistics showing the amount of meat products exported to the EU from the UK in 2023 totalled £1.26bn, a 17% drop from the £1.53bn exported in 2019, this notable decline in exports, combined with the rising costs associated with Brexit, will affect smaller producers. Consequently, some companies have faced reduced profits or even had to cease exporting activities altogether.

The introduction of reciprocal measures by the UK in response to EU requirements further exacerbates the situation, potentially putting EU exporters off from engaging with the UK market due to increased bureaucracy and costs. While larger companies may absorb these new expenses, the ramifications, again, for smaller enterprises are profound, prompting concerns about the sustainability of their operations.

Delays at the border

The delays at the border caused by Brexit have been well documented over the past few years and in turn have helped cause numerous issues for all industries, however, the food industry has potentially suffered the most due to lack of warehousing facilities and a short shelf life making the process seemingly impossible. The medical sector has also been hit hard by delays at the border, with some suppliers in the UK being forced to stockpile medication and other emergency items.

The delays have also seen an increase in crime at the border. In fact, there were 5,373 reports of HGV and cargo crime in the UK in 2023, according to NaVCIS, with an estimated cost of the loss in value from the thefts alone of £68m – with the retail value much higher. As well as this, according to the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), the volume of products traded between the EU and the UK has decreased by one-fifth as a result of Brexit. Again, these delays have particularly impacted smaller businesses that make up the majority of the logistics industry and are already struggling with cost of living and business pressures. Delays at borders (alongside with COVID-19) were also cited by the The Road Haulage Association as the root causes of driver shortage.

Navigating post-Brexit impact with smart logistics solutions

In order to navigate the aftermath and constantly changing regulations of Brexit, shippers can adapt and leverage carrier networks and connectivity to manage their increasingly complex transportation networks effectively. This includes the likes of shipment tendering, visibility, and invoicing. Currently, the majority of transport companies offer shippers varying levels of visibility, for example, tracking and monitoring messages through existing technology infrastructure. And, with research published by Gartner stating that a quarter of all logistics KPIs will be powered by generative AI by the year 2028, for logistics providers to get ahead of the curve and thrive, they should be looking to utilise a Transportation Management Platform (TMP) that uses AI and machine learning to improve the accuracy and efficiency of complex logistics situations — like Brexit — to enable their businesses to focus on what people do best: service and strategy.

However, for smaller shipping businesses, the reliance on tracking drivers and monitoring shipment execution highlights the disparity in accessing comprehensive information compared to larger companies. This is primarily due to the cost-prohibitive nature of extensive hardware requirements. But, by implementing an effective TMP, shippers can unlock the potential to collaborate seamlessly with both smaller and larger transportation companies without sacrificing visibility. This approach fosters a more inclusive and efficient logistics ecosystem, benefiting all parties involved and reducing the effects of events like Brexit damaging their operations.

The necessity for a smart TMP has never been greater. For smaller exporters, such a platform could reduce delays significantly by streamlining documentation and compliance checks and with the additional chaos caused at the UK border following Brexit. For too long now, drivers have been trapped in endless queues armed with unfamiliar paper documents, whilst shippers have been grappling with the nightmare of damaged goods before their destination. A more digitalised approach could have facilitated the transition by alleviating the administrative burden on drivers, stopping language barriers, and providing real-time updates to shippers and carriers.

As we reflect on the key milestones of Brexit, from the initial referendum to the subsequent negotiations culminating in the UK’s departure from the EU, it’s evident that the impacts of Brexit on the logistics industry are profound and far-reaching. Some logistics companies have found new opportunities within the UK market, especially as they invest in technology to address the new challenges. The benefits of cost-effective and sustainable transportation planning, optimisation will be reaped if both shippers and carriers are focused and willing to adapt. The ability to support continuous planning across all transportation modes simultaneously will be fundamental to delivering cost and sustainability goals effectively across the entire transportation network for all orders.

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New Cranes at Manila Container Terminal Fully Operational

Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the Philippines’ premiere gateway for foreign trade, has completed the commissioning of its three new quay cranes. This latest development underscores MICT’s commitment to providing the highest levels of port services and boosts the terminal’s capacity to handle the increasing demands of modern container shipping.

“The acquisition of these new quay cranes represents a significant step forward to MICT’s expansion and modernization. Their addition enables us to handle cargo loads more efficiently, leading to faster vessel turnaround times and better operations overall,” said Christian Lozano, MICT chief operating officer.

MICT (part of ICTSI)has the largest quay crane fleet in the Philippines with 18 units. The operational efficiencies contributed by the new cranes enables the terminal to better manage peak periods and high cargo volumes, ensuring smoother and more predictable operations for all stakeholders. These improvements enhance the overall customer experience, providing shippers and consignees with more reliable and timely services.

Aside from acquiring new equipment, MICT has commenced Phase 2 of its Berth 8 expansion. The project includes the construction of a 300-meter wharf and a 10-hectare container yard (full build). Upon completion, the expansion will increase MICT’s capacity by 200,000 TEUs to 3.5 million TEUs. Berth 8 will be equipped with three quay cranes for the efficient handling of foreign ultra-large container vessels with capacities of up to 18,000 TEUs. The new cranes are scheduled to arrive in 2027.

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Smoothing the Curve for Peak Ecommerce Performance

Ecommerce fulfilment is prone to frequent and often dramatic spikes in demand, and this causes retailers significant challenges in the packing area. How can businesses smooth the curve and cope with these peaks when labour resources are so scarce? Jo Bradley (pictured below), Business Development Manager, Sparck Technologies, comments.

Peak periods stress-test the whole fulfilment and delivery process and nowhere is this more acutely felt than in the packing area. Constructing boxes, packing, weighing, sealing and labelling manually is a slow process, and few shippers have either the space or the available labour to create additional packing stations for what may be only a few days’ work. And as everyone knows finding flexible labour, available at short notice, is a major headache. So, how can online retailers respond to these spikes in demand?

The case for greater use of automation in the packing area is compelling. However, simple size-constrained machines using only one-size of box does not cater for the wide variety of products and order sizes experienced by most online retailers. The results are often very wasteful.

Waste not…

It is understood that 60% of ecommerce deliveries are by volume at least a quarter composed of void-fill or just fresh air. The consequences are poor, with higher material wastage, greater chances of product damage and a negative impact on brand image – resulting in higher levels of returns.

Jo Bradley

What can be done?

High-speed fit-to-size ‘auto-boxing’ systems, developed by Sparck Technologies and used by major brands globally, are capable of tailor-making over 1,100 ecommerce packages per hour.
The system scans and measures the item or group of items to be packed and calculates the ‘best fit’ box shape and size. Material for the box and lid is cut and creased to size, erected around the item(s) and the lid glue-sealed – which is faster and more recyclable than using tape. Parcels are weighed, labelled and away.

This approach addresses the waste problem – cardboard usage typically cut by 30%, and a tight fit eliminates the need for void fill. Total package volumes can be reduced by 50%, maximising the use of the truck or trailer cube and reducing shipping costs and environmental impacts.

More cogently for the hard-pressed fulfilment centre manager, at packing rates in excess of 1,100 per hour the latest CVP Everest machine can potentially replace up to 20 manual packing stations. And for businesses with mid-market volumes a similar machine, the CVP Impack, produces up to 500 boxes per hour and offers just about all the benefits of the CVP Everest.

The business case is impressive. Even operating ‘off-peak’ at well below capacity there is a rapid ROI in the form of material savings, lower shipping costs and labour economies – labour that could be redeployed to other tasks, such as picking. But it is at peak times that the CVP Everest and CVP Impack systems really come into their own, ramping up throughput without any corresponding increase in labour, and minimising the burden on despatch and delivery operations.

By choosing an automated solution to ‘right-size’ ecommerce deliveries, retailers can meet their fulfilment promises, even in the busiest peaks, while respecting the environment, reducing transit damage, and saving money.

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Körber Supply Chain Software Acquires MercuryGate

Körber Supply Chain Software, a joint venture between Körber AG and KKR, and leader in end-to-end supply chain software solutions, signed a binding agreement to acquire MercuryGate International Inc., a leading provider of transportation management systems (TMS). MercuryGate is known for its strong capabilities in multimodal optimization and execution, as well as its expertise and capabilities in driving rapid implementation and time to value. The acquisition is a strategic move that extends Körber Supply Chain Software’s capabilities in delivering a comprehensive, innovative, adaptable and scalable supply chain execution portfolio.

The complexities of global supply chains continue to grow, and the need for flexibility and resiliency has never been greater. Operators demand ever-increasing adaptability and scalability in supply chain execution solutions to innovate and expand. By extending its portfolio of solutions across all supply chain execution operations, Körber Supply Chain Software aims to become a leader in managing the movement of goods from procurement to receipt and fulfillment to the end consumer, reducing planning silos, accelerating resolution of issues, and improving customer and business outcomes. Bringing Körber Supply Chain Software and MercuryGate together will enable customers to benefit from:

• Solutions that connect across inbound and outbound supply chain activities, improving cost efficiencies and customer experiences by optimizing placement, usage, and routing of goods.
• A resilient and reliable supply chain platform with visibility across inventory pools, enabling customers to identify growth opportunities as well as predict and rapidly respond to potential disruptions.
• Simulation capabilities to evaluate future supply chain strategies and understand ROI across their local and global business.

“Our customers navigate dynamic, volatile supply chain environments under increasingly high expectations for order fulfillment,” said Ed Auriemma, CEO of Körber Supply Chain Software. “With the acquisition of MercuryGate, Körber Supply Chain Software is poised to offer an unparalleled combination of advanced technology and deep industry expertise to create innovative processes to help businesses manage these challenges.”

The acquisition of MercuryGate will establish a critical pillar of Körber’s ambition to create a unified supply chain execution suite that can offer real-time optimization and collaboration across the supply chain. Customers will benefit from integrated processes across functions, faster and more accurate decision-making and the ability to mitigate risks and disruptions more effectively.

Stephan Seifert, Chief Executive Officer of Körber, said: “This acquisition illustrates our power to execute our ambitious growth strategy, substantially extends our existing supply chain software portfolio, and is a significant milestone to becoming our customers’ first choice regardless of their challenge. Furthermore, it is proof that our trustful strategic cooperation with KKR results in additional value for our customers.”

“The addition of MercuryGate’s multimodal, SaaS-based TMS to Körber’s supply chain software business will create a comprehensive, value-driving, supply chain offering for global industry leaders,” commented Joe Juliano, CEO of MercuryGate. “The combined company is positioned to deliver the broadest and deepest set of supply chain execution software solutions available worldwide.”

Peter Rottier, a Managing Director at Summit Partners, which first partnered with MercuryGate in 2018, added, “We believed that global supply chains and growing customer demand for shorter order-to-delivery times would support increased adoption of solutions like MercuryGate’s that are designed to help shippers and logistics providers mitigate the costs and complexity associated with transportation. It’s been exciting to work alongside the MercuryGate team as they executed against this vision.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

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New Lithium-ion Forklifts Power Efficiency

Yale Lift Truck Technologies has announced the expansion of its UX series of lift trucks with the addition of new lithium-ion power options. The new counterbalance forklifts, available in the four-wheel ERP15-35UXL series and the three-wheel ERP16-20UXTL series, strike the ideal balance between efficiency and cost-effectiveness, helping outsmart everyday challenges.

“The lithium-ion powered Yale® UXL series helps varied warehouse and intralogistics operations to tackle the challenges of rising costs while benefitting from clean, zero-emission technology. All without compromising on efficiency,” says Robert O’Donoghue, Vice President of Marketing at Yale Lift Truck Technologies.“

The new Yale lithium-ion UXL options address some of the real-world challenges posed by lead-acid batteries. By eliminating the need for scheduled watering, the UXL series has the potential to enhance workflow, ultimately increasing operational time and helping to enhance day to day operations.

“With efficiency key to any intralogistics operation,” continues O’Donoghue, “the ability to take advantage of opportunity charging means the UXL series can be ready to go at any time. When not in use, users can expect a fast, full charge in about two and a half hours on most models.”

Catering to diverse industries, including manufacturing, logistics, retail, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals, the versatile Yale UXL models combine technology and practicality. Their compact design and excellent manoeuvrability enable efficient navigation of narrow aisles, alongside responsive performance, consistent lifting power, and travel speeds up to 16km/h. Lift capacities up to 3.5 tonnes and a reach up to 6m give the UXL the ability to efficiently move materials within a facility and support a wide range of different handling tasks.

Lithium-ion Battery Forklift Trucks

With zero exhaust emissions, these lift trucks also contribute to a cleaner, quieter working environment while supporting sustainability goals by helping reduce operational CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the 5-year or 7,500-hour warranty on the lithium-ion batteries minimises replacement costs, providing a long-lasting fleet solution. The flexible battery box design also allows for potential future conversion to lead-acid power if business needs evolve.

“Yale UXL truck users will also benefit from peace of mind thanks to our well-established independent dealer network which offers exceptional aftermarket support, readily available parts, and a comprehensive warranty programme,” says O’Donoghue. “The Yale lithium-ion powered UXL series is further proof of our commitment to providing efficient, cost-effective solutions to the materials handling industry all while continuing to work towards a zero-emission future.”

The Yale ERP15-35UXL and ERP16-20UXTL models are available now from Yale dealers across Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

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How to Overcome Uncertainty for Seamless Customer Delivery

For all businesses, especially in the retail sector, the threat of uncertainty casts a dark cloud over the customer delivery experience, leading to doubts and anxieties at various touch points along the delivery journey. Whether it’s the unpredictability of delivery service, or the lack of communication during critical moments, uncertainty will impact how customers perceive and interact with a brand.

Andrew Tavener (pictured), Head of Marketing, Descartes, believes that it is crucial for retailers to understand why uncertainty over deliveries affects consumers and how to implement strategies that mitigate its negative effects. This is essential for businesses that are aiming to foster long-term customer loyalty and success.

Understanding uncertainty in the customer delivery experience

Uncertainty in the customer delivery process encompasses a range of factors such as vague delivery timelines, missed delivery windows, or unreliable communication regarding shipment status. All of these factors damage the customer’s experience and erode trust in the brand, losing potential future sales. In fact, Descartes’ recent home delivery research found that 67% of customers experienced a delivery problem over a three-month period.

The next factor contributing towards uncertainty in the delivery journey is communication relating to any arising issues. Inadequate communication channels, delayed responses to inquiries, or lack of updates during critical moments of the home delivery process will leave consumers feeling neglected and undervalued. This has led to 63% of customers in 2024 taking some form of negative action against the retailer or delivery company following a problem with a delivery.

How to fix uncertainty in customer delivery experience

One of the most frustrating experiences for a customer is feeling trapped while waiting for a delivery that could arrive at any time during the day. This uncertainty can disrupt their plans and cause frustration. A better approach for businesses would be to invest in processes and solutions that help to alleviate this uncertainty and ensure that a positive customer experience is created and maintained throughout the purchase and the delivery process. Here are just a few tactics retailers could focus on to help them minimise customer uncertainty and improve the delivery experience:

• Clear Communication

Setting expectations that can be met and clear communication are the first things to consider when looking to deliver a seamless customer experience. This is because it enables your business to provide customers with clear, accurate, and concise delivery information at every stage of the journey to set expectations, keep them appraised of progress and reduce customer anxiety.

• Appointment Booking

An effective delivery appointment booking tool will ensure that delivery cost, speed and incremental service options are transparent and easily accessible, allowing customers to make the most suitable choice and have a definite delivery time. Industries such as furniture and building materials rely on appointment-based scheduling. Uncertainty regarding appointment availability, confirmation, or cancellations will lead to frustration and dissatisfaction among customers.

• Engage Through Execution

An initial email to let a customer know what date you’ll be arriving is no longer good enough. Retailers must proactively communicate the status of customer orders throughout the delivery process (e.g. staged at warehouse, out for delivery, the next stop, etc.) including the original delivery plan and estimated time of arrival (ETA).

• Proactive Problem-Solving

Customers do not expect perfection and resetting expectations is essential in maintaining good customer experience. Using real-time GPS location data and dynamic delivery route progress/ETA calculation anticipate and address potential uncertainties. Proactively communicate ETA changes to customers and corrective actions to be taken if there are unforeseen delays.

• Feedback Loop

And finally, encourage feedback from customers to identify areas of uncertainty and opportunities for improvement. Actively listen to customer concerns and implement necessary changes to enhance the overall experience.

Retailers can take advantage of proven technology to enhance visibility and communication throughout the delivery journey by Implementing an integrated delivery appointment booking, route planning, dispatch and tracking system with customer notification apps to keep customers informed and engaged.
These technologies allow customers to know when to expect their delivery – from the time they place the order and proactively notify them of progress, as well as providing updated revisions to the delivery time. By empowering customers with visibility and control over their deliveries, appointment booking software transforms the customer experience, turning uncertainty into confidence and peace of mind.

There’s no denying that uncertainty can be a significant barrier to providing exceptional customer delivery experiences. So, by understanding the various forms of uncertainty that can arise throughout the customer journey, and by implementing effective strategies to address them, and leverage proven delivery solutions, retailers can instead look to foster trust, loyalty, and satisfaction among their customers with better customer communications. Reducing uncertainty leads to happier customers, stronger brand relationships, and ongoing future success that has a positive impact on the bottom line.

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Funding Enable Robotics Automation at Scale

PHINXT Robotics, an AI-led robotics software company, has secured £2 million in an oversubscribed funding round, led by Sure Valley Ventures with participation from Ada Ventures, Heartfelt and Atlas Ventures. PHINXT has developed a decentralised edge AI software solution to enable robotics automation at any scale.

Founded in 2022, PHINXT Robotics is redefining the landscape of warehouse automation with its innovative cloud-based platform, designed to streamline robotic deployments and support a flexible monthly subscription model. Traditionally, adopting robotics in warehouses has been hindered by exorbitant setup costs – often exceeding £500,000 – and the complexity of on-site deployment. Consequently, over 90% of warehouses remain fully manual.

PHINXT Robotics addresses these challenges head-on with its proprietary technology, which coordinates robots at the edge, simplifying robotic deployments by a factor of ten. PHINXT’s platform supports a wide range of robots, allowing customers to select and deploy the exact type of robotics they need. As a result, businesses leveraging PHINXT’s technology have experienced remarkable improvements, including doubled profit margins and up to four times increased productivity.

PHINXT has received significant traction in the market and secured several contracts, particularly with a major UK grocery retailer, following a successful pilot programme, which is expected to scale into a multi-year contract. The company will use the funds to grow its engineering and sales teams and begin expansion into mainland Europe where the team sees considerable opportunity. Globally, the total mobile robot market is projected to reach $16 billion, with 2.4 million mobile robots by 2027.

PHINXT’s long-term vision is to extend beyond warehouse robotics automation to encompass delivery drones and autonomous vehicles. Given the core decentralised edge computing technology enables coordinating machines within a distributed network, continued development of the platform will enable PHINXT to deploy solutions in frontier technologies such as autonomous vehicles.

The Company recently graduated from the Female Foundry Visionaries AI Incubator in partnership with Google Cloud, having been identified as one of the most innovative European female-led startups leveraging AI within the future of software.

PHINXT’s CEO and Co-Founder, Yanwen Chen, is an expert in this space with two PhDs specialising in computer science and synchronisation communications for robotics. Yanwen developed the algorithm that allows robots to self-orchestrate safely even when they lose connections to central networks. She co-founded the company with Quirino Zagarese, PhD, an expert in distributed systems, to collaborate on building a scalable architecture and product.

Chen said: “At PHINXT, our mission is to revolutionise the logistics industry with our cloud-based platform that seamlessly integrates any type of robot, enabling them to collaborate and coordinate in a shared space without the need for a centralised server. Our robot-agnostic platform supports warehouses at every stage of their automation journey, providing unparalleled flexibility and efficiency. We aim to be the gateway for the logistics industry, facilitating the integration of these robots into operations and helping businesses achieve a rapid return on investment. By accommodating different types of robots, we ensure that warehouses can optimise various tasks, from picking to transportation, enhancing overall productivity.

“This investment will empower us to expand our team and enter new markets, driving further growth and innovation. We are excited to partner with value-add investors who recognize the uniqueness of our technology and its transformative potential across autonomous robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles.”

Brian Kinane, Founding Partner at Sure Valley Ventures, said: “PHINXT’s unique edge computing technology helps warehouses to drastically increase performance and profitability, providing a highly flexible and cost-effective robotics solution that will enable far greater adoption. From day one, what stood out to us was the strength of PHINXT’s founding team, Yanwen and Quirino, who have spent years specialising in robotics automation and distributed systems. As a specialist AI investor, we believe this is one of the strongest AI propositions to come out of the UK this year. PHIXNT has a clear advantage in terms of cost, simplicity and flexibility, and with their cutting-edge proprietary technology, are extremely well-positioned to disrupt this market globally.”

Check Warner, Partner at Ada Ventures & Co-founder of Diversity VC, added: “Yanwen Chen, CEO and co-founder of PHINXT, is without doubt one of the strongest technical founders we’ve met at Ada. Yanwen has not one but two PhDs focusing on optimization of distributed and autonomous systems and 11 years of experience in robotics managing engineering teams and building software. She developed the algorithm that allows robots to self-orchestrate safely even when they lose connection to central networks. We are delighted to be investing in a such a visionary founder who is shaping the future of edge computing, robotics and autonomous systems. We look forward to supporting Yanwen and PHINXT’s next phase of growth.”

The round was led by AI VC Sure Valley Ventures with participation from Ada Ventures, Heartfelt and Atlas Ventures. The company previously raised £600k from Fuel Ventures, Amar Shah (the co-founder of Wayve and founder of Dhyan Ventures), Atlas, APX, Prequel Ventures, Ventures Together syndicate and Alma Angels.

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Contract Packing Operations Digitised

Nulogy, a global provider of contract packing software, has been chosen by Prism eLogistics, to digitalise its contract packing and shrink sleeving operations as the growing business focuses on enhancing agility, operational efficiency and quality.

Established in 2020, Prism eLogistics has built a strong reputation in the logistics industry, particularly within the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Its expertise spans a wide range of products including beverages, cosmetics, personal care items, alcohol, and nutritional products, with services including shrink sleeving, storage, distribution, ecommerce, and secondary contract packing.

Operating from its headquarters in Basingstoke where shrink sleeving, fulfilment, contract packing, and remediation services have become a growing part of its offerings, Prism eLogistics sought to scale its business, eliminate paperwork, and enhance collaboration with brand customers through digitalisation.

Having previously relied on software tailored for ecommerce, which lacked functionality designed for the specific demands of its contract packing workflow, the team recognised the need for a system that was purpose-built for the growing co-packing area of their operations. Nulogy’s Shop Floor Solution emerged as the perfect fit and has been selected to optimise the company’s co-packing operations and drive efficiency and profitability.

“Digitalising our processes is a key component of our growth strategy,” said Ian Wright, Sales Director at Prism eLogistics (UK) Ltd. “In the co-packing industry, where accuracy and efficiency are crucial, partnering with Nulogy will give us the real-time data and insights necessary to streamline operations, control costs, and improve our service quality. This solution is essential for supporting our current expansion and for positioning us to meet future demands, ensuring we continue to drive growth and deliver exceptional value to brand customers.”

The Nulogy system digitalises the end-to-end contract packing workflow from estimating and planning jobs, to managing materials and inventory on the line, and optimising labour allocation. The system will also facilitate improved quality inspections, and efficient product recall processes with accurate batch tracking at the touch of a button. This enhanced recall readiness is essential when working with FMCG brands, allowing for rapid resolution of product issues and ensuring regulatory compliance. Implementation of the software will take place in the fourth quarter.

In line with its growth strategy, Prism eLogistics will also soon receive delivery of its second high-speed sleeving line and move to new larger premises, while still operating across its existing sites. Nulogy will ensure full control and visibility across all its locations, fully supporting the company’s expansion plans. These significant investments have been made possible due to the continued support of Prism eLogistics’ parent company, Spearpoint Security Group Pte Ltd, based in Singapore.

Commenting on the investment, Paul Mitchell, Managing Director at Prism eLogistics (UK) Ltd, said, “The backing of Spearpoint Security Group has been instrumental in enabling us to make these significant advancements, positioning us for sustained growth and success in the highly competitive logistics and sleeving sectors.”

Josephine Coombe, Chief Commercial Officer, Europe, at Nulogy, concluded, “Forward-thinking companies like Prism eLogistics understand the importance of specialised digital solutions for managing their contract packing operations. Being ‘Powered by Nulogy’ gives co-packers a competitive edge by enabling superior service quality, improved throughput and traceability, and greater customer responsiveness. We look forward to supporting Prism eLogistics in improving operational efficiency, serving their brand customers more effectively, and supporting their growth in the market.”

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Fully-electric Forklift Fleet for Greener Logistics

More and more warehouses are turning to electric material handling equipment to boost productivity, safety and sustainability. Advances in technology have brought cost-effective and practical alternatives that provide the power, stability and operating effectiveness of their diesel counterparts.

Electric forklifts are a prime example of how eco-friendly equipment can improve operational efficiency and bolster sustainability credentials, prompting greater customer retention.

Among those making the change is shipping & logistics service provider GAC UK, part of the global GAC Group of companies, Since receiving the final electric forklift at their Aberdeen warehouse in May, all GAC UK warehouses and logistics centres across the country now run exclusively on electric-only equipment.

“We set ourselves an ambitious target to fully embrace electrification across our warehouses,” says Laura Grizzell, the company’s GAC UK’s QHSSE Manager. “We had to be prepared for high upfront costs, operational adjustments, retraining, possible process changes and ensuring we could access renewable energy sources reliably. The benefits, however, outweigh such concerns. Replacing our diesel and gas-powered equipment with electrical equivalents is the cornerstone of modern sustainable warehousing. Beyond reduced emissions and improved air quality at our facilities, these modern forklifts require less maintenance and have lower operational costs. Increased reliability and reduced downtime further bring down costs that we can then pass on to customers.”

Growing demand

New focus on greener warehousing practices has prompted a major uplift in demand for electrical warehousing equipment. According to a Yahoo Finance report on the global market trends for electrical forklifts, by 2030 the market is set to reach £48.66 billion, up from £31.64 billion in 2023. This trend is being led by the drive to electrify and the rewards it offers companies like GAC UK as they drive to create long-term value with sustainability in their operations.

“Electrification offers many benefits – both for the environment and the bottom line. Lower operating costs, more predictable budgets, increased fleet management efficiencies, and adherence to emissions standards make a strong business case for industrial electrification,” says Grizzell. “We are seeing that, both in our UK warehouses and at GAC’s facilities globally. From our colleagues in Denmark transforming their vehicle fleet to electric power to our team in Qatar using solar panels to power their facility, green warehousing practices are now the norm and should be fully embraced.”

GAC UK’s rollout of a 100% electric forklift scheme at GAC UK follows similar schemes seen in the Asia Pacific and Middle East. GAC Dubai now operates more than 120 pieces of electrical equipment, from forklifts to order pickers and side loaders, while GAC Thailand and GAC Singapore are also in the midst of similar electric forklift programmes.

Such initiatives reflect the GAC Group’s commitment to “adapt, innovate and reduce” in its activities as part of its Roadmap to Sustainability to create non-destructive, long-term value. Embracing electrification where possible and adopting electric-powered equipment, particularly when powered by locally-sourced renewable energy, will have a long-term impact on creating a sustainable logistics sector.

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