Specialist Fulfilment Provider Acquired

Staci, a specialist fulfilment provider, has announced it has been successfully acquired by Belgian multinational postal operator bpostgroup in a deal valued at £1.3bn.

The acquisition, which officially took effect on August 1st, 2024, is part of bpostgroup’s ambitious strategy to accelerate its transformation and strengthen its position in the logistics value chain. The company aims to establish itself as a leader in e-commerce and omnichannel fulfilment across Europe following the strategic partnership.

Staci UK has built a reputation as a high-value logistics partner with a strong international presence in Europe, Asia, and the USA. The partnership will enable bpostgroup to leverage Staci’s expertise in managing complex logistics flows and multichannel distribution, further enhancing its service offerings.

Thomas Mortier, who has served as CEO of Staci Group since 1996, will now lead bpostgroup’s International 3PL division as CEO while also serving on its board of directors. He will play a pivotal role in integrating Staci’s operations with bpostgroup’s existing network, creating synergies that are expected to unlock new growth opportunities across global markets.

Wayne Chapman, CEO of Staci UK, commented on the acquisition, saying: “bpostgroup’s investment is a significant endorsement of our long-term financial success, growth, and track record of supporting and retaining clients. This partnership not only strengthens our ability to serve and expand our client base across the UK and Europe, but also opens doors to new markets, including Poland and Australia.

“We’re excited to leverage the wealth of data, insights, and best practices that this collaboration brings. Together, we’ll drive even greater efficiency and deliver exceptional value to our clients worldwide, whilst growing our e-commerce packaging services, fuelled by opportunities with bpostgroup and their brands.”


Staci UK’s existing client base spans a diverse range of sectors, including e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods, retail, health, and more. With the backing of bpostgroup, Staci UK aims to solidify its position in high-value flexible logistics.

The acquisition also opens up new opportunities for cross-selling and expanding into new sectors, particularly through collaboration with other bpostgroup brands like Active Ants and Radial. The combined strengths of the two companies are expected to drive significant value for their clients and stakeholders.

As the logistics industry continues to evolve post-pandemic, this acquisition reflects the ongoing trend of consolidation and growth within the sector. Staci and bpostgroup are now well-positioned to lead the charge in delivering innovative, flexible logistics solutions on a global scale.

bpostgroup is committed to ensuring a seamless transition for Staci UK and its employees. Current customers of Staci can expect uninterrupted service and support during this transition.

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Vietnamese Air Cargo Terminal Expanded

Lödige Industries, a global supplier of material handling systems, has successfully completed the expansion of a cargo terminal of the Saigon Cargo Service Corporation (SCSC). With the integration of a second Elevating Transfer Vehicle (ETV) and an additional 150 storage positions, the handling capacity of the existing facility was doubled during ongoing operations.

Scalability is an important criterion in many construction projects, after all, you want to be optimally prepared for future growth. The development of a 20-foot elevating transfer vehicle and a 150-bay storage system by Lödige Industries at Saigon Cargo Service Corporation a few years ago was accompanied by a potential doubling of capacity, which was considered in the planning for the project, which was completed in 2010. This paid off just a few years later. Thanks in part to the state-of-the-art handling technology, SCSC was able to grow its business so much within a short space of time that it became necessary to expand the facility.

In 2022, the two project partners initiated a second – now successfully completed – project phase, another brand new ETV was integrated into the existing system. In addition, the storage system was expanded to include a third and fourth level which added a further 150 storage locations. The programmable logic controller (PLC) was also modernized during this recent project phase.

“The project was designed for a possible expansion right from the start. That’s why doubling the handling capacity during ongoing operations was particularly seamless here. Especially as we have extensive expertise in the expansion of existing cargo facilities,” says Patrick Ho, Senior Project Manager at Lödige Industries.

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DHL Supply Chain Continues Partnership with VW Slovakia

DHL Supply Chain, one of the world’s leading providers of contract logistics services, has announced the extension of its long-standing partnership with Volkswagen Slovakia. The collaboration, which began in 2010, was contractually agreed for the next five years after a successful selection process. DHL Supply Chain’s thus strengthens its position as a key logistics partner to the automotive industry.

Under the new agreement, DHL Supply Chain Slovakia will continue to provide intra-company logistics services for the Volkswagen Slovakia plant in Bratislava, including supplying production lines at the plant. Leveraging extensive experience in automotive logistics, DHL Supply Chain will support the production facility in maintaining the highest production standards.

Full range of logistics services under one roof

The Volkswagen Slovakia plant in Bratislava, spanning an area of more than two square kilometers, produces eight models under four different Volkswagen Group brands. DHL Supply Chain provides comprehensive internal logistics solutions for the plant, including freight management, receipt of production materials and material handling, packaging management, and the delivery of components at the right time and in the right quantity based on individual production cycle cadence. With over 2,400 employees on site, DHL’s logistics experts ensure a smooth process, making an important contribution to production efficiency.

“The extension of our partnership is confirmation of the reliability and quality of the services we provide,” says Peter Benda, Business Unit Director at DHL Supply Chain Slovakia. “Our role is to understand the needs and requirements of our partner and work together to develop optimal logistics solutions and innovations, which include automation and digitalization. We are delighted to continue supporting Volkswagen Slovakia with our expertise in intra-company logistics and look forward to further successful collaboration.”

“In these extremely challenging times, when we face global supply chain shortages, having a reliable and flexible logistics partner is more important than ever. I believe that together we will be able to overcome all current and future challenges,” says Juraj Mráz, Head of Logistics at Volkswagen Slovakia.

The partnership in Slovakia is just one part of a broader cooperation between DHL Supply Chain and Volkswagen in various markets, making DHL Supply Chain one of the key logistics partners to the automotive industry.

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Cold Chain Network Enhanced with Pharma Certification

American Airlines Cargo has announced that John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) have joined its list of US stations certified by IATA’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics, or CEIV Pharma. The certifications underscore the carrier’s commitment to quality in Life Sciences handling, as the process evaluates safety, compliance, consistency, and training at each station to achieve certification.

The carrier also recently achieved re-certification of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which were first certified in 2021, and still maintains certification of Miami International Airport (MIA) and its headquarters.

In addition to these major hubs, American also operates out of more than 30 CEIV- or GDP-certified locations around the world – most notably including Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Dublin Airport (DUB), Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG), Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport (GIG) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). This robust network ensures expert transport of pharmaceutical and temperature-controlled handling at a global scale, making American an integral player within air cargo pharmaceutical market.

“The new CEIV certifications underscore our commitment to the safe and effective handling of pharmaceuticals and other Life Sciences commodities. We are committed to meeting our customers’ needs while ensuring compliance and excellence in the services we provide, and this is an example of that,” says Eric Mathieu, Head of Customer Experience for American Airlines Cargo. “We will continue to grow our cold-chain network and focus on how we can offer customers the best products and network for temperature-sensitive shipments.”

To further support its cold-chain offering, the carrier currently has three master lease agreements for temperature-controlled containers, including the Releye® RLP and RAP active containers from Envirotainer, RKN, RAP, APS single and double units from CSafe, and the Pegasus ULD® passive container from Sonoco ThermoSafe – the world’s first FAA and EASA-approved advanced passive bulk temperature-controlled ULD container for pharmaceutical use. All containers are currently available for lease with American Airlines Cargo.

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From 1 Truck to a World Player in Intermodal Bulk Logistics

Logistics service provider Van den Bosch will celebrate its sixtieth anniversary in October 2024. The Erp-based transport company was founded in 1964 by Ad van den Bosch. Starting off with just a single truck, he laid the foundations for today’s organisation. Six decades later, Van den Bosch has grown into a world player in intermodal bulk logistics, with branches in Europe, Africa and beyond.

With just one truck, the 27-year-old Ad van den Bosch started his own business on Hoogstraat road in Erp in 1964. At the wheel of this Volvo Titan, he drove to Rotterdam every day to collect flour for the bakers in Brabant. More trucks and the first employees soon followed. The variety of loads also continued to increase. In 1971, the company opened an office and garage on Hoogven road in Erp, where Van den Bosch is still located today.

Road, water and rail

“There was no clear strategy in the early years, yet the company grew rapidly”, says Peter van den Bosch, who took over the CEO role from his father in 1998. “My father seized every job opportunity and grew the business alongside those of his customers.” From the late 1980s onwards, the focus shifted increasingly to bulk logistics. This specialism took off in earnest at the turn of the century. “Since 2007, we have focused entirely on intermodal bulk logistics, always searching for the best combination of road, water and rail,” Van den Bosch continues. “In 2011, we transported more intermodally than by road for the first time. Our fleet now numbers over six thousand containers, and 95 per cent of our shipments are intermodal.”

Leading the way

In October 2024, Van den Bosch will be exactly sixty years old. CEO Rico Daandels is proud of this special milestone. “The way we have developed over the years reflect our continuous drive to stay ahead in a changing world. Van den Bosch has grown through our shared passion for logistics, our ambition and our innovative strength. And it is precisely these core values, so typical of Ad and Peter, that I still see every day. They are embedded in everything we do and make us who we are today: The Supply Changer in Bulk. I am proud to have been part of this for almost twenty years.”

Intermodal dry bulk logistics

This logistics service provider is not letting its sixtieth anniversary pass by unnoticed. In addition to inviting business associates and employees to an evening celebration, Van den Bosch is opening its own museum on 4 October at Bussele 30 in Erp. Here, the rich history of the company will come to life: from the pioneering early years to bulk logistics as a core activity and intermodal growth. A jubilee magazine about sixty years of Van den Bosch will also be published in October. Daandels concludes, “We are proud of our history. That’s why we will be taking a good look back over the past six decades in the museum and magazine. We will be doing this together with the people who have contributed to our journey. After all, you don’t just turn sixty years old overnight.”

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Wireless Charging System Keeps Production Flowing

In the fast-paced world of mass manufacturing, delays compromise productivity. Eradicating their causes – whether through malfunction or maintenance – is key to ensuring uptime, efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) play an essential role in today’s modern manufacturing environment. Whether they are moving partially completed goods through different stages of production, transporting materials or components from storage to production lines or between workstations, their role underpins the efficient flow of goods throughout the manufacturing process. Given AGV’s role in the workflow, any downtime they experience can have serious consequences.

Carrybots takes the weight off conveyors

One AGV manufacturer that has been helping companies easily and cost-efficiently achieve transport automation, is Carrybots GmbH. Founded in 2021, its popular mobile robots for in-house logistics – including HERBIE – stand out for their high levels of modularity, flexibility and the modern control software incorporated into its products. It is recognised that the consolidation of load carriers – especially when the return of empty containers is required – poses significant challenges for manufacturers of conveyor technology. This leads to high costs and inflexible space utilisation for customers. HERBIE addresses this challenge by automating this process without compromising the benefits of conventional conveyor technology.

Recently, Carrybots responded to a request from a large tea manufacturer that had a requirement for a HERBIE with a faster, more convenient method for charging. Carrybots weighed up the pros and cons of battery swapping versus automatic charging, and concluded that battery swapping takes more time, while in process charging could be realised through a wireless solution. The latter option brings many advantages in a production or in-house logistics environment, ranging from improved safety, faster charging times and easier implementation. It also negates the need for additional storage space to house batteries while they are charging.

Wireless charging for all environments

With the preferred charging method established, the tea manufacturer then identified certain requirements that the wireless charging solution had to fulfil. It had to offer minimal to no maintenance and be high quality. Due to the nature of the manufacturing environment, it also had to be suitable for harsh environments (especially dusty ones) and have no open contacts. It needed to offer CAN communication, be compact on the AGV while also being easy to integrate into the facilities. With those requirements established, Carrybots’ next step was to identify the manufacturer best able to meet the customers’ wireless charging needs.

With its heritage in power electronics and industrial battery charging, the breadth of its portfolio and its considerable experience in the manufacturing sector, Delta is recognised throughout the AGV, AMR and other industrial e-vehicle manufacturer as the go-to company for battery charging. Its wireless charging solutions are renowned for efficiency of up to 95% within a gap of up to 150 mm, IP 65 and the most reliable PPL communication.

Given its reputation for innovation, naturally Delta was the first company to offer a 1kW Wireless battery charging system in series production. It now offers the broadest range of wireless charging systems that scale from 1 kW to 3.3 kW, 10 kW and 30 kW outputs. Delta is also recognised for its levels of customer and technical support, and its willingness to offer testing material to make it easier for customers to establish the most suitable solution for their requirements during the Proof-of-Concept stage.

Those qualities appealed to Carrybots, embodied as they are into Delta’s MOOVair wireless charging systems, a revolutionary, no maintenance, high-efficiency product ideal for charging batteries in AGV/AMRs and all kinds of industrial electric vehicles. Furthermore, MOOVair guarantees reliability in dusty environments. The other charging alternatives that Carrybot considered used IR-communication – which, when covered by dust, could cause communication issues – and were ruled out on safety and reliability grounds.

Commenting on its decision to opt for MOOVair, Marcel Meckes, Carrybots Managing Director, stated: “Wireless charging systems are easy to integrate within the facility without altering the space. The MOOVair System appealed to us for being compact in size and the 1 kW system is flexible enough to be ‘docked’ even to the existing residential power plugs. Thanks to MOOVair, automation of the process is even easier with automated charging; HERBIE stops by the charging system and charging starts automatically. This is as efficient as with contact charging solutions, but without wear or pollution that can cause charging issues.”

Sven Mayer, Sales Director IMBU added: “Efficiency and reliability lie at the heart of the modern manufacturing environment. Every part has a role to play in a complex eco-system that relies on uptime. In contrast to charging alternatives, Delta’s MOOVair wireless charging system is well suited such applications because, among other benefits, it avoids maintenance downtime due to torn or worn connectors. It also has IP65, and therefore it is suitable for harsh environments, including dust, dirt and moisture. It delivers on its promise of peak productivity, adding even more value to Carrybots’ solution.”

With the tea manufacturer now enjoying the performance and reliability of HERBIE – supported by the durable and rugged MOOVair wireless charging system – it can relax in the knowledge that charging has been simplified, downtime kept to a minimum and the production line flowing without interruption.

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Mosolf Port Logistics Acquires Transport Overseas Group

Since 1 January 2024, the port locations Wilhelmshaven and Cuxhaven as well as the CarCenter Zeebrugge and the representative sales office in Shanghai have been operating under the name of MOSOLF Port Logistics & Services GmbH (MPLS). This company was founded at the beginning of the year due to growing import volumes, the resulting demand for terminal space and new OEMs.

As part of its continued growth strategy, MPLS will acquire 100% of Transport Overseas Group GmbH from the start of 2025, including the locations in Belgium, Spain, Poland and the United Arab Emirates.

Tim Oltmann, CEO of the Transport Overseas Group and Dr. Jörg Mosolf, Chairman of the Management Board of the MOSOLF Group, are firmly convinced that the transaction will be a complete success. “The portfolios of our companies match perfectly! With 800 own vehicle transporters, over 60 special trucks for High & Heavy and Ro/Ro terminals, the MOSOLF Group brings powerful assets to the table, while the TO Group has direct access to shipping companies, OEMs and other customers from the breakbulk, project cargo and Ro/Ro segment for global shipments,” explains Oltmann.

For Dr. Jörg Mosolf, this acquisition is another important milestone for the future, and he adds: “We are delighted that we will be taking over the TO Group with its special industry expertise and that we will be able to offer our customers complete supply chain solutions from a single source on a sustainable and, above all, long-term basis. In my opinion, this is unique in Northern Europe and will open up new strategic and logistical options for the OEM sector.

Christian Weber, Managing Director of the TO Group, will complete the MPLS management duo alongside Steffen Klatte. Mr. Weber sees the takeover as a perfect strategic fit, as the two companies outstandingly harmonize in terms of their orientation and values. “Both companies have already worked closely together internationally in the past. We therefore know our strengths, synergy effects and growth potential,” says Weber.

Steffen Klatte, Managing Director of MPLS, adds: “I can only agree with this. With the acquisition of the Transport Overseas Group, we will further strengthen our position on the market and become even more attractive and efficient for our customers. This acquisition marks a significant step in our growth strategy, which will raise both – our competitiveness and our service to a new level.”

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Assist Solution for Real-Time Support for Remote Field Workers

Getac has announced the launch of Getac Assist, a fully rugged remote expert solution designed to support field-based workers and teams across the rugged industries with advanced capabilities in knowledge transfer, remote guidance, inspection, training, safety, and compliance.

With Getac Assist, remote workers can use the powerful new Getac Assist Camera to stream live video from the worksite, viewable securely via Getac’s purpose-built browser-based software platform. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) around the world can then log into the platform to annotate videos and screenshots from the live stream in real-time, share documents, collaborate with other SMEs, and guide on-site workers through tricky procedures. Not only does this result in improved first-time fix rates, but it also helps reduce downtime, lower support costs, and increase overall operational efficiency across remote workforces.

The new Getac Assist Camera is lightweight and versatile. Unlike traditional remote assistance solutions that require headsets, it is designed to be body worn or mounted independently using a wide range of secure mounting options. Doing so provides a more stable video stream and also ensures the worker’s vision remains unobstructed for enhanced situational awareness and safety.

The Getac Assist Camera features both Wi-Fi and 4G LTE capabilities for seamlessly connectivity and boasts up to 10 hours of battery power per charge for long periods of uninterrupted operation. Like all Getac fully rugged devices, the Assist Camera is also designed to thrive in challenging work conditions. Featuring a temperature operating range of -20°C to +50°C/-4°F to +122°F, (with storage temperatures of -40°C to +71°C/-40°F to +1560F), it also meets IP67 and MIL-STD-810H standards and boasts six-feet drop resistance.

When connected to Getac’s purpose-built Assist software, remote workers can collaborate with SMEs as if they were standing next to them in the field. The secure browser-based platform makes communication quick and easy, with SMEs able to view live video, share documents and annotated screenshots, live chat with colleagues, record sessions and more. The platform also features object recognition and AI redaction, which can be used to automatically anonymise sensitive and/or personally identifiable information (PII), such as faces and vehicle license plates in videos and screenshots.

“Getac Assist sets a new benchmark for remote assistance solutions in rugged industries,” says Amanda Ward, EMEA Senior Director, Technology & Services at Getac. “Even in challenging work environments and adverse weather conditions, it enables field workers to seamlessly connect with SMEs around the world and get the assistance they need to achieve those all-important first-time fix rates. Doing so transforms both service call performance and customer satisfaction, providing a reliable advanced platform that adapts to the unique demands of rugged field operations.”

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Outsourced Warehouse Stock Checks

Warehousing and industrial facilities can now benefit from outsourced stock checks, thanks to pioneering new technology created by RGIS.

RGIS is a provider of inventory management solutions, providing outsourced stocktaking services which save its clients time and money. Established in the retail industry for over 65 years, the company now also serves a growing base of industrial clients, thanks to its innovative RGIS Vision technology.

RGIS Vision is an advanced industrial solution that goes beyond barcode scanning to speed up stocktaking and inventory checks by eliminating paperwork and manual data entry. The versatile technology can scan part numbers, product codes and barcodes, boosting the operational efficiency of RGIS’s auditors during industrial inventories. An RGIS team equipped with this hardware can deliver quicker and more accurate results than an in-house stock take, offering companies significant productivity savings, and often financial ones too.

Kiran Soni, Managing Director – UK and Ireland of RGIS said: “RGIS Vision enables industrial facilities to realise the benefits of outsourcing their inventory checks – even those who don’t have a barcode system in their warehouses. Some businesses still don’t understand the high internal expenditure required for an in-house stock take. And others don’t think they can outsource unless they already have a barcode system in place. RGIS Vision fully addresses these issues, making outsourcing viable for many more companies.”

RGIS Vision uses pioneering camera handset technology to capture part numbers, QR codes and product codes as well as barcodes. It can even read smudged, faded or blurred part numbers. The cloud-based system creates a data file that can be imported into any system or spreadsheet, alleviating what can sometimes be hours of manual data entry, and significantly reducing the need to manually correct line-item variances on an inventory tracker.


RGIS has teams of auditors located across the UK and Ireland, providing local expertise to industrial clients. Outsourcing an inventory check to RGIS allows manufacturing facilities to maintain smooth operations without the disruptions caused by shifting staff. The company says it understands the importance of accurate stock data in helping management make informed decisions, ensuring optimal quantity levels, reducing over-ordering, and improving cash flow. By providing clear insights, the company can help businesses identify areas where stock-handling processes can be enhanced for greater efficiency.

For those still operating on pen-and-paper systems, RGIS Vision eliminates manual data entry and paperwork. It is also a cost-effective alternative to implementing barcodes, which often involves changing existing inventory systems as well as physically printing and applying the codes. RGIS Vision can deliver the same digital benefits and inventory check accuracy of barcodes, but with much more convenience.

“RGIS Vision can speed up stock-taking for any business that holds an inventory of items, such as parts and components,” added Soni. “Ultimately, it enables manufacturing and distribution companies to make better-informed decisions about outsourcing their inventory checks. It builds the business case for employing outside experts rather than relying on their own employees and time-consuming manual processes.”

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Keeping Loading Bays Safe

Loading bays are busy places. People, vehicles and machinery are constantly moving and the risk of injury, property damage or disruption to the supply chain is high. In fact, it’s estimated that 25% of industrial accidents occur in loading bays – and for every incident, there are around 600 close calls.

Identify the risks

Any loading bay is a high-risk environment, but when workers are busy or fatigued, wearing hearing protection or facing language barriers, the potential for human error and accidents increases.

A vehicle pulling away from the dock prematurely due to miscommunication or lack of understanding can have potentially fatal consequences for forklift operators or others working nearby. And when trailers are not restrained properly, vehicle creep can occur causing gaps to appear between a trailer bed and the loading bay. Vehicles can also roll backwards and tilt sideways leaving those working between them vulnerable to becoming trapped and crushed.

To prevent these issues, vehicle restraint systems, such as the automatic DE6290AR or the manual DE6190MR from ASSA ABLOY, lock the vehicle’s wheels in place, preventing unplanned movement.

Preventing vehicle creep and drive off

The physical restraint combined with enhanced traffic lights sequencing and visibility minimises the risk of drive offs. The restraint system also acts as a parking guide whilst reversing onto the loading bay, to help correct alignment and positioning. Once the trailer is in the right place, the automatic system is remotely activated from within the building or the manual system is pushed into position, triggering a precision-timed restraining arm which blocks the rear wheels from any forward motion. The two-way interlocking system means the dock doors cannot be opened before the wheel restraint is engaged. Once loading or unloading is complete the blocking arm can only be disengaged once the dock door is closed and operatives are safe from any trailer movements. The intelligent blocking arm activation makes the system suitable for a wide range of trucks, including those with a wheel at the very rear. The retractable blocking arm tucks neatly into the restraint when not in use, preventing damage to truck wheels or tail lifts, additionally, a sensor can be added for vehicles with mud flaps.

The restraint systems can be used on their own or combined with optional equipment such as, the combined Dock-IN traffic lights solution, or control panel mounted camera system which provides visibility of the yard and improves safety for yard operatives.

The benefits of enhanced safety

The ASSA ABLOY system offers multiple benefits over traditional approaches to restraining vehicles such as wheel chocks, which are less effective in slippery conditions and offer a limited restraining force. Implementing the right restraint system in loading bays enhances safety by protecting operatives from unexpected trailer movements, boosting their confidence during loading and unloading. Although loading bays inherently carry risks, a proper restraint system can significantly reduce these hazards, creating a more secure and efficient environment that protects employees, assets, and the company’s bottom line.

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