Körber Supply Chain Software, a joint venture between Körber AG and KKR and a leader in adaptable supply chain execution, today introduced its new company brand, Infios, underscoring its commitment to meet customers where they are to create the future they need.
The name Infios draws inspiration from the concept of infinity, representing the vast, interconnected global marketplace and the limitless opportunities to help businesses create their future. Infios is built on the belief that supply chains should be agile, intelligent, and constantly evolving to meet the demands of a changing world. By leveraging advanced technologies, data-driven insights, and a deep understanding of customer needs, Infios delivers innovative solutions that drive efficiency, lower costs, and empower businesses to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
“Supply chains are the backbone of modern business and global progress. And when they work better — simpler, faster, smarter — businesses thrive, people benefit, and communities become stronger. We believe that the future is better when supply chains work better,” said Ed Auriemma, CEO of Infios. “Our goal at Infios is to work alongside our customers to provide solutions that meet today’s challenges while thinking ahead to solve tomorrow’s problems.”
Infios integrates order management, warehousing and fulfillment and transportation management into a comprehensive suite of solutions, equipping businesses with the tools they need to navigate today’s complex supply chain landscape. Infios is dedicated to its customers, evolving with them to provide scalable, adaptable solutions that meet their changing needs. This flexibility enables customers to optimize every aspect of their operations with versatile, scalable, and future-ready capabilities. With a thoughtful approach to innovation, the company integrates data, predictive analytics, and AI-driven insights to help businesses stay ahead, anticipating challenges and opportunities before they arise.
Combined strengths of Körber Supply Chain Software and MercuryGate
Customers of Infios will continue to have full access to Körber’s comprehensive range of turnkey solutions and supply chain technology, especially end-to-end integration, automation and logistics systems as well as software consulting. The close partnership between Körber and Infios remains unchanged.
DP World has recorded the 100,000th container moved by rail from its Southampton logistics hub as part of its award-winning and carbon emission reducing Modal Shift Programme trial.
The share of rail freight for onward journeys by containers arriving by sea at DP World Southampton has risen from 21% at the start of the programme to more than 30% today. The increase means 100,000 more containers have started their onward journey by rail than without the incentive. The landmark 100,000th container departed Southampton by freight train carrying goods being shipped for major retailer Halfords.
In reaching this total the Modal Shift Programme has removed more than 25,000 tonnes of CO₂e from supply chains, cut road congestion by shifting approximately 8 million road miles to rail freight. DP World now aims to further increase the share of rail freight towards 40% in 2026.
John Trenchard, Vice President – Commercial & Supply Chain, DP World in the UK, said: “I would like to thank all our customers who have embraced the Modal Shift Programme and made the positive choice to use rail as a lower carbon option for their international supply chains through DP World Southampton. Reaching this groundbreaking milestone of an additional 100,000 containers moved by rail rather than road is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team to make the Modal Shift Programme trial the success it is now.
“This is a unique programme that sits at the heart of DP World’s ambition to offer market leading, more sustainable options to our supply chain partners in the UK. Through a combination of detailed analysis, customer engagement and responding to new market trends, we have further refined the programme trial since its launch in September 2023 and set our sights on continued growth in the share of rail freight for the onward journeys all containers make after arriving at Southampton.”
Emma Tillsley, International Logistics and Customs Manager at Halfords, said: “We’re committed to reducing emissions from all parts of our supply chain. Moving freight from road to rail is an important part of that strategy. We’re thrilled to learn that a container carrying Halfords products was the 100,000th to be moved by rail from Southampton under this DP World programme. The reduction of CO₂e, coupled with the added benefits of a reliable rail service, has provided a first-class overall service for our logistics network.”
The programme pays customers a direct financial incentive for each import laden container moved by rail from DP World Southampton to a railhead within 140 miles. DP World’s Modal Shift Programme trial has now resulted in the establishment of four new daily cargo rail services from Southampton to Birmingham, Cardiff, East Midlands Gateway and Doncaster and helped DP World win both the ‘Business of the Year’ and the ‘Driving Rail Freight Growth’ awards at last year’s Rail Freight Group honours event and an edie decarbonisation award for ‘Transport and Mobility Project of the Year’.
The milestone follows a recent announcement from DP World that its Carbon Inset Programme – a world first at a container port – has also registered more than 100,000 TEUs worth of import laden containers by cargo owners in its first two months. Launched in January, the Carbon Inset Programme rewards importers with 50kg CO₂e of carbon inset credits for every loaded import container they move through DP World’s London Gateway and Southampton terminals.
In addition to its hubs at Southampton and London Gateway, DP World’s offer includes logistics, forwarding and European transport capabilities, all of which are being integrated into the company’s global network. Operating in 78 countries, DP World handles 10 per cent of global containerised trade.
Packaging machinery specialist Hugo Beck celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025. To mark the occasion, the company will host two Open House events on 7th and 8th May as well as on 14th and 15th May 2025 at its headquarters in Dettingen/Erms, near Stuttgart, Germany.
Since its founding in 1955, Hugo Beck has been at the forefront of horizontal packaging technology. The mid-1950s was a time of rapid industrial growth and cultural change – Rock and Roll was taking the world by storm, the first Disneyland theme park opened its gates, and automation was revolutionising industries. That same time, Hugo Beck was established as a small, family-run mechanical workshop for turned parts.
Over the next seven decades, as Hugo Beck developed a strong reputation across a wide range of industries and sustainability became a driving force, the company has grown into a globally recognised supplier of customised packaging and automation solutions. Today, the company remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering fully automatic horizontal film packaging, flowpack, and paper packaging machines with speeds ranging from 3,000 to 18,000 cycles per hour.
The two Open House events will feature live demonstrations across Hugo Beck’s full machine portfolio, giving visitors a close-up look at the company’s packaging solutions tailored for diverse industries, including e-commerce, pharmaceutical and medical technology, food and confectionery, wood and large format products and much more. Guests will be able to explore the showroom and production areas, with experts on hand to answer questions and provide insights into machine capabilities. These demonstrations will highlight how Hugo Beck’s machines enhance both efficiency and sustainability in packaging operations.
A key part of the events will be expert lectures from the Sustainable Packaging Institute (SPI) of the Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, addressing crucial trends in sustainable packaging and regulatory developments. Institute Director Prof. Dr. Markus Schmid will explore practical solutions for sustainable packaging and their role within a circular economy, while Alina Kleiner, Scientific Researcher at the SPI, will provide an overview of the latest EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and its implications for businesses. Additionally, Mara Strenger, Deputy Institute Director at the SPI, will offer insights into the new EU Green Claims Directive and examine how sustainability can be assessed and and how this may conflict with consumer perception and acceptance.
“Celebrating 70 years of innovation is a testament to the dedication and vision that has driven Hugo Beck from its humble beginnings to a global leader in packaging technology,” said Timo Kollmann, Managing Director at Hugo Beck. “We’re excited to open our doors to partners, customers and prospects for this milestone event, showcasing how our solutions will keep on shaping the future of packaging.”
With 70 years of family-owned heritage, Hugo Beck is built on the expertise of over 100 employees, delivering renowned, customer-specific packaging solutions. Over 300 apprentices have graduated over the years, contributing to the company’s continued innovation.
Throughout its history, Hugo Beck has pioneered key packaging innovations, from its first film packaging machines in 1962 to the introduction of the first automated horizontal polybag machines on the market in the 1970s. By continuously expanding its machine range the company grew globally, with exports reaching 50% by the 1990s. Embracing its position as technology leader, Hugo Beck introduced servo drive technology in 1996, set a world record in 2002 with the fastest phone card packaging machine, and expanded to its 7,700 m2 production site in 2006. In 2015, the company added robotic systems to its automation technology, and in 2019, launched a new generation of flexible, hybrid machines for film and paper packaging. And, during the e-commerce boom of 2020, Hugo Beck launched the paper e-com fit paper packaging machine, offering a unique and sustainable solution for e-commerce and mail order sectors.
“As Hugo Beck looks to the future, our focus remains on innovation, automation, and sustainability,” said Timo Kollmann. “With seven decades of experience, we continue to develop advanced packaging solutions that enable businesses to optimise their processes while meeting evolving environmental standards. The 70th Anniversary Open House events will showcase these advancements and provide a platform for discussions on the future of packaging.”
Linde MH has launched new trucks into the popular one-to-two tonne sector. Peter MacLeod reports from their launch at Linde’s impressive Aschaffenburg factory.
Towards the end of last year, Linde Material Handling (MH) invited the world’s media to the launch of its two- and three-wheeled electric counterbalanced trucks with load capacities up to two tonnes. The significance of this product range is that it is the world’s most specified capacity so it was vital for Linde to get it spot-on. And did they? Well, don’t take my word for it, because I am not
a trained, professional forklift operator with a degree in engineering. Sure, I was extremely impressed by the many bells and whistles, the build quality, the electronic mastery contained within, and the manufacturing excellence on display during our tour of the Aschaffenburg facility, and I’m a sucker for laser light shows and dry ice – not to mention the demonstration of acrobatic trampolining that preceded the official unveiling.
No, you have to take Theo Egberts’ word for it, because Theo is Europe’s most knowledgeable and widely respected independent forklift expert, a function he performs as the official IFOY Award
tester. Read this article in the knowledge that the Linde’s collective enthusiasm for its new baby – spoiler alert – has been overwhelmingly endorsed by Theo, as he explains at the end.
Best Seller
Visit any warehouse anywhere in the world and you’re likely to see a three- or four-wheeled electric forklift with a capacity of up to two tonnes in operation. They are the staple of any high-capacity warehouse facility. If the colour doesn’t automatically give the game away, then look closer at the manufacturer, and that’s quite likely to be a Linde (or one of its sister brands), as they are among largest players in this market.
Linde MH has now replaced its existing range of electric forklifts with 26 new three- and four-wheel truck variants with load capacities ranging from one to two tonnes. According to Linde, they are designed to offer significant enhancements in ergonomics and performance above their predecessors and competitors. The nature of the operations in which they are specified means that this class of truck often work with loads at the maximum load limit, operate in confined spaces, or contend with challenging environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, dust and dirt.
The new trucks meet a wide range of customer requirements, and come with a choice between integrated lithium-ion and lead acid batteries. The vehicles have been designed to be tailored to
provide optimised performance for their intended use, and feature an ergonomic workplace that was ably demonstrated to us by Tomas, a literally enormous – 204cm tall, size 54 boots – German forklift operator from one of Linde’s nearby customers who smoothly entered, operated, and left the cabin as nimbly as would a man half his size.
“Linde MH is once again setting the benchmark for this crucial industrial truck sector,” says Torsten Rochelmeyer, Senior Director Strategy & Solution Portfolio at Linde Material Handling. “Thanks to new technologies and optimised vehicle design, we can now meet our customers’ demands for high-performance, energy-efficient, comfortable and safe vehicles even better than before.”
Two Versions: Xi and E
The latest 12 models in the Linde Xi range feature an integrated lithium-ion battery and offer “unparalleled performance and an extended range of applications”, according to Linde. An additional 14 variants upgrade the existing standard electric forklifts, the Linde E14 to E20, with load capacities of 1.4 to 2.0 tonnes and a trough battery. Operators have the option to switch between lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries according to the plug-and-play principle or continue using existing batteries. Furthermore, the E-models have been designed to accommodate fuel cell technology.
The Linde Xi10 to Xi20 models have seen a notable increase in efficiency in everyday use, largely due to the combination of a 90V lithium-ion battery and a synchronous reluctance motor. The truck can reach 20km/h in minimal time and, says Linde, offers lifting and lowering speeds up to 20% higher than the average for competitor trucks. A corresponding thermal management system ensures that the full motor power is consistently available, even under heavy loads and in continuous operation. “In terms of performance, the new forklifts represent a considerable improvement
over previous models and also clearly raise the bar in comparison to the competition,” added Rochelmeyer.
Driver-Focused
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to fill vacancies in logistics and warehousing,” says Rochelmeyer, describing the growing shortage of personnel in this area. “The new Linde electric forklifts are therefore a real advantage for human resources managers in their efforts to recruit and retain employees. The spacious workplace delivers on its promise: Our development engineers have designed these vehicles with the specific needs of the truck drivers in mind and created a product that will optimally support them.”
This is evident in the Linde Xi10 – Xi20 trucks, where the integrated lithium-ion battery provides the engineers with additional flexibility. As a result, the entry step is significantly larger and lower, and the footwell is approximately 30% larger than is typical in this vehicle class, providing additional space for movement. Furthermore, all electric truck versions offer additional headroom versus their IC counterparts, as graphically demonstrated by Tomas, our lofty Teutonic friend.
Adjustable heating vents positioned around the driver’s workplace and a 60% improvement in heating performance compared to previous models create a comfortable climate in the cabin, even when operating outside in cold temperatures. For high temperatures, the forklifts can be equipped with an optional aircon system. Its integration into the driver’s overhead guard is an industry first,
Linde tells us.
Another significant contributor to comfort is the damping and decoupling technology integrated into the axles and lift mast. These effectively reduce shocks and human vibrations, thereby ensuring the operators physical comfort. The standard 3.5-inch display and the optional 7-inch display provide the driver with a comprehensive range of information and offer similar levels of experience as when driving a passenger car.
Intelligent Forklifts
Linde says the list of optional extras includes another industry-wide unique selling point, the Linde Steer Control. Optionally, a mini-wheel or a joystick can be fitted instead of the classic steering wheel. With the left arm resting on the armrest, drivers can steer the trucks with minimal movements using only their fingers.
Focus on Safety
An increasing number of forklift functions, available either as standard or optional features, ensure a high level of protection for drivers and their working environment. The standard Linde Load Assist system automatically adjusts lifting and tilting functions according to the weight of the load and lifting height to prevent tipping accidents. Should the vehicle be fitted with a cabin, electronic safety belt monitoring can be integrated with a door monitoring system. Through software configuration, the service technician can determine whether the seat belt must be worn even when the door is closed or if it is sufficient for the driver to either close the door or fasten the seat belt.
The new Linde Reverse Assist Radar is designed to detect both moving and static objects behind the truck and, in the event of potential danger, will rapidly apply the brakes to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. Finally, the AIbased safety assistance systems Linde Reverse Assist Camera and Front Assist Camera help to ensure accident-free logistics. The camera systems integrated into the vehicle display are capable of distinguishing between people and objects and can actively intervene by reducing the speed of the truck in the event of danger.
Theo’s View
So, that’s just about everything I know about Linde’s sparkling new line-up. What does the true expert, the man who has spent a career testing and benchmarking every new truck against its competitors, Buro Andersom’s Theo Egberts think?
“The impression is that it’s very spacious, yet very compact,” he says. Having tested both the Linde 20P 4-wheeler and the xi16 3-wheeler, he adds: “Both trucks are best-in-class (1-2t range), with
the highest productivity in the Andersom test. No truck has ever before been that productive – it’s a new benchmark. Normally a compact truck is defined by a large battery and no footplate to step
on/off. With an integrated battery, you don’t get this compromise. The battery isn’t so big, but that’s not a problem as it can be opportunity charged.
“In our test protocol, we noted that the large battery (there are three battery options – small, medium and large) is large enough to have a practical working shift for eight hours. Of the three drive modes, ‘performance’ gave us the highest benchmark we have ever seen. On ‘efficiency’, the performance is still very, very fast. Even on the lowest setting, ‘economy’, the truck performs above average on our test.”
So there you have it. Independently endorsed as best in class, these new Linde trucks have been exceptionally well designed to meet the needs of this popular yet demanding market sector.
