EPG (Ehrhardt Partner Group) is further expanding its technological network in warehouse automation through a strategic partnership with Locus Robotics. Based on the full integration of the Locus Robotics system solution into the LFS Warehouse Management System, EPG can now provide companies with a ready-to-use solution that sustainably accelerates picking processes and enables flexible scaling in warehouse operations. The Locus fulfillment solution is already in use at the Logistics Solution Center (LSC) in Boppard. With this collaboration, EPG is responding to a growing demand for solutions that can keep pace with dynamic market requirements and increasing order volumes.
Many companies are facing the challenge of stabilizing picking processes while simultaneously reducing the workload for employees. The combination of LFS and the software-driven fulfillment solution from Locus Robotics provides a robust foundation for this. As part of the Locus fulfillment solution, the mobile units take over travel-intensive transport routes, relieve employees, and enable structured process control, with all operations coor-dinated via LFS. The WMS manages the order backlog and distributes tasks to the auton-omous robots, which are orchestrated via the Locus software. These move safely through the warehouse, position themselves at the designated picking stations, and save time by reducing walking distances. This reduces pick times and increases picking performance. The close integration of LFS and the Locus Robotics system solution is a key quality feature.
“With Locus Robotics, we are gaining a strong partner whose technology ideally matches our goal of making automation quickly integrable and practical for everyday warehouse operations,” explains Jens Heinrich, Principal Strategic Product Manager at EPG. In his view, the live integration in the Logistics Solution Center provides decisive added value for companies that are facing an automation decision.
“Our visitors experience first-hand how flexibly LFS controls different robotics solutions and how quickly the systems adapt to changing conditions.”
Locus Robotics also views the new partnership as an important step forward. “EPG and Locus share the vision of more efficient, safer, and scalable warehouse logistics,” says Denis Niezgoda, Chief Commercial Officer at Locus Robotics.
“Integrating our software-driven fulfillment solution into EPG ONE LFS delivers clear added value for customers and demonstrates how powerful software-supported human–technology processes can be in the warehouse.”
The integration of AMRs into LFS shows how well modern robotics can be integrated into existing IT landscapes and the contribution they can make to ongoing operations.
Experiencing automation at the Logistics Solution Centre
For many years, the Logistics Solution Center at EPG’s headquarters in Boppard-Buchholz has provided a practical environment in which EPG demonstrates a wide range of hardware and software components working together in operational processes. With the integration of the Locus Robotics system solution, the company is expanding its existing showroom with another example of technology-open automation. Visitors can experience in real time how manual and robot-assisted process steps interact – for example hando-vers between systems – providing transparent insight into the control logic of LFS.
The direct comparability of different technologies is a decisive advantage. In addition to solutions from cube storage pioneer AutoStore and lift storage provider Kardex, EPG now also showcases the Locus Robotics fulfillment concept as a complementary, flexible sys-tem solution. This creates a comprehensive picture of how different levels of automation interact, how they can be scaled, and which configurations are suitable for different warehouse profiles. On this basis, companies can make well-founded decisions about entry scenarios or expansion stages.
Outlook on upcoming developments
The partnership with Locus Robotics is part of the expansion of EPG’s automation portfolio. Additional robotics solutions and further demonstrators for the Logistics Solution Center are already in preparation. The goal is to provide companies with a comprehensive platform that enables both entry-level projects and large-scale automation initi-atives to be implemented on a shared technological foundation.
Materials handling, asset management and engineering services provider Briggs Equipment UK has been acquired by pension capital firm, IFM Investors. IFM has invested more than £5 billion into UK infrastructure over the past 20 years, with investments including stakes in Anglian Water, M6Toll and Manchester Airports Group. Their global portfolio comprises some of the world’s largest infrastructure assets, including ports and freight terminals outside the UK. They bring a patient, growth-orientated investment approach.
Formerly owned by Sammons Enterprises, Inc. of Dallas, Texas, Briggs Group is one of the largest providers and service organisations for capital equipment across the UK and Ireland. The Group comprises a portfolio of materials handling businesses, most notably Briggs Equipment, alongside specialist rental, plant hire, powered access and specialist engineering services operations. Headquartered in Cannock, Staffordshire, Briggs Group has experienced significant growth in recent years and reported turnover of approximately £450m for 2025.
Peter Jones, Group Managing Director for Briggs Group commented,
“We are delighted to have exchanged on this transaction and to be commencing the next chapter of the Briggs Group as part of IFM Investors’ portfolio. Over recent years we have deliberately built a resilient and diversified platform, and this investment is a clear endorsement of both our strategy and the quality of our people. IFM’s patient, growth orientated approach aligns closely with our ambitions for the Group. Their understanding of infrastructure businesses makes them an excellent partner as we look to accelerate our growth and invest further in our capabilities. Most importantly, this transaction creates exciting opportunities for our colleagues, reinforces our ability to support our customers and our OEM partners over the long term, and positions the Group strongly for continued success.”
Deepa Bharadwaj, Head of Infrastructure Europe at IFM Investors said, “We are pleased to partner with Briggs as it enters the next stage of its development. As a well-established business operating within the infrastructure value chain, we believe Briggs is well positioned for success, and we see opportunity to support management’s growth strategy”.
Briggs Group has strategic partnerships with, and represents brands such as Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Combilift, JCB, JLG and Hako. It supports numerous blue-chip companies such as Travis Perkins, Peel Ports Group, Tarmac and Irish Rail. Completion of the transaction remains subject to customary regulatory clearances.
Sitma has launched PackHub, a compact Automated Bagging System designed to simplify and accelerate order fulfilment operations for UK e-commerce, retail distribution, and third-party logistics providers. In the UK, PackHub will be available through Engelmann & Buckham (E&B), Sitma’s appointed sales agents, providing local expertise, consultation, and support.
Developed to meet the demands of growing UK e-commerce and fulfilment environments, PackHub automates key steps of the bagging process, including bag feeding, orientation, and labelling. The system integrates easily into existing packing workflows, enabling operators to work more efficiently while maintaining a simple and intuitive process. By streamlining repetitive tasks, PackHub can reduce packaging time by up to 50% per order, increasing throughput without the need for a complete process redesign.
At the core of the system is a high-capacity hopper holding up to 500 bags, enabling continuous production and reducing operator intervention. Bags are singulated via a precision friction feeder and automatically rotated into the optimal position for ergonomic product insertion. A vacuum cup holding station stabilises the bag during packing, while an integrated labelling unit prints and applies address or carrier labels directly to the envelope, supporting common UK parcel workflows.
PackHub has been designed with flexibility and space efficiency in mind. Its compact footprint makes it well suited to UK warehouses where floor space is at a premium, while the wheeled frame allows the unit to be easily repositioned within a packing or despatch area.
“PackHub was developed to offer a practical automation step for operations looking to increase packaging productivity without completely redesigning their workflow,” said Stefano De Marco, Chief Executive Officer at Sitma. “By automating the most repetitive tasks while keeping operator interaction simple and intuitive, PackHub helps companies scale their fulfilment operations efficiently.”
“UK fulfilment operations are under constant pressure to improve speed, accuracy, and labour efficiency, often within very constrained warehouse environments,” said Richard MacLean, Sales Director at E&B.
“PackHub offers a highly practical automation solution that delivers immediate productivity gains without disrupting existing processes, making it an excellent fit for UK e-commerce and logistics operators.”
Through E&B, UK customers will have access to local sales support, system consultation, and guidance on integrating PackHub into new or existing packing lines.
Suardiaz Group, an international logistics operator and shipowner, will be attending Breakbulk Europe 2026 for the second consecutive year. The event will take place from June 16 to 18 at Rotterdam Ahoy, in the Netherlands. The company will have a 90 sqm stand, 1L25 M24, at this leading industry event, which brings together more than 11,500 professionals.
Following the success of its participation in 2025, where it strengthened its role as a strategic partner in large-scale logistics projects, Suardiaz returns with the aim of consolidating relationships, generating new business opportunities and showcasing the full scope of its services.
During the exhibition, all divisions of the group will be represented. As a global multidisciplinary operator, Suardiaz will present integrated solutions covering maritime transport, vessel management, project logistics, chartering, customs brokerage, warehousing, rail freight, industrial services and naval services. The company has more than 1,000 employees and over 30 offices in countries including Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Morocco, Mexico, Peru and the Dominican Republic, as well as an international network of agents. This global presence enables Suardiaz to provide flexible, tailored logistics solutions, even for complex operations involving oversized cargo or international shipments of any type of goods.
According to Arturo Fernández, Commercial Director at Suardiaz Group,
“the high level of participation and strong interest generated in the previous edition confirm the importance of this event for us as a meeting point with the industry and as a driver of new business development.”
In an increasingly competitive and unpredictable global environment, Suardiaz aims to stand out for its ability to adapt and for its focus on tailor-made solutions. Its participation at Breakbulk Europe reinforces its commitment to international growth and consolidates its position as a leading player in the logistics sector.
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