Subscribe

Author: Keith McKinley

Cold Chain Network Enhanced with Pharma Certification

Posted on by Keith McKinley

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.

similar news

100-ton Single Flight Pharma Charter from Mumbai-Brasilia

 

Strengthening Supply Chains with Data-Driven Solutions

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Supply chains can be strengthened by using data-driven solutions, says Brian Fitzgerald (pictured), Growth Strategist at Augury.

It is no secret that today’s purpose-built AI tools can not only analyse vastly more data than they could a few years ago but synthesise it into more easily accessible forms, from graphic and narrative to speech. In recent years, AI has revolutionised manufacturing by enhancing predictive maintenance, improving quality control, and optimising supply chains. Additionally, AI facilitates data-driven decision-making, optimises energy consumption for sustainability and enables personalised and customised products.

These advancements have significantly increased efficiency, reduced costs and have improved product quality in the manufacturing industry. Augury’s recent research shows that 39% of European manufacturers already use AI to improve production health. To stay competitive in an evolving landscape, it is crucial for manufacturers to extend AI adoption to logistics and supply chain management.

Cutting costs and significant boosting sustainability

By implementing AI-driven solutions in logistics and supply chains, manufacturers can optimise machine health and maintenance practices by detecting problems long before they happen, which reduces energy consumption and minimises waste. AI can be used to identify process inefficiencies, helping to streamline operations and reduce waste, boosting sustainability and ensuring a more efficient and reliable supply chain. The primary reason? AI systems can make sense of vast and varied streams of input and draw from millions of hours of training, finding correlations and patterns between the thousands of potential data inputs in a manufacturing process that no human could ever spot.

AI can also significantly reduce manufacturing costs by optimising production processes. AI-driven solutions offer predictive maintenance and prescriptive analytics, preventing costly equipment failures and unplanned downtime by monitoring machine health and finding issues before they occur. This allows for efficient scheduling of maintenance activities and avoids mishaps such as loss of product and unexpected breakdown expenses.

Integrating AI with IoT

AI can be strategically combined with various technologies to revolutionise supply chain and logistics operations, driving substantial gains in efficiency, productivity, and quality. When integrated with IoT devices and sensors, AI can turn every manufacturing asset into a digital asset, continuously collecting and analysing massive volumes of data from across the supply chain, including from transport vehicles, warehouses, and inventory systems. This real-time data analysis enables predictive maintenance for equipment, which reduces unexpected downtime and optimises maintenance schedules, thereby ensuring smoother and more reliable logistics operations.

The synergy between AI and IoT extends to optimising supply chain management by enhancing demand forecasting, improving route planning, and streamlining inventory management. With accurate, data-driven insights, companies can better anticipate and respond to disruptions, minimise costs, and enhance overall operational efficiency. This integration not only supports cost savings and operational improvements but also provides a significant competitive advantage by enabling more agile and responsive supply chain strategies.

similar news

How to Unlock Value of Data-driven Logistics

 

How Logistics Companies can ensure Smooth Cash Flow

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Logistics firms can achieve smooth cash flow in peak periods, writes Pascal Chandler (pictured), business consultant at cloud-based accountancy software, bluQube

As the logistics industry gears up for the golden quarter, companies are focused on readying their operations to meet increased consumer demand. This period is vital for the sector, requiring meticulous planning in inventory management, workforce consolidation, and supplier coordination. However, while many companies are well-prepared on the operational front, an often-overlooked aspect is the robustness of their financial systems.

During peak retail periods, logistics companies encounter a surge in order volumes, fluctuating costs, and tight deadlines. Without an efficient and adaptable financial system, these pressures can quickly escalate into significant challenges, affecting both operational performance and financial health.

With that said, let’s assess how logistics companies can leverage financial technology to streamline their financial processes and ensure they are fully prepared for the demands of the golden quarter.

The financial strain of peak periods

The peak sales season presents unique financial challenges for logistics companies. The surge in consumer demand leads to higher transaction volumes, increasing the complexity of cash flow management. Companies must navigate rising operational costs, from fuel and wages to additional staffing and overtime pay. At the same time, they face the risk of delayed payments from customers, which can strain cash reserves and disrupt financial planning.

For companies relying on outdated or manual accounting systems, these challenges are even more prominent. Such systems often lack the agility needed to process large volumes of transactions quickly, leading to bottlenecks in invoicing, payment processing, and financial reporting. In contrast, adopting a cloud-based accountancy system can provide logistics companies with the tools they need to manage these challenges more effectively, ensuring smoother operations and better financial outcomes.

Automating invoicing to improve cash flow

One of the most significant advantages of cloud-based accountancy software is its ability to automate invoicing processes. During peak periods, the volume of invoices sent and received can overwhelm manual systems, leading to delays and errors. These issues not only hinder cash flow but can also damage relationships with suppliers and customers.

Automated invoicing streamlines this process by ensuring that invoices are generated and sent promptly, reducing the risk of errors and delays. For logistics companies this is particularly important, as they often deal with multiple vendors and transport partners, each with its own payment terms. Automated systems can also send out reminders to customers about upcoming payment deadlines, helping to minimise the risk of late payments and improve overall cash flow management.

Moreover, cloud-based systems enable businesses to receive purchase invoices from suppliers via email. Advanced features like optical character recognition (OCR) can read and automatically enter invoice data into the system, further reducing the administrative burden on finance teams. This automation not only speeds up the invoicing process but also frees up staff to focus on more strategic tasks, such as financial forecasting and cost management.

Real-time expense tracking and financial visibility

In addition to invoicing, cloud-based accountancy software offers powerful tools for tracking expenses in real-time. For logistics companies, which face a wide range of daily expenses – from fuel and vehicle maintenance to warehousing and labour costs – keeping a close eye on spending is crucial. By automating data entry and categorisation, these systems help finance teams quickly identify any areas of excessive spending that could impact cash flow.

The real-time nature of cloud-based software also means that financial data is accessible anytime, anywhere. This is particularly beneficial for logistics companies with operations spread across multiple locations, as it allows for seamless expense tracking and financial management across the entire organisation. The result is a more comprehensive view of overall spending, enabling better decision-making and more effective cash flow management.

Enhancing agility with real-time reporting

The ability to generate real-time financial reports is another key benefit of cloud-based accountancy software. In an industry where economic conditions can change rapidly, having up-to-date financial information is critical for making informed decisions. Real-time reporting allows logistics companies to monitor their cash flow closely, adjust their budgets as needed, and plan for different scenarios.

With detailed cash flow statements and reports, companies can categorise their transactions into operating, investing, and financing activities, giving them a clearer picture of their financial health. This level of visibility supports more accurate forecasting and long-term planning, ensuring that logistics companies remain agile and responsive to any challenges that arise during peak periods.

As logistics companies prepare for the demands of the peak sales season, it’s essential to ensure that their financial systems are up to the task. By adopting cloud-based accountancy software, companies can streamline their invoicing processes, improve cash flow management, and gain real-time visibility into their financial performance.

These benefits not only help companies navigate the challenges of peak periods but also position them for long-term success in an increasingly competitive market. With the right technology in place, logistics companies can enter the golden quarter with confidence knowing that their finances are in good hands.

similar news

Data-driven Decisions for Flexible Supply Chain

 

Combilift Wins Two Major Accolades

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Combilift gains further global recognition as it secures awards in 2 categories at the recent UK Materials Handling Association Awards in Birmingham on Saturday the 14th of September. Up against some of the biggest names in Material handling, the company walked away with the coveted ‘Ergonomic Innovation of the Year’ and the ‘Manufacturer Product Innovation of the Year’.

The Combi-CB70E was celebrated for its groundbreaking ergonomic design. The 7-ton electric-powered, multidirectional counterbalance forklift is the shortest 7-ton capacity truck on the market, making it highly efficient with long loads in tight spaces. The truck’s surprisingly spacious cab, with floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass, provides operators with excellent visibility and enhanced safety.
One of its standout features is the Auto Swivel Seat, which automatically swivels 15 degrees to the left or right, depending on the direction of travel. This feature significantly reduces driver strain, particularly when reversing.

The CB70E also incorporates a gas strut suspension system, typically found in larger industrial machinery. This advanced suspension and large super-elastic tyres ensure a smooth ride, even across rough or uneven terrain or during extended shifts. Combilift’s independent electric traction system -previous Red Dot award winner- provides 100% traction control for all front and rear drive wheels. This system eliminates the need for a differential lock on slippery surfaces, reduces load swing, and enhances safety and precision when transporting long, heavy loads particularly when navigating sideways, regardless of ground conditions.

Combilift’s second award, the ‘Manufacturer Product Innovation of the Year’, went to the Combi LC Blade, a cutting-edge machine designed specifically to address the growing challenges of transporting offshore wind turbine blades from the manufacturing plant to storage or transportation facilities. These blades, which can reach up to 115 metres in length and weigh up to 70 tonnes, have long posed logistical challenges due to their size, fragility and complexity.

Combilift’s Heavy Equipment Design Team, known for developing pioneering solutions like the Combi-SC Straddle Carrier and Combi-MG Mobile Gantry worked hand in hand with Siemens Gamesa, a leading supplier of offshore wind turbines, the LC Blade ensures unparalleled stability and safety during transport. Now implemented in manufacturing sites across the world, Combilift has transformed the logistics of handling wind turbine blades and set a new industry standard.

Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar; “We are more than delighted to have won not just one, but two prestigious accolades at this years Archies 2024, making this our 12th Archies to date. Competing against such high-calibre competitors highlights what a fantastic team we have, which are willing to push the boundaries of the material handling industry.”

These awards solidify Combilift’s winning momentum after taking home ‘Design Team of the Year’ for the LC Blade and the ‘Industry Leader Award’ – recognising McVicar’s transformative leadership at the UK EMA Awards in London, bringing a total of 4 awards for the Irish manufacturer within two weeks!

similar news

Combilift Show Premieres Highlight Work Safety

 

Drive Components get QR Codes

Posted on by Keith McKinley

To provide its customers worldwide with quick and easy access to service and sales, NORD Drivesystems equips its products with QR codes. The paper-free alternative saves time and resources. Furthermore, this digital service allows for direct contact and competent advice by the suitable contact person.

“Almost all NORD production plants now pair our drive components with a QR code,” says Jörg Niermann, Marketing Manager. “Only Brazil is still on its way. With this, all important information is immediately and digitally available.” By using the QR codes, NORD customers worldwide reach their direct contact persons in their respective country organisations. The consultants speak their mother tongue and all data on the particular drive solution is directly displayed on their screen. In case of contact by telephone, the serial number of the drive component must still be provided.

Saving resources by digital documentation

“By scanning the QR code with their mobile phone, customers enter the ‘Digital Services’ selection menu and, apart from direct contact to our service department, get further options,” Niermann adds. For example, with the serial number of their drive components, they can navigate to the drive-specific documentation and gain access to more life cycle services and information on latest products or firmware. The paper-free and correct drive identification and documentation saves resources. Upon customer request or for your ATEX products, we will of course continue to send the documents.”

Direct access to individual spare parts lists

The digital service furthermore provides the customer with a list of potential spare parts for their individual drive solution. They cannot only contact their responsible technical support or sales department but also gain direct access to the myNORD customer portal. The drive component´s serial number will always be pre-set and all further actions are linked to it. The parameter data is stored via the NORDCON APP with NORDAC ACCESS BT. For the future, the company plans to further expand the digital service and to inform on updates, for example for its frequency inverters.

similar news

QR Code Celebrates 25 Years of Data Collection

 

Sustainable Sheds

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Warehouses are often assumed to be dark, drafty and dreary. Perhaps that impression needs to change. David Priestman visited a new logistics park by the River Thames in London to learn why.
Crossways Commercial Park, near Dartford, Kent, is being completed by Goodman with a focus on high build quality, sustainability, innovation and the wellbeing of staff. The market for warehousing is very competitive and Goodman wishes to position itself at the forefront of these trends and new customer needs. The company is committed to reducing energy use and maximising the sustainable use of resources, including renewable energy.

Demand for distribution centres (DCs) continues to be influenced by the need to maximise productivity and efficiency, while building greater supply chain resilience. Goodman adopts an own + develop + manage model that sees the company retains ownership of the buildings and land, leasing it for the long term (minimum of 10 years).

At the 37-acre Crossways site Goodman has three completed DCs, two of which are occupied, and three new units to follow by the end of next year. Unit 1, known as Crossways 241, is the largest, at 240,000 sq.ft and currently available. “Kent is relatively affordable and has short routes to Dover and Eurotunnel,” George Glennie, Development Director for southeast England told me. “We have lots of customers in the food sector, some of whom we do retrofit work for, such as adding solar panels.”

Let there be a Harvest for the Warehouse

A ’fabric first’ design ethos by Goodman means minimising energy consumption via highly insulated, airtight warehouses built at the best orientation and benefitting from natural light. Unit 1 has a full, curved rooftop of solar photovoltaics (generating 905,900 kWh), carbon neutral external cladding, rainwater harvesting, SolarWall ‘Transpired Solar Collector’ heating and cooling system (installed on the southern elevation), automated LED lighting, EV charging, cycle shelters and landscaping. Unsurprisingly, Crossways has achieved BREEAM Excellent and EPC A+ ratings. The greenest, swankiest shed I have ever set foot in. And I’ve seen a few!

Glennie gleams at the quality of the new builds. “We can put in as much power as is necessary to future-proof the site. The cladding is adaptable for temperature-controlled requirements, and the solar power can save our customers money as they have the opportunity to purchase the energy generated. This is offered at a discounted rate to the cost of grid power.” He says that many customers use a DC as the company’s headquarters too and appreciate the high-spec office space included. “I like this business park because it’s a campus environment with nice walks to go on, rest areas, several small lakes and a train station for commuting (Stone Crossing). This aids staff retention. There are other logistics businesses here, such as Davies Turner and Amazon. We’ve built a really good product here. We can control the outcome, which means happy tenants,” he concludes.

Catering Supply Chain

Goodman has seen increased interest recently from companies in the food production sector, compared to traditional third party logistics providers. One such tenant is Albion Fine Foods (part of Vestey Foods), a food ingredients supplier that chose Crossways’ Unit 2 in the summer of 2022 because it is adjacent to the M25 and within the huge Greater London catchment. The transport links enabled Albion to reduce transit times and delivery miles to its restaurant, pub and other catering customer sites.

Harry Jennings, Albion’s Finance Director, proudly provided a tour of the facility, which the company moved into in July 2023. With a £70m turnover, 100 vans and 310 employees, including drivers, it is a fast-growing firm. 4500 sku items are stored in the DC, ranging from literally every ingredient imaginable to sundry kitchen supplies. These are picked overnight and supplied next day to any caterer in the southeast, or further afield if a big customer. “We were in Tonbridge, Kent,” says Jennings, “but we couldn’t hire more drivers and warehouse staff there. We looked at lots of units. Crossways has lots of yard space. With our own fleet we need space for vehicles and we have 11 loading docks so our delivery vans can constantly rotate at the bays.”

There is ample scope here for Albion to continue growing. The DC has a 24/7 operation, only closing for Christmas, and uses Koerber’s WMS. As well as the ambient, chilled and frozen storage zones of the warehouse there is a commercial kitchen that makes and prepares value-added things like salads, sauces and marinades, as well as developing menus for chefs. By having food pre-prepared restaurants save considerable time and money. Albion also operates a canteen for its staff and drivers here.

I asked Jennings about Albion’s inbound supply chain. “We have thousands of suppliers, especially from the EU,” he says, pointing out that a French subsidiary has been opened to alleviate the foolish disasters of Brexit. “We can import a container of food with our own driver and truck,” he explains. “We’ve now got the stock space and ample racking. With the mezzanine we’ve gained lots more, thanks to the building height (14m),” which permits high-bay aisles and 12000 pallet spaces. “There’s a pool of logistics workers here,” he informs me, “so we now get more applications than we need for vacancies.”

Strategically located developments are, of course, crucial, which is why Goodman, listed on the Australian stock market (ASX), invests in sites that place customers closer to consumers. Across 14 countries the company has £44bn of assets under management, 435 properties and 1700 customers. It aims to offer facilities in all the ‘global gateway’ cities. If the others resemble Crossways then logistics has a very green future.

Similar news…

Planning Consent for Logistics Development

 

Delivering the Warehouse Project

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Large warehousing and industrial park developments take time and careful project management to bring to fruition. David Priestman speaks to a Project Delivery Director.

Panattoni’s Owen Follett (pictured below) is overseeing all technical aspects of the redevelopment of Honda UK’s vast former car manufacturing plant site near Swindon, Wiltshire. The site closed 3 years ago after 36 years of operation, being the global manufacturing hub of the Honda Civic, as well as for engine production. A $1.5 billion project is establishing a Panattoni Park, which could create 7000 jobs.

Panattoni is a privately-owned, international, purely commercial real estate developer, with European head-quarters in Poland and 59 offices globally, including London. It claims to be the largest provider of pan-European logistics and industrial investment opportunities.

“We have 360 acres,” Follett tells me. “Two-thirds of which will be developed, much of it as B8 storage and distribution facilities.” Demolition started immediately upon possession of the site in February, with full, detailed planning consent having been received last December. The former manufacturing facilities, which had been empty since March 2021, measured over 210,000m2 on plan, and included multiple levels housing the manufacturing processes and material storage.

Ground-breaking

“As part of the demolition will be recycling in the region of 35,000 tonne of metal with approximately 5,000 tonne of that going into direct reuse in the secondary steel,” Follett adds. “We expect to harvest in the reason of 150,000 m3 of aggregates which will be reused on site. All in we expect to be recycling in excess of 98% of all construction waste from the site. These are all important metrics which allow us to construct the plateaus to Net Zero Carbon, a benefit we will be able to take forward into the unit construction. Part of the demolition the material is being harvested by our demolition contractor and recycled into the steel supply chain, including into electric arc furnaces and also direct re-use of some steel members.”

Concurrent with the demolitions, earthworks commenced in June release the services diversions required to construct the plateaus. In total Panattoni will be moving well in excess of 1.5 million m3 of material to create the development plateaus. Follett handled the planning, procurement and appointment of contractors.

Owen Follett

The first development plateaus will be available starting January 2025. “We currently have a Reserved Matters planning application running for a 915,000sqft unit (Unit 1) and will be submitting two further applications in July for a 520,000sqft unit (Unit 3) and a 540,000sqft cross-dock (Unit 4).” The plan is to commence on site with these units in Spring 2025, with the first units available for occupation in 4Q2025. “We’re looking for occupiers,” Follett says; “third party logistics companies, end user logistics operations, data centres and some manufacturing.”

Nature reserve

The new park will feature a wetland corridor. As part of the works Panattoni will be opening up the culverted ‘Kingstown Brook’ which meandered across the site until it was diverted below ground prior to the site’s use as a World War II airfield and manufacturing facility. The de-culverted watercourse has been designed in conjunction with a geomorphologist and ecologists to replicate the type of meandering watercourse which would have existed on the site 100 years ago, including riffles and pools serving a diverse range of insect and aquatic species, otters and birds. The works will create a 900m long open corridor through the site serving an important biodiversity habitat and amenity function for occupiers to enjoy.

“As part of the landscaping works, we will be retaining over 80% of the existing woodland which will be enhanced to become more species and age diverse.” Follett enthuses. A further 11 ha of new woodlands will also be planted in the infrastructure, while 5.3 acres of new species rich grassland will be sown. “We’ve got plenty of power too,” he points out, thanks to the pre-existing Honda infrastructure.

Panattoni are speculative developers, but will offer build-to-suit for customers in Swindon. “It’s quicker to on-spec build for tenants,” Follett explains, “otherwise incoming occupiers can spend time on planning and this causes delays,” potentially bogging-down projects. In addition to the Swindon park the company has plots available at existing UK sites such Panattoni Poyle near Heathrow Airport, a speculatively developed last-mile logistics opportunity which will reach practical completion this September.

Similar news…

Logistics Powering Growth in Britain’s Booming Pet Industry

 

Large Mobile Racking System Installed in UAE Cold Room

Posted on by Keith McKinley

SSI Schaefer, supplier of warehouse automation and cold-chain storage solutions, has announced the results of its partnership with Noatum Logistics Middle East, an integrated regional end-to-end logistics services arm of Noatum, an AD Ports Group company which leads the Group’s Logistics Cluster.

By leveraging SSI Schaefer’s mobile pallet racking system that increases storage capacity by over 90%, the partnership created the largest mobile racking system installation for deep-freeze cold rooms in the UAE, which is part of AD Ports Group’s KLP21 warehousing hub, located at Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD).

In addition to boosting cooling efficiency and storage density, the system also succeeded in enhancing warehouse safety through its multiple failsafe mechanisms and cutting-edge programmable logic controller (PLC) to enable customized and automated control. With the increasing demand for pre-built, state-of-the-art cold room storage facilities in KEZAD, the partnership fulfills a key need for new clients, while accelerating business growth in the region and beyond.

Cosmin Sebastian Ilie, Head of Business Unit Product & Equipment APAC MEA, SSI Schaefer, said: “We are honoured to have partnered with AD Ports Group and subsequently with Noatum Logistics Middle East on these transformative projects. Demonstrating our core values of being customer committed and long-term oriented, this collaboration is driving innovation and excellence in the logistics industry, enabling our partner to provide state-of-the-art storage solutions that cater to the evolving needs of its customers. We look forward to continuing our journey of success to grow and thrive in the region together.”

Daniel Berasategui, Managing Director, Noatum Logistics Middle East & CEO of Noatum Project Cargo, Logistics Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “Our partnership with SSI Schaefer has been important in helping develop our capabilities as a regional logistics hub serving a multitude of industry sectors ranging from healthcare to FMCG. As we combine the strength of AD Ports Group’s capabilities with Noatum’s highly integrated logistics services and global networks, we will continue working with partners like SSI Schaefer to provide us with market-leading capabilities that earn our customers’ trust to handle their entire value chain – from manufacture to end user.”

An initial collaboration to deliver crucial pandemic-era vaccine logistics infrastructure

The fruitful partnership between AD Ports Group and SSI Schaefer dates back several years. AD Ports Group initially partnered with SSI Schaefer to advance its progress toward becoming the largest cold-chain storage distribution centre for health and medical supply chains. SSI Schaefer designed and installed a VNA (Very Narrow Aisle Pallet Racking) storage solution to optimize the Group’s state-of-the-art deep-freeze storage capacity that played a crucial role in storing and distributing over 260 million vaccine doses to over 65 countries worldwide as part of the HOPE Consortium – an Abu Dhabi-led public-private partnership designed to combat the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Turning to SSI Schaefer to optimize its cold-chain warehousing space and capacity for pharmaceutical distribution, AD Ports Group’s Logistics Cluster opted for ESX Mobile Racking for dry, deep-freeze warehouses, covering a vast +8,000 square meters and providing 14,000 pallet positions. Equipped with deep-freeze solutions and advanced digital dashboards for precise environmental control, the solution enabled storing vaccines and pharmaceuticals within a set temperature range, even as low as -25° C.

similar news

Noatum Agrees Terms on London Medway Ecommerce Facility

 

Bobcat’s $3.26M Overhaul Turns Georgia Facility into a Powerhouse of Forklift Innovation

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Bobcat Company, a global equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, recently completed a $3.26 million renovation at its Buford, Georgia (USA) location, which is home to the company’s North American material handling sales, service, marketing, parts and logistics departments.

Bobcat recently brought material handling into the Bobcat brand, transitioning from Doosan Industrial Vehicle to Bobcat in early 2024.

The investment in the Buford facility modernized conference rooms, break rooms and office spaces, improved the interior design, finishing and furnishing to align with other Bobcat locations, and updated exterior signage. Featuring open seating and no cubicles, the enhanced spaces support cross-functional teamwork and engagement.

“Investing in our facilities and operations to create collaborative, inspiring workplaces is one of many ways that Bobcat supports our employees,” said Mike Ballweber, president, Doosan Bobcat North America. “Fostering our company’s success alongside the dedicated team in Buford is a priority for us. We are thrilled to provide them with a work environment that encourages collaboration and drives innovation.”

The 200,000-square-foot Buford facility houses a state-of-the-art parts operation which supplies over 30,000 line items to support its affiliate groups. Additionally, the material handling product line includes 179 separate models with a full range of diesel, gas, liquid propane gas and electric forklifts, with capacities ranging from 3,000 to 55,000 pounds.

“The growth of the Bobcat brand into the material handling industry allows us to provide even more solutions to help our customers accomplish more,” said Jarrod Steck, Bobcat vice president of material handling products. “Our Buford team has grown by 40 percent in the last year and is still growing. Bobcat’s investment in both people and facility illustrate our level of commitment to growing Bobcat’s presence in this important market.”

More than 180 employees work at the Buford location – a significant increase since 2022. Opportunities for employment are available in product support, sales administration and product and parts areas.

similar news

Doosan Forklifts Transition to Bobcat Brand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Cranes at Manila Container Terminal Fully Operational

Posted on by Keith McKinley

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.

similar news

ICTSI Manila gets four new yard cranes

 

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.