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ConFoot sponsors Agoria Solar Team

Posted on by Keith McKinley

ConFoot Ltd is sponsoring Agoria Solar Team, the solar car building team from the University of Leuven in Belgium, by providing the team with the latest ConFoot CFU model for lifting and lowering shipping containers.

Agoria Solar Team is competing in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge with its Bluepoint Atlas car, and has so far won the World Championship in 2019, as well as the European Championships in 2020 and 2021, being the first team ever to have won both titles.

However, winning is not the only goal; the team aims to promote renewable energy, introduce innovative techniques and ideas, promote entrepreneurship and inspire young people.

The three-wheeled Bluepoint Atlas has an entirely self-built engine, with microstructure containing solar panels to increase efficiency, and artificial shark skin to improve aerodynamic performance.

The biannual Bridgestone World Solar Challenge is the world’s toughest and most prestigious solar car event, and it has been inspiring the most brilliant minds in engineering and pushing the limits of technological innovation for 30 years.

In 2019 the competition had 44 teams participating from 21 countries.

The ConFoot CFU model has manually operated hydraulic bottle jacks incorporated into the leg structure, enabling for the container holding the solar car to be lowered all the way to the ground from the truck’s trailer and lifted back again without any additional container handling equipment.

The co-operation between ConFoot and Agoria Solar Team is a continuation of ConFoot’s work with various pioneers and innovators in the renewable energy sector.

Agoria Solar Team Car Facts:

  • Length – 5,000mm
  • Width – 1,300mm
  • Height – 900mm
  • Weight – 190kg
  • Maximum speed – 150km/h
  • Range – 700km
  • Number of solar cells – 292
  • Solar panel power – 900-1,000W
  • Solar panel surface area – 4 sq m
  • Solar cell efficiency – 28%
  • Motor efficiency – 98%

 

ConFoot CFU Facts:

  • Capacity – 20t
  • Lifting/lowering range – 0-1,400mm
  • Single leg weight – 46kg (consists of several pieces, individual piece weight under 25kg)
  • Number of legs in CFU set – 4
  • Operational temperature – -20 +40°C

Planning granted for Birmingham logistics facility

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Detailed planning consent has been granted for the construction of a new Grade A logistics facility at Prologis Park Midpoint in Minworth, on the outskirts of Birmingham, UK.

The plans include the demolition of an obsolete unit and the construction of a new “best in class” 163,000 sq ft building that will be rated BREEAM “excellent”, net zero carbon in construction and will deliver much needed logistics space to the West Midlands market.

Originally built for the supermarket giant Asda in 2016, the existing facility was too bespoke for wider market requirements. Repurposing the site to meet current market demands will provide additional space in a prime location. The development of DC6 will expand the park to over 1.6m sq ft, provide additional amenity space for the park, and enhance landscaping, as part of Prologis’ ParkLife initiatives.

Prologis Park Midpoint is one of Prologis’ most successful parks and is located only eight miles from central Birmingham. With access to 11 motorway junctions within five miles, the site provides vital accessibility for both national and urban distribution.

The application was unanimously approved and was welcomed by a number of consultees in adding both economic and social value to the local area.

James Hemstock, director in the capital deployment and leasing team at Prologis UK, said: “The redevelopment plans for DC6 Prologis Park Midpoint will bring a much-needed new lease of life to an under-utilised site and additional space to a starved market. We are looking forward to work getting underway early summer.

“We’re expecting to complete the building early 2023 and have already had a significant amount of interest from potential customers. We want this location to continue to develop and realise its full potential, for the benefit of businesses and households across the West Midlands.”

AR Racking implements shuttle system for household items company

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Logística de Menaje S.L., a company belonging to the Grupo Marcos Larrañaga y CIA which operates in the household items sector for hospitality and households with the Lacor and Ibili brands, chose AR Racking to carry out the extension of its logistics centre located in Alegría-Dulantzi (Álava).

Logística de Menaje S.L. culminates with this extension of its warehouse, completed at the end of 2021, a continuous innovation process to adapt to the needs of its customers to offer a premium quality service in terms of design, production, logistics and administration. The storage systems specialist AR Racking already completed in 2020 an initial optimisation phase of 3,540 sq m of the warehouse.

In this second phase of the project, the extension covered a total of 1,445 sq m of the intermediate stock warehouse, installing the AR Shuttle semi-automated storage system. This solution with motorised pallet shuttles has enabled maximum exploitation of both the floor and height space to generate a storage capacity for 4,961 pallets, on top of the 12,960 obtained in the installation of 2020. In total, almost 18,000 positions for storing household products.

Compact racking equipped with AR Shuttle make up a high-density storage system, enabling great use of the space and reduction of the work aisles of the forklift. In fact, it is the motorised pallet shuttles that transport the unit loads autonomously inside the racking structure.

Complex and custom design in 4 weeks

The project had to consider complex development limitations that necessitated a detailed floor and height design, which thanks to the perfect execution of AR Racking’s civil engineering and engineering work ensured its success.

Of note too were the tight deadlines managed to get the warehouse operational as quickly as possible, executing the installation of this second extension phase in just four weeks. The initial phase was developed in seven weeks.

In the words of Menaje S.L. Logistics Director, Yolanda Ocio, “having the facilities up and running in record time allowed us to continue with our daily business operations adapting to the storage needs that arose”.

Ocio continued: “This intermediate stock area installed with the AR Shuttle system acts as a buffer from our shipment area and allows us to store a high number of references in a very reduced space.”

From AR Racking, Xabier Rica, Project Manager and Sales Representative for the Northern Region, emphasised: “The joint work with Menaje S.L.’s logistics managers was key to developing the project according to its specific storage needs, and fully optimising the available space through the construction of the warehouse and design of the storage system.”

CLICK HERE to watch a video.

 

Altra expands virtual exhibition stand

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Altra Industrial Motion Corp. has expanded its virtual exhibition with new explorable 3D application environments, booths, event areas and products.

Viewable from a web browser at any time, the Altra virtual exhibition stand offers visitors the chance to engage with market-leading power transmission products, 3D models, videos, literature and downloads. The stand features bearings, brakes, clutches, couplings, drives, engine braking solutions, gearing, limit switches, linear actuators, motors and more for a wide variety of challenging applications. Users can navigate products via hotspots, which offer easy access to content and quick contact with experts if required.

New additions to the stand include detailed 3D virtual application environments for the water, mining, oil and gas sectors. Places to explore include an oil rig and surface ship; a surface mine, an underground mine and processing area; as well as a complete wastewater treatment plant. By clicking on highlighted installations, visitors can instantly view relevant brands and products, as well as all associated media. This allows quick filtering of suitable solutions for each application, speeding up specifying.

Also new is Innovation Spotlight, which will be updated monthly with a technically advanced product. In the recently added Auditorium, visitors can sit and watch an extensive library of Altra webinars and presentations in a virtual room. Furthermore, the user interface for the stand has been refreshed.

Leading brands represented at the virtual exhibition include Ameridrives, Bauer Gear Motor, Bibby Turboflex, Boston Gear, Delroyd Worm Gear, Formsprag Clutch, Guardian Couplings, Huco, Kilian, Kollmorgen, Lamiflex Couplings, Marland Clutch, Matrix, Nuttall Gear, Portescap, Stieber, Stromag, Svendborg Brakes, TB Wood’s, Thomson, Twiflex, Warner Electric and Wichita Clutch.

Showcasing innovative power transmission solutions from the leading brands of Altra,

CLICK HERE to visit the stand.

 

Ferag supplies pouch sorter solution to Crocs

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Ferag’s advanced pouch sorter system, Skyfall, is helping to automate logistics processes and handle e-commerce orders at shoe manufacturer Crocs in Dayton, Ohio (USA).

The extensive project involves expanding the existing distribution centre by over 70,000 sq m and is taking place under the direction of Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Advanced Logistics company. In the first phase, the Skyfall system will be equipped with 33,500 pouches that act as a dynamic, constantly rotating circulating buffer thanks to Ferag’s new U-turn switch. Commissioning is planned in several stages up to August 2022.

According to system integrator, Bastian Solutions, the Skyfall pouch sorter from Ferag proved the best technology for helping Crocs meet its strategic business growth plans, working in combination with the upstream AutoStore system. The goal was to find a high-performance, high-precision “order fulfilment machine” that is able to reliably process up to 40,000 units per hour at peak times, when complete. A further decisive point was the outstanding flexibility of the system.

The Skyfall solution can not only be scaled up with minimal effort when required, but can also be used for processing returns, which was planned from the outset in this project. The Ferag system can also be adapted to changing buying habits, new order profiles and seasonal fluctuations without any issues. Even changes within the Crocs product line do not pose any problems. These were the main reasons why the shoe manufacturer – famous worldwide for its plastic clogs – opted for Ferag’s Skyfall solution.

With 18 manual infeed stations and 153 delivery stations, 736 switches and about 8km of conveyors, the latest order from the USA is one of the largest Skyfall pouch sorter projects that Ferag has implemented to date. In addition to supplying its highly robust and fail-safe technology, Ferag also provided Crocs with a sophisticated concept for handling the special Jibbitz shoe charms that Crocs wearers use to personalise their shoes.

Crocs was founded in 2002. Since then, the shoe manufacturer has seen constant growth, with its bright plastic clogs in various colours, such as light green, turquoise or yellow, quickly gaining cult status. The company currently employs over 4,000 staff.

 

 

EuroSort introduces ‘smart’ sorter

Posted on by Keith McKinley

By adding an obstacle in its chute to increase the amount of sorter exits from 300 to 400 on the same footprint, EuroSort is introducing  a ground-breaking technology that narrows the required width of a sorter chute by up to 40%. This means either a 40% increase in sorter exits without having to increase sorter size, or the installation of a sorter in a much smaller space.

In a market where available floor space is the major restricting factor on the size of a sorter, you have to come up with creative ideas to get the maximum out of every available square meter of the warehouse. EuroSort is already well known for producing durable high capacity sorters on a small footprint, but is now making a huge step in what was believed to be impossible.

It has now introduced its next-generation chutes, featuring pitch reducing technology. This means that either the sorter itself can drastically reduce in size and budget, or up to 40% more exits can be fitted in the same footprint. EuroSort describes the development as “a massive improvement for our customers and a revolution in the automated sortation industry”.

By implementing a pneumatically controlled ‘door’ into the chutes, the forward movement of a discharged item can be altered. When an item is bound for the chute this door is linked to, it activates, rising up and creating  a barrier in the chute. This stops the item in its forward slide and guides it down into the designated exit. The result is that, for example, 400 chutes could fit in the same footprint as 300 chutes previously. This innovation enhances the flexibility while maintaining the capacity, reliability and accuracy that EuroSort sorters are known for.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” says Patrick van Haaster, CEO EuroSort. “We are very proud our own R&D team managed to take this from an idea to realisation and implementation. To see a thought come to life and actually perform the way you had in mind is great.

“Our Pitch Reducer is already successfully up and running at one of the largest fashion companies in Eastern Europe, serving over 1,800 stores in 25 countries. We are grateful for the trust they put in us and our new development.”

The benefits of EuroSort’s Smart Chute include:

  • Up to 40% more exists on the same footprint
  • Less materials needed
  • Less floorspace needed
  • Higher efficiency for operators thanks to less walking distance
  • Less strain on operators to serve multiple chutes on small footprint
  • Fits most EuroSort sorter solutions
  • Very limited effect on capacity
  • No impact on versatility and reliability
  • No impact on sorting accuracy

Hines sells “mission-critical” Royal Mail warehouse

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Global real estate firm Hines has announced the sale of the Royal Mail sorting warehouse in Edinburgh. The industrial building was acquired in 2019 by a fund sponsored by Hines and has been sold to ICG Real Estate for an undisclosed price.

The 215,745 sq ft mission-critical facility is located in Edinburgh’s Sighthill Industrial Estate adjacent to Hermiston Gait Retail Park. Approximately 700 staff are based at the facility with over 900,000 letters and 45,000 parcels handled there daily.

“Logistics remains a hugely important sector for Hines in the UK and Royal Mail’s sorting warehouse is a great example that we are not afraid to consider tactical sales while looking to redeploy capital into more accretive opportunities,” said Greg Cooper, Managing Director at Hines.

Chad Brown, Managing Director at ICG Real Estate commented: “We’re pleased to have acquired this well located and highly mission-critical asset. The investment underlines our ongoing belief in the logistics market’s robust occupational tailwinds with the firm eager to deploy further capital in the sector across Europe.”

ICG was advised by Knight Frank and Marchmont Investment Management.

 

Major UK logistics hub approved

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Warrington Borough Council has approved developer Langtree’s planning application – subject to non-intervention by the Secretary of State – to develop a major new logistics hub in south Warrington, UK that will create more than 4,000 new jobs.

The £180m development, called Six56 Warrington, will provide approximately 3.1m sq ft of new warehousing and distribution space.  Its approval now unlocks £7.1m a year in new rates income for investment in local services by Warrington Council.

The development is on land bounded by junction 20 of the M6 and junction 9 of the M56 motorways. The application for the scheme followed a series of well-attended public consultation events which helped shape its final design.

The scheme will focus on providing space for logistics businesses, explained John Downes, Langtree’s group chief executive.  “It’s where the greatest demand lies and the jobs are much more diverse and better paid than people perhaps realise,” he said.

“The average salary in the sector is around £29,000 and in a scheme of this type there will be a wide variety of roles available, from entry-level up to senior technical and managerial roles. This development is about ensuring that Warrington remains a competitive and relevant economy as the world of work evolves.”

And, says Downes, it is Langtree’s ambition to ‘go one step further’, ensuring jobs in the local supply chain, too.

“The impact of our investment will be multiplied if we can engage local suppliers in the construction and operation of the scheme and we are committed to ensuring as many contracts as possible go to local firms,” added Downes.

New employment sites are needed to maintain Warrington’s position as one of the UK’s most successful local economies and continue its track record of attracting new employers and jobs to the area, the local council believes.

The scheme will now be referred to the Secretary of State to determine whether he intends to “call it in” for his own assessment.  Following approval there would be an intensive period of work involved before the construction of units could begin, including reserved matters applications, significant highway and transport improvements and public realm improvements in and around the site.

Venray DC leased to CEVA Logistics

Posted on by Keith McKinley

SEGRO, a leading owner, manager and developer of modern warehouses and industrial property, has fully leased SEGRO Logistics Centre Venray to CEVA Logistics Netherlands.

“We are pleased to welcome CEVA Logistics Netherlands to this new development. The brand new centre was completed at the end of February, so CEVA can immediately start delivering flexibility and capacity to existing operations,” says Eelco Ouwerkerk, head of SEGRO Netherlands

“We are delighted with SEGRO’s new, ultra-modern location in Venray. This enables us to implement the growth of CEVA Logistics in Benelux for both new and existing customers in diverse sectors. The building fits perfectly within the sustainability strategy of CEVA Logistics and is centrally located in our campus structure in Venray. We are here for the long term and looking forward to further development of our cooperation with SEGRO,” says Jan de Breet, head of Real Estate, Facility and Procurement CEVA Logistics Benelux & Switzerland.

The high-value distribution centre (HVDC), located on De Blakt industrial estate on Edisonstraat in Venray, has a total area of 42,800 sq m and will be certified BREEAM Outstanding. Sustainability and innovation are central to the design and landscaping, making a major contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions, to limiting the energy costs of the tenant and to the wellbeing of the end user.

This is reflected in sustainably generated energy, batteries for energy storage, sustainable and fire-retardant wooden facade cladding, charging points for electric cars and bicycles, LED lighting, and underfloor heating /cooling in the warehouse and in the offices. In addition, more than 2,500 sq m of vegetation will be planted in the outdoor area, with green-accentuated footpaths. This first-class location in Venray is the fourth CEVA Logistics site on the De Blakt industrial estate, increasing the opportunities for expansion and flexibility of existing and new operations.

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Contract Signed for New Warehouse Project

 

Oakland reduces carbon emissions with solar roof

Posted on by Keith McKinley

A 1,608-solar panel system developed, designed, and installed by BeBa Energy has been completed at Oakland International’s Bardon facility in Leicestershire.

Producing enough power to run 265 two-bedroom homes and reducing Oakland’s carbon emissions equivalent to taking 12.19 million car-miles off the road, Oakland was keen to use its roof space at Bardon to support its innovative and sustainable supply chain solutions offer.

Oakland International co-founder and group CEO, Dean Attwell, commented: “With such a vast roof and large energy bill, not to mention a moral obligation that we should lead by example, it was an obvious choice to look up and use Bardon’s immense roof space to power our facility, with solar power being the obvious choice.”

A temperature-controlled international supply chain solution provider, Oakland International is BRCGS AA rated and operates 24-hours/7 days a week, a D2C/B2C/B2B specialist in contract packing, storage, picking, food distribution and a brand development support provider for ambient, chilled, and frozen food to the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and via its partner in Spain.

Attwell added: “We’re delighted so many suppliers choose to work with Oakland because we place sustainability at the heart of everything we do, and for us solar is just one of several initiatives undertaken. Working alongside BeBa Energy for this project has been great. The project was delivered with little fuss, was on time and on budget.”

The 611.04kW 1,608 panel solar PV array system is predicted to generate c.529,887kWh per annum and will significantly reduce Oakland’s energy grid demand, cutting its carbon footprint by some 111,276kg per annum, which is the equivalent of taking 12,190,652 car miles off the road over the system’s lifetime, and equal to planting nearly 164,992 trees.

BeBa Energy Director Shaun Beattie: “Oakland’s commitment to sustainability is one of the strongest we have ever seen. For many of our clients, solar represents one of the biggest steps they can take towards NetZero; for Oakland it’s one of several.

“It’s not just a smart move for the planet either. With energy prices rising at a staggering rate, Oakland have ringfenced a large portion of their energy costs for the next 25 years.”

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