Uncategorised Archives

OT Group opens new centralised hub

Posted on 22 October, 2021 by Keith McKinley

National business supplies and services provider, OT Group – which includes the OfficeTeam, Office Depot UK & Ireland, Zen Office, and Spicers Ireland brands – has relocated to its new headquarters in Ashton-under-Lyne.

The move comes as a result of the completion of OT Group’s acquisition of parts of Office Depot UK & Ireland’s contract arm earlier this year, which is already based at the location. Further significant investment is intended for the 275,000 sq ft site, with plans to bring up to 200 new jobs into the local area.

The move will enable the business to provide a higher quality service to its customers – with the facility having the capacity to hold over 22,000 products and, using sophisticated picking technologies, achieves a 99.8% order accuracy rate.

Previously located at its central distribution centre in Birmingham, the facility will provide greater stability for OT Group’s customers through improved distribution capabilities, at a time when supply chain turbulence is at an all-time high.

Andrew Jones, CEO of OT Group, commented: “We’re thrilled to be based in Ashton-under-Lyne – the area has so much to offer, and the site is more fitting with our long-term strategy thanks to its industry-leading technology and experienced team.

“It also serves to showcase the rapid growth the Group is undertaking – and evidences where we are innovating within our industry and leading within the market, while still providing the reliability our customers need.

“And, with a ‘local first’ recruitment policy in place, we’re excited to be looking to the talent pool of Ashton-under-Lyne and the wider Manchester area to fill any newly created positions.”

The Ashton-under-Lyne facility houses advanced warehousing and distribution centre technologies, meaning that OT Group will be able to provide an even more efficient, competitive, and responsive service to its customers as it continues with its rapid growth plans.

The launch of the new flagship site coincides with the acquired parts of Office Depot UK & Ireland business’ full integration into the OT Group, where it began trading under the new Group umbrella on 27th September 2021.

Battery maker Sunlight records 68% growth

Posted on 22 October, 2021 by Keith McKinley

Sunlight, a member of the international investment Olympia Group, has published strong financial results for H1 2021 with an 180% increase in EBITDA and 68% increase in turnover, compared to H1 2020. Recording yet another robust financial performance, the company continues implementing its diverse investment plan in facilities, infrastructure, expansion, R&D and human resources. Simultaneously, Sunlight continues maximising production capacity for lead-acid and lithium-ion energy storage systems, as well as developing, producing, and launching new products.

Turnover for Sunlight in H1 2021 amounted to €126m compared to €75m during the same period last year, i.e. a 68% increase. This is attributed to the dynamic repositioning of #in the global market and the addition of new customers, as well as the trust in the company firmly exhibited by the existing customers. Combined with the swift recovery of the market, the company was well-prepared to develop more rapidly than its competitors.

Despite the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant drawbacks to the sector due to certain shortages – for example in semiconductors, used in industrial vehicles and lithium batteries – Sunlight’s positive H1 2021 performance is a testament to its resilience and agility to respond to both challenges and emerging opportunities.

Sunlight also announced that its adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortisation) for H1 2021 amounted to €13.1m, compared to €4.7m recorded in H1 2020. The impressive 180% surge is due to an increase in sales and reduction of production cost – especially in the motive batteries range – the addition of new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) customers, and the expansion of the company’s product portfolio.

Two new and innovative products were launched in H1 2021: the semi-traction lithium-ion battery, ElectroLife, and the Battery Management System for lead-acid energy storage systems, KnoWi.

Commenting on the release of the H1 2021 financial results, Sunlight CEO, Lampros Bisalas, noted: “I’m very proud of Sunlight’s strong first half performance. The results show that we’re effectively monitoring and addressing an unprecedented situation, such as the one defined by the pandemic. We accurately identify and navigate risks via robust business planning and efficient mitigation actions. We overcome challenges and create opportunities to complete our transformation into a fast-paced and rapidly growing technology company that specialises in integrated and innovative energy storage solutions and contributes to a more sustainable future.

“The market is facing strong pressure due to the increased prices of raw material and this is anticipated to affect the wider supply chain for at least the next 12 months. Despite the uncertainty, we feel confident that we shall maintain our positive financial performance for the entire year, and that we have the foundation to perform even better in the years to come.”

To further increase production and, consequently, growth, Sunlight is implementing a strategic and diverse investment plan to expand the capacity of both lead-acid and lithium-ion energy storage products. This includes the upgrade of the company’s units in Greece (Xanthi and Komotini), Italy (Verona) and USA (North Carolina), with the installation of infrastructure, state-of-the-art machinery, and automated assembly lines. This 5-year business plan entails a total investment of €560m.

Investments are also ongoing in human capital. On 30th June, 2021, Sunlight and its subsidiaries collectively employed 1,206 personnel, i.e., 229 people or 23.4% more than H1 2020. Just the R&D (Research & Development) department has been staffed with 70+ highly skilled researchers and scientists, while the company is dedicated to attracting the most talented professionals available – from both Greece and abroad. And in doing so, maintain and increase its contribution to social security and taxes, which marked a significant 21% rise between H1 2020 and H1 2021.

Sunlight continues its transformation to a technology-agnostic company making the most of Industry 4.0 principles – including use of Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning Tools. The company also continues upgrading and digitising its production process. And it continues offering better flexibility, functionality and performance in the development, manufacturing and distribution of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries for industrial and consumer applications.

Aicobotix demos QiCHECK-2 at WOF Expo

Posted on 21 October, 2021 by Keith McKinley

Slovakian start-up Aicobotix launched an upgraded version of its QiCHECK Solutions recognition system at the recent WOF Expo in Bratislava. QiCHECK-2 uses a camera for object recognition and the entire system learns on the spot based on the recognition of good samples.

In this way, the conformity of the product, assembly, type and quality can be checked by accurate comparison with good samples. If an incorrect sample is detected, the operator is informed immediately.

The camera sees the scene, recognises it then evaluates the category in which it is to be placed. The whole learning process is quick and can be handled by a normal operator, which is a good feature when production changes.

All recognition results are also available online via a standard web browser. Deployment does not require significant intervention in the existing line and the production data is processed in an easy-to-understand format. In addition, the entire solution can also be rented and its features tested.

At the WOF EXPO 2021, Aicobotix demonstrated stock recognition using QiCHECK-2 in this way. It recognised the categories ‘empty place’, ‘pallet in the right place’ and ‘pallet with sweets’. The categories were recognised by a camera placed above the test area and the system quickly interpreted the visual image of the virtual warehouse.

Here again, the company demonstrated how quickly QiCHECK-2 could learn what was good housekeeping when changing the desired behaviour.

The camera as a smart sensor represents a visual system with an extremely fast implementation. In doing so, the camera sensor identifies changes in the scene with the support of machine learning. The entire system is suitable for plants with conveyors and can inspect multiple parts at once. It only needs a moment to evaluate and no special knowledge is required to learn it on-site at the production site.

WATCH THIS VIDEO to learn more.

Nord presents innovative drive technology at FMB 2021

Posted on 21 October, 2021 by Keith McKinley

From 10th to 12th November 2021, the FMB trade fair once again brings together machine manufacturers and their suppliers. Nord Drivesystems will be on site as an exhibitor (booth 20-D2.2) in Bad Salzuflen (North Rhine-Westphalia) presenting the innovative DuoDrive geared motor, the energy-efficient IE5+ synchronous motor, the new decentralised NORDAC ON frequency inverter as well as the NORDAC PRO SK 500P control cabinet inverter.

The new DuoDrive: Gear unit and motor combined

The patent-pending DuoDrive is a groundbreaking innovation: The innovative geared motor integrates the high-efficiency IE5+ synchronous motor into a single-stage helical gear unit housing and sets new standards with regard to performance, installation space and version reduction.

Thanks to its optimised system efficiency, high power density, compact housing dimension and very low noise emissions, it is a real game-changer. Elimination of many wearing parts results in lower maintenance. In combination with the simple commissioning of the complete solution via plug-and-play, this results in a significant decrease of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to existing drive systems.

The IE5+ motor generation sets standards

Considerably lower losses than the IE4 series: The energy-efficient IE5+ permanent magnet synchronous motors achieve their high efficiency that, at times, is significantly above efficiency class IE5 via a wide torque range – and is optimally suitable for operation in the partial load range. The new IE5+ motors are equally interesting for both intralogistics and hygiene-sensitive areas in food and pharmaceutical industries.

The new motor is available in ventilated or smooth versions up to a power of 4.0 kW. The IE5+ synchronous motors can be combined with all gear units and drive electronics from Nord Drivesystems in a modular system. If required, they are provided with a very smooth surface or the nsd tupH surface treatment.

Smart frequency inverter for IIoT applications

Another new product is the decentralised NORDACON frequency inverter. It is characterised by an integrated Ethernet interface, full pluggability as well as a very compact design while providing an economic plug-and-play solution for IIoT environments.

The frequency inverter can be mounted directly on the drive housing and covers lower power ranges of up to 1.0kW. NORDAC ON was designed for use with asynchronous motors, whereas NORDAC ON+ is intended to be combined with synchronous motors, and supplements the NORD high-efficiency portfolio around the new IE5+ motor generation.

Optimum performance in the control cabinet

NORDAC PRO SK 500P frequency inverters are equipped with an integrated multi-protocol Ethernet interface, a multi-encoder interface for multiple axis operation and a USB interface for voltage-free parameterisation. The variety of interfaces and functions is characteristic: Various inverter versions can be optimally allocated to various application requirements.

Plug-in control, safety and option modules ensure maximum flexibility and the compact book-size design format enables space-saving installation in control cabinets. Perfect for every application.

Conveying the right solution

Posted on 20 October, 202129 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Japanese engineering specialist Itoh Denki believes it can help integrators and OEMs looking to find intralogistics conveying solutions for the new economy. Logistics Business magazine editor Paul Hamblin reports.

In a logistics world in which there needs to be room for businesses of all shapes and sizes, it follows that the conventional logistics model needs to be challenged. Yes, the big players will still need their large Build-to-Suit warehouses, and vast, multi-tenanted logistics parks are undoubtedly here to stay. But what about ecommerce providers looking for professional, fast logistics?

These companies might be small – but they might grow very fast, in which case they need agility, flexibility. Most of all, they want ease of payment alongside ease of use. Not for them the vast capital expenditures on logistics of those giants who can make such facilities so cost-effective. Ideally, they want state-of-the-art logistics capability without necessarily needing the building asset that goes with it.

Japanese-founded engineering specialist Itoh Denki, which has worked with integrators and OEMs in logistics for many decades in the supply of rollers and conveying components, has recognised this pattern. It has identified a trend, notably in Japan where land use is at a premium, but increasingly in Europe, for multi-storey, multi-tenanted logistics spaces deployed with a pay-per-use sharing model.

“Think of it as Hotel Logistics,” quips Tatsuya (Ted) Akashi, Itoh Denki MD Europe. “You come and go as agreed, you can stay for longer if you wish and you only pay for those times.”

Recognising that reliable, flexible sortation is key to this business model, Itoh Denki has brought its Diverter-Centric Sorting to the market. Best known for Motorised Driver Roller (MDR) technology, Itoh Denki’s footprint in Europe has now expanded to include a fully capable Amsterdam Tech Centre to complement its base in St Pierre, France where the MDRs are given final assembly.

Alexander Gigerl, Technical Sales Manager, explains the Diverter-Centric sorting business case by pointing out that the high throughput of the traditional crossbelt sorter comes with a correspondingly high cost. He says that Itoh Denki’s F-RAT (Flat Right Angle Transfer) will bring down those costs dramatically, but without necessarily the very high throughputs some customers require. The company’s MABS (Multi Angle Ball Sorter) also brings with it considerable cost savings versus the cross belt but with three times the throughput of the FRAT. The combination means that Itoh Denki can offer a powerful hybrid solution to suit a variety of budgets and requirements.

An enormous variety of package sizes can be smoothly transported, even the most fragile loads. The list of benefits includes the flexibility and scalability that comes from a fully modular system. Maintenance and service is another plus, because faults can be sourced and fixed quickly via this modularity, without unnecessary and profit-killing downtime. Safety and comfort of workers is promised by the optimised footprint of the layout and the super-quiet, no pneumatics, 24v DC power source.

It is fully CE compliant, which means costs will not be incurred in installing extra safety facilities or barriers in the vicinity. Energy efficiency is assured by on-demand operation, the motor driven only when a load enters the zone.

The central 90° technology of the F-RAT offers the benefit of transfer without changing levels. Meanwhile, the MABS solution offers 30, 45 and 90° transfer.

Itoh Denki emphasises that it will not be selling direct to end users and will continue to work with its established OEM partners to ensure end user customer delight.

Werma publishes white paper on signal technology

Posted on 20 October, 2021 by Keith McKinley

Werma has published a free white paper, available for free download, to help understand how important the choice of the right signal is for the safety of everyone in industrial environments. It explains which signalling is suitable for which application and how modern Andon systems can optimise manual production and logistics.

Optical and audible signals have always played an important role and have been continually developed over the centuries. Even in ancient times, wood-fired beacons kept seafarers on course. Today, state-of-the-art LED technology serves as a light source for a variety of signalling applications.

There are also a number of examples in our everyday life that illustrate the great advantage of easy-to-understand signals: A red traffic light, the horn of a car or the siren of a fire engine. These signals send a message to the recipient quickly and non-verbally, regardless of the language they speak.

This is precisely why optical and audible signals are also used in industrial environments, production, automation, logistics and building technology to warn, guide and protect everyone in the immediate vicinity.

Signal technology taken to the next level

In modern industry, signal technology is taken a step further: In addition to classic optical and acoustic signalling, intelligently networked, retrofittable systems and clever Industry 4.0 solutions are being used to make networking easy for companies of all sizes. Make processes faster, leaner, better and more efficient, simply at the touch of a button.

Werma’s free white paper explains the importance of choosing the right signal for everyone’s safety. It also describes which signalling is suitable for which application and how modern Andon systems can optimise manual production and logistics as well as how quickly, easily and uncomplicatedly machines, workstations or flow racks can be networked using modern, radio-based signal technology.

Cutting-edge technologies for data exchange

As modern signal devices not only warn, guide and protect on site, both optically and acoustically, but also communicate intelligently with each other, this white paper presents state-of-the-art networking technologies: Werma’s signal devices have the latest interfaces – whether IO-Link, AS-i, USB or as a wireless network – enabling fast, flexible and uncomplicated data exchange.

CLICK HERE to download the free white paper.

Prologis publishes Q3 activity report

Posted on 19 October, 2021 by Keith McKinley

Prologis Europe has published a report on its Q3 2021 activity, showing operating performance highlights and insights into select milestones and achievements.

Ben Bannatyne, President, Prologis Europe, said: “It has been a record quarter of demand, low vacancy and new supply in Europe as we continue to deliver on our customers’ expectations. We continue to return healthy outcomes for our customers and investors in areas including urban fulfilment, sustainability and value-add services – such as our Prologis Essentials Marketplace. Our robust Europe portfolio is supported by positive rent change, strong leasing appetite and heightened demand, which acts as a tailwind to covered land plays and build-to-suit development.”

Prologis Europe Operating Performance – Q3 2021:

Total portfolio: 19.6 million sq m
Total leasing activity: 752,813 sq m:
– 306,997 sq m of new leases
– 445,816 sq m of lease renewals
Rent change: + 8.4%
Leasing Highlights:
– 36,609 sq m at Prologis Park Venlo DC4 (NL)
– 30,607 sq m at Prologis Park Norrkoping DC1 (S)
– 17,072 sq m at Prologis Park Coventry DC8 (UK)
– 15,990 sq m at Prologis Park Isle d’Abeau (F)

Capital Deployment – Third Quarter 2021

Q3 Development Starts:

There have been nine new development starts comprising a total net rentable area of 174,730 sq m across the Czech Republic, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. Two starts were significant build-to-suits (Prologis Park Dortmund, Germany; Prologis Park Interporto Bologna, Italy) and seven were speculative developments in direct response to growing customer demand.

Q3 Acquisitions:

Prologis Europe acquired one building with a total net rentable area of 47,807 sq m in the gateway market of Belgium, as well as nine land parcels with a combined total area of 285,898 sq m in Germany, Italy, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Bannatyne notes: “While supply constraints remain a reality, our third quarter activity reveals that our data-based, forward-thinking insights and strong industry and community relationships continue to yield attractive opportunities for our customers and investors.

“With our commitment to innovation, technology and continuous improvement, we’re able to provide our customers with industry-leading development solutions in dynamic European markets such as Berlin, Paris and London. Our ability to unlock core land for logistics is critical, as is having an urban fulfilment strategy that actively plans for the logistics need of today’s discerning customers.

“In today’s market, innovation is key. At Prologis, we actively encourage our people to think creatively and outside the industry norms. Our commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and governance (ESG) is a great example. We fundamentally believe that being a good neighbour in our communities is crucial to building long-term trusted partnerships while creating the sustainable development opportunities our customers desire.”

Diffusion Alloys plans centre for excellence at Teesport

Posted on 18 October, 2021 by Keith McKinley

PD Ports has granted a new long-term lease to Diffusion Alloys at Teesport Commerce Park, allowing for the construction of a new £1.5m coating facility and centre for excellence.

Diffusion Alloys, an established global leader in diffusion coatings for large components, has occupied its current site at Teesport Commerce Park for over 18 years and now, thanks to the new lease, is accelerating plans to build a new, 8,000 sq ft warehouse on site that will boost processing capability and create 20 new, sustainable jobs over the next two years.

This investment is the latest in a string of developments welcomed to Teesport Commerce Park following PD Ports’ success in securing two waste-to-energy plants to the Tees Valley in conjunction with Wentworth Clean Power, projects worth a cumulative £660m.

PD Ports Group Property Director, Michael McConnell, welcomed the further investment at Teesport Commerce Park: “PD Ports is delighted to have granted Diffusion Alloys a new long-term lease that will enable them to continue to grow their business and build a brand new production facility in line with growing demand.

“Projects such as Diffusion Alloys’ centre for excellence and the Wentworth Clean Power waste-to-energy plants really highlight the trust and confidence that large-scale business have in the Tees Valley thanks to our expertise, our strong-skills base and our unrivalled connections to global markets.

“We very much look forward to continuing to support Diffusion Alloys as they bring their new facility to fruition over the longer-term.”

Diffusion Alloys Managing Director, Lisa Randall, explained that an anticipated significant rise in demand for its specialist services over the next 10-20 years was the driving force behind the decision to expand the company’s Tees-based capabilities and headquarter its centre for excellence at Teesport Commerce Park.

“We are delighted to be not only extending our lease at Teesport Commerce Park, but also investing further to build a new facility on site,” said Randall. “The new factory and centre for excellence site will enable the company to support the build out of hydrogen generation technology from within the UK.

“The decision is testimony to our dedicated and hard-working staff in Teesside who have been instrumental in making this investment possible.”

PD Ports, owner and operator of Teesport, directly invested over £17m in infrastructure and developments across the Tees Valley during 2020, building on the £1bn of investment the port operator has attracted in the last decade.

Cutting-edge Verona logistics park gets funding

Posted on 13 October, 2021 by Keith McKinley

International real estate firm Hines has finalised a major investment in a new state-of-the-art logistics project in Verona, Italy as part of a joint venture with a major international private equity player. At completion, the project is expected to require an investment of up to €300m via the Vicus I fund managed by Prelios SGR.

The logistics park in Vigasio, in the province of Verona, will be developed over two phases; the first, requiring an investment of €120m, will lead to the construction of four buildings over an area of 200,000 sq m by 2023. The second, will involve a further investment of up to €180m. Upon construction completion, the site will seek LEED Gold certification, in accordance with the highest international environmental sustainability and energy efficiency criteria.

The Vigasio area is home to many major international companies and represents a strategic hub connecting Italy and Northern Europe (Germany and Austria) along the A22 Autostrada del Brennero, carving itself out as an ideal logistics hub. In the coming years, an additional motorway exit is scheduled to open in front of the Vigasio logistics park further maximising transportation access and efficiency.

The transaction is part of Hines’ broader logistics strategy throughout Europe to deliver first-class buildings and services for logistics customers. In Italy, the firm has developed a platform of over 380,000 sq m, which, in addition to the Vigasio logistics hub, includes the investments made in Bologna in the Castel San Pietro area, and in Northern Italy with three properties in Tortona, Brescia and Montichiari. In light of the transactions year to date, Hines is on track to deploy €1bn of capital in the logistics sector in Italy by the end of 2022.

The logistics market continues to represent an asset class of great interest for Hines due to multiple factors including strong growth in demand, e-commerce development trends, a vacancy rate standing at just 2.1% in Italy along with attractive rates of return. Additionally, logistics in the North East of Italy continues to grow in importance and an increasing number of multinational tenants are choosing this location which currently covers 15% of the total square metres leased nationwide.

Mario Abbadessa, Senior Managing Director & Country Head of Hines in Italy, says: “We have great interest in the industrial and logistics asset class and aim to become a statement player in Italy in this fascinating sector. Our target is to invest €1bn in industrial and logistics by the end of 2022 and our investment philosophy is underpinned by innovation.

“With this transaction we are further expanding our logistics platform in the North East area, and over the coming months we will continue to focus on both logistics parks and last-mile logistics across the main Italian cities.”

UK sees record take-up of warehouse space

Posted on 4 October, 2021 by Keith McKinley

Knight Frank’s preliminary data shows that take-up of UK warehouse space in Q3 2021 totalled 15.7 million sq ft, bringing the total amount of space leased this year to 46.9 million sq ft. This is 27% above the Q1-Q3 2020 total and puts the UK industrial & logistics sector on course for a record year, as the unprecedented levels of occupier demand looks set to ensure that the industry will beat the 51.6m sq ft of space taken in 2020.

In addition to ecommerce-driven demand for warehouse space, the recent supply chain crisis has demonstrated the need for greater supply chain resilience, and this is driving new sources of occupier demand. The shortage of HGV drivers, labour and materials, due to a combination of COVID-19, post-Brexit customs measures, and the Suez Canal blockage earlier this year have highlighted the need for simplified, shorter supply chains and shorter more direct routes to consumers.

Companies have accelerated efforts to secure warehouse space where they can hold high levels of inventory close to consumers, minimise delays and ensure uninterrupted service. Food manufacturing and indoor farming are examples of other occupiers taking space recently.

The strong underlying structural trends driving occupier demand has seen the sector attract £10.8bn in investment from UK and global institutions in the first three quarters. This is already higher that the £10.2bn that the sector recorded in 2020, with Knight Frank estimating total turnover for the year to reach £13bn. This will exceed the previous record annual turnover of £11bn which was reported in 2017.

Claire Williams, Industrial Research Lead at Knight Frank, commented: “Strong levels of take-up have been recorded over the past three quarters but the shortage of available space in the market is likely to dampen the level of uptake in the fourth quarter. Last mile logistics operators, parcel carriers, supermarkets and retailers have been competing for suitable space in a chronically undersupplied market over the past 18 months.

“Now with the driver and labour shortage and border delays causing severe disruption, aggravated concerns have caused companies to bring forward warehouse expansion plans across the logistics sector. Many are discovering that quality warehouse space that meets size, location and specification requirements is scarce, given high levels of take-up and construction plummeting due to increased costs and lead times for materials.”