Subscribe

Category: Uncategorised

Transporeon Unveils Platform Innovations

Posted on by David Priestman

Transporeon, a leading Transportation Management Platform and a Trimble Company, has announced new platform innovations that enhance its spot quotation, contract rate benchmarking and freight audit capabilities. With a robust network of 1,400+ shippers and retailers and 150,000+ carriers and logistic service providers, Transporeon’s neutral Transportation Management Platform (TMP), which provides equal benefits to both shippers and carriers and enables companies to simplify collaboration, will now further streamline internal operations and embrace new business opportunities.

Stephan Sieber, CEO of Transporeon, commented: “In today’s fast-paced world of transportation and logistics, adaptability is key for companies to survive and thrive. Digital technologies can significantly reduce cumbersome, manual processes. We have seen that when companies adopt more collaborative approaches, improved efficiency often follows. This is precisely what Transporeon’s platform enables. With our latest platform innovations, logistics teams can gain access to even more detailed market insights and codify tedious manual tasks into fully automated processes – not just within their own company, but between business partners.”

Autonomous Quotation

Price negotiations remain opaque and manual in the growing freight spot market. Freight forwarders, brokers and LSPs spend considerable time manually researching and building quotes.

Transporeon’s Autonomous Quotation solves this challenge by enabling brokers and LSPs to prioritise incoming transport requests easily and automatically serve customers with instant, accurate pricing for truckload spot transports based on predicted market rates.

By fully automating the spot bidding process with Autonomous Quotation, brokers and LSPs can increase the volume of opportunities they quote for, which in turn, can lead to new business opportunities. Automating the process can also unlock cost-savings by minimising the manual work involved in the quotation process.

Autonomous Quotation generates quotes based on companies’ individual quotation strategies. Users can define their own tactics based on criteria including margin requirements, equipment type, distance, stop location and pick-up and delivery windows. The module is based on a customised trained prediction model and is backed by data science and machine learning algorithms that incorporate bidding outcomes over time to increase accuracy.

Jonah McIntire, Director Procurement and Chief Network Officer at Transporeon, said: “Freight brokers and logistics service providers have faced an uphill battle when competing in the spot market, navigating time-consuming manual price negotiations and freight auction portals. With Autonomous Quotation, companies can decouple their spot revenue growth from their staffing costs to win those shipments by issuing quotes instantly, accurately and at scale. No more manual admin but more opportunities. After all, you can only win what you can quote!”

Rate Benchmark

Rate Benchmark extends the capabilities of Transporeon’s existing Market Insights solution, which democratises truckload pricing by providing real-time insights into markets, lanes and their development. Rate Benchmark takes Market Insights one step further by allowing companies to benchmark their contracted rates against the market.

With Rate Benchmark, users can easily spot opportunities and make informed procurement and pricing decisions and improve tenders. It calculates average monthly contract rates on a postal code level and compares them with the user’s rate on the same lane.

McIntire explained: “Shippers, carriers and logistics service providers have very few reliable and neutral data sources that deliver high-quality freight rate information. When Transporeon launched Market Insights, it had a transformative effect on our network. Rate Benchmark builds on this success, permitting customers to compare their contracts against the market with precision. We’re delighted to share this development with our network.”

Freight Audit

Freight Audit represents the next evolution of Transporeon’s audit functionality. It allows customers to audit shipments executed on Transporeon’s platform and combines a variety of specific capabilities, including cost allocation, online dispute management, invoice legal information audit, billing instructions, accruals and accounts payable. Freight Audit doesn’t require additional customer input as it uses existing platform data, such as rates and transport orders.

Freight Audit minimises invoice discrepancies through upfront billing instructions. Fully integrated with the Transporeon platform, it helps to eliminate the need for separate tools for freight buyers and logistics providers. Moreover, the product is not limited to the invoice audit – it provides an accounts payable file, fully automating the accounting process.

Each process within Freight Audit has a complete audit trail for compliance, and invoices are approved according to governmental invoice requirements. In addition, it enhances data accuracy by ensuring all data is confirmed by shippers, carriers and FAP (freight audit and payment). As a result, Freight Audit enables companies to eliminate transport overspend and simplify internal and external compliance.

Stefanie Bergfeld, Director Audit and Payment at Transporeon, added: “With fragmented finance and audit processes, it can be easy to overspend on transport and make compliance missteps. Not only does Freight Audit address these problems, but it also significantly reduces manual processes with a high level of automation, minimising administrative work. Thanks to its seamless integration with the Transporeon platform, Freight Audit can also be used by smaller customers who wouldn’t normally look for a standalone audit solution.”

The three innovations were unveiled at Transporeon NEXT, Transporeon’s flagship bi-annual launch event, which is taking place this week at its annual summit.

Freight Marketplace Launched

Transporeon furthermore announced the launch of Freight Marketplace, a neutral (of equal benefit to both shippers and carriers) deal-making hub for freight procurement.

Both buyers and sellers of transportation services face ongoing challenges in aligning capacity and assessing fair pricing. In addition, insufficient transparency and fragmented systems can lead to low relevance on carrier tender invitations and inefficient alignment with shippers’ service preferences. Negotiating efficiently and fairly is also a challenge due to the lack of standardised data sets, which hinder like-for-like comparisons and make it difficult to consider factors beyond price, such as sustainability and service levels.

Transporeon’s Freight Marketplace addresses these challenges head-on with a new solution designed to transform logistics procurement and redefine how companies buy, sell, negotiate and contract. Its key benefits include:

  • A central location for deal-making: Freight Marketplace unites carriers and shippers ‘under one roof’ to do business based on their specific needs, capabilities and requirements. It taps into Transporeon’s extensive network of 1,400+ shippers and 158,000+ carriers for instant scale, creating a definitive catalogue of buyers and sellers.
  • Simplified negotiations: Freight Marketplace uses advanced algorithms to simplify negotiations and optimise the procurement process.
  • Multi-dimensional negotiations that factor in sustainability: Negotiations between shippers and carriers often focus solely on price, disregarding other factors such as volume, lead time and sustainability. Freight Marketplace solves this challenge, enabling shippers and carriers to factor pricing, volume, CO2 emissions and more into negotiations. Buyers can prioritise low-emission options, while sellers have a platform to showcase their efforts in reducing emissions.
  • Enhanced visibility and transparency: Freight Marketplace allows logistics providers to build comprehensive profiles that include their expertise, services, performance metrics and fleet data. To establish transparency, it blends self-declared facts with third-party verified information and real-world insights from the Transporeon platform. Shippers have similar profiles, enabling both parties to search for partners that precisely match their specific requirements, ensuring a smooth matchmaking process.

Platform neutrality

Freight Marketplace drives value for both buyers and sellers through neutrality, ensuring an environment where all players can benefit equally:

Buyers benefit from pre-structured, standardised data that simplifies finding new partners through high-quality profiles. Freight Marketplace makes it easy to access fair pricing and optimise decisions based on other factors such as volume, lead time, and sustainability.

Sellers gain access to a broader range of shippers and mini tenders, allowing them to win new business. Since every event is structured the same way, sellers can also evaluate opportunities more efficiently, meaning they no longer need to decipher shipper-specific jargon or endless Excel table names.

Sieber said: “Finding reliable partners, aligning capacity and securing fair agreements is a long-standing industry challenge. That’s why we built Freight Marketplace to take freight procurement to the next level. At its core, our new solution is a one-stop shop for deal-making, empowering buyers and sellers alike to connect, negotiate and close new business. This is supported by advanced algorithms, full transparency and a focus on sustainability.”

Chris Keating (pictured, left), Group Head of Strategy at Trimble, has been announced as the incoming CEO of Transporeon as Sieber will be stepping down and leaving the business at the end of this year. Additionally, it was revealed that, following Trimble’s takeover of Transporeon, the Transporeon brand will be withdrawn towards the end of 2024, meaning the business will be henceforth known purely as Trimble.

Logistics Real Estate Cycles to be less Volatile

Posted on by David Priestman

Prologis, a global leader in logistics real estate, today released new research findings, “What’s next: Four forces shaping the logistics real estate cycle”.

Businesses moving goods across the globe are still digesting and trying to cope with the rapid changes in economies, supply chains and logistics real estate affected from the past three years. In
this report, Prologis Research updates our views on demand, supply and the long-term outlook for logistics real estate.

Prologis Research finds four forces shaping the logistics real estate cycle at a global scale:

• Future logistics real estate cycles will be less volatile because of the multiplier effect on demand (20%+ more logistics space needed for every unit of GDP vs. pre-pandemic) and structural discipline in supply.
• Service levels are fuelling demand again. Customer network expansion needs are rooted in offering the speed and choice demanded by the end consumer to compete for revenue.
• The future of supply chain is resilience to persistent disruption through higher inventory carry, diversification of sourcing and near-shoring. We are now past the pandemic bullwhip, but long-range planning is subject to economic headwinds.
• New building deliveries will contract by 35% or more in the U.S. and Europe in 2024, creating a window for positive demand to take market vacancies further below historic norms in late 2024 and 2025.

The research underscores Prologis Europe’s ability to support business growth and supply chain expansion by being where their customers need them to be — and leveraging access, healthy balance sheet and scale to support them at every step of their warehouse journey, be it built-to-suit developments, energy efficiency solutions or operational optimisations.

Read the full report here.

Logistics Real Estate Cycles to be less Volatile

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Prologis, a global leader in logistics real estate, today released new research findings, “What’s next: Four forces shaping the logistics real estate cycle”.

Businesses moving goods across the globe are still digesting and trying to cope with the rapid changes in economies, supply chains and logistics real estate affected from the past three years. In
this report, Prologis Research updates our views on demand, supply and the long-term outlook for logistics real estate.

Prologis Research finds four forces shaping the logistics real estate cycle at a global scale:

• Future logistics real estate cycles will be less volatile because of the multiplier effect on demand (20%+ more logistics space needed for every unit of GDP vs. pre-pandemic) and structural discipline in supply.
• Service levels are fuelling demand again. Customer network expansion needs are rooted in offering the speed and choice demanded by the end consumer to compete for revenue.
• The future of supply chain is resilience to persistent disruption through higher inventory carry, diversification of sourcing and near-shoring. We are now past the pandemic bullwhip, but long-range planning is subject to economic headwinds.
• New building deliveries will contract by 35% or more in the U.S. and Europe in 2024, creating a window for positive demand to take market vacancies further below historic norms in late 2024 and 2025.

The research underscores Prologis Europe’s ability to support business growth and supply chain expansion by being where their customers need them to be — and leveraging access, healthy balance sheet and scale to support them at every step of their warehouse journey, be it built-to-suit developments, energy efficiency solutions or operational optimisations.

Read the full report here.

Warehouse Portfolio in Southeast Europe

Posted on by David Priestman

As one of the leading transport and logistics providers in Southeast Europe, cargo-partner has traditionally placed a strategic focus on this region. In recent months, the company has upgraded its warehouse facilities in Croatia, Slovenia and Türkiye.

Expansion in Zagreb: from 12,900 to 17,500 m²

In late August 2023, cargo-partner expanded its warehouse in Zagreb by 4,600 m² due to rapidly growing customer demand in Croatia. The warehouse was opened in June 2022 and is located ten minutes from the international airport in Zagreb. The latest expansion brings the logistics center’s capacity from the previous 12,900 m² to a total of 17,500 m². The modern facility now includes 20,000 pallet slots as well as a 900 m² mezzanine where the local team provides e-fulfillment and value added services. In addition to short- and long-term storage, the Zagreb warehouse offers daily pallet and parcel distribution to EU- and non-EU countries, a customs bonded area and customs brokerage services. Following the expansion, the warehouse now contains 28 truck docks and three drive-in gates for oversized shipments.

“As we celebrate 40 remarkable years of cargo-partner, it is important to recognize the invaluable role Southeast Europe has played in shaping our company’s enduring success. This expansion is a testament to the extraordinary journey we’ve embarked on together with our customers and our expert teams throughout the region,” said Stefan Krauter, CEO & Founder of cargo-partner.

Zoran Starcevic, Managing Director of cargo-partner in Croatia, stated: “The added storage capacity in Zagreb will allow us to stock a wider range of products – from foodstuffs to pharmaceuticals and a variety of other goods – and respond promptly to market fluctuations and customer needs. Thus, the expansion not only strengthens our market position, but also reinforces our promise to deliver top-notch products and services to our customers.”

Otto Zsivkovits, Regional Director SEE, added: “Our expansion in Zagreb is part of our strategic plan to strengthen our footprint in Southeast Europe, as this region holds immense importance for cargo-partner. In this context, Zagreb serves as a gateway connecting Eastern and Western Europe. As we continue to expand our network, we benefit from growing synergies between our logistics centers in Croatia, Slovenia, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

Rooftop delivers clean energy in Ljubljana

Earlier in August, cargo-partner installed a photovoltaic system with 1,192 panels on the roof of its iLogistics Center Ljubljana. The system will produce an estimated 575 MWh of energy per year, covering 34 percent of cargo-partner’s energy consumption in Slovenia. In addition, the solar power plant will save 146 tons of CO₂ annually, which is equivalent to planting 6,698 trees. The iLogistics Center Ljubljana was opened in 2019 and expanded in 2022, bringing its total capacity from 25,000 m² up to 39,100 m².

New iLogistics Center in Istanbul

In July 2023, cargo-partner opened a new iLogistics Center with 20,000 m² of warehouse space in Istanbul. With 25,000 pallet slots and 17 loading docks, the facility provides ideal conditions for customs bonded warehousing, handling of oversized goods and high-tech products, fast trans-shipment and distribution as well as comprehensive e-fulfilment services, including a parcel pickup and return point. In addition to the warehouse facility, the building also contains modern office spaces, providing the new base of operations for cargo-partner’s head office in Türkiye.

Strong warehouse network in Southeast Europe

Aside from these recent expansions, cargo-partner has long had a solid warehouse network in Southeast Europe. In Bulgaria, the logistics provider’s iLogistics Center Sofia offers 22,000 pallet slots on 16,700 m². In Serbia, cargo-partner maintains a strategically located warehouse near the Belgrade airport with 8,000 m² of storage space. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, cargo-partner operates a 1,000 m² warehouse, to which the company has recently added a separate 300 m² area for temporary customs bonded storage.

Loneliest Lion gets Qatar Airways Journey

Posted on by David Priestman

After enduring five years of isolation in an abandoned Armenian zoo, Ruben, known as the world’s loneliest lion, embarked on a remarkable journey of rehabilitation in Free State, South Africa, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Animals Defenders International (ADI) and Qatar Airways Cargo.

Ruben, who was left behind when a private zoo closed down in Armenia, suffered in a tiny concrete cell with no contact with other lions. Ruben’s happy ending was at risk when ADI could not find a suitable flight for him out of Armenia.

Qatar Airways Cargo orchestrated a 5,200-mile journey for the 15-year-old lion, where he is now re-discovering his voice and confidence as he roams the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary. Despite physical challenges from years of captivity, Ruben’s resilience and determination shine through, offering hope for his remarkable recovery.

Elisabeth Oudkerk, SVP Cargo Sales & Network Planning at Qatar Airways Cargo said: “We are committed to preserving wildlife and endangered species, that is why we launched our WeQare Chapter 2 initiative: ‘Rewild the Planet’ back in 2020. We pledged to return wildlife and endangered species back to their natural habitat, free of charge and we will continue to do so.”

“When ADI approached us and explained the sad story of Ruben, we immediately knew we had to help them. There are a lot of logistics involved in moving animals like Ruben; from the logistics at the airports involved, the process for loading and unloading the animals from the aircraft, to ensuring the correct cages and wellbeing of the animals are in place. It takes a lot of effort from our team to organise such transport – but it is something we are all collectively very proud to be a part of, knowing we helped give back to our planet.”

Jan Creamer, President, Animals Defenders International added: “Ruben was really in trouble until Qatar Airways Cargo stepped up. ADI had been funding his care in Armenia since December and when we could find no flights for him we feared he could be stuck there.

“Then Qatar Airways Cargo ‘WeQare’ initiative stepped in, moving a larger aircraft with hold doors big enough for Ruben’s crate, into the scheduled passenger route out of Yerevan. We are so thankful to Qatar Airways Cargo for all their support in helping get Ruben to South Africa. Seeing Ruben walk on grass for the first time, hearing the voices of his own kind, with the African sun on his back, brought us all to tears.”

Qatar Airways Cargo’s WeQare sustainability programme consists of a series of focus chapters based on four core pillars: environment, society, economy, and culture and is a conscious endeavour to create a more positive impact on the industry and the world. Chapter 2 – Rewild the Planet encourages the preservation of ecological balance by offering free transport to organisations involved in returning wild animals to their natural habitat.

Warehouse and Transport Automation Banquet

Posted on by David Priestman

Global supply chain software provider EPG (Ehrhardt Partner Group) has announced another major client win for its fast-growing Australian division.

Long-established national food importer Mayers Fine Food is to implement EPG’s state-of-the-art LFS Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Transportation Management System (TMS) across its transport and distribution operations, enabling Mayers’ fabled efficiency and customer service to meet the challenges of a fast-changing food and beverage economy, both now and in the future. The double signing underlines EPG’s growing status as the provider of choice for supply chain software across entire company ecosystems.

Automation speed and accuracy

The pairing of the two products will lead to a step change in the speed and efficiency of Mayers’ operations. The WMS will automate and streamline processes at the company’s two DCs in Sydney and Melbourne, while the TMS will enable faster, more accurate and sustainable transport operations across the country, as well as the further bonus of improved communications with drivers, receiving docks and customers. Both systems will be backed up by EPG’s intuitive and easy-to-use analytical dashboard, which offers a broad operational overview as well as precise real-time reports and up-dates to Mayers staff.

Mayers Fine Food is Australia’s leading importer and distributor of food delicacies and specialty products from all around the world. They import over 2000 premium food and beverage products and distribute nationally to supermarkets, retailers, wholesalers, hotels, restaurants, delicatessens, manufacturers, shipping providers and airline caterers. Their product range includes cheese, butter, water and beverages, frozen lines, dry goods, seafood, chocolate, patisserie ingredients, coffee and pasta to name a few.

Single-source unique capability

In 2022, the company’s continuing success in a fast-changing economic landscape led it to address the growing complexity of its distribution and transport operations. After a competitive tender process, EPG’s LFS was selected ahead of WMS rivals because it is best able to demonstrate a broader range of key features capable of addressing critical operational requirements for Mayers. Batch and lot tracking, random weight capture and multiple order handling are just three of the many functionalities which support Mayers’ specific needs.

Meanwhile, EPG engineers and project specialists were able to demonstrate to the Mayers team the unique value of a single-source supply chain software suite. EPG’s TMS interweaves with LFS to allow a seamless product journey from storage to distribution to customer, with the benefits of continuous product and shipment tracking. Route optimisation enables transport managers to oversee the automated selection and allocation of transport routes to suit specific criteria, such as speed, number of stops, fuel miles and carbon emissions. Everything is overseen by EPG’s TIMESQUARE, a control tower dashboard providing access to real-time reports and updates that contribute to a full bird’s-eye view of the transport and distribution state of play.

“We were looking for an automation system that would equip us for the challenges and opportunities of today and the future in the food and beverage industry,” commented John Aerlic, Head of Operations for Mayers Fine Food. “EPG have given us a very satisfying double helping, with warehouse and transport systems that we expect to have a significant positive impact on our service to customers, efficiencies and, ultimately, our bottom line.”

EPG is delighted with the start it has made since opening its Australia office in 2022. “We are excited to be supporting Mayers Fine Food on the next stage in their growth,” said David Archer, Head of Sales, Australia/New Zealand. “We are confident that our solutions have the best answers for customers in Australasia, as they continue to do for our global client base in Europe, the Americas and Asia.”

System integration discussions have now begun, with a smooth implementation process expected by all parties. Further potential efficiency optimization between the partners includes LYDIA Voice picking solution.

World’s First Autonomous Sideloader

Posted on by David Priestman

Irish materials handling manufacturer Combilift has launched its first autonomous vehicle at the annual Fabtech trade show. Developed by Combilift’s dedicated automation team, the Combi-AGT is a 4-wheel electric stand-on model, which is the world’s first autonomous dual operational sideloader for long loads.

Celebrating 25 years in business, Combilift is acknowledged as being at the forefront of innovation in the global material handling sector with its wide range of customised products, and the Combi-AGT harnesses the very latest smart technology to meet customer demands for driverless sideloader capability. These were driven in part by safety to eliminate the presence of personnel in aisles, consistency in handling procedures and to maximise order fulfilment, while also having a backup manual mode in case of power outages or internet disruptions.

Combilift’s automation team has spent 3 years liaising with specialist steel suppliers to identify the best specifications for the Combi-AGT. The new model, with a lift capacity of 5,000kg/11,000lbs and various lift heights, addresses the requirements of steel service centres and the metal industries, which typically handle long loads. Combilift worked in tandem with IMR (Irish Manufacturing Research) during the development process to enable seamless integration with multiple client warehouse management systems.

Irish materials handling manufacturer Combilift has launched its first autonomous vehicle at the annual Fabtech trade show. Developed by Combilift’s dedicated automation team, the Combi-AGT is a 4-wheel electric stand-on model, which is the world’s first autonomous dual operational sideloader for long loads.

Its design is based on the electric manually operated Combi-GTE model which has long been a very popular choice for service centres due to its ability to work efficiently in rail guided narrow aisles. The first Combi-AGT unit was supplied to Kansas based Steel and Pipe Supply 18 months ago, and since then Combilift have collaborated with a number of leading metal service centres across North America during the development process.

The laser-based sensors, fitted at various positions on the chassis, constitute an anti-collision safety system, as required by the American National Standards Institute. If the machine senses an obstacle or pedestrian that has entered its path, it automatically slows down and will, if necessary, stop in cases of emergency, it will then continue to drive automatically when the obstacle has cleared its safety sensor area. The enhanced adaptive safety system enables the size of the obstacle detection fields to increase or decrease as per the steer angle and speed of the truck.

The natural feature navigation system is superior to traditional methods of truck navigation based on wire guidance or artificial landmarks such as reflectors. Instead, it uses the naturally occurring features in a warehouse – walls, racking and columns for example, avoiding the need to add to or change the warehouse infrastructure.

Its newly developed load dimension detection system (patent pending) operates by performing a laser scan of the load to check that its length matches the task sent to the machine. Similarly, when unloading, it checks that the rack in front has sufficient free space to accept the load.

Combilift CEO and Co-founder Martin McVicar said: “We have deliberately not rushed into incorporating autonomous products into our portfolio. As with any new launch we have carried out extensive field tests to make sure it is fit for purpose by liaising with a number of leading customers in the metal service industry during the product development stage. We are fortunate to have a very motivated group within our autonomous team of software and mechatronics engineers who are committed to scaling this business unit. The Combi-AGT signals a new milestone in product development with further expansion of our autonomous range in the pipeline.”

In 1998 Combilift originally made history with its world-first multidirectional C4000 3-wheel, all-wheel drive forklift. 25 years on the company is still challenging the market and the Combi-AGT is no exception.

Emons Group Celebrates its 80th Anniversary

Posted on by David Priestman

Emons Group BV, a third party logistics provider based in the Netherlands, will celebrate its 80th anniversary on September 15th, at the event location Inspyrium in Cuijk. The event, called ‘Futuring Emons’, will be attended by customers and partners; an opportunity to look ahead into the future of logistics in general and the Emons Group in particular.

The topics that will be discussed include the use of AI in the logistics sector, the financial aspects of logistics, sustainability, and the approach of continuous learning to enhance drivers’ professionalism, and will end with a networking drink and a walking dinner.

Keynote speakers will be, among others, Jan Peter Balkenende (former Dutch prime minister), Robert Doornbos (former Formula One racing driver for the Red Bull team), and Rob van den Biggelaar (ING Sector Banking).

“Over the past 80 years, we have grown from a small family-owned business to a leading international freight company. Now, we are proud to celebrate this milestone. With this event, we want to express our gratitude to our customers, partners and employees for their support and share with them our vision for the future of the company. Without losing sight of the past, because our roots are the foundation on which these 80 years of success have been built, we are more than ready to step into the future and cover new, alternative routes,” said Daan Emons, CEO.

Founded in 1943, the Emons Group, headquartered in Milsbeek with 600 employees, has grown into a leading international company with locations in the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. The company includes three branches: Van Huët, Emons Cargo | 2WIN, and Hofmans respectively specializing in glass, general cargo, and champost logistics and recycling.

Pets at Home Line Marking at New DC

Posted on by David Priestman

Pets at Home selected inotec UK for an important contract to complete the line marking, infill walkways and floor painted meeting areas of their new 670,000 sq.ft fulfilment centre in Staffordshire,  UK. This is a significant investment for Pets at Home, one of the UK’s leading pet care businesses. Located on a 70 acre site at Stafford North Business Park, this modern, purpose built fulfilment centre centralises distribution for the company by combining three warehouses into one superhub. For distribution purposes, it occupies an ideal geographic location close to Junction 14 of the M6.

The Stafford DC is highly automated. It has been designed to support future growth for Pets at Home and maximise the company’s omnichannel capabilities. More than 800 people will be employed at the site, sustaining local jobs in the area.

An innovative partner

Ben Ainsworth, Site Services Contract Manager for Pets at Home, was responsible for awarding inotec the line marking project. He explains, “I first saw inotec at a trade show about seven years’ ago and I thought it was an innovative company. I was impressed with the way they use an ultra violet clear topcoat which is cured on top of the line marking paint. This process makes a massive difference, enabling the finished surface to be very hardwearing to withstand even heavy traffic conditions.

“Initially I asked inotec to complete a line marking contract for us at the Pets at Home DC in Stoke on Trent. This was six years ago and it was quite an expensive outlay at the time, but it still looks good today and we’re not having to redo it every six months. They also helped me out at another facility where I’d used a local company to put down some line marking which hadn’t lasted five minutes. Julian Rushbrook from inotec gave me a quote and quickly sorted it out.”

Highly effective teamwork

Ainsworth continues, “For this much larger project at Stafford, we didn’t need to go to tender, I was confident to just go back to inotec. It’s a significant investment for us, but you can’t put a price on health and safety can you? It is essential that our busy colleagues can easily and safely navigate their way through the large fulfilment centre and the infill walkways make the pedestrian routes absolutely clear.

“As a company, inotec is very easy to work with and their employees are straightforward too – there’s no nonsense, Julian gave us a detailed quotation for the work with everything marked up so we knew exactly what we were getting. Also the team who come from inotec to carry out the internal line marking are working with you rather than against you, and for us that’s really important. The supervisor looking after the team, Stuart, was impressive too.

“The company offered paint in any colour we wanted so we used Pets at Home solid green for the infill walkways with yellow tram lines. The two designated meeting areas are also painted green with yellow borders. We even have a black and white pedestrian crossing inside the DC. There’s a large area on one side of the facility for parking all our material handling equipment – we have around 30 forklift trucks. This area has been line marked by inotec in a herringbone pattern using white paint with yellow tram lines for walkways. We’ve now been working with inotec for seven years and I know that I can rely on them to just get on and do a good job for us.”

Ultraviolet cured line marking from inotec – a highly visible and safe option

The ‘Rapidshield’ line marking paint system used by inotec UK results in a hard, highly durable surface with a projected lifespan of five years even in an environment with heavy traffic.
A clear topcoat is cured instantly onto the paint using a high powered ultraviolet light. This process reduces downtime as the paint surface dries within 1-2 hours and areas can be handed back within a working day for immediate use. The finished surface is easy to clean and remains brighter and more visible for longer than a traditional paint system.

Conveying Sustainable Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Ammeraal Beltech, a leader in conveying sustainable solutions, is proud to introduce the new AMMdurance rPET, a revolutionary conveyor belt produced from recycled PET bottles, that delivers a unique combination of cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious design, ensuring a positive impact on the planet and business.

Ammeraal Beltech’s AMMdurance rPET stands out from conventional conveyor belts. It is engineered to help logistics reduce operational costs, energy consumption, and carbon dioxide emissions, without sacrificing functionality and performance. This ground-breaking solution combines energy saving with recycling, all while optimising operational efficiency.

The company claim to have developed a special technique of dry fabric treatment that reduces the friction between the belt and the underlying machinery, resulting in a significant reduction of power consumption – by about 17%. This innovative method not only enables superior energy efficiency, making AMMdurance rPET the perfect eco-friendly choice for companies committed to sustainability and carbon footprint reduction, but it also protects the fabric against dirt and shrinkage, facilitating its longevity and wear resistance.

By utilising discarded plastic bottles and transforming them into high-quality fabric, AMMdurance rPET makes a substantial contribution to combating plastic waste. In fact, for every square meter of this new product, 14 PET bottles of 1.5 L each are recycled. Compared to standard synthetic belts, PET fabric initiatives reduce CO2 emissions by 1.2 kg and decrease greenhouse gases release by 70%.

“We support our partners in providing their customers with unique Ammeraal Beltech solutions that help limit resources and enhance the value of their business. The AMMdurance rPET is the most efficient conveyor belt on the market”, comments Michel Keetman, Head of CPM at Ammeraal Beltech. “It revolutionises logistics and airport operations, proving the opportunity for both – improving performances and operational sustainability. It’s a win-win solution for your business and the planet.”

Subscribe

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