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Tag: IMHX

UK Material Handling Association Appoints New CEO

Posted on by David Priestman

The UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) announces Rob Fisher (pictured) as its Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1st, 2024.

Rob Fisher will succeed Tim Waples, Chief Executive UKMHA, whose retirement was announced earlier in the year, and Cameron Burnett, CEO Designate.

Under Waples’ stewardship, which dates back to 2020 when BITA and FLTA combined, UKMHA has flourished. “Tim has provided UKMHA with excellent leadership at what was a very challenging period with the combination of two major associations and not forgetting the unique circumstances that we all had to deal with during COVID,” states Simon Barkworth, UKMHA Joint President. “We wish Tim a well-earned and happy retirement.”

Burnett, who joined in 2022, has been instrumental in advancing UKMHA’s marketing and events strategy and departs with the association’s heartfelt well wishes.

Fisher steps into his new role with a mandate to drive member engagement, ensure seamless day-to-day operations, and collaborate with the board of directors to shape the association’s future trajectory.

With over 19 years leading IMHX, a pivotal event jointly owned by UKMHA and Informa Markets, Fisher brings a wealth of industry insight and expertise. His proven track record in business management ensures UKMHA’s continued dedication to serving its members and advancing sustainability, safety, and excellence in the material handling sector.

Joint UKMHA President, Andrew Woodward, expresses enthusiasm for the appointment, highlighting his strategic acumen and industry knowledge as invaluable assets. “We are thrilled to welcome Rob to the UKMHA family,” says Woodward. “His leadership will be crucial as we champion our dynamic industry and empower our members to thrive in an evolving landscape.”

“I am honoured and excited by this unique opportunity,” says Fisher. “I look forward to engaging with UKMHA members along with our Safe User Group at the earliest opportunity. With an exceptional team by my side, I am confident in our ability to drive positive change and continue to elevate the profile of our industry.”

Woodward continues “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Tim for ensuring a seamless transition during the merger of FLTA and BITA. His efforts, alongside Cameron’s, have been instrumental in the smooth operation of our association over the past 18 months.”

The Archies awards for honouring excellence in material handling, which will be held on September 14th, will be Fisher’s first UKMHA event. “The Archies is a prestigious event that recognises excellence and outstanding achievements. I’m looking forward to welcoming our finalists, sponsors, and guests to what will be a true celebration of those operating at the highest echelons in our industry,” finishes Fisher.

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UKMHA seeks jurors for Archies 2022

 

Vertical Lifts, Ahead of the Curve

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Traditionally a step ahead of the game with its vertical lift products, today, Kardex is a leader in warehouse automation. Peter MacLeod asked Kardex New Business Director for UK & Ireland Aaron Thornton to bring us up to date.

Aaron Thornton was persuaded to join Kardex after spending 20 years at a competitor. “When I was previously selling vertical lifts, it used to annoy me when customers would say they needed a ‘Kardex’. I’ve always had respect for the organisation, and a big part of the attraction of joining Kardex [two years ago] was their future commitment to automation. It is an organisation with a very stable background, excellent branding in the market and is correctly perceived to be the market leader. The company has a reputation for quality and stability.”

As Kardex continues its drive into the wider automation field, it has widened its focus from its previously core products – vertical lifts and carousels – and more on its newer technologies such as the Vertical Buffer Module. This, in conjunction with its picking software system (PPS), is driving the company to new heights and new segments.

“We’re a force to be reckoned with,” says Thornton. “We’re now able to attract a customer base that Kardex may not have communicated with previously, for example 3PLs and ecommerce businesses. We’re now looking at integration with conveyors, AMR solutions and robotics. Last year we also took on the AutoStore products to further widen our portfolio.”

My first touchpoint with Kardex would have been at an IMHX trade show in the early noughties. At the time its stand was dominated by a vertical lift that reached high into the rafters. “Back then, we were very product-led,” Thornton explains. “We don’t often take machines
to shows now. Yes, we have a leading product portfolio and that will continue to serve for many decades to come, but if you simply take a carousel or a vertical lift [to a show], that’s what you end up getting enquiries for. Kardex are now so much more than that.”

A solutions provider, Thornton says Kardex’s approach to Industry 4.0 is led by its software. “It takes our product range and lifts it to a different dimension. We also lead with pick technology and have a fantastic service offering called remote support. This enables us to dive
into the machines remotely in order to carry out assessments, for example servicing or cycles. We can see how the machines are performing live and plan preventative maintenance. That offers us a different dimension of sales support, which is a very exciting place to be.”

Kardex is particularly strong in an area Thornton calls ‘first-step automation’. “This is how we work with predominantly SMEs and larger businesses in order to lead them into their first foray into automation. “We are adapting as an organisation. We have robotics, conveyors, AMRs… That’s where the growth of the organisation lies, because that’s what customers demand. Automation was always something to
do with the big boys, but we can offer a level of automation at a relatively low cost, and that’s what makes us different.”

Vertical Lifts

Two major themes are emerging in 2023: labour shortage and high energy costs. Thornton believes Kardex is well equipped to address both of them. On the former, he says: “With a couple of machines and very good software we can manage pick patterns and throughputs that would previously require four or five people. We have discussions every week with our customers about the labour shortage, and we can help them overcome that.”

On the latter, he says: “We are always looking at the technology within our products to increase our green credentials. We have LEDs within
the machines to see what we can do to help lower customers’ energy bills. Companies that use a lot of automation look at their suppliers to
see how they can help them with that – we’re seeing kilowatt usage on motors becoming quite common in tenders.”

With a nod to Kardex’s heritage, this is a different company to the one I first encountered 20 or so years ago, and has its targets firmly set on the automated future of logistics.

Ready for the go-to event for logistics professionals?

Posted on by David Priestman

Over three days in September, hundreds of the world’s most innovative and influential manufacturers and suppliers of logistics solutions and intralogistics technology will showcase the developments that are reshaping post-pandemic global supply chains when IMHX 2022 opens for business at the NEC, Birmingham.

The UK’s premier event for the logistics industry takes place on the 6th, 7th and 8th of September and is the go-to event for professionals who manage, operate and optimise logistics and supply chain operations for companies of every size.

IMHX 2022 event director, Rob Fisher, commented: “We can’t wait to welcome visitors and exhibitors back to the NEC. IMHX 2022 will be the essential gathering place for UK logistics professionals to reconnect, stay ahead of supply chain trends and see the latest storage and handling solutions.

“Supply chain issues are at the top of every company’s agenda and IMHX will host many of the companies that are leading the way in the development of ultra energy-efficient, sustainable and, in many cases, highly automated handling systems. Visitors will be able to see and evaluate all the equipment they need to store and handle goods safely and both cost- and space-efficiently.”

In addition, logistics professionals attending the event will also have access to three days of free-to-attend seminars and conference sessions offering practical knowledge and strategic insights. Supported by Cranfield University, the IMHX conference programme will feature some of the most influential, innovative and pioneering minds working in the supply chain sector among the speakers.

Fisher said: “Both the conference and exhibition at IMHX will provide the ultimate opportunity for logistics professionals to prepare and protect their operations from the supply chain challenges that continue to emerge.”

For those planning to travel to the NEC by car, there is free car parking on site throughout the three-day-event thanks to the generosity of the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) which has agreed to sponsor parking charges at the exhibition venue. CLICK HERE to download your car park pass.

IMHX 2022 will take place from 6 – 8 September at the NEC, Birmingham and admission is free of charge. To register for your free exhibition entry pass please visit imhx.net.

Fives unveils latest innovations at IMHX

Posted on by David Priestman

Fives, one of the world’s most preferred partners for transforming supply chain facilities, is participating at IMHX, the logistics solutions show, from September 6-8, to unveil its latest innovations in material handling and automation. Fives will be exhibiting at Booth 5B27.

Fives, through its Smart Automation Solutions Division, says it is an industry leading provider and integrator of cutting-edge, smart, scalable, and sustainable solutions for advanced automation, handling, and sorting, worldwide.

Its thorough understanding of its customers’ logistics processes and objectives, combined with leading proprietary technologies, enables Fives to support industrial companies throughout the entire life cycle of their facilities, from design to operations and to provide them with tailor-made and high-performance turnkey solutions.

Fives’ Smart Automation Solutions serves a wide range of business sectors, from retail and distribution to e-commerce, food & beverage, and other manufacturing industries, 3PLs, parcel and postal.

For over 60 years, Fives has been developing innovative products and technologies, some of which have become market standards.

To answer the needs and logistics challenges of IMHX’s visitors, it will showcase its latest comprehensive ecosystem of smart and automated solutions:

Sortation (pictured): A leader in the sorting industry and inventor of the cross-belt sorter, Fives’ range of high-capacity and efficient sorting solutions will meet all your intralogistics challenges.

Singulation: Its industry-leading singulation technologies transform massive bulk flows of parcels, packages, envelopes into a single sortable, with the highest singulation accuracy in the industry.

AMR: Designed to handle all types of items, AMR-based innovative robots offer the highest level of flexibility available on the market today.

ASRS: As stock handling is a key factor in maximising any plant’s performance, our ASRS offer unmatched speed and flexibility for efficient order picking operations.

As a global industrial engineering Group, Fives says it continuously innovates to improve customers’ competitiveness, operators’ working conditions and environmental footprint.

 

A virtual logistics world at IMHX Sustainability Zone

Posted on by Keith McKinley

It’s just two weeks to go until the UK’s largest logistics event, IMHX 2022, opens its doors at the NEC, Birmingham.

New for this year’s event will be the Sustainability Zone, delivered by the SEC Group, which will feature the latest innovations across three core zones of Technology, Innovation & Infrastructure, and People. Each area will provide practical insight into the tools available to build and maintain a sustainable, profitable and agile business model.

The Sustainability Zone covers a broad range of topics, from Extended Reality, Autonomous Mobile Robots and Wearable Technology to Sustainable Construction and the Workforce of the Future, providing an overview of the innovation and educational opportunities that are increasingly available to the logistics sector.  Bringing a host of technology innovation to life, visitors to the stand can be hands-on with Augmented and Virtual Reality experiences, as well as educational insights.

Visitors can also take a fully immersive 3D Virtual Reality warehouse tour, look around Cranfield’s interactive theatre, and delve into a world of Augmented Reality by simply scanning the QR codes  on each topic around the stand.

IMHX event director, Rob Fisher, commented: “The Sustainability Zone is set to inspire the next generation of logistics professionals and entice them into a world of evolving digital innovation with exciting opportunities to bring their exceptional talent to the Warehouse & Workforce of the Future. We look forward to welcoming you to the stand.”

 

 

Free car parking at IMHX 2022

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Visitors to the fast-approaching International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX 2022) who travel to the show by car will enjoy free parking at the NEC, Birmingham, throughout the three-day-event thanks to the generosity of the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) which has agreed to sponsor parking charges at the exhibition venue.

Rob Fisher, IMHX 2022 Event Director, said: “We are delighted that the UKMHA is sponsoring the cost of parking at the NEC. From previous visitor feedback we know that free parking will prove extremely popular with those who choose to drive to the event.”

Tim Waples, Chief Executive, UKMHA, said: “The UKMHA recognises that in the current climate when everyone is focused on keeping expenditure down, travel costs for attending exhibitions can be a significant outlay.

“IMHX plays a critical role in boosting the UK material handling sector with business worth millions of pounds regularly transacted at the show. Given this, it is vital that every effort is made to maximise attendance at the event. This is why UKMHA has agreed to sponsor parking charges for the duration of the show.”

Visitors can claim their free parking pass at https://www.imhx.net/en/travel/visitor-parking.html

The UKMHA was established following the merger of respected trade associations BITA and the FLTA and is co-owner of the IMHX exhibition alongside publishing group, Informa.

As the UK’s premier supply chain and intralogistics technology event, IMHX showcases the latest storage and materials handling solutions from some of the world’s most innovative and influential manufacturers and suppliers. IMHX 2022 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham on the 6th, 7th and 8th of September. Register now for your free pass at www.imhx.net.

Robotics innovator Exotec at IMHX

Posted on by David Priestman

Exotec, a provider of warehouse robotics and French technology unicorn, is set to attend IMHX 2022 in Birmingham on 6-8 September (Stand 5F100), to demonstrate its pioneering Skypod and Skypicker products.

Exotec’s flagship product, Skypod, is an order-picking automation system which combines innovative software with robotics technology which can climb racks up to 12m in height and retrieve products autonomously, before delivering totes to human-staffed or automatic picking stations. Racks are fully scalable, therefore enabling increased storage capacity and flexibility to adapt to the architecture of a warehouse.

Skypod maximises the storage density per square metre of floor space, without compromising speed of retrieval or flexibility, making it indispensable for organisations who want to maximise warehousing space. The system can continually operate without impacting performance, and robots can also be added at any point to increase capacity during peak periods and during operational scaling. All of this is controlled by Exotec’s proprietary Astar software that manages the task planning, tracking, and recording of bin positions and Skypod robots in real time.

Skypicker is an articulated arm that works in tandem with Skypod. It can move solid objects weighing up to 2kg and each station can pick up to 600 items per hour. It allows for the simultaneous preparation of four orders and the transfer of these items to the next station for order completion by human staff. Skypicker is controlled by Exotec’s proprietary Astar software, which synchronises the arm with other robots in the warehouse.

There will be a live demonstration of the Skypod system and a video demonstration of both the Skypod and Skypicker products at IMHX.

Romain Moulin, co-founder at Exotec, said: “Attending IMHX will be an excellent opportunity for people to see our systems up close, and learn more about our ambitious plans for the UK and beyond.

“The last few years have been a tremendous success for Exotec which has seen us expand beyond the French market and significantly build our international presence. Our ground-breaking Skypod and Skypicker products allow organisations to support staff members working in their warehouse while sustaining activity growth, focusing on innovation, increasing productivity and reducing workplace strains.”

Moulin concluded: “We see enormous potential for robotics to transform warehouse order picking processes by increasing efficiency and making life easier for human staff. We believe we have a suite of products that sets us apart from other providers in the industry. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to our stand in Birmingham in September.”

CLICK HERE to watch a video of Skypod and Skypicker in action.

World of possibilities in advanced automation at IMHX

Posted on by David Priestman

Invar Group, a leading independent software developer and integrator of advanced warehouse automation, will be showcasing its intelligent WMS software, world-class robotic order picking solutions, and the latest technology in warehouse automation at the UK’s IMHX 2022 show – 6th to 8th September 2022, NEC Birmingham (Stand: 5AM26).

Visitors looking to transform operational performance in the warehouse will be able to explore the full range of technologies and options available to them – without fear of being limited to choices from a single manufacturer. As an independent integrator of warehouse technologies Invar Group is able to offer an unbiased approach to finding the optimum solution. And as Invar has the in-house expertise to provide clients with the software, integration and controls elements of a project, the business can efficiently bring together best-of-breed technologies in a seamless solution.

Craig Whitehouse, Managing Director of Invar Group, says: “We are witnessing a technological revolution in the warehouse – AI and robotics is transforming operational performance, particularly around dense storage, order assembly and packing. High CapEx automation, where conveyors and shuttles are bolted to the floor is no longer seen as flexible enough for the fast-changing world of ecommerce and logistics. Agile systems such as AMRs combined with intelligent software and pick-to-light technology can boost order picking performance from under 100 units per hour using traditional methods, to up to 600 picks per hour. As independent integrators we are free to specify and supply the most appropriate and cost-effective technology for the task – and attending IMHX 2022 presents us with a fantastic opportunity to engage with businesses, to explore what’s possible.”

Invar Group, headquartered in Cranfield UK, is focused on delivering complete turnkey warehouse automation solutions using advanced technologies such as industrial robotics, AMR goods-to-person solutions, pick-to-light technology, sortation systems, as well as conventional warehouse automation. The Group comprises: Invar Systems, a developer of warehouse control and management systems; Invar Integration, a front runner in solutions design, hardware integration and project management; and Invar Controls, specialists in the design, implementation and maintenance of PLC software and hardware.

The company has recently launched a new website (www.invargroup.com) to help guide businesses through the complexities associated with warehouse upgrades and digitalization projects, highlighting potential areas where advanced technologies can transform operational performance within the fulfillment or distribution centre. The new format brings together valuable independent insights and technical information on the latest innovative technologies available to the market. Invar Group has supplied systems to many of the world’s leading brands, such as: SuperDry, Games Workshop, Bentley, Coca Cola, and Nike. Discover what’s possible by visiting Invar Group on Stand 5AM26.

Ultra-reliable ecommerce sorter technology at IMHX

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Ferag, a global leader in advanced conveying and sortation solutions, will be showcasing its advanced Swiss engineered overhead pouch and sorter systems at the UK’s IMHX 2022 show – 6th to 8th September 2022, NEC Birmingham (Stand: 5D15).

Visitors to the stand will have the opportunity to discover the many innovative features of Ferag’s latest high-speed sortation systems, Skyfall and Denisort, along with the full range of energy-efficient conveyors and sorters in Ferag’s extensive product portfolio.

The speed and reliability of Skyfall, Ferag’s ultra-fast automated pouch sorter solution, enables retailers to gain greater operational efficiencies by accumulating orders in advance of a final pick-wave at 10pm. With processing speeds of up to 25,000 units per hour orders can be picked, sorted, packed and dispatched within the shortest time window, giving fashion brands the keen competitive edge of a late cut-off with an early next day delivery.

The same high-speed Skyfall pouch sorter system used for fulfilling ecommerce orders can also be deployed to create store friendly sequenced consignments for high-street shops – pulling from the same, pooled inventory used for ecommerce customers. Sequencing product to each store’s individual layout speeds shelf replenishment, freeing shop assistants to spend more time with customers. Developed for some of the most testing of handling applications in the international print industry, Ferag’s high-speed overhead conveyors are designed to be ultra-reliable, offering unfailing performance on daily newspaper production runs in the millions. The same technology has been successfully applied by Ferag within the intralogistics sector, bringing reliable, high-performance conveying to retail, ecommerce, automotive and general merchandise businesses.

Also featured on the stand will be Ferag’s innovative tilt-tray sorter. The Denisort combines conveying, order picking and sorting in one seamless and scalable system, with universal applications across a wide range of intra-logistics processes. The highly versatile design uses low-friction rollers within a steel profile, offering quiet and reliable, energy-efficient operation across single or multi-level applications.

Principle products in Ferag’s extensive range of innovative sorters and conveyors include: Skyfall, an overhead pouch system that combines conveying, buffering, sorting and consolidating, suited to a wide variety of goods weighing up to 20kg. The solution makes efficient use of available overhead space; Denisort, a tilt-tray sorter that provides order picking, conveying and sorting in one seamless and scalable solution; Denisort Compact, a modular vertical sorter designed for items weighing up to 12Kg; Deniway, a plate chain conveyor with low-friction rollers for long conveying distances, offering smooth transfers with the minimum number of drive units; and Easychain, a largely maintenance-free continuous and seamless conveying system with an ultra-narrow curve radii, making it well suited to complex, 3D layouts.

Also on the stand at IMHX will be a working scale-model of Skyfall, built by Ferag apprentices as an expression of the skills acquired by young people under Ferag’s long-standing apprenticeship programme, established in 1968. Each year 10-15 apprentices are enrolled on four-year in-house courses, ensuring the next generation of qualified professionals.

A number of leading fashion brands are taking advantage of pouch sorter technology to increase capacity and boost performance of their fulfilment operations. Ferag has recently installed a flexible high-speed Skyfall system at a new distribution centre for children’s fashion company, Mayoral Group, in Malaga, Spain. The extensive overhead pouch solution is one of the largest to date, with a mix of hanging pouches and garment hangers totalling more than 58,000 Skyfall hangers, and a throughput of up to 12,000 units per hour. The system features fully automatic unloading of pouches, including flat goods.

Ferag has installed intelligent conveyor and sortation systems for some of the world’s largest brands, such as: DHL, Auchan, Nestle, Zeiss, Cewe, Zalando, Mayoral, Viapost, Peerless Clothing International, Dumoulin, AstraZeneca, Stage, VW, Shoebox, along with many more.

OPEX to exhibit automation solutions at IMHX

Posted on by Keith McKinley

OPEX Corporation, a global leader in automation for almost 50 years, is introducing leading-edge warehouse automation technology to attendees of IMHX on 5-9 September at the NEC Birmingham.

This will be OPEX’s first time exhibiting at IMHX and the first time the company’s Sure Sort robotic sorting system will be on display at a trade show in the UK.

“Sure Sort  is a scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional put-wall sorting,” said Nicolas Dewit, Director of Business Development for Europe, Middle East, and Asia (EMEA), OPEX Warehouse Automation. “It is an ideal e-Commerce solution for micro-fulfilment centres, retail stores, and distribution centres that demand a small footprint, high accuracy, speed, and high productivity in a system that does not increase labour.”

Sure Sort robotic delivery vehicles, iBOTs, quickly and accurately process up to 2,400 items each hour with as little as three operators, and have the ability to recharge as they travel through the system. Sure Sort will be on display at IMHX 2022 Stand 5D115 where attendees can interact with OPEX operators to better understand how the system can benefit their business.

Used by leading retailers, 3PLs, and distributors for order handling, cross-docking, and parcel sorting, Sure Sort will be installed in several leading UK companies, including Boux Avenue, a part of the Theo Paphitis Retail Group, and third-party logistics company Torque.

OPEX offers a suite of modular, flexible systems that can be customised and easily adapted to meet evolving business needs, including Perfect Pick, an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) that dramatically improves speed, efficiency, and reliability.

IMHX 2022 attendees can experience Perfect Pick HD through a virtual reality tour of a warehouse in which they will pick items using an Oculus headset and guided by OPEX experts.

Ideal for e-Commerce fulfilment and micro-fulfilment, Perfect Pick reduces reliance on labour to pick and ship orders in a system that stores inventory securely in self-contained units. High-density racking increases throughput, reliability, and effectiveness while optimising a warehouse’s space with a fleet of iBOTs that access every storage location in the warehouse aisle horizontally and vertically and deliver inventory directly to a workstation, eliminating the need for complicated conveyor systems or transfer equipment.

With generations of industry expertise and a proven track record developing first-class automation capabilities and advanced engineering, OPEX says it continuously reimagines automation technology to help clients solve their most significant business challenges. For nearly five decades, OPEX has served as a trusted partner, collaborating closely with clients to develop customised, scalable solutions.

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