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Tag: Joloda Hydraroll

Trailer Loading Automation Made Accessible

Posted on by David Priestman

Automated trailer loading systems (ATLS) are often considered the domain of large-scale manufacturing facilities and distribution centres operating shuttle runs between a factory and warehouse. However, new solutions offering more cost and capability options and zero trailer modifications mean a much wider range of businesses stand to benefit – such as those operating in Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) applications where 3PLs will often send any available trailer to transport goods. Tomi Korhonen, Managing Director, Actiw Oy – part of the Joloda Hydraroll Group, explains.

A report by STIQ recently confirmed a rule of thumb that automation needs to deliver return on investment (ROI) in three years or less for a business case to compete with manual flows. In the world of logistics, this is not unique to automated trailer loading systems (ATLS). However, ATLS are proving a good example of how access to automation is changing. Labour shortages, rising operational costs and high throughput demand are universal challenges regardless of size or sector – so while not every business is ready to invest in full automation, or has the business case to make it immediately viable, the majority are under pressure to do more, faster. A greater variety of solutions with different price points and capabilities is helping open up the benefits of automated pallet handling to a far wider range of companies – but they may not be aware.

Expanding the definition of ROI

The benefits of an automated trailer loading system are vast: reduced loading times lead to higher throughput and operational cost savings, in addition to improved safety, accuracy and consistency. However, many logistics operators are still early on in their automation journey. Labour shortages, safety concerns, and rising operational costs may be accelerating interest in automated solutions, but hesitancy remains due to cost, space constraints, and operational rigidity – all of which influence their viability for certain use cases. While the throughput of pallets is high, constrained warehouse footprints, semi-automated or manual upstream operations (such as delivering directly to a customer that uses a forklift truck to unload pallets), or a large distance between two facilities, can make full-scale automation – and the required modifications to existing infrastructure and trailer fleets – more difficult to justify.

It is also the case that ROI in automation isn’t the same for every use case and vertical. While throughput is a key factor, there are many other value drivers that need to be considered – particularly in specialised environments. In cold chain logistics, for example, reducing damage to trailers can be just as critical as speed. In sectors where contamination must be avoided, the quality control offered by automation becomes a central advantage. Safety is another major factor: dock areas are among the most hazardous in the warehouse, and reducing human intervention here can have a significant impact.

What’s needed is a middle ground: solutions that offer a range of costs and capabilities for more businesses to introduce automation into their pallet loading and unloading processes and receive a fast return on their investment.

Filling the market gap

There’s a clear gap in the market for compact, low-commitment automated trailer loading systems that can enable businesses to increase their daily loading capacity without requiring extensive modifications to existing site and fleet infrastructure. New developments are beginning to fill that gap.

Modular, bolt-on systems now exist that allow for a wide range of pallet types and complex load patterns (manual or automated), and integrate with all standard docks. These approaches reduce upfront cost while still improving efficiency, productivity, and safety. The new LoadMatic Lite from Actiw, a subsidiary of the Joloda Hydraroll Group, is capable of loading full, standard, non-modified trucks and trailers in just six minutes. Pallets are staged at the rear or side of the dock using forklifts, electric pallet stackers, or AGVs, queued, and then loaded in one shot with precision.

The price point typically comes in at one-third of the cost of traditional ATLS. Pilot simulations have demonstrated ROI in as little as 13 months – making automated trailer loading systems an increasingly accessible strategy, and allowing more businesses to transition to automation as they grow.

For many companies, trailer loading has remained unchanged for decades. But faced with workforce challenges, rising demand, and a general requirement to achieve more with less, automation is necessary for all businesses to help improve reliability, safety, and resilience. But, of course, only if it is financially viable. For most companies, this means an ROI in less than three years. A broader range of solutions and price points are now available so that growing businesses don’t need to dive straight into fully automated systems but can begin to reap the benefits and evolve their operations over time. In doing so, they build a more sustainable foundation for future automation and competitive advantage.

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Loads of ATLS Solutions

 

Automated Air Cargo Handling at Schiphol

Posted on by David Priestman

Joloda Hydraroll has installed an automated air cargo handling system for Schiphol Express at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to make trailer loading and unloading faster and more efficient. It is one of the first major installations under the new Joloda Air Cargo Equipment division, which launched in 2024.

Schiphol Express provides comprehensive logistics services, including cargo handling, temporary ULD storage, sorting, and transportation for freight forwarders, airlines, and logistics providers.
Operating from Schiphol and Eindhoven Airports, the company manages the entire logistics process, from loading and unloading goods in first-line warehouses to transportation and delivery across the Netherlands. To handle increasing volumes, Schiphol Express needed a more efficient and reliable solution that would speed up trailer cargo transfer between its trucks and warehouses.

The challenge: time-consuming manual processes

Schiphol Express’s existing equipment was outdated and needed replacing with a modern version featuring the latest automated technology. The manual unloading of air cargo, such as ULDs and PMC pallets, was time-consuming and labour-intensive, resulting in long trailer turnaround times and high staffing costs. The company sought a system to streamline operations, reduce manual handling risks, and enhance overall efficiency when transferring air cargo between trailers and warehouses.

The Solution

Joloda Hydraroll designed, manufactured, and installed a fully integrated system consisting of a 20-foot truck dock and two 10-foot powered rollerbed positions. The configuration enables Schiphol Express to prepare or unload a full truck load (four 10-foot positions) more efficiently.

• Truck Dock
The truck dock system features hydraulic height and sideways adjustment for precise truck-to-dock alignment. Its 20-foot height allows two 10-foot PMC pallets or one 20-foot pallet to be unloaded from the trailer simultaneously. Once the pallets reach the end of the truck dock, the operator hydraulically lowers the dock to align with the powered rollerbed system. The truck dock is also specified with a winch, enabling the towing of air cargo from trailers in cases where pallets become stuck, even if the trailer is fitted with pneumatic rollertrack, modular rollerbed systems, or powered cargo rollers. Since all air freight trailers are equipped with rollerbeds as a minimum standard, the winch serves as a backup to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, trailer detection is integrated into the truck dock. The system automatically detects when a trailer is correctly aligned and ready to receive freight, further improving efficiency and safety.

• Powered Rollerbed
The powered rollerbed system consists of two 10-foot rollerbed positions that functions in conjunction with the truck dock to ensure the entire system operates as one seamless unit. Once the dock is aligned with the powered rollerbed, their motorised rollers propel air cargo further into the warehouse, eliminating manual handling and accelerating the workflow. The system is also equipped with weighing scales, enabling air cargo to be weighed and labelled with a printed sticker before further processing. Automation plays a key role in making this a one-person operation. Photocell sensors automatically shut off the motors to prevent air cargo from being propelled beyond the length of the truck dock or powered rollerbed system, ensuring controlled and efficient cargo handling at all times.

Results: Unloading a full truck in minutes

The team at Schiphol Express has increased productivity and reduced operational costs since implementing the new air cargo handling system; automating the unloading process has reduced unloading times to just minutes per truckload. Operators have also noted a smoother workflow, and the ability to handle higher cargo volumes has improved service levels for clients. The robust construction ensures durability under high-demand conditions, while the modular design and seamless integration with existing logistics processes has further reinforced the effectiveness of the installation and the opportunity for future expansion as cargo volumes grow.

Christophe Darras, Manager Operators at Schiphol Express, commented: “The installation of the air cargo handling equipment has transformed our operations. The automated system has significantly reduced trailer loading and unloading times, improved workflow efficiency, and enhanced safety for our team. The equipment has integrated with our existing processes seamlessly, allowing us to handle higher cargo volumes with greater reliability. This investment will be instrumental in optimising our logistics capabilities and performance.”

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Transition to Automated Truck Loading

Posted on by David Priestman

Actiw, a subsidiary of the Joloda Hydraroll Group, a global leader in loading and unloading solutions, has announced the launch of LoadMatic Lite, a compact, low-commitment system designed to easily introduce automated loading into manufacturing facilities and distribution centres. The Loadmatic Lite enables businesses to increase their daily loading capacity with minimal modifications to existing site and fleet infrastructure.

Growing demand for higher throughput is placing pressure on businesses to increase daily load volume at manufacturing facilities and distribution centres beyond what’s achievable with manual forklift operations. Combined with labour shortages and rising operational costs, they need to find new ways to unlock faster and more efficient processes for loading outbound freight.

An automated loading solution can significantly improve loading efficiency. However, a range of capability and cost options is needed to open up the market to companies of all sizes and deliver optimal ROI, the definition of which can vary across industries and applications.

LoadMatic Lite fills a gap in the market to help growing businesses transition to automation. Capable of loading full, standard, non-modified trucks and trailers in just six minutes, the system increases throughput for a low upfront cost and integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure – delivering immediate productivity gains, safety improvements, and long-term cost savings with an average ROI within 1-2 years.

LoadMatic Lite provides a future-proof, adaptable system suitable for both greenfield and brownfield sites. It requires minimal dock modifications and integrates into existing dock environments. The system is compatible with standard, non-modified trucks and trailers, eliminating the need for specialised fleets, and supports a wide range of pallet types and complex load patterns. Pallets are staged at the rear or side of the dock using forklifts, electric pallet stackers, or AGVs, queued, and then loaded row-by-row with precision.

Key benefits of LoadMatic Lite:
• Maximised loading efficiency: Improving truck turnaround times by reducing loading cycles from hours to minutes.
• Reduced labour and operational costs: Lowering reliance on manual labour while minimising forklift usage, fuel costs, and maintenance expenses.
• Enhanced workplace safety: Reducing accidents, manual handling injuries, and overall risk exposure in loading bays.
• Scalable automation strategy: Implementing an easy-to-integrate automation solution that provides immediate efficiency gains while enabling future expansion.
• Sustainability and compliance: Supporting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals by cutting CO₂ emissions and ensuring compliance with industry safety standards.

Wouter Satijn, Chief Revenue Officer at Joloda Hydraroll, comments: “The Joloda Hydraroll Group is committed to helping all companies solve their specific loading and unloading challenges, and that’s why we developed LoadMatic Lite. The system offers businesses a versatile, lower-cost alternative to a fully automated loading system in their manufacturing facilities and distribution centres, which will reduce loading time and improve accuracy and consistency while they prepare for future automation. It’s a smart investment for growing companies to stay competitive.”

Joloda Hydraroll has been a provider of loading and unloading solutions for over 60 years, delivering more than 500,000 systems worldwide. With an extensive range of equipment, the Joloda Hydraroll Group can be relied upon by global suppliers for solutions from the aeroplane to the front door.

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Handle and Load Cargo with Care

Posted on by David Priestman

Loading and unloading trailers and containers is an important stage in the supply chain, requiring skill and the right equipment if it is to be completed quickly and correctly, writes Wouter Satijn (pictured), Chief Revenue Officer of Joloda Hydraroll. Many companies continue to rely on forklift trucks and manual processes for loading and unloading goods, but this can lead to high instances of product damage and result in delays and financial losses that add up to more than you might think.

Industry estimates suggest that, on average, 2% of unit loads arriving at a distribution centre have some level of case damage. In some instances, this figure can rise as high as 11%. As logistics operations become more complex and time-pressured, businesses must take proactive measures to ensure goods are handled with care, transported safely, and arrive at their destination in perfect condition.

Common loading mistakes that lead to product damage

There are several ways damage can occur when loading and unloading goods. For example:
• Forklifts that are not properly aligned with pallets when lifting them can puncture loads or push them off the racks.
• Some operators may double-stack pallets that aren’t designed to bear extra weight. This can crush the pallets underneath – and the products within – and cause them to become unstable during transportation.
• Old, rotten, or otherwise compromised pallets that have not been inspected before use may also collapse under weight or when moved.

How to reduce product damage when loading

A combination of the following best practices, employee training, and the right equipment can all but eliminate the risk of product damage during the loading process:
1. Improve loading practices
Pallets should be loaded uniformly, with weight evenly distributed to prevent crushing or instability. Pallets should be regularly inspected for weaknesses and not double-stacked. Liquids should always be placed below dry goods to minimise the risk of contamination in case of leaks, while dunnage can be used to fill up any empty spaces, provide cushioning and prevent goods from shifting.
2. Ensure pallets are secure
Using the right wrapping method can significantly reduce damage. Wrapping should be firmly secured at the pallet base, then spiral upwards to ensure stability. A 360-degree wrap is needed two to three times over to cover the stack and secure the stock.
3. Choose the right containers
It’s important to select the right sized container to match requirements and that doesn’t exceed weight or size limits at any stage of the shipping process. Climatic changes that could affect the cargo should also be considered to protect products such as perishables from spoiling or deteriorating.
4. Keep the facility clean and tidy. A clutter-free warehouse or loading dock is a non-negotiable so that forklift operators have a clear path to manoeuvre safely. Designated areas for storage or waste should be assigned and adhered to for an efficient and hazard-free environment.
5. Regularly inspect equipment and processes
Routinely checking for signs of equipment wear and tear can prevent accidents, while regularly reviewing loading procedures help ensure employees follow best practices and adhere to safety protocols. It’s important that time is taken to check the container/ trailer, too – for structural damage, but also residues that could go on to contaminate the next load of goods.
6. Prioritise employee training
The biggest risks come from workers who might not feel confident they know how to operate equipment or perform tasks correctly. An effective training programme is key to ensuring safety and minimising product damage. Employees should receive regular refresher courses to ensure they remain up to date on safety procedures and equipment use.
7. Invest in the right handling equipment
Finally, ensure all equipment is well-maintained and fit for purpose and consider automated loading solutions that minimise manual handling. These systems can make the loading process far more efficient and cost-effective, while greatly reducing the likelihood of human error and forklift mishaps.

Goods are at risk of all kinds of damage, depending on how they are stored, how they are loaded, and how they are secured during loading. By providing employees with frequent training, conducting regular inspections, and investing in the right equipment and automation for the job, businesses can ensure efficient loading and unloading processes that protect more than their cargo – they can protect their employees and their bottom lines, too.

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Shortage of Space, Lack of Labour

Posted on by David Priestman

Entering 2025, businesses have expressed optimism as they get ready to tackle new challenges – and some old ones – impacting their logistics operations, writes Wouter Satijn (pictured), Sales Director, Joloda Hydraroll.

Two constraints are particularly persistent: a shortage of labour and a lack of warehouse space. The good news is many solutions and strategies now exist to optimise processes and assets. But with more choice comes more complexity. The difficulty is knowing which direction is right to meet the future needs of the business and ensure long-term returns.

Automation is a proven route, but to maximise ROI, it needs to be introduced as part of a broader roadmap towards one seamless operation – and this is different for each business. To overcome systemic challenges like labour and space shortages, while increasing productivity to meet growth targets, companies need to build a detailed business case.

Shrinking workforce, rising wages

A shortage of workers to fill logistics roles has been a concern for several years, with an ageing workforce and fewer young people considering it a career path. The declining number of truck drivers globally is particularly alarming: without action, unfilled vacancies are projected to double by 2028. As a result, wages have climbed by up to 40% in recent years as companies compete for talent. This means businesses must recruit wisely and consider alternative ways to improve their logistics processes.
At the same time, it’s necessary to consider the operation end to end, taking into account areas of a factory, warehouse and distribution centre that may have previously been overlooked, such as the loading bay. More efficiently loading and unloading goods from trailers can lead to much faster, safer, and more reliable transportation between sites, which requires fewer people and less space. However, the right solution will not be one size and it won’t fit all.

Limited space, complex overhauls

The challenge of limited warehouse space is equally pressing. Brownfield sites are often complicated to overhaul with a fully automated operation due to space constraints, while companies leasing or renting warehouses face restrictions on how they modify their buildings. They are also looking for a solution that can be easily installed elsewhere. In the loading bay, without a clear path forward, businesses often focus on introducing new equipment such as Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) or Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) to accelerate otherwise manual processes. However, the scalability of this approach is limited. These vehicles can provide some quick wins, but it won’t be long before additional automation is required to keep up with growing demand. When adding automation in a piecemeal way, it can be more challenging to demonstrate the end vision and determine the return on investment.

Building the business case

Businesses need to work with partners who offer a full range of equipment and who will carefully assess their unique setups and challenges to ensure the right solution that integrates into their broader operation. This means businesses should expect to be able to calculate ROI and quantify full-scale benefits. Whether fully automated systems, or more simple but strategic solutions that can be added to over time, a clear roadmap will help ensure investments deliver lasting value.

In the case of the loading process, this means considering the following:
• The current loading process: how do you load? What do you load? Where is it going? And in which quantities?
• Design and manufacture of the resulting solution, ensuring longevity, reliability and performance. Is it built in-house and therefore customisable to your needs? Can the equipment be re-installed elsewhere?
• Complete management of installation, including testing, commissioning and training.
• Ongoing 24/7 maintenance and support.

Conclusion

By integrating automated systems, businesses can alleviate the strain of labour and space shortages, reduce operational costs in the long run, and improve overall productivity. The key is identifying the right solution and level of automation to match specific needs, entrenched within a solid business case and roadmap for sustainable growth.

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Pneumatic Rollerbed Loading with Advanced Control Box

Posted on by David Priestman

Joloda Hydraroll Ltd, material handling expert and global loading and unloading solutions specialist, has introduced an innovative new control box for its range of pneumatic rollerbed systems. The control box has been re-engineered to simplify use and maintenance of the pneumatic rollerbed systems, which are used by transport companies to handle air freight and palletised goods in and out of their vehicles. It promises to help further streamline loading and unloading processes, improve safety measures, lower servicing costs, and minimise vehicle downtime.

Most commonly, pneumatic rollerbed systems are installed in trailers so that freight can be easily rolled in and out without using forklifts. When the roller tracks are lowered, goods are placed directly onto the trailer floor. Up to four sections of roller track are added along the length of the trailer, which can be raised or lowered individually. This helps to ensure cargo is unloaded systematically and safely and prevents load shift if the trailer is on an incline. The control box is installed on the outside of the trailer and is used to raise or lower each section of roller track.

The control box from Joloda Hydraroll comes as standard with a unique AutoDown safety feature. An electronic signal from the vehicle’s brake lights activates an override valve, which releases the air from all sections of the rollerbed. This safety feature automatically lowers the rollers if they are still in the raised position when the vehicle sets off. Whereas the previous model relied on turn vowels (and had to be reset before using the system again), the new control box is only available with push/pull valve operation to improve safety: the push/pull valves are overridden by the AutoDown feature and therefore no longer require resetting.

A new user-friendly design clearly indicates which push/pull lever controls each section of rollertrack, meaning simple and safe use for operators unfamiliar with rollerbed systems. A new magnetic lid ensures the control box is always shut during transit, while a more compact inner design allows the entire internal assembly to be easily removed. This, along with external airline connections, speeds up mounting and demounting for maintenance and servicing of airpipes and valves. The control box’s external dimensions remain the same so components are interchangeable for replacements.

The new control box features on both the Pneumatic Rollertrack system (built directly into the chassis of a truck or trailer by the manufacturer) and the Modular Rollerbed System (retrofitted on top of any flat surface as a floor-on-floor rollerbed solution). Both allow companies to increase handling capacities more efficiently, effectively, and safely.

Arjan Nobel, Global Sales Manager at Joloda Hydraroll, said: “At Joloda Hydraroll, we pride ourselves on our engineering expertise and commitment to customer feedback. We develop and manufacture all aspects of our loading and unloading systems and we are constantly looking for ways to improve them. Our new control box design ensures Joloda Hydraroll’s pneumatic rollerbed solutions are now even easier for our customers to install, control, maintain, and service.”

Currently, there are more than 500,000 manual loading systems in operation worldwide. Customers can easily upgrade to the new control box design or continue to acquire spare parts for their existing models from Joloda Hydraroll.

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Navigating the Loading Bay’s Hidden Risks

Posted on by David Priestman

Transport and logistics is a highly regulated industry when it comes to health and safety, writes Wouter Satijn (pictured), Sales Director of Joloda Hydraroll. Companies take their legal duty to comply with these regulations very seriously. Still, in 2023, 55,000 UK workers suffered from work-related health issues, and 29,000 workers were injured.

To truly safeguard employees and the business, adherence to safety regulations is just the beginning. An extraordinary mix of external considerations is also influencing the warehouse environment. This means transport and logistics companies must constantly be on the lookout for new risks, and proactive ways to improve and implement better working practices.

With a high proportion of accidents happening in or around the loading bay, this is one of the most dangerous areas for businesses to address first.

Influencing factors

Employers need to foresee new ways to protect their staff from factors that could be undermining their safety procedures in high-risk areas such as the loading bay, including:

1. Loss of labour. It’s well known in the industry that factors such as an ageing population, socio-economic impacts, and a growing technology skills gap have contributed to a shortage of labour. Companies have fewer experienced employees who are knowledgeable about their operations, processes, and safety procedures to lead by example.

2. Changing priorities and expectations. What employees now look for in their work and workplace is perceived to be at odds with what employers can offer. And it seems that employers agree: 64% of chief supply chain officers felt that generational differences in employment preferences would have a long-term impact on labour availability. According to recent research, Gen Y and Z seek a greater emphasis on the self, more social awareness, clear career progression, and use of modern technologies, meaning they are less prepared to take on tasks they consider mundane or repetitive. Those who are not happy or engaged in their work are at higher risk of making a mistake or experiencing mental health problems.

3. Recruitment challenges. For the reasons mentioned, recruiting new employees to replace the logistics workforce has proven extremely difficult. One survey found that 64% of businesses across materials handling, distribution, or fulfilment had forgone business worth more than 25% of their revenue in 2022 because of staffing issues. Recruits who are unfamiliar with the processes and risks demand lots of training hours and add pressure on the remaining workforce to increase their productivity. Procedural errors are more likely, which can result in accidents or create new risks.

4. High levels of staff turnover. When new employees are recruited, warehousing and logistics businesses seem to experience higher than average levels of staff turnover. Despite the logistics sector employing more than 2.6 million people, over 90% have never considered a career in the logistics sector. As labour shortages intensify, staff may feel they have to cut corners or rush, increasing falls or incidents with vehicles.

5. Higher velocity fulfilment.The global logistics market has experienced tremendous growth in recent years and is projected to expand further at an annual growth rate of around 17.1% from 2023 to 2030. But a drop in staff numbers combined with higher velocity fulfilment and the resulting demand for larger warehousing and logistics facilities is creating an unsustainable situation. A cycle of staffing challenges risks compromising employee well-being and, as a result, operational performance.

Improving loading safety with automation

The loading bay lies at the heart of every logistics operation. It’s a hub of fast-paced activity between people and vehicles, which is what makes it one of the most dangerous areas of a warehouse or factory in the first place. Companies can have particular difficulties recruiting and retaining new employees here, further exacerbating safety challenges.

Joloda

As well as being dangerous, loading bays are hard places to work. Loading and unloading goods on and off the trailers is highly repetitive, which causes lapses in concentration. There are also the limitations on space to manage, as well as the constant noise and risk of moving forklifts. Add in the escalating operational demands and it’s easy to see how current circumstances can increase the chance of accidents.
Introducing automation to the loading area will significantly enhance safety and reliability throughout the loading and unloading process. An automated loading system moves goods quickly through the loading docks with no need for forklift trucks. Processes are more efficient, meaning deadlines are hit without the extra pressure on staff. Space can be better optimised throughout the facility, and a far calmer, low-stress environment is possible, even in the event of staffing challenges or peak demands.

The loading bay is a prime example of an area that could be optimised using automation to benefit the entire business operation. Automated loading systems alleviate recruitment strains and ensure a safer, more fulfilling, and enjoyable environment for the existing workforce. For information on all the factors that could be undermining your safety standards in the loading area right now, and to find out how automation could benefit your business, download this guide from Joloda Hydraroll.

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Joloda Named in Fast Growth Index

Posted on by David Priestman

Joloda Hydraroll, a company that specialises in trailer loading and unloading solutions, has been recognised as the 32nd fastest-growing business in the North of England. This is part of the Fast Growth 50 index for 2023, which identifies the fifty fastest-growing companies across six nations and regions, including the North of England. This achievement underlines Joloda Hydraroll’s significant impact on the North of England’s economy and its capacity for growth and innovation.

The Fast Growth 50 is an annual index that identifies the top 50 fastest-growing companies in six nations and regions, including the North of England. This year’s index for the North of England has highlighted businesses from multiple sectors that together generated a turnover of £1 billion, at an average growth rate of 199 per cent, with the creation of over 4,789 jobs last year.

Role in the North of England’s Business Scene

Being part of the Fast Growth 50, Joloda Hydraroll has shown strong performance and made a positive contribution to the North of England’s business community. Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, Founder Fast Growth 50, said: “The UK Fast Growth 50 Index demonstrates that a small number of fast growth firms, such as Joloda Hydraroll, make a substantial contribution to the UK’s economic landscape, providing real examples of how innovation, enterprise and sheer hard work can make a real difference in all sectors from construction to financial services to technology. Their incredible growth during difficult times shows that through generating wealth and jobs in their local communities, entrepreneurship is the cornerstone of regional and national prosperity. Most important of all, their success stories demonstrate the impact of ambition and adaptability, providing a blueprint for sustainable growth that will hopefully inspire others to follow a similar journey.”

This year’s Fast Growth 50 North of England list is in partnership with UBS, the world’s leading and truly global wealth manager.

Mark Goddard, Head of UK Regions at UBS Global Wealth Management, said: “Business owners and entrepreneurs are the engine of our economy, and UBS has a long history advising and connecting them on each stage of their wealth journey, helping them to unlock their potential. Led by entrepreneurial spirit and often solving some of the UK’s biggest issues, the level of talent and innovation uncovered through this year’s list shows that more needs to be done to support small businesses to strengthen local economies and give back to the local community. As the lead sponsor of this year’s Fast Growth 50, UBS is looking forward to following and supporting these businesses as they go from strength to strength.”

Wouter Satijn, Owner and Sales Director, Joloda Hydraroll, said: “It has been a challenging couple of years to navigate, but also an incredibly rewarding time for us at Joloda Hydraroll. We attribute our growth to a talented team who have consolidated our position as a global leader in loading and unloading solutions. We are quite unique in the industry in that we design and produce our products completely in-house, right here in the UK, instead of outsourcing certain elements of the process, which helped to minimise delays and disruptions to our supply chain. We have also launched several new products over the past few years that have contributed to hitting our growth targets, and opened new offices in Paris and Japan.”

Contribution to Growth and Job Creation

During 2020 to 2022, Joloda Hydraroll and its growing team of 250+ employees were instrumental in the Fast Growth 50’s collective turnover increase of £706 million. This highlights the company’s role in the North of England’s economic growth, particularly post-COVID-19.

Diverse Range of Businesses

The Fast Growth 50 features companies from various sectors, adding to the diversity of the North of England’s economy. Material handling equipment manufacturer, Joloda Hydraroll, is part of this varied business landscape. Looking forward, Joloda Hydraroll has several projects lined up for 2024, including new acquisitions to further strengthen its product portfolio for customers globally.

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