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Tag: logistics

Hyster to discuss ‘Total Port Electrification’ at TOC

Posted on by David Priestman

Hydrogen and lithium-ion power may move ports closer to total electrification, says Hyster Europe, as it prepares to update on its zero-emission Container Handler and ReachStacker projects at the TOC Global Showcase virtual event.

“For several years, Hyster has been working on unique zero-emissions container handling equipment for ports that incorporate lithium-ion battery and fuel cell technology,” says Willem Nieuwland, Big Truck Program Manager for Hyster. “However, we are now ‘extending the family’ and bringing these benefits to more equipment types to support total green operations from ship to store.”

Hyster recently revealed it was entering a partnership with Capacity Trucks to jointly develop electric, hydrogen, and automation-ready terminal tractors. This addresses growing demand for environmentally sustainable terminal tractor solutions in port, terminal, and distribution centre markets, with initial prototypes expected to be available in 2021 for testing in port applications.

The collaboration brings together Capacity’s robust terminal truck platform with unique Hyster lift truck electric powertrain technology for proven reliability and hydrogen fuel cells.  The Hyster solution in development has lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cell power integral to the design, rather than as a retro-fit option. It is expected that the final solution will be produced on a large scale, at an affordable price to help ports to reach their environmental goals.

“Importantly, the opportunities for hydrogen fuel cells are a key factor in this development, as this is a particularly interesting area for ports and something we’ve been progressing since 2017,” says Willem. “Hydrogen has the potential to provide the renewable energy model that is most attractive to environmentally driven businesses, without some of the complexities of electric vehicles – such as grid power availability for charging.

“What’s more, this is an area where funding and grants are available, making it feasible for ports wishing to explore zero-emissions equipment options,” he continues.

Hyster continues to develop Container Handlers and ReachStackers powered by lithium-ion batteries, either alone or combined with a fuel-cell range extender, as part of a number of funded projects for end users in the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Valencia.

However, in the past year, Hyster has also launched a number of product innovations that are available now to support zero-emissions handling with high productivity portside.

The new Hyster J7.0–9.0XNL electric forklift series with fully integrated lithium-ion batteries, carries up to nine tonnes, and gives port operations the benefits of comparable diesel engine performance, and rapid opportunity charging. These new trucks are designed with the endurance to support multi-shift, demanding operations, giving a credible alternative to an IC truck, thanks to the unique combination of a lithium-ion battery, a high-voltage drive system, and the use of multi-phase permanent magnetic motors.

Meanwhile portside stores may benefit from the Hyster PC1.5 ultra-compact lithium-ion pallet truck, which can deliver greater efficiency than a hand pallet truck, but without complex maintenance requirements. It is designed to be tough and reliable enough to stand-up to daily operational challenges, but with a low cost of ownership. When the lithium-ion battery needs replacing, operators get a re-charge alert and, in just six seconds, can exchange it, keeping the operation running with minimal interruption.

On Thursday 17th June 2021, from 10.00 – 11.00, Willem Nieuwland will discuss more around the total electrification of ports and the latest updates around zero-emissions Hyster Big Truck developments as part of the ‘Spotlight on the Green Transition’ session at the online TOC Global Showcase. Register to attend at www.toc-global-showcase.com.

UK Paper Hub secures SCA as a major new customer

Posted on by Keith McKinley

SCA, Europe’s largest private forest owner and producer of wood products, packaging paper, pulp and renewable energy, will return on a long-term deal to market leading UK Paper Hub located at London’s major port, the Port of Tilbury. The 50-acre facility on the Thames will become SCA’s primary UK logistics hub for the import of packaging materials to supply its UK customers.

Sweden-based SCA is a major European logistics supplier – calling at terminals including Umea, Sundsvall, Helsingborg, Oxelösund, Malmo, Iggesund and Kiel – and will see substantial volumes of packaging paper and other third-party cargoes regularly transported by its own Ro-Ro vessels from Sweden to the UK Paper Hubs’ dedicated berths.

SCA’s packaging materials will be used by customers in the UK for ecommerce, industrial and food packaging as well as many other retail packaging solutions – all contributing to the UK’s growing demand for renewable packaging materials.

Helping to keep global and domestic markets moving, UK Paper Hub will also assist SCA’s circular supply chain with the export of RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel), supporting circular economy and energy from waste solutions across Sweden.

Commenting on the new contract for Tilbury, Paul Dale, Asset and Site Director, said: “This is exciting news for the UK Paper Hub as we secure another market leader in the paper, packaging and forest products market. We warmly welcome SCA back to Tilbury and look forward to working collaboratively to ensure a world class, flexible, end to end service for their UK customers.

“As the paper and forest product port for the future, we are focussing on making a real contribution to the environment and net zero targets by reducing all forms of waste within the paper and forest products supply chain. Through our location and connections, we offer unrivalled opportunities at our all-in-one facility.”

Steve Harley, Managing Director for SCA UK Logistics, added: “2022 will mark our return to the Port of Tilbury. The move renews a long-standing relationship between SCA and Forth Ports which spans half a century. Ensuring that the logistics chain is as efficient as possible is our utmost concern and our Tilbury operation will align our shipping, warehousing and distribution activities with our customers’ geographical spread and service requirements. We look forward to a productive cooperation with the Forth Ports team.”

UK Paper Hub is the collective brand covering Tilbury’s handling, storage and distribution services for paper and related forest products (including graphical papers and newsprint, packaging paper and board, tissue and hygiene products, and pulp). The brand brings together the expertise and facilities of the paper handling terminals, previously known as Enterprise Distribution Centre (EDC) and London Paper Terminal (LPT), which the port owns and operates.

The UK Paper Hub can handle paper and forest products in any form, any quantity using any method of shipping or distribution, both short sea and deep sea. The Hub has access to a nationwide haulage network and connects the UK’s domestic industries with markets across the globe. Tilbury’s newest port, Tilbury2, opened in May 2020 and along with London Container Terminal, offers the Hub further connections and capacity for customers.

 

 

 

Swain plans distribution facility at London Gateway

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DP World has signed an agreement with the leading road transport operator Swain Group for a 2.25-acre distribution facility at its London Gateway freight and logistics hub.

Under the three-year agreement, Swain Group will use the quayside site for the temporary storage of imported construction materials such as stone and ‘next-generation’ offsite manufacturing to construct buildings faster, safer and to a higher quality before their onward distribution to the end customer by lorry. The location, 200 yards from London Gateway’s berth 7, will deliver significant cost and time savings.

Along with the Port of Tilbury and Ford’s Dagenham plant, London Gateway will form Thames Freeport after being awarded freeport status by the Government earlier this year, further cementing its critical role in the UK’s international supply chain.

Ernst Schulze, Chief Executive of DP World in the UK, said: “I am delighted that Swain Group have chosen to strengthen further their longstanding relationship with London Gateway. At DP World we think ahead and create smarter trade solutions and this lease is an outstanding example of the benefits of port-centric logistics.

“We aim to be a partner in our customers’ business success, providing fast, reliable and flexible links to international supply chains and markets. London Gateway has almost 10 million square feet of land with planning consent at the port and adjacent logistics park and I would urge companies looking to expand to contact us to find out more about how they could benefit from being part of a freeport.”

Matthew Deer, Managing Director at Swain Group, said: “We handle over 100,000 tons of building materials a year on ships arriving at London Gateway and expect this figure to continue to grow as construction in London and the South East picks up following the pandemic.

“On arrival at the berth DP World will shunt inbound containers to our facility, where our team will unpack the stone product, temporarily store it where necessary, and then assemble outbound orders for transport via our own fleet to destinations across Britain such as garden centres and builders’ merchants. This integration of the supply chain will generate cost and time efficiencies both for us and our customers.”

Founded in 1918, Swain Group is a fifth-generation family-run business which has grown to become one of the largest family-owned road transport operators in Britain. It has played a key supporting role in the development of London Gateway, with its heavy haulage division delivering machinery for the building of the port 10 years ago.

DHL reveals learnings from one year of COVID-19

Posted on by Keith McKinley

A recently published DHL white paper on Revisiting Pandemic Resilience  sheds light into what the logistics sector has learned from the race against COVID-19 to be best prepared to handle public health emergencies in the future.

It has been more than a year since the world woke up to the news of the new SARS-COV-2 virus. What followed was the largest global health crisis in 100 years. The disruptions to every aspect of society have been profound.

Logistics and supply chain management have played a vital role in pandemic management right from the start to ensure the availability and distribution of key pandemic management tools: medicines and medical supplies, such as vaccines, test kits, ancillary supplies, treatments, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

With over 200 million doses of all approved vaccines distributed to over 120 countries and 9,000 operated flights in which more than 350 DHL facilities were involved, DHL was part of the response strategy from the beginning. Over 50 bilateral and multilateral collaborations with partners in both the pharma and public sector and several new dedicated services were created to stem this task.

“Logistics and supply chain management play a key role in pandemic management. Keeping supply chains running and ensuring delivery for essential health supplies provided valuable lessons”, explains Katja Busch, Chief Commercial Officer DHL.

“We rolled out new dedicated services for the vaccine distribution at unprecedented speed. All sectors, industries, and nations must work together to successfully end the acute phase of this pandemic. Forming strong partnerships and leveraging data analytics will be key. We also need to remain prepared for high patient and vaccine volumes, maintain logistics infrastructure and capacity, while planning for seasonal fluctuations by providing a stable and well-equipped platform for the years to come.”

There are important achievements across research and development, production, and supply chain management as well as policy that will help us get through the crisis as a global community. The foundation of this was laid by research and development by developing a vaccine five times faster than any other vaccine in history and ramping up production in record time – quadrupling pre-COVID vaccine production capacities.

Together with logistics and supply chain, they were able to get the life-saving vaccines to patients worldwide. Although unprecedented cold chain requirements of up to -70°C had to be met, logistics were able to roll out the distribution three times faster than usual. Furthermore, multilateral action by public health and policy actors has provided a conducive framework for rapid vaccine development and deployment.

Collaboration key to global vaccine distribution

For high levels of immunisation, around 10 billion vaccine doses are required globally by end of 2021. However, only four countries have achieved vaccination rates >50% to date and many of the remaining countries and territories have less-developed infrastructure, making the rollout more difficult. To speed up vaccine distribution, the following areas need to be looked at:

  • Industries and nations must foster collaboration, paying special attention to building strong partnerships and a supportive data backbone
  • For safe inbound supply flows, proactive transport-capacity management and sustainable return flows for packaging are needed. This is particularly critical as more than 95% of global COVID-19 vaccine doses are produced in just eight countries and need to be delivered worldwide
  • Also locally tailored last-mile, ground distribution models should be put into place with a focus on strategic location of warehouses, the synchronisation of vaccines and ancillaries flow as well as the number and location of vaccination points

The set-up logistics infrastructure and capacity should be kept on that level as in the coming years further 7-9 billion doses of vaccines are necessary annually to keep (re-)infection rates low and slow down the pace of virus mutations – seasonal fluctuations not counted.

Planning for the future

Planning for the future it is essential to identify and prevent health crises early through active partnerships, expanded global warning systems, an integrated epidemic-preventions agenda and targeted R&D investments. It is also recommended to expand and institutionalise virus containment and countermeasures (e. g. digital contact tracing and national stockpiles) to ensure strategic preparedness and more efficient response times. To facilitate a speedy rollout of medication (i. e. diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines), governments and industries should employ “ever-warm” manufacturing capacity, blueprint research, production, and procurement plans, as well as expand local deployment capabilities.

To read the complete white paper, please click on the following link:
https://www.dhl.com/pandemic-resilience

UniCarriers provides VNA solution to Delamode

Posted on by David Priestman

UniCarriers has delivered a state-of-the-art e-commerce storage concept comprising a long-term equipment strategy and an efficient material handling operation in a new very narrow aisle (VNA) warehouse for logistics provider Delamode.

An enormous boom in e-commerce over the past few years has led to the need for a new warehouse concept for Delamode PLC’s UK warehouse: The freight and logistics management provider’s double-deep storage system had become inefficient, and the ongoing short-term hire of industrial trucks was no longer up to date.

Delamode began looking for a suitable provider to restructure its warehouse in Braintree, Essex. Longstanding partner UniCarriers offered a VNA warehouse solution with matching material handling equipment. The global manufacturer of industrial trucks delivered not only a seamless logistics concept but also excellent service quality and a great understanding of Delamode’s needs. Altogether, Delamode benefits from a modern system with a high storage capacity, which is no longer at the expense of immediate selectivity. On top of that, the equipment provided is state-of-the-art and on point when it comes to safety.

Delamode is one of the largest companies of the International freight and logistics management group Xpediator PLC, which is listed on the London AIM Stock Exchange. The Xpediator group specialises in international freight transportation, warehousing and logistics services, ecommerce management solutions and specialist transport support services offered by its Affinity Transport Solutions business unit. The Delamode branch in Braintree, Essex, is a pick-and-pack warehouse covering almost 170,000 sq ft with around 150 full-time employees.

The focus is on distributing goods for retail and wholesale, fashion and especially e-commerce – a sector that in recent years increased and developed enormously for Delamode. After years of relying on double-deep storage in Braintree, the system’s limitations were no longer acceptable for Delamode. A high storage capacity due to double-deep storage is always at the expense of selectivity. A total of three pallet movements were necessary to reach a pallet in a back location: front pallet out, targeted pallet out, front pallet back in.

This is a time-consuming process that potentially results in the damage of valuable stock. Nevertheless, the double-deep system worked for years, as many of the pallets had duplicates which is why they were directly accessible at other storage locations. However, with a growing demand in e-commerce and rising throughput in the warehouse, the number of duplicate pallets decreased over time. Employees had to access the back pallets more often than before with increasing effort. Thus, the double-deep storage system had become unsuitable for Delamode.

The Braintree site encountered further difficulties: With-free moving trucks in use, Delamode reported a lot of facility damage causing issues in the racking. Also, the company had relied on short-term hire equipment from UniCarriers and other suppliers for years. As a result, this provided a high degree of flexibility, however, with regard to cost effectiveness, Delamode was looking for a coherent overall concept focussing on the long-term use of material handling equipment.

UniCarriers provided a complete solution

Delamode started to hold talks with three suppliers of industrial trucks. UniCarriers was in pole position according to Lauren Collins, Site Manager, Delamode. This is because the long-standing partner had already distinguished itself in the past with a high quality of service. In the event of potential vehicle breakdowns, UniCarriers can react quickly and reliably thanks to the modular vehicle design.

The service team responds to questions and difficulties, and the right people are immediately available: “UniCarriers’ response time and communication was top-draw in comparison to other suppliers, who struggled to understand the difficulties we had with their equipment,” says Lauren Collins, Site Manager, Delamode.

“UniCarriers, however, did not just offer one standard kit of material handling equipment, but perfectly understood what our specific needs were.”

John Clements, Regional Sales Manager at UniCarriers UK, describes the procedure: “We provided Delamode with several solutions to retain their capacity but to give them back immediate selectivity. We talked them through the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.”

The decision was made in favour of a VNA storage system completed with the appropriate material handling equipment. UniCarriers convinced Delamode with its consultative approach and flexible working methods: It brought additional partners on board – for example the racking provider System Store Solutions – and took charge of the coordination between all parties. As a result, Delamode received an overall package without having to negotiate between many different contractors.

“UniCarriers came prepared to offer more than just the trucks – they provided a complete solution. This made the process a lot easier and therefore convinced Delamode to work with UniCarriers,” Lauren Collins summarises.

Another advantage for Delamode became apparent when the project was already underway: At short notice, Delamode had to adjust its order of equipment – to which UniCarriers reacted without any complications.

New VNA warehouse with matching forklift fleet

For all warehouse tasks – from unloading incoming vehicles to pallet put away and pallet replenishment – Delamode in Braintree now uses a variety of UniCarriers trucks. The keystone of the fleet is the IFOY award-winning TERGO URS, a versatile very narrow aisle reach truck.

Thanks to its swivel fork design, it can work in aisles as small as 1800 mm. In-aisle steering is automated via a signal wire, and magnets indicate the proximity to the end of aisle bringing the truck to a controlled stop. As a result, this truck can operate safely at high speed without the risk of striking the racking. The URS also offers diagonal movement of pallets, thus providing simultaneous travel and lift functions, significantly reducing cycle times and improving productivity.

This machine is the workhorse of the operation, complementing the VNA layout and offering both space and handling efficiency. The remainder of the fleet consists of powered pallet trucks with fixed platform that offer more comfort and safety than conventional pedestrian stackers in confined environments and wire-guided EPH high-level order pickers, twice nominated for the prestigious International Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) competition.

The new fleet by UniCarriers perfectly matches Delamode’s warehouse requirements and provides it with the highest degree of flexibility. But that is not the only advantage: “The trucks are spot-on in view of safety. UniCarriers has equipped them with a lot of valuable features, which provide a safer environment for us to work in,” says Lauren Collins enthusiastically.

The issues with free-moving trucks damaging the facility is now resolved by guided vehicles with defined movement. Special framework protects the batteries and charging systems of the electrically-powered trucks from damage. A light system brings additional safety for the warehouse employees: A blue spot LED light projects onto the floor in front of the moving forklift truck visually warning them of the approaching vehicle.

The inadequate storage system and the unnecessarily high effort in Braintree are now a thing of the past. Instead, Delamode benefits from a modern logistics concept. Thanks to adopting a long-term equipment strategy and an efficient material handling operation in the new very narrow aisle warehouse, the logistics provider is saving costs day after day. The fleet of forklift trucks, the racking, the storage safety, and the related installations are all cast from a single mould under the leadership of Delamode’s partner UniCarriers – well rounded off by a high quality of service.

https://www.unicarrierseurope.com/uk/case-studies/Delamode

Tanger Med expands to eight Liebherr cranes

Posted on by Keith McKinley

In what marks the end of a very exciting and complex project, and also the start of a new beginning, Tanger Alliance at the TC3 terminal in Tanger Med in Morocco has received the final two of eight Liebherr ship-to-shore container cranes.

The final crane entered service in April 2021 and brings the operational capacity of the new terminal to over 1.5 million TEU per annum. The cranes, which are the first Liebherr STS at Tanger Med, were erected at a remote site in Cadiz, Spain before being shipped two at a time to Morocco. The first cranes were commissioned in October 2020, with four more following in quick succession, allowing the terminal to open for business in January 2021 with six STS cranes.

The cranes were designed and manufactured by Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. in Ireland. They have an outreach of 72m, a lift height over rail of 54m, a span of 30.48m and a backreach of 22m. Safe Working Load under twin-lift spreader is 65 tonnes. The ultra large STS cranes are future-proofed as they can cater for vessels with up to 26 rows stowed across the deck and include fibre optic cores in the cabling, fault monitoring and remote diagnostics. Safety features including laser and ultrasonic anti-collision systems as well as smart slowdowns are installed as standard.

Liebherr Container Cranes contracted with ALE Heavylift Madrid (later Mammoet) to assist with the assembly and transportation of the cranes. The cranes were ordered between March and November 2019, with delivery scheduled to take place during 2020 and 2021. The Covid pandemic with its global lockdown and strict restrictions necessitated an agile approach to site assembly in Cadiz and commissioning in Tangier.

Utilising local support, Mammoet’s personnel and experienced Liebherr engineers, the project was able to proceed with minimal interruption. The cranes bring to 12 the number of Liebherr STS cranes in Morocco with four cranes already in operation in Casablanca.

Gerry Bunyan, Global Sales and Marketing Manager for Liebherr Container Cranes, said: “The handover of these cranes to Tanger Alliance is a key moment for the port. Tanger Alliance’s investment in Liebherr STS cranes will be rewarded with industry-leading productivity, low operational costs and the knowledge that the cranes will be available as required to work on the world’s largest vessels for many years to come. We look forward to seeing Tanger Alliance maximise the cranes’ potential.”

Tanger Alliance container terminal is a global transhipment hub and gateway for direct import and export volumes. With a quay length of 800m, a terminal area of 360,000 sq m, a water depth of 18m and a handling capacity is 1.5 million TEUs, Tanger Alliance is ready to operate on the newest and largest container ships, offering high productivity and 24/7 operations all year round.

Tanger Alliance is a partnership consisting of Marsa Moroc, Eurogate & Contship Italia and Hapag-Lloyd.

 

 

Linde prepares to launch new-generation electric forklifts

Posted on by David Priestman

June 2021 will see Linde Material Handling launch a new fork lift truck generation that combines “the best of two worlds”, thereby putting the electric forklift on par with ICE-powered trucks.

The German industrial trade fair held in Hanover in March 1971 saw the beginning of what has developed into a 50-year success story: Back then, Linde MH presented its first electric forklift truck. Ever since, the intralogistics specialist has left its mark on electric mobility with numerous technical innovations, advancing to become the European market leader in the electric counterbalance truck segment.

“Looking back, it was a decision that set the course for the future,” says Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Brand Management Linde MH. “Today, we not only offer our customers a huge portfolio of electrically powered industrial trucks with a variety of energy storage systems, but we also use our expertise to electrify vehicles of all kinds – from hackney carriages to trolley cars.”

When the first Linde-branded electrically powered forklift truck was launched in the early 1970s, the enormous potential of electric mobility was not yet foreseeable. Development was primarily aimed at offering a vehicle for indoor applications. With the battery-powered forklift, Linde MH opened a new chapter in the company’s history, as the drive and energy storage system posed different technical challenges than its flagship: the Linde hydrostat.

Highlights of the first electric series in the capacity range from 1 to 1.5 tonnes included the dual-motor front wheel drive, which enabled turning manoeuvres on the smallest possible radius, and the twin-pedal control replicated from the hydrostat. This feature was designed to make it easier for operators to switch between the two types of drive.

Over the following years, the demand for electrically-powered forklifts increased steadily. This was because the number of warehouses and distribution centres kept growing – and with it the need for emission-free equipment. At the same time, the demands on these low-noise and emission-free indoor trucks increased: Customers wanted higher payloads, more handling capacity and a greater number of variants to cover ever new areas of application in industry and trade.

Compact axle

The further development of power electronics and digital technology paved the way for the continued success of Linde MH’s electric forklifts. In 1999, the first model featuring a three-phase or asynchronous motor was added to the product portfolio.

The engineers developed dedicated power and control modules for this new drive. This made it possible to combine the advantages of greater performance with a high level of reliability and the capability to handle demanding outdoor applications. Small and maintenance-free, the two drive motors together with the lifting hydraulics and all control components could be combined into a single assembly – the compact drive axle.

Conductor rails replaced long cable lines and ensured lower energy consumption in the new Linde E14 to E20 models from 2006. For the first time, the vehicles also featured an on-board charger for flexible charging at power outlets, as well as overhead tilt cylinders for greater stability of the mast.

Further features were added in 2010 with the 2- to 5-tonne models, including the vibration-decoupled drive axle, the automatic handbrake, the digital battery charge indicator, and a traction control system for excellent ground grip. This met the needs of many customers and contributed in no small part to Linde MH becoming the market leader for electric counterbalance trucks in Europe.

Safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness – and full performance

In addition to higher performance and low energy consumption, ergonomics and safety were at the top of the list of requirements for every new forklift truck development. And here, too, Linde MH has repeatedly set the pace in the industry over the past 50 years.

Many equipment and performance options were world firsts at the time of their respective market launches and remain unique Linde features to this day. These include, for example, the Linde Safety Pilot driver assistance system: It limits the lifting height if the permissible load capacity is exceeded and regulates the travel speed in relation to the load being transported. Another example is the Linde Roadster.

This vehicle was designed without A-pillars, which improves visibility of the surroundings and ensures greater operational safety.

The use of lithium-ion technology as a new means of energy storage and the development of the fuel cell with hydrogen as an energy source have given electric forklifts further impetus over the past ten years. Even more growth is promised by a new generation of Linde forklifts to be launched in June.

“With a completely new development, our electric trucks will finally catch up with the powerful IC trucks of the Linde brand,” announces Prokosch. Everyone can attend the virtual presentation of the new vehicles on 16th June at 11:00 CEST.

‘Masterpieces’ is the name Linde MH has given to the approximately half-hour product display, which will not only present the advantages of the new design in a vivid and varied way, but also give the people behind the innovations the opportunity to speak about them. (Yourway.Linde-mh.com).

 

Werma launches configurable call-for-action system

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Werma has unveiled AndonWIRELESS, a professional call-for-action system for optimising processes in Production, Logistics and Manual workstations

The new Werma Andon WirelessSET is the quick and easy way to report, display and rectify problems in real-time. This wireless-based system features a clever button box – the Andon WirelessBOX. Now you can report problems at the push of a button instead of having to shout or leave your station. This helps optimise processes in Logistics and Production, at manual workstations, in material replenishment or in access-control applications at doors and gates.

The Andon WirelessBOX can be operated on internal batteries. This allows you to use it as a stand-alone system that is perfect for mobile applications, e.g. on forklifts or pallet trucks. The new Andon WirelessSET will make your processes more streamlined and efficient than ever and keep your operation future-proof and flexible.

The term Andon originates in Japan and refers to a lantern, i.e. a simple visual signal. The use of Andons is fundamental to the Toyota Production System, in which self-explanatory symbols are used to communicate functions and sequences of machines or to visualise processes.

Werma Signaltechnik has refined this original function: Andon WirelessSET is a unique, intelligent, wireless call-for-action system specifically designed for manufacturing operations, manual workstations and logistics and shipping centres.

With the new Andon WirelessSET, calls-for-action can be made quickly and easily directly from the workstation. The operator presses a button to indicate a specific, previously-defined call-for-action or to request help. This allows colleagues to respond immediately, avoiding long waiting times and eliminating the need for lengthy transport routes.

The message acknowledgement function allows the current status to be visible to all parties. Acknowledgements can also be sent from another box. For example, an operator reports a material shortage using their Andon WirelessBOX and the logistics specialist acknowledges receipt of this notification via their box.

The individual boxes in the system can also communicate with each other. For instance, the driver of a forklift truck can press a button on their Andon WirelessBOX to report or acknowledge their status to other boxes in the system without involving a signal tower.

The signal towers and buttons use standard traffic light colours. This helps to overcome language barriers and even untrained or seasonal employees can use the system immediately. The illumination of the buttons can also be freely configured.

All you need is a Werma signal tower with its power supply, a transceiver for signal reception, an Andon WirelessBOX (either with 2 or 5 buttons), a USB cable and supply and the configuration software.

If you want to get started right away, order a pre-configured Andon WirelessSET. It is available in two versions (2- or 5-button). Alternatively, you can put together your own individual set using our Quick Finder.

Is your production environment already equipped with Werma signal towers? Then you can quickly and easily retrofit the plug & play transceivers, attach the Andon WirelessBOXes and set up your system using the configuration software.

The new Andon WirelessSET is not only quick to install and ready to use, but also simple and self-explanatory. The Andon WirelessBOX requires no wiring, avoiding the need for an electrician which saves both staff resources and time. The system allows single or multiple signal towers to be controlled with single or multiple boxes. The box(es) mirror the status of the signal tower.

Software-assisted configuration enables you to select individual control and visualisation options. This allows you to adapt the system to your own processes and circumstances (e.g. how many boxes access a tower, how messages are acknowledged etc.).

The Andon WirelessBOX can be mounted in two ways: screw-mounted as standard or mounted using a strong 3M industrial hook-and-loop tape, which affords you great flexibility when choosing where to attach or mount the box.

The new Andon WirelessBOX is available with either 2 or 5 buttons and can be operated using either a USB power supply or internal batteries. The push buttons can be individually configured to mirrors the colours of the signal tower.

The buttons also have a handy acknowledgement function that can be used to confirm completed tasks. The status LED display shows you connection status, successful transmissions, transmission errors and also gives low battery warning.

Quality Freight changes name to Peel Ports Logistics

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Quality Freight UK Limited, one of the UK’s leading shipping and freight forwarders, acquired by Peel Ports Group in 2019, has announced that the Company will operate under a new name – Peel Ports Logistics.

In an announcement, the company said the official name change to Peel Ports Logistics took effect from 14th May 2021 and will allow a more seamless experience for customers, suppliers and colleagues. It will also see the new brand rolled out across the business, assets and digital platforms.

Sebastian Gardiner, Managing Director at Peel Ports Logistics, said: “Both myself and the senior management team at both Quality Freight UK and Peel Ports Group are looking forward to the future and this next stage of the acquisition.

“Our vision is to take Peel Ports Logistics from strength to strength for the mutual benefit and vested interest of our customers, suppliers and colleagues.

“We will still continue to operate under the same legal entity and our culture and identity as an entrepreneurial business, with staff and customers as our priority, will also remain.”

Mark Whitworth, CEO at Peel Ports said: “The acquisition of Quality Freight UK Limited two years ago was a milestone step to expand our existing offering to deliver fully-integrated port services.

“Taking into consideration the transitions we have enabled since the acquisition in May 2019, the rebranding strategy was the next natural step to take. Our ambition has always been to provide our customers with end-to-end supply chain solutions across the UK to simplify and boost efficiencies in supply customer supply chain models”.

Both Peel Ports Group and Quality Freight UK will continue to develop its logistics portfolio and transport division.

Starship quadruples autonomous deliveries during pandemic

Posted on by David Priestman

Starship Technologies, a leading provider of autonomous delivery services, has announced that its delivery numbers have quadrupled globally since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the service is now available to one million people around the world.

“This past year has been a game-changer for autonomous delivery, moving adoption ahead by years,” said Ahti Heinla, Co-founder and CEO of Starship Technologies. “When we launched commercial delivery three years ago, we didn’t expect to be at the point we are today. We marked the significant milestone of one million deliveries in January 2021 and we’ve since surpassed 1.5 million deliveries. These rapid developments have also helped us scale the business, so we can provide a lower cost of delivery than any other option available.”

As well as offering a reliable way to protect vulnerable populations and adhere to social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, contactless delivery offerings such as Starship’s service have also proved to be a vital revenue stream for local businesses. In the last 12+ months, Starship has partnered with 40 independent merchants in Milton Keynes and Northampton, enabling these companies to offer a delivery service to local residents that they didn’t previously provide in order to continue operations.

One of these businesses that has thrived in the last year is St Mary’s Chippy, a local fish and chip takeaway in Milton Keynes offering contactless delivery using Starship’s fleet of 100+ robots in the town.

“Over the last 12 months during the pandemic we’ve faced a very difficult time as have many local businesses with the lockdowns and guidelines around when and how we’ve been able to stay open,” said Tony Paolucci, Owner of St Mary’s Chippy in Milton Keynes. “However, partnering with Starship has provided a lifeline as it has enabled us to offer delivery services to customers that we didn’t provide previously as a walk in takeaway. In the last year we’ve seen our order numbers grow by 15% through using the robots. It’s a fantastic service!”

Starship Technologies operates commercially on a daily basis around the world. Its zero-emission robots have made more than 1.5 million autonomous deliveries, more than any other autonomous delivery company in the world, travelled millions of miles and make more than 80,000 road crossings every day. The company has raised $102m in funding to date.

The Starship Food Delivery app is available for download on iOS and Android. To get started, users choose from a range of their favourite food or drink items, then drop a pin where they want their delivery to be sent. They can then watch as the robot makes its journey to them, via an interactive map. Once the robot arrives, they receive an alert, and can then meet and unlock it through the app.

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