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Tag: Materials Handling

ek robotics donates laptops to local school

Posted on by David Priestman

ek robotics has continued its support of the local Royal Latin School by donating 10 Chromebook laptops to support students with their learning and education.

Based in Buckingham, UK just a stone’s throw from the Royal Latin School, ek robotics previously made a significant donation to the school to get the ek robotics Sports Campus project over the line.

ek robotics has also made funds available to set up a robotics club at the school to further enhance learning developments in this area.

Mike Burke, Operations Director at ek robotics, said: “Our business is heavily focused on innovative uses of technology – bringing technological solutions to production and warehouse logistics around the world, so this donation seems very fitting to our core values and assists us with our objective to support and nurture the future workforce.”

David Hudson, Headteacher of the Royal Latin School, discussed the impact of the Chromebooks in classrooms: “The introduction of Chromebooks throughout the school has been of great benefit to student-teacher communication in terms of learning, especially during lockdown, as well as embedding innovative ways of teaching and learning in the classroom.

“Nearly all year groups now have access to a device in school and this generous donation will help us ensure we can loan out devices at short notice to provide support for students in need.”

ek robotics is a family-owned and -run business that specialises in Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs).

 

Element Logic ready for global growth

Posted on by David Priestman

Element Logic recently attained global distribution rights for sales and implementation of AutoStore, which it says is an important and logical step towards supporting international customers and keeping its role as the world’s largest AutoStore distributor.

“We are excited to expand our operations globally,” Håvard Hallås says, Chief Commercial Officer at Element Logic.

Element Logic is the world’s first and largest AutoStore distributor and has been a valued AutoStore-partner for decades.

“We have believed in AutoStore as the best warehouse automation system since our first installation in 2005. Having achieved a successful expansion to several European countries, we now set our ambition to support customers wherever they are and to be the preferred automation partner globally,” Dag-Adler Blakseth says, CEO at Element Logic.

“Element Logic has been an important local and regional partner of AutoStore since our start in 2003. We are delighted to now introduce them as one of our global partners and we know they will live up to our expectations as a global partner for distribution and system integration,” Karl Johan Lier says, CEO of AutoStore.

“We look forward to working with Element Logic as it will undoubtedly continue to play a key role in increasing AutoStore’s presence all over the world,” he adds.

Markets with international growth potential

Some markets stand out as potential next steps for Element Logic when expanding beyond Europe.

“We see great potential in the US and Asian markets. We already have a few projects in the US that we are excited to deliver in 2022,” Hallås explains.

Another natural place to start when going global is our global customers. Today, Element Logic handles and delivers solutions to several global customers, and it makes sense to open offices in these markets.

“This should be good news to our customers with operations and potential outside Europe,” Hallås says.

The Element way – globally

“We continuously work to find out where it makes sense for Element Logic to expand,” Hallås says.

“Our future growth will come from both our existing and new markets. We plan to increase the growth from new markets at a sustainable pace. We could have expanded beyond Europe at an earlier stage, but it was essential to draw upon experiences from the European market and bring with us a profitable business model,” he continues.

The growth rate Element Logic has experienced in the last years is amongst the highest in the industry.

Quality and growth

“We have a solid market position in the Scandinavian market. We will keep growing this, and our European position, in the coming years,” Blakseth says.

By developing new technology and continuously putting efforts into the European market, Element Logic gains significant advantages when expanding to new markets. The goal always has been, and always will be, to create solutions of the highest quality for customers with growth potential.

Element Logic and AutoStore have an established brand and a good reputation beyond the European borders.

“The key reason for expanding now is that we have learned how to grow sustainably, we have the scale to grow, and most importantly, the foundation is in place for us to bring relevant partners on board,” Hallås says.

Konecranes supplies lift trucks to Luanda

Posted on by David Priestman

Konecranes has supplied DP World with six Konecranes reach stackers and four empty container handlers to its multipurpose terminal in Luanda, on the southwest African coast.

DP World is a leading provider of smart logistic solutions and one of the largest port operators in the world. DP World is also present in Angola with the concession to run the multipurpose terminal in Port of Luanda, which is also Angola’s primary port.

The Port of Luanda operations are looking for a sizable fleet of lift trucks to manage a continuous stream of incoming and outgoing cargo and containers. With upgraded equipment, DP World aims to raise productivity of the port while reducing costs.

“This new delivery really shows the confidence that DP World has in Konecranes,” says Manos Athanasakis, Key Account Manager for Konecranes Lift Trucks. “We offer durability, reliability and flexibility with port terminal equipment, and with the valuable help of local dealer Trevotech, we are now pleased to bring those qualities to a new site for a long-term customer, DP World. We have built a solid partnership over the years with strong mutual trust.”

The six new reach stackers are Konecranes’ best-selling SMV 4632 TC5s, sturdy lifting machines that can safely stack up to 46t in the first row, 32t in the second, and 17t in the third. They are fitted with the Konecranes Static Weighing System that weighs containers to 1% accuracy and fully conforms with SOLAS requirements.

The empty container handlers are SMV 6/7 ECC 90s, with wide masts that provide the option of stacking six empty high-cube containers or seven standard containers. All 10 lift trucks feature the ergonomic OPTIMA cabin for comfort, wide visibility and improved safety, with reverse Radar System to alert drivers about obstacles behind the truck, as well as a semi-automatic fire suppression system essential in the hot and demanding working conditions in which the lift trucks will operate.

Each truck uses a Tier 3 engine to maintain productivity while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions.

The order was booked in May 2021 and the lift trucks were delivered in December.

Hyster offers Sunlight Li-ion option

Posted on by David Priestman

Hyster is giving customers more ways to select the best battery technology for their application with Sunlight Group lithium-ion batteries now an option for selected Hyster forklifts and warehouse trucks.

The Sunlight Li.ION FORCE batteries, which will be available for selected 24V, 48V, and 80V lift trucks and warehouse equipment, are fully linked to the truck via the CANbus communication system to optimise battery management. In addition, Sunlight Li.ON FORCE batteries themselves are fitted with the innovative GLocal Cloud Management System, which offers remote access and insight from anywhere in the world.

Sunlight Group Batteries are particularly well suited to intensive and multi-shift operations, as well as those where hygiene is a priority, such as food, beverage, and pharmaceutical production. Sunlight Li.ION FORCE  batteries are free of gaseous emissions and there is a no risk of acid spillage, making them a ‘clean’ power option.

“In the right application, switching to lithium-ion batteries can help maximise uptime and efficiency,” says Paul Wells, Director, Commercial Aftermarket EMEA for Hyster Europe. “A single lithium-ion battery can replace multiple lead-acid batteries, freeing up charging space, while also enabling opportunity charging during breaks to maximise handling time and reduce overall costs.”

Depending on the application, a single use lithium-ion battery can enable the truck to be used over two or three shifts, and convenient, short opportunity charging periods do not affect the battery life.

In addition, lithium-ion batteries are capable of faster charging than traditional lead-acid batteries, and as no battery exchange is required with integrated lithium-ion power, this may support higher uptime. The new Sunlight Li.ION FORCE batteries available for Hyster equipment are designed with active balancing so that all cells are equally charged at all times and they include a fast charge feature. A choice of rapid charger options is available.

To support charging management strategies and help prevent unplanned downtime, the Sunlight Li.ION FORCE batteries have a discharge indicator which displays the state of charge. Sunlight Group’s Glocal cloud-based telematics also provides real-time monitoring of battery data via WiFi/GSM, as well as insight into the battery’s parameters that allows remote serviceability.

As the batteries integrate with the Hyster lift truck’s CANbus communication system, it is possible to optimise battery performance and life and provide error reporting.

“As the Sunlight Li.ION FORCE batteries also feature a maintenance-free design, with no watering required, applications may find this helps reduce overall maintenance costs,” says Paul. “Only an annual check is required, and the modular design makes service interventions highly efficient.”

Hyster lift trucks with Sunlight Li.ION FORCE batteries, and a wide range of other battery options, are available to order now from the global network of local Hyster distribution partners.

CK upgrades fleet with ‘second life’ Toyota trucks

Posted on by David Priestman

CK Food Stores – the largest independent food retailer in South West Wales – has upgraded the material handling equipment at its Llanelli warehouse and distribution centre with the acquisition of a fleet of refurbished powered pallet trucks from the extensive range of Approved Used forklifts available from Toyota Material Handling UK.

CK Food Stores opted to invest in refurbished equipment after carrying out an extensive review of its intralogistics processes and materials handling needs ahead of the approaching summer peak.

With used trucks generally selling for around two-thirds of the price of new equipment, the financial flexibility that used trucks offer was a significant influence on the company’s decision to choose pre-owned machines. But the fact that the trucks were available for immediate delivery was also an important factor.

CK Food Stores’ operations manager, Alun Littlejohns, commented: “With one of our busiest periods of the year approaching we needed to have a reliable truck fleet in place that would minimise unplanned downtime and allow us to meet our logistics challenges at this particularly hectic time.”

Toyota’s Stuart Reilly,  Rental & Used Equipment Director, added: “For many companies used forklifts represent an attractive and economical alternative to new equipment. And, because Toyota refurbishes trucks to such a high standard, our used trucks give many years of efficient and productive service.

“Buying or renting used trucks should never be overlooked. As the example of CK Food Stores demonstrates, acquiring pre-owned trucks can be highly beneficial to many businesses”.

Toyota supplied a total of 10 used LWE 180 powered pallet trucks to CK Food Stores to replace the company’s existing mixed fleet of pallet trucks and order pickers.

The Toyota LWE 180 is highly suited to medium- or heavy-duty transport or order picking tasks. Popular with operators due to its exceptional stability and clear and safe view of the forks, the LWE180 is easy to manoeuvre thanks to its ergonomic steering arm, which allows the truck to be driven while the tiller is in an upright position.

Toyota will provide full service and maintenance support to minimise the fleet’s running costs and ensure optimum truck uptime at the Llanelli site where some 6,000 picks are undertaken each day to keep the shelves of the CK Food Service’s 28 retail outlets stocked.

All Toyota Used Approved lift trucks are refurbished to the highest standards at Toyota’s dedicated 200,000 sq ft fleet management centre in Leicestershire. Toyota knows the full-service history of each truck and every machine is completely dismantled. Worn or defective parts – including tyres and lift chains – are replaced and the trucks are cleaned inside and out and repainted before being reassembled and safety tested.

Clark appoints new UK manager

Posted on by David Priestman

With effect from 1st January 2022, Natalie Dunleavy has taken over as Regional Manager for the support and coordination of all sales activities in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland at Clark Europe.

Natalie Dunleavy is no stranger to Clark. She can already look back on 15 years of experience as Sales Director within the Clark dealer network in Great Britain at the Clark dealer Knightsbridge Mechanical Handling Ltd. This job gave her a sound knowledge of Clark and the Clark product range. Her responsibilities at Knightsbridge included looking after key accounts in sales and rental, as well as preparing quotations for fleet management for large blue chip companies.

At Clark Europe, she succeeds Kevin Tims, who is taking a well-deserved retirement.

“I aim to build on the success of our dealers over the next few years and expand the existing Clark dealer network,” Dunleavy explains. “This will ensure that we can continue to drive sales of Clark products and grow market share post-Brexit.”

“We are delighted to welcome Ms Dunleavy on board the Clark organisation and wish her every success in expanding, planning and coordinating sales activities in the UK and Ireland,” says Rolf Eiten, President & CEO of Clark Europe GmbH. As Regional Manager, Natalie Dunleavy reports directly to Stefan Budweit, Director Sales & Marketing at Clark Europe.

 

Wachendorff launches new variant of rotary encoder

Posted on by David Priestman

Wachendorff Automation, the encoder and measurement systems manufacturer, has launched a new variant of its well-proven industrial grade rotary encoders that feature a freely definable pulse count.

The new WDGP series, available in the UK from Variohm EuroSensor, offers any number of output pulses from 1 to 16,384 PPR as TTL or HTL quadrature A and B channels, plus a freely configurable zero pulse (N). Utilising IP67 protection class stainless-steel housings in a choice of 36mm and 58mm diameters with industry-standard mounting options, these high accuracy incremental encoders are based on a patented magnetic sensor technology that offers durability and extremely high resistance to shock, vibration and undesirable shaft loading.

With its freely definable pulse count, Wachendorff’s new WDGP series encoder offers users a convenient alternative against standard output options that may lead to more complex control electronics or software calculation. Application flexibility is also aided with an input power requirement from 4.75-32V DC, which is reverse polarity and short circuit protected. The maximum pulse frequency is 600kHz for the HTL version whilst the TTL option offers 1MHz. The HTL variant also offers inverted output signals.

The 36mm diameter model is available with a choice of servo flange, round flange, and screw flange mountings – a special servo flange version includes IP67 + IP69K protection rating for use in high pressure washdown/steam cleaning applications. A version with an elevated radial and axial shaft loading to 300N is also offered. The 58mm diameter model is currently available with servo flange or clamping flange options. Both sizes offer a choice of shaft diameters; a custom design service can be made available for OEM applications.

The new WDGP encoder is based on the same robust and durable mechanical design used across Wachendorff’s wide range of rotary encoders. Generous axial and radial shaft loading and a wide operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C combine for durability, high reliability, and long life for the most extreme rotary position feedback tasks in heavy engineering, off road vehicles, agricultural machinery and more.

Variohm EuroSensor is a longstanding UK distribution partner for Wachendorff, providing complete sales and service across the German manufacturer’s comprehensive range of rotary encoders, position measurement and counting systems.

“David and Goliath” work together in the warehouse

Posted on by David Priestman

STILL will be presenting its new ACH series to the general public for the first time at the LogiMAT trade fair in Stuttgart from May 31 to June 2, 2022, in hall 10, stand B41/B51.

In a realistic application scenario, the Hamburg-based intralogistics specialist will be demonstrating how the versatile and flexible automated mobile robots (AMR) can work in symbiosis with automated vertical conveyors such as reach trucks or narrow-aisle trucks. The result: a new form of modern division of labour that will raise transport processes in warehouses or production to a completely new level.

During the international exhibition, STILL will be demonstrating processes that take place in this way or very similarly every day in almost every warehouse or production hall: The retrieval of semi-finished products from the high-bay warehouse, their transport for further processing, their subsequent return to the high-bay warehouse and the final storage of the finished products. All processes that used to be very time-consuming and/or labour-intensive in the past can now be made much more cost-effective and efficient thanks to the optimised workflows.

“We achieve this process optimisation through a new form of division of labour in which each machine takes on exactly the tasks for which it has been optimised. The automated vertical conveyor stores or retrieves goods in the high-bay warehouse and our new automated mobile robots handle the horizontal transport. Thanks to their very compact dimensions, they are much more manoeuvrable in the warehouse or on the production floor and can therefore easily reach almost any position in production – right up to the production worker on the production line,” explains Torsten Wiecker, Vice President Brand Management STILL EMEA.

New ACH series

STILL launched its new AMR trucks in January 2022 in three versions. The ACH 06 model, with a load capacity of 600 kg and dimensions of 956x730x240mm, is particularly suitable for the automated transport of lighter goods. It can pick up or place goods up to an underride height of 270mm. When loaded, the small runabout reaches a travel speed of 1.5m/s.

The medium-sized version, the ACH 10, measures 1182x832x260mm and can transport loads of 1,000kg. If you need to transport even heavier loads automatically, you can go for the ACH 15.

The most powerful of the three models also measures 1182x832x260mm and is designed for loads up to 1,500kg. The pick-up and drop-off height of both the ACH 10 and the ACH 15 is 290mm. When loaded, the two larger variants reach a speed of up to 1.2m/s. The available loading area for the ACH 06 is 900x900mm. The other two models feature a loading platform with a surface area of 1200x1200mm.

All three models are powered by a Li-ion battery. This can be charged very conveniently via the charging station that is part of the system. The vehicles automatically dock onto the station as needed.

Numerous application possibilities

These features make the STILL AMR systems the ideal solution for the automated horizontal transport of goods. Thanks to state-of-the-art sensor technology, the innovative ACH series moves independently, proactively and safely in the warehouse – even in mixed operation with people and other industrial trucks.

The vehicles transport a great variety of load carriers on their platforms and can be adapted to a wide range of transfer points. Depending on the requirements, the AMR works independently or via a connection to the different software systems of the operators.

AMR vehicles also stand out when it comes to environmental protection. Due to their significantly lower dead weight compared to classic automated warehouse solutions, their energy consumption is noticeably reduced. In addition, their acquisition, operating and maintenance costs are very low. Therefore, they can be integrated into existing environments and systems very cost-effectively.

In combination with the good scalability and their high safety standard, the ACH series offers an attractive entry into automation for many industries, e.g. in parts supply for production, the automotive industry, logistics, medical manufacturing, the production of clothing or electronics or e-commerce.

Federal Minister assumes IFOY patronage

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Dr. Robert Habeck, Germany´s Federal Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, has taken over patronage of the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) AWARD.

The IFOY AWARD is considered the most authoritative international innovation award in intralogistics. For the past ten years, companies from all over the world, ranging from top intralogistics providers to innovative start-ups, have been sending their new developments and innovations to compete for the award, which is also known as the “Oscar of intralogistics”.

These include new forklift models and warehouse technology equipment, as well as driverless transport vehicles, robots, automation solutions or holistic warehouse solutions – for short, everything the intralogistics industry has to offer in terms of future technologies.

The election by the jury, which includes internationally renowned trade journalists and the leading logistics media, is preceded by an extensive audit with nomination and test cycles. On the occasion of the IFOY TEST DAYS, which will take place this year from March 18 to 23 at the Messe Dortmund exhibition centre, the devices and solutions nominated for the finals undergo individually tailored driving or functional tests, including the IFOY test protocol comprising around 80 criteria and the scientific IFOY Innovation Check. In addition, the judges and their advisory teams from the economy will travel to assess the finalists themselves before casting their vote.

As part of IFOY TEST DAYS 2022, TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS will take place for the third time. From March 21 to 23, under the motto “Spot on Innovation”, additional exhibitors as well as a B2B trade audience interested in innovation are admitted to the test hall. This year, the topic of e-mobility in the fully automated warehouse of the future is high on the agenda. The number of participants is limited.

The trophies will be awarded on June 30, 2022.The location for the awards ceremony will be announced shortly. Until then, the result will remain a secret – both for the finalists and for the public.

 

Briggs completes acquisition of Aerial Platform Hire

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Briggs Equipment has completed the acquisition of Aerial Platform Hire Limited, one of Ireland’s leading powered access hire companies.

Working from two sites in Clane, Co. Kildare and Mallow, Co. Cork, Aerial Platform Hire has an established reputation for delivering high quality powered access solutions to a diverse customer portfolio. This latest acquisition will enable Briggs Equipment to further strengthen its position as the UK and Ireland’s premier Asset Management and Engineering Services specialist, whilst also demonstrating an ongoing commitment to developing its product and service offering.

As part of the acquisition and long-term strategy for the business, Briggs will be delivering ongoing investment into key areas including the equipment fleet to help meet evolving customer and market demands.

Pete Jones, Briggs Equipment’s Group Managing Director, commented: “We are delighted to have completed this latest acquisition, which sees Aerial Platform Hire join our Group. Their unique combination of strong coverage throughout Ireland and an established reputation in the powered access market, will enable us to build on our existing presence within the country and expand our product offering.

“We are committed to working with businesses that share the same values and cultures as ourselves and it’s clear there is a real family atmosphere that has been at the heart of the company’s success. As with all our acquisitions we are keen to preserve that ethos whilst also providing the appropriate investment, support and guidance to help the business achieve its full potential.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in securing the completion of this acquisition and we look forward to welcoming the Aerial Platforms team into our business, working closely with them and ensuring they have everything they need to go from strength to strength as an integral part of the Briggs Equipment Group.”

Andrew Davin, Managing Director of Aerial Platform Hire Ltd commented: “The Davin family are very pleased to announce the change of ownership of Aerial Platform Hire Ltd which has been acquired by the Briggs Equipment Group.

“We have grown this business over 42 years and we pride ourselves on providing an excellent service to our customers through the dedication of our team and investment in quality powered access products.

“We are confident that being part of the Briggs Equipment Group will be a positive experience for our customers and staff alike as they benefit from the support and expertise of Briggs. We wish Aerial Platform Hire and Briggs every success for the future.”

As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Briggs, Aerial Platform Hire Limited will continue trading under its own name and with all current operational contacts remaining in place.

 

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