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Tag: safety

Safe and Steady Forklifts

Posted on by David Priestman

Leading building materials specialist EPD Insulation Group is improving safety and fuel efficiency with a fleet of brand new GRENDiA ES forklifts. When it came to sourcing a new fleet of trucks, EPD Insulation Group had a specific set of criteria. They turned to their local Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks distributor who came highly recommended, and who offered a solution that ticked all the right boxes.

“A little while back we ordered a few Mitsubishi GRENDiA ES LPG forklifts for our primary site in Peterborough, and they work so well for us we decided to order more for our new site in Huntingdon,” explains Chris Pratt, Transport Manager at EPD. “GRENDiA is well-suited to our site, as we have our own gas tank, so it made sense for all our trucks to be LPG.”

Spiralling costs

Trucks on EPD’s two sites regularly work 12-hour shifts Monday to Friday, carrying a range of loads on and off lorries and vans. In the past when they had used alternative forklift models, they had noticed extreme wear on tyres. Pratt says: “The operators were often pulling away in such a manner that the tyres would spin, which was causing accelerated wear and tear. We were spending a lot of money replacing tyres. It also meant the trucks were using more gas.”

Wayne Hammond headed the team for the local Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks distributor, and offered a game-changing feature that could be added to the Mitsubishi GRENDiA ES LPG forklifts. “Electronic speed control is an option that offers adjustable speeds, but more importantly for EPD it includes soft power mode, which stops the wheels from spinning so reduces the tyre wear and saves money on maintenance,” Hammond enthuses. “It even reduces fuel consumption by up to 19 percent, which is huge considering the ongoing cost of energy right now. This small addition to the forklifts has been a massive benefit to EPD.”

Encouraging safer operations

EPD now have eight 2.5-tonne Mitsubishi GRENDiA ES LPG forklifts at their Peterborough site, and seven 2.5-tonne GRENDiA ES LPG forklifts at their Huntingdon site, with Mitsubishi forklift trucks making up half of their entire MHE fleet. The forklifts are required for indoor and outdoor work, so are fitted with a half cabin, and have a side shift for easier loading. Several optional features have been added to all trucks to improve safety, including a load weight indicator and rear blue lights.

“The trucks have great specifications which means better safety for our operators,” says Pratt. “We have big sites with a lot of trucks all operating in the same space, so every little feature helps when it comes to minimising the risk of an accident. In particular, the fact that the operators can’t spin the wheels means they will have greater control over the truck.”

Proactive support

Speed of service makes all the difference to EPD, who run intense distribution operations. “We have been really impressed by the GRENDiA forklifts, and the operators were excited by them,” says Pratt. “For us on the management side it’s been great having an online portal where we can log repairs and see what needs doing on the trucks. We have a maintenance package with our Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks distributor as well. We have had great support from Hammond and his team. They are really proactive. We like the trucks, and we love the service. We can’t ask for much more.”

CTU Code Boosts Supply Chain Safety

Posted on by David Priestman

The seven industry bodies dedicated to container safety, collaborating as the Cargo Integrity Group, highlight an independent study carried out by researchers at Italian University Politecnico di Torino into shipper and forwarder application of the CTU Code. The 2023 survey yielded encouraging signs of adoption and highlighted several convincing arguments – including financial benefits for its use

The survey highlights multiple benefits to CTU Code users including:
• Improved safety, reputation and supply chain coordination
• Decreased cargo damage, environmental impact and operational inefficiencies
• Those using the CTU Code incurred no extra costs in employees, contractors, or vehicles
• Any increase in loading and waiting times were typically offset by CTU Code related efficiencies overall
• Annual costs and penalties reduced from €670,000 pre-implementation of the Code to €13,000 post-implementation
• Extra costs as a percentage of revenue reduced from 37% to 10%

In the words of the report’s authors (Bruno, et al.), “The application of the CTU Code to cargo loading and transportation processes can increase the safety level of transport activities, and also improve business processes and competitiveness. The results show that the use of the CTU Code provides an increase in safety with a drastic reduction of loading accidents and damage to goods, as well as important benefits in terms of costs, improved efficiency, corporate image and reduced environmental impact.”

The Cargo Integrity Group continues its efforts to underline the positive effects of the widespread use of guidance in the CTU Code, which is the Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units jointly published by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)¹.

The Group is dedicated to improving the safety, security and environmental performance throughout the logistics supply chain. In particular, it is concerned to promote safe methods to those responsible for the packing of cargoes in containers, securing them and accurately declaring them.

Welcoming the Politecnico survey, the CEO of ICHCA, one of the Group’s founding associations, Richard Steele said, “As far as we are aware, this is the first example of publicly available empirical evidence about the use of the CTU Code made by forwarders, shippers and others responsible for safe packing. Notwithstanding the regional focus of this particular survey, we believe the results to be genuinely encouraging. They show that good operational management, efficiency and safety are partners, not opposites.”

To facilitate a greater degree of understanding and wider use of what is a lengthy and complex document, the Group has published a ‘Quick Guide’ to the CTU Code, together with an editable and saveable checklist of actions and responsibilities for the guidance of those undertaking the packing of cargoes in containers. These materials are now available in all six of the United Nations’ official languages, as well as Italian.

Battery Economy & Safety: Li-Ion vs Lead-Acid

Posted on by David Priestman

Automated internal logistics platforms, including automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and cleaning machines, are powered by an internal power source. This power source could be a lead-acid or lithium-ion battery. Both offer different performance, but they also have significant differences in terms of economy and safety.

There is no single li-ion battery type. Instead, there are several different chemistry types, each of which significantly impacts key characteristics.

Lithium-ion batteries generally come in three types, divided by their chemistry: NMC (nickel manganese cobalt oxides), NCA (nickel cobalt aluminium oxides), and LFP (iron phosphate).
On the other hand, lead-acid batteries differ in electrolyte carrier and construction. The main types of lead-acid batteries are valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA), absorbent glass mat (AGM), and gel battery (GEL).

Safety Differences Between Li-Ion and Lead-Acid

Li-ion batteries are equipped with a battery management system (BMS). This protects the battery against overvoltage and overcurrent, both of which would otherwise represent a fire hazard.
What’s more, the typical li-ion battery is double protected. The BMS monitors the current in real time, but there is also a fuse or self-control protector (SCP). Both are crucial to the safety of li-ion batteries.

Lead-acid batteries do not have a BMS, meaning that they’re solely protected by the charger. While exceeding the maximum voltage isn’t as dangerous as it would be in a li-ion battery, it can still result in the destruction of the battery. A fuse protects them from short circuits, but overcurrent protection must come from the application. What’s more, lead-acid batteries can release hydrogen while charging, meaning that they should be charged in a specific area where they can be monitored. This is not the case with li-ion batteries.

Cost Differences Between Li-Ion and Lead-Acid

The life cycle of li-ion batteries is typically longer than those of lead-acid batteries. Due to their low durability, lead-acid batteries generally only last around 500 shallow cycles, and even fewer deep cycles.

On the other hand, an LFP battery can easily cope with 2,000 cycles or more. NMC batteries offer fewer cycles, but you should still expect around 1,000 cycles. Also, the BMS in a li-ion battery will be able to monitor battery health and inform the user when a change is required. So, while a li-ion battery might have a higher initial cost, the savings over the lifespan of the batteries makes li-ion the more affordable choice for many.

Li-Ion or Lead-Acid?

Choosing which battery is best for your specific application is usually simple: li-ion batteries win in almost all areas. Li-ion batteries offer exceptional levels of safety, plus they also cost less in the long term – although the initial outlay will be higher. What’s more, li-ion batteries are more convenient, as they require less charging and replacing.

To re-cap main differences between lead-acid and high quality li-ion batteries:

As shown above, in most areas switching to li-ion provides clear advantages without compromising safety, providing high quality batteries are used. To achieve ~24V in typical battery size, two lead-acid batteries must be connected in series. Let’s analyse a simple example looking at products available on the market, comparing a 12V 50Ah lead-acid battery with a Johnson Matthey Battery Systems 21.8V li-ion battery:

Johnson Matthey Battery Systems is a leading producer of lithium-ion batteries for AGVs, AMRs, and cleaning machines. The company provides a range of li-ion options, tailored to the specific needs of the customer, all built in Europe using high-quality components and guaranteed to have exceptional performance. A European manufacturer, with a comprehensive range of services, including testing and validation, all provided under one roof. In-house laboratories allow Johnson Matthey to offer customers advanced and cost-effective testing, along with battery certification.

Death in Confined Spaces: Hidden Danger

Posted on by David Priestman

International freight transport insurer TT Club is seeking to draw attention to the hidden danger and life-threatening hazards caused by enclosed and confined spaces prevalent throughout the global supply chain. Toxic gases produced by some cargoes as well as leakages, residual fumigants and other causes of a reduced oxygen environment are the chief problems, with 60% of fatalities suffered by would be rescuers.

Confined or enclosed spaces are common in the supply chain industry. Such spaces exist across all freight modalities; from tank containers to cargo hold stairwells and holds, to road tankers and sealed cargo units. A lack of understanding of the danger present may have fatal consequences.

Without sufficient oxygen the human body starts to shut down very quickly. Any rescue operations are therefore time critical. The primary cause of reduced oxygen levels is the increased presence of other gases, such as carbon dioxide. This may arise from rusting of the ship’s structure or metal cargoes, oxidation of cargoes such as coal or the decomposition of biodegradable cargoes, for example fish meal, logs, bark, or wood pellets. All these lead to carbon dioxide – and potentially other gases – being released, simultaneously depleting the oxygen. Other associated hazards include flammable or toxic vapours from leaking cargoes or leaking pipes or hoses.

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, Risk Management Director at TT explains that a lack of awareness of these, often hidden dangers is surprisingly high. “The key risk is that workers may not readily recognise spaces that could present danger,” he states. “The cargo hold of a ship is a leading example, but containers and other cargo transport units pose similar risks; there may be a lack of knowledge of the cargo packed or whether fumigants have been used. Similarly, tanks units, whether a road barrel or tank container, certainly qualify as enclosed spaces.”

The speed with which the effects of oxygen depletion can become debilitating require thorough and regular communication to ensure that operatives understand the risks. When entering a lethal space there are no obvious red flags. In terms of symptoms there are no warning signs such as coughing or feeling breathless or nauseous. An individual can pass out without having the opportunity to raise an alarm or escape.

The quick onset and catastrophic nature of these symptoms often leads to others rushing to the aid of the casualty, unaware of the reason for their collapse. Statistically, over 60% of fatalities connected to confined and enclosed spaces are suffered by would be rescuers.

“The silent and invisible nature of this killer emphasises the importance of raising awareness of the risk,” stresses Storrs-Fox. “Developing and undertaking drills to practice rescues are crucial steps in mitigating the risks, as are a number of other strategies including risk assessments of working in potentially hazardous spaces, discouraging short cuts in work practices and testing, monitoring and venting air in confined areas.”

While not exhaustive, TT has developed a checklist of risk mitigation strategies that can be applied across all modes, whether on land or at sea.

IFOY Test Report: Sentics ORTLS

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With just a few days to go before the IFOY Award winners are announced in a glittering ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd, we look at the optical real time locating system (ORTLS) from Sentics GmbH.

The start-up Sentics has developed and launched the first optical, AI-based real-time location system for industrial applications. The complementary software products significantly increase safety and efficiency in intralogistics.

IFOY category: Start-up of the Year

IFOY Test Report

Sentics optical real-time localisation system is based on infrastructure sensors installed in the industrial environment. The sensor system detects and localises relevant objects such as forklifts, people or machines and makes this information available for numerous applications. Real-time analysis of the locations and movement profiles of people and industrial trucks enables critical situations to be detected at an early stage and accidents to be prevented by means of warnings and automated reduction of travel speed. With the help of a targeted configuration of the driving strategy, users can also preventively reduce the driving speed in hazardous areas. Conversely, industrial trucks can continue to operate with high productivity if there are no people or other obstacles in the travel area.

The localisation system can also be used for autonomous transport systems, which can currently only be operated with limited productivity due to the challenges of mixed traffic with manual vehicles and people. For this purpose, information about all driving areas is provided in real time and made available to the fleet managers of the autonomous transport vehicles. An analysis of historical movement profiles also enables safety and productivity to be increased.

Alternative real-time localisation systems are based on additional technical devices (transponders) that must be worn by people or installed on industrial trucks. Besides the administration and maintenance effort (issuing to employees and visitors, recharging batteries, replacing defective devices, etc.), these systems have a disadvantage for security applications. If a person is not wearing the transponder or if it is defective, then that person cannot be protected. Sentics’ system does not require any additional technical devices. Thus, there can be no failures in the condition of the system. At the same time, the system is scalable in any way, because compared to transponder solutions, devices are not limited.

IFOY test verdict: In German companies, there were about 32,000 reportable accidents with industrial trucks in 2020, 10 of which ended fatally. This is according to statistics from the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). Sentics’ optical, AI-based real-time localisation system provides a solution that can help improve these figures. In addition, collaborative concepts can be implemented by integrating people, manually operated and autonomous machines – an aspect that should not be underestimated against the background that forecasts assume further growth in the AGV/AMR sector.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The field of in-process identification technologies and their applications will be of great importance in the future in even more digitalised and automated industrial and commercial environments. Sentics not only offers a camera-based, i.e., optically working solution, but also shows safety-relevant applications of the technology, which make an amortisation possible over multiple benefits. This area of occupational safety is emphasised by Sentics itself. Certainly, the feasibility of occupational safety measures with other applications (identification, tracking & tracing) is of particular importance.

Customer benefit: The product and the applications shown offer multiple customer benefits by implementing parallel functionalities. On the one hand, the localisation of automated devices (AGVs, AMRs, etc., which themselves use localisation technology) and non-automated objects (humans, forklifts, etc.) is combined. The objects do not necessarily have to be equipped with their own devices. If control interventions such as speed reduction are to be implemented, the objects are equipped with their own hardware.

Novelty / Innovation: Optical recognition using computer vision methods is well known but is not yet widely used for comparable applications. The combination of localisation, recognition of people and active intervention in the controls is a good innovation leap.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The integration of automated technology and manual process participants in a closed system shows very good potential for implementation and is an important step into the future world of networked Industry 4.0. Especially the implementation with relatively simple cameras and the avoidance of wearables or other devices for the people participating in the process offers many advantages. The combination of several sensors in a defined environment and the joint use of their data (sensor fusion) is an intelligent solution for the multiple use of the technology employed in several applications.

Verdict: Nice application for camera-based detection and localisation of moving objects. Can neatly increase safety, but can also be used for rule-based actions for control. With this, the forklift learns to “see around the corner”! Certainly in the future, much more innovative goals are achievable with the system (detection of specific containers and load).

Market relevance +
Customer benefit +
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

Transaid Extends Work with FIA Foundation

Posted on by David Priestman

Transaid has secured an extension of its work funded by global road safety philanthropy the FIA Foundation, to lead the second phase of a project to establish a National Helmet Wearing Coalition in Kenya, using its extensive experience in motorcycle and motorised three-wheeler safety.

Priorities for a new 13-month term are to secure the long-term future of the Coalition and cement Kenyan ownership of this initiative, whilst strengthening the implementation of the existing Kenyan Helmet Standard through improved enforcement capacity.

This will see Transaid continuing to work with local stakeholders to increase awareness amongst motorcycle users around the importance of wearing a quality helmet, as well as securing additional funding to broaden the short and medium-term impact of the Coalition.

Sam Clark, Head of Programmes at Transaid, says: “Research during the first phase of the project revealed that up to 40% of road traffic fatalities in Kenya were linked to the use of motorcycles and motorcycle taxis, and that helmet prevalence was low amongst motorcycle users. We will now be focused on building the capacity of relevant authorities to strengthen implementation of the current Kenyan Helmet Standard, while also equipping motorcycle users with an improved sense of what constitutes a poor quality and a good quality helmet.”

Aggie Krasnolucka, Programmes Director of the FIA Foundation, explains: “The FIA Foundation is excited to support the second phase of the Kenya Helmet Wearing Coalition with Transaid. This exciting new chapter will build on the data and relationships to advocate for improved legislation and strengthened enforcement of certified helmets as well as wider public awareness.”

Official figures released in 2018* showed there were approximately 1.4 million motorcycles used as taxis – known as ‘boda bodas’ – in urban and rural areas across Kenya. While the country already has a compulsory motorcycle helmet use law, enforcement is largely inconsistent and helmet use is low – despite research which shows a motorcycle helmet can reduce the risk of death by 42% and risk of head injury by 69% in a crash.

Clark adds: “Road traffic crashes continue to constitute a global health crisis, and the consequences are disproportionately felt in low and middle-income countries. This initiative aims to directly reduce injury and death on Kenya’s roads, benefitting a broad audience, including riders and their fare-paying passengers.”

Whilst Kenya is the first country where the FIA Foundation’s Helmet Wearing Coalition is being implemented, Transaid plans to share its learnings from the project with organisations and clubs worldwide that are working towards the same aim of improving motorcycle and three-wheeler safety.

*Source: Directorate of Registration and Licensing at the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), reported there were 1,393,290 registered motorcycles in Kenya in February 2018.

SICK Launches 3D Camera with Certified Safety

Posted on by David Priestman

SICK has launched the safeVisionary2, the world’s first compact 3D time-of-flight camera with safety certification performance level c, in accordance with ISO 13849. The safeVisionary2 promises to use the benefits of three-dimensional environmental perception to improve safety and productivity in many manufacturing and logistics environments.

“The safeVisionary2 represents a new milestone in safety technology,” said Dr Martin Kidman, SICK’s Market Product Manager for Safety Solutions. “Until now, using LiDAR sensors has been the standard for monitoring protective fields in a two-dimensional plane. In contrast, the safeVisonary2 uses 3D time-of-flight technology to monitor a three-dimensional space.

“This offers some exciting new possibilities for certain applications, particularly for increasing the availability of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and other mobile robots, as well as to improve the productivity and versatility of human-robot collaboration.”

Automated Mobile Robots

In Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs), by scanning in three dimensions the SICK safeVisionary2 offers enhanced protection where there is a risk of collision with objects or people that are higher than the field of a standard 2D safety laser scanner. In addition, perception to the sides of the AMR provides more protection to people when the vehicle is turning or rotating, for example after loading and unloading operations. The safeVisionary2 may also enable automatic restart, so more available and productive working is possible.

The safeVisionary2 also ensures greater levels of safety when using mobile service robots. As well as monitoring protective and warning fields in the robot’s travel path, the camera has a contour detection field that can reliably identify cliff hazards, such as stairs or ramps.

Collaborative Human Robot Safety

Using the safeVisionary2’s safe 3D environmental perception enables more true collaboration between robots and workers with fewer stops and reduced safety distances in stationary applications. The Safe Visionary2 can detect people’s upper bodies and therefore dangers such as reaching or leaning into hazardous areas. With the safeVisionary2, protection of the robot work area at human head height is extended, so robots can continue to operate safely with reduced force and speed.

In addition to its safety functions, the SICK safeVisionary2 can also output precise 3D measurement data for automation tasks, which can be used for navigation, for example. At 30 images per second and a resolution of 512 x 424 pixels, the camera delivers reliable intensity and distance values to support both dynamic vehicle navigation and object detection for collision avoidance.

In static robot applications, the safeVisionary2 can also be used, for example, for empty pallet recognition in robot palletising and depalletising applications, alongside the safety function.

The SICK safeVisionary2’s compact 70 x 80 x 77 mm dimensions allows for easy integration into AGVs, AMRs or tight machine spaces. The camera is also highly reliable thanks to solid-state technology that makes it extremely resistant to shocks and vibration. It can also be used reliably in environments with ambient light or darkness.

 

Trade Groups Come Together Over Safety

Posted on by David Priestman

The coming together of five organisations with shared visions for the safety and security of global trade will take advantage of unified information and data sources to bring greater awareness and understanding of issues with the goal of producing preventative output.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on 16 March 2023 by representatives of the five organisations:

  • Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS)
  • Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme (CHIRP)
  • Container Owners Association (COA)
  • International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA)
  • Ship Message Design Group (SMDG)

The participants have a commonality of purpose to create a framework for cooperation that enables each group to benefit from each other’s activities in respect of their strategies in areas of joint interest. These will, in the immediate future concentrate on improved safety during the global transport and handling of goods that have the potential to cause injury to the workforce and/or damage to the environment and the goods themselves.

John Beckett, Chair of ICHCA, commented: “This unique grouping of industry leaders has the potential to coordinate data, research and best practices across the broad spectrum of the international movement of cargo. A key goal is to create an awareness throughout the freight industry, amongst operators, regulators and policy makers as to practical and effective measures to improve safety.”

A fundamental part of the group’s output will be publications, an aim that is close to the heart of Deputy Chair of CINS, Dirk Van de Velde: “As an example of where immediate attention is required, container ship fires are high on the list,” he said. “The combined knowledge, experience and database resource of the signatories to this MOU, managed in a coordinated manner, have massive potential to leverage change in safety processes. We will be publishing guidance on the treatment of lithium-ion batteries, among other cargoes, in the near future.”

In search of practical changes that will alleviate such dangers, the MOU calls for coordinated efforts both on regional and international issues of common concern and engagement with relevant regulatory bodies including the IMO and other appropriate United Nations agencies.

Other stated aims include working together to initiate innovative worldwide surveys and studies that can assist with the furtherance of these organisations on behalf of their members and associates. There will also be sharing of research findings and publications to strengthen information exchange, while avoiding duplication of effort by pooling resources.

“CHIRP Maritime is delighted to be part of the MOU,” added CHIRP’s David Watkins. “CHIRP Maritime will work with our partners to collect information on operational cargo-related accidents and incidents and share learning with the wider maritime community to promote best practices in the supply chain and reduce the number of cargo incidents on board ships and terminals

Caption: Adam Parnell – Chirp, Dirk Van de Velde – CINS, John Beckett – ICHCA, Mark Lefebvre – CINS, Patrick Hicks – COA

 

 

VisionTrack Duo Appointed to Road Safety Body

Posted on by David Priestman

VisionTrack, a provider of AI video telematics and connected vehicle data, is taking a major new role in the fight against worldwide road deaths and injuries. CEO, Simon Marsh, and President of Global Sales, Richard Kent, have been appointed to the Governing Board of global NGO, Together for Safer Roads (TSR), to help shape the response to the road safety crisis and support the Vision Zero initiative.

“We share TSR’s vision to create a world where roads are safer for everyone, so Richard and I are honoured to be joining their Governing Board and expanding our roles within the organisation,” explains Simon Marsh, CEO of VisionTrack. “With traffic fatalities at near historic highs in many countries, there needs to be a collective effort amongst governments, the public and private sectors, health and safety organisations, and technology innovators to prevent these tragic road collisions.”

Collaboration to improve road safety

VisionTrack will serve on the board alongside leading executives from Anheuser-Busch InBev, Republic Services and UPS. VisionTrack has a strong relationship with TSR, having started working with the organisation in 2021 and last year entering into a membership agreement. The collaboration to improve road safety is gathering pace, with VisionTrack contributing advanced AI video telematics to TSR’s Truck of the Future pilot program, which aims to eliminate collisions between HGVs and other road users through enhanced driver visibility.

Andres Penate, Board Chair and Global VP Corporate Affairs at Anheuser-Busch InBev, commented: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are thrilled at this announcement. Together for Safer Roads is at our best when we have innovative, safety-driven companies all working together.  VisionTrack is a leader in their field and will help strengthen our organisation’s ability to drive progress and save lives.”

Peter Goldwasser, Executive Director of Together for Safer Roads, added: “VisionTrack possesses invaluable road safety, Vision Zero and technology expertise, so we are excited about them joining us and making a major contribution to our global ambitions. Simon founded VisionTrack based on an ethos of reducing injuries and saving lives, having seen first-hand the devastation caused by fatal road incidents, while Richard has spent over 20 years improving road, driver and pedestrian safety for some of the world’s largest fleets.”

Richard Kent, President of Global Sales at VisionTrack, said: “As true advocates of road safety, we are hugely grateful for the work TSR is undertaking and want to play our part in helping eliminate traffic deaths. VisionTrack is at the forefront of AI-powered fleet safety systems, so our aim is to use our unrivalled expertise to share industry best practice and determine how vehicles can best use the latest technology to avoid road collisions.”

 

Handling a Smart Century

Posted on by David Priestman

Part of the Meijer Group, Meijer Handling Solutions has just celebrated its 100th birthday. It’s been a century of innovation, and with another set to follow, the urge to innovate is far from over.

Meijer Group started as a one-man business in 1921, founded by Jan Meijer in the Frisian village of Wier, the Netherlands. Like many businesses at that time, Meijer focused on local agriculture. Jan went from farm to farm offering his services as a thresher. His son, Hendrik, took the first technical steps and expanded the range to include tractors and tracked vehicles. Under his leadership, Meijer grew to become a contracting and earthmoving company, carrying out repairs and developing new machines and machine parts. The company demonstrated technical and customer-specific thinking that soon bore fruit.

Hendrik’s son, Sjoerd, added his own contribution. Sjoerd was even more of a techie than his father and shifted the company’s course towards mechanical engineering and construction. Meijer proved himself by developing surprising and effective solutions to complex technical problems. The knowledge and experience gained from these activities were also essential to the development of the company’s present achievements.

These days, the fourth generation is at the helm in the person of Hendrik Meijer (pictured). Meijer Handling Solutions specialises in the production of logistics solutions, such as attachment equipment for material handling equipment and standalone systems. Apart from a brief excursion to Wieringerwerf, the company has always remained in Friesland. In St. Jacobiparochie, the Meijer Group employs approximately 170 people, but it still exudes the feel of a true family business.

Innovative solutions

The origin of current activities lies in the patented telescopic fork that was introduced in 1980, an innovation of Hendrik’s father. The hydraulic ReachForks concept was originally sold exclusively to KOOI, a manufacturer of portable forklift trucks, which at the time was sold under the name KOOI-AAP. In 2000, however, Meijer took over the sales and marketing rights. The official brand name KOOI®ReachForks was also acquired.

“That acquisition has been a success for us,” says Hendrik Meijer. “From then on, we could also supply our products to other OEMs of portable forklift trucks and distributors worldwide. During that time, we grew a department into a professional market leader.” In ten years’, the number of distributors rose sharply: from eight in 2000 to approximately 25 in 2010. Meijer Handling Solutions grew to become the world market leader in the production of hydraulic forks.

In addition to acquiring the sales rights, Meijer also invested in engineering. New innovative products were introduced, such as KOOI®RollerForks. “But we do more than just forks,” Hendrik Meijer continues enthusiastically. “We develop and produce pallet transfer systems for moving goods from one pallet to another, mast height extension and much more.”

Making products smarter

Personified by the CEO, Meijer Handling Solutions is still full of energy and innovation after 100 years. Today, the focus is on making products smarter. The KOOI® Next programme enables forklift trucks to be used even more efficiently. Handling speed can be increased, damage to goods, pallets and racks can be reduced and workplace safety can be improved. The KOOI® Next program is an excellent tool for providing users with essential information. Using an app on the mobile phone, for example, the deflection of the fork can be analysed. KOOI®ReachControl, a length measuring system for all kind of ReachForks, ensures that the extension of the fork stops at the right moment and the forks do not protrude too far through the pallet.

With the length measuring system, Meijer Handling Solutions also responds to the ongoing electrification of internal transport. “For example, we are developing an electric ReachFork,” says Hendrik Meijer. “To guarantee the quality that the market has come to expect from us, we are currently developing and testing various prototypes.”

“There are still many good things in store for the company,” says Hendrik Meijer. “We are a global market leader and want to grow in North America in particular. We have had a joint venture (Cascade-KOOI®) with Cascade there since 2019. Cascade is well represented in North America and our products fit well with their current programme.”

Locally made

Meanwhile, the production facility in St. Jacobiparochie does not offer sufficient space for this further global growth. “When the time is right, we will also look at manufacturing opportunities in other parts of the world. By manufacturing locally, we can also reduce transport and in turn contribute to achieving an environmentally friendly chain.”

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