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AR Racking names new EMEA sales director

Posted on by Keith McKinley

José Miguel Sobradillo has been appointed as the new EMEA Sales Director for the pallet racking solutions of industrial storage systems specialist AR Racking. Sobradillo replaces José Manuel Lucio at the head of the EMEA market, who was combining the position with that of Managing Director, a role he will exclusively concentrate on from now on.

The new Sales Director takes on the challenge with determination: “It is a highly motivating challenge trying to consolidate AR Racking’s good positioning in the entire EMEA region. The objective is to turn AR Racking into the leading supplier of storage solutions in all these markets in which we are present. In my new position I will try to contribute to this by focusing on: strategies offered by stand-out projects that increase our customers’ competitiveness, as well as our product knowledge and care.”

Sobradillo knows perfectly the intra-logistics sector and AR Racking’s potential, having spent more than a decade performing sales management roles there. After many years as a sales management leader in the European Anglo-Saxon market, in recent months he has taken on the role of Key Account Manager – Global Accounts, a position focused on customers with large-scale and specific storage projects and which he will continue to combine with the new role.

With University training in industrial engineering, AR Racking’s new EMEA Sales Director has both a professional background in sales and a technical and industrial market profile.

Automation strengthens competitiveness of automotive supplier

Posted on by David Priestman

In the wake of global growth and increasingly restrictive customer requirements, MPE Plastics in Turin, Italy, has decided to start its automation journey by implementing a state-of-the-art, holistic semi-automated intralogistics solution by SSI Schaefer. The solution combines a mobile racking system with 5,100 pallet storage locations and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which were integrated into the existing process. The Italian automotive supplier gains significant space and time, which can be used to accommodate further business growth.

Increased industry-specific requirements

As a supplier of thermoplastic precision parts for the automotive industry, MPE Srl has operated in a demanding market for more than 40 years and has established the company as a top provider on a national and international level. High quality standards for its own products and services, as well as a customer-focused mindset, were crucial for its success and continuous expansion. These values also encompass having to meet increasingly strict just-in-time, just-in-sequence and Kanban specifications, which demand a high level of responsiveness and reliable availability of goods.

“Fast processing times and reliability have always been the focal point of our business and are important for continuous improvement,” says Riccardo Battagliotti, Managing Director at MPE Plastics. “Considering the growing order volume and market requirements, it was a logical decision to assess our internal dynamics and logistical processes in the warehouse and shipping area, and to change from a manual warehouse to a semi-automated warehouse.”

The new solution had to be integrated into two existing halls with limited space and will help MPE reduce operating and personnel costs.

High system availability required

After extensive market research, MPE opted for a combined system solution by SSI Schaefer, consisting of mobile racks and automated guided vehicles. The expected total capacity of 5,100 storage locations and a technical performance of 20 pallets per hour in a single-shift operation can be progressively increased further over time.

“We have evaluated offers with similar ambitious automation projects of different companies in Europe,” reports Battagliotti. “The possible storage density of the SSI Schaefer solution concept was significantly higher than of other companies. This allowed us to generate a maximum number of storage locations for the available storage volume and benefit from faster order processing at the same time.”

The space gained, thanks to the installation of mobile racks, can be used to increase production capacities while also expanding the product range. Moreover, the process quality is improved with the help of AGVs, as the vehicles reliably carry out their work without interruption, even in a 16-hour operation. The AGVs also prevent excessive manual transport of individual parts between the warehouse and production.

“In this way, we work more efficiently and are able to better meet our delivery deadlines,” continues Battagliotti. In addition to the consulting and solution competence, the fact that all performance modules are delivered from a single source and that there is one contact person from integration to after-sales service was convincing when choosing SSI Schaefer. There are no interfaces between sub-systems that need to be maintained and communication problems are eliminated.

Semi-automation for work flow optimisation

In the automotive industry, cost pressure is particularly high and demands suppliers to offer continuously high quality standards at compelling prices. In order to remain competitive in the long run, new participants in this segment have to find ways to reduce operating costs, especially in terms of energy, and to offset ever-increasing labour costs. Furthermore, on-time delivery (OTD) is key. This factor measures the provided services and requires stock management as well as constant work and material flow.

Therefore, investing in semi-automation was for MPE Plastics an appropriate response to low picking performance that was increasingly jeopardising delivery quality and deadlines. Employing more staff was the only way to compensate for this poor picking performance, which in turn contradicted the strategy of cost reduction. Productivity was also impaired by numerous material buffers that took up space and caused long product-picking times and hence hindered order processing. Against this background, a system solution was called for that was able to comprehensively face these challenges. A short payback period was also important for MPE.

Process quality improved

The installation of the mobile racking system with 5,100 pallet storage locations within the existing building structures, and the commissioning of the AGVs, only took seven months. Both buildings are connected by a bridge at a height of six meters. Pallets with goods from production are transferred to a conveyor belt, lifted vertically to the second level and fed into the mobile racking system. AGVs carry out the storage of pallets as well as the retrieval of required load carriers, their transport and provision to the shipping area.

Thanks to this interlinked whole-site system, MPE Plastics gained space, stabilised material flow on a constantly high level and reduced costs in the long run. “The performance rate per hour guaranteed by SSI Schaefer was achieved immediately after commissioning,” states Battagliotti. “We were also able to gradually achieve the target of 32 pallets per hour, a significant increase in performance compared to the initial situation, which was characterised by manual processes that put high physical strain on our employees.”

Thanks to the automation of the storage and retrieval processes, the error rate also tends to be zero.

Perfect OTD performance

Today, all inbound and outbound operations meet internal and external requirements and are performed with the help of mobile racking systems and AGVs in a two-shift operation. “We are very satisfied with what we have achieved together with SSI Schaefer, especially since they have also reliably offered support during the initial operation of the semi-automated intralogistics solution,” sums up Battagliotti. “For us, it was very helpful to trust in a full-service provider and to have one contact person for all kinds of questions.”

The extensive training of the employees on the new system also contributed to securing the competitiveness of the automotive supplier in a very dynamic market. All requirements were fully met, which enables MPE Plastics to provide their demanding customers from the OEM sector with fast and reliable service thanks to further improved OTD performance.

 

stow Robotics starts new automation campus

Posted on by David Priestman

stow Robotics, part of stow Group, a global leader in industrial storage solutions, will expand its high-end production activity on the WDP site in Lokeren. Early 2023, the specialist in innovative warehouse automation solutions will move into the high-profile location along the E17 in Lokeren, which WDP acquired in 2021 through a sale-and-lease-back operation with DPG Media Services.

The part of the buildings previously set up for the printing activities of DPG Media Services will be converted into a campus for stow Robotics. stow Robotics was founded at the end of 2021, is growing rapidly, and focuses on the development, production and commercialisation of automated and robotic warehouse solutions. The building will be set up as a fully-fledged stow campus with a multi-level production area, an R&D centre, a showroom and offices for sales and after-sales activities. stow Robotics will use a total surface area of approximately 24,000 sq m on this site on the basis of a long-term lease.

“The site is a unique opportunity for the further expansion of our robotics activities. The central location, extensive facilities and excellent visibility of the building are absolute trump cards for stow Robotics. The location also allows us to build a large technology and experience centre for our European customers. Given the rapid growth of stow Robotics, the near-immediate availability of the building and the optimal availability of the various spaces were key in this decision. The evolution in warehouse automation is highly dynamic and the time-to-market of new concepts is essential,” says Jos De Vuyst, CEO of stow Group.

“Today, it is important to act economical when it comes to available land and locations. When acquiring a property, WDP consistently examines its long-term potential and its potential in other functions. The new lease of the site in Lokeren shows that existing buildings can be converted into high-end campuses for companies pursuing future growth based on innovation,” adds Kristof De Witte, General Manager WDP for BELUX and FR.

Lokeren becomes the second major campus in Belgium for stow, which is headquartered in Spiere-Helkijn near Tournai, and has 10 factories and 20 commercial entities across Europe and the US.

stow robotics is recruiting at least 50 additional employees for the production activities on the Lokeren campus. All other stow Robotics activities will also be transferred to Lokeren, so that, over time, 200 people will be active on the site, of which a large number of engineers in R&D and other technical positions. stow estimates to reach the €1bn turnover mark in 2022 and plans further growth over the coming years, in which stow Robotics plays a central role.

Filip Anthuenis – mayor of Lokeren: “We are delighted with the arrival of stow Robotics in our city. The company will provide a new purpose to the former building of DPG Media Services, which for many years has been the landmark of our business park near the E17 highway. Lokeren is a small, but entrepreneurial city, where life is generous and people truly connect with a warm and self-conscious ‘Lokeren feeling’. stow Robotics couldn’t have picked a better home base.”

“It is no coincidence that stow Robotics chooses Lokeren as its new home base”, adds Stefan Walgraeve, councillor for industrial development in Lokeren. “Our unique location between Antwerp and Ghent and proximity to Brussels is a major asset. Our city is also at the crossroads of major railway lines and our industrial sites give direct access to one of Europe’s most important motorway connections, the E17. stow Robotics will contribute to the increasing economic dynamism of and employment in our city, through strong employment (top 5 of the largest private employers in our city), of both (lower-skilled) workers and (highly educated) employees.”

Packaging firm increases storage efficiency

Posted on by David Priestman

Aranco, a leader in industrial packaging services, has a versatile and agile 2,000 sq m warehouse equipped with AR Racking storage solutions in the town of Massamagrell (Valencia, Spain). The facility is in keeping with Aranco’s innovative spirit where diverse components of its wrapping machinery will be stored.

With more than 25 years of experience, Aranco is a comprehensive supplier of innovative, profitable and high-quality solutions with pallet wrapping machines and high-performance film. After a detailed study of the raw materials, finished product and machinery, AR Racking designed and executed the implementation of several different storage solutions in the new warehouse. The adjustable pallet racking, drive in racking and live pallet racking systems have generated 1,960, 288 and 288 positions for pallets, respectively.

The combination of the different storage systems will provide Aranco with versatile, agile and maximum efficiency warehouse operations. The installation was completed in 30 days.

“We offer comprehensive custom services for each wrapping process and our customers a 24/7 service. This requires high precision in all the process phases. In AR Racking we have found the ideal partner to maximise the efficiency of our warehouse, which will be key in our operations,” explained, Gaizka Lara Goiricelaya, CEO of Aranca.

Additionally, in the workshop several bays with adjustable pallet racking and longspan shelving with mesh have been installed. A carton flow rack system area has also been enabled for product preparation.

“The customer now has a fully optimised warehouse space with the combination of direct access storage solutions and high-density storage systems. We thank Aranco for fully trusting in us,” added Javier Miquel, AR Racking project manager.

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USA Storage Systems Acquisition

Posted on by David Priestman

Apex Companies, headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, has announced that Engineered Handling, Inc, a leading storage and warehouse equipment supplier based in Charlotte, North Carolina will join the Apex family of companies to support growing customer demand in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast states. The combined company—operating under Apex Warehouse Systems—unites the talents and capabilities of Engineered Handling’s existing staff with the sales, design, engineering, automation, and rack repair services of Apex Companies.

Apex Companies is a full-service storage and material handling equipment provider – from individual pallet rack systems, forklifts, and lift equipment to full-scale warehouse design, integration, and automation; Apex offers customers one-stop-shop expertise.

The team from Engineered Handling has built a reputation as a premier material handling systems integrator offering warehouse design, engineering, installation, and training services to clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southern states. In addition, they maintain a sales and stocking facility in Hickory, NC, and a sales office in Greenville, SC. These locations will join the existing Apex offices in Oak Brook, IL, West Chicago, IL, Aurora, IL, and Denver, Colorado. All Engineered Handling employees will be joining Apex.

“We have known and worked with the Apex team for many years and have appreciated their high level of expertise and customer service. We look forward to becoming a part of the Apex family and continuing to grow the combined company in the future, said Jerry Welsh, President of Engineered Handling, who will join the Apex team. With its extensive footprint in the automotive parts and tool crib market, Engineered Handling expands Apex’s capability into this valuable sector. Additionally, the acquisition blends two active business units dedicated to used and overstock racking to expand the supply and affordability for customers throughout the U.S. The addition of Engineered Handling, coupled with last year’s acquisition of Alpine Equipment Co. of Denver, gives Apex a coast-to-coast footprint that will help propel the company’s national growth plans.

“Apex’s acquisition of Engineered Handling is a testimony to our plans to make Apex a truly nationwide company. The Mid-Atlantic and Southeast states are areas of tremendous growth in the warehouse and logistics market. We look forward to adding our capabilities to those of Engineered Handling to serve customers in this growing market,” noted Peter DeHaan, Principal, Apex Warehouse Systems. The merger was concluded on August 15th, 2022.

Eco-friendly BITO bins support sustainable storage

Posted on by David Priestman

For many years, BITO-Lagertechnik has put into practice the concept of sustainability, supported by innovative technologies and state-of-the art machinery and in 2021, BITO-Lagertechnik was verified as climate-neutral by TÜV Rheinland Group Carbon Services. Sustainable development requires a new mindset that affects the entire supply chain. It requires a new approach when selecting raw materials, implementing resource saving manufacturing methods and re-organising logistics in a way to create added value for customers.

Users are more aware than ever of the environmental impact of goods and services. In the field of storage, order picking and transport, as well as in production environments such as Kanban processes, reusable, sturdy carrying and transport equipment have always been in demand in order to avoid packaging waste. Whereas the focus in the past was traditionally on reducing costs, today’s focus is moving to sustainability.

Regardless of the series or variant, BITO bins and containers are the ideal alternative to disposable cartons, because they are sturdy, durable and suited for rough handling. Plastic bins save a lot of packaging waste: one BITO multi-trip MB container replaces hundreds of disposable cartons during its long service life.

Recycling and upcycling in BITO-owned facility

As a manufacturer, it is equally important for BITO-Lagertechnik to offer ecological alternatives to virgin plastic. Apart from reducing the environmental impact, using regranulated plastics increases energy efficiency in production. Every ton of polypropylene that is not produced saves 1.7 tonnes of CO₂.

BITO has been operating a well-organised bin and container recycling system for many years. Plastic waste, rejects and returnable containers are reground in a company-owned facility and processed into new plastic bins, containers and bin accessories. As an answer to the increasing demand, BITO has been manufacturing the most popular sizes of the MB multi-trip container series from re-granulated material or from certified ‘post-consumer plastic’, i.e. recycled plastics from household waste. This production line has been part of the standard portfolio since the end of 2019.

The MB ECO is not only about recycling; it is also about up-cycling. A disposable, single-use product becomes a durable, high-quality and environmentally friendly reusable bin. With a triple benefit for the environment: household waste is not incinerated (less air pollution), the material is not petroleum-based (this saves approximately 950kg CO₂ per tonne of PP) and, like all BITO multi-trip containers, the MB ECO replaces many times more limited-use packages during its useful life.

Recycled materials are ‘naturally’ dark-coloured, so there are no customised colour choices. For sorting purposes and for a better overview, the bins, currently available in the three sizes 400 x 300 x 223mm, 600 x 400 x 223mm and 600 x 400 x 323mm, are available with differently coloured lids in blue, yellow, green, red and black. All other optional equipment items such as hinged lids or stacking rails are the same as for the BITO MB standard series.

Customisable divider systems and inlays

Practical bin inserts, inlays and subdivisions also contribute to saving packaging waste. This is why BITO also focuses on developing new solutions in this field. Perfectly fitting divider systems such as lengthwise and crosswise dividers, push-fit accessories and insert boxes make sure that goods do not shift and get damaged during transport. As a result, no additional disposable packaging, filling material or other protective materials are needed.

Customised inlays that subdivide bins into several compartments as well as interior fittings adapted to customer requirements can be used many times again. They are an ecological alternative to disposable packaging, which not only provides optimum product protection during storage and transport, but also allows the placing of place goods in a space-saving way.

Bins made from sunflower compound

A clever alternative to conventional polypropylene (PP) is Sunflower Compound (SFC), an environmentally friendly material, which has been used since 2018 to manufacture BITO C-item bins (pictured). No food must be used to obtain sunflower seed shells, nor are additional cultivation areas required, as the shells are a by-product of sunflower seed production. This new material is a mixture of PP and sunflower seed shell fibres, a food industry waste product.

Making a product from sunflower compound produces significantly fewer emissions than making a product from 100% polypropylene, since the compound is processed at lower temperatures than PP. By buying a sunflower compound product, customers will help to reduce their carbon footprint.

How does this work? Until now, the shells were merely a waste product of the food industry, while sunflower seeds were used to make oil or used directly as food. A young company came up with the idea of using this natural raw material as a filler and reinforcing material in plastics. In order to obtain an eco-friendly mixture, the shell fibres are ground and compounded, i.e. bonded, with polypropylene.

The production of this material releases fewer greenhouse gases than the production of conventional virgin plastic. In addition, lower temperatures are required for processing and the amount of energy needed is reduced. The resulting plastic composite has excellent processing properties, is highly rigid and impact resistant – ideal features for producing high-quality bins and containers.

 

BITO all set for IMHX 2022

Posted on by David Priestman

Leading storage solutions provider BITO Storage Systems will once again be exhibiting at IMHX, which takes place on 6-8 September 2022 at the NEC, Birmingham.

The company says its highly experienced UK team are looking forward to meeting visitors from key sectors including retail, manufacturing and logistics on Stand: 5B15. They will be keen to discuss visitors’ challenges and offer potential solutions, drawing on BITO’s lengthy experience working with a wide variety of companies, from SMEs to major well-known brand clients.

Engaging with BITO’s team of experts, visitors will see clearly how the company can match their requirements through creating innovative storage and highly productive order picking solutions from a comprehensive range of products manufactured by BITO in Germany. These include pallet racking, carton and pallet live systems, shelving, bins and containers, and the recently improved LEO Locative driverless transport system. To further provide a one-stop shop, BITO can provide supporting products such as mezzanines, warehouse trucks, signage and rack protection as part of a complete system.

In addition to explaining BITO’s successful approach to reducing its own environmental impact, BITO’s team can highlight sustainable intralogistics solutions that will assist companies in the increasingly important task of cutting emissions and demonstrating their sustainability credentials.

Edward Hutchison, Managing Director of BITO Storage Systems, said: “Organisations are seeking to drive operational efficiency to meet the challenges ahead in these unprecedented times. They will require innovative solutions that can only be generated through experience and expertise. They also need equipment of a quality they can depend on. Companies know their business best and often have their own great ideas for solutions to their particular issues. BITO is an expert in turning a client’s ideas into reality.

“The ability to see our equipment in our Nuneaton showroom, where solutions can also be tried, tested and refined, will help to contribute to a seamlessly integrated system. Our online store will rapidly fulfil orders from our broad range of stock housed in the warehouse to suit all kinds of smaller projects. For larger systems, BITO’s comprehensive product range and capabilities means customers gain from a single point of contact that guides a project from design and manufacture through to the installation and support. This ensures the passion and involvement at design stage is continued through to project planning and then execution to deliver a truly successful storage and order picking project.”

 

AR Racking brings large team to IMHX

Posted on by Keith McKinley

AR Racking, a leading company in the international storage systems market, will be present at IMHX 2022, United Kingdom’s biggest logistics and supply chain event. AR Racking will have a large team on stand 5F42 in Hall 5 of the NEC to deal with visitors’ needs and queries on industrial storage matters on the 6, 7 and 8 September.

AR Racking, with a commercial presence in more than 60 countries, remains committed to the UK market with its growing investment in the infrastructure of the business. In fact, AR Racking has recently hired Ander Iturralde as the Sales Manager for the United Kingdom and Ireland, and strengthened and expanded its technical and project management team at the new office in Slough.

AR Racking will display on stand 5F42 in Hall 5 its wide variety of solutions and services that range from the design and planning of storage systems to their implementation and commissioning, directing all phases of the project to increase the competitiveness of installations and equipment through effective solutions with highly demanding quality standards. At this edition, the AR Shuttle semi-automatic solution, which combines the possibility of high density and compact storage with operating agility, will play a prominent role.

AR Racking has a proven track record in the execution of large-scale storage projects and coverage throughout Great Britain and Ireland thanks to a strong distribution network with which it has been working for many years. AR Racking stands out for its in-depth knowledge of the product, whose cycle it fully controls, from manufacture through to final installation in the warehouse, and its strict compliance with quality standards and reliable delivery times.

 

BITO enjoys “most successful” year

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Achieving a turnover of €303m, 2021 was strongest year in BITO-Lagertechnik Bittmann GmbH’s history, and a year when BITO received a climate-neutral certificate.

BITO storage and logistics solutions are in high demand. The past two years have presented enormous challenges for many companies, especially in the field of logistics. Border closures and supply chain disruptions as a result of the pandemic have demonstrated the fragility of supply networks from one moment to the next. Delivery delays have resulted in production stops or disruptions in trade chains.

“We have noticed that the circumstances have led to a change of mind in many companies. After the market had recovered from the initial shock, both internationally and nationally, the trend was clearly towards more stockpiling in order to cope with times like those caused by the pandemic. Companies were expanding their storage capacities, and many new logistics centres have been established,” says Winfried Schmuck, Chief Executive Officer at BITO-Lagertechnik.

In addition, some sectors, such as the online retail business, which has been booming for years anyway, continue to see enormous growth. This is a challenge that the companies concerned have to cope with, especially in their logistics. As a result, the demand for BITO storage and logistics solutions has also increased significantly. After a difficult year in 2020, 2021 became the strongest year in the BITO history with a turnover of €303m.

“We had the highest order intake since the company was founded, with full capacity utilisation in all areas,” says Schmuck. “Tonnages were moved through the production halls that would have been unimaginable a few years ago. A great success that we were only able to achieve together in a well-functioning team.”

BITO awarded climate-neutral certificate

There has been a positive development in implementing even more sustainable practices. In 2021, BITO-Lagertechnik was certified as a climate-neutral company.

Schmuck says: “Sustainability has always been a priority for us. We are proud of our quality products, which are designed to last. To name just a few aspects: BITO multi-trip bins and containers help to avoid tons of packaging waste. When selecting our raw materials and auxiliaries, we always opt for materials that are not harmful to health and that allow environmentally friendly processing.

“Our production process is based on a commitment to sustainability and a resource-saving, energy-efficient approach in order to minimise the impact on our environment while saving raw materials. We have been operating a plastic bin recycling process in our own facility for many years. Acting with economic, environmental and social responsibility should not be viewed as an obligation. We see sustainability as a great opportunity for all of us.”

 

Active Ants increases Autostore capacity

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Active Ants, a subsidiary of the bpost group, has increased the capacity of the Autostore in its fulfilment centre in Roosendaal, Netherlands to over 98,000 storage bins. At the opening of this warehouse at the end of December 2020, the Autostore still consisted of 51,000 storage bins.

“At the beginning of this year, we started with the installation of the large extension of the Autostore,” says Marcel Spruijt, sales manager of Dematic, which is also responsible for the box-conveyors of the packaging lines.

The installation of this Autostore extension in Roosendaal went almost without any problems, just like the commissioning. At the beginning of March, the first batch with 22,000 storage bins could be loaded. After Easter, from the second half of April, the second batch with 25,000 storage bins was loaded into the Autostore. After that, the filling of the first new bins started. This was completed at the end of May. Meanwhile, the new part has been taken into use.

“We are very happy with this expansion,” says Jeroen Reedijk, director of Active Ants Netherlands. Dematic has done everything to realise this as soon as possible. These 47,000 new storage bins are badly needed to facilitate the expected growth in the near future.

The E-fulfilment centre in Roosendaal has an area of 20,000 sq m. It is a state-of-the-art innovative centre thanks to the deployment of 100 storage robots and 65 carrier robots to assist employees. In this ultra-modern warehouse with Autostore, thousands of products are packed for web shops. The storage, order-picking, packaging and sorting of goods are fully automated.

 

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