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Tag: warehouse

Business Enabler of the Year Award

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Lancashire, UK-based ecommerce fulfilment provider fulfilmentcrowd was announced ‘Business Enabler of the Year’ at the prestigious 2020 Lloyds Bank National Business Awards, which took place on 10 November. Previous winners include: DPD UK, Hotel Chocolat and online fast fashion success story Missguided.

fulfilmentcrowd’s mission is to power the growth of entrepreneurial start-ups and SMEs in the eCommerce space. Leading-edge proprietary tech, a unique self-onboarding process and global network of centres combine to create a market-leading proposition for online retailers. Operating across a host of sectors including fashion, health, beauty and homewares, fulfilmentcrowd offer simple pricing, easy in/out contracts and limitless capacity delivered through their international partner network. As a ‘business enabler’, fulfilmentcrowd can confidently cite over 400 UK and international clients benefitting from the competitive advantage of rapid despatch, world-class customer service, low shipping costs and managed risk.

The fulfilmentcrowd business model has been particularly critical through 2020 as the company was able to soak an unplanned 55% increase in clients during the period March to September whilst maintaining a same day despatch service level in excess of 98%. fulfilmentcrowd’s turnover is on track to increase 60% on last year, with EBITDA up to £2million.

Lee Thompson, Managing Director of fulfilmentcrowd comments: “this was the award that we really wanted and we worked incredibly hard to achieve it. Enabling our clients to access the worldwide ecommerce market and compete on a level playing field is at the very heart of our mission. After a particularly tough year for everyone, I am delighted that judges recognised the points of difference and recognised our amazing people, partners and clients.”

“2020 has been a challenging but inspiring year; a year where we’ve witnessed just how innovative and adaptive the UK business community can be, whether that means helping employees adjust to new ways of working or shifting production towards masks, ventilators and handwash. This year’s winners are testament to the creativity, agility and resilience that sets British business apart,” said Sarah Austin, Awards Director. Of fulfilmentcrowd’s business model, the judges were specifically “impressed by fulfilmentcrowd’s use of data to help its clients manage growth and its commitment to sustainability, ensuring consumers have a greater choice while keeping an eye on the environment.”

Two New Hand Pallet Trucks Launched

Posted on by David Priestman

Clark has launched two new hand pallet trucks for different customer requirements. The trucks are the HPT Eco and the HPT Premium.

Built by Clark, one of the worldwide market leaders in the industrial truck business, both the HPT Eco and the HPT Premium are designed for loads with a maximum of 2,500 kg. Both units are characterized by a robust design and easy operation. Their sturdy frame is powder-coated for high resistance to wear and tear, thus guaranteeing a long service life. Lifting and lowering of the load is done manually by a hydraulic pump. The operator can lift and manoeuvre weights of several tons with very little effort. The proportional valve allows the forks to be lowered smoothly and sensitively even with heavy loads. The pressure relief valve protects against overloading the lift truck. The equipment runs very smoothly during moving, lifting and lowering. The hand pallet trucks also score points due to their low unladen weight and manoeuvrability. This is particularly advantageous when space is limited.

For a high handling performance, both units can optionally be equipped with Quicklift (quick lift) and thus loads up to 150 kg can be lifted and moved quickly in the warehouse. Both hand pallet trucks are equipped with entry and exit rollers and are available with different roller designs (nylon, rubber or poly) and fork lengths. Thus, wherever pallets or other load carriers have to be picked up and transported, Clark hand pallet trucks ensure ergonomic and efficient work processes at low purchase and maintenance costs.

Maximum productivity with minimum effort

The HPT Eco was designed for lighter applications. It has a unladen weight of 69 kg and a maximum steering angle of 190°. Thanks to the large steering angle of the tiller, the hand pallet truck is manoeuvrable in extremely narrow spaces. With a net weight of 63 kg, the HPT Premium even has a maximum steering angle of 205° and is designed for demanding customers. The robustly designed frame as well as the drawbar ensure that the HPT Premium is highly stable even in tougher applications.

Both vehicles are characterized by their simple operation: The HPT Eco has a curved drawbar and the handle for operating the hydraulics is angled. On the HPT Premium, the tiller is more ergonomically designed. For this purpose, it has been made slightly smaller and the handle has been wrapped to ensure good grip. Both machines require little maintenance and can be operated without additional technical equipment. The Premium machine has a quick mounting system for quick attachment or replacement of the drawbar.

Earlier this year Clark announced they had also boosted their warehouse truck range with new lithium trucks

New 155,000sq.ft Warehouse Lease at G-Park

Posted on by Keith McKinley

GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces that it has leased a 155,000 SQ FT unit, Unit 3, at its G-Park Northampton (UK) site, to Whistl on long-term lease.

Whistl is a delivery management company and the development at G-Park Northampton will serve to support Whistl’s continued growth in the ecommerce fulfilment markets. This letting is the second major lease between GLP and Whistl following the construction and lease of a 233,000 SQ FT development at G-Park Bedford in September 2019. G-Park Northampton is situated in a prime location benefiting from its proximity to both the M1 and M6 and is within easy reach of the A45 & A14. This puts 90% of the population of England and Wales within a four-hour HGV drive time.

G-Park Northampton is a much sought after location for logistics located within Moulton Park and comprises three units and one build-to-suit logistics warehouse, with sizing ranging from 50,000 to 155,000 SQ FT. Grade ‘A’ rated, the highly specified buildings have achieved BREEAM Very Good rating and are suitable for a range of occupiers including last mile logistics, 3PLs, retail/FMCG and manufacturers.

In August this year, GLP announced that it had leased Unit 2 at G-Park Northampton, a 90,000 sq ft unit, to SF Express. SF Express is a global customer of GLP and the lease marked its first UK Distribution Centre outside of China. Moulton Park is one of the most successful industrial estates in Northamptonshire and is already home to a range of regional and national businesses. Occupiers continue to be attracted by the areas’ transport links, access to national markets and skilled workforce.

Joe Garwood, Development Director at GLP UK, said: “Having worked closely in partnership with Whistl to deliver their new state-of-the-art, built-to-suit super depot at G-Park Bedford last year, we are delighted to be working together once again as part of Whistl’s ongoing growth. G-Park Northampton is a standout development sitting in one of the best locations for logistics in the UK, providing access to 90% of the population in a four-hour drive. In addition, the development has a range of leading sustainability features which is a critical factor for our customers. We look forward to continuing to work with Whistl as it expands its operations across the UK.”

Gareth Hughes, Procurement and Property Director, Whistl, said: “This is the second time we have worked with GLP who have been able to support us with our expansion plans. The team has been agile and efficient during the development process and we look forward to our Northampton depot coming online to meet the demands of our fulfilment services.”

Expanded Automation Solution Implemented

Posted on by David Priestman

Lyko Group AB, the Nordic region’s leading player in beauty and hair care based in Sweden, is once again relying on the expertise of SSI Schaefer. The company is investing in an expansion of the previously developed automated warehouse solution.

The original solution was commissioned in February, 2020 to increase operational efficiency, optimize storage space and ensure seamless warehouse and material flow management processes. As a result, Lyko’s new automated logistics center was equipped with the shuttle system SSI Cuby, ergonomic work stations, a carton and bin conveying system and the logistics software WAMAS®. According to Rickard Lyko, CEO of Lyko, it was implemented perfectly in time to support rapidly increasing demand: “We are very happy with the solution of SSI Schaefer, which we launched in record time in February. Phase 1 of automation has achieved the planned streamlining and gave us the opportunity to handle the extreme sales growth of 99 percent that we achieved online in the second quarter.”

Lyko plans to begin sales to three additional European markets at the end of 2020, with distribution from the same logistics center in Vansbro, Sweden. The need to maximize storage space and extend the high-performance conveying system is obvious. SSI Schaefer was selected as a general contractor to ensure distribution’s ability to keep up with the ambitious expansion plans.

SSI Schaefer will deliver one of the fastest automation solutions with state-of-the-art technologies to enable the extension of all functional areas – picking, packing, storage and shipping. The existing SSI Cuby shuttle system will be doubled with 45,000 locations and 150 shuttles. In addition to the automated solution, SSI Schaefer will install a mezzanine and three SSI LOGIMAT® Vertical Lift Modules for storing small and medium-sized goods.

“We are pleased to work as a supplier for Lyko in Vansbro. The high-performance we offer will prepare Lyko for its future requirements”, comments Jenny Heinze, Sales Manager SSI Schaefer.

The extended solution will support Lyko’s focus on high-level customer service and delivery terms providing the complete installation without interruption to the current processes running on full capacity at the warehouse. The system is scheduled to be fully upgraded and to go live before Black Friday 2021.

New Logistics Centre for 3100 US Stores

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG), headquartered in Kansas City, USA is the largest cooperative food wholesaler in the United States. The company, with sales of more than 10 billion US Dollars, is planning and building a leading-edge, highly automated full-range logistics center in Hernando, Mississippi together with WITRON Logistik + Informatik GmbH from Germany. The facility will supply more than 3,100 grocery stores, owned and operated by independent retailers, after a ramp-up starting in August 2023. AWG is known in the US for its private brand offerings with its Best Choice, Always Save, Clearly by Best Choice & Best Choice Superior Selections brands.

“We are pleased to be working with WITRON on the most exciting project in AWG’s history,” said David Smith, CEO of AWG. “The new automated facility will be a critical component to significantly expand variety offerings and improve system-wide distribution and logistics performance. It will enable AWG and its over 1,100 cooperative member-retailers to continue to grow for many, many years to come.”

55,000 different items – 460,000 pick units / day

Almost 55,000 different items will be stored and picked with the OPM (Order Picking Machinery), AIO (All-in-One-Order Fulfillment), and CPS (Car Picking System) solutions. WITRON’s technology will be used in all temperature zones – dry assortment, fresh products, and frozen items. The facility with a size of 81,000 square meters / 871,900 square feet, a total of 738,000 pallet, tote, and tray locations, 92 stacker cranes, as well as 11 kilometers / 6 miles of conveyor system is designed for a pick performance of more than 460,000 units / day.

Automated WITRON technology in all temperature zones

The new facility will have 18 fully automated COM (Case Order Machine) machines installed in temperature areas of +20 to -26 degrees Celsius / +68 to -14.8 Fahrenheit to stack cases onto pallets in a store-friendly manner. Large-volume items are also picked in various temperature zones with route optimization using pick-by-voice support from the semi-automated logistics module CPS. An intelligent WITRON WMS platform controls the internal and external supply chain processes “end-to-end”. A WITRON OnSite team will be responsible for service, maintenance, and system operation, and will keep all mechanical elements, components, and material flows operating around the clock, 365 days a year.

AIO solution makes piece picking more flexible

Due to a wide range of small-volume items, AWG decided to use WITRON’s AIO system for the dry assortment – a further development of the tote picking system DPS (Dynamic Picking System), which has been successfully used for many years in food retailing logistics.

With AIO, both fast-movers and slow-movers can be stored and picked compactly in the same logistics module. Order consolidation is automated and system-controlled in AIO. The WITRON WMS permanently controls the classification of the items depending on the order structure. Classification changes (e.g. promotion or seasonal items) are recognized by the AIO and automatically adapted in real-time. The use of the same infrastructure (inventories, manpower, mechanics, IT, master data, etc.) is reflected in maximum flexibility and high cost-efficiency for AWG. “Our industry is ever-changing, and it is our mission to provide our member-retailers all of the products, services, and tools they need to compete favorably in all markets served, all at the best possible cost,” said David Smith. “We are excited to be able to significantly expand what we stock and ship to our member stores while becoming more efficient and cost effective in our operations”, says CEO David Smith. “And, not only will our employees benefit from ergonomic work processes, the environment will benefit from a reduced number of trailers on the road due to better use of volume and space on each trailer.”

WITRON as a reliable life-time partner

“WITRON is an established and strong partner who has the necessary know-how and worldwide references to successfully implement a project in this dimension. WITRON also lives a corporate culture that fits very well with the culture of AWG and its cooperative members”, explains David Smith. “WITRON impressed us with innovative ideas, technology, and the people and values behind the company and the project.”

EU Funding Granted to Develop a New Assistance System

Posted on by David Priestman

ELOKON GmbH, the supplier of safety and assistance systems for the intralogistics sector, is developing a new assistance system to enable multiple VNA forklifts to operate simultaneously in the same narrow aisle. This is based on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and wireless mesh networks. ELOKON’s digital co-pilot AngELO will enable forklifts working in visibility-limited high bay racking to be networked with other vehicles and the surrounding infrastucture by means of data technology. The purpose of this assistance system is to improve vehicle productivity and safety whilst also ensuring a risk-free environment for the workforce. ELOKON has secured financial funding for this development project from the EU as well as federal and regional government bodies.

“The steady growth in online retailing has led to a spike in demand, which has in turn  increased the requirement for forklift trucks. More vehicles in operation however increases the likelihood of collisions or injury to personnel“, said Alexander Glasmacher, MD of ELOKON GmbH. This is particularly the case in warehouses with high bay racking, as the typically narrow aisle widths offer limited visibilty, which can lead to serious accidents. “We have therfore developed a digital co-pilot to counteract these hazards”, said Glasmacher.  “AngELO combines the car-to-car and car-to-x location principles to network the vehicles with each other as well as with the infrastructure.”

The system is based on the principles of swarm intelligence, AI and mesh network radio. The assistance system technology is fitted with an RFID reader and a radio modem to identify electromagnetic signals. This enables real-time communication between the vehicles via a MESH network. 

“When carrying out their tasks and processing orders, drivers work independently of each other, but AngELO’s ability to provide a constant exchange of information enables analysis of individual vehicles‘ routes, the implementation of appropriate swarm behaviour and the identification of potential hazards“, explains Glasmacher. If a collision risk is detected, acoustic and optical signals are triggered to warn personnel. The inclusion of autonomous speed reduction also prevents the occurrence of collisions. Customers worldwide will appreciate the ability to retrofit ANGelo to their fleet.

ELOKON has secured six-figure grants for this project from the EU as well as federal and regional government bodies. “This financial funding will enable us to expand our portfolio of solutions for VNA vehicles by applying the Car-to-Car and Car-to-X communication systems from the automotive sector to intralogistics procedures“, said Glasmacher.

Improved Store service and Supply Chain Performance

Posted on by Keith McKinley

German Retailer REWE is optimizing its supply chain process at its centre in Neu-Isenburg in order to be able to react to flexible dynamic puchasing behaviour. The retailer is working with the German logistics contractor WITRON to achieve this.

The project means REWE can pick more than 5,000 slow-moving items such as canned vegetables or wine packages ergonomically and store-friendly from the storage tote onto store pallets or roll containers. This is achieved by a 5-aisle AS/RS with a total of 25,000 storage locations at four workstations. It is an optimizing supply chain process that generates not only cost-efficient and logistical advantages, but also ecological benefits. This is because REWE would only need to transport 30% fewer totes to the store and back to the logistics center.

In this respect, the “goods-to-person” solution OPS (Order Picking System) will precisely be connected to the already existing tote picking system DPS (Dynamic Picking System). WITRON has worked to design the picking system in such a way that no structural changes to the existing building are necessary.

Both modules interact intelligently with each other in inventory management and picking. This means all items can be picked both in OPS and in DPS. A WITRON warehouse management system dynamically determines the most suitable picking system, according to priority and depending on the “most cost-efficient” pick”, “fastest pick”, daily volume, season, or the respective product group. In addition, the existing DPS repack is also used for repacking into the OPS totes. Storage into the OPS system can then be either single-stage and directly from the repack area into the OPS or two-stage with interim buffering in the DPS.

Since early 2015, REWE has been supplying more than 6,500 customers throughout Germany with 17,500 different dry goods from its logistics center in Neu-Isenburg. On a peak day, more than 500,000 pick units are picked in a store-friendly manner. During the design phase, the overall system layout has already been developed by WITRON and REWE in a way that it can be adapted flexibly and sustainably to new requirements regarding growing volumes, number of SKUs, and permanently changing business processes. It was also taken into account that future extensions can be integrated largely without any problems during ongoing operation – both in terms of IT and mechanics.

 

 

Rail Freight Backbone

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Rail freight should form the backbone of UK logistics in the post-pandemic landscape, argues Phil Oakley of Prologis.

There is no doubt that the UK economy has felt the full force of the pandemic and the logistics sector has been on the frontline since the very beginning. As non-essential shops closed their doors due to lockdown, supermarkets and online retailers faced sudden increased demand from consumers, with many experiencing peak levels on a daily basis. As the industry adjusted to the huge
challenges brought by the global shock, many increased their use of rail freight to help keep essential goods moving the length and breadth of the country. Now, as recovery gets under way, what needs to be done to ensure rail continues to be prioritised going forward?

For the first time ever, Network Rail gave freight traffic priority over passenger services during the pandemic. In the early stages of lockdown, this shift was essential in order to move large amounts of goods – often perishables and consumer products – to re-stock supermarket shelves. Indeed, throughout the crisis, Midlands’ hubs at the centre of the country, such as Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (Prologis RFI DIRFT), have been key in keeping the North-South rail freight route moving. It’s not hard to see why.

Being in the logistics golden triangle in the Midlands, DIRFT’s location enables occupiers to reach 90 percent of the country in under four hours by road. Its proximity to the West Coast Main Line, the UK’s busiest rail freight route, means that much of the country is easily accessible by rail, too. Many companies with distribution facilities at DIRFT upped their rail freight operations during lockdown, moving more goods to help meet increased demand, and taking advantage of the less-crowded tracks.

Read the whole article, from our September issue, here:

https://flickread.com/edition/html/index.php?pdf=5f3d1fcf3160d#18

http://www.prologis.co.uk

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Dutch Logistics Scheme Sells for 65m Euro

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Patrizia AG, a leading partner for global real assets, has acquired a two-asset logistics scheme in Veghel, The Netherlands, on behalf of its institutional clients for around EUR 65 million from Next Level Development; a renowned logistics developer in the Netherlands.

The first unit, measuring 25,929 sq m, which was completed in April 2020, is let on a ten-year lease to Friesland Campina, the largest dairy co-operative in the world. The second unit of 28,211 sq m is scheduled to be completed by early 2021. The building is equipped with 52 loading docks and four level access doors. The asset is located in the Food Park Veghel, a logistics park, 20 kilometres north of Eindhoven, with a specific focus on agriculturally produced food and related sectors. The location benefits from excellent transport links due to its close proximity to the A50 and N79 motorways and the inland river barge terminal.

Alexander van Gastel of the Patrizia transactions team in The Netherlands, commented: “This is an exciting, brand new asset that meets the growing demand for high quality logistics space in the region. Logistics has recently proven to be one of the most resilient real estate sectors. Covid-19 has accelerated existing e-commerce trends and so we are confident this asset will deliver long term secure income to our investors.”

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Financial Benefits for Pay as You Save Lighting Solution

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Many businesses remain unaware that they are wasting thousands of pounds a year on their energy bills. Cost is often a huge obstacle for upgrading lighting systems and many warehouse managers don’t prioritise lighting or consider a Pay as You Save scheme, while their existing lighting is working.

LED lighting company EcolightingUK offers a Pay as You Save scheme to help companies save on their energy bills. They offer businesses a solution which enables them to install a new LED lighting system with zero capital outlay. There are zero maintenance costs and a cash positive outcome from the first month after installation.

The Pay and You Save scheme is ideal for all types of applications including factories, warehouses and exterior lighting. It is also beneficial for offices, retail, hotels and education.

LED lighting can provide a contribution towards the fulfilment of long-term environmental business objectives. Lower energy consumption means a reduced carbon footprint and less impact on the environment.

Aside from the financial and environmental factors, an instant benefit of LED lighting is the quality. Lighter and brighter working environments improves visibility and enhances workplace safety. EcolightingUK have reported staff to be delighted with the improvements made to their working environments.

Introducing LED lighting can allow companies more than 70% energy costs. EcolightingUK offers more in-depth calculations on example savings. The company also works with a central grant finding body which researches county council grants available across the country for assisting SMEs with carbon reduction.

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