Handling network summer 2017

summer J u n e 2017 2004 â‚Ź4.95 inc. VAT Summer Vol XVVIII

The Irish Magazine for the Materials Handling, Warehousing & Logistics Sectors

From Forklifts to Straddle Carriers - Lifting Innovation Featuring: - News and views - New Products - HSA Safety File

- Case Studies - Education - UKWA Column

- Logistics - Finance - Supply Chain

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contents summer 2017 The Irish Magazine for the Materials Handling, Warehousing & Logistics Sectors

Volume XVVIII Issue 2

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FTAI TMS 2017

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Multimodal

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CBRE/KPMG survey

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Case Studies

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Logistics

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IntralogistEx 2017

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CQMS 2017

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Brussels Motor Show

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Finance

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Column: UKWA

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Networkings: IEA events

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AOB/Top Clips

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Supply Chain

32 Annual Subscription Rate €40 - Overseas €53 - See Order Form on page 36 Published by:

Fleet Publications, D’Alton Street,

Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland F12 E7P2

Editor:

Jarlath Sweeney – jarlath@fleet.ie

Contributors:

Johanna Parsons, Paul White, Howard Knott,

Donal Dempsey, Agriland John Reidy

UKWA/AIWA, HSA, IEA, RTITB Advertising:

Mary Morrissey

Administration:

Denise Owens

Design & Layout: Crackerjack Design House Contact Details: Telephone: 00353 94 9372826 Email: handlingnetwork@fleet.ie

WHO GETS HANDLING NETWORK? Handling Network - the magazine of the Irish Handling & Distribution Industry - is produced bi-monthly by specialists in the materials handling sector, with contributions by experts on topics of special interest to its readership.

Handling Network is distributed on controlled circulation; addressed to key personnel in Ireland’s top companies and organisations. Recipients include Company Directors, Purchasing Managers, Warehouse & Logistics Managers, Plant & Production Engineers, Transport Managers, Safety Officers and other relevant personnel.

Areas covered include forklift trucks, warehouse logistics, racking, storage & distribution, commercial vehicles, plant & equipment finance, lifting gear, loading bay and conveyor systems...together with information on health and safety issues.

Additional copies of Handling Network are available on annual subscription basis see form on page 42 of this issue.

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in Handling Network, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by advertisers, manufacturers or contributors or for opinions expressed.

Copyright for all material contained in this magazine remains with the publishers.

www.handling-network.com

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summer 2017

news

‘Business on the Move’ Board Game features Supply Chain sector

Business on the Move is an educational board game to engage and inspire players about global supply chains.

With a game board featuring a manufacturing facility in China on one side and real UK based retail destinations on the other, the game teaches players about the processes involved in international trade by rolling dice and making decisions.

Invented by Stuart Burke from Hytech Logistics, Game Creators Andy Page and Pat Smedley ran a demonstration group game at St. Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School in Malahide, County Dublin with Mr. Fortune’s 5th class

pupils.

Pupils were divided into teams and given a base of operations with start-up cash. A banker then showed the pupils how to invest their money in suitable transport facilities in order to fulfil their order cards for their customers, with the only way to make money and edge closer to winning the game by earning the most profit. Through playing the game, pupils discovered how manufactured goods travel from an international manufacturer to the United Kingdom and the dangers that could befall them.

As the game progressed, Andy and Pat threw curve ball scenarios onto each

board, forcing pupils to react to and be conscious of CO2 emissions and other dangers for which they could be safe from… provided that they had invested in insurance cards.

“I have believed for many years that the introduction of “The Supply Chain” to students at an early age would be welcomed and understood by the children. The exercise with Andy and Pat and their excellent game proved to be a real success with the pupils who showed a huge appetite to learn about The Supply Chain in this effective and fun way. The feedback from children was incredible, they are already looking for further opportunities to fit the game into their busy schedules,” stated Stuart Burke, Managing Director, Hytech Logistics.

Stacking the racking with Combilift at Todds Leap

*Storage capacity doubled thanks to Combi-CB

Since the multidirectional Combilift Combi-CB3000 compact counterbalance design truck was delivered to Todds Leap, the County Tyrone based stockist of new and used racking and storage systems has seen its storage capacity double and the available working area increased by 40%. The busy and growing company needed to rationalise storage for the wide range of varied stock it stores and moves around its 15,000ft² facility.

The new machine has made a big difference, according to Ben O’Hanlon, MD: “As well as making the most of our space we wanted to improve procedures for offloading long loads from delivery trucks and getting them into the warehouse,” said Ben. “Before

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we had the Combi-CB we had to juggle with reach trucks and pallet trucks and deploy a number of personnel to safely guide loads of up to 10m racking through the door. What used to take up to 45 minutes for one load is now done in three or four minutes – with just one driver. As fewer people and fewer forklift movements are involved this is a much safer process all round.”

The Combi-CB’s 3 tonne capacity enables heavier loads of racking to now be stacked almost to the eaves of the building, contributing to the increased storage density, whereas upper space was previously not exploited as Ben felt it was not safe to lift to 6m with other forklifts. Hydraulic fork positioners also make it easy for the driver to

accurately adjust the fork widths when picking various sized loads. The CB’s 4-way capability is a boost when taking bundles to and from the workshop area, where it can place them exactly where they are needed and it easily manoeuvres around workbenches and personnel.

summer 2017

news

IFOY 2017 -Reaching New Heights in Warehousing Excellence Testing for the 2017 ‘International Forklift Truck of the Year’ (IFOY) competition has been completed. The event gathered the latest innovations the materials handling industry has to offer to compete for a number of prestigious IFOY titles.

The week-long assessment regime took place at the Messe Munich exhibition centre, home to the world famous Bauma Trade Show. The assessments evaluated the qualities and functionality of each entrant against a variety of benchmarks. Technical assistance for data collection was in partnership with the Fraunfhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics in Dortmund, and the University of Hamburg. The IFOY jury is comprised of a panel of recognised experts and journalists drawn from the world of materials handling and transport logistics. Ireland’s representative on

the jury is through Fleet Transport & Handling Network magazines.

In addition to vehicles representing the leading brand names in materials handling, the IFOY test session also featured leaders in the fields of robotics, guidance systems and telematics. Eleven nominations selected to compete for the final were then divided into four categories, Warehouse Truck, Special Vehicle, AGV Shuttle, and Special of the Year. The entrants were then subjected to further in-depth testing by the IFOY jury, against the headings of Market Relevance, Customer Benefit, Degree of Novelty, and Functionality.

Seven manufacturers were represented across the four categories.

Crown, Jungheinrich, Kicktrike, SSI Schafer, Still, Torwege, and Unicarriers.

This year saw a number of innovations with the areas of safety and automation

IFOY ee nomin

IFOY AWARD international forklift truck of the year 2017

featuring prominently. Among other aspects the IFOY 2017 highlighted was the focus on reducing downtime, energy saving and extending battery life, clearly indicating where manufacturers believe the future lies.

The 2017 IFOY winners will be announced on 9 May at the Transport Logistic show at the BMW Halle in Munich, Germany.

Text: Paul White

Future of Joloda & Hydroll secured The future of the Joloda International loading systems businesses has been secured through a private ‘Buy-In Management Buy-Out’ (BIMBO) deal.

Joloda International Limited now comprises the original core business, based in Garston, Liverpool; the Hydraroll division based in Gaerwen, Anglesey; a mainland European operation, Joloda BV, based in Venray in the Netherlands; Joloda LLC, based in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA; and Joloda South America, based in São Paulo, Brazil. The current structure of the Joloda International group testifies to its growth and success, from its modest beginnings in Toxteth, Liverpool in 1962 to today, as an UK-based specialist engineering company turning over in excess of £10million and exporting directly and through a network of agents to more than 20 countries.

Majority share owning Executive Chairman, Wojtek Kordel, who led the original acquisition of the company from the York Trailer Group in 1982, steps aside into a non-executive director role, to lend continuity and shareholder representation on the new board. Commercial details of the sale

are not disclosed.

The original and now famous Joloda skate and track system, for the manual assisted movement of loads within vehicles, was developed in 1962. The system then won the prestigious Design Award in 1977. In subsequent years the base product was developed further, with hydraulic and modular systems being added later. Joloda loading systems have become the default equipment of choice for applications including palletised unit loads within trailers, the movement of paper reels for the newspaper industry, the assembly and one-shot loading of ISO containers, and weapons handling systems for

military users.

Following the acquisition of the Hydraroll business in 2003, the company strengthened its presence in the automated loading systems sector, notably in airfreight handling. The company’s expertise in logistics and engineering has earned it an unique leadership position within the specialist niche global markets it serves, with over 500,000 loading systems having been supplied worldwide. Across its range of products, it delivers up to 500 systems per month to a customer base which includes many of the world’s leading brands, manufacturers and carriers.

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summer 2017

news

6th FTAI Transport Managers Seminar highlights Brexit & Insurance issues grant aid. Seona revealed that the price of diesel will increase year-on-year by an average of 2.2 cent per litre to bring the cost more on par to that of petrol by 2020.

The sixth annual Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI) Transport Manager Conference held at the Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield informed delegates of key issues currently facing the industry and offered an insight to what’s ahead.

“There are many issues and challenges facing the global transport, distribution and logistics sector in 2017 and beyond. Most notably, of course, is Brexit and the uncertainty that it has brought. At a local level, insurance is a major issue for operators,” stated Aidan Flynn, General Manager, Freight Transport Association Ireland, who chaired the event. “For FTA Ireland, our challenge is to get the insurance industry to recognise good risk management practices and to become more informed about the day-to-day operational issues facing fleet operators. From a practical perspective, advice on how to avoid incidents on the road was presented together with driving for work initiatives that can reduce the risk of accident and injury at work,” he said.

Following Aidan’s welcome address, he introduced the line-up of guest speakers and topics: Managing your premium – the importance of risk management - Paul Murphy, Commercial Motor Portfolio Manager, AXA Insurance With commercial insurance premiums rising, Paul highlighted factors influencing the calculations of insurance premiums, the importance of implementing a culture of risk management, and what operators can do to ensure the best competitive sustainable insurance premiums.

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Keynote address: Eoghan Murphy TD., Minister of State, Departments of Finance, Public Expenditure & Reform Minister Murphy outlined his Government Department’s work on investigations into the high cost of insurance in Ireland, on what has led to the significant increases to premiums and what are the objectives of the consultation processes with various stakeholders.

Safe and secure loading - Andy Mair, Head of Engineering, FTA Safe and secure loading is an area that the industry is focusing a lot more on - from consignors to operators and drivers to the regulatory bodies such as the Health & Safety Authority. “Lost loads on the road network can have far reaching consequences!,” according to Andy.

This session looked at the knock-on effect of poor safe loading procedures and what transport managers and drivers should implement to avoid these incidents.

The impacts of Brexit on the industry - James Hookham, Deputy Chief Executive, FTA Ireland has always traded with the UK, but the possible concerns are how much less value will be earned because of the cost of new barriers and rules that Brexit may cause. Words of guidance from the FTA on how transport operations can prepare for Brexit by identifying the possible implications were highlighted by James.

Funding fuel efficiencies - Seona Farrell, ENPROVA Energy saving advice agency Enprova informed delegates about its fuel funding incentives available to operators in order to qualify for the

The ‘Road to Gold’ accreditation and chain responsibility - Brakes Ireland & GSK “One of the compelling reasons for FTA Ireland’s existence is to improve compliance levels and industry image, both at home and abroad. The development of a membership accreditation scheme is the first of its type in Ireland and is designed to ensure members have the systems in place to ensure compliance,” said Aidan, before introducing two cases studies from Anna Goreka, Distribution Shift Manager, Brakes Ireland and Michael Mansfield, Warehouse Operations Manager, GSK, sharing the benefits, policies and procedures implemented by both companies.

Driving for Work - Michael Rowland, Director of Road Safety Research & Driver Education, Road Safety Authority and Deirdre Sinnott, Senior Policy Inspector, Health & Safety Authority Driving for work involves a risk not only for drivers, but also for fellow workers and members of the public.

Employers must, by law, manage the risks that may arise when either themselves or employees drive for work. Both the Road Safety Authority and the Health & Safety Authority’s representatives addressed the importance of safe drivers, and the systems needed to have in place to promote and influence safe driving behaviour.

Transport Manager Calendar 2017/2018 Aidan Flynn outlined this essential legislative round-up and technical update, highlighting the main topics on the horizon that fleet managers need to be aware of in order to ensure the safety, compliance and efficiency of their transport firms.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney

Ashbourne Truck Centre, Ballymadun, Ashbourne, Co. Meath, Ireland Tel: 00353 18350573 Josef: 0035387 255 66 77 Sarah J: 0035386 255 66 77 Web: www.ashbournetruckcentre.com

New Faymonville Heavy Duty 4 axle step frame low loader, extendable, trough, rear steer, front lift axle, double flip ramps, 13” out riggers, hydraulic legs under rear.

New Faymonville MAX Trailers in stock at all times, available immediately, 3/4/5 axle step frames.

New Unused 5 axle Faymonville MAX step frame trailers, payload 65tons, extendable, option for hydraulic ramps.

New Faymonville 4 axle step frame, heavy duty build, 7m extendable, double flip ramps, hydraulic legs under rear, 13” out riggers, 9ft wide, 70ton ramps, 30ton gooseneck.

New Faymonville MAX Flat trailers in stock, fixed bed and extendable, rear steer axle option, low ride, travel 6” lower than standard flat, high tensile steel spine bed build, only 6.2ton empty, payload of 39tons.

Large selection of second hand trailers also in stock, ready for work, DoE’d and serviced.

summer 2017

review news

Multimodal 2017

NEC, Birmingham, UK, 4-6 April Hard to believe, but 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of the Multimodal Exhibition which is now firmly established as the must-attend event for the freight and transport sector, covering all modes from rail, sea/ water, road and air, together with warehousing and associated services.

Over the decades, Fleet Publications has attended each year and watched Multimodal grow in stature and substance.

2018 marks the expansion of the Multimodal Exhibition theme to North America, with Multimodal Americas pencilled in for Toronto, Canada (16-18 October 2018).

Thanks in part to the convenience of the venue at the NEC, adjacent to Birmingham Airport, interest from Irish based exhibitors and visitors has increased substantially. All modes of the supply chain were catered for in Hall 4. Handling Network had representatives at the 2017 exhibition.

Aganto Temporary buildings for sale or hire are becoming big business, with a number of providers now emerging.

“They’re ideal if storage or operational space is needed but you can’t face the expense of building, hire or purchase a temporary building,” said Andy Butters, M.D.

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Analytiqa This company provides published reports, databases, bespoke research and consultation services globally.

Recently, Analytiqa worked on behalf of CBRE and KPMG to produce their second annual Ireland Logistics & Supply Chain Confidence Index 2017.

Pictured are Greg McCorquodale Cruise, Michelle Pain and Mark O’Bornick.

Armkor Ltd With offices in London and Manchester, this cargo handling and warehousing facilities maintenance firm also offers its services to Irish customers. Racking installation and repairs, dock levelling, warehouse door insulation and repairs and material handling systems are provided.

Dennison Trailers On display was a 20’ Sliding Bogie ISO Tank Skeletal with specification features such as SAF Intra-drum brake axles, Knorr-Bremse EBS, Aspöck lights, X-lite Alloy wheels and full ADR spec.

Mark Froggatt is pictured here with James Dennison.

Intersped Logistics Ltd From its Kent HQ, this privately owned freight company specialises in road transport services to and from Europe and beyond. From the island of Ireland a daily route is provided via Dublin and Belfast hubs. It’s also a member of the FORTEC distribution network.

ssu um mm meerr 22001177

review news When it comes to protecting cargo from moisture damage, SeaDry bags of various shapes and sizes are the perfect solution. They can only be used once and are not recyclable.

Jaguar Land Rover Surprising to see a car company present at Multimodal, but then major producers like these are substantial users of many logistics elements. The Birmingham headquartered, Indian owned company was promoting its ongoing research programme and was also on a recruitment campaign.

Pallite Parent company, The Alternative Pallet Company provides money saving pallets and pallet boxes. PalliteR is its lightweight, strong and recyclable paper range, offering a genuine alternative to wood. Main benefits include; fuel savings, carbon reductions and lower accident risk.

Spaciotempo This company has built up a broad client base for its temporary buildings provision in the UK and Ireland. Markets include manufacturing, logistics, distribution as well as the ports and airports sectors. Temporary buildings are a convenient and instant solution for many operations.

Krone Trailers Located at the back end of Hall 4, the new flatbed semi-trailer from Europe’s second biggest brand in the business was displayed. “It is competitively priced as it’s developed especially for the UK and Irish markets and comes with Krone drum brakes,” declared Fran Pickering, Sales Manager.

Narrow Aisle Ltd Among the cluster of exhibitors within the UKWA enclosure was Narrow Aisle Ltd, making another appearance at the NEC, this time with its Flexi AC 1000 (1500 kg) 1000mm chassis width narrow aisle articulated forklift. A range of chassis widths are offered.

Portakabin Customers, specifiers and logistics professionals were provided with details of a wide choice of products and services from the Portakabin team.

Solutions include employee accommodation, welfare and retail facilities as well as depots, storage facilities and control rooms for transport, as explained by Matt Stevens, Business Development Manager.

SeaDry (ThoMar) An interesting promo image for its SeaDry product line caught many passing eyes on the ThoMar stand.

UKWA/AIWA The UKWA pavilion featured a number of member companies affiliated to the leading trade association dedicated to the third party logistics sector. Members in the UK and Ireland (through the All-Ireland Warehousing Association) control in excess of 100 million sq. ft. from over 2,000 locations.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney www.handling-network.com

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The Original.

Linde Hydrostatic Drive

Linde Material Handling Excellence at work

Ahead Through Precision Linde’s launch of the first hydrostatic transmission in 1958 marked a milestone in the history of forklift engineering. Many features have been enhanced and optimised in the meantime. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is the leading international position held by Linde hydrostatic drive.

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Seamless Seamlessacceleration accelerationand andreversing, reversing,pinpoint pinpointaccuracy accuracywhen when positioning, positioning,virtually virtuallymaintenance-free: maintenance-free:the thedifference differenceisis compelling. compelling.The Thetruck truckresponds respondssmoothly smoothlyand andinstantly instantlyto to every everycommand commandwith withmasterful masterfulprecision. precision.This Thisisisexpressed expressedinin the theexceptional exceptionalefficiency, efficiency,safety, safety,reliability reliabilityand andeconomy economy with withwhich whichloads loadsare aremoved; moved;performance performancethat thatensures ensuresyour your business businessgoals goalsare arerealised. realised.

Linde LindeMaterial MaterialHandling Handling(Ireland) (Ireland)Ltd. Ltd.welcomes welcomesyou youto toan an exciting excitingnew newwave waveofofsupply supplychain chainsolutions: solutions:combining combining proven provennationwide nationwidelocal localcustomer customersupport supportwith withthe theresources resources ofofaaglobal globalleader, leader,we weset setnew newstandards standardsfor forproductivity, productivity, safety, safety,cost-efficiency cost-efficiencyand andcustomer customersatisfaction. satisfaction.

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summer 2017

report news

Cautious confidence in Logistics & Supply Chain sector

Commercial property specialists CBRE, in association with KPMG, has released its second annual survey of confidence and expectations in the Irish logistics sector of the economy, with interesting findings.

The second Ireland Logistics & Supply Chain Confidence Index was co-ordinated by specialist research agency Analytiqa. More than 50 senior decision makers from across the logistics and shipping sectors in Ireland participated in the survey. Respondents included CEO’s, Managing Directors and senior management of some of the largest logistics providers, firms and buyers in the country, including DHL, DB Schenker, Maxol, Musgraves, Reynolds Logistics, Wincanton, Valeo Foods and Clare Distribution Services.

Some of the key findings of the research are as follows: Confidence amongst both logistics operators and shippers in the Irish market is down year-on-year as a result of economic uncertainty, with the index

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coming in at 60.4 compared to 72.7 in 2016. In 2016, logistics operators (81.1) were considerably more confident than shippers (64.0). This year there is little variance between both, with confidence amongst logistics operators at 59.7 and shippers showing 61.2.

50% of respondents to the Irish survey this year say they are more confident about business conditions in the logistics and supply chain sector than they were 12 months previously, down 16% on last year. The number of respondents who said that conditions were ‘somewhat more difficult’ compared to 12 months ago was up 10% year-on-year.

When asked how confident they are about business conditions over the next 12 months, 40% of respondents said that conditions will be ‘somewhat more difficult’ which is perhaps not surprising. A further 6% of respondents said that conditions are likely to be ‘much more difficult’ next year. 21% of respondents expect business conditions to be the same while 31% expect conditions to be ‘somewhat more favourable’ over the next 12 months.

Only 2% of respondents are expecting business conditions to be ‘much more favourable’ over the next 12 months.

The responses differ somewhat between the logistics sector and shippers, with logistics operators in general being more pessimistic this year.

44% of logistics operators responded that conditions over the next 12 months are likely to be ‘somewhat more difficult’ relative to the same period last year, compared to 36% of shippers. Meanwhile, 36% of shippers said that conditions are likely to be ‘much more favourable’ over the

next 12 months compared to 26% of logistics operators, which is interesting.

When asked about anticipated changes in turnover over the next 12 months, it was encouraging to note that 80% of respondents said they expected turnover in their organisation to increase over the next year, although

this reflected an 8% deterioration yearon-year. 44% of respondents expect a relatively modest increase of between 2% and 5% in turnover over the next 12-month period, with 19% anticipating an increase of between 5% and 8% in turnover in the period. More than 7% of respondents forecast an even higher increase in year-on-year turnover of between 8% and 10%, while almost 10% of respondents to the survey expect turnover in their business to increase by more than 10% over the next 12 months.

When asked about anticipated changes in profitability over the next 12 months, it was encouraging that respondents were also generally positive, with almost 58% expecting increased profitability over the next 12 months. More than a third of respondents expected no change in profitability this year and while almost 8% expected deterioration in profitability this year, all of these respondents expect profitability to decline by between 2% and 5% with no respondents expecting a higher deterioration in profitability.

When asked about the likelihood of their company making significant logistics and supply chain related

summer 2017

report news capital expenditure over the next 12 months, responses varied. 33% of respondents said it was likely that they would make significant capital expenditure in these areas over the next 12 months while almost 22% said they were very likely to do so, which is encouraging. However, respondents were in general less positive about making significant capital expenditure than they were 12 months ago.

More than 55% of respondents in the logistics sector expect to increase headcount in their organisations in the next 12 months compared to only 36% of shippers.

Almost 20% of respondents said they were more positively disposed towards the Eircode postcode system than they were 12 months ago.

More than 87% of respondents say that Ireland is either ‘average’ or ‘better than average’ in terms of investment attractiveness compared to other EU countries, with shippers more positive than logistics companies in this area. In total, 92% of shippers said that Ireland was either ‘average’ or ‘better than average’ in terms of investment attractiveness.

56% of respondents expect an increase in demand for logistics property in 2017, with logistics operators considerably more bullish in this respect, mirroring trends in last year’s survey. 77% of respondents from the logistics industry expect to see an increase in demand for logistics properties in 2017 compared to only 38% of shippers.

Over 81% of respondents plan to introduce some form of new innovation to their business over the next 12 months compared to 85% 12 months ago. Of those that intend introducing new innovation in 2017, 24% of respondents said that they intend investing in big data and analytics in 2017. A further 19% respectively said they will be investing in the ‘Internet of Things’ and automation /robotics in 2017, while almost 23% said they would be investing in cloud services this year. 3% of respondents said they will be looking to implement 3D printing this year compared to 1% of respondents last year.

Respondents were asked to identify the key drivers influencing contract wins from customers or contract

awards to service providers in the last 12 months; most respondents (29%) cited price competitiveness as being of significant importance, mirroring last year’s results. This was followed by value added services (25%). 21% said that the scale of networks played a part and 16.5% said that personal relationships were a key influence (compared to 13% 12 months ago).

When asked what their key business priorities for the next 12 months are, the two most important issues identified by logistics operators was maintaining their existing customer base and winning new customers. In contrast, the biggest focus for 2017 for shippers was cited as cost control and optimising operational efficiencies and speed.

Overall, 18% of respondents to the survey respectively said that economic conditions and Brexit uncertainty were the biggest challenges facing their business in 2017. Other concerns that ranked highly in this year’s survey included customer price pressures & reducing costs as well as employee wage pressures.

When asked what challenges in particular they were fearful of as a result of Brexit, the issue that resonated most with respondents was a concern about a recession or a downturn in economic performance. This was followed by an increase in financial costs and the introduction of trade tariffs and foreign currency trading.

Other items which were identified included greater bureaucracy and administrative burdens, challenges in maintaining labour and an impact on the supply of talent.

78% of respondents to the 2017 survey said that they have undertaken activity in their companies in direct response to the Brexit issue, with 37% of those saying they have completed background research on the issue, a further 33% saying they have had informal discussions with customers, service providers and/or trade organisations, while 30% said they have set up internal discussion/working groups.

Commenting at the release of the report, Garrett McClean, Executive Director & Head of Industrial & Logistics at CBRE in Ireland said: “Since last year’s inaugural Logistics & Supply Chain survey for Ireland was conducted, it is fair to say that the

landscape has changed immeasurably, with seismic events affecting Ireland’s two largest trading partners. Concerns such as last June’s unexpected Brexit referendum result and the election of a new President in the United States have exercised the minds of respondents to this year’s survey and it is no surprise that there has been a deterioration in overall confidence in the sector yearon-year considering the more uncertain backdrop.”

Speaking at the event, Fionn Uibh Eachach from KPMG said: “This year’s survey is again another detailed insight into the mind-set of the key players of the logistics and shipping industries which has shown a decline in overall confidence in the sector. It is not surprising to see this decline given that potential increases in customs duties and administrative costs could affect international trade into and out of Ireland. Hence it is particularly important for companies in the logistics and shipping industry to be undertaking planning now for a post-Brexit world.”

The guest speaker at the launch event was Pamela Quinn, MD of Kuehne & Nagel and 2017 Image Magazine Businesswoman of the Year who gave a very interesting speech on the future direction of the logistics and supply chain network.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney

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case study I

Warehouse Insulation More insulation, less cost

Warehouses can use up lots of energy and potentially damage stock if they aren’t insulated properly. The issue of airtightness has become a priority to deliver increasingly efficient industrial buildings and in meeting the ever-more demanding building regulations.

The notion that the design of the building envelope can deliver improved thermal performance at no extra cost is a concept that developers have been quick to embrace.

It was also the key consideration when CA Group Limited was approached to deliver a 12,000m 2 warehouse, at Unit 2, Wellesbourne Distribution Park, UK on behalf of Griffen Development Ltd. CA was confident that building regulation requirements could be improved upon, using its standard Twin-Therm roof and wall cladding system. Following completion of the build, an air test achieved a result of 0.52m³/hr.m² which exceeds UK Government requirements as well as

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industry standards.

Andrew Brewster, (pictured), Project Development Manager at CA Group said: “This air tightness result was achieved through the specification of an established, robust, building envelope system, fitted by competent, trained installers. No enhanced sealing methods were necessary, nor were any additional system costs incurred in order to yield this level of performance”.

“Achieving such a low level of air permeability means that the building actually provides a thermal performance improvement of more than 20%, over and above the result that would have been delivered with a roof u value of 0.18W/m²K.” That means 20% better than the same building should it have been built with an additional 60mm of insulation in the roof, as was the original requirement.

“This offers a dramatic reduction in the overall build cost of the project by eliminating the need for thicker insulation and deeper roof constructions, adding increased weight to the frame whilst providing very little in terms of a thermal performance gain.”

UK Building Regulations

provide recommended building specifications for each element of the building (roof, walls, rooflights, air tightness etc). If followed, these specifications should lead to a regulation pass. But these recommended specifications are not prescriptive and may not be the best solution in every case. Designers are free to explore the most economic specification to meet the building’s “Target Emission Rate”.

The specification of a building envelope system such as Twin-Therm delivers thermally broken junctions and interfaces as standard (via drip details, door and window jambs, gutters etc) and can deliver a thermal performance increase in excess of 10% on buildings with a roof area greater than 10,000m².

The firm says that this translates into a direct saving on the building’s energy consumption, yielding low levels of air tightness with no added build cost – and that this mitigates the need to add additional insulation on many projects.

Bob Fletcher Managing Director Fletcher Rae Architects said: “We chose CA Group’s Twin-Therm roof and wall system for a number of reasons, it has a single source supply with meaningful guarantees from a company with a proven track record. The results have far exceeded our expectations and we are delighted that this has been achieved at no extra cost.”

Further buildings in the estate are currently under construction, using a similar approach.

Text: Johanna Parsons

case study II

Forklifts - Hyster powers heavy lifting at brick factory

Ibstock is one of the largest manufacturers of clay products in Britain with 24 facilities in the UK. The firm’s Merseyside facility operates seven days a week, manufacturing more than 30 million bricks per annum for both domestic and industrial projects.

The firm makes bricks from local clay fired in a kiln to a temperature of approximately 1050°C, cooled and bound in packs of 500 in a fully automated process. Forklifts are crucial to support the production line and transport operation.

Trucks are used to off-load the packs of 500 bricks from the production line for storage in the stockyard and to load lorries for customer deliveries.

They operate for two eight-hour shifts, Monday to Friday.

The firm had been experiencing delays in its production process due to forklift truck downtime, and when it missed delivery deadlines it management decided to take action.

They also wanted to reduce damage to its stock and equipment, and hoped to motivate staff with improved working conditions.

Ibstock took on Hyster to provide H4.0FT Fortens Advance diesel trucks

and to conduct a full audit of the existing forklift truck fleet. It created a five-year full maintenance lease programme for the entire fleet, including a replacement plan to modernise the fleet on an ongoing basis. Hyster also conducted on-site training courses for all truck operators.

Productivity has improved due to less downtime, and Ibstock has now doubled the number of handling cycles per hour because of the double pallet handler attachments fitted to each truck.

Two forward speeds provide outstanding performance through the electronically controlled DuraMatch transmission featured on the H4.0FT Advance model.

The ECO-eLo Fuel Efficiency Mode reduces fuel consumption by up to 20% with little effect on overall diesel truck productivity under application conditions.

Operators are now managing their loading and stacking operations more productively with reduced damage, thanks to the Auto Deceleration System (ADS) and Controlled Power Reversal (CPR) features. ADS allows the operator to slow the truck without using the brake, and CPR enables them to change direction smoothly without removing the foot from the accelerator pedal.

Improved ergonomics and all-round visibility provide drivers with a comfortable working environment with heater, radio, adjustable full-suspension seat and

steering column, e-hydraulic mini levers on the side arm-rest and clear dash display.

Complete cowl-to-counterweight service access contributes to rapid, efficient maintenance. Simplified layout of wiring and hydraulics offers greater access to components, which decreases service time for unscheduled repairs and regular maintenance. The trucks’ oil immersed brakes also contribute to reduced maintenance and extended truck dependability.

A locally based engineer services and maintains the trucks, and is able to respond quickly and efficiently to any call-outs. Truck downtime should

cause very little interference to the operation of the factory, thanks to on-board diagnostics systems. These are linked to the firm’s IT system and allow problems to be assessed as soon as they are registered. Then a solution can be planned before the engineer arrives on site, to keep Ibstock’s production lines flowing.

Ibstock also reports that service downtime and operating costs have been reduced. For example, ADS and CPR have contributed to reduced tyre and brake wear. As a result, expenditure is more controlled, overall costs have reduced and productivity is up.

Text: Johanna Parsons

www.handling-network.com

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www.masterlift.ie Masterlift LTD, Claregalway, Co Galway. Tel: 091 753599 Email: anna@masterlift.ie Masterlift LTD, Rathcoole, Co Dublin. Tel: 01 4580190 Email: sonia@masterlift.ie

Masterlift -

Ireland’s leading forklift supplier for new and refurbished forklift sales, service, parts, rental & training Leading forklift and warehouse equipment supplier Masterlift was founded on the simple principle of providing quality products and service at a competitive price. For 30 years the main goal at Masterlift has been and still is to bring to all of its customers excellent product and quality service.

Over the years the company has grown in all areas, with branches in Dublin, Waterford, Galway and Sligo, ensuring nationwide coverage. Masterlift markets products for a number of blue-chip brands such as Hyundai, Combilift, JCB, Bravi, Mariotti, Kalmar and Midac equipment, all global leaders in the forklift and material handling industries.

Masterlift provides a total solution for sales, service, rental and parts. It is the combination of placing the right vehicle in the right situation backed by guaranteed after sales service and customer care that keep Masterlift at the forefront of Irish industry.

Ride-On and Pedestrian Warehouse trucks with a lifting capacity from 1.5 to 2 tonnes. Also new is the 16BRJ-9 electric reach truck.

All the trucks in the new warehouse equipment range have excellent manoeuvrability and are designed with a short chassis which means the machines have a small turning radius and are easy to use in confined spaces. The ‘Turtle Button’ allows precise operations in small areas and the operator can work with the tiller in a completely upright position which makes the truck more compact and precise when unloading.

Hyundai use reliable parts on the new range of machines from renowned suppliers which make the machines more durable and dependable. The machines have welded forks which also add to the durability and strength of the machines.

Safety first Safety is a major priority with the new range and the machines are manufactured with an anti-roll back system and a regenerative braking system with intelligent speed control – this means the machine will automatically slow down when changing direction. Also, the speed is reduced when descending a ramp which ensures the safety of the operator and warehouse personnel.

Focus on high productivity

Moving you further… in an easy way

Hyundai launch a new range of warehouse equipment Hyundai Heavy Industries Europe (HHIE) used the IMHX exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham to launch its brand-new warehouse equipment range. The new range includes electric

The new range offers as standard a side battery removal system for multiple shift operation. At the end of the vehicles shift it’s easy to change the empty battery and replace with a reloaded one ready for the next shift. The machines also benefit from a battery locking system which secures the battery in position for added safety which prevents the machine from operating if the battery is not in the correct position.

The new steering control coupled with the new Electric Power Steering control gives the operator exceptionally smooth and controlled steering for tight spaces.

Hyundai Heavy Industries Europe (HHIE) is a widely recognized leader in the global forklift market. Through highly advanced factory automation, a zero-tolerance quality control inspection system and innovative engineering Hyundai offer a wide range of forklift equipment to satisfy the demands of customers.

Hyundai manufacture over 90 models of forklifts and warehouse equipment.

The combination of the Masterlift team and the Hyundai product guarantee our customers a top-quality product with excellent after sales service and customer care.

Watch our latest warehouse equipment video

“TOGETHER, WE CAN HANDLE ANY JOB.”

https://youtu.be/tanuCg7Tl8g

HYUNDAI’S NEW WAREHOUSE EQUIPMENT Experience the efficiency of Hyundai’s brand new range of warehouse equipment. We now cater to your every material handling need. The offering includes electric pallet trucks, pallet stackers and sit-on reach trucks. A compact design and excellent manoeuvrability makes them ideal for tight spaces.

MOVING YOU FURTHER MASTERLIFT LTD. Rathcoole Co. Dublin tel: 01 4580190

www.hyundai.eu

MASTERLIFT LTD Claregalway Co. Galway tel: 091 753599

www.masterlift.ie info@masterlift.ie

summer 2017

logistics

DPD makes massive investment in materials handling

One of Ireland’s largest ever investments in materials handling equipment was unveiled by none other than An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny recently. The latest stage of DPD’s €13 million expansion and renovation of its Athlone sorting hub was revealed, and the firm showed off its bespoke sortation system, worth some €5 million.

An extension to the warehouse has doubled the size of the firm’s operation in Athlone, but because of the throughput facilitated by the new automation equipment, capacity has trebled.

The new sortation system was supplied by automation specialists Crisplant, a subsidiary of Beumer. The decision of what company to trust with this sizeable budget naturally involved the top tier management. But it may interest readers of Handling

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Network to know that Brendan O’Neil, DPD Ireland’s Chief Executive took a personal interest in the control of the entire process.

“It so happens that I’m a chartered mechanical engineer, so I actually project managed the job myself,” said Brendan.

“Essentially there were two parts to the job. Firstly there was the building contract. Beumer then did the detailed design, manufacture and installation of the equipment. Installation was quite quick actually, a matter of three or four months really, because it comes as a kit of Lego basically.”

The sortation system includes weigh scales at each inbound loading bay.

Then high-speed, no-noise conveyors take each parcel up to a five-sided camera scanner which reads the labels on the parcel including the destination as well as the DPD ID code. The camera also adds information about the item’s dimensions to the parcel data, and spots any issues such as damage to the packaging in which case it will be re-routed to a special “hospital area” for staff attention.

Once scanned, parcels are directed to the appropriate chutes which drop them near the loading bays to be sent out on trucks headed to the firm’s regional depots. Parcels can pass through this whole process in as little as 90 seconds.

At any one time 17 trailers can be unloading parcels into the facility, while there are enough outbound chutes and loading bays for 40 trucks to be loaded at the same time for onward delivery to DPD’s 38 regional

depots across the island of Ireland.

In addition to the new Beumer system, two incumbent sorters from Vanderlande remain in action, and are expected to keep up with the pace for at least another ten years. And the site uses a range of extra equipment

to keep the flow of parcels moving.

Some 16 powered pallet trucks are in constant use, as well as 40 hand pallet trucks and equipment such as label printers.

DPD has its own expert maintenance team at the Athlone hub, headed up by Chief Engineer Paraic Prendergast. One of the three in-house engineers is always on duty, and a robust system on preventative maintenance is continually at work to avoid any potentially catastrophic hiccups. Beumer provided in-depth training for working with their new kit during the installation period, although the new IT systems include ongoing software support from the firm.

The IT supplied with the sortation system is a proprietary system from Beumer, written specifically for its

The versatile articulated truck that does it all

particular sorter. Obviously, this has to link in with the other information sources from around the site including the other sorters. It has been integrated into the existing DPD systems, so that essentially the systems talk to each other.

“In general, we write all our own software ourselves. We have our own software programmers,” added Brendan. But he explained that the particular IT system that Beumer provided with the sorter is very specialised: “You’d be mad to do that yourself, I mean that’s their skill, and the integration is a specific skill of Beumer.”

The overall staff at Athlone now numbers some 300, and there are a further 700 people working in the depots across Ireland.

On any normal night-shift there will be 125 or so staff loading parcels onto the conveyors and unloading them into delivery trucks. In the run up to Christmas this is scaled up to 165 people at work per shift.

Parcels are delivered to the hub throughout the evening, with the sort process kicking off at 9pm. By 2.30am the entire volume of parcels is processed, sorted, and loaded onto trucks ready for onward delivery to the firm’s 38 regional depots. These depots then do their own sorting into consignments for local delivery vans.

Throughout the year the average parcel volume per night is in the region of 11,000 parcels, but this is constantly growing. This last Christmas saw the site process a record of over 100,000 parcels in one night.

Brendan is particularly proud of this achievement in light of the site’s humble beginnings in 1986. “We started in Athlone, and in our first night we had ten parcels! That shows, it

started with nothing.”

Since then, business growth has pushed the firm onwards, and Brendan is very clear that it is business demand that is driving the expansion.

“In a nutshell, in general since we were founded, we’ve roughly doubled every five years. During the recession we probably took six years. The expansion is to cope with the business that is coming.”

The newly unveiled expansion was actually installed and up and running in time for last year’s Christmas peak, and Brendan admits that it was sorely needed.

“Last Christmas we’d have failed in our service if we didn’t have this expansion.”

“Everything that drives our business is looking good at the moment. The Irish economy is improving... And there’s going to be continued growth in online shopping. In my opinion, online shopping has only just begun. We’re going to see more changes to that in the next ten to twenty years than we’ve seen so far...

“We’re expecting by 2020 Irish people will be spending €13 billion a year on internet shopping goods and services... Online shopping only accounts for about 40% of our business at the moment.”

Brendan reckons the new site should accommodate the predicted business for the next eight years or so.

From there he says they will need to look at something else in Athlone or even elsewhere as they’ve probably achieved all they can with the current site.

Presumably at that point we can expect another headline grabbing investment.

Reduce Aisle Widths Double Storage Space Cut Warehouse Costs Operates inside & outside

Text: Johanna Parsons

Aisle-Master.com

summer 2017

review II

IntraLogisteX 2017

Ricoh Arena, Coventry - 15 & 16 March Ricoh Arena, Coventry, home of Wasps Rugby (and Coventry City FC) featured movements of a different kind at the annual IntraLogisteX Show held there from 15/16 March. Instead of slick moves around the pitch, inside the Arena it was all about efficient movement of goods from the assembly line to warehouse to final dispatch.

The warehousing and logistics show that is IntraLogistex has grown in substance and stature in recent years.

“With a host of leading suppliers, visitors can compare and contrast the latest products and services under one roof and assess which products are right for their company,” stated Nairn Foster, Exhibition Sales Manager, IntraLogisteX. Handling Network paid its first visit to the show, which had particular Irish aspects.

automated intralogistics systems, to include shelving and racking, storage and order picking, bins and containers etc. McElhinneys of Donegal is a recent new major customer.

Buckinghamshire, England, powered by lithium-ion batteries.

ErgoPack www.wessexpkg.co.uk

Cimcorp Oy www.cimcorp.com

51T www.51T.co.uk

51T develops and supplies bespoke in-cab chargers to support users of Honeywell, Dolphin and Motorola scanning devices. This range extends to multi-bay cabinets and workstations for warehouses, depots and workshops.

Irish customers include Nightline and DPD Ireland.

Bito Storage Systems www.bito.com A renowned manufacturer of storage and order picking systems on any scale, Bito produces everything from shelving bays to large-scale

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A leading name in automation for intralogistics using robotics and software technologies, Cimcorp’s material handling systems are used for order fulfilment and storage in many sectors such as automotive, tyre, FMCG, retail, postal services and of course, e-commerce, where the growth is.

E&K Automation Ltd ek-automation.com Ballina Beverages in Mayo, the company that manufactures concentrates for global drinks companies has a number of EK’s Automated Guided Vehicle systems. Among the company’s recent sale conquests was supplying 90 units to Arla Dairies’ new plant in

Its live demonstration of an efficient mobile pallet strapping system on stand attracted much interest. ErgoPack enables a pallet to be strapped twice in under one minute, increasing output and reducing strain and fatigue on the operator. Wessex Packaging is the UK & Ireland distributor.

Flexi Narrow Aisle www.flexi.co.uk

Exhibiting at two shows, one in Germany as well as here in Coventry

summer 2017

review II in one week was a challenge for Flexi Narrow Aisle,. Promoted at the Ricoh Stadium was FlexiPick, its layer quantity customer order picking solution. An example of Narrow Aisle’s Flexi AC range of articulated forklifts was displayed.

Linde Material Handling Ltd www.linde-mh.co.uk

HSM UK Ltd www.hsm.eu When it comes to baling presses, HSM’s products can compress waste

parcel in one seamless process. It uses tape sealing instead of glue to enable recycling.

Another exhibit that was grabbing visitors’ attention was the L Matic AGV - automated guided vehicle from Linde.

This remote-controlled forklift will function time and again with efficiency, competence and silence. French company Baylo supplies the virtual technology.

materials by up to 95% into sorted, easy to transport bales, regardless of the material or volume. It also supplies cutting and shredding paper systems. As a result, its customer base is wide and varied from both retail and wholesale sectors.

Maginus www.maginus.com

With a client base that extends from SMEs to large corporations for its award-winning warehouse management systems, the secret of Proteus Software’s success is that it works with customers in partnership, helping them to grow volume and increase profitability with a scalable system integration.

Knapp UK Ltd www.knapp.com

An expert in delivering multichannel solutions to wholesale distributors, pure play e-commerce and retail businesses using Microsoft technologies, Maginus has teamed up with the UKWA to address delegates at the forthcoming Multimodal, explaining latest developments in the e-commerce sector.

With blue chip customers such as Boots, M&S, Clarks and John Lewis, Knapp’s products have a great reputation. It designs, installs, maintains and upgrades systems that feature latest picking, conveying and storage technologies. The Group has over 1,700 installations worldwide.

Proteus Software www.proteussoftware.com

NeoPost www.cvp-500.com CVP-500 is NeoPost’s innovative fit-to-size packing system that automates all elements from start to finish for small, medium and large sized items. Once the order is picked, the system fills, folds and labels each

Randex www.randex.com

Smart efficient vehicle lift systems can be supplied for single item

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summer 2017

review news II movements or twin tray lifts. More often than not, customers require Randex’s systems to help with space restrictions in their warehouses. For its many Irish customers, a full repair and maintenance plan is implemented.

Stockrail International www.stockrail.co.uk

specialises in the design, supply and continued support of rugged mobile devices including hand-held, vehicle mount and in-vehicle fleet management terminals. Bar-code, RFID and Voice system packages are offered also.

TC Facilities/Tennant www.tcfm.co.uk

Schoeller Allibert Ltd www.schoellerallibert.com/UK

Back in the day when Fashion City at the Ballymount Industrial Estate was established, Stockrail had a big input to the facility’s fit-out. Apart from expertise in hanging garments the company also has solutions for postal services on such items as books, shoes - anything really up to 30 kilos.

Offering a comprehensive range of standard and bespoke fully compliant plastic packaging, this Dutch company keenly promoted its Returnable Transit Packaging at the show. It eliminates the use of wood and cardboard in order to promote good hygiene and reduce costs on other alternatives.

Storeganizer www.storeganizer.com

Snapfulfil www.snapfulfil.com

In recent years TC has branched out from being a Facilities Management provider to a much more expanded portfolio, increasing its customer base as well as a broader offering to existing customers. Cleaning, catering, security and other specialist services are now offered, among others.

UTZ www.utzgroup.ie

Storeganizer has participated in three different logistics expositions so far this year - Logimat (Germany), IntraLogistex (UK) and Promat (Chicago, USA) to indicate its global presence. At each event, it showcased actual Storeganizer bays with columns of pockets. Luke Simons, Area Sales Manager, UK & Ireland was on hand to demonstrate its innovative space saving systems.

Snapfulfil delivers award-winning warehouse management solutions to customers in a variety of sectors including B2C and B2B retail, third party logistics, manufacturing, food and beverages and the electronics industries. Its focus is on fast growing e-commerce start-up companies.

Touchstar Technologies www.touchstar.co.uk This family owned Swiss headquartered company specialises in producing injection moulded storage systems.

In Germany and the UK, it supplies many of the leading automotive brands, helping to increasing efficiencies in their assembly line processes. It has a presence in Ireland too.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney

Data collection for anything that moves is what Touchstar excels at. It

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review review newsIII

CQMS 2017 Tullamore, County Offaly

‘Dancing Diggers and Aerial Acrobatics - just a regular day at the Quarry’ If anyone doubted the importance of the quarrying and construction industry to the Irish economy, then a visit to the 2017 ‘Construction & Quarrying Machinery Show’ (CQMS) at Molloy’s Quarry near Tullamore, County Offaly would quickly dispel those doubts.

The 2017 CQMS saw a significant expansion of exhibition space and an increase in the number of exhibitors compared to the previous CQMS last held two years ago.

During the two-day event 200 exhibitors showcased over €70 million worth of machinery and equipment catering to all aspects of the industry, f24 rom how to source and extract materials, to product processing and then final delivery to the end user.

Event main sponsor Close Brothers Commercial Finance has a great understanding of the industry and a strong reputation of being a company that works well with operators across all aspects of equipment finance. It offers a variety of attractive packages such as equipment refinancing, which can be adapted to suit an individual operator’s needs.

On stand at the show were all manner of service providers to meet, greet and inform operators about the latest product innovations. This included a number of global brands such as Cummins which was there to launch its SCR only Tier 5 range to the Irish market. A timely arrival as the www.handling-network.com

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summer 2017

review news III increasing regulation of engine emissions looks set to impact operators across all industrial sectors.

Cummins believes that its Tier 5 engines without EGR delivers benefits for optimising operating temperatures in off-road operations.

Cummins

Sinotruk

Granco Ltd

Renault Trucks

While the show featured a wide variety of equipment from the major OEMs, one stand that received a great deal of interest was the Harris Group. The company presented no less than eight new Irish assembled ‘Sinotruks, painted and ready for final delivery. Speaking of final delivery, many of the exhibits on show in Tullamore are not what could be termed road legal. Transporting much of this equipment would require the use of a specialist trailer like one from the MaxTrailer range from Faymonville. Ashbourne Truck Centre Ireland’s main dealer for the Belgian brand was present with an impressive selection of flexible trailer solutions designed to handle all types of machine and plant transport.

Directly across was the Emerald Truck & Van display. As agent for Iveco Commercial Vehicles, Emerald, which has just moved from its Rathcoole base to Ballymount, Dublin, has a particular understanding of the construction and quarrying industries. Being part of the CNH Group, Iveco has readily available a vast range of extreme application experience and expertise in-house.

Ashbourne Truck Centre

Emmerald Truck & Van

Granco Ltd came to the Midlands with two examples of Fruehauf bodywork. One was mounted on a Volvo FMX 8x4 and the other was a tri-axle tipping trailer. Both were appreciated by those in the know and those who recognise a quality product. Opposite this display we met up with Kieran Clancy of Industrial Tyre Specialists who highlighted Continental Tyre’s offering for the extreme heavy duty sector. Industrial Tyres Specialists are also agents for Trellborg tyre and wheel systems.

One of the live features of the event proved very popular with the opportunity to test drive Renault Trucks' Range C models, with a 5th rear steer axle.

Over a short but tight course visitors could appreciate how manoeuvrable a 5-axles chassis can be when the rearmost wheels turn.

Continental Tyres

It would be unthinkable to have an event like CQMS without one of the foremost names in mobile lift technology present. Not only was Palfinger present but it arrived with one of the most impressive stands of the show. Next-door was an extensive display of vehicle bodies from highly respected Gleeson’s Truck Bodies. Its work featured on a number of OEM trucks and vans including DAF, Ford, MAN, Renault, and Scania.

Palfinger

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Its difficult not to shudder when we think back to the days before self-greasers and auto-lube systems. Just in case you forgot, one of the recognised leaders in auto-lube and vehicle systems,

Gleeson Truck Bodies

ss u um mm m ee rr 22 00 11 77

review news III Groeneveld was on hand as a reminder. Any repairs and maintenance of hard working, heavy duty machines can be a costly business. and one exceptional cost item are tyres. Tyre prices are always an area of contention. However, at CQMS the Michelin tyre team were available to offer specialist advice and help operators stretch the tyre budget that bit further through improved efficiencies.

Groeneveld

CC Lubricants

Easy Track

Total Finol

Bringing over four decades in the business to Tullamore, Carberry Plastics were in Molloy’s quarry with a variety of fuel tanking and pumping solutions. Monitoring fuel usage is always a problem especially with temporary or remote locations. However it is not just fuel that needs to be monitored these days, and Carbery has flow metres and tanks to suit all types of liquid products. One liquid product becoming increasingly commonplace and more important to the industry is that of AdBlue. As an approved provider of VDA approved AdBlue, the Brockley Group was at CQMS to advise operators of the dangers of using poor quality or unapproved AdBlue. In particular they outlined the potential costs if dosing units are damaged, which may in future lead to possible conflicts with vehicle or component warranty.

Also helping to keep operators' machinery moving smoothly, and to reduce running costs was CC Lubricants of Portlaoise. Andrew Clarke was available over the two days to explain and advise about the full range of Texaco Chevron Lubricants.

Geological surveying is arguably as important to the oil industry as it is to the quarrying and construction sectors, and to showcase what they had to offer, Easy Track from Ferbane, County Offaly discussed services with current and prospective clients.

Aside from the outdoor exhibition areas, CQMS also provided indoor stands for visitors to peruse at their leisure. The indoor area included companies like Gulf Oil, bearing specialist Clasit Enterprises, insurance brokers, equipment auction houses, and Total Finol lubricants. While there was no shortage of business done over the two days, there was also plenty of entertainment. A big hit with the crowd was the now world famous ‘JCB Dancing Diggers’ whose performance was followed by an aerial acrobatics display made even more exciting, thanks to the perfect weather conditions. Other highlights included a full demonstration of how a quarry works and how stone is processed and crushed.

This gave the public a unique opportunity to see what happens in a quarry and see the equipment in operation.

An estimated 8,000 people attended over the two days, and it was encouraging and welcome to see so many families making the event a good fun day out. All of which bodes well for CQMS 2019.

Text & Photos: Paul White

Michelin Tyres

Carbery Plastics

Brockley Group

Gulf Oil

Dancing JCBs

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summer 2017

review newsIV

95th Salon de Bruxelles – Brussels Motor Show 2017

Among the flash cars, shiny trucks and sleek motorbikes, the industrial aspect of the Brussels Motor Show had a number of forklift manufacturers and material handling brands showcasing their latest wares. From an Irish perspective, Moffett featured prominently, having a separate stand from its parent, the Hiab Group. Its selection of truck-mounted forklifts included the all-electric E-series powered by lithium-ion batteries offering zero emissions and ultra low operating noise.

Meanwhile at the Hiab stand, an array of cranes, hoists and lifts were displayed with the X-HiPRO 858 fitted to the Volvo FH.500 6x4 rigid timber truck catching many admiring eyes.

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Manitou, the French industrial and agricultural materials handling manufacturer displayed two versions of its truck-mounted forklifts, namely the TMT25S and TMM20. News of the forthcoming launch of the TMT255 4-way was announced.

Ifor Williams, a name synonymous with high quality trailers for many applications exampled versions of load and machine carriers. The Welsh

company has sales agents all over Europe, with exports accounting for 25% of its business.

Meanwhile Hyundai’s Belgian distributor for its forklift products had special show offer price discounts on certain models.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney

summer 2017

launch newspad

New technology, applications and client insights from Heavey RF Group To mark the official opening of Heavey RF Group’s newly expanded headquarters at Parkwest, Dublin, the company recently hosted an informative and forward-thinking tech session. Delegates were impressed with demonstrations of innovative new technologies and applications, and how they can benefit the company’s customers.

With over €1 million invested in new

facilities, products and services, Heavey RF, which provides innovative hardware and software solutions for the warehouse and logistics industry, opened its doors to welcome a number of national and international clients, prospective clients, and suppliers.

The expansion will allow the company to cater for the high level of business growth from new and existing clients. According to Ciarán Lavelle, Sales Director with Heavey RF, significant new client wins such as Musgraves, United Drug and the Ardagh Group have contributed to the company’s growth. “We’re delighted to be in a position of growth and while we remain ever cautious of the market and economy, we are responding to the

needs of our clients who themselves are growing and investing in technology solutions,” he said.

Developments and solutions demonstrated at the tech session included Heavey RF’s unique usage of eyetracking technology which allows for a scientific investigation of warehouse workflows and thorough understanding of operational requirements. Also revealed was the new feature set and interface of the newest version of Heavey RF’s software platform VocalPoint 3.3.

Delegates were given a rare behindthe-scenes tour of the global warehouse solution provider’s newly expanded operations, which tripled in size last year, and a chance to interface one-on-one with the highly trained professional staff who deliver unparalleled service daily.

Commenting on the success of the event, Ronan Clinton, CEO of Heavey RF Group said: “It was truly a great honour to showcase our new premises and solutions to a wide range of customers and partners during our launch event. The level of interest and participation throughout the day was extremely encouraging. I would like to sincerely thank all customers, prospects, suppliers and employees for making the day a great success.

Our use of eye tracking technology continues to gain significant interest while our VocalPoint 3.3 release was very well received by both current

and potential future users. Our guest speakers on enterprise mobility and large scale deployments provided an excellent insight into how our collaborative approach continues to address the needs of our customers.”

Among Heavey RF’s other clients, these include Glanbia, Bulmers, Johnston Logistics, BWG Foods and Syncreon Logistics. Its turnover in 2016 was in excess of €12 million.

Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney

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summer 2017

finance news

Delegation

Delegation is the crucial ability to develop and expand your business through others. Many ventures have developed from owner operators who took on the challenge to grow their businesses now find themselves as Managing Directors of multi-million turnover organisations that may have hundreds of employees.

This article deals with the art of delegation. Delegate too little and you will never expand to the potential your business is capable of. Another scenario is if you expand too much without delegation it will be at the expense of family life or health or both.

Most Irish logistic firms have delegated to family members; typically the wife and daughter oversee administration, while the sons are the ears and eyes on the ground. Proper planning or discussion in relation to delegation means that individuals are not pigeon holed into positions that either they are not cut out for, or side-lined because of gender.

In order to delegate you must lay down clear lines of communication and responsibility. Even if you delegate to family members you still need to hold all concerned responsible for work done and deadlines met. Ideally a fair internal control system of meetings should be set up so that the business does not run away from you. Having a

management board that includes non-family as business heads and may even exclude family members is a difficult sea change to implement to bring your business to the next level.

If you look at really big companies, how can they all delegate but not lose control? No matter what level of delegation is present in your business you need to hold control. Contact at the top level with your customers should always be your function. If you like loading trucks and leave the tedious job of customer contact and rate negotiation to your warehouse manager and accountant, do not be surprised that at the next annual review your top customers are being poached. Lets look at the main functions in a logistics business and how best these can be delegated but controlled by you.

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Business Development (new customers and rates), warehouse management, financial management, HR and staff, fleet repairs and renewal Normally the best person to sell for you is yourself, but if it’s an activity you dislike, then your manager, before he seals any deal, brings you to the table. You have the final say and you are the face of your business. Any rate negotiation is passed by you. You need to have a strategy for your business that will generate profit and sustainability with regard to cash flow, and allow expansion in line with what you want for your business.

We all know that warehouse management is a tough job, it ties you to the activity, it can be an 18 hour day. Good systems means that you can have more than one individual doing the job. You should have the ability to do the job on an adhoc basis or at least have the ability to randomly check what your warehouse is doing.

You don’t have to be an accountant to understand the basics of the financials in your business. Even with an annual audit (external check) you need to know what monthly controls are in place so that information you are being given is accurate and correct.

Every expense in your business should be reviewed annually. Employees who never take holidays and never delegate because they are the sole custodian of the bank transfer details should be reviewed. Administration and finance is the simplest function to delegate once you have control over the process.

Most Managing Directors dislike direct interaction with employees, they delegate hiring and firing to direct managers. One reason for this delegation is that they do not fully understand their business or do not have the same level of expertise as the manager. The biggest mistake is to let others take charge of your workforce.

Be involved in recruitment, let them report to their manager but make it absolutely clear that the buck stops with you.

With proper delegation and control you can operate multiple branches very successfully; you do not have to have a physical presence on site (ad-hoc visits without notice with pre-set checklist are advisable). Without proper delegation, even if you are always on site your staff will either underperform, take your business or affect you financially, so the secret is to review key areas, put in place controls, monitor and change regularly these controls, and review all employee activities on an ongoing basis.

Delegation with clear controls and fair reward structures makes a business manageable and profitable.

Text: Donal Dempsey

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education news

In Case of Fire -

‘Just Get Out!’

To be trapped in an industrial fire would certainly rank as one of the most frightening situations an employee may encounter in the workplace. Depending on the particular environment, industrial fires can have a tendency to burn with an incredible ferocity, and spread at an alarming rate. Often because of the variety of the products at a location, as a fire spreads other dangers may come into play such as the toxicity of smoke and fumes. These may travel far from the source of the incident through heating and ventilation systems. In addition, extreme heating can damage a building’s structural integrity, causing collapse.

Certainly, we all understand that prevention is better than cure, and in the case of fire, prevention is the primary objective. However, on the occasions when things go wrong, the next steps are detection, and warning.

After which businesses need to have a clear plan in place to contain the fire and execute an orderly evacuation.

While the subject of fire in the workplace is well covered under the Health Safety & Welfare at Work Act 2005, it shouldn’t take a series of regulations to force companies to engage fully in protecting employees, customers and visitors. Nevertheless, it can happen that escape routes get blocked inadvertently, while fire-fighting equipment that may have exceeded

its service date is poorly located, or even inaccessible.

The best method to ensure no harm is caused is to evacuate the premises using a well-practised and orderly drill. However, with the often complex layout of some warehouse and storage facilities, workers are sometimes operating at locations far removed from the main centre of activity. There may also be additional factors to be considered such as when people are working at split levels or in noisy environments. These issues bring additional hazards to the situation.

Although the safest action if a fire begins is to evacuate, this doesn’t mean that fire-fighting equipment does not have an important role to play in keeping people safe. Fire blankets and extinguishers can greatly assist the evacuation of trapped persons.

However, contrary to general opinion their value is somewhat limited, and could even exacerbate the dangers if used incorrectly.

One generally accepted definition of the term ‘fire extinguisher’ is that it is a portable device used to extinguish small fires. To use a portable extinguisher correctly there are a number of factors to consider. For example, is it the correct extinguisher for the type of fire being tackled? Could the risk of injury be increased by staying to fight the fire, or could poor use of the extinguisher cause the fire to spread further?

Most people are aware that there are different types of extinguishers used to tackle different types of fires, and that using the wrong one can make a bad situation worse.

Unfortunately, while most are aware, few, unless they have received specific training, would be able to identify which is the correct type in an emergency. In addition, if an emergency does occur it is not the right time to find out by reading the user manual. If this happens to be the first time a person handles an extinguisher, what they immediately realise is that the units are quite heavy and to some extent unwieldy.

As with any piece of equipment an employee is expected to use, they should have received appropriate training from a competent trainer.

The requirement for training can be easily met through a simple course tailored to meet the training needs of the location, following an appropriate risk assessment. It should include any temporary workers and visitors to the location who should all be counted in and out, and account for changing circumstances including temporary ones, for example where a person is in some way debilitated. By being on crutches for instance would no doubt restrict a person’s ability to move quickly if an evacuation is sounded. *Apart from ADR transport, there are no requirements for operators to fit fire extinguishers to goods vehicles. If a company chooses to do so, all drivers should receive appropriate training and the extinguisher should be securely affixed to the vehicle. This regulation is currently under review and may well change in near future.

Text: Paul White www.handling-network.com

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summer 2017

column news

Shining a light on new opportunities for 3PLs

The latest advances in technology and the ways that 3PLs can harness new developments to compete in the rapidly changing marketplace were up for discussion at the first meeting of UKWA’s newly formed Technology Advisory Board, reports the Association’s CEO, Peter Ward.

Technology leaders and 3PL operators from within UKWA’s membership came together with logistics end users, to consider the latest advances in technology and how best 3PLs could harness new developments to compete in the rapidly changing marketplace.

The board was led by Associate Member, Maginus, and members were addressed by guest speakers including Jim Butler of Blue Horseshoe, Kevin Horlick of Microsoft and Marc Leurs of PC Data.

Looking at global trends, Jim Butler identified the new market ‘disruptors’ - Brexit, the rise of nationalism across Europe and the US – which look set to drive massive change that is already impacting the logistics industry. These trends are compounded by what he described as the ‘Amazonification’ of the marketplace, continually raising customer expectations and ‘killing traditional retailers’.

“Fulfilment has changed how we do business and requirements are still extending,” he said. “Now 3PLs must pack individual pieces, not boxes of product and provide a range of value-added services, such as gift wrapping.” However, he added, this change brings great opportunities for 3PLs. “For retailers who need multiple

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locations for different products and channels, 3PLs can offer a lower cost".

Solution to investment in infrastructure.

The problems of a contracting labour force are also expected to get worse with post-Brexit immigration curbs, so investment in more automation will become vital at this level too, so that fewer employees will be required, but more training will be necessary to upskill workers.

Therefore, Jim argued, 3PLs must invest in systems to give retailers access to skills at lower cost. “3PLs must play at the Amazon level. A wave of demand is coming and 3PLs must be prepared to deal with it!” he concluded.

Joshila Makan, (pictured), of Worldwide Chain Stores made the point that 3PLs need guidance and support to implement change. “It’s not enough just to provide 3PLs with the necessary technology tools; as systems providers, we must first ensure they understand how, why and what it takes to make ‘the box’ more efficient at that level. We need to educate, look at the business model, look at foundations and then build a technology solution.”

It was clear throughout the meeting that the emergence of consumer-led demand chains and the rise of online retailing, have brought unprecedented pressures on logistics businesses. New requirements for multiple stocking locations, reduction of inventory and value added services offer both challenges and opportunities that can only be met by embracing new technology.

The role of UKWA is to support

continuous improvement in the industry and the association’s aim is to continue to promote best practice while, at the same time, identifying affordable and appropriate technology and providing practical guidance to members.

Looking for the logistics industry’s top performers. The companies and individuals whose commitment to logistics and supply chain excellence will be showcased at the UKWA Annual Lunch & Awards 2017 at London’s Dorchester Hotel on Wednesday 5 July.

Applications are sought for nine awards categories and entry forms can be downloaded from UKWA’s website – www.ukwa.org.uk. The Awards are free to enter and the entry process is very straightforward. Three finalists will be selected for every category and the overall winner of each will be invited on to the stage at the Dorchester Hotel to collect their award.

Places at the UKWA Annual Lunch & Awards 2017 are priced at £220.00 plus VAT (or £160.00 for UKWA/AIWA members) for individual bookings, with significant group discounts for complete tables. The price includes a champagne reception and a threecourse luncheon.

For reservations contact UKWA’s Sue Knief either by telephone on 00442076368856 or by email at Sue@ ukwa.org.uk.

summer 2017

safety

How safe and well secured are your loads?

The Health & Safety Authority has jointly developed three new information sheets, in partnership with An Garda Siochana and the Road Safety Authority.

The new information sheets aim to provide an insight for those involved in transport of goods on curtainside commercial vehicles, those who transport site cabins and prefabricated accommodation, and those engaged in Round Timber Transport on how to manage the loading and securing of these loads in such a way as to prevent harm to drivers and others who they may come into contact with.

The information sheets are designed to simplify compliance with Road Traffic, Road Safety and Occupational Health & Safety legal requirements for all concerned including employers, transport operators and drivers.

run and avoid costly delays resulting vehicle, and puts the driver’s life in from vehicle incidents and damage, danger and other people’s lives at risk. loads falling off vehicles and missed Due to their size, weight and condeliveries. Most importantly it will help figuration, consignments of site cabins prevent unnecessary injury to drivers, and prefabricated accommodation unloading staff and other road users. units are high-risk loads. The conseGo to www.loadsafe.ie to find out quences of load shift or load shed can more about safe load securing practices be extremely serious. It is essential for common consignments on Ireland’s that units are not loaded in such a way roads today. that the vehicle or load could become unstable or the load could fall off the vehicle.

Consignments of round timber are high-risk loads, where the consequences of load shift G O O or load shed can be extremely serious.

Round timber is a ‘live’ commodity, which can lead to independent movement of parts of the load if the restraint used is not adequate. It is essential that timber is not loaded to such a height, or in such a way, that the vehicle or load could become unstable.

Knowing how Materials handling solutions for your industry to achieve an Combilift, the leading supplier of customised handling solutions, has acceptable and the safe, space saving solution to your product handling needs. safe load securing arrangements for the cargo that is carried will save money and time in the long

COMBi LIFTIN

Unsecured loads on curtainside vehicles injure many people every year.

It’s easy to assume that a heavy load or a very light load either won’t move or won’t cause a problem if it does, and it can seem like a waste of time and money to strap a load down for a short journey. The reality is that loads can and do move, however carefully the vehicle is driven. Load shifts can damage the goods carried, along with

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National Manufacturing & Supply Chain 2017 Exhibition Citywest Hotel, Dublin Theme: Connecting key stakeholders in the food, pharmaceutical, medical, chemical, life sciences and electronics manufacturing sectors.

30 years’ experience, Herbst caters for the food and drinks sector in Ireland and UK.

Masterlift Via its broad selection of brands, Masterlift, through its four strategically positioned branches, offers sales, service, parts and hire. Pictured are Yvonne Gillick, Anna Stuart, Denise Carroll and John Forde (Director).

ABC Barcodes Patricia, Alina, Anastasia and Tamara are pictured with Ciaran Fitzpatrick, Sales Manager at ABC Barcodes, an Irish owned specialist in developing supply chain and mobility systems.

Jungheinrich Laura Bolger from Jungheinrich’s Marketing Department was back at Citywest for a second year. The German forklift and warehouse solutions provider had one of its latest models on display, while the goodie bags were much in demand!

Nilfisk With a century of cleaning expertise behind it, David Jordan, Sales Manager Ireland and Fergus Lynch from Nilfisk were promoting the latest in processional cleaning equipment, having just sold this SC6000 to Baxter Healthcare, Castlebar, County Mayo.

Combilift/Aisle-Master The Monaghan based forklift manufacturer had displays both indoors and outdoors at the Citywest Convention Centre. Exhibited were the Combi-WR4 and CS while the Aisle-Master 15NE was alongside. Paul Roche is a salesman based in California.

Herbst Software Callum Poole, Mark Hurley and Sean Fitzgerald were pleased with the interest in the firm’s software management programmes. With over

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Linde Material Handling Chris Giles, Adrian McCarthy and Barry Leddin (not in picture) collectively mentioned that every industrial and commercial sector is covered by a Linde materials handling product with back-up service.

Spaciotempo Martin Simmons, Helen Bale and Philip Tallin said that the firm is experiencing buoyant business as the leading supplier of temporary buildings and retractable tunnels to a wide number of industries and sectors.

summer 2017

networkings news

Irish Exporters Association launches new Regional Supply Chain initiative

The Irish Exporters Association (IEA), in association with Ulster Bank, Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail, Rhenus Logistics and media partner Fleet Publications, launched its new supply chain initiative, the IEA Supply Chain Series 2017, at a roundtable event at Ulster Bank HQ, George’s Quay, Dublin 2.

The initiative was launched at the first in a series of four exporter led working group meetings to be held around Ireland in 2017.

Twenty exporters and manufacturing companies attended this roundtable which focused on supply chain issues including but not limited to: supply chain diversification, trade finance, integration, process and partnering.

The discussion was led by Patrick Daly, IEA Supply Chain Series Chair, and explored common supply chain challenges and solutions to doing business on and off the Island of Ireland in an evolving geopolitical environment.

The IEA Supply Chain Series 2017 will consist of four IEA Supply Chain Large Seminars, four IEA Multimodal Working Group meetings and four IEA Exporters Working Group meetings taking place around Ireland. The IEA Supply Chain Large Seminars will each have an industry specific focus on LifeSciences, Food & Drink, ICT, Manufacturing, Energy and Engineering, and include updates to regulatory and legal changes, as well as offering best practices advice across the supply chain by experts. The IEA Exporters Working Group, chaired by Patrick Daly, is aimed at corporate exporters and provides an open forum to focus

on national and regional issues including trade, finance, energy and transport while addressing sector issues. The IEA Multimodal Working Group (formerly known as IEA Rail Freight Group) will be chaired by Howard Knott and will provide a platform to discuss the importance of multimodal partnering in the supply chain and associated opportunities and challenges. Maintaining Ireland’s position as a leading location to conduct supply chain and logistics activities is a key deliverable of this initiative. For a full list of IEA Supply Chain Series events scheduled for 2017 see below.

affecting the export industry, supply chain, as well as industry updates affecting the local exporters. Due to the increasing complexity and challenges of the global supply chain across all sectors, the IEA understands there is requirement to offer members an open forum for addressing issues and highlighting solutions across the supply chain. The findings will feed into the development of the IEA’s public affairs activity, in particular, lobbying and policy submissions to Government, and will ensure that the IEA as an organisation is addressing themes and topics right through the supply chain which are of critical importance to and / or affecting exporting companies so that we can inform and educate all of IEA’s stakeholders.”

Jarlath Sweeney, Group Editor/ Director, Fleet Transport said: “Fleet Publications through its titles Fleet Transport & Handling Network are pleased to be involved with the Irish Exporters Association Supply Chain events. Over the series, we will feature previews and reports on the topics presented, addressed and discussed in these magazines, websites and through our social media platforms. More details can be found on www.fleet. ie and www.handling-network.com.”

Schedule of IEA Supply Chain remaining events for 2017:

Simon McKeever, Chief Executive, Irish Exporters Association commented: “The Irish Exporters Association is delighted to team up with Ulster Bank, Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail, Rhenus Logistics and media partner Fleet Publications on the IEA Supply Chain Series 2017.

This initiative will provide a network for our corporate members across all sectors to interact and exchange information on challenges, industry requirements and best practice while keeping up to date with local issues

n 16 May 2017, IEA Supply Chain Seminar 2, Galway n 15 June 2017, IEA Supply Chain Seminar 3, Cork n 27 September 2017, IEA Exporters Working Group 3, Limerick n 17 October 2017, IEA Exporters Working Group 4, Cork n W/C 4 December 2017, IEA Supply Chain Seminar 4, Ulster Bank HQ, George’s Quay, Dublin 2

Text: Rob van Dietan www.handling-network.com

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news AOB

oct / nov 2 0 1 5

aob

Volkswagen Group Logistics: A Cornerstone of the Group

TOPCLIPS

To view our top videos: From the print edition, just type the website address shown into your Internet browser address bar. In our Online Edition, just click on the pic.

Archway Roadmaster Demonstration of its spray injection patching equipment.

Last year, Volkswagen Group Logistics played a key role in achieving the good delivery figures of the Group. All in all, 5.2 million vehicles for Europe and wider exports markets were handled and dispatched. In addition to vehicle transport, Volkswagen Group Logistics, in partnership with the Group’s production plants, also ensures that materials are supplied precisely as required. In 2016, international shipments of production materials totalled about 74.5 million m³ in volume.

“We can look back on a good year in logistics; we have achieved a lot both in operations and in strategic terms. We have handled more than 5 million vehicles for the Group in Europe. And we have defined new fields of action for the realignment of logistics to meet future requirements together with the brands,” said Thomas Zernechel, Head of Volkswagen Group Logistics.

Volkswagen Group Logistics is responsible for the cross-brand planning and management of material and vehicle logistics processes along the value stream or delivery chain. The main challenge in logistics is to pool the shipping volumes of the Group within a network of about 8,500 suppliers, 69 components plants, 72 vehicle plants and 153 sales markets.

In 2016, Group Logistics once again ensured that the 5.2 million vehicles produced were shipped to their destinations according to schedule – by land, sea, via rail, truck and ship.

By sea, about 2.5 million vehicles were shipped in more than 8,700 consignments.

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Material logistics, another key business area of Volkswagen Group Logistics, played a key role in the positive overall picture last year. All in all, 74.5 million m3 of production materials were shipped to the production plants precisely in accordance with requirements – most of these goods were delivered within the European production network. Overseas consignments of vehicle parts and components for plants outside Europe accounted for about 1.4 million m³.

In 2016, many cross-brand synergy effects were created and expanded together with all 12 brands in the logistics sector. In addition to the establishment of logistics facilities at the new locations of San José Chiapa/Audi Mexico and Wrzesnia/ Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Poland, the Group Consolidation Center (KCC) was opened in Bratislava (Slovakia). A cross-brand packaging plant was initiated for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Audi brands.

Furthermore, 10,000 additional parking spaces for international vehicle logistics were created at Autoport Emden.

In 2017, Volkswagen Group Logistics is focusing on new related areas. These include logistics support for the development of new business areas, new logistics concepts for vehicles with alternative powertrains, the updating of logistics standards and the autonomous movement of materials and vehicles. The digital transformation of logistics, the associated transformation of skills, and know-how transfer are further fields of action.

http://www.handling-network. com/archway/

Terberg Group - Corporate history – It all targeted in 1869 in the Netherlands ……

http://www.handling-network. com/terberg-group/

Linde Material Handling Live showing of L-MATIC AGV – Exclusive from IntraLogisteX, Coventry

http://www.handling-network. com/linde/

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summer 2017

RTITB news

Re-training needed when switching power source “Any risks which such use may entail”

Switching between electric and LPG or diesel power on your forklift? Well, your operators will probably need re-training.

To comply with the law and keep people safe, it is vital to provide the correct training for specific equipment, which includes re-training if there is a change in power supply.

“Training in the methods which may be adopted when using work equipment” There are some key operational differences between differently powered trucks, which are important to understand, such as pre-use inspections, power source replenishment, hydraulic control usage, responsiveness and travel speed, which all vary in electric, LPG and diesel trucks.

Consider for example, the importance of placing the truck in neutral and applying the park brake before operating the hydraulics in an electric scenario. Now, imagine operating a diesel truck where the use of the accelerator enhances the operation of the hydraulics.

Equipment-specific training is critical to ensure operators are aware of how methods differ between different types of truck, to operate safely, and comply with PUWER - The UK’s Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.

Each type of truck presents its own risks, but differences tend to be most evident in the power source replenishment.

With an electric truck, for example, many of the key issues relates to battery acid and, of course, the safe use of electricity. Whilst for diesel trucks there are health issues relating to the fumes, skin contact, and the environmental cost of spillages and clean-up.

When it comes to LPG, the pressurised nature of the fuel, plus the dangers of cold burns through skin contact are a concern. There are also arguably more manual handling risks associated with refuelling LPG trucks.

These potential issues are all manageable but they illustrate the importance of operator training when switching from one power source to another. Managers are required to provide training so that all operators are aware of, and can safely manage, the risks associated with the equipment they are using.

“Precautions to take” Educating counterbalance operators in the risks alone is not sufficient, without the knowledge of how to minimise them. For instance, what are the symptoms that something is wrong?

And what steps should be taken in the event that something does go wrong?

Relevant to electric truck operators for example, is that the smell of sulphur could indicate a serious fault with the battery, requiring the truck to be immediately put out of service.

They should also know the minimum

personal protective equipment (PPE) required when working with batteries, and what steps to take in the event of exposure to acid.

Diesel counterbalance truck operators must be aware that diesel contact with the eyes or skin will require immediate rinsing with clean water, as well as what PPE is required and why. Importantly, users of diesel refuelling equipment must also know what steps to take in the event of a spillage and reporting procedures.

Amongst other things, LPG counterbalance operators will need training in correct manual handling techniques, along with PPE requirements (neoprene gloves, for example, rather than fabric gloves). There are also more practical precautionary issues, such as placing the bottle the right way up, how to spot LPG leaks, and how to secure the bottle correctly to the truck.

Training is the route to safety and compliance These are just some of the points to consider when switching truck power types. Operator training is always needed to remain legally compliant, but more important, is the need for your operators and operation to work safely. For all responsible employers, the moral obligation tends to supersede the legal demands.

If you are not sure about what kind of training your operators need, RTITB can provide detailed support and guidance. For a simple, effective and “worry-free” route to compliance, we recommend you provide additional training covering the differences, keeping clear and up-to-date records of what has been completed.

A new RTITB counterbalance lift truck training course includes “pull-out” stand-alone training sessions.

Each session can be used independently to deliver specific skills and knowledge effectively and efficiently, enabling delivery of relevant training to your operation and operator experience. www.rtitb.co.uk Tel: +44(0)1952 520200 Text: Laura Nelson www.handling-network.com

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summer 2017

supply news chain

Being an offshore island off another offshore island will present problems In early 2016, the Irish Exporters Association (IEA) decided to ramp up its whole supply chain activity.

This followed the successful launch of the Supply Chain Ireland brand in 2015, and sought to take on board the feedback from members and others who participated in a number of general supply chain related events, as well as events with a focus on Life Sciences and the Food & Drink sectors.

The establishment of the organisation’s Regional Councils in the West and South, both regions with high levels of manufacturing activity, also fed into the discussion.

The Brexit vote in the UK and the Trump vote in the USA could both be said to have undermined the conventional wisdoms about exporting and supply chains. The Brexit vote in particular will certainly disrupt established British and European Market supply chains. Once the Brexit poll result came through, the IEA commenced work on devising and developing strategies for exporters that would seek to minimise the negative impacts of the change of the UK’s trading status.

On the manufactured goods supply chain side, much work is being done with the DTTAS, IMDO and other agencies, while the activity level in the EU-EIP project on East-West European supply chains has been stepped up.

The Association has carried out a major survey on aspects of the new economic and trading environment to which over 150 of its members responded and which was published and reported to the Oireachtas Joint committee on

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Foreign Affairs & Trade on 9 March.

The survey sought responses on a wide range of matters of concern to exporters, but the stand-out response was that 94% of respondents feel that Brexit will have a harmful effect with a mere 4% thinking that it would be positive.

One section of the study focussed on the Supply Chain and, specifically, the likely impact of Brexit on the British Landbridge. Major points from the responses included: 67% make use of the UK land-bridge to access continental markets.

59% make use of UK land-bridge to position freight to continental airports/ railheads/etc. as part of supply chains to intercontinental markets.

57% said that if transit time through the UK land-bridge were to extend due to additional controls, and / or costs were to increase, they would be able to supply using a direct shipping service to a Benelux or other continental port.

40% said that use of slower direct routes would adversely impact the quality of product.

53% said that longer time supply chains would seriously impact inventory & other costs.

If the UK leaves the EU under the conditions of a ‘hard Brexit’, 14% would consider shifting some production to the UK, 11% would consider sourcing more of their supply needs from the UK and 13% would consider locating more staff in the UK. 10% of members have sourced more supply needs from the UK since the

referendum in June last year.

46% import raw materials from the UK. 70% export finished products to the UK. Following the referendum 58% of members are planning to diversify export markets. The most popular destinations for targeting new markets are: USA (25%) Germany (22%) France (21%) Belgium (16%) China (16%) Poland (16%) When members were asked about their preparation for Brexit, 30% have done an impact assessment on the reintroduction of tariffs, 26% have assessed the impact of the reintroduction of customs procedures, 23% on the reintroduction of border controls, 14% on dual regulation, and 12% on increased competition in the UK market. 33% haven’t done an impact assessment but are planning to in next 3 months and 31% are not planning on assessing the impact of Brexit on their business.

Over the coming few weeks the IEA will host a number of Supply Chain related events at venues throughout Ireland. The discussions there will help to validate the survey findings and to back up the case for, in particular, switches in a number of EU funding streams that will assist Irish based manufacturers face the new post-Brexit world.

Text: Howard Knott

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