Search Results for: loading

RUSCON, a leading transport company in Russia, has installed an automated system for loading mineral fertilisers at its terminal close to the port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea.

The bulk cargoes are delivered by trains arriving from all over Russia and then loaded into sea containers or packaged in big-bags before being taken to the port for export.

“This automated system, which is much faster and more efficient than traditional methods, ensures that exactly the specified quantities are loaded into each sea container or big-bag,” says Igor Stolovitskiy, deputy director of the Ruscon terminal.

The system loads 200 MT (metric tonnes) per hour into the containers or 60 MT per hour into the big-bags. It can handle all types of mineral fertilisers including urea, nitroammophos, ammonium sulphate, potassium chloride and calcined coke electrode.

Hopper wagons of all types and open cars with bottom discharging are suitable for this automated system and the railway ramp adjoining the complex where it is housed can hold 10 wagons.

The complex is equipped with dust extraction, vibro-download and wagon shifting capability and it is certificated to handle granulated sulphur and ammonium nitrate.

The installation of the new loading system is part of RUSCON’s commitment to continue to improve its services to customers. It already has a strong demand for its expert container stuffing services at the off-dock terminal.

RUSCON handled almost 120,000 containers through the port of Novorossiysk in 2015, an increase of 11%, despite a significant fall in the country’s overall container traffic.

Frimpeks is a market leader in the development of inks, varnishes and coatings. A relative newcomer in the low migration arena this specialist product category will be a major topic of discussion at the forthcoming “drupa” international trade fair in Dusseldorf (May 31-June 10). Frimpeks technical staff will be on hand to discuss the science behind this important shift in the ink and packaging industries in Hall 03/B35.

But what does the industry mean by “low migration”?
Low migration describes packaging materials whose chemicals will not migrate, or move, from the packaging into the product. It is particularly relevant in the food, pharmaceutical, beverage and healthcare sectors.

Materials include printing inks, coatings and adhesives which must not have any migratory chemicals which would affect the odour, flavour, appearance, taste, or the safety of the product contained within the packaging.

When printing a job that requires low-migration properties, there’s far more to consider than just loading up the press with a low-migration ink. In general, the term low migration ink refers to ink formulated without use of raw materials that have been identified as being able to pass through a substrate. Given there are so many different combinations of inks, print processes, and applications. Therefore printers are advised to work closely with their ink supplier to match up the substrate, process and application.

Frimpeks technical team offer open access to decades of experience and the laboratories in order to deliver a bespoke service to our customers. A substantial amount of research and testing is required to ensure our products are fit for purpose, in turn providing peace of mind.

Our partnership approach means our customers are encouraged to apply best practice manufacturing techniques. Understanding substrates, print speeds and the curing process are the keys to making sure the low-migration ink is fit for the application purpose. Frimpeks representatives will be on hand to discuss how they can assist print converters in a variety of aspects. For example, best practice when curing low migration inks.

Industry commentators interpret the concept of low migration in different ways. One view is it refers to the transfer of various components from the finished package into the food product. Low migration inks really refer to products that have been developed by ink suppliers to help the printer achieve desired results in accordance with current regulations. Others focus purely on producing inks that are formulated to limit migration to the minimum parts-per-billion levels through their chemical composition.

A bio-mechanics study, recently commissioned by health & safety specialist, Pristine Condition, in conjunction with Tesco Distribution, has revealed ground-breaking results, and helped the supermarket retailer achieve 60% reduction in manual handling incidents.

The purpose of the study was to objectively and technically measure the manual handling risk reduction when applying Pristine Principles across a number of key Tesco Distribution Centre manual handling tasks.

Using ViSafe wireless motion sensor technology, the study measured movement and muscle activity when undertaking the tasks pre and post Pristine Condition’s manual handling training.

The tests were undertaken across a range of tasks comparing the outputs both before and after Pristine Condition manual handling training. This included the loading and pulling of cages, and loading, unloading and stacking pallets. The results were exceptional. Objective data provided by ViSafe quantified the advantage of Pristine Condition techniques in reducing risk for injury across all tasks assessed as ranging between 35% and 94%, in particular reducing muscle demand by up to 73%.

Tesco Distribution had historically followed the same route as many other companies – following HSE guidance and hierarchy of controls. However, because that approach often fails to properly address the issue of incorrect technique then predictably manual handling incidents were still prevalent, causing injury to colleagues and cost to the business.

Tesco took the initiative to employ Pristine Condition – H&S Specialist and global leader in manual handling – to create a bespoke training programme to address manual handling incidents across their Distribution Centres.

For the first time ever Pristine Condition brought Olympic weightlifting techniques to industry, dispelling many myths and fallacies, and introducing realistic, achievable Principles and control measures.

Since the launch of model series T20/T25 SP in 2004, Linde Material Handling has sold over 33,000 such pallet trucks worldwide. Linde says that this makes them the clear market leader in the platform pallet truck segment in Europe and also sets a benchmark in the field of intralogistics. Linde will be presenting a number of new, customer-oriented optional features for these successful models at its World of Material Handling (WoMH) 2016 customer event.

Around the world, these platform pallet trucks with two or two-and-a-half tonne load capacity facilitate the loading and unloading of HGVs as well as pallet transfer and order picking. Linde’s unique driving concept is key to the resounding market success: The main load of the transported goods rests on the drive wheel so that braking and acceleration forces are accurately transmitted. In addition, a hydraulic damping system with tilt sensors for the lateral support wheels ensures maximum stability and driver comfort in all situations. Whether cornering, on uneven surfaces or on slopes – the operator has full control of the vehicle and the load at all times.

The new equipment options enhance driver comfort, efficiency and reliability for Linde T20/T25 SP platform trucks even more. The main innovation is the completely decoupled and damped stand-on platform. Platform and steering system form a compact unit, which is decoupled from the chassis. This has led to about 30 percent reduction in jolts and vibrations – both mechanical and human.

With this innovation, Linde takes another step towards the ergonomic unity of man and machine. This is because platform pallet trucks Linde T20/T25 SP feature proven e-Driver technology. This allows the driver to comfortably rest his back by leaning, while standing at a 45 degree angle to the direction of travel and steer the vehicle with one hand, with which he can also control all drive and lift functions. The 45-degree position provides optimum visibility of the route and load in an ergonomic body posture. In this way the driver can concentrate for a long time without getting tired and he is positioned in such a way that his health is not compromised.

LED work lights increase safety

To facilitate working in poorly lit environments, Linde has added LED work lights to its range of optional features. These lights help to make processes safer and more efficient, for example when loading and unloading truck trailers with dark interiors. The light is positioned within the vehicle contour, protected against damage, and can be switched on and off with a single move of the hand.

In addition to process safety and driver comfort, customers particularly appreciate the high uptime and power of the platform pallet trucks. Both are assured by the truck’s 3 kW AC traction motor. Its high torque ensures powerful start up. After less than five metres, the vehicle reaches its maximum speed of 12 km/h. The trucks and their new optional features will make their debut at Linde’s WoMH in Offenbach, Germany which will take place from 9-25 May. Visitors to this customer event will be offered the opportunity to test-drive the vehicles themselves.

Jungheinrich has launched its new EKS 110 vertical order picker. With a one tonne load capacity this completely redesigned truck has a distinctive new look and low-energy LED headlights and reflectors. Having a maximum platform height of 3 metres, the truck supports picking heights of up to 4.6 metres, making it ideal for order picking at up to three levels of racking.

Maximum pick rates – lowest power consumption
The new 3.2 kW drive delivers higher speeds and around five percent greater acceleration. With the optional Drive+ package drivers can even move up a gear, and enjoy dynamic acceleration and speeds of up to 13 km per hour – getting them to the next picking location even faster, thanks to Jungheinrich’s Curve Control assist system that ensures safe cornering.

At the same time energy consumption has been cut. Energy efficient three-phase AC technology and high battery capacity offer long operating times, and for multi-shift operation the EKS 110 now also runs on lithium-ion batteries rated at 240 and 360 ampere hours. The fast charging time achieved with this battery technology means it takes only 30 minutes to reach a 50% charge, and 80 minutes for a 100% charge. For light and medium-duty operations over one or two shifts, Jungheinrich recommends 375, 465 and 620 ampere hour lead-acid batteries and even gives a warranty for two-shift operation without battery replacement – if a battery does not last for two full shifts, Jungheinrich will add a second battery for free.

Perfect communications with WMS
With the optional picking optimisation package using Jungheinrich’s Logistics Interface, the EKS 110 can easily communicate with custom warehouse management systems (WMS), making it easy to send orders to the truck control system. The package includes such features as: drive programme selection for setting travel speed, acceleration and braking behaviour for specific products; truck data query; an additional display in the load direction for displaying WMS information; and a pushbutton on the side to confirm orders quickly and easily.

Ergonomic layout makes for comfortable working
The cabin on the EKS 110 has an ergonomic layout, aiding productivity by making getting in and out, as well as driving and picking, fatigue-free. The optional picking platform does away with the forks while extending the driver platform to facilitate the picking of individual or bulky items. The optimised lowering of the walk-on load section (optional) ensures that the platform, including loading equipment, is lowered to the optimal lowest level – ensuring the lowest possible walk-on access without the pallet ever touching the ground.

Instead of the standard forklift steering, an option is to fit the Jungheinrich JetPilot which offers intuitive and comfortable driving, just like a car. The new LED headlights and general lights further improve visibility. Optional extras include the integrated DayLED daytime running lights for improved visibility in poorly lit halls as well as the Floor Spot system, which significantly reduces the risk of collisions at blind spots by projecting a red dot on the ground around three metres ahead of the truck.

Advanced logistics operator, Arcese, has chosen a tailor made loading bay solution, designed and installed by industry leader Thorworld Industries, for its new facility in Daventry (UK).

The Arcese Group, one of the leading private logistics operators in Europe, runs hubs throughout the UK and has recently expanded its operation with the acquisition of its new depot. The sizeable new premises, with its impressive specification of both yard and office space, was considered an ideal hub for Arcese, being in close proximity to three of its major clients. However the building, in its existing form, lacked a suitable loading ramp facility.

Keen to address the situation at speed Keith Luetchford, Director at Arcese, was integral to the decision-making process that would guarantee the installation of high quality loading bay equipment, expertly designed for the most effective performance. Keith wanted to make use of the premise’s existing external canopies, but preferred to avoid the cost of installing a permanent solution within a leased building. He was also looking for high quality and specific size specifications, as he goes on to explain:
“We knew we needed a loading bay of considerable quality, as any equipment installed would be in continuous use, facilitating extremely heavy loads for up to 18 hours a day. Precise size was also a key factor, as our requirements were for a loading system designed to fit within the existing external canopies. This, we understood, would necessitate a bespoke construction.

“To achieve this we had to find an expert manufacturer, so after conducting initial internet searches to explore the possibilities available to us, we invited Thorworld to visit our new premises and discuss the best options,” he adds.

The nature of Arcese’s business and the design of its building meant that any bespoke loading equipment needed to be semi-permanent to deliver the best overall solution. Planning permission was not necessary for the installation of this equipment, so Keith and the team agreed that ‘the right semi-permanent solution’ would enable Arcese’s new operation to be up and running in a relatively short time-frame.

Furthermore, by choosing a Thorworld’s modular solution, there was the flexibility to dismantle and relocate the equipment at the end of the building’s eight year lease, if necessary.

“A semi-permanent solution was entirely correct for our needs, furthering our positive opinion of Thorworld’s sales and engineering teams, whom we found extremely knowledgeable and professional,” confirms Keith.

“They listened to our needs and designed a solution, which not only provides the same service as a permanent/concrete loading bay, but is more cost effective. We were extremely impressed with Thorworld’s initial designs, with only a couple of tweaks needing to be made to create our perfect loading solution.”

Keith gave Thorworld the green light to proceed with manufacture; creating finished apparatus that features three dock levellers with a double width ramp for use on one side of Arcese’s premises, and a single dock leveller and single ramp for use on the other. With operator welfare a priority, the equipment also accommodates rear loading, considered safer than side loading, and features anti-slip surfaces for additional safety.

“We’ve been truly impressed with the design and quality of the loading solution. Thorworld’s entire approach, from design to implementation has been smooth, considerate, and professional,” concludes Keith.

Responding to Keith’s comments about his positive experience, John Meale, Managing Director at Thorworld Industries said: “A modular loading dock solution can deliver the exact function a business is looking for, but with the additional attributes of cost-effectiveness and flexibility, all without compromising on quality or safety standards.

“We’re delighted to hear that everything has gone to plan with the Arcese installation and that the project was achieved in time, and on budget,” adds John.

Port Salford National Import Centre, the UK’s first Tri-modal logistics facility, has opened with the Culina Group as its first occupier.

Great Bear Distribution, now the ambient division of the Culina Group after its acquisition last month, will be managing warehousing and distribution of a range of ambient brands from the showpiece 280,000sq ft. facility.

The new Port Salford facility will be fully branded as Great Bear and offers 45,000 pallet spaces, 30 loading doors, 30,000 sq. ft. of contract packing and 130 trailer parking spaces whilst also creating 280 jobs in the area.

“Port Salford is a truly cutting edge facility, and one that Culina Group and Great Bear are really proud to be initiating”, said Thomas Van Mourik, Culina CEO,

“This development is not just changing the dynamics of UK Transport and Logistics by dramatically improving direct supply chain routes across England and Scotland, but it’s also resulting in significant carbon emission reductions and environmental savings,”

“Port Salford is taking a revolutionary approach to logistics in the UK and it’s our great people who are going the make it a success. These are really exciting times for all of us.”


From the outset General Mills (UK/Ireland) is in situ as a Culina Group / Great Bear client. Its brands such as, Old El Paso, Green Giant, Betty Crocker, and Nature Valley, will be arriving by short sea freight from Europe, saving a significant amount of road haulage miles per year whilst at the same time providing a “future proof” solution to market trends.

Port Salford is a massive investment by Peel Ports Group, which will create 1,600,000 sq. ft. of warehousing. Its unique location will allow direct vessel access from the new Liverpool2 Terminal at the Port of Liverpool, due to open later this year.

This is all part of the bigger global plan by Peel Ports to develop Liverpool as a deep water container terminal and a key Atlantic Gateway.

Onward Holdings will be offering a range of solutions to meet the acute shortage of prime locations for warehousing in the north of England at this year’s Multimodal show. Among the sites the family-run company will be showcasing at the NEC, Birmingham (May 10-12) are 3PL facilities based in East Leeds, new-build warehouse sites near Wakefield and a soon to be refurbished facility in Normanton, West Yorkshire, all suitable for freight forwarding and distribution.

A scarcity in available warehousing space along the M62 corridor could possibly hinder economic development as firms seek out sites offering quick and easy distribution of their products through motorways, ports and rail freight.

All three sites are close to the motorway networks for fast delivery to all parts of the UK, the railway freight network, Humber ports and regional airports. They are in superb locations and can be utilised for a wide variety of uses, subject to planning permission.

The Willowbridge Lane site in Castleford is an ideal warehouse base for those needing to quickly move and/or store goods in the north of England. It is equipped with a host of facilities making it one of the best locations for those using containers. These include two dock levellers for the loading and unloading of containers and also box vans.

Onward Holdings is expecting strong interest in the design and build opportunities at its site in Featherstone. Unit 4 is a 1.6 acre development of up to 20,000sqft providing a potential logistics operation with scope for a service area for trucks. It has planning permission allowing for construction to commence in a matter of months. Unit 5 is made up of four acres with a footprint for warehousing of up to 70,000sqft – planning permission for this unit should be quickly forthcoming.

Meanwhile, visitors to Onward Holdings’ stand 1522 can also learn of the company’s plans for the ongoing development of the unit at the Normanton Industrial Estate, which, if required, can be split into two separate warehouses.

The 2015 fiscal year was a special one for industrial truck manufacturer, Linde Material Handling: for the first time in corporate history, customers ordered more than 100,000 forklift and warehouse trucks within one year. Shortly before year-end, it was leading manufacturer of wood-based panels and wood materials, Kronospan, who broke through the six-digit barrier with an order for three electric Linde E80/900 forklifts.

“We are very proud of this extraordinary sales result,” expounded a delighted Massimiliano Sammartano, Vice President of Sales & Service Marketing & Operations at Linde, a couple of days after the publication of the KION Annual Report 2015. “We see this record as appreciation by our customers for our ongoing commitment to offer them the best possible support with their materials handling tasks by providing just the right products, services and software solutions.”

The three new heavy electric forklift trucks in Kronospan’s fleet are destined for the company’s locations Burgos and Salas de los Infantes in northern Spain. There the Austrian company, a family-owned business with 14,000 employees worldwide and about 40 locations around the globe, operates a production line for melamine-faced panels. A total of 15 industrial trucks with load capacities of between 2.5 and 12 tonnes are used to transport wood fibre packages up to six metres long and 2.5 metres wide in-between the production area, drying chamber, rack warehouse and shipping area with truck loading bay. “We chose electric forklifts for the first time because they are clean and quiet in operation, whilst offering almost the same performance capacity as diesel trucks,” says Carlos Navarro, Sales Manager at Kronospan. The trucks’ product features convinced Kronospan to choose Linde. “We trust in the safety, reliability, efficiency and productivity offered by the Linde brand and we certainly appreciate the company’s high standard of service.”