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Lowestoft (UK)-based Nexen Lift Trucks – a designer, manufacturer and supplier of forklift trucks and warehouse equipment – has launched the FBXT and FBX, the company’s latest electric additions to its premium, UK-built X-Range series.

As part of the continuing expansion plans for its UK-based manufacturing facility, the research, design, development and production of the new electric counterbalanced forklifts was undertaken at Nexen’s European headquarters in Lowestoft, rather than those the company owns in Taiwan. This allows Nexen, which has over 40-years’ experience in the materials handling sector, to place the design and production in the hands of some of Britain’s top designers and engineers.

A strong emphasis during the design process ensures these machines provide class-leading performance, with the 3-wheel FBXT and 4-wheel FBX counterbalanced electric forklifts offering lifting capacities from 1,600 to 2,000kg. Both are available in long- and short-wheel-base formats, providing a productive and energy-efficient solution for numerous indoor/outdoor lifting applications.

All models offer the latest technological advancements associated with the material handling industry, including high-capacity, DIN-STD batteries for multiple-shift operations. Both models are built to the highest exacting standards using premium quality components which, combined with Nexen’s signature X-Range fully-floating cabin design, provides exceptional operator comfort and superior ergonomics that dramatically reduces driver fatigue.

Nexen’s FBXT and FBX electric forklifts feature regenerative braking to enhance battery life and improve energy efficiency. An automatic parking brake ensures no adjustments are required, which further reduces equipment maintenance requirements. Numerous options are also available for Nexen’s X-Range, including operator presence, fingertip controllers, load weighing systems, etc.

Like all Nexen forklift trucks, the electric-powered X-Range series has been designed with an emphasis on ease of maintenance and features class-leading accessibility to all serviceable parts, including the complete control panel, which can be completely removed in less than two minutes. Nexen will offer a unique service exchange programme to ensure downtime is kept to the absolute minimum. To further enhance accessibility, an optional fully-tilting cabin feature is also available; all models feature rapid and stress-free side entry battery removal.

The GEFCO group, now a global player in industrial logistics and a European leader in automotive logistics, generated a turnover of € 4.2 billion in 2015, up 3% compared to 2014. Luc Nadal, Chairman of the Management Board of GEFCO Group, said: “GEFCO achieved good results in 2015 in an unsteady global economic context and succeeded in further enhancing its position of global logistics solutions provider. The Group expanded its international footprint by opening new countries and acquiring the Dutch company IJS Global, whilst broadening its offering in freight forwarding and customer portfolio. I see the Group’s performance as a tangible proof of our customers trust in GEFCO’s expertise: they know how much GEFCO’s teams are committed to adding value at every stage of their logistics chain.”

In 2015, the GEFCO group achieved a turnover of € 4.2 billion, up 3% compared to 2014. The Group produced a free cash flow of € 173 million over three years, with very little debt, which demonstrates its sound financial situation. The performance plan initiated mid-2014 to increase its cost flexibility, alongside with the Group’s “asset-light” business model, contributed to an efficient cost management by the company. In the meantime, the Group kept on expanding its customer portfolio and achieved an increase by 9.5% of its revenue with international industrial customers.

The EBITDA is lower than in the previous year (-18%). A decline in oil prices, the economic crisis hitting hard countries such as Russia and Brazil, and difficulties experienced by car makers in Latin America and Russia are the key reasons of this setback.

Finally, unrelenting efforts of GEFCO’s teams have laid solid foundation for the future and enabled the GEFCO group to maintain its position among the top ten European logistic integrators, and its number one status in Europe for Finished Vehicle Logistics.

The Group’s activity growth demonstrates the relevance of its diversification strategy and its successful implementation.

Created in 1949 to meet the logistical challenges of the automotive industry, GEFCO partners with main car makers and automotive suppliers in the world to manage and optimize their complex supply chains. The fruitful collaboration with DACIA – leading to 600,000 vehicles delivered in 10 years – and the 7-year contract signed with PSA Peugeot Citroën to manage their car compound in France – constitute as many prove, gained in 2015, of the quality and the recognition of such expertise.

In the meantime, GEFCO has been successfully rolling out a diversification strategy to enhance its future and profitable growth, supporting the development of its industrial customers worldwide with global logistics solutions. Among 2015 highlights we can mention successful multimodal transport plans designed and operated by GEFCO for Schneider Electric in Europe and the Balkans, for Alstom Transport between France and Kazakhstan, as well as for Eska Graphic Board, a Dutch manufacturer and exporter of high-end graphic cardboard, from the Netherlands to the rest of the world.

Working in the sub-zero world of the cold store demands the highest standards of visibility, reliability and comfort. Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has now developed a brand-new range of cold cabins for its SENSiA reach trucks, which the company says are tailored to work productively and reliably – even in temperatures as low as -35 degrees.

Like every product in the Mitsubishi cold store line-up, SENSiA cold store models have been specified with cold-resistant cabling and waterproofed electrics: protecting against damage from cold and moisture. While SENSiA’s thermostatically controlled heaters protect critical components, its hydraulics have been optimised to perform in the coldest of conditions.

Recognising a reach truck is only as productive as its operator, designers at Mitsubishi looked for ways to do more than keep operators warm in their cabins.

Developed for energy efficiency, each cabin is generously insulated and features a 1700 W heater to ensure the optimum working environment for each operator throughout the longest shifts.

Available on standard chassis reach trucks, cabins are spacious by design. Every element of the operator compartment has been specified to keep it uncluttered: from its intelligent fingertip controls to its folding steering wheel console.

Controls are kept within easy, avoiding unnecessary movement to reduce the risk of operator fatigue. For added control, every cold store model benefits from SENSiA’s intelligent SDS (Sensitive Drive System). Fitted as standard, SDS automatically tailors the truck’s performance to the specific needs of driver and load. As a result, it delivers smooth start and stop movements and agile, stable performance.

Visibility is paramount in any lifting operation. Like every SENSiA reach truck, cold store cabin models offer 360-degree visibility. The cabin’s heated side windows protect against frost, misting and condensation, ensuring exceptional visibility and safe, productive performance.

A clear-view, crash-proof polycarbonate roof – fitted as standard – means operators benefit from maximum upwards views, while being shielded from falling debris of any shape or size.

The cabin’s robust steel frame, which features a reinforced collision guard, offers added protection to operator, bodywork and door when working in tight spaces.

SENSiA is the latest addition to the Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks range of lift trucks dedicated to cold store applications. Other products in the range include VELiA, its low level order picker; electric counterbalance trucks, including the popular EDiA EM and its family of pallet trucks, PREMiA.

Baoli Material Handling Europe has launched its new KBG series of LPG forklifts for the European market. The series provides trucks with load capacities between 1.5 and 3.5 tons. They share many components with the diesel models of the KB family, which Baoli has introduced over the past two years. Efficient maintenance of this product range is facilitated by easy access to the components.

The KBG series contains six models of LPG forklifts using just two different footprints. The truck with 2 tons load capacity stands out due to its compact dimensions, which are the same as of the models for 1.5 and 1.8 tons. Consequently the KBG20 model is very compact and competitively priced. The wheel base of these trucks measures just 1500 mm, the axle centre to fork face 435 mm and the overall width 1177 mm.

The KBG forklifts are equipped with the Japanese GCT K21 and K25 engines, which ensure high performance. The design of the overhead guard and the angular counterweight provide good visibility for the operator. The engine hood can be opened to an angle of 90 degrees enabling comfortable access for maintenance.

“The KB product range started two years ago and we see very positive feedback from our distributors, dealers and clients across Europe“, says Rory Harvey-Kelly, General Manager of Baoli Material Handling Europe. “After the diesel and electric forklifts we now introduce the LPG series of this family into the market. Due to consistency and easy access to the components, all trucks of this product range are easy to maintain and spare parts can be managed efficiently.”

Tevva Motors’ prototype development vehicles have just achieved a combined total distance of 27,000 miles, a landmark achievement for the next generation electric, range extended commercial vehicle.

The distance – which is greater than the Earth’s equator – has been covered in less than six months by three prototype vehicles built by the Essex (UK)-based technology pioneer.

Each vehicle has Tevva’s next-generation electric range extender powertrain, capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%*, compared to an average 7.5 tonne diesel engine truck.

The innovative powertrain, which is now available to order, can be fitted on the production line during the build process or fitted as a retrofit package to an existing vehicle. Both solutions are being tested during the development process, with Tevva’s two test vehicles – ‘JAC1’ and ‘JAC2’ – based on the JAC N-Series chassis, and a retrofitted Mercedes-Benz Vario in daily operation with logistics giant UPS.

The retrofit package provides operators the option to give existing vehicles an additional life while reducing emissions and running costs. Regardless of application, the electric range extender powertrain utilises Tevva’s patented Predictive Range Extender Management System (PREMS), which ensures the full potential of both fuel sources is exploited.

All three vehicles have been pushed to their limits and beyond at the Millbrook Proving Ground but have also been put through their paces on UK roads, travelling the length and breadth of the country, as well as in daily operations with UPS. Each has performed outstandingly over the last six months, with the reliability of the trio enabling a greater distance to be covered than expected. This also enabled the development team to really put PREMS to the test, developing the software as well as the powertrain technology.

The UPS vehicle also continues to impress, being driven and managed using the same methods and routines as the rest of the UPS delivery fleet.

UK forklift-add-on supplier B&B Attachments has been awarded accreditation from Safecontractor for its commitment to achieving excellence in health and safety.

Safecontractor is a leading third party accreditation scheme which recognises very high standards in health and safety management amongst UK contractors.

Employing over 60 people, B&B is principally involved in the Material Handling sector, specialising in the supply of forklift truck attachments, with a turnover of over £9m. B&B supplies all the major players in the forklift truck industry.

The company’s application for Safecontractor accreditation was driven by the need for a uniform standard across the business. The accreditation will enhance the company’s ability to attract new contracts and its commitment to safety will be viewed positively by its insurers when the company liability policy is up for renewal.

Under the Safecontractor scheme, businesses undergo a vetting process which examines health and safety procedures and their track record for safe practice. Those companies meeting the high standard are included on a database, which is accessible to registered users only via a website.

Client-organisations who sign up to the scheme can access the database, enabling them to vet potential contractors before they even set foot on site. These clients agree that, as users of the scheme, they will engage only those who have received accreditation.

Over 210 major, nation-wide businesses, from several key sectors, have signed up to use the scheme when selecting contractors for services such as building, cleaning, maintenance, refurbishment or electrical and mechanical work.

For many businesses, operating an open stores policy is deemed to be the best way of ensuring staff have the required equipment to do their job. However, when using manual counting and logging processes, it is incredibly difficult to manage how many pairs of gloves, boots or hi-vis jackets have been issued, whether they are fit for purpose and equally whether they suitably fit the individual wearing them.

While free access may seem like the best solution in providing employees with their PPE equipment and materials, in reality it presents a number of issues:
1. When freely available, people have a tendency to take more than they need as part of a ‘just in case’ scenario
2. Loss of productivity as individuals leave their role to go in search of equipment
3. No reliable documenting process – resulting in no trackable usage patterns or, traceability
4. Businesses are dependent on manual counting processes leaving room for human error

Dispensing PPE – a potential solution
Designed for dispensing PPE and other consumable items, automated vending technologies bring a wealth of opportunity to businesses by providing 24/7 access and availability to PPE and other critical items and helping to improve control and accountability throughout an organisation.

Through the simple introduction of automated dispensing processes for example, a business is able to document if and when each and every individual within an organisation collects a new piece of equipment. Time can be reduced in the search for relevant and suitable equipment, materials and supplies as access to the vending machine is controlled by the individual’s key card or a fob. Every Apex device is an internet device controlled by the Trajectory Cloud which stores the individual’s job and health and safety requirements. With the ability to log items being dispensed, intelligent automated dispensing solutions can automatically generate time and date stamped documentation – providing the employer with a clear and auditable trail of their fulfilment of legal safety requirements.

With the ability to log transactions, automated dispensing technology also provides a solution to stock replenishment issues, sending automated stock alerts and re-order notifications to suppliers, which eliminate out of stock conditions and emergency orders. As inventory quantities are maintained by the Trajectory Cloud in real time once the system has been configured there is no risk of running out of stock or ordering the wrong equipment, which in turn helps to maintain productivity and safety while reducing the costs associated with latency, ordering incorrect or last-minute supplies.

Apex Supply Chain Technologies is the only automated dispensing technology provider to date that is powered by Trajectory Cloud. These simple and elegant Connect n’ Go systems plug into a standard electrical socket, connect to the Internet via Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi or cellular connection and are ready to go. The Apex proprietary Trajectory Cloud platform provides 24/7 visibility, alerts and reporting through a browser, anytime, anywhere, allowing businesses to improve productivity, visibility, reliability and accessibility of stock and mission critical supplies and materials as well as track usage patterns and trends.

Boosting employee accountability and reducing costs are two more benefits that automated dispensing technologies and solutions can bring to the industrial working environment. Indeed, with many businesses seeking to reduce the unnecessary usage of materials – the implementation of automated dispensing solutions will help to avoid hoarding and unnecessary waste, as well as largely eliminate the need for back-up inventory. In fact, it is not uncommon to see a usage reduction of up to 30% and inventory reduction as much as 50% as a result.

Needless to say, without the effective control and management of assets, initiatives to help improve productivity and reduce costs cannot be fully realised. Automated dispensing technology is one proven solution that can help businesses to not only minimise downtime and eliminate stock-outs, but also perhaps more importantly, maintain the safety of operations and improve the accountability of a company’s health and safety policy in the process.

Cold Chain Storage Network (CCN) – one of Asia’s leading temperature controlled storage and distribution specialists – has replaced the existing articulated lift truck fleet at its Malaysia facility with 8 new Flexi AC CS articulated forklifts designed and built by Narrow Aisle Ltd.

The fleet of Flexi AC Cold Store (CS) articulated trucks will operate at CNN’s 200,000 square foot multi temperature-controlled warehouse which is located in the Malaysian state of Selangor.

The facility offers chilled, frozen, deep frozen and ambient storage facilities to a host of customers and is one of the largest temperature-controlled storage sites in the region.

The Flexi AC CS fleet will be supplied and maintained by Prestar Marketing, part of Narrow Aisle’s global distributor network.

The truck’s ability to increase conventional pallet storage space by up to 30 per cent compared with reach trucks, combined with its VNA aisle performance in modern power mobile rack systems, has dramatically reduced cold store warehouse logistics costs for many users.

Despite its ultra-compact dimensions, the Flexi AC CS has capacity for loads of up to 2000kg and can lift to over 12 metres, while the truck’s specially designed and conditioned electrical and hydraulic system allows constant change of use between cold and ambient environments.

The Flexi AC CS can also operate continuously at temperatures as low as minus 28°C and only needs to leave the cold store for a battery change as battery charging can take place in the cold store itself if this is what the design of the store dictates.

A fully insulated and heated cab system is available to operators who need high volume pallet throughput.

John Maguire, sales and marketing director Narrow Aisle (pictured, with clients), commented: “This is an important contract from a part of the world that has embraced Flexi articulated forklift truck technology with enthusiasm.

“The trucks will be manufactured by Narrow Aisle and supplied to Prestar – our distribution and service partner – for onward delivery to CCN.

“CCN is one of Malaysia’s largest provider of cold chain, multi-temperature logistics and warehousing and has long been an advocate of the articulated truck concept but was moved to seek a higher quality articulated forklift supplier after experiencing a number of operational problems with a US-sourced articulated lift truck brand that the company had been using.”

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.”



Doosan has launched a completely new, electric 80-volt 2.2-ton to 3.5-ton capacity range of 4 wheel forklift truck models.

The latest additions to the 7-series range “continue to follow the Doosan tradition of delivering simple, powerful performance, while most importantly ensuring the best possible value for our customers,” said the company. “While maintaining reliability and durability, the new models significantly improve ergonomics for the operator’s comfort, all-round visibility and maneuverability. The expanded range, now including XL long wheelbase variants with increased battery capacity, means that Doosan has the most modern and widest ranges of electric counter-balance trucks to suit any electric truck application.”

Safety was at the forefront of the design brief, and increased serviceability and modern styling with the latest electronic control system were high priorities from the company’s global dealers and customers.

Benefits stated by Doosan include: “The ergonomically designed operator compartment keeps the operator in complete control at all times; improving productivity, reducing stress and fatigue. The new cell offers improved visibility and the latest design in ergonomic hydraulic controls. Thanks to the improved durable chassis design, along with additional stability system, Doosan’s new 7-series electric trucks exceed the highest demands in safe operation. In addition, a redesign of the masts has provided greater visibility through the mast, with the rear grab handle accompanied by a horn and panoramic mirrors increasing safety and all-round visibility.”

For most warehouses and production facilities, efficient storage is crucial, and these latest 7-series electric trucks have been specifically designed to meet this demand. The new 4 wheel models have a brand new steer axle “which has been innovatively designed to minimise the turning radius and can now achieve a superb 93.2° steer angle”. In addition to this, the newly designed round shape of the counter-weight enables the truck “to move comfortably in and out of narrow spaces, reducing damage costs while maximising storage potential”.

In addition, the new range are also rated as safe for outdoor use. The new sealed controllers are rated to IP65 and the motors rated IP43, with an increased IP54 rating available soon.

With its participation at SITL Europe 2016, one of the major transport and logistics exhibitions, which was held in Paris just a few days ago, Marangoni has once again confirmed its interest in the French market. Marangoni already enjoys a leading position in sales and service in the sector of tyres for industrial handling equipment through its subsidiary MIM, Marangoni Industrie Manutention.

During the event, Marangoni presented the Eltor EVO range, the latest line of super-elastic tyres for industrial handling equipment. The company says that this new series – developed with the support provided by two important international fork lift truck manufacturers who use Marangoni tyres as original equipment on their vehicles – has just over one year since its official launch “seen quite substantial levels of growth”.

The use of special compounds allows the new product to reduce rolling resistance by 8%, with consequent energy savings, meaning electricity and fuel. Moreover, its optimised structure, thanks to a deeper tread, not only reduces energy consumption by 20%, but also produces 15% less heat, with a consequent increase in tyre life (+10%). These tried-and-tested advantages all translate into significant savings in running costs for users.

Directional stability and excellent traction are two other distinguishing features of the Eltor EVO range, available in sizes 8”- 20”, in the black or “non-marking” version.

In addition to the Eltor EVO line, visitors at the show had the chance to appreciate other products in the Marangoni offering, designed to meet all the needs of the industrial tyre segment.

Hubbard Products, UK-based creator of European Refrigeration Systems is using the Commercial Vehicle Show for the launch of its new range of Diesel over-cab and under-mount refrigeration units.

In what the company says is a first for the UK transport refrigeration market, the brand-new range of Mono-block Diesel powered Un0 over-cab/under mounted systems incorporate a revolutionary (inline drive train) system that removes the need for drive belts. In conjunction with Kinetic Logic from the controller “this will increase service intervals and overall efficiency while giving a reduced cost of ownership,” says the company.

Presented in a stylish new design of ABS casing the Hubbard Un0 range will be available in four sizes for medium to large vehicles.

The four units, Un0 60, Un0 80, Un0 100 and Un0 120 will deliver significant benefits to refrigerated transport operators with low maintenance costs, improved fuel consumption, low noise levels and automatic temperature management through microprocessors. All the units are available with a range of options, including Multi-temperature for frozen and chilled deliveries, alternative voltages, heating systems with hot water and electrical heaters, 100A/H battery and separate fuel tanks.

Dougie Stoddart, Commercial Director for Hubbard Products says, “These are the first Diesel monoblock units Hubbard have offered to the UK Transport Sector. Everybody will know that Hubbard is involved in the development of the next generation of zero emission transport refrigeration systems with the Dearman liquid nitrogen powered technology. However, it is important to remember that diesel power will remain a tried and trusted drive source for many operators. Improving the efficiency of diesel units remains a key target for Hubbard, and the Un0 units are seen as a key stepping stone to acknowledging the importance of improving air quality by reducing or completely removing NOx emissions from the transport refrigeration cycle. Our aim is to make transport refrigeration as environmentally friendly as possible, as quickly as possible. This is another step in that process.”

To demonstrate the synergy between the new range of Un0 units and the on-going development of the Dearman powered liquid nitrogen, Hubbard and Dearman will be showing an example of the ground-breaking engine on stand 3E110 situated in the ‘Cool Pavilion’ at the CV Show 201, staged at the NEC Birmingham between April 26-28.