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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.

Uncategorised - May 11, 2016;

Logistics BusinessA 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. <br src=

Cimcorp, the international group that specializes in robotic material handling, will present its innovative order-picking solution at CeMAT that is the embodiment of the exhibition’s theme this year of Smart Supply Chain Solutions. Based on Cimcorp’s proven, gantry-based robotic technology, the unique system is ideal for order fulfilment and storage in the food & beverage, retail, e-commerce and distribution sectors. Through extremely rapid order picking, the solution shortens lead times to enable more sales – potentially twice as many – and enhance customer service. With Cimcorp’s automation being based on a simple, scalable and movable robotic concept that is easy to install and maintain, the result is a rapid return on investment (ROI). The technology can also be used as an ‘island’ of automation that is integrated with surrounding manual operations.

Cimcorp’s solutions will be demonstrated to CeMAT visitors on Stand H26 in Hall 27 of the show, which takes place in Hannover from 31 May to 3 June.

Fast fulfilment
By shortening the order-processing window, robotic handling enables improved customer service and more sales through later order cut-off times, greater geographical reach via earlier dispatch, same-day deliveries and longer shelf life for fresh products. Faster order processing can also cut the cost of delivery – especially via third-party couriers – while more frequent fulfilment also reduces inventory levels and thereby the amount of capital tied up in stock.

Rapid ROI
“Our robotic systems are designed for fast manufacture, installation and start-up,” explains Kai Tuomisaari, Cimcorp’s Vice President of Sales and Projects. “Being modular, they are scalable to provide flexibility for the future, so can be expanded – or even moved – quite easily. Importantly in the food sector, they are also easy to clean, with the system able to clear the entire storage floor. Short timescales for projects – from initial enquiry to final handover – combine with highly efficient operation to deliver a rapid return on investment for clients.”

Cimcorp’s robotic order fulfilment solution in use at The Kroger Co., a dairy business in Denver, USA

More out of less
With stock accessed via linear robots on overhead gantries, Cimcorp’s solution requires no racking or sprinkler systems, providing further cost savings. As there is no need for conventional warehouse aisles, storage density is maximized. Rapid retrieval and accurate order picking are taken care of by one simple and energy-efficient technology.

Proven performance
Cimcorp’s order fulfilment solution has secured tangible benefits for a number of clients in the retail, e-commerce and food distribution sectors. The leading Spanish supermarket group, Mercadona, has invested in a robotic system from Cimcorp for the picking of full crates of fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as meat products, at its distribution centre in Guadix. This is an ‘island’ of automation that is integrated with Mercadona’s manual operations at the facility. The Finnish company, Tuko Logistics, uses Cimcorp automation to distribute groceries to its clients. The automatic goods-to-person storage and retrieval system at the company’s warehouse in Kerava is used to pick some 70% of orders. Another customer reaping the benefits of Cimcorp automation is The Kroger Co., a dairy business in Denver, USA. The automated system is used by Kroger to store up to 36,000 crates of plastic milk containers and to process over 30,000 crates per day.

Uncategorised - May 11, 2016;

Logistics BusinessCimcorp, the international group that specializes in robotic material handling, will present its innovative order-picking solution at CeMAT that is the embodiment of the exhibition’s theme this year of Smart Supply Chain Solutions. Based on Cimcorp’s proven, gantry-based robotic technology, the unique system is ideal for order fulfilment and storage in the food & beverage, retail, e-commerce and distribution sectors. Through extremely rapid order picking, the solution shortens lead times to enable more sales – potentially twice as many – and enhance customer service. With Cimcorp’s automation being based on a simple, scalable and movable robotic concept that is easy to install and maintain, the result is a rapid return on investment (ROI). The technology can also be used as an ‘island’ of automation that is integrated with surrounding manual operations. <br src=

XPO Logistics has finalised a long-term agreement with leading global lifestyle brand Ted Baker to manage its new pan-European distribution centre. The agreement covers Ted Baker’s retail, wholesale and e-commerce operations across the Continent.

Ted Baker has expanded rapidly since its beginnings as a menswear brand in Glasgow, Scotland in 1988. Today, the Company offers a wide range of collections for men and women, and has a portfolio of over 400 stores and in-store concessions worldwide.

As Ted Baker embarks on the next stage of its global development, the Company is consolidating its existing distribution sites into a single ‘super distribution centre’ near Derby. The facility will operate 24/7 and will provide sufficient capacity to support Ted Baker’s growth initiatives, while creating approximately 250 new jobs in the region.

The contract for warehousing, order preparation and e-fulfilment was awarded to XPO Logistics following an intensive tendering process. XPO successfully demonstrated a flexible approach, relevant expertise in the fashion retail sector, competence in multi-channel solutions, and a willingness to engage in a collaborative relationship.

Chris Byrne, head of global logistics for Ted Baker, said: “We selected XPO Logistics because the Company has the capacity and expertise to provide a reliable, single-site solution from which to manage all of our sales channels. Our agreement with XPO will effectively support our long-term growth plans.”

Richard Cawston, managing director of supply chain – UK and Ireland, for XPO Logistics, commented: “We are delighted to provide the prestigious Ted Baker brand with comprehensive logistics solutions. Our two companies share the same focus – that is, to deliver a premier customer experience with every transaction.”

Uncategorised - May 11, 2016;

Logistics BusinessXPO Logistics has finalised a long-term agreement with leading global lifestyle brand Ted Baker to manage its new pan-European distribution centre. The agreement covers Ted Baker’s retail, wholesale and e-commerce operations across the Continent. <br src=

ACE Exports Ltd, a UK company that has been supplying a range of personal care, grocery and household products to retailers throughout the Caribbean Islands for over 25 years, has outsourced its supply chain process to Midlands-based DK Fufilment Ltd (DKF).

Under the terms of the two year agreement, DKF will be responsible for receiving palletised loads of goods from ACE Exports’ global suppliers and storing the stock at its 165,000 sq ft shared user facility in Coventry.

Orders will be picked and assembled in to containers for onward delivery to the Caribbean on a weekly basis and, at peak times, five container loads a week will be dispatched.

Prior to outsourcing to DKF, ACE Exports had operated three warehouse units in the Black Country region but, by appointing DKF as its logistics partner, ACE has been able to remove this costly fixed overhead from its business model.

“One of the attractions of outsourcing to a third party supply chain solutions specialist like DKF is the flexibility it brings to our business,” says ACE Export’s Consultant, Steve Tandy.

He adds: “Our Black Country warehouses had to be staffed to a level appropriate to cope with our busiest periods and this meant that when things were less hectic we were paying for personnel that were under utilised. It was a fixed cost that we wanted to lose and outsourcing has allowed us to do so.”

DKF opened its Coventry facility in December 2015.
The site offers three storage chambers and features a combination of wide and narrow aisle pallet racking as well as small parts storage bays and a dedicated pick, pack and re-work area as well as modern office accommodation.

The building is served by a new fleet of Toyota materials handling equipment, including counterbalanced and reach trucks, very narrow aisle trucks and man-aloft high level order pickers.

DKF Fulfilment Ltd’s managing director, Mark Elward, commented: “We are delighted ACE Exports chose to award this business to DKF. DKF will bring industry leading standards and operational excellence to the contract and we look forward to a successful partnership.”

Uncategorised - April 20, 2016;

Logistics BusinessACE Exports Ltd, a UK company that has been supplying a range of personal care, grocery and household products to retailers throughout the Caribbean Islands for over 25 years, has outsourced its supply chain process to Midlands-based DK Fufilment Ltd (DKF). <br src=

CEVA Logistics, one of the world’s leading supply chain companies, and Marangoni Commercial & Industrial Tyres, an Italian company specialising in the retreading of industrial, truck and earthmover tyres, have announced a contract spanning more than three years for the transport and distribution of products throughout the country.

Each year the contract runs, CEVA will collect all Marangoni tyres for retreading. These tyres have been pre-selected by Marangoni’s qualified staff from sites around Italy and will be brought to the tyre manufacturer’s northern Italian warehouse in Rovereto. CEVA will distribute both new and regenerated tyres to both retailers and distributors around the country.

“The decision to outsource transport to an external partner is the natural consequence of further developing our company. By appointing CEVA, Marangoni can focus its own resources on the selection of tyres and the sale of its products and services. Logistics is an essential part of our business and we believe CEVA will provide the high level of service we require,” says Brenno Benolglia, Commercial Director of Marangoni Commercial and Industrial Tyres. “CEVA’s reputation for operational excellence and flexibility gives us confidence that we can increase the quality of service to our customers and improve our reliability and speed.”

Adds CEVA’s Vice President Business Development Italy, Gioachino Figlia: “We are honored to count Marangoni among our clients and we are proud to strengthen our presence in the automotive sector following the inauguration of TyreCity. Marangoni will be better able to integrate its transport flows with its production by having reliable and guaranteed service levels combined with full traceability for both its reverse flow logistics and distribution. Our ability to offer agile and creative solutions which match the needs of this important customer will be key to this partnership.”

Uncategorised - April 14, 2016;

Logistics BusinessCEVA Logistics, one of the world’s leading supply chain companies, and Marangoni Commercial & Industrial Tyres, an Italian company specialising in the retreading of industrial, truck and earthmover tyres, have announced a contract spanning more than three years for the transport and distribution of products throughout the country. <br src=

Leading mid-market private equity firm LDC has backed the £17million management buyout of Panther Logistics, the UK’s largest independent 2-man next day home delivery provider.

Panther, which is headquartered in Northampton, specialises in two-man and one-man assisted delivery services for major brands and retailers, including Dunelm, Silent Night and Bosch Siemens Group.

It provides customers with next day deliveries and UK-wide coverage via a network of eight strategically located regional hubs* and employs 300 people, expanding to over 800 with additional temporary staff during peak periods. Its fleet comprises 300 fully-liveried vehicles, whilst its proprietary IT platform offers market-leading track and trace capabilities to its end customers.

Panther has more than doubled sales in the last two years to almost £30m, thanks to the continued growth of online shopping and its reputation for customer focus and service excellence. It was recently ranked amongst the UK’s fastest growing 100 firms**.

The buyout was led by the business’ Managing Director Colin McCarthy, alongside seven other members of the management team. As part of the deal, LDC has acquired a significant minority shareholding in the firm, enabling its founder, Wilson Barrett, to retire.

The firm has also appointed Greg Ball as a Non-Executive Chairman. Ball’s retail career includes senior positions with Littlewoods and Home Retail Group, where he was a main board director with responsibility for its home delivery operations.

Following the investment, Panther plans to continue to invest in its operations and develop new service innovations to support its customers.

In 2015, LDC invested £350m of equity in 14 businesses and generated exit proceeds of more than £500m. Earlier this year, it backed the secondary buyout of CitySprint, the UK’s leading technology driven same day distribution company.

LDC, which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, has pledged to invest £1.2bn of equity into UK-based growth businesses over the next three years. Its 90-strong portfolio of companies includes online travel agent Iglu.com, lifestyle brand Joules and restaurant owner D&D London.

Uncategorised - April 13, 2016;

Logistics BusinessLeading mid-market private equity firm LDC has backed the £17million management buyout of Panther Logistics, the UK’s largest independent 2-man next day home delivery provider. <br src=

ORBIS® Corporation, an international manufacturer of reusable packaging and supply chain optimisation specialist, launched the Pally® at the 2016 MODEX show. The Pally, part pallet and part dolly, transforms traditional material handling methods by seamlessly converting from mobile to static.

The Pally combines the mobility of a dolly with the functionality of a static pallet to enable new and enhanced material handling capabilities. This unique performance results in greater end-to-end supply chain versatility for increased efficiency.

“The Pally is designed to be used at every point of the supply chain,” said Mike Ludka, senior product manager, ORBIS Corporation. “It allows users to easily move goods from the truck to the retail aisle without unnecessary and costly product touches. This next-generation design makes the Pally easy to use and store.”

When mobile, the Pally quickly converts to static mode with a press of the pedal. When static, the rubber braking stabilizers ensure the Pally withstands lateral force, allowing it to be safely stored, displayed or transported. Its patented cam mechanism is designed for many activations.

The Pally comes with fully field-repairable components, such as wheel covers, pop-up locators and casters, extending product life to further reduce trip costs. The corner grips and pop-up locators keep tote loads in place and improve trailer and storage organisation and density. The optional locking handle allows the Pally to be pushed or pulled, and the contoured deck handles and lightweight structure enable ergonomic handling.

For easy warehouse integration, the Pally is designed to interface with standard material handling equipment, including 4-way fork truck* and 2-way hand truck access.

Uncategorised - April 7, 2016;

Logistics BusinessORBIS® Corporation, an international manufacturer of reusable packaging and supply chain optimisation specialist, launched the Pally® at the 2016 MODEX show. The Pally, part pallet and part dolly, transforms traditional material handling methods by seamlessly converting from mobile to static. <br src=

Agility has expanded its Latin America network with the addition of company-owned operations in Bogota, Medellin and Cali in Colombia.

The logistics provider’s network now includes owned operations in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Colombia, which together account for 75% of economic activity in Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition to its owned operations, Agility has strategic partnerships with agents throughout South and Central America and the Caribbean.

Agility Colombia offers export/import services, air freight, ocean freight, inland freight, warehousing, distribution and other services. Agility Colombia is a joint venture with Navemar Group, a logistics leader in Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Venezuela.

“Colombia is a vibrant retail and consumer market and a supplier of important agricultural, mineral and energy commodities. With political stabilization, it has a chance to be an important bridge between South and Central America as economies in the region deepen their integration,” said Margarita Sanmartin, Country Manager of Agility Colombia. “Customers want world-class logistics and supply chain services from providers that know the country and the region.”

Francesc Casamitjana, CEO Agility Americas, said “providing consistent levels of quality and service for customers across Latin America is a key requirement for Agility. Our newly established capabilities in Colombia will provide the level of excellence required.”

While economic growth slowed in Colombia in 2015 due to the fall in commodity prices, the near future looks brighter and investments have been forecast in the next few years with the recovery of non-oil exports. According to the 2016 Agility Logistics Emerging Market Index (AEMLI), U.S. shipments to Colombia showed the most growth among the top 10 lanes analyzed in the annual report, with an 11.7% increase in 2015. The main drivers for growth were an increase in export tonnage of fresh flowers and cereals and a higher needs for cold chain solutions.

Uncategorised - April 6, 2016;

Logistics BusinessAgility has expanded its Latin America network with the addition of company-owned operations in Bogota, Medellin and Cali in Colombia. <br><br> The logistics provider’s network now includes owned operations in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Peru and Colombia, which together account for 75% of economic activity in Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition to its owned operations, Agility has strategic partnerships with agents throughout South and Central America and the Caribbean. <br><br> Agility Colombia offers export/import services, air freight, ocean freight, inland freight, warehousing, distribution and other services. Agility Colombia is a joint venture with Navemar Group, a logistics leader in Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Venezuela. <br><br><i> “Colombia is a vibrant retail and consumer market and a supplier of important agricultural, mineral and energy commodities. With political stabilization, it has a chance to be an important bridge between South and Central America as economies in the region deepen their integration,”</i> said Margarita Sanmartin, Country Manager of Agility Colombia.<i> “Customers want world-class logistics and supply chain services from providers that know the country and the region.” </i><br><br> Francesc Casamitjana, CEO Agility Americas, said <i>“providing consistent levels of quality and service for customers across Latin America is a key requirement for Agility. Our newly established capabilities in Colombia will provide the level of excellence required.” </i><br><br> While economic growth slowed in Colombia in 2015 due to the fall in commodity prices, the near future looks brighter and investments have been forecast in the next few years with the recovery of non-oil exports. According to the 2016 Agility Logistics Emerging Market Index (AEMLI), U.S. shipments to Colombia showed the most growth among the top 10 lanes analyzed in the annual report, with an 11.7% increase in 2015. The main drivers for growth were an increase in export tonnage of fresh flowers and cereals and a higher needs for cold chain solutions.

Under an exclusive agreement, XPO Logistics will continue to be responsible for the planning and execution of 100% of the transport requirements of SCC-Sociedade Central de Cervejas e Bebidas (HEINEKEN Group) until 2018. Sociedade Central de Cervejas e Bebidas produces and commercialises malt and beer products brewed and bottled at its Vialonga plant, including the line of SAGRES® alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers. The SCC portfolio includes some of the most prestigious international brands, such as the premium beer Heineken®. SCC owns an additional production facility in Vacariça where natural spring mineral waters are collected and bottled under the brands LUSO® and CRUZEIRO®, and also the distribution company NOVADIS. This is the second time that SCC has renewed its contract with XPO in Portugal since 2006.

Acting as a control tower, XPO Logistics teams are responsible for optimising SCC’s transport flows to guarantee 24-hour delivery to over 200 locations. The products move from SCC´s Portuguese production sites and logistics platforms to its retail customers and distributors, with additional direct deliveries to hypermarkets, cash-and-carry stores and other outlets. Transport reliability is critical, as volumes can exceed 28,000 loads annually (representing over 636,000 tons of products), with important seasonal peaks.

KeyPL is a pan-European collaborative transport solution exclusive to XPO Logistics that, the company says, “provides superior control and optimization of freight flows, with the goal of delivering added-value services to customers. KeyPL capabilities are fully integrated with the customer’s supply chain by skilled and dedicated teams acting as a control tower. The teams use proprietary technology to select, manage and monitor the best transport provider, mode and route for each shipment. Capabilities include the use of online real-time track and trace technology and POD management tools.”

According to XPO, KeyPL allows for better visibility and control of performance, as well as more effective planning, greater cost efficiencies in procurement and continuous improvement methodologies. Additionally, KeyPL delivers significant value through the enforcement of safety and environmental standards.

Uncategorised - April 6, 2016;

Logistics BusinessUnder an exclusive agreement, XPO Logistics will continue to be responsible for the planning and execution of 100% of the transport requirements of SCC-Sociedade Central de Cervejas e Bebidas (HEINEKEN Group) until 2018. Sociedade Central de Cervejas e Bebidas produces and commercialises malt and beer products brewed and bottled at its Vialonga plant, including the line of SAGRES® alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers. The SCC portfolio includes some of the most prestigious international brands, such as the premium beer Heineken®. SCC owns an additional production facility in Vacariça where natural spring mineral waters are collected and bottled under the brands LUSO® and CRUZEIRO®, and also the distribution company NOVADIS. This is the second time that SCC has renewed its contract with XPO in Portugal since 2006. <br src=

Cimcorp, manufacturer and integrator of turnkey robotic gantry-based order fulfilment and tyre handling solutions, is to open a new US-based operation – Cimcorp USA, Inc. (Cimcorp USA) – based in Norcross, Georgia. It is also currently attending the MODEX trade show taking place until Thursday in Atlanta.

Cimcorp USA will open its new facility during the second quarter of 2016, providing its sales and service team with a local base in the Southeast of the USA, a market with large projected growth for intralogistics, warehouse automation and manufacturing. Cimcorp is looking to expand its sales and service activities to customers in its target markets, including tyre manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, and retail and e-commerce.

“Due to its central location within a rapidly growing intralogistics market, ease of airport access, proximity to our major customers and access to skilled labour, the Norcross area is an ideal location for Cimcorp,” said Rick Trigatti, North America President, Cimcorp. “The new office will allow us to better service our US customer base while providing us with expanded access to this growing market where we will be surrounded by customers, competitors, partners and suppliers.”

Cimcorp’s robotic and automated solutions help manufacturers and distribution centres meet the challenge of managing multi-channel distribution within a complex and rapidly evolving multi-sales channel environment while optimizing material flow, increasing efficiencies and improving the bottom line. Cimcorp executives and team members are available for questions and to discuss the company’s end-to-end, multi-channel and customized solutions – including Layer Pick, Case Pick, Piece Pick, Storage & Retrieval and AGV Solutions – at MODEX on stand number 4347.

Uncategorised - April 5, 2016;

Logistics BusinessCimcorp, manufacturer and integrator of turnkey robotic gantry-based order fulfilment and tyre handling solutions, is to open a new US-based operation – Cimcorp USA, Inc. (Cimcorp USA) – based in Norcross, Georgia. It is also currently attending the MODEX trade show taking place until Thursday in Atlanta. <br src=