Yanis LOUNNAS - application engineer at EnerSys, outlines ten ways to help you achieve the best possible return on your battery investment.

Steve Purvis, operations director at Bis Henderson Space, takes a look at how to mitigate the risk of Coronavirus to UK supply chains.

Businesses are under increasing pressure to respond flexibly and efficiently. But how can materials handling operations provide the agility needed, with minimum exposure to risk? Alan Clark, asset manager at Doosan Industrial Vehicle UK, provides a five-point guide to flexing your assets.

PWE takes a look at how a German concrete manufacturer is using a mobile gantry to lift its very heavy loads.

Andy Kellett, FLT Specialist at Calor, discusses some of the most popular myths surrounding fuels for forklift trucks (FLTs).

With more than 400 companies anticipated to demonstrate the latest technological developments that are shaping the modern logistics industry, IMHX 2019 (NEC, Birmingham, 24-27 September 2019) is set to be the biggest event in the long running IMHX series of materials handling exhibitions to date. PWE reports.

Efficient loading bays can be built in less than ideal locations if the needs of the operating processes are properly analysed and the full range of equipment is explored. Kevan Anderson, an area sales manager with sara LBS, is motivated by a recent installation to review the possibilities opened up with modular docks.

Clair Weston, uvex marketing manager, takes a look at how to specify the most suitable safety eyewear for the wearer.

As the deadline on Brexit moves back to Halloween, corporate attention turns to reassessing the balance of risk to supply chains – the levels of inventory needed to secure supply, the costs of extending contracts, and the potential horrors of trying to find well-located warehouse space. Steve Purvis, operations director at Bis Henderson Space, reports.

Matteo Todesco, senior marketing manager for Motive Power, EnerSys EMEA looks at the issues that adversely affect battery performance and how a power management system can mitigate these.

Crown Imperial has recently overhauled and enhanced handling procedures at its Herne Bay headquarters by bringing in a number of Combilift models to replace counterbalance and reach trucks that were previously used. PWE reports.

Warehouse operators need expert help if they are to implement the most appropriate automation solution for their operations. Therefore choosing the correct partner is critical, Neil Beaumont at Lenze explains.

Over 400 exhibitors are expected at IMHX 2019 as supply chain issues look set to top the post-Brexit agenda. PWE reports.

Martin Walsh,senior application manager Motive and Reserve Power EMEA, EnerSys, looks at how to choose the best motive power source for electric warehouse and factory vehicles.

The PPMA Show returned to celebrate its 30th anniversary at the NEC Birmingham between the 25-27th September 2018. PWE reports.

For managers of forklift truck (FLTs) fleets, a renewed focus on improving the environmental impact of their operations is an exciting commercial opportunity. By switching to more environmentally-friendly fuels such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG) or BioLPG, they can further strengthen their green credentials while making pronounced financial savings, says Andy Kellett, FLT Specialist for Calor.

Forklift manufacturer and material handling solutions provider Combilift has officially opened its new global headquarters and manufacturing facility in Monaghan, Ireland. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the company also announced that it will be significantly expanding its workforce with the creation of 200 new jobs in the next three years. PWE reports.

Loading bays often need to be heated (or cooled), either to protect stored goods or to provide a comfortable working environment, but with large doors open for significant periods of time heating costs can be high. Louise Nurse of loading bay specialists, sara LBS, says it is natural for senior management to want to control this cost, but a practical rather than theoretical approach must be used.

Hymo Lifts, recently oversaw a project to design, build and install a DDA lift at Shrewsbury Cathedral. Using its previous experience from a similar project completed at York Minster, Hymo worked in close partnership with specialist architects Arrol & Snell. A key consideration of this installation was that the location is of particular historic significance. The lift, therefore, had to be both functional and in-keeping with the overall aesthetic of the cathedral.

Neil Adcock, consulting partner at Bis Henderson Consulting looks at the seven critical steps to successful warehouse automation.

Superior battery capacity has allowed Gaer Business to complete heavy workloads with small pallet trucks. PWE reports.

Combilift has unveiled a new all-wheel drive, electric, multi-directional counterbalance forklift truck, with a lift capacity of 4000 kg. The Combi-CBE 4t forklift was launched by managing director Martin McVicar at the recent GIS show at the Piacenza Expo centre in Italy.

Hyster is exploring the benefits of using a forklift simulator in response to a growing number of companies interested in using simulation as part of their training programmes.

Many businesses question whether to outsource the training of LGV drivers and material handling equipment (MHE) operators, or have instructors in-house. Laura Nelson of RTITB explains some of the benefits of in-house instructors.

Hugh Freer, sales director of electric tug specialist MasterMover, looks at how factories can make the best use of limited space.

Next year’s CeMAT – the world’s leading intralogistics fair – will have a completely new look, being co-located for the first time with Hannover Messe. The traditional time of year will also change: Instead of a biennial appearance in May or June, the logistics industry will be showcased from 23 to 27 April in pavilions 32 to 35 as well as in adjacent halls at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds. PWE reports.

UKWA CEO Peter Ward outlines challenges and opportunities for post-Brexit logistics industry.

2018 will see the parallel staging of CeMAT and Hannover Messe. The aim is to allow decision-makers to see how Logistics 4.0 and Industry 4.0 are capable of producing completely new solutions and business models as well as the potential of integrated logistics for their own companies.

Visiting the launch of its new “Forkcourt” and Business Hub, Joss Dixon reports on how Jungheinrich is embracing a new ethos.

Andy Owen, managing director of electric tug specialist MasterMover, explains how businesses can improve efficiency and productivity.

Allan Parsons, national rental manager at Briggs Equipment, discusses what businesses need to consider when hiring in equipment, explaining how to avoid the pitfalls and make sure you get the right machine for the job.

O’Reilly Concrete, originally established in 1939 as a small sand and gravel business, has seven production facilities across Ireland. Ballyhoe Plant, which is just outside Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan, specialises in the manufacture of precast walls for rapid build modular construction. As with the majority of the company’s products, these are extremely heavy, oversized and potentially hazardous to lift and transport. Since a Combilift Straddle carrier has been in operation these processes have become much safer and speedier.

For decades electric vehicle fleet operators and OEMs had very little choice when it came to power sources, with batteries built using flooded lead-acid cells the only practical option. While these batteries evolved to give more power, efficiency and reliability there have always been limits to their potential. Recent innovations such as lithium-ion offer an alternative but are still relatively expensive while novel technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells have yet to find practical or affordable applications in the mass market. PWE reports.

PWE reports on a few highlights from last month’s IMHX exhibition.

IMHX 2016 (13th - 16th September, NEC, Birmingham) will showcase the latest in materials handling, logistics and supply chain solutions. PWE looks reports.

The risk of industrial injuries can be reduced in any manufacturing, warehousing or retailing application by simplifying the processes involved. This can be achieved by optimising workstations and handling equipment for ergonomic work using modular component systems. At the same time, it is often possible to remove complexity and improve productivity to generate a return on the investment. PWE reports.

To manage seasonal surges, many supply chain businesses look to hire in additional materials handling equipment along with extra drivers. PWE reports.

A new narrow-aisle Kombi Stacker – the EKX 514-516 electric order picker and trilateral forklift has been launched by Jungheinrich. With a payload capacity of 1.6t and a lift height of 18m, the new model offers maximum versatility for order picking and stacking operations. PWE spoke to Steve Richmond, director of Jungheinrich’s systems & projects division, about the new launch.

Adjustable Pallet Racking (APR) and sprinkler systems can now be extended, remodelled and relocated within a warehouse or distribution centre environment in significantly less time and at a fraction of the cost than was previously thought possible thanks to new rack reconfiguration technology. PWE spoke to John Maguire, commercial director of Flexi Warehouse Systems*.

Jungheinrich’s Systems & Projects Division has provided a turnkey solution for global healthcare company, Grifols - completing two highly automated rack-clad warehouses at the heart of the company’s new worldwide operations in Dublin.

Any logistics company providing ‘value added’ services must have the necessary depth of experience in managing sophisticated logistics tasks and organising human resources says William Walker, head of sales and marketing at Berkshire-based, Walker Logistics. PWE reports.

PWE recently visited Jungheinrich’s refurbishment plant in Dresden to see first hand how refurbished forklift trucks can offer real value for money under the right conditions - many businesses are starting to catch-on. PWE spoke to Neil Warren, Jungheinrich UK’s Used Equipment and Short Term Rental director, who sets out five top tips on what to look out for when buying a second-life truck so as not to get caught out.

In factories and warehouses around the UK, millions of decisions are being made every day affecting the health and safety of employees. These decisions are often based on complex and conflicting choices, for example between increasing productivity and reducing risk, and some of the most important choices are those that are made by the operators of forklift trucks. Gavin Whickham, operations director at Briggs Equipment offers some thoughts.

Choosing the right racking and shelving for your warehouse or storage facility may look easy, but it can be more difficult than you think. Matt Danhieux, designer at Rapid Racking has ten tips for racking success.

How can SMEs gear-up for e-commerce and take on the giants in their market? Consumers now expect everybody to offer next-day delivery, guaranteed time-slots, the right product every time, and no-quibble returns policies – areas that the larger companies are well tuned into. But with a little forethought it is possible for smaller firms to compete too. Ian Roper* explains.

Workplace transport training accrediting body, RTITB reports on the requirement for a three stage approach to operator training which many employers are unaware of.

Following the recommendations of the Richard Review, the government is in the midst of delivering a restructured, ‘employer-focused’ plan for apprenticeships in the UK. Paul Brooks* reports on the government’s need to align apprentice funding to logistics sector’s greatest need.