Warehouse - United Kingdom Warehousing Association

WarehouseOfficial Newsletter of The United Kingdom Warehousing Association February 2012 Volume 21 No 2How can packaging make significantsavings across your Supply Chain?...(p40)To discuss your packaging needs, contactMacfarlane Packaging’s 3PL team on 0844 770 1405

Association News 3Founded 1944The United KingdomWarehousing Association,418-422 Strand,London WC2R 0PT.Tel: (020) 7836 5522Fax: (020) 7438 9379Web: www.ukwa.org.ukEmail: dg@ukwa.org.ukMission StatementThe UKWA provides a serviceto Logistics Service Providersby helping to establish afavourable operatingenvironment, by providing aforum for discussion onnon-competitive issues and byproviding information toassist them in theirbusinesses.Management BoardStephen Basey-FisherNigel CookDerek CooperPhil CullingRichard DaviesJoanne DolanDouglas FearnleySteve GauglerMel Grainger, Vice PresidentMike HodgeAndy LawrenceJulia LucasJohn Maguire, ChairmanDavid PalmerDuncan Pannell, Vice PresidentDerrick Potter, Vice PresidentMike PottsAlan PowellGwynne RichardsDale StokesIain Speak, Vice PresidentCharles WattEDITORIALWe need Germany toplay a fuller roleI am not a Greek. To my knowledge, Idon’t have a drop of Greek blood in mybody. I have no Greek relations. I havesome wonderful Greek Cypriot friends, but Iknow no one from the Greek mainland.Their financial crisis therefore should be amatter of complete indifference to me. Butevery day I am reminded of their plight. Iam told repeatedly that it’s not their fault!It’s not their fault that successive Greekgovernments have borrowed more thanthey knew they could repay; it’s not theirfault that successive Greek governmentshave failed to apply a tax regime thatensures everyone pays who should! It is nottheir fault they have a bloated civil servicewith gold plated pensions; and it is not theirfault they have a trades union structure thatgives organised workers a disproportionatepolitical influence.Well, you may ask, who’s fault is it?Perhaps it is the Eurozone for not havingstricter entry standards, and for not beingwilling or able to show decisive leadership.An earlier decision to either bailout Greeceor to throw them out of the Eurozone mightprove to have been better options than theponderous and painful tooth pullingprocess we are observing at the moment.The interesting aspect of all this is theposition of Germany, and their de facto roleof the leader of the eurozone. Germanyholds all the cards, but is unable to playthem as it would like. Chancellor Merkelknows full well how little time it would takefor the rest of Europe to default to the..... “Hello..... , Germany is trying to take overthe world again” ...line, if she took a morerobust leadership role.But how long should we retain a sensitivityto events that occurred over 70 yearsago? I’m told that Nazi satire is growingpopular among the younger generation ofGermans, and features high on the agendaof up and coming young comics. If that isthe case, such a trend would seem to indicatethat Germans are emerging from anera of collective guilt. If so, we can expectthem to play a fuller role on the worldstage, and in the case of the Eurozone, Ithink that would be good for all of us, (butperhaps not Greece)Members are reminded that UKWA’s 13thAnnual Awards for Warehousing presentationceremony takes place on Wednesday4th July alongside the Association’s AnnualLuncheon in the Ballroom Suite of theDorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London.The UKWA Awards for Warehousingenjoy a high profile and every UKWA membercompany is urged to enter. There arenine Awards categories in total and theTechnology/ Innovations Award is open tonon-members as well as members. As youwill read in this issue, past winners haveenjoyed tremendous benefits from their success,so member companies - large andsmall - really should consider entering atleast one of the categories.Further details are available on page 5and on the UKWA website.EDITOR: Lloyd Arkill Tel: +44 (0) 1923 770455 ADVERTISING SALES: Daren Thomas Tel: +44 (0) 771 974 0736 Email: ukwa@btconnect.comwww.ukwa.org.uk February 2012

4 Association NewsIN THIS ISSUE8 BUSINESS NEWS14 MARKETINGDee Blick continues herseries of articles forWarehouse on marketingon a shoestring16 HEALTH & SAFETY18 PROPERTYIf you are looking toacquire warehouseproperty abroad, it isessential to havetrusted propertyprofessionals on yourside says Chris Berry,International Directorfor sbh21 FOODEX 2012One of the keyattractions at thisyear’s Foodex, will bethe UKWA Pavilionwhich will showcasethe products andservices offered byUKWA members andassociate members30 TRANSPORTThe CILT recentlylaunched Vision 2035- a wide rangingforecast for the state ofthe nation’s transportinfrastructure in 203536 PRODUCTS38 FORKLIFT TRUCKSWeather-relatedproblems can impacton the performance ofa forklift truck40 COVER STORYMacfarlanePackaging’s packagingsolutions addressevery aspect of theSupply ChainHONORARY ADVISORSNew honorary advisoron health and safetyUKWA is pleased toannounce the appointmentof Michael Collier, JP,CMIOSH, MIIRSM, PgDiploma as its newHonorary Advisor onHealth & Safety matters.A highly professionaland experiencedChartered SafetyPractitioner, with StoragevEquipment Safety ServiceLtd, Michael has overseenthe successful developmentof the safety and environmentalconsultancy/accreditedtraining arm of the businesssince 2005.He holds a host of safety-relatedqualificationsand has a Post GraduateDiploma in Occupationaland Environmental Healthand Safety Managementand Diploma in Safety andEnvironmentalABOVE: MichaelCollierManagement.He writes extensivelyon health and safety mattersand was a judge inthe 2010 IMHX Design 4Safety Awards.“Roger Williams commented:“I am delightedthat someone withMichael’s wealth of experiencehas joined ourteam of HonoraryAdvisors. I am sure thatany UKWA member seekingguidance on health andsafety related matters willfind a discussion withMichael hugely beneficial.”Michael Collier commented:“I have worked toraise awareness of healthand safety matters withinthe storage industry formany years and I am verymuch looking forward tohelping UKWA memberswith their safety-relatedissues in the months tocome.”UKWA members haveaccess to a group of honoraryadvisers covering abroad range of specialistskills from property toinsurance. Their servicesare freely available to allUKWA members and theycan be contacted by telephoneor email. Furtherinformation is availableon the UKWA websiteNETWORKING EVENTSRegional meeting dates for your diaryThroughout the year,UKWA organises anumber of regionalnetworking events atwhich members gatherto hear presentationson 3PL and materialshandling best practiceand other subjects oftopical interest.The latest of theseevents are scheduledto take place at ToyotaMaterials Handling’sWarrington site (March14) and at theInternationalConvention Centre,Birmingham (April 4).The events will featureguest speakerswho discuss a varietyof logistics andemployment relatedtopics and a buffetluncheon is provided.Further details areavailable from MichaelDavison on (tel) 0207836 5522.Meanwhile, theInternationalFederation ofWarehousing LogisticsAssociations is holdingits annual conferencein Rome on May14-16, 2012. Detailsfrom www.ifwla.com.February 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

Association News 5ANNUAL AWARDS 2012Make sure of your place at the3PL social event of the yearUKWA’s 13th AnnualAwards for Warehousingpresentation ceremonywill take place onWednesday 4th July..Sponsored byJungheinrich UK, theAwards will once again beheld alongside theAssociation’s AnnualLuncheon in theBallroom Suite of theDorchester Hotel, ParkLane, London.The UKWA Awards forWarehousing enjoy a highprofile and every UKWAmember company isurged to enter. There arenine Awards categoriesin total and theTechnology/ InnovationsAward is open to nonmembersas well as members.By now members willhave received an AwardsEntry form by e-mail. Theawards categories are:• Customer ServiceAward• Training Award• Technology/Innovations Award• Best NewWarehouse MemberAward• Warehouse Managerof the Year Award• Team of the YearAward• Chairman’s Award• Environment Award• Young Employee ofthe YearUKWA’s chief executiveofficer, Roger Williams,comments:”This event hasgrown year on year andin 2012 we expect tobuild on the success of theoccassion. I strongly urgeall members - large andsmall - to consider enteringat least one of the categories.”In 2011 ExpectDistribution collectedthe Team Of The Year andthe Customer Serviceawards.Operations DirectorNeil Rushworth wasunderstandably delightedwith his company’s success:"I was particularlypleased to win theCustomer Service Awardas I believe that it demonstratedour commitment toour customers,” he says:He continues: “We outlineclear targets to ouremployees in what isrequired with each individualaccount and wehelp them to make surethose targets areachieved""It was a fantasticachievement to be recognisedas the best in theUK, but to do it in twocategories was unbelievable.Winning the Awardsgave everyone in the companya tremendousboost.”Also in 2011 ElddisTransport beat off toughcompetition to win theEnvironmental Award inrecognition for their on-Continued on page 6Prices and booking detailsA table of 12 at the UKWA Luncheon 2012 canbe reserved for £1090.00plus VAT. Individualplaces can be booked at £99.00 plus VAT.The event commences at 12 noon with aGala Reception in the Opal Suite followed by a3-course luncheon. The day’s events finishbetween 3.45 and 4.00pm and the dress codeis lounge suits. Tickets can be bought bycheque or credit card. Please contact JacquieCorderoy on (tel) 0207 836 5522 for furtherdetails or visit the UKWA website to downloadan application form.Toyota Year of Safety 2012People Products ProcessTakingCareprewithpeopleepeoplproductsprrododuuctcprocessceseprosToyota is committed to improving safety in theworkplacePeople are your mostvaluable asset, but also one of the most expensive costs in youroperation.Providing your materials handling operators and supervisors with the right training will not only protectyour team, it will alsohelp to reduce damage costs and help you get the most out of your trucks.For more information ion call 0870 850 1409 or visitwww.toyota-forklifts.co.ukwww.ukwa.org.uk February 2012

6 Association NewsNEW MEMBERSStorage EquipmentCentre (SEC) LtdUnit 11, The iO CentreWhittle WayArlington Business ParkSTEVENAGEHerts SG1 2BDThe Storage EquipmentCentre Ltd (SEC) is partof the SEC Group, a companyspecialising in warehousestorage systems andcommercial interior solutions.The company hasextensive experience indesigning, supplying andinstalling multifacetedstorage systems, from palletracking and shelving todynamic applications,mezzanine floors, pick &pack operations and garmenthanging systems.SEC work with clients toimplement the most operationallyefficient and costeffective solution. Thecompany’s CAD departmentdevelops conceptualdesigns, whilst a dedicatedcontracting departmentprovides total projectmanagement services,including onsite installation,using directlyemployed SEIRS trainedteams.Supply ChainImprovers4 Priory RowGarden Street, LewesEast Sussex BN7 1TJTel: 01273 906 126E: info@supplychainimprovers.co.ukW: www.supplychainimprovers.co.ukSupply ChainImprovers offer interimand consultancy servicesfor the supply chain andlogistics industry. Thecompany is experienced inall areas of supply chainwith over 25 years ofknowledge with a specialismin warehouse design,implementation, re- layoutand process improvement.Being driven to reducecosts and wastage, SupplyChain Improvers aim topass savings on to clientswith every project theyparticipate in.ANNUAL AWARDS 20123PL social event of the yearContinued from page 5going carbon reductionprogrammes.“The award illustratedour on-going commitmentto reducing our carbonfootprint and impact onthe environment,” says thecompany’s MD NigelCook.Nigel Cook continues:“It is a tremendous honourto win a nationalaward and the prestigethat comes with an UKWAAward allows us to sendout some very positivemessages about our businessand the way weoperate.”Toyota Tsusho UKLtd won the keenly contestedBest New UKMember Award in 2011.The company joinedUKWA in 2010 andinspector Richard Davieswas duly impressed withthe extensive range ofservices the companyoffers from its purposebuilt facility at CastleDonnington.“Winning the Awardwas marvellous,” saysToyota Tsusho’s logisticsmanager, Richard Frisby.“The day after the Awardslunch, we got all the teamtogether and gave everyonea pat on the back. Ithad a tremendously positivemotivational effect.”Another double awardwinner in 2011 wasCentury Logistics. Thecompany’s Paul Wilsoncollected the WarehouseManager of the YearAward while Century teamsupervisor Des Bailey wasannounced as theEmployee of the Year.“Winning the twoAwards has helped raiseour profile in the sectorconsiderably,” saysStephen Basey-Fisher,managing director ofCentury Logistics.“We have won UKWAAwards in previous yearstoo and now have ourcollection of winner’s certificatesand trophies ondisplay within our companyreception. The displayalways draws interest fromvisitors to our facility and,of course, the chance todemonstrate that we haveachieved such high profilerecognition for deliveringbest practice is extremelyuseful when we are pitchingfor new business.”“The Awards lunchitself is always an excellentday. We make a point ofentertaining clients at theevent and it is a greatopportunity to show themour industry at its verybest.”For further details pleasecontact Jacquie Corderoyon (tel) 0207 836 5522.See it onTo view the highlightsof 2011’s UKWAAwards for industryluncheon visithttp://youtu.be/CEtk4cxqzKkFebruary 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

8 Business NewsINBRIEFBusiness wins forWincantonWincanton hasreported a major winwith Asda as well asnew contracts withSuperGroup, PremierFoods, Chevron, B&Qand Thames Water,in its interim statementfor the periodfrom 1st October lastyear.It said the businesswins demonstratedmomentum in its newbusiness pipelineacross differentindustry sectors. Inaddition, it said ithad continued tosecure renewalsincluding WHSmith,Husqvarna andProcter & Gamble.Trading over theperiod was in linewith expectations, itsaid.During the periodWincanton completedthe last disposal inthe strategic withdrawalfrom itsMainland Europeanbusinesses which willallow Wincanton tofocus on developingits leading positionin the UK & Irelandmarkets.PROPERTYReport identifies key trendsin Europe’s distributioncentre property marketMarket research companyTransport Inteilligence hasproduced a new reportthat highlights ten keytrends in the Europeandistribution property market.The trends, which formpart of a comprehensiveanalysis of the industry inTransport Intelligence’slatest report, EuropeanDistribution andWarehousing 2012, are:1. A focus on the costand efficiency of production,primarily driven bylabour, will continue tosupport a shift of distributionfacilities from northernand western Europeto central, eastern andsouth eastern Europe.2.Shifts in transportmodes, notably from roadto rail, and lower production/distributioncostsallowing for quicker, morecost efficient delivery willbe the catalyst for thisalongside improved roadinfrastructure.3. This trend, however,will face a headwind fromincreasing fuel costs andthe requirement for adecrease in CO2 emissions.In order for productionto move furthersouth and east, a significantimprovement intransportation infrastructureand quality will beessential.4. There is a movetowards sea and railfreight away from air androad freight respectively.This will be more fuel efficientbringing about areduction in carbon emissionsand supply chaincosts. In future, a modalshift to sea and rail willsupport locations whichcan offer genuine 'multimodal'capabilities. Portcentricdistribution models,such as that being developedby London Gateway,will also become morepopular.In future, a modal shift to sea and rail will supportlocations which can offer genuine 'multimodal'capabilities. Port-centric distributionmodels, such as that being developed by LondonGateway, will also become more popular5. E-commerce is one ofthe fastest-growing sectorsin Europe and the marketshare of online sales willcontinue to grow. E-retailerrequirements tend to belarge central logistics platformsas well as mediumand small sized warehousesadjacent to populationcentres for "last mile" distribution.6. Although overallgrowth will be modest, theEuropean property sectorwill see considerabledemand driven by modernisationand re-configuration.7. Eastern Europe,although displaying strongfundamentals, has significantproblems. Russia andthe Ukraine are very challengingas there is littlemarket transparency. EvenTurkey, which has anincreasingly modern logisticssector, is difficult forproperty companies tooperate in.8. Any increase in GDPper capita and disposableincome will increasedemand for new warehousingfrom retailers andassociated logistics/3PLsacross the region, in particularfurther south andeast where economies arecatching up with the restof Europe.9. Due to the downturn,retailers have becomevery selective on thechoice of store locations,now favouring larger unitslocated mainly in city centres.This change in focus,particularly in the foodsector, impacts supplyContinued on page 10February 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

KEEPING BRITAINMOVINGThe Commercial Vehicle Show has becomethe natural meeting place for the road freighttransport business, with masses of suppliersand operators getting together to driveproductivity and profit in tough markets.Strategically situated at the heart of theUK motorway network, the NEC will behome to the CV Show from 24 to 26 April,with exhibitors and visitors from everybusiness sector engaging in face toface dialogue.For exhibitor details pleasecall 01634 261 262FREE TICKETS ATwww.cvshow.com24 - 26 APRIL 2012 . NEC BIRMINGHAM

10 Business NewsINBRIEFPolish ventureKeswick Enterpriseshas entered into anew partnership todevelop third-partysupply chain managementservices inPoland. It has linkedupwith Vector GlobalLogistics Sp. z.o.o.,based in Gdynia,Poland, to create abrand-new logisticsjoint venture,Keswick Vector SCMPolska Sp. z.o.o.which is 52.0%owned by KeswickEnterprises and48.0% by VectorGlobal Logistics.__Although KeswickEnterprises alreadyhas long-establishedlogistics operationsin South East Europe,centred on Romania,this is the company'sfirst venture inPoland.__Keswick Vector SCMPolska will focus ondeveloping warehousingand transportrelated supplychain managementactivities in Poland,building on Vector'slocal expertise andKeswick Enterprises'international logisticsexperience.The new companywill start with an initial6,000 squaremetres of warehousingspace in Gdansk.AGREEMENTHellmann UK announcespartnership with Itella LogisticsHellmann WorldwideLogistics UK hasannounced a new partnershipwith ItellaLogistics in Scandinavia.The new partnership willsee round trip trailersrunning into Denmarkand Sweden.Bradford and Lichfieldwill be the export hubsfor the trailers, whileBradford, Lichfield andBasildon will act asimport hubsHellmann Germanyalready work in partnershipwith Itella.The partnershipwith Itella comes afterHellmann UK hasannounced a series ofnew developmentsincluding its relationshipwith the DeutscheTransport Compagnie(DTC) in Nuremberg,a new hub solution toservice the Baltic andRussian CIS markets,and a further directfeed service intoPoland.European distribution propertyContinued from page 8chains as well as logistics requirements.10. Future consolidation in manufacturing and retailingsectors, driven by the economic slowdown, mayactually be a catalyst for supply chain mergers and reengineering.Networks will be re-examined and distributionhubs will be re-sited across Europe to takeadvantage of better locations for both primary andsecondary distribution volume flows.Ti's Chief Executive, John Manners-Bell, commented,"The economic slowdown in Europe will inevitablyimpact on investment in distribution facilities overall.But this trend does not totally characterize the market.There are numerous opportunities for investors, especiallyin fast-growing locations such as Turkey andPoland, in the e-commerce sector and in the developmentof port-centric/multi-modal facilities. Lookingahead, if the European recession spurs a round ofacquisitions amongst manufacturers, merging supplychains will also require the development of facilities atoptimally located distribution nodes."www.transportintelligence.comBUSINESS WINThree year cold store contractPeterborough based temperature controlled specialist, Chiltern Cold StorageGroup Ltd, has secured a major three year contract with Pourshins Supplair.The contract will provide transport operations throughout the UK and Ireland and willcomplement the warehousing contract that has been operated by Chiltern for the pastnine years.“Pourshins Supplair has demonstrated its confidence in Chiltern by awarding thismajor contract and I am delighted that we are able to build on our existing relationship.It is a clear reflection of our ability to meet their needs in a challenging marketplace,” commented Paul Jackson, Managing Director Chiltern Coldstorage Group LtdJohn Metcalfe, Director of European Operations at Pourshins Supplair comments, “Weare delighted to be able to extend our long standing business relationship withChiltern Cold Storage with this contract award as our UK and Ireland transportationprovider”.“The understanding of our specific business requirements and the flexibility, drive andenthusiasm of the whole Chiltern team to provide the highest level of service at a competitiveprice are greatly appreciated by us here at Pourshins Supplair.”February 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

Lithium-ion:Now a RealityThe only specifically designed Lithium-ion Powered Pallet Truck on the marketFor further information please call 0800 357 457www.jungheinrich.co.uk

12 Business NewsINBRIEFHouse workHouse of Fraser haschosen NorbertDentressangle tomanage its 510,000sq ft e-fulfilment centreat Milton Keynes.Under the five yearcontractDentressangle will beresponsible for thereceipt of goods fromHouse of Fraser’snational distributioncentre, concessionsuppliers and interstoretransfers, orderpicking, marshalling,packing, despatchand returns management.The operation currentlyinvolves thehandling of morethan 140,000 SKUsand several millionitems ordered perannum. The operatorwill also be responsiblefor the collating,picking and packingof orders for Houseof Fraser’s weddinggift list service. The24/7/364 operationemploys a core workforcein excess of 200colleagues.FORKLIFT TRUCKSArticulated forklift maker’s French connectionArticulated forklift truckmanufacturer Bendi hasannounced plans forexpansion in Europe witha strategic partnershipwith Bendi Europe.Bendi Europe is basednear Paris and wasfounded by Gary Griffinwho has a wealth ofexperience in theEuropean materials handlingmarkets after successfulcareers at seniorlevel with bothJungheinrich andManitou. Bendi Europewill be responsible forsales in France, Germany,HEALTH & SAFETYFree posters are a safe investmentA new communicationsfirm is giving away freehealth and safety postersto the first 200 businessesto email its website.Safetyposters365.comsays the initiative ismeant to underline theimportance of providingemployees with clearhealth and safety adviceand information.The firm’s operationsdirector, Paul Whitaker,said: “Workplace injuriescause pain to theemployee, disruption tothe business and damageto the finances, soavoiding them makessound commercial sense.“Our posters remindemployees of importantsafety messages in anaccessible and lightheartedway, and if theyhelp prevent even oneworkplace injury, they willItaly, Spain and theBenelux countries.Commenting, Bendi’sMD Simon Brown, “Wehave always selected distributorswho share thesame drive and passionthat runs through thecompany here in the UKand having known Garyfor a number of years weare sure Bendi Europe willbe a huge success andfurther strengthen ourglobal dominance in thearticulated fork truck market.We have no doubtthat our move into Europewith Gary will be swifthave had a positiveimpact.”Safetyposters365.comhas more than 380 posterdesigns, with messagescovering everything fromthe importance of wearingpersonal protective equipmentto hazard reportingand successful basedupon the suitability of theproduct for storing theEuro pallet more efficientlythan anything else onthe market today. Recentand rapid success in thesouthern hemisphereshows that the Bendi hascome of age and that thisexport success will be mirroredwith Bendi Europe”The designs of theBendi offer space savingsover conventional counterbalanceand reach trucksand Bendi offer a range ofarticulated trucks offeringspace and cost savings.and slips, trips and falls.Clients can also have theirown poster ideas made upto order.Delivery is free andorders are usually fulfilledwithin 72 hours.The most popularposter size is A3 and thereare designs suitable foroffices, workshops, factories,warehouses, garages,commercial kitchens andeven nightclubs andschools.Ordinarily, A3 posterscost £12.95 each, or ten,which can all be of differentdesigns, for £97.10 –a saving of 25 per cent, orabout half the price ofsome of the firm’s competitors.For the chance to claima free A3 safety poster,businesses should send anemail to free.poster@safetyposters365.com.February 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

14 MarketingDee Blick continues her series of articles for Warehouse on marketing on a shoestringBack to basicswith flair!Irecently returned from speaking at a conferencein Shropshire... an animated andlively event comprising of 50 publisherskeen to find out more about marketing on ashoestring and the importance of being brilliantat the basics. This is something I touchupon frequently. Often a business owner irrespectiveof the size of their business can beso intent on finding the marketing miracle atthe end of the rainbow that they overlook thefact that accomplishing simple but powerfulmarketing activities with charm, flair and relevanceis what’s really needed to notch upthose sales. In recent months I have witnessedall manner of "experts" promising totransform the fortunes of any business if saidbusiness owner can part with plenty of cashto subscribe to the system on offer. Beforeyou are tempted by these overtures considerinstead whether you can achieve your goalsby being brilliant at the basics.1. Ensure that every single one of your communications,online and off-line representsall that is good and great about your businessdown to the very last detail. Having awebsite that bears no relation to your logoand livery because it was created many yearsago will only serve to act as a disincentive topotential customers. Those cheap flyers thatyou had printed on a wing and a prayerusing blurred images and copy that fallswoefully short of promoting your businessare most definitely a false economy too.Once they have been given a rapid and criticalappraisal they will be on their way to thelandfill site without a backward glance. Lookupon your marketing communications as apivotal extension of you, your brand, whatyou offer and what you stand for. You can'tbe in front of every potential customer; youneed a decent marketing toolkit to nudge thedoor open to a potential sale or even keepthe home fires burning after those meetingshave taken place.2. Invest in a decent designer. Good designshould be an investment and not an expense.It's unlikely that you would attend the glitteringUKWA annual lunch in your jeansbecause obviously such attire would be spectacularlyinappropriate. Why present literatureto the people that you are hoping willbuy from you when it has clearly beendesigned by a person with a conspicuousabsence of design skills? You may havesaved a few pounds but the cost to yourreputation will cost you so much more thanthis.3. If you are not a wordsmith and thethought of writing your sales letters,brochures and flyers fills you with dread orcopywriting is just not your thing, don'tdespair. Focus instead on creating a thoroughand accurate brief for a copywriter towork from. Inspire them with a rich descriptionof your target audiences, the benefitsyou offer, your experience and expertise, howyou overcome the barriers to a sale andwhat you are hoping to achieve from eachcommunication. Being brilliant at the basicsentails delivering a charming message that isrelevant and appropriate to the audiencesyou are looking to communicate with. Thedays of simply firing off a generic and blandlist of your offering to anyone within earshotare well and truly over. Customers know theyare in demand. You need to court them;show them respect.About Dee BlickDee Blick is one of the UK’s best selling marketingauthors. The Ultimate Small BusinessMarketing Book reached number 1 onAmazon UK within 48 hours of its launchentering Amazon's top 150 books across allgenres within four weeks. There are currently43 out of 43 five star reviews on Amazon.Dee has 28 years marketing experience andwrites for Royal Mail and BT.February 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

In business it’s never tooearly to start thinkingabout your successorUKWA members have access to FREE business adviceIf you’re considering succession planning, mergers and acquisitions orexiting your business, UKWA members have access to a team ofexperienced professionals who can guide you every step of the wayCall UKWA on 0207 836 5522for further informationFor details of this and other UKWA member services,please contact Michael Davison on (tel) 0207 836 5522

16 Health & Safety In Association with ASG Services Ltd - www.warehousesafety.co.ukLIFT TRUCKSNot all Examinations are Thorough!Survey reveals that 93% of forklift truck owners “make wrong assumptions” over what is covered byThorough ExaminationA survey among companiesowning and operatingfork lift trucks hasfound that most ThoroughExaminations do not meetuser expectations.Indeed, a clear majority isconfused by what exactlyis included… and who isresponsible for makingsure a truck conforms tolegal requirements.The survey – conductedby Consolidated ForkTruck Services –involved telephone interviewswith truck usersthroughout the UK extendingacross a broad crosssectionof industrial classificationsand fleet sizes inorder to ensure a representativesample.On the positive side theresearch confirmed that aconcerted campaign hashad a dramatic impact onawareness of ThoroughExamination. Whenasked whether ThoroughExamination was a legalrequirement or merely“good practice” in a previous(2005) survey, aroundhalf (54%) answered correctly.Today, that numberhas risen to an impressive76%.Unfortunately, behindthat headline figure thereremains considerable confusionregarding what isactually included within aThorough Examination. Asa result, many tens ofthousands of managersand directors may beresponsible for equipmentthat simply isn’t beingexamined as thoroughlyas they had anticipated…For example the vastmajority of respondents –93% - incorrectly assumedthat any ThoroughExamination would automaticallyinclude aninspection of their truck’sbrakes as a matter ofcourse.According to SimonEmery, Chairman of CFTS,the body which commissionedthe research “Theconfusion arises because,unlike the MOT on a car,the requirements of aThorough Examination areopen to interpretation. Ineffect, the body providingthe inspection is able todecide what should andshouldn’t be included. Thenub of the problem is thatthe inspection of fork lifttrucks is governed by twoseparate pieces of legislation:Provision and Use ofWork EquipmentRegulations 1998 (PUWER98) and Lifting Operationsand Lifting EquipmentRegulations 1998 (LOLER98). However, an alarmingnumber of inspectorsonly include those itemscovered by LOLER – suchas mast, chains and forks– within their inspection.In doing so they totallyignore crucial areas suchas overhead guards,steering, brakes and othervital components… As aresult, managers anddirectors responsible forfork lift trucks may fallfoul of PUWER 98 legislationon ensuring the suitabilityof workplace equipment.”It was to overcome thisclearly untenable situationthat the two leadingorganisations in the forklift truck industry – theBritish Industrial TruckAssociation (BITA) and theFork Lift Truck Association(FLTA), with the support ofthe HSE – joined forces tocreate a single, nationalprocedure available totruck users, wherever theirindustry or location.The result is a comprehensiveprocedure andstrict code of practice, aprogramme of engineerand management trainingand the mechanism tomonitor standards underthe CFTS brand name.Companies accredited tothe scheme – and thereare around 400 of themcovering the length andbreadth of the UK – canbe identified via the distinctive“kite” certificationmark.“Customers need to beaware that all ThoroughExaminations are not theFebruary 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

Health & Safety 17same. Some are morethorough than others. Myadvice to those responsiblefor the upkeep of forklift trucks should seek clarificationon exactly what isbeing inspected – or theywill get less than they bargainedfor….They can do that bytaking advantage of aninteractive online tool thatclearly identifies whichparts of a fork lift truckare covered by LOLER,and which by PUWER(along with details ofCFTS accredited companies)at www.thoroughexamination.org.There is confusionregarding what isincluded within aThoroughExaminationPRODUCTS“Red alert” on hydraulic leaksA new fluorescent dyefrom Spectroline is beinghailed a solution to aproblem that has longprevented engineers onhydraulic and oil systemsenjoying the benefits ofultraviolet (UV) leak detection.New Spectroline RedDye solves the problem of“false positives” from oil,grease and hydraulic fluid,simply because of itsunique colour.In many industries, UVleak detection, which uses fluorescentadditives and a blue (450nm) UV light, iswell established as the simplest and mostreliable way to pinpoint escaping fluids.However, many of the substancesused in hydraulic and automotive systemsnaturally fluoresce yellow under UVlight: the same colour asother commercially availableleak detection dyes,leading to the chance offalse positive results fromresidual oil, grease orsealant.In response,Spectroline has workedclosely with a number ofhousehold names in theautomotive and industrialmarkets to develop anexclusive, red dye, withspectacular results.This special formulationis now available for the first time on theopen market, in a range of eight productsoffering solutions and colours for avariety of different hydraulic and waterbasedsituations – exclusively throughAdvanced Engineering.www.advancedengineeering.co.ukA unique range of products and services to keep your warehouse staff safe!GuardrailsHandrailsArmcoDurable linesFROM £4.00per metreINTERNAL FROM£49.00/metreYardmarkingWalkwaysFROM £85.00per metre£39.95per metreEXTERNAL FROM£62.00/metrePrices correct at time of going to press. Guardrail, handrail and armco prices subject to delivery and installation charge.FROM £1.40per metreFROM £7.00per m 2Call now 01925 710923 or Click www.warehousesafety.co.ukASG Services Ltd, Unit 8, Easter Court, Warrington WA5 7ZB. Tel: 01925 710 923 Fax: 01925 712 966 Email: info@asgservices.co.uk

18 PropertyInternationalexperienceIf you are looking to acquire warehouse property abroad, it is essential to have trusted propertyprofessionals on your side says Chris Berry, International Director for sbhIn a field notorious for various types ofbrokers, agents, middlemen and otherswho see a property project as a way totake commission from any party involved,mycompany has always been committed 100%to the interests of our client. We remaintotally independent of any other organisationthat might risk our integrity and our ability toact entirely for the client.The UK property market is exceptional inthat it is accepted practice for all partiesinvolved in a major project to take independentprofessional advice from a propertyprofessional acting solely on their behalf. AllA successful recordsbh is successfully providing the same services andexpertise to clients across Europe, Asia and the FarEast. Their international division has recently won contractsworth several million pounds across mainlandEurope, in the former eastern bloc and as far away asChina.Projects completed or nearing completion totalaround 250,000 sq metrrs, including two 24,000 sqmetres distribution centres for TJX Europe in Germanyand Poland, three master planning projects in theUkraine totalling over 200,000sq metres and conceptdesign and planning for an air freight distribution centrein Romania. While market conditions, legal issuesand the level of economic and infrastructure developmentare significantly different from country to country,the experience gained from handling projects involvingblue chip global companies such as General Motors,Gillette, Nissan, Rhenus Logistics, L’Oréal, KimberlyClark and Kelloggs have proved invaluable regardlessof the location.such advisors owe their clients a Legal Dutyof Care and most importantly are paid bythem.Outside the UK it is common for a deal tobe set up by a ‘Broker’ who is usually paidby the landlord or developer. As a result thetenant or occupier is often unrepresented andmay rely on the broker for a fair deal – adangerous assumption given that they arebeing paid by the landlord or developer.On several occasions a client has claimedto have reached agreement with a propertyadvisor who is not charging them as they arebeing paid by the developer. ‘We don’t payanything’ – which sounds perfect. But theharsh reality is that within the total developer’sdeal they are paying three or four timesthe level of fee common in the UK – and thelease is likely to favour the landlord or developerwith whom the broker may have a longtermrelationship.sbh in contrast is able to search the entiremarket and to identify land or property thatbest suits the client’s needs, to negotiate themost favourable terms for the occupier andmanage the acquisition programme anddevelopment process in the most cost-effectivemanner.Fee structures differ widely but sbh’s feesare invariably only a fraction of that routinelycharged by brokers outside the UK. This canhave a significant effect on the commercialviability of the project. That is not to say thatlocal knowledge is not vital and we havedeveloped an international network of contactsand advisers who can provide localexpertise in some of the most complex anddelicate areas, including planning, permitFebruary 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

Property 19and building control issues, law, market practiceand taxation. However we still provide theclient with a single point of contact and fullproject management on their behalf.We soon realised that UK companiesplanning expansion overseas feel mostcomfortable and reassured dealing with anorganisation they know and trust who canprovide expert guidance, using local specialistadvisers and with the know-how tointerpret information so as to make themost suitable and effective investment decisions.While the initial view may be toreplicate a typical modern, high bay warehousecommon throughout Western Europe,such a solution may not be appropriate insome developing regions with limited staffskills and in some cases modern highwaysthat turn into cart tracks a few kilometresfrom the town centre.While no two projects are likely to be thesame, the core services we provide internationallycover almost every requirement andare all areas where we have skilled, qualifiedand experienced project managers whocan operate on the ground. They includefeasibility studies, location and projectresearch, design and building management,supplier selection, planning anddealing with local authorities.When developing a property in so many parts of theworld, the advice ‘Buyer beware’ takes on a newmeaning – and sbh provides the expertise, knowledgeand negotiating skills to protect its clients’interests 100%.ABOVE: HongKong - Asia’spremierdistribution hubwww.ukwa.org.uk February 2012

20 Foodex 2012What’s on the menu atFoodex?One of the keyattractions atthis year’sFoodex, will bethe UKWAPavilion whichwill showcasethe productsand servicesoffered byUKWA membersand associatemembersFoodex, the UK show for processing,packaging and logistics, takes place atBirmingham’s NEC from 25 to 27March 2012. Now with a dedicated sectionon logistics, the event will have increasedappeal for senior buyers with wide rangingremits, making it the must-attend event of theyear for the industry.This year’s show will address the increasinglywide-ranging purchasing remits ofthousands of buyers from across the industrywith suppliers on hand to offer advice onimproving efficiency and cutting costs in thesupply chain.One of the key attractions at the eventwill be the UKWA Pavilion which will showcasethe products and services offered byUKWA members and associate members.Located prominantly within the exhibitionhall, the Pavilion will be centered around ahospitality area where visitors to the showcan learn more about the workings of theUKWA and the benefits of joining the association.The facility will also be somewherewhere visitors can discuss their logistics ormaterials handling needs with UKWA Pavilionexhibitors away from the noise and bustle ofthe exhibition.Companies exhibiting as part of theUKWA Pavilion include: Widdowson, FlexiNarrow Aisle, AIDC Solutions, MalcolmLogistics, Onward Holdings and CentralSystems .UKWA chief executive officer, RogerWiliams. comments: “Typically, 3PLs specialisein integrated warehousing and transportationservices that can be scaled andcustomised to a customer’s needs. The kindof service offered will be based on a clientcompany’s own unique market conditionsand the demands and delivery servicerequirements for the goods that companyproduces and sells.“In today’s price sensitive market, theneed to drive cost out of the supply chain isoften cited as a major reason for using thirdparty logistics service providers. However,perhaps a better reason for engaging outsideexperts is the in-depth knowledge, flexibilityand added value that a specialist contractorcan provide. In short, as well as helpingcompanies to achieve significant costsavings, a good 3PL will enable a business toenjoy shorter order cycles, better customerservice and improved all-round business efficiency.“There is no question that an effectivelymanaged supply chain can positively influencebusiness performance and, if companiesare going to succeed in an increasinglycompetitive and unpredictable environment,every link in the chain must operate at optimumefficiency. That’s why any company thatfinds its fixed logistics costs are having anegative impact on its balance sheet simplyhas to consider outsourcing to a 3PL.“Members of UKWA undertake an exceptionalrange of warehousing and addedvalue services but, regardless of the areas inwhich they specialise, the Association’s membersall share a determination to drive upprofessional standards in the warehousingsector. The UKWA Pavilion at FoodEx is anexcellent opportunity to find out more aboutthe range of services they can offer.”Here’s a snapshot of the exhibitors whowill be showcasing their latest products andservices within logistics@foodex:• Norbert Dentressangle (stand H319)will be on hand to talk about their latestrobust, responsive and highly cost-effectivesolutions. With a comprehensive network ofmulti-temperature facilities, they can offerdedicated and shared-user solutions forlarge and small manufacturers, wholesalers,retailers and food-service companies.February 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

25-27 MARCH 2012NEC BIRMINGHAMLogistics@Foodex will bring you a wide range of exhibitorsshowcasing their latest innovations as well as a packed programmeof inspiring presentations, forums and business seminars.Register now at foodex.co.uk/registerb a k e r y b e v e r a g e d a i r y f r e s h ingredientslogistics@m e a t seafood

22 Foodex 2012RIGHT:Discussarticulatedtrucktechnologywith FlexiNarrowAisle onthe UKWAPavilion• Savoye (stand K326) will be displayingtheir expanding range of solutions that havebeen developed for major organisationsincluding Ardo, Britvic and P&G across theworld and include a mixture of cranes,automation, packaging, conveying and WMSsolutions. UK Sales Director, Martin Elliott,says: “Our approach is all about understandingthe specific needs of the business firstand devising the rightsolution from a warehouseautomationperspective. Thismore consultativeapproach is reallypaying dividends forcustomers that wanta more bespokeautomation system.”• CHEP (standK319), the globalleader in managed,returnableand reusablepackaging solutions,will bepromotingtheir environmentally sustainable serviceswhich can increase efficiency for customerswhile reducing operating risk and productdamage.• SCALA (stand K321) will also be on handto offer high quality supply-chain and logisticsconsulting, from customer service strategiesto operations improvement. SCALA areleaders in benchmarking Food & Drink'Supply Chain Best Practice', and their FreshConnection UK Competition and TrainingProgrammes offer individual professionaldevelopment to build awareness of supplychain strategy.• Widdowson Group (stand H321) will betalking about how they can add real value tothe food and drink processing industrythrough their cost effective services rangingfrom warehousing, transport and distributionto contract packing and freight forwarding.John Hawksworth, commercial director of theWiddowson Group, comments, “We are constantlysearching for ways to improve ourcustomers’ logistics experience and this marketis a particularly important one for us.”• Visitors to the Jungheinrich stand cansee examples from Jungheinrich’s EFG range

24 Foodex 2012RIGHT: CatchJungheinrich’spioneeringlithium ionpoweredpallettruck – oneof the mostsignificantdevelopmentsinforklifttruck technologyfor manyyears, atFoodex 2012of electric counterbalance forklift trucks. TheEFG trucks feature fourth generation ACtechnology - which means that they offerclass leading performance and the lowestrunning costs.Also on display will be Jungheinrich’s pioneeringlithium ion-powered pallet truck –the EJE 112i. One of the most significantdevelopments in forklift truck technology formany years, the EJE 112i’s lithium-Ion technologyoffers a number of significant environmentaland productivity benefits over traditionallead acid batteries.• On their stand Flexi Narrow Aisle willshow how the Flexi range of articulated forklift trucks has been developed specifically toimprove storage, handling and customerorder assembly efficiency within manufacturingand logistics operations.Flexi trucks provide a more space efficientsolution by eliminating dead aisle spacerequired by counterbalance or reach trucks.Depending on the building, this can increaseusable storage space by between 25 and 50per cent, making handling operations significantlymore efficient and significantly reducingthe cost per pallet stored.Other key exhibitors include: ToyotaMaterial Handling (stand G312) who willbe showcasing their comprehensive range offorklifts, warehouse equipment products,national service support, fleet managementas well as tailored product and safetytraining. Malcolm Logistics (standJ320) will talk about their fully-integratedroad, rail and warehousing servicesoffering throughout the UK. The CanuteGroup (J319) will be at the show to explainthe benefits of their partnership approach todeveloping clients’ business.JS Desiccants (standJ333) will be presentingtheirSuperdrycontainerdesiccantwhichabsorbs 200% its own weight in moisture tomaintain a low humidity in shipping containersand prevent condensation damage tocargo.New productsVisitors will also be able to learn about productsthat have just entered the market.• Transdek UK Ltd (stand D325) will beshowcasing their 6.5T V2G Lift with LoadWeight Monitor - a single stop solution forthe safe, efficient loading of all goods vehiclesto ground level at flat-floor loading bays• Aetna UK Limited (stand H320) will beputting their new Rotoplat 507 pallet wrapperin the spotlight• Fuchs Lubricants (stand Q339) will beexhibiting their wide range of fully syntheticCASSIDA food grade chain oils which provideexcellent protection against wear andcorrosion and are highly resistant to fling-offor wash-off.Foodex LiveFoodex will also feature a comprehensiveprogramme of presentations, workshops, discussiongroups and networking events manyof which will be of interest to those operatingin the logistics arena:• Logistics @ Foodex, hosted by SCALAConsulting. John Perry, SCALA MD says:“SCALA Consulting and the FreshConnection Team are extremely pleasedto host the Logistics @ Foodex Theatrefor the second year running. We’recoordinating lively debates from seniorlevel speakers across the logistics andsupply chain sector on the topic of‘Innovation in the Supply Chain’.Alongside this, SCALA’s FreshConnection will be holding exciting interactivesessions where organisations canget involved in the successful industrytraining programme which builds awarenessof supply chain strategy and companyprofitability. The Logistics Theatre isset to be its busiest yet, and definitelynot one to miss at Foodex.”• The Food Storage & DistributionFederation will host a series of issuespecifictopics during its breakfastmeetings at the show. “This is anopportunity for our members not onlyto promote their services, but to create aplatform for industry-wide discussionaround aspects of food & drink distributionFebruary 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

Foodex 2012 25and logistics that are foremost in the minds ofmanufacturers and their increasingly vocalcustomers.”• The OPS Advice Surgery, which is being runby OPS Logistics Consultancy, will be offeringfree one-to-one advice on a variety of issuesranging from increasing revenue, reducingcosts and optimising performance• Food Logistics Forum, hosted by CILT UKwill feature inspiring debates on the issues ofthe day.LEFT:MalcolmLogistics willtalk abouttheir fullyintegratedroad, rail andwarehousingservicesFor further information, visit the websitehttp://www.foodex.co.uk or follow Foodex onTwitter https://twitter.com/foodex.www.ukwa.org.uk February 2012

26 Warehouse ITCloudy outlookMany suppliers have recently been promoting the advantages of cloud based Warehouse ManagementSystems (WMS), but is this a case of jumping on the bandwagon without considering all theimplications? Logistex’s Head of Sales and Solutions Derek Kay considers what cloud technologymeans for the industryHybridchoiceLogistex’s LWSReflexWarehouseManagementSystemincludes aninbuilt WCScapable ofcontrollingand managingall of thetypical MHEfound in amodern warehouse.It canbe deployedinitially as acloud solutionbut whengrowth leadsto automationthe applicationcan bedirectly transferredto localservers andimmediatelymake use ofits WCS capabilities.For a smaller business with a manualwarehouse operation, cloud technologyinitially appears to makes sense inmany respects, particularly when combinedwith a software as a service (SaaS) paymentoption. Cloud systems benefit from a largescale IT infrastructure with applications runningon virtual servers hosted remotely fromthe warehouse site. The disaster recoveryplan is already in place and the customerdoes not need to worry about maintainingservers on site.But what does it really save?To get the real benefit of a WMS you needto be using RF terminals to ensure accuracyin receipt, storage, picking and despatchoperations. RF terminals require an RF infrastructure,the maintenance of which needs tobe someone’s responsibility. It’s possible tooutsource this support to your WMS provideror third party, but how long can you affordfor the operation or at least part of it to beout of service while they respond with a sitevisit? A cloud based WMS also needs a reliableinternet connection and an internal ITinfrastructure to connect local PCs andperipheral equipment.So in reality someone on site needs to beresponsible for internal IT support regardless.These are not uncommon argumentsagainst use of a cloud WMS. However onekey argument always seems to be overlooked.Most businesses have aspirations togrow - and growth generally requiresincreased throughput and improved efficiency.So what happens when you realise that toget these improvements you need to move tosome level of automation, no matter howsimple?”The general opinion is that you need tohave an on-site Warehouse Control System(WCS) to integrate and control the materialshandling equipment (MHE). So now youhave a WMS hosted remotely and a WCShosted locally, communicating over the internet,which can mean you’re paying for twosystems, often from two suppliers.Many WMS vendors specifically avoid anyresponsibility for WCS functionality, focussingonly on non-automated operations.However this can preclude their customersfrom receiving the benefits that come withefficient use of MHE.This is not to say that cloud computing willnot have a huge impact on how we shareand manage data. Hybrid cloud computingin which enterprises extend their resources topublic clouds may well be the trend of thefuture.In addition to providing reliability andscalability of public clouds, hybrid cloudcomputing has the appeal of providingthe most suitable environment for someapplications, such as databases, thatrun better on a dedicated server thanon a shared server. What is importantas with any new technology is to understandboth its advantages and limitationsand to ensure it fully integrates withestablished and proven systems.February 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

2012Freeto attendSupply Chain Management & Logistics for Cargo OwnersNEC Birmingham • 1-3 May 2012Delivering Advanced Supply Chain Management and Logisticsfor Cargo OwnersMultimodal will play host to over 250 of the industry’s most important serviceproviders. Returning exhibitors include Dachser, DB Schenker, Ewals Cargo Care, PDPorts, GEFCO, DSV, The Malcolm Group, Port of Tyne and Peel Ports. Over 250 exhibitors that will help you achieve cost savings and SCM/Logistics efficiencies.Free to attend seminars – learn how to tackle your supply chain issues andwork more efficiently and compliantly.Practical case studies delivered by over 45 industry experts including:Collaboration – quantifying the benefits and decarbonising the maritimesupply chain.Sponsors includeSupporting Associations IncludeRegister FREE today at www.multimodal.org.uk

28 Energy ManagementRETURNSThe ecology of returnsGiven that up to 85% of all returned products can be refurbished andremarketed rather than sent to landfill, a division set up by UKWA memberiForce to do just that has a very positive role to play in retail sustainabilityRetail has sharpened its focus on returnsin part because of legislative factors,such as the WEEE directive, and theneed to lessen what’s sent to landfill. Aspart of its returns processing serviceiForce refurbishes and remarkets clients’returned products into saleable items,with the same standard of operationalquality that they had when manufactured.Although consumer electronics arethe predominant sector, the service canequally be applied to any high-techproduct.Returns requiring refurbishment arriveon pallets and leave the refurbishmentline boxed ‘as new’ ready for remarketing.The refurbishment technicians followa quality process for each product toensure it is as good as new when itleaves. Any product that can’t berepaired will have all its useable partsrecovered and the rest will be scrappedin accordance with the WEEE Directiveand the recovered credits for preciousmetals returned.In 60% of cases when returned productsare inspected, no fault is found. Inmany cases the only problem is with thepackaging. Keeping returned packagingthat is in good condition when the productinside is not, helps build up a stockof packaging for reuse, which alsoreduces waste. Furthermore, many manufacturerswill over order their packag-ENVIRONMENTKeep cool with new range of warehouse fansPickerings Lifts Loading Systems has announced the addition of a range ofmarket leading High Volume Low Speed (HVLS) fans to its product range. Createdusing complex aerodynamic principles, HVLS fans are designed to provide energyefficient cooling and heating solutions for warehouse, storage and distribution facilitiesby creating a constantly circulating, slow moving air mass in large spaces. TheHVLS fan range is now available throughout the UK and Europe.The HVLS fans also contribute towards BREEAM excellence ratings and can delivera return on investment within 18 months of installation.Marcus Clissold, Business Development Manager at Pickerings Lifts LoadingSystems, said: "We're delighted to introduce the HVLS fans to the UK and Europeanmarkets. The fans offer a number of key benefits for facilities including delivering asignificant saving on energy bills by reducing energy consumption, improving workingconditions by stabilising the stratification in temperature controlled storageareas, thereby protecting product integrity."The HVLS fans are available in various sizes from 8 ft, to 24ft and in order toshowcase the full range to potential customers, Pickerings Lifts has opened a dedicateddemonstration area at its Midlands premises.Marcus Clissold added: "The HVLS fan range perfectly complements the existingproducts in our Loading Systems portfolio and allows us to provide bespoke temperaturecontrol solutions in addition to the range of flexible solutions that we alreadyoffer our clients."For details telephone 01642 607161February 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

Energy Management 29ing by a few percent to ensure they havespare stocks, which can be used to bringback returns to ‘as new’ standard. It istherefore possible to restore significantquantities of goods to the original supplychain, or at least to the supplier, often gaininghigh residual value.iForce can also manage the onward salethrough the remarketing arm of theprocess. This will involve iForce’s Buyforceplatform, the B2B auction web site(www.buy-force.com) that not only tradeslarge tranches of returned stock for existingiForce clients, but also offers the individualitems to online shoppers as a B2C site.“Up to 85% of all returned product can berefurbished and remarketed making this a veryenvironmentally friendly and sustainable servicefor both us and our clients,” says MarkKiteley, who heads up iForce’s refurbishmentand remarking division. “The product leavingthe refurbishment process is as good as new.The end customer gets a bargain – at least20% discount on high street retail prices –and still receives the same consumer protectionprovided by any retailer, such as theDistance Selling Regulations and theConsumer Protection Act.”ABOVE: iForce’s refurbishment technicians follow a qualityprocess for each product to ensure it is as good as new when itleaves the warehousewww.ukwa.org.uk February 2012

30 TransportThe Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) recently launched Vision 2035, the Institute’swide ranging forecast for the state of the nation’s transport infrastructure in 2035. It analyses currenttrends and delivers recommendations to ensure the better and more prosperous future for our industryand the nationLooking to the futureIn years to come, the early part of the 21stCentury is likely to be seen as a transformationalperiod. Political, economic, environmental,social, demographic and technologicalforces are developing in a way thatwill bring about deep-rooted and complexchanges in the way we live and work overthe next 25 years and beyond.For transport and logistics, the implicationsare far-reaching. The sector exists toserve society and will need to adapt with it.This is why CILT(UK) is developing its visionfor 2035. The aim is to understand theimpacts that wider societal change will haveon transport and set a context for how theindustry will operate in the future. The keyoutput of the work is a set of findings andrecommendations, addressed to decisionmakersand their advisors nationwide. Theyhave been designed to help provide a betterand more prosperous future for our industryand the nation.CILT(UK)’s ambitious Vision 2035 exercisehas been led by the Institute’s Public PoliciesCommittee, with contributions from the entirespectrum of CILT(UK) membership. As wouldbe expected, this produced vigorous debate.But on one overarching aspect there waswidespread agreement: substantial change islikely to be required to ensure the transportand logistics networks of 2035 are performingas successfully as possible in their essentialrole as engines of economic growth andsocial cohesion.Road pricingOne of the primary conclusions of the Vision2035 work is that a much stronger case forroad pricing is likely to emerge over the next25 years. Recent trends may well have alasting impact on limiting growth in travel.However, the most likely scenario for thefuture is that rising demand as the economyrecovers and population increases will createsubstantial pressure on the capacity of transportnetworks.The most recent Department for Transport(DfT) forecasts in the 2009 NationalTransport Model predict that road travel –including the private car and freight – isexpected to increase by around 40% by2035. There is disagreement over how accuratethese demand forecasts will prove to be.Nonetheless, it is unclear at present howfuture increases in demand will be cateredfor. The same applies, albeit to a lesserextent, to the Government’s aspiration todouble rail travel. Without intervention, roadcongestion and journey times will continue torise, with subsequent impacts on quality oflife and economic competitiveness. TheEddington Transport Study estimated that, leftunchecked, congestion will cost an extra £22billion a year in England alone by 2025.During the next decade and possiblylonger, central Government funding for newtransport infrastructure over and above committedschemes – largely those on the passengerrail network – and potentially HighSpeed 2 (HS2) is likely to be tightly constrained.As a result, policies to changebehaviour and raise revenue for investmentmay well come under increased scrutiny.Road pricing is the most obvious instrumentavailable and could be given new life by anumber of factors, in addition to the risingcost of congestion and, potentially, a need tofind new sources of transport funding.One is the possibility that meeting targetsto reduce transport sector carbon emissionscould prove problematic. At present, policy isbased largely on adoption of electric andhybrid cars. To make it sufficiently attractivefor the public to switch to the necessaryextent, many new initiatives and developmentswill be required. Subsidies will need tobe put in place to reduce the cost of electriccars, the range of electric cars will need toFebruary 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

Transport 31rise, an extensive recharging infrastructure willneed to be put in place and the capacity ofthe nation’s electricity supply will need to beincreased by around 20%. Together, theserepresent considerable hurdles. Substantialgrowth in use of electric vehicles is very likelyto be a feature of the next 25 years. However,there must be questions over whether it isrealistic to expect conventional cars and vansto be phased out, or even close to fullyreplaced, by the mid-2030s: for this is what isrequired to meet the Government’s transportsector emissions targets, given current stockturnover rates.Nor is it just transport emissions targetsthat are likely to come under pressure, givencurrent policy direction. The amount of revenuethe Government takes from road taxeswill do so, as well. As electric and hybrid carsand vans become more common and petroland diesel engines more fuel efficient,Government will lose a major part of the revenuefrom vehicle fuel duty. By 2035, thiscould well amount to 50% of the present takeor some £15 billion a year – more than theentire public sector expenditure on transportinfrastructure.Given the economic, taxation and environmentalissues it can solve, the case for roadpricing could become irresistible. No doubt,public objections would be expected if proposalsfor a national charging scheme areresurrected, but would they be as strenuousas in the past? Perhaps not, given the changingnature of the arguments, and the seeminglyinexorable movement in Governmentpolicy to user pays, as seen most recently inthe substantial increases to tuition fees andrail fares.Sustainable and collective mobilityA second major change that should arise overthe next 25 years is the development of a systemof integrated sustainable and collectivemobility, taking in the full range of publictransport operations, community transport,taxis, lift sharing and car clubs. The challengeswill include: striking the optimum balancebetween private cars, collective transportservices, walking and cycling; integratingservices operated by separate transportproviders, while maintaining competition; andaligning transport provision with intelligentplanning policies so as to reduce distancestravelled. One of the main aims would be avery significant increase in public transportmarket share.For collective mobility to function as effectivelyas possible, many areas of policy willneed to be reviewed, as well as organisationalrelationships and day-to-day standards ofservice provision. Spatial and transport plansshould ensure that collective mobility servicesare designed into new and existing communities,rural and urban, and that design standardsfor facilities such as bus stops and stationsshould enhance public realm. Broadpartnerships would need to be developed, notjust between operators and the public sector,but also incorporating businesses, touristboards, community groups and other localstakeholders. Barriers to using different transportoptions should be reduced through usingexisting and emerging developments inmobile technology and ticketing systems toprovide more comprehensive real-time informationon the total cost and journey time ofall modes, and comparisons between them.Higher standards of staff training focused oncatering for individual travel choices shouldThere should also be explicit Governmentrecognition that effective freight transportcapacity and reliable journey times must be keypriorities to support recovery and growthalso be an integral part of this agenda. Otheraspects of advanced collective mobility policieswould take in traffic management systemsand environmental standards for vehicles.Sustainable levels of finance and investmentwould, of course, be a prerequisite forsuccessful collective mobility. Current transportnetworks have a mix of funding streams,including fares, nationally funded grants forinfrastructure and for operators, concessionarytravel reimbursement and local servicesubsidies. Ideally, a national compact shouldbe agreed for public funding, preferablybased on no more than two streams, one forinfrastructure and one for service subsidy,available to support collective mobility atappropriate local or regional levels. Otherrevenue streams may be agreed locally fromsources such as business or consumer levies,based on the principle of obtaining fair contributionsfrom beneficiaries of transport services.Moves towards developing advanced collectivemobility strategies could be givenwww.ukwa.org.uk February 2012

32 Transportmomentum by a number of factors, such as:• The need to maximise the value providedby transport systems given pressures on theavailability of central Government funding• The need to limit the impacts of congestion• Inclusion – for example, catering foryounger people opting not to obtain a drivinglicence and for the growing number ofolder people who cease driving whether bychoice or for medical reasons• The possibility of behaviour change formingan increasingly important part of strategiesto reduce emissions• An increasing shift to a 24-hour society,reflecting changing life patterns in a globaleconomyThe development of sustainable and collectivemobility policies in urban areas couldalso be enhanced by the creation of newregional or city governance structures.Differentiation in the supply chain, channelmanagement and collaborative partnershipsbetween logistics operators would increase theopportunities for multi-modal transportation.These would include short sea and barge freight toreduce emissions and congestion furtherDespite the recent abolition of Governmentoffices and Regional Development Agenciesin England, current political trends suggestmomentum could develop for a new tier ofregional or urban Government. The experienceof the devolved nations and Londonindicates that this would lead to greater prioritybeing given to investment in public transport.It may also lead to denser urban development,which favours walking, cycling andpublic transport and reduces average triplengths.New public/private partnership forresponsive logisticsA third major change that will be requiredover the next 25 years is to respond to consumerdemands and economic and environmentalpressures by creating a more agileand flexible supply chain. All sectors of theeconomy and society will be impacted by thesuccess of Government and the logistics sectorin rising to this challenge.The logistics sector can be expected toadopt a range of new initiatives, some ofwhich are already being considered. Theaims should be to minimise the impact ofroad congestion on supply chains, reducecosts, minimise CO2 emissions and improveservice to customers. If road charging wereintroduced, the predictability of deliveries andthe effectiveness of the logistics sector wouldbe further enhanced.Solutions could involve stepping up thecreation of collaborative supply chainsthrough sharing data, standardising businessprocesses, and pooling vehicle fleets andwarehousing capacity. One ambitious objectiveshould be to eliminate empty running asfar as possible. New possibilities in automatedwarehousing could also become availableto speed up order processing, and new marketmatching mechanisms could be developed,such as web freight exchanges, whereshippers and enablers match routing andcapacities so that small and large companiescan arrange consolidation. Major corporationsin a number of different industries coulduse third-party logistics companies as theenablers to make the new arrangementswork.Differentiation in the supply chain, channelmanagement and collaborative partnershipsbetween logistics operators would increasethe opportunities for multi-modal transportation.These would include short sea andbarge freight to reduce emissions and congestionfurther. Conservation of operationaland mothballed wharves on inland waterwaysshould be made a priority, as few sites aresuitable or viable in other places. In thefuture, distributors and manufacturers of allsizes should also be encouraged to form partnershipsto provide education and employment.Urban freight quality partnerships incorporatingamenity and citizen groups could befurther developed to balance energy-efficient,night-time deliveries with their impact on society.Noise reduction could be achievedthrough use of electric vans and improvedhandling equipment and techniques designedto minimise the noise from transhipment.Hierarchies of rings of regional distributioncentres, radially linked with inner-city consolidationcentres, would increase the efficiencyof urban resupply, combining energy efficiencyand low emissions whilst maintaining lowoperating costs. These systems are alreadybeing trialled.Partnership with Government will be anessential aspect of enabling effective change.February 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

Transport 33The industry will need to develop a coherent,collective approach to planning and strategydevelopment with Government. At present,policy advice and lobbying is too frequentlydriven by modal interests and industrial sectordemands. Government clarification of competitionlaw, which remains a considerableimpediment to the development of sharednetworks, would assist in maximising theeffectiveness of horizontal collaborationbetween logistics operators. Restrictive planningrules need to be re-examined, as well –for example, new collaborative ventures suchas regional distribution centres and city hubsrequire changes to the planning regime asrecent attempts to create such a network havebeen unsuccessful.There should also be explicit Governmentrecognition that effective freight transportcapacity and reliable journey times must bekey priorities to support recovery and growth.Segregating passenger and freight traffic asfar as possible, whilst ensuring the right pricingsignals are in place on road and rail,could be the key to making most efficient useof the nation’s transport network.Given constraints on funding, there couldbe potential to use hybrid financial modelssuch as PFIs and similar instruments tofinance infrastructure. On the rail network,longstanding aspirations for the completionof a strategic intermodal freight network connectingthe nation’s ports and linking withroad freight distribution centres should beone of the premier priorities.If the balance of manufacturing remains inthe Far East as expected, UK port capacitywill need to be addressed. Ongoing programmesto reduce shipping costs have seenmoves to larger and larger container shipswith increasingly short turnarounds. However,at present, few major UK ports can accommodatethese new ships. Examining the feasibilityof expanding regional port capacity toexploit short-sea services would overcome thisissue and enable shipping companies tounload cargo as close as possible to its destination.Although logistics has now been recognisedby Government as a central pillar forpromoting business expansion and efficiency,building a sustainable freight transport policywill still need sustained co-operation betweenthe private sector and a wide range ofGovernment departments and public sectorbodies. These include: departments andThe only certain thing about the future is itsuncertainty. But this is no excuse for not trying toanticipate what may happen or for not trying toshape developments for the betteragencies responsible for competition, trade,business and employment; maritime and portauthorities; local enterprise partnerships; andthose involved in foreign aid.ConclusionThe only certain thing about the future is itsuncertainty. But this is no excuse for not tryingto anticipate what may happen or for not tryingto shape developments for the better.CILT(UK) believes passionately that this countryneeds a constructive debate about thedirection we want to be heading in over thenext 25 years and what the roles of the privateand public sector should be. Blind faith,whether in the power of the market, in centralisedplanning and targets or in localism, isnot enough. Vision 2035 is our contributionto the debate about how to navigate the next25 years and deliver the transport and logisticsservices that we would wish our childrento have.Recommendations from the projectThe following is a selection of the key recommendationsfrom the Vision 2035 project:• More use should be made of pricing mechanisms toachieve transport policy objectives; in particular, roadusercharging should be used to expose the externalas well as internal costs of vehicle use• Transport, together with economic and spatial policy,must be planned and administered at regionallevel, and in the devolved nations• Government must recognise that economic recoverycan only be achieved if sufficient capacity can bereleased or created in transport networks; behaviouralchange, as well as additional infrastructure, isrequired• Passenger transport policy decisions should bebased on peoples’ mobility and access requirements,rather than focusing on separate modes• The logistics and transport sectors should take thelead in promoting a reduction in freight and passengertraffic by supporting alternatives to travel, reducedcommuting distances and shorter, more localised supplychainswww.ukwa.org.uk February 2012

34 Warehouse AutomationSteve Richmond, director of Jungheinrich UK Ltd’sSystems and Projects Division, considers reasons for thegrowing interest in very narrow aisle (VNA) storage systemsand describes developments in automated VNA technologyNarrow focus -wideoptionsThe harsh economic climate has forcedall businesses to look for ways of maximisingthe cost and performance efficiencyof their assets. People, processes andequipment are being scrutinised as neverbefore as companies from all industry sectorsseek to make the most of what they have.When it comes to the supply chain, oneconsequence of this ‘asset sweating’ philosophyhas been a general reluctance to ‘tradeup’ to bigger distribution centres.“Companies have chosen to look toincrease storage density and pallet capacityat their current site without incurring the typeof costs that a move to new, larger facilitieswould involve,” says Steve Richmond, directorof Jungheinrich UK Ltd’s Systems andProjects Division.As a result of this approach, there hasbeen a noticeable upturn in interest in VeryNarrow Aisle (VNA) storage systems.“Significant advantages can be gained bymoving from a wide aisle to a narrow aislestorage configuration and, by making betteruse of an existing facility by increasing storagecapacity, many organisations haverealised very worthwhile financial benefits,”says Steve Richmond.However, a switch to VNA storage is notright for everyone, as Steve Richmondexplains: “Each application must be analysedindividually. There are many factors thatcome into play - not just the type of forklifttruck or materials handling equipment to beemployed.“For instance, reconfiguring the rackinginto narrow aisles will normally have operationalconsiderations and may also impacton sprinklers, fire protection, lighting, heatingetc. All of these factors must be takeninto account.“Other variables that must also be consideredfrom the outset include, stock profileand product mix, operating environment andconditions as well as throughputs and theratio of full pallets to picking within the storagecube.”He continues: “VNA offers a higher densityof storage than a conventional wide aislewarehouse layout, but this must be balancedagainst requirements for flexibility and accessibilityto products and stock. The analysisand design process must look at all the basedata, parameters and deliverables before anoptimised solution can be developed.“Of course, today’s VNA machines offer ahigh degree of flexibility by combining theability to handle pallets to lift heights of up to17 metres and order pick from every level atevery storage location. At facilities whereorder picking is the main focus, VNA truckscan also be utilised for high level picking ofsmall parts or unit loads very efficiently.“In addition, as most VNA trucks aremanufactured for a particular customer orspecific application, then load handlingFebruary 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

Warehouse Automation 35devices and order picking platforms can becustomised to suit their proposed applicationor operation.”So, when it comes to calculating the returnon investment for VNA trucks, what are thekey factors to consider?According to Steve Richmod, it is essentialthat emphasis is placed on the whole life costof the VNA machine from the outset of a project.“A VNA truck may be initially more expensivethan alternative options but the user mustconsider a host of other often less than obviouscost savings that VNA trucks will bring,such as reduced product and equipmentdamage as well as a longer life expectancythan with some alternative equipment types,”he says.“In instances where a new build is beingconsidered rather than an upgrade of anexisting site, there may also be significant costsavings to be made in the overall design andbuild cost by using a VNA system. For example,a reach truck might be able to serveracking up to 12 metres high but a VNA systemcan go to 17 metres – meaning that thefootprint of the building can be smaller and,as a result, savings can be made on ratesand other building-related costs.When it comes to developments in VNAhandling equipment, as well as the ongoingemphasis on achieving higher reach heights(VNA trucks are now operating in applicationswhere, as recently as five years ago, onlystacker cranes would have been considered)and increasing travel speeds in the aislebetween locations, there is a growing trendtowards automation based on conventionalVNA truck technology.“Many customers are acknowledging thepotential benefits of automated VNA - particularlyfor two and three shift operations,” saysSteve Richmond. “Productivity and efficiency isincreased while labour costs are reduced significantly.Automated VNA machines workconsistently 24/7 without degradation of workrate or lost time for battery charging orchanging and work at a consistent, highlyefficient rate throughout the entire shift.”He continues: “These days automated VNAtrucks can be almost completely based on astandard truck which is fitted with an‘automation package’. This modernapproach centres around the adaptation ofexisting technologies rather than a desire to‘reinvent the wheel’ – as was the case 20years ago when the accepted wisdom was totake a truck, strip out all the major componentsfrom it and introduce a whole newcontrol system.“Today we can start with a standard VNAtruck with wire guidance and transpondertechnology and, by introducing additionalsensors for profile checking, centering andvarious other safety-related functions, addinga bus bar and automation controls for thetruck’s sensors and fitting an interface to thewarehouse management system - the truckbecomes fully automated.“This approach makes automation scalable.Trucks can be supplied as manualmachines, upgraded to semi-automated vehiclesand ultimately to fully automated systemsas the client’s requirements change.“However, as with any automation project,it is important to ensure that the system isplanned and designed by a company experiencedin automation and integration as thelegislation and working practices for automatedVNA trucks differ significantly frommanual operations.“That said, existing VNA facilities can usuallybe automated with little or no modifications.But design, safety and system integrationmust be treated as integrated project –not just a truck supply contract and we areperfectly positioned to provide this entire endto end design and implementation process toour customers.”www.ukwa.org.uk February 2012

36 ProductsWAREHOUSE ITPallet storage software solutionMinster has launchedPalletrac - a software solutionto manage pallet storage.Palletrac was createdto provide a tool to trackeach pallet, from deliverythrough to dispatch, andtransform warehouseadministration.Designed to evolve asa business grows, Palletracis available both as astandalone package forCONTAINER HANDLERSnew customers or as anadditional module for theexisting Minster logisticssolution.The software is said toprovide a complete end toend solution commencingwith the creation ofa new client. It thentracks the movement ofeach pallet within thewarehouse generating anautomated invoice usingsupplied conditions, suchas length of timestored, which is availableat the point ofrelease.Minster say thatPalletrac is perfect fitfor third party storagesites as it provides flexibleoptions for managingmultiple clients’activity.www.minsterlogistics.comPortcentric service options extendedMaterials handling supplier,BarloworldHandling, has extendedits range of solutions toports, terminals andfreight logistics operationsthroughout theUK, and is providingfree advice to helpcompanies reducecosts as volumes grow.“Rising fuel costs andEU emissions regulationsare affecting the use ofcontainer handling equipment”says Mike Parkin,Ports and Terminals SalesManager for BarloworldHandling. “With containervolumes predicted to growover the next few years,ports and freight terminaloperations are highlymotivated to reviewoptions that lead toimproved efficiency andcarbon reductions.”The department oftransport says railfreight has expandedby 60% over the lastdecade and is expected togrow by a further 30% by2019.Barloworld Handling’snational team of portsand terminals specialists isoffering advice and acomprehensive site surveyof any operation’s materialshandling needs.Through sophisticatedmaterials mapping andLEFT:Barloworldhasextendedits rangeofsolutionsto portsandterminals3D simulation softwarethe company can test differentscenarios beforeany investment is made.“The analysis helpsensure the right mix ofequipment is chosenaccording to the operators’current and futurecapacity needs” Mike says.“We can also provide fueland carbon emission projectionsto help customersunderstand the total costof ownership.”www.barloworld.co.ukFORKLIFT TRUCKSGo onlinefor forkliftchatToyota MaterialHandling UK hasbecome the first UK materialshandling sales andservice organisation toenable customers to chatdirectly to a team memberonline.The Chat Centre, whichis accessible from the UKcorporate website(www.toyotaforklifts.co.uk),is availableduring standard workinghours and offers visitors tothe site three options ofmaking contact withToyota: chat, email andtelephone.Tony Wallis, OperationsDirector Toyota MaterialHandling UK said: "Someenquiries are more urgentthan others and need amore immediateresponse than an emailcan deliver, not everyonelikes to makeenquiries by phone.Our new Chat Centregives website visitorsthe chance to makeimmediate contact witha member of the Toyotateam, just like a phonecall but at their ownleisure while using thecomputer."www.toyota-forklifts.co.ukM.A.C Solutions (UK) Ltd has announced the launch of the VT (vehicle mounted) and HT (handheld)terminal series. Designed and manufactured by Darveen, the terminals enable real time wireless communicationbetween industrial vehicles such as forklift trucks or gantry cranes, and central control systemsor data centres. The terminals can also be used for other office-type functions to record data,monitor vehicle conditions or for fleet management.www.mac-solutions.co.ukFebruary 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

38 Forklift TrucksTaking precautionsMost of the UK has so far escaped the arctic conditions that brought the country to a standstill last year,but there are other weather-related problems that can impact on the performance of a forklift truckMost of the UK has so far escaped thearctic conditions that brought thecountry to a standstill last year, butwinter isn’t quite over and could still causeproblems for businesses according to a leadingsupplier of fork lift trucks.Briggs Equipment is urging companies totake another look at their winter preparednessto avoid any unnecessary downtime orexpense.“So far the winter has been relativelymild, but this is no excuse to skip on somebasic measures to ensure that your fork lifttrucks and other materials handling equipmentcontinue to run smoothly in all weathers,”explained Dean Mansell, EngineeringStandards Manager for Briggs Equipment.“The majority of our clients have alreadytaken precautions but companies that haven’tmade plans may have got away with it sofar, but they really do risk being caught out ifthe weather takes a sudden turn for theworse.”A few basic checks recommended byBriggs include:• Make sure the coolant system in enginetrucks has a suitable concentration of antifreeze.• Ensure oil and other lubricants are kepttopped up to keep the truck running smoothlyin the cold.• Check that the service schedule on alltrucks is up to date and carry out dailychecks on significant components.• Make sure that all outdoor areas wheretrucks operate are kept free of ice and snow.• Ensure that operators know how to use theequipment safely in adverse conditions.Dean continued: “It is vital to note thatbatteries in electric trucks will not operate atmaximum efficiency in very cold weather, soadditional charging time will need to beplanned for. It’s also worth keeping in extrafuel on site in case supplies are disrupted.”Even if the UK avoids a big freeze, thereare other weather-related problems that firmsshould be aware of. Heavy rain can lead toa muddy working environment and it isimportant that trucks are cleaned regularly toavoid becoming clogged up with debris suchas dead leaves.Dean’s final comment: “Remember thatthe equipment is only as effective as theoperator, so make sure they are suitablyequipped to face the conditions, with warm,waterproof clothing.”Any businesses that are unsure of justhow prepared they are can contact Briggs foradvice on 03301 239814 or emailinfo@briggsequipment.co.uk.The company also offers a range ofequipment and accessories, including snowplough attachments, to ensure the minimumof disruption should the country face arepeat of last year’s big freeze.February 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

Advertorial 39Mastering the cold at IM LogisticsIM Logistics’ new cold store facility is in a prime position just a few minutes from Heathrow’s Terminal5, so it comes as no surprise that the company is paying a premium price for every square foot of itspremises. Space optimisation was therefore high on the agenda in the planning stages, and thecombination of push back racking and two Aisle-Master articulated trucks has enabled the company toachieve maximum storage density in the warehouse.IM Logistics was set up on the basis of the fact thatthere is a distinct lack of frozen food storagefacilities in the area. “The nearest are either inReading or Hemel Hempstead,” says Rajen Rawal,Director “and following our successful workingpartnership with Montana Bakery at this veryconvenient location we realised that we could branchout to fulfil the growing demand for this service.”Darren Carson of Linde South East advised IMLogistics on the materials handling aspects of itsoperation, where he was tasked with finding forkliftsthat were not only able to cope with the demandingconditions of operating in temperatures of -25 º Cbut which could also ensure the best possible palletdensity in the 1,000m² cold store. Rajen had alreadylooked at articulated trucks and after an evaluation ofbrands on the market both parties agreed that theAisle-Master would best suit their requirements.The Aisle-Master’s proven track record ofreliability fitted with IM Logistics’ philosophy oflooking at overall long term benefits rather than justthe initial purchase price: “We visited other siteswhich are using Aisle-Masters, including a cold store,and were impressed with the fact that they are stillgoing strong after years of operation. As we plan ondoubling the size of our facility in the next two yearswe want equipment in place that offers longevity andthe ability to cope with whatever workload we throwat it.”Following six years of tried and tested operation incold stores across the world Aisle-Master has recentlydeveloped the cold store cab to maximise labourefficiency in this harsh environment. Drivers wouldneed to have regular breaks every twenty minutes orso were it not for the benefits of the fully enclosedheated cab, which keeps them warm throughout thewhole of their shift time. Other features includeheated cab windows, allocated areas within the cabfor the use of a bar code scanner and low energyLED work lights as standard. Low temperatures canhave an adverse effect on battery performance butAisle-Master’s designers have counteracted this byfitting a powerful 930 amp battery which easily copeswith IM’s 5am to 5pm shifts. Battery changeoverusing a pallet trucks at the rear of the vehicle is quickand easy.The two AC electric powered Aisle-Masters work exclusively in the cold store,putting pallets of frozen goods from theblast freezer into the racking and pickingthem when required for dispatch. Pallettrucks supplied by Linde are used for finalloading of pallets onto HGV’s in theloading bays. “We are very pleased withhow things have worked out,” says Rajen.“The costs incurred per ft² in cold storesmake space saving absolutely crucial, andwith a top racking height of 8.5m we canaccommodate just over 1,000 palletspaces. We are moving a total of 800pallets a week in and out at the momentand thanks to the excellent advice fromLinde and the quality of the trucks we arewell placed to move up a gear in the nextfew months when we take delivery of ourown fleet of HGV’s and take on morecustomers.”The trucks are on a five year contracthire agreement with Linde which includesservice and maintenance. Darren Carson:“When we supply specialist equipment it iscrucial that we fulfill customer requirementsbut it is also of paramount importance that we havethe right truck from a dealer’s point of view. We haveassessed Aisle-Master as the best articulated brandwhen it comes to quality, maintenance anddependability. The Linde service department is veryappreciative of the he five year warranty, and wasalso full of praise for the free training carried out forour team of engineers by Aisle-Master’s MarkBuffham at the Camberley depot.”Aisle-Masters can work in aisles of just 1.75m,have capacities of up to 2.5 tonnes, lift heights of upto 12.5 metres, with a choice of AC electric or LPGpower. Also new to the range is the narrow 1030 mmchassis 1,500 kg capacity 15E model, able to work ineven tighter aisles for more space saving handlingand storage.Aisle-Master Ltd. Co. Monaghan, IrelandUK Tel: 07870 976 758E: info@aisle-master.com W: www.aisle-master.comwww.ukwa.org.uk February 2012

40 Cover StoryReducing costs andprotecting your profitMacfarlane Packaging’s in-house dedicated 3PL packaging experts are responsible for creating packagingsolutions that address every aspect of the Supply Chain to meet the customer’s individual needs,while focussing on taking out costPackaging can feature quite far down onmany business agendas and is often thoughtof as a low-value commodity rather than abespoke service designed to add value, enhancecustomer experience, increase efficiency and,above all, reduce costs.There is a lot more to packaging than justcardboard boxes and packing tape. Althoughtransit packaging plays a vital role in protectinggoods to ensure that they arrive in good condition,packaging is evolving into an influential sector thatcan not only protect your profits, but increase savingsacross your Supply Chain. It is becomingever more important to step back and calculatethe total cost of your packing operation and considerwhat your packaging needs really are.Rachel Fellows, 3PL Director at MacfarlanePackaging, the UK’s largest packaging distributor,says: “At Macfarlane Packaging, we recognise themain drivers for logistics providers. Our in-housededicated 3PL packaging experts are responsiblefor creating packaging solutions that addressevery aspect of the Supply Chain to meet the customer’sindividual needs, while focussing on takingout cost. Our packaging projects incorporatethe reduction of working capital, better utilisationof warehouse space and maximising work forceefficiency by increasing throughput and output.Our approach certainly isn’t just the supply of cartonsand tape!”According to Fellows, this can only be achievedthrough a proactive approach by spending timeon the shop floor of a customer’s packing operationand working closely with pickers, packers,logistics and transport teams to review the SupplyChain. This evaluation even extends to vendorsdelivering into 3PL sites and the product despatchprocess. However, this is not a one-off evaluation.It is an on-going process, which requires reactingto and anticipating the ever changing needs ofcustomers, alongside developments in packagingdesigns and systems.Recent industry surveys identified one of thebiggest challenges within the Logistics and SupplyChain sector is the need to control costs. As we allknow, this is becoming more difficult with risingfuel prices impacting on transport costs and theincreasing price of raw materials pushing up thecost per unit. It is clear that the whole SupplyChain is being pushed to the limit, to not only protectexisting profits, but also increase profits wherepossible through extensive cost saving measures.Although fuel and raw material price rises are outwith the control of the 3PL provider and a sign ofvolatile economies, it is difficult to pass higherprices onto the consumer. So, there is only oneoption- cost cutting.Many companies are already reducing theirfixed costs by restructuring, but operations shouldnot underestimate the importance of packagingwithin their Supply Chain. Macfarlane Packagingunderstand the specialist needs of the 3PL sectorand recognise that in this market it is not enoughto merely cut the price of an item. MacfarlanePackaging utilises their warehouse space aroundthe UK through stockholding agreements to counteractspace limitations and storage costs that customersare experiencing. This can help to combatvolatile price increases as stock can be purchasedmonths in advance and called off when necessary.Thereby minimising the amount of increases experiencedon any one SKU.Overpackaging is also an issue thatMacfarlane Packaging aims to resolve, particularlywithin the E-fulfilment sector, by designing innovativepackaging solutions to minimise the amountof transit packaging without compromising onprotection. Reducing packaging not only lowersFebruary 2012www.ukwa.org.uk

Cover Story 41items costs and storage space, but also cuts downthe time packers spend on too many packagingSKU’s. It can also enhance the image to the endconsumers; how many times have you received anitem packed in a carton four sizes too big andcrammed with void fill?This aim to reduce packaging reflectsMacfarlane Packaging’s environmental commitment.They have created a number of environmentalinitiatives for their customers, while still balancingthis need against cost. One such initiative isgummed paper tape which provides a strong,tamper evident barrier and uses less material thantraditional plastic tape. It not only reduces timeand costs, but also enhances the end customerimage of the sender.Along with tape, another initiative is a new generationof Paper Pallets. Macfarlane Packaginganticipated the increasing requirement of 3PL’s toimprove their carbon footprint and identified PaperPallets as the ideal way to fulfil this need, particularlywithin the Pharmaceutical, Healthcare andFood sectors. Each pallet weighs 7kgs allowingconsiderable freight cost reduction, decreased roadwear and can still hold loads of several tonnes witha ten tonne stack strength. The entire pallet ismade from recycled material and is recyclableitself.As well as controlling costs, the Logistics andSupply Chain sector need to adapt to the changingretail sector. While the move to online shopping ishaving a consequential impact on the high street, itis also posing new packaging challenges. The convenientnext day delivery service is calling for thedemand of a range of generic packaging solutionsto accommodate many 1000s of product SKUs,which can be easily packaged and offer ampletransit protection without compromising on theend-user experience.Fellows, adds: “We have seen a significantgrowth in our customers’ online retail activity andMacfarlane Packaging are set up perfectly tosupport the multi-channel e-fulfilment needsand the complexities around the picking,packing and returns management by offeringrationalised ranges of innovative packaging on avery quick and Just in Time next day deliverybasis.”With this in mind, Macfarlane Packaging havedeveloped several design solutions to help speedup packing time and provide tamper evident transitpackaging with the ability for the consumer toreturn the product, if necessary, in its original packaging.To improve existing systems, effective solutionsinclude conveyors to support simultaneouslyworking in zones, packing stations, void fillmachinery, alongside semi and fully automatedsystems. A wide range of sectors have benefitedfrom Macfarlane Packaging’s innovate solutions,including Telecommunications, clothing, homeware and beauty products.Fellows, said: “In arriving at the optimum packagingsolution we provide our expertise and recommendationsto help customers with the aim ofreducing costs in other areas, including transitdamage, storage costs, transport costs, assemblyand transactional costs.”To create a comprehensive packaging solution,Macfarlane Packaging can draw on a wealth ofexperience and support from a national network of16 Regional Distribution Centres; their UK,European and Global Manufacturing SupplyPartners; an in-house manufacturing division and aPresentational and Retail packaging division with afocus on brand value and end-user experience.The PRP division works closely with customers todevelop exciting, stylish and contemporary presentationalpackaging ranging from bags, cartons,ribbons to tissue paper.It is clear that there is more to packaging thanordering cardboard boxes. To ensure you areoptimising your business potential and protectingcosts, you should you should talk to MacfarlanePackaging about their free of cost Packaging Auditto strengthen the Supply Chain and in return reapthe benefits of a well structured packing operation.Visit Macfarlane Packaging at theMultiModal Exhibition, at Stand 136 from1st – 3rd May, NEC, Birmingham.If you would like more information aboutMacfarlane Packaging’s range of products andtheir free of charge packaging review service,please contact Rachel Fellows on 07710 320617or the Central 3PL team on 0844 770 1405 Email:3pl@macfarlanepackaging.comwww.macfarlanepackaging.comwww.ukwa.org.uk February 2012

INDUSTRY SUPPLIERSAutomatic Guided Vehicle (AGV) Systems● Reduce Labour Costs and Material Damage● Improve Safety, Inventory Accuracy, Productivity andOperational Efficiency● Provide automated storage/retrieval, material deliveryand trailer loading/unloading● Handle pallets, rolls, and containersA flexible, scalable solution for existing warehouses.Contact JBT Corporationemail: uksgvsales@jbtc.com phone: +44 116 264 2250Transvalocean, part of the ~Transvalair Group has now opened theirnew logistics facility just outside the busy Port of Felixstowe.With on-line links to customs and fully bonded clearance facilities weoffer our clients a bespoke one stop shop for logistics and warehousingsolutions.Our comprehensive service portfolio includes Air freight, EuropeanRoad and UK distribution divisions. Part of a global agent networkwe can collect goods worldwide and deliver them to your door.For Global logistics solutions contact The Transvalair Groupw: www.transvalocean.come: sales@transvalocean.comt: 01394 366466WAREHOUSING& LOGISTICSINTERNATIONALwww.warehousinglogisticsinternational.comAre you using a UKWAmember? If not, why not?As the third party logistics services sector becomesincreasingly competitive, customers looking for highquality warehousing and a high standard of service – nomatter how large or small their requirement – have thepeace of mind of knowing that companies belonging tothe UKWA have demonstrated the highest standards inwarehousing.A determination to drive up professional standardsunderpins UKWA’s activities and by joining UKWAa third party warehousing services companydemonstrates its commitment to best practice inevery aspect of its business.UKWA members undertake an exceptional range of warehousingand added value services. Find out more by visitingwww.ukwa.org.ukUnited Kingdom Warehousing Association, Walter House418-422 Strand London WC2R 0PT Tel: 0207 836 5522

INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS• Major StockistsLead Time 2-3 DaysNext Day AvailableSPECIALISTSINPALLET WRAP FILMUnit F & G, Stonedale RoadStonehouse, Glos GL10 3RQTel: 08456 434 405Fax: 08456 434 406www.gvps.co.ukMachine• Hand & Machine FilmClear, Blue, White, Black• A Dedicated Team ofExperts to Guide You• Highly CompetitivePricesHandIndependent Logistics ConsultancyReal experience in selecting, designing, implementing, integratingand operating Warehouse and Transport Management Systems.Typical Services include:• Software Selection• Project Management• Supply Chain or WMS System Audits• Software Integration ConsultancyContact: Lynn Parnell Tel: +44 (0) 7771 623929E mail: info@logisticspartners.co.ukWeb: www.logisticspartners.co.ukSimply Flexible, Reliably Accurate,Genuinely Integrated…Our knowledge of 3rd party logistics and contract packing coupled with our extensiveclient base has helped us create a versatile Warehouse Management System,LocateIT.LocateIT enables you to delight your clients by delivering a first class service, flexibleenough to cater for specific needs. We are a software developeroriginating in manufacturing, with staff that have direct experience in all aspects ofproduction, process and warehouse management. Clydebuilt therefore is ina unique position to offer you products and services from an in-depthunderstanding of the complete supply chain.Our aim is to provide powerful and advanced warehouse management solutionsthat secure long term customer relationships.Supply Chain and Logistics SpecialistsGideon G HillmanConsultingSupply Chain and Logistics ConsultantsGideon Hillman Consulting is an ISO 9001:2008 accreditedcompany and a corporate member of UKWAWe specialise in:• Logistics & Transport Network Design• Warehouse Design & Implementation• Warehouse Operational Improvement• Logistic Outsourcing Tender Managementwww.clydebuiltsolutions.comWAREHOUSE FIT-OUTThe Redirack Group offers warehouse fitoutservices and cost effective mezzaninefloors to compliment any storage systeminstallation. Contact us now.Contact Gideon Hillman Consulting:T. +44 (0) 1926 430 883E. info@hillman-consulting.com W. www.hillman-consulting.comREDIRACK LIMITED Wharf Road, Kilnhurst,Mexborough, S. Yorks. S64 5SUP: 01709 584711 F: 01709 578091e: sales@redirack.co.uk w: www.redirack.co.uk