Initially published in 2001, the Skills Gap Report which was published in partnership with Deloitte was a study which indicated a mismatch between the skills of available working people and the skills that the manufacturing industry required. The reports that followed confirmed that gap and showed an increasing mismatch of skills.
The shortage of senior, highly-skilled engineers across the board in the UK has been highlighted by figures released in the latest manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) which has now reached its lowest level in more than three years, following the EU referendum.
To understand the skills gap, we have to understand how the public understands manufacturing. Many people still see manufacturing as a dark, dirty and even dangerous industry.
Most students at secondary school level recognise that science & maths subjects could be useful for getting a good job. However, far fewer feel such jobs are attainable or relevant to them. To add to the problem, the profile of those who do go on to study particular Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects and pursue certain STEM careers is too narrow. Women, working class and some minority ethnic groups remain under-represented in some disciplines and occupations, particularly in engineering. This not only means a pool of potential talent is being lost, but that those industries are missing out on the many benefits of a more diverse workforce.
Studies show that these groups tend to have limited exposure to the world of STEM, which those with high levels of exposure generally gaining this through family members’ qualifications, occupations and interests. The greater the level of exposure to STEM, the more likely a student is to study STEM subjects post-16 years of age.
STEM subjects are hugely important; however, much of the current technology curriculum for university and college education doesn’t place enough emphasis on the relevant technical skills needed in today’s manufacturing businesses either. The challenge is that new technologies are emerging at an unprecedented pace and the education system is struggling to keep up with it. Often college and university curriculums are running out of date courses and subsequently graduates leave with outdated skills impacting their employability.
If a new technology does emerge, it can take 6-18 months for this to get onto a curriculum aligned to exams by which time the technology landscape will have moved on again. There is clearly a lack of synchronised technical skills training at college and university level which is struggling to keep pace with the accelerated technology change in industry.
Traditionally working in manufacturing meant manual jobs needing vocational skills and on-the-job training through apprenticeships. Over time, industrial engineers and IT professionals have become in demand as manufacturing has become more automated.
Collaborative manufacturing is creating a greater need for up-to-date IT and technical skills. Employers are needing to upskill both entry level candidates as well as existing staff with advanced skills.
A strong British engineering sector is vital to the long term sustainability of our economic recovery, and increasing the supply of engineers is at the heart of this. As a country we excel in hi-tech industries but we need engineers to make sure the UK stays ahead of our competitors. The rest of the world is not stagnant, so we must do everything we can to uphold our position as a leading engineering nation. The Government’s Engineering UK report finds that engineering businesses have the potential to contribute an extra £27 billion to the UK economy every year from 2022 if we can meet the demand for a quarter of a million new vacancies in the same timeframe.
Businesses and government bodies are already working hard to attract and retain talent within their workforce, but there is always more that can be done to improve the image of the UK’s manufacturing sector and promote the benefits of pursuing a career in this area. With the decision to leave the EU causing increased uncertainty, business and the Government must act quickly in order to keep the UK and the sector an attractive employment option.
To bridge the skills gap, there is a trend for companies to recruit new staff with 50-60 percent of the skills required, as they are unable to find workers with all of the skills required. Employers are bringing these staff into their business with base-level skills and then providing comprehensive training to bring them up to the required level.
At the other end of the spectrum, highly experienced senior managers over 40 years old within the industry, have an immense amount of knowledge to pass on, but can be reluctant to change and be less patient with new technology.
Modern technology helps recruit and retain new workers, propelling manufacturing to a new era of innovation. The right technology allows multiple generations of workers to “meet in the middle” and support manufacturing’s transition. As an example, modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) & product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions reinforce the traditional best practices, as well as meet expectations of younger generation users who can get up to speed quickly on best practices and easily obtain critical historical data for reference and training. Employees of all ages have the opportunity to share knowledge with new recruits through the use of collaborative tools.
The skills gap is most noticeable in the STEM sector, however it is important not to solely focus on this area. The requirement for a flow of highly talented, creative and original workers into the UK holds the key for the future development of companies across the spectrum.
As employers, we must take steps to narrow the skills gap now. This comprises of ensuring existing employees are up-skilled and being committed to finding new talent, both of which will help future proof businesses.
Many manufacturers are making great effort to engage with educational establishments, from primary to university level, which is already leading to greater enthusiasm for manufacturing & engineering amongst young people. Additionally, apprenticeships can play a key role in creating a more prepared and qualified workforce, benefitting both the individual and the employer.
Apprenticeships can certainly play a huge role in preparing skilled workers whilst offering employers the opportunity to strengthen and diversify their workforce providing a future talent pipeline tailored to the individual business needs.
Apprenticeships offer substantial training and the development of transferable skills. Most training is on-the-job working with a mentor, to learn job specific skills in the workplace. This means that technical skills vital to business performance and growth are gained and strengthened, helping to develop our industry as a whole. Apprenticeships bring opportunity; to attract new talent, offer progression and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.
In April 2017, a new levy will require all companies that operate within England to pay 0.5% of their payroll towards funding apprenticeships. There is an allowance of £15,000 therefore in reality only companies with an annualised payroll of more than £3M will pay the levy.
The levy will support the existing frameworks as they move towards the employer led standards. Current frameworks are currently being phased out and are expected to be removed completely by 2020.
To formulate a new Apprenticeship Standard requires 10 companies to design and submit the standard. Only when this has been approved, can it proceed. This standard can then be used by the company who submitted it, as well as every other companies in the UK. The overall idea being that the levy will support the Government's commitment to improving productivity by increasing the quantity and quality of apprenticeships.
Employers need to take a leap of faith and make the extra investment on supporting new applicants, so they can deliver the skills needed for the business and industry in the long term. The levy could be very powerful for closing the skills gap in the manufacturing industry. Some of the investment is a sunk cost which lowers the threshold for making the business case weigh up to recruit apprentices.
The Apprenticeship Levy will not solve all of our skills problems, but a supply of thousands of skilled apprentices every year will make a positive difference. The levy will most definitely help to transform the skills landscape in the UK manufacturing industry.
A positive image of the sector portrayed by the media is vital. Helping to change historic perceptions of the industry will make career choices within the sector more inviting.
In order to accelerate the narrowing of the skills gap, the Government now needs to help businesses by promoting employment on every level. The decision to leave the EU without doubt poses a serious problem for talent acquisition as many businesses source much-needed talent from the EU. Adapting to marketplace changes as and when new agreements are made will be needed to overcome the ramifications of the Brexit vote.
Continued improvement in the co-ordination, quality, reach and impact of engineering outreach activity by the whole engineering community, business and industry is essential. Building on existing programmes is necessary to positively influence the perceptions and subject choices of young people and get more of them interested in a career in engineering.
Education programmes such as Tomorrow’s Engineers have made it clear that this is best achieved through collaboration and support from local, regional and national STEM employers. Government, working in partnership with business, the education sector and the engineering community, needs to ensure the provision of a national coordinated employer – led, informed and relevant approach to careers inspiration in educational establishments.
It is not unreasonable then, to think that every child should have an engineering experience that is linked to careers and the curriculum, with all schools and colleges being held to account through their relevant inspection authority. This should in turn help us achieve the latest Government target of a two-fold increase in the number of Advanced Apprenticeship achievements in engineering and manufacturing technology, which will be fundamental in us meeting the forecasted demand for skilled engineers by 2022.
Author:
Jess Penny
General Manager, Penny Hydraulics Ltd
01246 811475
jessica@pennyhydraulics.com
Leading agricultural fertiliser producer, CF Fertilisers UK, has opted to switch its tire policy to Continental Tires for the heavy-duty forklifts and on-site trailers at its Cheshire headquarters and manufacturing site.
The company runs a fleet of 14 heavy-duty Kalmar DCE 10 forklifts and some 12 two-axle A-frame trailers at its Ince plant. These tackle the heavy-lifting and movement of 600kg and 1000kg bags of fertiliser from the point of production to storage and despatch facilities elsewhere on site. The site itself, at Ince in Cheshire, sits on 124 acres of land next to the Manchester Ship Canal and includes one Ammonia and three 3 Nitric Acid plants, a further Nitrogen fertiliser plant and 3 compound lines. With approximately 400 employees on site, CF Fertilisers produces 1 million tonnes of fertiliser a year and supplies key market sectors in grass and arable farming. So intensive is the process, its continuous production lines at Ince, and sister site in Billingham in the northeast, account for some 2% annually of the nation’s natural gas usage.
Anthony Jones, Day Handling Team Leader, explained the change in tire policy. “You have to understand that the site is very demanding on tires. Though it is largely flat land, like any major site there is a degree of unevenness at points around the working area that test the wear patterns and life of tires, but our main concern lies in safety-challenges emanating from tire wear. Our Kalmar fork-lifts can pick up four 1000kg bags of fertiliser at one time, and, because they are suspended on straps, each load is effectively ‘live’ in terms of the danger of swinging during transit; while our trailers, which we run as pairs at all times, can also carry that much each.
Because of the nature of the site, safety is a major everyday consideration, and that works right through everything we do. Handling and moving loads with this sort of weight, 24/7, is a key part of the inherent risk on the site, so we take it very seriously indeed.”
The company first looked at Continental Tires in late 2015, and a trial was initiated that was due to run for a full six months. Continental Tires along with local dealer, Nation Tires, offered to set up the trial on both fork-lifts and trailers.
Anthony Jones recalls, “We decided to give ‘Conti’ a chance. We felt the tires we had been using were being changed far too often – so something had to give. We liked the ideas the Continental team put forward and the confidence they had that they could improve on both safety and economy; and we especially liked the fact that they had a very competent and professional local dealer, Nation Tires, the Continental Tires Industrial network partner at Ellesmere Port. A blow-out on a tire, quite apart from the huge safety risk, can also have a very damaging commercial effect on us. We run 24/7, 365 days a year, and if a forklift or pair of trailers is unavailable to us, we soon see back-logs of product needing to be cleared from the end of the production line and moved to storage areas. We produce some 21 different varieties of fertiliser, including our top-selling Nitram brand, and that’s over 1 million tonnes a year: a continuous process that simply cannot be put at risk.”
The initial trial was scheduled for six months, but the immediate improvement was so noticeable that, within just three months, the decision was made to switch the whole fleet to Continental Tires products. The big, heavy-duty Kalmar forklifts feature six tires on two axles. Again, for safety reasons, CF Fertilisers decided to go for the heavy duty pneumatic tires, ContiRT20 11.00 x 20s, but also to inject them with foam. ”Continental said we’d get 12 months wear out of these,” says Jones, “but nine months into their usage, we are still only 50% worn and looking good. It is great economically, in terms of purchase price and saved downtime, and a real bonus from the safety angle. The trucks have special rising cabs in order to be able to deal with the work, and a tire blowing out on a heavily laden truck with the cab raised to its full 10 foot extension could cause it to tip over- and that’s simply unthinkable!”
The onsite trailers used to move bagged products from production into storage areas are two-axle A-frame draw bar units, hitched in pairs and pulled behind agricultural tractors as prime movers. The major problem, again, was too-frequent changes due to wear. Anthony Jones adds, “There was also a major safety risk here. The tires were wearing, and the most worrying part was that it was the sidewalls that were exhibiting most stress, so a blow-out was a constant threat.” The trailers have standard draw-bar configuration of steering front axle and rear fixed axle, both with twin tire hubs. As with the fork-lifts, Continental tires, in this case Continental IC40 10 x 20s, are delivering longer wear times and enhanced safety.
Nation Tires, the local dealer to CF Fertilisers, had a major part to play in the success of the Continental Tires trial and take-up. Managing director, Tony Glennon, said, “For a site this size, with the variety and significance of the vehicles we are talking about here, having a local dealership of our size and capability was an important part of reassuring CF Fertilisers in their switch to Continental Tires. We understood their need for a genuine 24/7/365 support service and were both prepared and able to bring this to the mix, with 17 staff and nine mobile site-service vehicles. They demand a 60-90 minute callout response in the event of a tire needing any sort of attention, and we deliver.”
Anthony Jones has the last word, saying, “No new relationship is going to be entirely free of teething problems, but with Continental and Nation Tires I think we have got as close to a problem-free start as anyone could have wished. I now feel we have a superior level of site safety because of the switch, and the fact that the company is saving money, by getting far fewer tire failures and significantly longer tire life, is an added bonus.”
The latest Continental Customer testimonial video is available via ContinentalTiresTV: https://youtu.be/qIn3Qtsto70
www.continental-corporation.com
www.continental-truck-tires.com
www.continental-specialty-tires.com
Barton Fabrications, the UK’s largest manufacturer of aluminium storage silos, has achieved accreditation to CE mark its vessels to EN 1090: this ensures compliance with the latest Construction Products Regulations. The standard gives customers the confidence that the silos, pipework, gantries and ladders supplied by Barton, which are all considered structural products, have traceability and conform to mandatory structural requirements.
Commenting on the accreditation Mark Barton, Managing Director and owner of Barton Fabrications said:
“We are delighted to receive the accreditation as this recognises the high level of design, procurement, manufacturing and quality control standards we adopt. We have further enhanced our processes as part of the accreditation assessment – this has included using coded welders for all structural components and improving our job card system.
“Buyers have a responsibility to ensure that the structural products they procure from their suppliers meet all relevant standards and the CE Marked certification we issue with every silo gives buyers the confidence that they have minimised procurement risk”
The now mandatory Construction Products Regulations replace the Construction Products Directive and dictate that any steel or aluminium construction product, which includes silos, are CE Marked to the harmonised European Standard EN 1090. Barton supply full CE documentation electronically following installation of any silo or other structural component supplied.
For more details on Barton Fabrications’ silo solutions, contact Mark Barton:-
Tel: +44 (0) 1275 845901
E-mail: sales@bartonfabs.co.uk Web: www.bartonfabs.co.uk
Terex Trucks is set to return to Hillhead once again – this time, to showcase the latest TA300 alongside the vintage R17 hauler. “We are excited to be at Hillhead this year, it’ll be a good opportunity to show customers what the Terex Trucks brand is all about,” says Paul Douglas, Managing Director of Terex Trucks. “Having the R17 on our stand gives visitors a rare opportunity to take a glimpse into the history of hauling. Terex Trucks’ heritage can be traced back to 1934 when the world’s first off-road dump truck was created. It’s not often that you get to see a 40-year-old truck that’s still in working condition; we hope this highlights the level of quality we build into our machines. Of course, our current machine, the TA300 articulated hauler, will take pride of place too and shows that we remain committed to creating quality trucks that are built to last.”
Occupying stand N14, Terex Trucks will be joined by its official UK dealer, TDL Equipment, which will be located on stand A7.
“Since the very beginning, TDL’s ethos has been to provide local support on a national basis – and that’s something we still strive towards today,” says John Black, Sales Director at TDL Equipment. “This, together with our partnership with Terex Trucks, means that we are able to offer haulers to our customers that help them to provide an enhanced level of service to their own customers.”
With 476 exhibitors and 18,601 visitors from 71 countries, the 2016 Hillhead show was quite literally record-breaking – and the 2018 show is set to be even bigger. It will take place from June 26th - 28th at Tarmac’s Hillhead Quarry near Buxton, Derbyshire.
Based in Scotland, Terex Trucks has been building robust haulers at its Motherwell site since 1950. Taking pride of place on the Terex Trucks stand will be the new TA300 articulated hauler and the R17, which dates back to the early 1970s. Achieving a payload of 28 tonnes (30.9 tons) and powered by a five-cylinder Scania DC9 EU Stage IV compliant engine, the TA300 hauler is designed to withstand the toughest conditions at quarries, infrastructure developments and commercial projects. With a maximum torque of 1,880 Nm, the machine has great traction and an effective power-to-weight ratio to ensure material is moved quickly and cost-effectively across all kinds of terrain and in any type of weather. Additionally, the machine features an ergonomically designed cab, complete with plenty of space and a commanding view for maximum operator comfort.
More than 40 years old, the R17 13.5 tonnes (14.9 tons) hauler represents the history of Terex Trucks. Originally, the engine was manufactured in Cumbernauld and the machine itself was built in Motherwell. A team of apprentices have been working hard at the Motherwell factory to restore the machine back to its original glory. With the work now complete on the truck, visitors at Hillhead will be able to appreciate the historic craftsmanship of the R17 for themselves, from the simple yet effective operating system to original features such as the driver’s seat and engine.
Street Crane has announced that Andrew Pimblett is stepping down as managing director after 49 years with the business, 38 of which he served as a board member. His successor is Gus Zona, who has worked for Street in the roles of both sales director and operations director.
Andrew, who has been managing director for 28 years, has spent his whole career with Street Crane. He joined the company as a technical apprentice in 1969 and quickly worked his way up the ranks. He was made sales director in 1980 before being appointed deputy managing director and then managing director in 1990.
Throughout this time, Andrew has not only been instrumental in transforming Street from a local crane fabricator into the UK’s largest crane and hoist manufacturer but establishing the company as a leading supplier of hoists and components to other crane manufacturers worldwide.
Andrew and his team has consistently grown Street’s UK crane manufacturing operation in a period which has seen a sharp decline in crane purchases from British manufacturers and competitors go out of business. From a standing start, he led the company into the global hoist and crane components business, which is now the larger part of Street.
He said: “When I joined Street it was a very small company which manufactured custom-made cranes predominately for the Sheffield steel industry. It was always my ambition that one day we’d be able to compete with the big names in the pre-engineered volume crane and component sector, but most people told me that would never happen.
“To have proved them wrong is very satisfying. Street has grown and evolved rapidly, achieving phenomenal success driven primarily by our commitment to investing in product development and innovation.
“We now have a vast engineering team, including many experienced designers as well as a large number of younger graduates, all of whom are focused on designing new products. This has helped us to create one of the biggest ranges of cranes and components in the world, which we sell to more than 100 distributors globally and to end users in a vast number of sectors in the UK.
“I’m incredibly proud of these achievements and of all the people at Street which have been instrumental in this success.
“Being Street’s managing director is however, a very demanding job that takes you all over the world, so I feel the time is right to pass the baton. I have no doubt that Gus is the perfect person for this job. His appointment is a result of a long-standing succession plan and I wish him every success.”
Gus is an experienced and long-serving member of the Street team having joined the company in 1988. He worked initially in production control and purchasing before serving two terms on the board firstly as sales director and latterly as operations director. In between these two roles at Street, Gus was managing director at Lloyds British Testing.
Gus added: “It’s going to be a challenge stepping into Andrew’s shoes but I’m looking forward to taking on this new role and building on Street’s achievements.
“There is a huge opportunity to grow the business even further by expanding our distributor network and continuing to bring technologically-advanced products to the market. This will include cranes that self-monitor safety, servicing and maintenance and will have a huge impact on the sector. With our R&D and engineering capabilities, our aim is to be at the forefront of these digital developments.”
Andrew will remain at Street Crane as a non-executive director advising on strategic matters and working three days per week.
The British Safety Council has appointed Paul Fakley as Engagement Director. This is a new post in the organisation. Paul joins the charity and membership body from Travel and General Insurance Services (which included the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust), where he was Sales and Marketing Director. Prior to this he was Group Marketing & Business Development Director for Circle Housing.
At the same time, the British Safety Council has appointed Dave Parr as Policy and Technical Director. Dave Parr has been heading Audit and Technical Services at the organisation for the last six years and has worked for BSC since 2005 in various roles including auditor, NVQ Manager and Product Development and Delivery Manager.
Paul brings with him 26 years of marketing and business development experience gained in B2B and consumer-focused roles. He spent a significant part of his career in the insurance industry, heading up marketing for brands such as Direct Line and Churchill.
Commenting on his appointment, Paul Fakley said: “The British Safety Council has been the beating heart of health and safety in the UK for more than 60 years. It is with great pleasure that I join the organisation at such an important time. Workplaces around the world are changing dramatically and the role of the British Safety Council needs to evolve to meet those needs and keep workers free from injury and illness. I look forward to working with the senior management team, trustees and broader business to build on recent initiatives and reaffirm the British Safety Council’s position as the leading voice in health and safety.”
Dave Parr said: “I am looking forward to the challenge of ensuring that the British Safety Council remains a leading voice on health, safety and wellbeing issues. Its strong corporate membership base, both within the UK and internationally, gives the organisation a unique position of influence to ensure that the welfare and safety of workers are the primary factors in business planning and regulatory change. I would like the British Safety Council to use that leverage to help all workplaces to continually improve.”
These two appointments have been made following the resignation of Louise Ward, Policy Standards and Communications Director, who for the past two years has been the driving force behind policy and engagement activity at the British Safety Council. Louise will be returning to the industry, taking up a new role in environment, health and safety.
Just three weeks after the unveiling of Volvo Trucks’ first all-electric truck, the Volvo FL Electric, the company is expanding its product range with yet another electric truck - the Volvo FE Electric. Designed for heavier city distribution and refuse transport operations with gross weights of up to 27 tonnes, sales of the new vehicle will commence in Europe in 2019.
“With the introduction of the Volvo FE Electric we have a comprehensive range of electrically powered trucks for city operations and are taking yet another strategic step forward in the development of our total offer in electrified transport solutions. This opens the door to new forms of co-operation with cities that target to improve air quality, reduce traffic noise, and cut congestion during peak hours since commercial operations can instead be carried out quietly and without tale-pipe exhaust emissions early in the morning or late at night,” says Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks.
The first Volvo FE Electric, a refuse truck with a superstructure developed together with Europe's largest truck bodybuilder, Faun, will start operating in early 2019 in Germany’s second-largest city, Hamburg.
“Hamburg, which was named European Green Capital of the EU in 2011, has worked long and successfully on a broad front to enhance green and sustainable urban development. This applies not least in the transport sector, where electrified buses from Volvo are already being used in the public transport network. The experiences and ambitions from this venture make Hamburg a highly interesting partner for us,” says Jonas Odermalm, Product Line Vice President for the Volvo FL and Volvo FE at Volvo Trucks.
Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Siechau, CEO of Stadtreinigung Hamburg, sees large potential for environmental benefits with electric trucks in the city. “Today, each of our 300 conventional refuse vehicles emits approximately 31.300 kgs carbon dioxide every year. An electrically-powered refuse truck with battery that stands a full shift of eight to ten hours is a breakthrough in technology. Another benefit is the fact that Stadtreinigung Hamburg generates climate-neutral electricity that can be used to charge the batteries.”
The new Volvo FE Electric will be offered in several variants for different types of transport assignment. For instance with Volvo’s low-entry cab, which makes it easier to enter and exit the cab and gives the driver a commanding view of surrounding traffic. The working environment improves too as a result of the low noise level and vibration-free operation. Battery capacity can be optimised to suit individual needs and charging takes place either via the mains or via quick-charge stations.
“Our solutions for electrified transport are designed to suit the specific needs of each customer and each city. In addition to the vehicles, we will offer everything from route analysis to services and financing via our network of dealers and workshops throughout Europe. We also have close partnerships with suppliers of charging infrastructure,” says Jonas Odermalm.
Croydon-based haulage provider, Diamond Distribution, is celebrating after the company’s managing director scooped an award at the recent 2018 Everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards, which was supported by the Freight Transport Association.
Keely Priestman, who received the Leader in the Freight Industry Award, has been in the logistics industry for 14 years, starting her career as a PA. She established Diamond Distribution, which is a member of Palletways, the Europe’s largest and fastest growing express palletised freight network, in 2013 and the business now has 22 members of staff and 18 vehicles under her leadership.
Everywoman runs a portfolio of high profile awards programmes that celebrate the achievements of women across a diverse range of sectors and industries. This latest award is a major coup for Keely and the Diamond team, and the business aims to continually provide opportunities for women in haulage. While women account for just 8% of the haulage industry, the team at Diamond Distribution is one third female. In addition to this, all of the senior management roles at the company are currently held by women.
Keely, who was presented with the prestigious award at last week’s ceremony in London, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won this award and would like to congratulate all of the other winners and nominees on their achievements this year. To be recognised as leading the way for women in logistics is a great honour and it’s great to see other hardworking women getting the recognition they so rightly deserve in a male-dominated industry.
“Since establishing Diamond Distribution just over five years ago, I’ve worked with some fabulous people and I’d like to thank them all for their ongoing support. I couldn’t have won this award without my Diamond team and it’s not only a reflection of me, but also recognition of their hard work and success.”
Palletways Network Development Director, Barry Byers, added: “Keely has made a conscious effort to provide opportunities for women in the logistics industry and we’re delighted that she’s been officially recognised for her continued excellence as a leader. She is a true role model for women looking to join the industry and we’re sure this is the first of many awards that she’ll receive.
“Diamond Distribution continues to make a significant contribution to the strength of the network and sets an excellent example to other members and businesses across the industry. Palletways is a people-based business and we’re delighted that the Diamond team is part of our family. We’re glad to be a part of their success story and look forward to celebrating their next award again soon.”
The company, which offers palletised freight, dedicated loads and storage facilities, covers the CR, SM, RH and TN postcode areas and has a wide range of customers from tile manufacturers to beauty product wholesalers. Diamond Distribution is a regular ‘Palletways Platinum Club’ member in recognition of its first-class customer service and was a finalist for ‘Best SME’ at last year’s Croydon Awards, where Keely was also a finalist in the ‘Women in Business’ category.
Diamond Distribution is one of over 114 independent transport providers that are part of the Palletways UK network. They benefit from shared expertise and resources from within the group to deliver consignments of palletised freight to market faster and more cost effectively than ever before. The Palletways Group comprises 450+ depots and 20 hub operations, through which it provides collection and distribution services across 20 European countries, including the UK.
Let’s go fly the world’s largest kite! The team that has the job of doing just that can take it anywhere – and they do – thanks to Goplasticpallets.com.
The Kuwait-based crew has the Guinness World Record for the largest kite flown, the Kuwait flag, measuring 1000 square meters. They have two more non-record holding kites measuring 1200 and 1250 square meters each.
Andrew Beattie, logistics manager for the Al-Farsi Kite team said, “We fly round the world, including Kuwait, France, Holland, England and New Zealand and we need packaging suitable for the job. We found our perfect pallet boxes at Goplasticpallets.com. They call it 1311S 3R. It is the biggest pallet box we have found anywhere.”
Size wasn’t the only demand for their plastic pallet box, with desert heat and a hands-on team to contend with. Andrew said, “We are particularly hard on our crates. We move them about off-road on the beach and on fields. Sometimes loaded crates get tipped on their sides. We climb on them and in them. We leave them out in the flying field in any weather. We store them outside in the heat of Kuwait. We push them around when no handling equipment is available.
“And while we are harsh in our treatment of the crates, we expect them to be kind to us. No sharp edges that might damage the lightweight fabric when we drag it in or out of the crate.”
Wood is not an option as the kite fabric is incredibly delicate and can get caught on splinters and nails. Andrew said, “Wooden pallet boxes are useless. They fall apart under rough handling, you can’t tip them over repeatedly while loaded and expect them to survive. They are nailed shut, which creates splinters that can catch on delicate fabric. They work loose which creates gaps to snag things. And wooden packaging is most unwelcome in ports with tighter biosecurity rules.”
Their chosen pallet box has a 1400 litre capacity and is smooth inside, making it the gentle giant the record kite needs.
Andrew said, “They have smooth edges inside and out, so they never damage the kites. We can jump on them, push them over, squeeze them over-full and they just soldier on. The later models have great, tough, good-fitting lids that keep the weather (and curious fingers) out of the crates. As a bonus, when empty, they are light enough for one person to manhandle.”
Goplasticspallets.com has the expertise to advise on everything from the correct size, weight and handling of its empty or loaded boxes, crates and pallets. Jim Hardisty, Managing Director of Goplasticpallets.com said, “Our plastic pallet boxes are put through their paces in many different industries – from the transportation and storage of delicate pharmaceuticals to sturdy automotive parts – but this is something else. We have faith in our products and it is rewarding to see them being put to use in this record-breaking and enjoyable way.”
Goplasticpallets.com is the UK’s leading independent supplier of plastic pallets, pallet boxes and small containers. The company stocks in excess of 160 different styles of plastic pallets suitable for all types of applications – and many available for next day delivery, 32 different sizes and styles of plastic pallet boxes and a comprehensive range of small containers, crates and trays.
View the boxes in use by the Al-Farsi Kite team here: https://youtu.be/ypajavqh4MM
Cimcorp, a manufacturer and integrator of turnkey robotic gantry-based order fulfillment and tire-handling solutions, announces construction plans to expand its production and office facilities at its headquarters in Ulvila, Finland. The new facilities will be built on 8,500 square meters of land, bought by Cimcorp in August 2017, nearly doubling the footprint of its current 9,500-square-meter space. The expansion will enable the company to accommodate its continuing business growth with greater capacity and efficiency, as well as incorporate new space for research and development.
The current facilities include 5,800 square meters dedicated to manufacturing and 3,700 square meters of office space. The expansion will extend the floor area by 7,900 square meters, adding 5,700 square meters for production and 2,200 square meters for offices. With more manufacturing space, Cimcorp can meet growing customer requirements and volume increases with greater production capacity and the ability to manage larger-sized projects. Further, the new, three-floor office building will provide more room as the company continues to grow its team of staff.
Notably, the expanded facility will allow Cimcorp to build upon its strengths in the development of unique material handling systems. With this expansion, Cimcorp will have a total floor area of 17,400 square meters.
Masatoshi Wakabayashi, CEO, Cimcorp Oy, said, “Our decision to expand our Ulvila facilities is a direct result of the substantial business growth that we have seen over the last five years, and the expected continued growth into the future. There has been a sustained increase in orders, and we have continued to invest in product development. This expansion will ensure that we have the capacity and efficiency to continue to meet our customers’ demands and service the rapidly growing global marketplace. This new, larger facility will help us strengthen our position as a leading supplier of automated solutions for the tire and distribution industries.”
Construction will begin during summer 2018, with plans for the facilities to be ready in summer 2019.
The Processing Centre, part of the Citipost Group of Companies has announced exciting plans to launch a dedicated division within the business – providing an unrivalled one-stop shop for its logistics and fulfilment operations.
The decision follows the continuing exponential growth in the online marketplace with more and more organisations entering the e-commerce arena. The Processing Centre already handles freight daily for many household names and is completely focused on the future growth plan.
From its 67,000 sq ft warehouse and processing centre at South Normanton's Berristow Lane, the TPC arm of the business will build on the company's already impressive reputation as a leader in global services.
The Processing Centre will enable the business to increase its offering with flexible fulfilment and distribution solutions for international and domestic clients.
Customers will benefit from a tailored process to meet their individual requirements as well as full end-to-end support - including data analysis, account management and an internal customer services function. TPC believes that the team members behind the operation should have a great knowledge of the pipeline which enables them to support the customers with genuine empathy.
Citipost, which has extensive experience in catalogue processing and fulfilment, has also invested heavily in new state-of-the-art technology to further streamline the process and drive efficiencies.
And the business has increased its operational team, with more jobs set to be created, to ensure they can keep up with demand.
The man at the helm is transport and logistics expert Bob Powner, who brings more than 25 years' experience to the post.
Formerly Processing and Linehaul Director at City Link, Bob has brought a new focus to the business - drawing on the principles of the parcels industry.
He believes the new division will bring huge benefits to the business and its customers - ensuring the highest level of service.
"We are delighted to have launched a dedicated arm of TPC, which handles the sortation, routing and crucially distribution to final mile delivery providers to meet a customer’s individual requirements,” added TPC’s Managing Director.
“Citipost already has a strong track record in fulfilment and final mile delivery of a range of items including catalogues and printed material and we are building on this market-leading position after identifying a growth opportunity in warehousing, fulfilment and despatch within other sectors.
“We are confident that TPC will provide an unbeatable service to our clients both here at home and overseas. The company has invested heavily in TPC to ensure that we are front of mind for customers looking for first-class service at a competitive price.”
Bob’s team are made up of “home grown” talent and members that have gained experience in Royal Mail. Sainsburys and Rentokil. “We have a great mix and the right balance amongst the team that have a focus on delivering a service that achieves the KPI’s across a balanced scorecard.”
With the ability to deliver 24/7, 365 days of the year, customers can also benefit from TPC’s flexibility and its ability to provide a comprehensive range of warehousing, fulfilment and delivery services.
And in addition to their own in-house team of developers, TPC is able to source their own consumables such as packaging and labelling – adding an additional offering to its customer-base.
“simplifying the pipeline through a one-stop shop”
The Processing Centre, part of the Citipost Group of Companies has announced exciting plans to launch a dedicated division within the business – providing an unrivalled one-stop shop for its logistics and fulfilment operations.
The decision follows the continuing exponential growth in the online marketplace with more and more organisations entering the e-commerce arena. The Processing Centre already handles freight daily for many household names and is completely focused on the future growth plan.
From its 67,000 sq ft warehouse and processing centre at South Normanton's Berristow Lane, the TPC arm of the business will build on the company's already impressive reputation as a leader in global services.
The Processing Centre will enable the business to increase its offering with flexible fulfilment and distribution solutions for international and domestic clients.
Customers will benefit from a tailored process to meet their individual requirements as well as full end-to-end support - including data analysis, account management and an internal customer services function. TPC believes that the team members behind the operation should have a great knowledge of the pipeline which enables them to support the customers with genuine empathy.
Citipost, which has extensive experience in catalogue processing and fulfilment, has also invested heavily in new state-of-the-art technology to further streamline the process and drive efficiencies.
And the business has increased its operational team, with more jobs set to be created, to ensure they can keep up with demand.
The man at the helm is transport and logistics expert Bob Powner, who brings more than 25 years' experience to the post.
Formerly Processing and Linehaul Director at City Link, Bob has brought a new focus to the business - drawing on the principles of the parcels industry.
He believes the new division will bring huge benefits to the business and its customers - ensuring the highest level of service.
"We are delighted to have launched a dedicated arm of TPC, which handles the sortation, routing and crucially distribution to final mile delivery providers to meet a customer’s individual requirements,” added TPC’s Managing Director.
“Citipost already has a strong track record in fulfilment and final mile delivery of a range of items including catalogues and printed material and we are building on this market-leading position after identifying a growth opportunity in warehousing, fulfilment and despatch within other sectors.
“We are confident that TPC will provide an unbeatable service to our clients both here at home and overseas. The company has invested heavily in TPC to ensure that we are front of mind for customers looking for first-class service at a competitive price.”
Bob’s team are made up of “home grown” talent and members that have gained experience in Royal Mail. Sainsburys and Rentokil. “We have a great mix and the right balance amongst the team that have a focus on delivering a service that achieves the KPI’s across a balanced scorecard.”
With the ability to deliver 24/7, 365 days of the year, customers can also benefit from TPC’s flexibility and its ability to provide a comprehensive range of warehousing, fulfilment and delivery services.
And in addition to their own in-house team of developers, TPC is able to source their own consumables such as packaging and labelling – adding an additional offering to its customer-base.
De Cromvoirtse, a Netherlands-based steel stockholder and contract manufacturer of small batches of semi-finished sheet metal components, has invested in two interlinked, automated storage systems from Kasto and connected them to three sheet metal laser cutting machines to help speed deliveries. The Uniline store and Unitower B ensure fast, accurate, damage-free material handling, while the supplier's warehouse management system keeps track of stock and ensures smooth order processing.
Internet shopping is on the rise, not only for consumer purchases but also in industry. Manufacturers are increasingly ordering materials online, as it saves time and cuts costs by allowing different offers to be compared easily. The increased competition means that a vendor, to be successful, must not only have a broad range of products at attractive prices, but also be able to make fast deliveries and provide a comprehensive array of services.
Founded in 1982 and with headquarters in the town of Oisterwijk, near Tilburg, De Cromvoirtse spotted this trend early. The company has operated an online portal since 2008, which today accounts for about 70 percent of orders. Customers can use the website to upload drawings and specifications and within two minutes they receive an automatically calculated quotation for production of the component.
Manufacturing capacity includes press brakes in addition to the laser cutting machines. About 90 percent of products are made from steel, stainless steel or aluminium sheet, the remainder being pipes and sections.
Janwillem Verschuuren, one of the company's two managing directors commented, “Most of our 1,200 customers are small and medium-sized companies, like agricultural machine manufacturers, car body makers and machine builders.
“For them, it often doesn’t pay to buy machines of their own and hire expert personnel to make parts, because they only need limited quantities.
“As a rule, we deliver laser-cut components in 24 to 48 hours, while folded sheet metal parts can be supplied within a week.”
To serve the needs of its growing customer base reliably and quickly, De Cromvoirtse has not only automated its ordering process but also most of its production. Its metalworking machines operate around the clock, seven days a week including for long periods unattended. On average, 400 to 500 tonnes of material are held in stock.
The double-sided Uniline store from Kasto has nearly 1,000 storage locations, with special pallets for different materials and sizes as well as for remnants. A stacker crane travels between the two rows of the facility, storing and retrieving material automatically as needed.
Mr Verschuuren recalled, "When we invested in our new warehouse, we investigated various storage options but Kasto quickly emerged as the front-runner.
“Other manufacturers offered us standard solutions that were unsatisfactory, whereas Kasto worked with us right from the planning phase to develop new ideas for the design. They told us clearly what wouldn’t work and what would.”
For example, it proved possible to connect two flat-bed laser cutting machines seamlessly to achieve continuous material flow. To facilitate this, Kasto installed two manipulators at the Uniline's output station. With vacuum suction units, the manipulators lift sheets from storage, place them on the shuttle tables and then remove the finished parts and remnants. In this way, De Cromvoirtse has substantially increased the production capacity of its machines and shortened throughput times.
Ronnie van den Hurk, the other managing director at De Cromvoirtse said, “The KASTO solution allows fast, efficient and safe handling of our materials.
"The stacker crane is equipped with two pallet stations to shorten cycle times and avoid empty runs. For each storage operation there is always a retrieval operation happening at the same time.”
Owing to the company’s booming online business and growing number of orders, even this system eventually reached its limits. In 2016, the company asked Kasto how to increase the store's performance.
The supplier's first thought was to add a second stacker crane to the existing Uniline system, but this reconfiguration would have interfered with the store's operations. So Kasto devised an alternative solution involving the installation of a separate Unitower B store next to the existing in-line system to provide additional capacity.
The latest storage system, which was installed in a few weeks without interrupting the stockholder's operations, consists of a double tower and stacker crane. Rising to a height of 8.5 metres and with a compact footprint, it has space for almost 80 pallets, each of which can hold sheets measuring up to 3,000 x 1,500 mm. Only the pallet that has been called up needs to be moved, ensuring fast access times, while the efficient lifting gear offers significant energy savings.
For maximum flexibility, the Unitower is connected to the Uniline store at the top by a bridge with a longitudinal, rail-mounted carriage. In this way, pallets move automatically from one area of the storage facility to another without losing valuable space below.
An additional laser cutting machine is connected to the Unitower, loading and unloading being performed automatically. Using various grippers, it is possible to handle whole sheets as well as cut parts and remnants, increasing productivity and flexibility. An advantage of the Kasto solution, according to Mr Verschuuren, is that unlike many other storage systems, it allows metalworking machinery of any make to be integrated easily. De Cromvoirtse is therefore able to source production equipment from more than one supplier so can use machines that are most suitable for the given requirements.
Both the new and existing stores are controlled by Kasto’s warehouse management software, KASTOlogic, which has been programmed to treat the two areas as a single, connected system to facilitate operation and increase stock transparency. It is connected with the stockholder's ERP system, ensuring consistent data flow and smooth order processing.
As with the machine tools on-site, both the Uniline and the Unitower can be monitored remotely. If necessary, Kasto engineers can access the facility online from Germany and rectify any problems, although Mr van den Hurk advised that this has rarely been needed.
He concluded, "KASTO gave us optimum support during our latest project, as it has done since the outset.
"We have achieved another big increase in productivity, while also making work easier for our employees, and our customers continue to benefit from short delivery times."
Better traffic safety and enhanced working environment for drivers. These are the goals as Volvo Trucks introduces its new driver support systems based on Volvo Dynamic Steering – an award-winning innovation that assists steering of heavy trucks in a ground-breaking way.
“Volvo Dynamic Steering has truly revolutionised the driver’s job behind the wheel. Better directional stability, easier manoeuvring and higher comfort have reduced the risk of road accidents and strain-related injuries. Now we are building further on our success with new functions that help make the traffic environment even safer. This is all in accordance with our vision that no accidents involving Volvo trucks should ever occur. These functions were developed to help drivers avoid some of the most common accident scenarios identified via our accident research programme,” says Carl Johan Almqvist, Traffic and Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks.
By integrating Volvo Dynamic Steering with other comfort- and safety-enhancing systems, Volvo Trucks has developed two accident prevention driver support systems: Volvo Dynamic Steering with Stability Assist and Volvo Dynamic Steering with Lane Keeping Assist.
“Imagine you’re driving on a wet, slippery road and you suddenly notice that the rear of the truck is starting to lose its grip on the road. Before this develops into a skid, you steer gently in the opposite direction until the danger is over. That’s exactly the way Volvo Dynamic Steering with Stability Assist works. The big difference is that the system can discover the risk and help stabilise the vehicle before you’ve even noticed that something is about to happen,” explains Carl Johan Almqvist.
The next safety innovation, Volvo Dynamic Steering with Lane Keeping Assist, gives the driver a helping hand when the system detects that the truck is showing signs of edging towards the lane marking. With a slight turn of the steering wheel in the appropriate direction and gentle vibration in the steering wheel, the driver is notified and is helped to steer the vehicle back into the lane.
In addition to the two new driver support systems, Volvo Trucks is introducing a longed-for function that makes it possible to adjust steering wheel resistance individually in trucks equipped with Volvo Dynamic Steering.
“Each driver has a different perception of how light or heavy the steering system should be. Now every driver can adjust the steering wheel resistance exactly as he or she wants for comfortable, relaxed and safe driving. This is a very practical feature, not least for trucks that often have different drivers,” says Carl Johan Almqvist.
‘Carnage’, one of the latest shows from Sky, sees contestants battling customized vehicles against each other in a series of challenging arenas. But they aren’t just competing with each other, they also have to escape ‘The Pusher’, a heavily modified Terex Trucks 2766C articulated hauler from the late 1990s.
Filmed in Tankwa Karoo National Park, South Africa, Sky One’s new show, ‘Carnage’, has been described as a cross between Robot Wars and Mad Max, with a hint of Wacky Races thrown in for good measure. In each episode – the first of which aired on May 6th – teams of engineers, mechanics and drivers have to battle it out against one another’s souped-up vehicles in three challenging arenas.
The aim of the game is to damage the other opponents' vehicles to the point where they are rendered immobile. But they’re not just competing with each other – they’re also up against the show’s ‘mutant monster trucks’. Dwarfing everything in its path, the biggest of the three is a modified Terex Trucks 2766C articulated hauler, which was manufactured in Motherwell, Scotland, and dates back to 1997.
Weighing in at 22 tonnes, the 2766C – or ‘The Pusher’, as it’s known on the show – is as big as it is powerful. In fact, the team over at Sky One had to apply for a special road permit in order to get the truck on site. Contestants face the truck in ‘The Grid’ – an urban-style obstacle course, surrounded by walls of fire and a three metre trench. The Grid is the only one of the three arenas that’s big enough to accommodate the size, turning circle and weight of The Pusher.
The 2766C dump truck has gone through a series of modifications in order to become The Pusher. “The idea was to design a vehicle that no contestant would want to meet face-to-face, and that was so big and powerful that you could outrun it but not outmuscle it,” says Francois Grobbelaar, Carnage’s stunt coordinator. “That’s why I chose Terex Trucks’ 2766C. It was the ideal vehicle to use for our build.”
To help transform the 2766C and get it into character, the truck has been spray-painted black, given tinted windows and had white smoke added to the smoke stacks. Being so big and heavy, there was a risk that the 2766C would damage the arena – so, the original loading section was replaced with a lightweight tank.
To ensure that it was protected from any damage caused by the contestants’ vehicles, metal window screens were installed as well as wheel guards. “Some contestants use spikes to damage other vehicles,” explains Francois. “So, we fitted angled conveyor belts under the front of the truck to deflect spikes away from the wheels, reducing the risk of a flat tyre.”
Other add-ons include three CCTV cameras for 360-degree visibility, an access door at the back and a platform with a hatch, making it possible to film driving shots with the presenters. Another noticeable modification is the enormous snow plough that has been retrofitted onto the front of the machine.
With this level of customization, it’s no wonder that The Pusher is virtually unrecognizable as a Terex Trucks 2766C hauler. Originally designed for performing in quarries, mines and commercial construction projects, Carnage shows the 2766C truck in a completely new light. However, very much on-brand, the 21-year-old truck has managed to outmuscle every contestant so far. “This truck is still going strong – albeit in a very different application – which demonstrates just how robust Terex Trucks machines are,” says Paul Douglas, Managing Director of Terex Trucks. “Terex Trucks haulers are durable, reliable machines that are truly built to last.”
“We always planned for The Pusher to be the star of the show, and that’s indeed what it is,” concludes Francois. “It was a great vehicle to work on and I am very happy with how she turned out. We hope to use her in more seasons.”
To celebrate the introduction of the Volvo FH in 1993 - a quarter of a century ago - Volvo Trucks is releasing The Volvo FH 25 Year Special Edition. Available as both Volvo FH and Volvo FH 16, it is characterised by its distinctive exterior and interior design, superb driver comfort and state-of-the-art additional features.
The Volvo FH is one of the industry's most successful models ever with nearly 1 million trucks sold since launch, creating a way of life for millions of drivers all over the world. The Volvo FH 25 Year Special Edition is therefore not only a celebration of the truck itself, but also a tribute to all the customers and drivers who have been driving this icon for the past 25 years.
"The Volvo FH is the perfect representation of a customer focused mind-set and a model that has been pushing the boundaries for a quarter of a century. This magnificent edition truck is therefore both a tribute to the first 25 years and a starting point for our continued successful journey with customers and drivers", says Claes Nilsson, President Volvo Trucks.
"The first-generation Volvo FH meant so much for Volvo Trucks and the whole industry. It was a milestone; in fact, it was a game-changer that totally transformed the perception of a modern truck. Working on the design of the edition truck has been a real honour," says Nigel Atterbury, Senior Graphic Designer at Volvo Trucks.
The exterior of this special edition is best described as contemporary with a retro twist. The silver/grey and orange décor highlights the truck's origin and the striping forms the number 25 to signal the anniversary. The striping combines 3D effects and shadows to echo the design trend of the early 1990s and gives the truck a distinct retro look. There are two launch colours, one darker, cool grey tone (Mammoth Tree Metallic) and a shiny red (Crimson Pearl), the latter a modern tribute to the original red cab colour of 1993.
When opening the door, a premium and luxurious interior awaits the driver. Safety has always been key to the Volvo FH and this passion is manifested by orange details in everything from seat belt stitches to curtains, carpets and reflective safety door decals. Using subtle, yet distinct accents, the design team has created a continuation of the safety and driver focus that has always been essential in the Volvo FH. And to enhance a great driving experience, the seats combine quilt and leather to offer exceptional comfort and design.
The limited edition truck also embodies how the Volvo FH has been, and remains, an innovation leader. It includes some of the truck's latest breakthroughs and it can be specified with the brand-new extensions to Volvo Dynamic Steering:
• Volvo Dynamic Steering with Stability Assist. Designed to prevent skidding accidents.
• Volvo Dynamic Steering with Lane Keeping Assist. Engineered to help the driver stay in lane, preventing collisions and roll-over accidents.
• Volvo Dynamic Steering with Personal Settings. Allows individual adjustment of steering wheel resistance for convenient and comfortable driving.
"This truck really shows how Volvo Trucks is driving progress and continues to set new standards in trucking, just like the Volvo FH has done since 1993," explains Tomas Thuresson, Global Long Haul Segment Manager at Volvo Trucks.
Tomas concludes: "It is a fantastic edition that pays tribute to a quite outstanding truck and the millions of people; customers, drivers and fans that have been engaged in the Volvo FH for 25 years."
Hyundai Forklifts - Global Shipping Services is a privately-owned Stevedoring company based on the Humber Estuary, which was established in 1989, following the reform of the UK docks industry. The company was part of a PLC up until 1997 when two directors of the company completed a management buyout. On 1st September this year former Global Shipping operations director, Peter Waud and Darran Richardson finalized another management buyout and now jointly own the company.
Global Shipping have recently expanded their fleet and have taken out a contract hire for ten new Hyundai forklifts, through Yorkshire based Hyundai distributor Hessle Fork Trucks. The order comprised four diesel 50D-9 five tonne machines, which were the very first machines of this model type to be delivered into the UK, two five tonne 50DA-9 machines and four 3.5 tonne diesel 35D-9 trucks, in a deal approaching £650,000 in value. The larger forklifts are working at Immingham Docks and one 5 tonne and the four smaller 3.5 tonne machines are operating at Goole Docks in East Yorkshire.
All ten machines are currently handling timber at Immingham and Goole - discharging ships and loading road vehicles. The machines operate on average eight hours per day and although the machines are new to the company the initial feedback has been very good. “The machines are very substantial and are well-made and look to be a solid piece of kit” reported Global Shipping managing director, Peter Waud. “The operators like working with the machines – they say they are driver friendly and very responsive. The visibility from the cab is also excellent which is an important safety aspect.” Added Waud.
Waud said, “We first met with Hessle about a year and half ago although I have known Gary Hawkhead from the company for many years. We ran predominantly Toyota machines, prior to Hyundai, but the Toyota dealer we worked with stopped dealing in the brand. Therefore, we dealt directly with the manufacturer – however we found that this did not work for us – so we began to look at alternative suppliers and machines. Hessle came up with a proposal that was right for both companies.”
“We did not know the Hyundai product very well, although we had some experience with a couple of machines.” Added Waud. “We also spoke with Hyundai’s head office in Belgium and the European sales manager, Gino Van der Auwera, came over from Belgium and spoke with us about the product and provided lots of valuable information. Signing the deal with Hessle for the Hyundai machines seemed the right thing to do. In doing so we managed to agree a deal from a price, commitment and service level point of view that would work for both Global Shipping and Hessle. Hyundai have a good reputation in all aspects – including vehicles and construction machinery – so I feel we made the right decision.”
Gary Hawkhead, director of the Hessle Industrial Division commented, “Having personally worked with Peter, the Global Shipping team and other port operators for over 15-years we (Hessle) have a full understanding of how to deliver a first-class solution. This is built on providing the highest quality materials handling equipment and an excellent and dedicated service support package. This coupled with our strong financial backing enables us to offer the flexibility to accommodate the client’s business requirements now and in the future, which offers Global Shipping piece of mind in an advancing shipping industry.”
Waud concluded, “What will drive future purchases and commitment to Hyundai will be the reliability of the machines over the coming years and the back-up service that Hessle provide – but early indications from using the Hyundai’s and our dealings with Hessle are very positive.”
In its current form, Global Shipping Services, operate as terminal operators, stevedores and warehouse keepers. The company handle in the region of 1.5 million units of break-bulk cargo per annum and is now one of the major operators in break-bulk cargo in the Humber Ports of Immingham, Hull and Goole. Global Shipping Services handles general cargo such as forest products, steel, casework, heavy-Lift, project cargo, bags, and pure bulk.
It is Global Shipping Services responsibility to change the mode of transport – for example - for imports the cargo will come in on a sea vessel the company will then discharge the vessel, store the cargo and later dispatch the cargo via road or rail. The company also work this process in reverse for exports. Global Shipping customers include shipping lines, importers, exporters, freight forwarders and manufacturers.