The Movu atlas pallet shuttle offers Westhof BIO automated high performance in deep-freeze storage
German Organic vegetable freezing company Westhof BIO has selected easily accessible, plug-and-play automation in the form of a stow Racking silo served by Movu atlas 2D pallet shuttles. Part of an integrated intralogistics solution from systems integrator Körber, the silo and shuttles play a key intralogistics role in Westhof BIO’s brand new, highly automated production facility, located near Hamburg in Germany. Due to go live in June 2024, the Movu system provides a reliable and efficient automated flow of goods and high-density storage in a six-level silo to hold over 5000 pallets of frozen vegetables in the cold store. Westhof BIO processes around 10,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually providing an organic frozen range. Its new climate- and resource-saving organic freezing plant gives the company room to expand and represents a major step forward for the company. The ultra-modern and automated freezer warehouse stores frozen vegetables to allow their delivery on pallets to manufacturers of organic food and baby food all year round. The company looked for a high-density storage solution for the vegetables in its minus 24 degrees centigrade cold store that offers reliability and scalability as well as an efficient and accurate flow of goods. The automation solution consists of six Movu atlas shuttles, one of which transports the pallets on each of the six levels of the stow silo, which measures 60 m long x 31 m wide x 17 m high. Providing deep, multi-pallet channel storage, the silo maximizes space by minimizing the number and width of driving aisles – this installation has just one. Efficient and quick to set up, the plug-and-play Movu atlas system fits all buildings to ensure no warehouse is left behind when it comes to automation. Even if a shuttle goes down or requires maintenance, it can be easily removed and replaced with a new shuttle within a day, with Westhof BIO’s WMS directing goods to one of the other silo levels. The easily scalable atlas system allows the addition of shuttles to increase throughput and store greater quantities of vegetables during harvest peak. Stefan Pieters, CEO of Movu Robotics said: “We are delighted to have successfully handed over another Movu project to our customer. With the combination of the stow silo and the Movu atlas 2D shuttle, Westhof BIO could trust on consistent high engineering and Project Management standards with a reliable project lead time. The Movu atlas 2D Shuttle is a true example of simple and easily accessible plug and play automation in challenging cold storage environment. It´s scalability provides Westhof BIO with automation that handles peaks and adapts easily to future requirements.” Berit Carstens-Lask, Managing Director of Westhof BIO, adds: ”We are extremely satisfied with the automation solution that has been realized and with both the engineering and execution of the project. We hope that when we start running it, the automation solution from Movu will make a significant contribution to optimising our entire production and warehouse processes, making them much more efficient and flexible.”
Nucor Warehouse Systems hosts Open House in Houston
Nucor Warehouse Systems (NWS) has opened its doors to its Texas location at its Houston open house on Friday, April 26th. This event will be an extension of the company to fellow industry members and the community at large featuring mill tours, an opportunity to connect with the NWS team, and on-site activities in store for attendees. NWS welcomes the opportunity to discuss the future of warehousing in the broader market in Texas and is seeking to strengthen relationships with its distribution network. This event will serve as an opportunity for the company to show gratitude towards peers and members of the Houston community and highlight the dependability of Nucor steel in combination with the wealth of resources the company offers. they are a trusted partner and rack provider for businesses of all sizes. With its strategic location in Texas, the company can serve local distributors as a trusted partner and rack provider for any warehouse. “We’re excited for the chance to reconnect and build on relationships with our material handling network in Texas,” said Jonathan Miles, sales manager at Nucor Warehouse Systems, Monroe. “It’s important to us as a company to support our local economy and businesses. These are the kind of projects that make a big impact so it’s a priority for us to show our appreciation and recognition to these potential collaborators.”
Cabka transforms logistics with circular economy solutions at Pack Expo Las Vegas
Cabka, a provider of reusable transport packaging made from recycled plastic, has announced its participation in the upcoming Pack Expo Las Vegas (September 11-13, 2023), where it will showcase its innovative products designed for the circular economy at booth N-9403. With a focus on tailor-made solutions and sustainability, Cabka aims to transform storage and transport processes while benefiting customers and the environment. At Pack Expo Las Vegas, Cabka will present its diverse portfolio of large load carriers and pallets, highlighting its commitment to the circular economy. By offering reusable and durable products made from recycled plastics, Cabka not only helps businesses save energy, transportation, and storage costs but also enables them to reduce their scope 3 emissions for Greenhouse Gases (GHG). The company’s development team continuously strives for intelligent product designs that are lightweight, resource-saving, and space-efficient. “At Cabka, we are proud to drive the transformation towards a circular economy”, says Jean-Marc van Maren, Chief Product Officer at Cabka. “By combining our expertise in developing reusable load carriers with our commitment to using recycled plastics, Cabka brings a powerful synergy to our customers: efficiency and sustainability hand in hand.”
Millwood Inc. hires new Chief Financial Officer
Bruce Krarup to assume role, responsibilities Millwood, Inc. has filled the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) effective February 27. Mr. Bruce Krarup, of Howland, OH, brings 22 years of experience in finance and accounting to the role. Prior to joining Millwood, Mr. Krarup served as the CFO of Nelson Labs, a division of Sotera Health, where he was responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the company and helping to drive growth and profitability. Prior to that, he spent six years at Cardinal Health and 13 years at General Electric. “I am thrilled to be part of a trusted company that leads with servicing others in all they do. Our great team members take value and pride in providing our customers with best-in-class service,” Krarup said. “I look forward to supporting the continued growth of this great organization while striving to live the values every day.” As CFO of Millwood, Mr. Krarup will be responsible for managing the company’s financial strategy, overseeing financial operations, and ensuring that financial goals are met. This includes financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and managing the company’s financial relationships with lenders. Mr. Krarup holds a BS in Finance from Bowling Green State University and is in the process of completing his master’s degree in accounting from Ohio University. He is an active member of St. Thomas the Apostle church in Vienna, OH, and the Financial Executives Networking Group. Mr. Krarup also has a passion for supporting the development of recent graduates and young finance and accounting professionals. “We are thrilled to welcome Bruce to our family as our new CFO,” said Millwood Co-Presidents and Partners Chip Trebilcock and Steve Miller. “His strong alignment with our values and culture and passion for people make him the ideal candidate to lead our financial operations as we continue to grow and expand our business.” Mr. Krarup will replace Tom Paskert who will be resuming his role as Senior Financial Advisor to Millwood. Mr. Paskert served as Millwood’s CFO and was a member of the executive team for 15 years prior to assuming interim CFO duties in July 2022. Mr. Paskert helped spearhead significant profitable growth through organic sales expansion, opportunistic acquisitions, operational and financial efficiencies, and short and long-term planning and execution during his tenure. “I’ve had the pleasure to work with and serve so many great Millwood team members over the years, and I look forward to returning to my previous role as a senior advisor for this great company,” Paskert said.
Southworth International Group appoints Dr. Mirka Wilderer to the Board of Directors
SIGI, the parent company of several of the world’s leading manufacturers of ergonomic vertical positioning equipment, has announced the appointment of Dr. Mirka Wilderer to its board of directors. One of the top female executives in the water industry, Dr. Wilderer earned her doctorate in international business from Germany’s Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg. She started her career at Siemens and has most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer of De Nora Water Technologies. She has worked across four continents leading business growth and transformation while enabling and empowering access to one of our world’s most precious resources – safe and sustainable water. “Dr. Wilderer brings a unique skill set and a fresh perspective to our growth journey,” said SIGI Board Chairman Timothy Cabot. “We will lean heavily on her experience and insights as we continue to execute our strategic plan while supporting our customers in making their employees’ work experience more productive, safer and easier.” “SIGI has an outstanding industry reputation for innovation and leadership aligned with a long-term vision and strong set of core values,” said Wilderer. “I look forward to helping them build upon this base.” The SIGI Board of Directors was recognized in 2019 as a Private Company Board of the Year by Private Company Director, Directors and Boards, and Family Business magazines.
ABCO Systems earns prestigious award from MHEDA
ABCO Systems has been awarded the prestigious MVP (Most Valuable Partner) Award for its accomplishments in 2022 from the premier material handling trade association, MHEDA (Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association). Award recipients must satisfy a rigorous set of criteria with less than 10% of the association’s membership earning the award. As a 2023 MVP, ABCO Systems has successfully demonstrated a commitment to business excellence, professionalism, and good stewardship. To qualify for the annual MVP Award companies are required to provide evidence of their commitment to their partners in business including their customers, employees, and suppliers. They must satisfy criteria in the following important areas: Industry Advocacy Customer Service & Safety Practices Business Networking Continuing Education Business Best Practices “This is a tremendous honor for ABCO Systems,’’ CEO Seth Weisberg said. “We’ve prided ourselves for more than 30 years in helping clients implement the tools they need to succeed. From warehouse design to warehouse automation, we’ve set the standard in helping companies find solutions to their distribution challenges.” “The MVP Award recognizes the best-of-the-best in our industry and is displayed with honor,” said John L. Gelsimino President of All Lift Service Co. Inc. and 2023 MHEDA Chairman. “To check all the boxes from education, industry best practices, awards, networking, employee engagement, giving back, and much more, MHEDA is proud to have so many companies achieve this award.” ABCO Systems is a full-service design and build material handling company based in New Jersey. The company helps clients improve efficiency and processes with warehouse automation solutions. The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) is the premier trade association dedicated to serving all segments of the material handling business community. MHEDA represents close to 600 companies in the material handling equipment business. Located in suburban Chicago, the association provides services to companies seeking to improve their business through education, networking, benchmarking, and best practices. For more information, visit www.mheda.org.
Industry veteran Cantillo joins executive team at Got-Rack.com
Got-Rack.com just announced that Nelson Cantillo has joined their company to be its new VP of Corporate Strategy and Business Development. Cantillo has over 42 years of experience and considerable expertise in the supply chain and material handling industry. His focus will be on its national partnerships specifically in acquisitions and sales of new, used, and refurbished racking systems. In addition, Cantillo has served as vice president of the RMI (Rack Manufacturer’s Institute), the MHI trade association’s largest product group, His affiliation with RMI goes back over 25+ years. Cantillo was previously at Tri-Boro Shelving and Partition Corp. based in Farmville, VA. Got-Rack.com has locations in Florida, Texas, Indiana, Ohio, and Georgia. They will soon have future locations in Nevada and West Virginia.
New testing shows Orbis Odyssey® Plastic Pallet can withstand 400 cycles
Virginia Tech life-cycle analysis tests plastic pallet’s durability ORBIS® Corporation, an international leader in reusable packaging, validated that its 40×48-inch Odyssey® plastic pallet has approximately 36 times the life span of a 40×48-inch whitewood stringer pallet, according to a recent study. Researchers from the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design used the center’s FasTrack life-cycle analysis to compare relative durability. The FasTrack life-cycle analysis simulated rough handling of palletized unit loads, using a multi-step handling sequence. In testing, the Odyssey plastic pallet completed the sequence 400 cycles without failure, while the wood pallet’s average failure was after 11 cycles. “In completing this testing, we wanted to quantify the life and durability of plastic pallets to help companies understand the long-term cost savings associated with reusable plastic pallets,” said Achim Banik, lead engineer for ORBIS. “The FasTrack life-cycle analysis confirms just one of the many advantages plastic pallets have over wood. More companies are transitioning to plastic pallets not only for their durability but also for their uniform design for seamless integration with automated systems, cleanability, and sustainable benefits. The Odyssey pallet is a rackable plastic pallet designed to support heavy loads in a wide array of applications within various market segments, from agriculture and dry goods to general food processing. The racking performance of the Odyssey pallet allows it to effectively rack loads upward of 2,800 pounds, even in unsupported racking. The Odyssey pallet also offers users load stability due to distinct design features, such as permanent molded-in frictional elements that reduce load shifting and prevent slippage off fork equipment. In addition to the strength and durability of the Odyssey pallet, it is easily cleanable, keeps plants free of wood chips, and protects products from damage caused by nails or loose boards associated with wood pallets. Along with the Odyssey pallet, ORBIS offers a large suite of plastic pallets that are available in a variety of footprints, materials, and styles. Using a five-step process, ORBIS works with its customers to conduct a system-wide assessment and cost-justification analysis to create and implement a reusable packaging program fit for that specific supply chain’s needs.
SJF Material Handling starts “Eat Local” movement
When times get hard, living in a small close‐knit community can oftentimes have a huge advantage. In following in their late father Jerry Sterner’s legacy for love and pride in our local community, the Stafford and Frank Sterner families, owners of SJF Material Handling Inc., would like to begin a movement encouraging other local businesses to daily patronize local restaurants and other businesses in and around their own community, in support of our neighbors and friends. For as long as Minnesota’s executive order restricting business operations is in effect due to COVID‐19, SJF will be purchasing lunches from different local restaurants in Winsted, Minnesota, for all SJF employees working on‐site. Frank and Stafford’s hope is that other businesses will follow suit and come together in their own communities to boost sales to local restaurants and businesses. SJF is committed to doing everything possible to help our community family through this difficult time. At the same time, this movement also rewards employees for their hard work in continuing to keep essential businesses running smoothly. SJF encourages all businesses to show their support in this way. Let’s work together to become an example to other communities so that they may do the same. Together we can make it through this difficult time and strengthen our own communities in the process.
Millwood acquires CORE Erosion Control Services
Purchase means new product brand, additional erosion services Millwood, Inc. finalized the purchase of CORE Erosion Control Services in September. With it comes a new product brand and Millwood’s 30th location nationwide. “We are excited to announce this acquisition,” Lionel Trebilcock, regional whitewood manager, said. “With this purchase, Millwood will be able to add even more to its tool box when it comes to erosion control.” CORE Erosion Control Services, based out of Sewell, NJ, is a supplier of erosion and sediment control such as compost filter socks, best management practice (BMP) installation, seeding and stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP). The CORE team and customers are now part of the Millwood family, and its New Jersey manufacturing location is number 30 for Millwood, one of the nation’s leading pallet suppliers and packaging consumables and systems distributors. CORE will replace the Millwood Natural product brand, which included similar products and services. All CORE products and services are now a Millwood product brand and managed by CORE product specialists and sales managers in Vienna, OH and Sewell, NJ where the erosion and sediment control products are manufactured. The additional location will allow Millwood to reach even more prospects in various industries, Trebilcock said. “This industry is booming and one we are confident we can be successful in,” Trebilcock said. “We are already certified with the U.S. Composting Council in Vienna and Penn State Extension in New Jersey. It just makes sense to add the expertise and services.” The certifications mean that the mulched wood chips used for the compost filter socks are tested and meet certain Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) standards and requirements and will allow Millwood to bid on various state jobs across the U.S. Along with acquiring CORE’s customers, products and services and manufacturing facility, we are pleased to welcome Chris Sztenderowicz, who will be working alongside Trebilcock and his team as a regional sales manager for all CORE products and services in the northeast area of the United States. Sztenderowicz, former CORE president and sales leader, comes to Millwood with 10 years of industry experience and said the acquisition is a good fit for both parties. John Cervo, regional installation manager, is also working hand-in-hand with Sztenderowicz and Trebilcock. Cervo is another previous CORE team member who has transitioned into the Millwood family and will be responsible for installation and bidding on CORE-related projects. “Before starting with CORE, I was with a company for 21 years and enjoyed teaching and guiding every employee that worked there,” Cervo said. Joe Todaro, CORE regional sales manager, and Cheryl Fink, supply and logistics manager, also specialize in the CORE products and services and work out of the Vienna location. Todaro and Fink have 11 years of combined experience in the erosion and sediment control industry and have already hit the ground running. “We’ve already secured some solid accounts and are excited for this expansion so we can do even more for our customers,” Todaro said. “It will open up numerous opportunities for the company moving forward.” Millwood vendors, suppliers, customers and team members have begun to see the CORE product brand online and in print materials. In the coming weeks, email and social media campaigns are on deck to continue the communication efforts. “We are working diligently with our marketing team to make the transition as smooth as possible. It’s been a lot of work but also a rewarding process,” Trebilcock said. “This acquisition has allowed us to expand our business in the erosion and sediment control industry.”
Steel King’s I-Beam Cantilever rack now part of Quick Ship program
Steel King Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of material handling products and systems for improving operational efficiency, announces that the I-Beam Cantilever Rack is now available as part of Steel King’s Quick Ship program, delivered within two weeks of ordering. Quick Ship makes configuration easy – users can choose from two heights and three bay widths, each with pre-kitted bracing. Maximizing storage capacity and density, the I-Beam Cantilever Rack clears floor space of stacked long, heavy, odd-shaped items such as piping, conduit, sheet metal, building materials, or cable spools. With no need for a front column, Steel King’s I-Beam Cantilever Rack is faster to load and unload than standard pallet racks. By saving horizontal space normally lost to rack structure, the unique design reduces fork truck damage and saves time otherwise spent on double handling typical with other more cumbersome floor storage systems. Built for either one- or two-sided configurations, the I-Beam Cantilever Rack is constructed of I-beam structural steel with a 50,000 pounds per square inch (psi) minimum yield. Arms are secured to the columns with grade 5 bolted connections and bases are bolted to columns. The heavy arm connector plate remains rigid even under heavy loads. Steel King’s I-Beam Cantilever Rack offers custom configuration without a custom cost. With its modular design, the I-Beam Cantilever Rack is easy to install, readily expandable, and offers greater adjustability. The rack features 4-inch vertical spacing, allowing flexibility to accommodate load capacity and position. Pre-punched connection holes enable easy arm installation, adjustment, and leveling to eliminate arms slipping out of position. In addition to the Quick Ship products, the I-Beam Cantilever Rack product line offers a variety of options and accessories. Available are roof brackets, removable pipe end stops and bolted end lips, and a variety of heights of welded lips, as well as saddles for decking support, core/axle saddles for rolls, and wire deck and drop on storage pans.
Hannibal Industries names Baker Industrial Supply Master Dealer for Pallet Rack
Hannibal Industries, one of the largest steel pallet rack manufacturers in the U.S., has announced that it has selected Baker Industrial Supply of Houston as a master dealer of its products in the Southwest. “Baker Industrial Supply is a dynamic company that is growing steadily in its 15 years, providing turnkey solutions to a large dealer network across the entire southwest region,” said Steve Rogers, executive vice president of Hannibal Industries. “We really value partners like Baker that are truly delivering the products in creative ways, including offering a ‘Quick Ship’ service, allowing customers to get delivery in less than five days.” Baker Industrial Supply is the latest addition to Hannibal’s growing family of master dealers who not only sell a wide variety of Hannibal’s pallet racks featuring its patented TubeRack structural technology, but a complete line of hybrid; cantilever; pushback; pallet flow, case flow and drive-in systems. Hannibal also works with its master dealers to offer customers engineering and design services like system design, seismic engineering, permit administration, in-house installation and custom fabrication. “It has always been our goal to service dealers that install Hannibal’s R-Mark-certified racking systems in their customers’ facilities,” said Jason Lefave, owner of Baker Industrial Supply. “By incorporating this stock program with Hannibal, we are able to move more quickly to fulfill orders and anticipate the needs of our customers. In addition, dealers can now download their quotes in PDF or Excel formats so they can quickly send them to their end-users.”
Beumer completes modernization and expansion of L.L. Bean Distribution Center
BEUMER Group, an industry provider in the design and manufacture of intralogistics systems, has successfully completed a nine-month modernization project at L.L.Bean’s Freeport, ME distribution center. BEUMER’s ongoing relationship with L.L.Bean includes providing maintenance, IT and operational training and customer service support for the upgraded packing sorter. Outdoor retailer L.L.Bean, best known for its legendary customer service and high-quality gear and apparel that help to further people’s enjoyment of the outdoors, engaged BEUMER for the modernization and expansion project with a goal to increase order capacity and maximize system capabilities and prepare for future growth. “L.L.Bean wanted to maximize their facility rather than expanding into other real estate and other parts of the country,” said Bill Fredrikis, BEUMER Logistics Service Manager. “Through this project they were able to increase their capacity from approximately 18,000 units per hour to nearly 37,000 units per hour.” Installed in the mid-1990s, the existing operating system experienced delays and shutdowns due to operational limitations. BEUMER’s approach centered largely on improving the architecture of the packing sorter’s control system. “We gutted the control system and reconfigured the entire electromechanical layout of the system to provide four virtual sorters built into one,” continued Fredrikis. “We transformed a pre- and secondary sort system into a four-virtual-sorter system with large compartmental chutes.” In addition to greater sort capacity, the upgrade improved the work environment for L.L.Bean operators. New workstations, for example, provide a better view of the packing chutes, allowing operators to quickly observe and handle the packout process quickly and efficiently. “Our transformation over the last few years has really extended the life of this facility. It’s allowed us to, essentially, double the capacity of this facility and do it cost-effectively,” noted Wayne Steele, L.L.Bean Director of Fulfilment & Logistics. As the Maine-based retailer plans for the future, L.L.Bean and BEUMER Group continue to collaborate on future upgrades to maximize sorter system capabilities.