Logistics in pole position at Foodex
Welcome to the 15 March issue of Warehouse Logistics News. We are proud to be Media Partners to Logistics@Foodex, the logistics section of Foodex, the UK show for food processing, packaging and logistics which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from Sunday 25th to Tuesday 27 March. If you’re going, come and see us on stand number M271. Inside this issue you will find a bound-in Logistics@Foodex Preview Supplement, which we have produced for the show, looking at the products and services on offer to help improve operating efficiency and cut costs in the supply chain. In this issue we also have scheduled features on Doors Curtains, which includes industrial doors, curtains and roller-shutters, and Buildings/Facilities, covering main structures and key equipment including temporary structures. Coinciding with the logistics@foodex show and its emphasis on the supply chain side of the food and drink industry, we have an exclusive interview with Dr Robert Perryman of Distribution Hygiene Services, who provide specialist cleaning for retail warehouses and distribution centres. In the grocery sector their impressive client list includes Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Booker, Iceland and Musgrave Group, the major refrigeration companies, and in food logistics, leading 3PLs like NFT and Wincanton. Also in this issue we have the latest episode of our History of The Fork Lift Truck, which has now reached 1977, the year of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and for music fans the year punk rock exploded. Readers going to Foodex will be interested to know it was also the year of the first ever Mechanical Handling Exhibition, which took place at the then brand new NEC. This is the last episode of the History for the time being, as our author James Brindley is now taking a break to complete his book about this subject, which has been his lifelong passion. On behalf of everyone who has been following the series, we’d like to thank James for his superb efforts over the past few years bringing us the history of the fork lift truck, and we look forward to bringing you details of his book in due course. In the meantime James also runs the National Fork Truck Heritage Centre, Britain’s first such collection open to the public, so if you’re in the business and can support him in any way, please get in touch with him. Happy reading, and we look forward to seeing you at the NEC. Warehouse Logistics News Article source: http://www.warehousenews.co.uk/2012/03/logistics-in-pole-position-at-foodex/
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Logistics in pole position at Foodex
Just drive – New Mitsubishi electrics put the focus on ‘driveability’
The single most important factor in increasing the productivity of a forklift truck is ‘driveability’. This principle – proved by over two decades of independent research – has driven product development at Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks for many years. And it’s the driving philosophy behind EDIA EM – the company’s latest 3 and 4 wheel, 48 volt, 1.3 to 2.0 tonne electric counterbalance series. In developing EDIA EM – the ‘Electric Diamond’ – Mitsubishi designers have aimed to make its operation highly intuitive and give the driver a strong sense of confidence and control. Driver-friendly features include FeatherTouch electric steering, which requires only half the effort of a conventional system and provides ‘force feedback’ to aid precision. Comfort is enhanced by the remarkably smooth, quiet steer motor. In fact, the average noise level for the truck as a whole, in a standard industry test, is less than 66 dB(A) for the 3 wheel and 67 dB(A) for the 4 wheel. That’s about the level of normal conversation. Mitsubishi uses the term ‘ErgoCentric’ for its approach to meeting drivers’ needs. This is reflected in, for example, a particularly large, flat and uncluttered floor space and clear all-round visibility, as well as the conveniently deep, wide step and exceptionally large ‘entry window’. The company points to its attention to detail in the design and positioning of each control, such as the hydraulic levers which are said to bring a feeling of precise movement. Buyers can also opt for a fingertip hydraulic control unit, based on the company’s award-winning adjustable armrest concept. In some ways EDIA actually ‘thinks’ for the driver. Having pioneered hydraulic and travel interlock technology in its Integrated Presence System (IPS), Mitsubishi is equipping EDIA with the upgraded IPS2. This prevents all movement if the driver is not seated and gives seat belt and parking brake reminders. For extra security, IPS2 automatically applies an electronic parking brake when the driver leaves the seat. And when the truck is being driven, a hill hold feature prevents accidental rolling – even on steep ramps. The new Controlled Cornering System (CCS) optimises travel speed for each turning angle. EDIA is also fully programmable, allowing performance parameters to be adjusted precisely to meet the needs of each operator and task. Importantly, a range of simple settings can easily be selected by the driver via the new, multi-function, colour display unit. For forklift managers, the most attractive qualities of EDIA will include its low maintenance needs and high energy efficiency. Mitsubishi is also keen to promote its new lateral battery exchange option, which makes the process quicker and safer than ever. With lifting capacities from 1.3 to 2.0 tonnes, market-leading residual capacities, a variety of battery sizes, and compatibility with customers’ existing DIN and BS batteries, there is a model to suit every application and budget. Wet, dirty or salty workplaces are no problem, thanks to wet disc brakes. Designed for outdoor as well as indoor use, EDIA meets the industry’s IPX4 waterproofing standard – resistant not only to wind-blown rain but to water splashing from all directions. Meanwhile, all-weather protection for the driver can be added by fitting VersaCab panel cabins, which feature the company’s award-winning hi-vis roof. Much more information on EDIA EM can be found on the interactive microsite: www.edia-mitsubishi.com Article source: http://www.warehousenews.co.uk/2012/03/just-drive-new-mitsubishi-electrics-put-the-focus-on-driveability/
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Just drive – New Mitsubishi electrics put the focus on ‘driveability’
Con-way Inc. Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results for 2011
ANN ARBOR, Mich. – February 02, 2012 Con-way Inc. (NYSE:CNW) today reported 2011 fourth quarter net income of $23.0 million, or 41 cents per diluted share. The results compare to fourth quarter 2010 net income of $2.4 million, or 4 cents per diluted share. Results for the 2011 fourth quarter included a $10.0 million gain from settlement of a dispute related to the 2007 acquisition of Chic Logistics, while the 2010 fourth quarter included restructuring and other employee separation costs of $1.1 million. On a non-GAAP basis earnings per diluted share were 26 cents in the 2011 fourth quarter compared to 2 cents in last year’s fourth quarter. (Non-GAAP items, including tax-related adjustments for both years, are detailed in the attached reconciliation.) Operating income in the 2011 fourth quarter was $49.9 million compared to $15.8 million earned in the fourth quarter a year ago. Revenue for the 2011 fourth quarter was $1.32 billion, an 8.7 percent increase from last year’s fourth quarter revenue of $1.21 billion. “The fourth quarter’s results capped a year of improvement driven by consistent operating discipline in all of Con-way’s core businesses,” said Douglas W. Stotlar, Con-way’s president and CEO. Con-way Freight, the company’s less-than-truckload (LTL) operation, continued to benefit from stable network volumes and increasing efficiencies. “Con-way Freight turned in another quarter of progress. Yield increased while tonnage in 2011 was up for the first time this year compared to the previous year,” said Stotlar. “Our plan is to build on this momentum in 2012, emphasizing margin expansion and superior customer service.” Menlo Worldwide Logistics, the company’s global logistics and supply chain management operation, brought 2011 to a positive close with a strong fourth quarter performance. “Menlo delivered consistent year-over-year growth in revenue, net revenue and operating income,” Stotlar said. “Our supply chain management company is providing superior value. Its broad portfolio of services, coupled with strategic opportunities for growth in North America and international markets, position Menlo well for 2012.” Con-way Truckload, the company’s full-truckload transportation operation, leveraged gains in operating efficiencies and pricing to record its second highest quarterly operating income of the year. “Higher revenue per loaded mile and increased asset utilization underscored a good quarter,” Stotlar noted. “Con-way Truckload continues to do an excellent job of balancing its network, keeping its fleet fully seated and increasing pricing. With its premium service, and with industry capacity remaining relatively stable, our truckload company is well positioned for margin growth in 2012.” The fourth-quarter tax provision in 2011 was $10.7 million on $33.7 million of income before taxes. In the 2010 fourth quarter, the company recognized an income tax benefit of $1.7 million on $0.7 million of income before taxes. The 2011 fourth quarter includes the gain from the Chic Logistics settlement, for which there was a $1.1 million tax provision. Both years also included discrete tax adjustments and changes to other items that affected the effective tax rate (detailed in the attached reconciliation). Full-Year 2011 Results For the full-year 2011, Con-way reported net income of $88.4 million, or $1.58 per diluted share. This compares to a full-year 2010 net income of $4.0 million, or 7 cents per diluted share. Full-year 2011 results included the $10.0 million gain from the purchase-price settlement related to Chic Logistics and $6.6 million of discrete tax adjustments. The 2010 full year results included $19.2 million of goodwill and intangible-asset impairment charges related to the Chic Logistics acquisition, and $8.9 million of restructuring and other employee separation costs. On a non-GAAP basis, full-year earnings per diluted share were $1.53 in 2011 compared to 47 cents in 2010. Operating income of $207.9 million in 2011 more than doubled from the $78.2 million of operating income in 2010. Revenue for the full-year 2011 was $5.29 billion, a 6.8 percent increase from 2010. In 2011, the company recognized $59.6 million of income tax expense on $148.1 million of income before taxes and, in 2010, the company recognized $12.6 million of income tax expense on $16.6 million of income before taxes. In addition to the no tax deduction on the 2010 impairment charges, both years also included discrete tax adjustments and changes to other items that affected the annual effective tax rate (detailed in the attached reconciliation). Segment results in the fourth quarter for Con-way’s principal operations were as follows: FREIGHT For the fourth quarter of 2011, Con-way Freight reported: Revenue of $796.2 million, an 8.2 percent increase over last year’s fourth-quarter revenue of $736.0 million. Improved yield, including higher fuel surcharge revenue, accounted for revenue growth. Operating income of $19.6 million, compared to $1.8 million earned in the year-ago period. The quarter benefited from improved revenue and efficiency gains. Revenue per hundredweight, or yield, increased 8.3 percent from the previous-year fourth quarter. Excluding the fuel surcharge, yield rose 4.3 percent. Tonnage per day increased 0.8 percent compared to the 2010 fourth quarter. Operating ratio was 97.5 in the 2011 fourth quarter compared to 99.8 in the previous-year period. LOGISTICS For the fourth quarter of 2011, Menlo Worldwide Logistics reported: Revenue of $408.9 million, an increase of 11.4 percent from the prior year fourth-quarter revenue of $367.0 million. The quarter benefited from increased revenue in both warehousing and transportation management services. Net revenue of $157.6 million, a 9.6 percent increase from $143.8 million in the previous year fourth quarter. Operating income of $21.3 million, an increase over last year’s fourth quarter operating income of $6.7 million. The 2011 period includes a $10.0 million gain resulting from the settlement of a purchase-price dispute related to the 2007 acquisition of Chic Logistics. TRUCKLOAD For the fourth quarter of 2011, Con-way Truckload reported: Revenue of $155.6 million, an 8.8 percent increase over last year’s fourth-quarter revenue of $143.0 million, reflecting the positive effects of higher fuel surcharges and improved revenue per loaded mile, which increased 3.4 percent from the previous-year fourth quarter (excluding fuel surcharges). Operating income of $9.5 million, a 31.4 percent increase over operating income of $7.3 million in the previous-year period. The increase in fourth-quarter operating income resulted largely from improved pricing and higher revenue per tractor. Empty miles, at 9.6 percent, were relatively unchanged from the previous-year fourth quarter. Operating ratio exclusive of fuel surcharges was 92.1, compared to 93.8 in the fourth quarter of 2010. CON-WAY OTHER Con-way Other includes the company’s Road Systems, Inc. trailer manufacturing unit as well as other corporate activities. These activities produced an operating loss of $0.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to operating income of $0.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Fourth-quarter comparative results reflect variations in results from re-insurance activities ($5.0 million loss in 2011, compared to $0.4 million of income in 2010) and a $5.1 million gain in 2011 from the sale of excess corporate properties. INVESTOR CONFERENCE CALL Con-way will host a conference call for the investment community tomorrow, Friday, February 3, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (5:30 a.m. Pacific). The call can be accessed by dialing (866) 264-3634 or (706) 643-3632 (for international callers) and is expected to last approximately one hour. The call will also be available through a live internet webcast at www.con-way.com , in the investors section. An audio replay will be available for two weeks following the call by dialing (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406 (for international callers) and using access code 44228776. An Internet replay and podcast of the presentation will also be available at the Con-way site. About Con-way Inc. Con-way Inc. (NYSE:CNW) is a $5.3 billion freight transportation and logistics services company headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich. Con-way delivers industry-leading services through its primary operating companies of Con-way Freight, Con-way Truckload and Menlo Worldwide Logistics. These operating units provide high-performance, day-definite less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload and multimodal freight transportation, as well as logistics, warehousing and supply chain management services. Con-way also operates Road Systems Inc., a trailer refurbishing and manufacturing company which supplies trailing equipment to the company’s trucking fleets. Con-way Inc. and its subsidiaries operate from more than 500 locations across North America and in 20 countries. For more information about Con-way, visit www.con-way.com . FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and should not be relied upon as predictions of future events. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including: any projections of earnings, revenues, weight, yield, volumes, income or other financial or operating items, all statements of the plans, strategies, expectations or objectives of Con-way’s management for future operations or other future items, any statements concerning proposed new products or services, any statements regarding Con-way’s estimated future contributions to pension plans, any statements as to the adequacy of reserves, any statements regarding the outcome of any legal and other claims and proceedings that may be brought against Con-way, any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, any statements regarding strategic acquisitions, any statements of estimates or belief, and any statements or assumptions underlying the foregoing. Specific factors that could cause actual results and other matters to differ materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements include: changes in general business and economic conditions, increasing competition and pricing pressure, the creditworthiness of Con-way’s customers and their ability to pay for services rendered, changes in fuel prices or fuel surcharges, the possibility that Con-way may, from time to time, be required to record impairment charges for goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets, the possibility of defaults under Con-way’s revolving credit agreement and other debt instruments (including without limitation defaults resulting from unusual charges), uncertainty in the credit markets, including the effect on Con-way’s ability to refinance indebtedness as and when it becomes due, labor matters, enforcement of and changes in governmental regulations or legislation which potentially could result in an adverse impact on the company, environmental and tax matters, and matters relating to Con-way’s defined benefit pension plans, including the effect on the plans of changes in discount rates and in the value of plan assets. The factors included herein and in Item 1A of Con-way’s 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission could cause actual results and other matters to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. As a result, no assurance can be given as to future financial condition, cash flows, or results of operations. Any forward-looking statements speak as of the date of February 2, 2012, and are subject to change. Con-way does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. 4th Quarter 2011 Statements of Operating Results 4th Quarter 2011 Condensed Balance Sheet Investor: Patrick Fossenier 1+ 734-757-1557 News Media: Gary Frantz 1+ 734-757-1558 Share Tagged as: 3PL , Con-way , Distribution , Freight , Logistics , LTL , Menlo Worldwide Logistics , Multimodal , Supply Chain , Transportation , Trucking , Truckload , Warehousing Article source: http://www.logisticsmatter.com/2012/02/03/con-way-inc-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-results-for-2011/
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Con-way Inc. Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results for 2011
Comprehensive Mobile Yardramp Training underlines Thorworld’s commitment to customer service
Leading high quality loading and unloading equipment specialist Thorworld Industries’ commitment to customer service has been enhanced with the launch of its Mobile Yardramp Training programme, designed to train customers in the safe and efficient use of Thorworld ramps. Although not a legal requirement, the course has been developed to help employers meet their requirement under the Management of Health Safety at Work Regulations 1999. This stipulates that “every employer shall ensure that his employees are provided with adequate health and safety training.” Carried out on-site for up to 10 employees at any one time, the fixed-price course introduces those attending to the safe and efficient use of the loading ramp in a way that is thorough yet easily understood. “The course explains the major parts and functions of the specific ramp used by the customer,” explains Thorworld Industries managing director John Meale. “It covers in detail the safe working procedures in the operation of the ramp and highlights potential dangers if used incorrectly. “From raising and lowering, to connecting to a trailer, good yardramp practice involves procedures that some people may perhaps find daunting, but which are easy to master with clear guidance. Our thorough course, including all appropriate pre- and post-use checks, ensures a smooth, efficient and above all safe process for all yardramp users,” he adds. The course comprises a sit-down classroom theory and a practical session, with successful training then tested by a short examination. Every course is run by an experienced Thorworld engineer, each of whom have themselves successfully completed an independent Train-The-Trainer course. Thorworld is SAFEcontractor approved, giving a guaranteed level of safety while on-site. Under the independent SAFEcontractor scheme, businesses undergo a vetting process which examines their health and safety procedures and track record for safe practice, with only those companies that meet the very highest standards are accepted into the scheme. The Mobile Yardramp Training programme is available regardless of whether the customer has purchased a Thorworld yardramp or hired one via the company’s popular RentARamp® division. “Whether a yardramp is being used to support a short-term contract or temporary project, or is set to be an on-site mainstay for years to come, our Mobile Yardramp Training Programme offers essential peace of mind in undertaking vehicle or container loading and unloading operations,” concludes John Meale. Thorworld container loading ramps are specifically designed to provide fast, efficient and safe loading and unloading of vehicles and containers by forklift truck, particularly where there is no dedicated, raised loading bay area. The company offers the most comprehensive selection of ramps from 6,000kg to 15,000kg capacities – available for purchase or rental on a sale or return basis – with an overall product offering comprising three specific ranges, including Super Deluxe, Deluxe and Standard (heavy, medium and light duty) models. All Thorworld ramps are CE marked and fully conform to the latest UK and European quality and safety standards and legislation. Bespoke models can also be supplied to meet the needs of individual customers. Thorworld Industries Ltd Tel: 01246 260981 Email: info@thorworld.co.uk www.thorworld.co.uk Article source: http://www.warehousenews.co.uk/2011/10/comprehensive-mobile-yardramp-training-underlines-thorworlds-commitment-to-customer-service/
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Comprehensive Mobile Yardramp Training underlines Thorworld’s commitment to customer service
Snowex utility spreaders
With winter staring us in the face, and with the weather forecasters already predicting the first snow falls later this month, many people are going into panic mode when they realise that they haven’t yet finalised their purchases of salt spreading equipment for this coming season. Knowing that the big freeze will not wait for them, there is now a mad rush to source the necessary equipment for the job on hand, which will actually work effectively on the typical wet rock salt which is traditionally used on the UK roads. Broadwood International are pleased to publicise the new SnowEx SP1575 Utility Spreader which is proving hugely popular with the council, the contractor and other organisations who require an economically priced machine which will not only cope with free flowing material but also wet rock salt. A Snowex SP-1575 is a compact 163 litre capacity spreader featuring a heavy duty poly hopper to eliminate corrosion, an auger to provide consistent feeding of the most awkward material, a vibrator to keep the material flowing in the hopper, and a convenient in-cab controller allowing infinite variation of spread width and application rate. A variety of mount options are available depending on whether it is to be mounted onto a commercial vehicle i.e. pickup truck or van etc, a forklift in an industrial application, on a tractor, or even mounted on trailer unit behind an ATV or Utility vehicle. The Snowex SP1575 is one in a whole line up of professional salt spreaders from pedestrian machines through to the massive 3200 litre truck mounted units. All vehicle mounted machines are powered from the 12volt power supply and packed with user friendly features, and there is a SnowEx spreader for every application from the private estate owner, the school, the hospital through to the local authority, the contractor – indeed anyone who is requiring a reliable professional machine to give a trouble free service life during those cold winter months ahead. Broadwood International Tel: 01420 478111 Article source: http://www.warehousenews.co.uk/2011/10/snowex-utility-spreaders/
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Snowex utility spreaders
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