Leading consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies and retailers are responding to the speed of the digital consumer and balancing operational quality with innovation to connect to them. This according to a new report titled Growth Strategies: Unlocking the Power of the Consumer by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and PwC US.

Top-performing companies are finding success by identifying their consumers, engaging with them and focusing on innovation that directly reach their customers. The report explores how digital and social media, accelerated mobile adoption and a direct-to-consumer approach are rewriting the rules of retailing and CPG manufacturing.

“This report shows that in the midst of a challenging economy, the food, beverage and consumer products industry continues to show great resiliency,” said Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of the Grocery Manufacturers Association. “By providing consumers with innovative products and convenient, cutting-edge shopping experiences, CPG companies are well positioned to enhance consumer loyalty and profitability.”

“CPG companies that engage with consumers directly through digital channels and build out their direct-to-consumer processes will have the best advantage for creating new growth,” said Steven Barr, PwC’s US leader, retail and consumer industry. “Fifty-two percent of U.S. consumers are already buying directly online from brands they trust, proving that CPG companies now have far greater opportunities to walk alongside their shoppers in real time while driving sales of existing and new products.”

In 2013, more than 40 percent of CPG companies expect to sell products directly to consumers, up from 24 percent in 2012. According to the report, direct-to-consumer is a potent vehicle for testing new products and reaching out to new consumers faster and more effectively than ever before, making the retail store aisle no longer the last mile in the purchase journey. Flexibility is essential, as companies need to manage a new set of risks and security concerns.

“Consumers today share much more readily with each other and with companies than in the past,” says Bert Alfonso, President, International, for The Hershey Company. “Their input tends to be about your product’s characteristics and about what they like and don’t like. We see it in North America, China, Brazil, and in other markets that have a high penetration of both mobile and Internet usage. And that’s a rich body of information for companies, which is much more spontaneous and actionable than what you would have had in the past.”

“Both the U.S. and global economies are marginally stronger than they were last year, and the continued slow recovery has led to correspondingly modest growth for the CPG industry,” added Lisa Feigen Dugal, PwC’s North American advisory leader, retail and consumer industry. “To drive profitability, providing consumers with the core product may not be enough. Today’s consumers want solutions, they want experiences and value. CPG’s and retailers can address this emergence through social media, innovation and direct-to-consumer channels, which will help them understand the wants, needs and values of their consumers.”

Among the key findings of the report:

• Total retail sales reached $1.1 trillion in 2012: $568 billion at grocery stores and $530 billion at food service and drinking establishments.
• While net sales had been slowly going up since the recession, both top- and bottom-performing CPG companies experienced a slowdown in net sales growth in 2012.
• Bottom performers are starting to hold onto their cash, which means they could be ready to start making more investments in research and development (R&D) and marketing to launch new products.
• Many companies are embracing the need for product innovation as well as understanding consumer and market needs as part of their R&D activities.
• One of the key issues faced by food manufacturers during 2012 was the continued rise of commodity prices as there is a growing gap between prices companies pay for raw materials and the prices they can charge for finished goods.
• The food sector benefited from higher sales per employee while remaining flat on inventory turnover and cash conversion cycle, while the beverage sector also posted a strong performance, with return on sales continuing a steady upward pace. The household products sector experienced better results in 2012, with also a greater increase on return on sales.
• Despite the overall slowing of net sales growth rates in 2012, food, beverage and household products companies experienced positive net sales growth of 7.0 percent, 5.5 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively.

The report further delves into how companies can gain greater understanding of their customers, as it highlights best-practices for developing loyalists, determining appropriate social media channels that align with business goals, along with successfully identifying target segments within their organization. The report includes recommendations on how companies can improve existing internal organizational design, talent management and how to best utilize partnerships to build quality relationships with consumers.

Click here to view the full report.

Maersk Line, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. and CMA CGM have agreed to establish a long-term operational alliance on East – West trades, called the P3 Network. The aim is to improve and optimize operations and service offerings.

The P3 Network will operate a capacity of 2.6 million TEU (initially 255 vessels on 29 loops) on three trade lanes: Asia – Europe, Trans-Pacific and Trans-Atlantic.

• The P3 Network will based on existing capacities of each member, initially operate a capacity of 2.6 million TEU (255 vessels)
• Maersk Line will contribute with approximately 42% of the capacity (including the new Triple-E ships), of about 1.1 million TEU. Maersk Line will continue to offer the Daily Maersk product to those customers requesting it.
• MSC will contribute with approximately 34% of the capacity, of about 0.9 million TEU of capacity.
• CMA CGM will contribute with approximately 24% of the capacity equaling 0.6 million TEU.
• Vessels contributed to the P3 Network will continue to be owned and/or chartered by the lines.

While the P3 Network vessels will be operated independently by a joint vessel operating center, the three lines will continue to have fully independent sales, marketing and customer service functions.

The goal of the P3 Network is to provide customers with more stable, frequent and flexible services. Each of the lines will offer more weekly sailings in their combined network than they do individually. As an example, the P3 Network plans to offer 8 weekly sailings between Asia and Northern Europe. In addition the P3 Network will offer more direct ports of call.

Declining volume growth and over-capacity in recent years have underlined the need to improve operations and efficiency in the industry. This has prompted the creation of other operational alliances such as G6 and CKYH. Using the P3 Network the lines expect to be able improve their efficiency through better utilization of vessel capacity. The network is expected to reduce the disruptions for customers caused by canceled sailings. To provide customers with a consistent service offering across the network, the lines will establish an independent joint vessel operating center.

The lines intend to start operations in the 2nd quarter of 2014, but the starting date will be subject to obtaining the approval of relevant competition and other regulatory authorities. Finalization and signing of the contracts is planned for the 4th quarter of this year.

The Georgia Center of Innovation and Logistics has released its June Logistics Market Snapshot. The monthly report provides a quick, real-time look at the facts, figures, rates, and volumes driving the global logistics market. This report complies data from various transportation modes, warehousing and distribution and the economy at large. Below some statistics from the June report:

-- Railroad bulk carload freight in May 2013 rose 2.8% from April 2013. Freight traffic in May rose 0.7%from May 2012. Carloads excluding coal and grain increased 3.6% over the previous year.

-- Intermodal rail traffic in May 2013 was 3% higher than in May 2012 and 1.1% higher than April 2013 totals. Intermodal loadings have experienced year-over-year gains for 42 straight months.

-- The U.S. manufacturing sector declined by $200 million between 2000 and 2010, but the decline has stopped and output is projected to increase by $1 billion between 2010 and 2020. The stabilization and expansion of U.S. manufacturing will have a positive impact on the economy, logistics industries, and on demand for industrial real estate space in the coming decade.

-- The spot market for truckload freight in May rose 3.1%compared to the previous month, and was 9.9% lower year-over-year. Truck capacity fell 0.4%for the month, and was up 24% year-over-year.

-- In the past month, ABF Freight System and UPS Freight announced 5.9% general rate increases, effective May 28 and June 10, respectively. Con-way Freight will raise its LTL rates 5.9% on June 24. On June 10, FedEx Freight announced a 4.5% GRI in non-contract base rates effective July 1. Other large carriers are expected to follow suit over the next several weeks.

-- Global air freight traffic in April increased 1.4%from one year ago, and rose 0.5% from the previous month. North American air freight in April fell 0.1% year-over-year.

-- Import shipment volume, in TEUs, at U.S. ports increased 3% in May from the previous month and fell 2.2% year-over-year. U.S. vessel imports in May increased for the second consecutive month and are the highest since last August. The number of bills of lading, or total shipments, filed with U.S. Customs totaled 786 thousand in May, up 2.5% from April.

-- The Consumer Confidence Index increased to 76.2 in May 2013 from 68.1 in April 2013.

-- Retail and food service sales rose to $421 billion in May, up 0.6% from the previous month, and up 4.3% above May 2012. Non-store retailer sales were up 11.3% from last year.

-- U.S. 3PL market gross revenues increased by 6% in 2012 to $141.8 billion. Domestic transportation management led financial results for 3PL segments in 2012, increasing 9.2%. 3PL revenues are expected to increase 4.7% in 2013 to $148.4 billion.

Click here to view the full report

The Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) is partnering with automotive manufacturing associations representing the states of Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee to assist them in accelerating development of the automotive supply base in the southern United States. The collaboration will drive pervasive access to tools and education for southern automotive companies to become more globally competitive by improving quality and reducing costs.

“Industry forecasts show that automotive production in the South is expected to grow by as much as 85 percent over the next three years, and these associations want to ensure companies in this region have the skills and overall capability to support this growth,” said J. Scot Sharland, executive director of AIAG. “Individual operations are expected to deliver high standards of quality and world-class processes, and this effort is AIAG’s way of helping move the industry forward.”

With the partnership, members of the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA), Georgia Automotive Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and Tennessee Automotive Manufacturers Association (TAMA) can enroll with AIAG and receive a complimentary one-year AIAG membership. A membership in AIAG gives companies the ability to learn and adopt best practices and standards in the areas of corporate responsibility, materials management and quality. The value offered will help companies better meet a multinational corporation’s performance expectations.

An AIAG membership includes:

-- Online tools for self-assessment of quality issues and e-learning to correct them
-- Online tools to assess the knowledge gap and determine where additional training is needed
-- Cost-of-poor-quality calculating tool
-- Materials Management (MMOG/LE) e-learning
-- Global Working Conditions e-learning
-- Chemical Awareness e-learning
-- Significant discounts on AIAG publications and Core Tools documents, training and events

AIAG brings together large and small automotive companies to work collectively and collaboratively to improve industry standards, streamline processes and develop common business practices. Click here to learn more.

The report has tracked and measured all costs associated with moving freight through the U.S. supply chain since 1988. This year's report presents an overview of the economy during the past year, the logistics industry's key trends and total U.S. logistics costs for 2012. It also suggests that the U.S. is no longer in recovery mode, but rather in the "new normal" for the economy and supply chain industry as a whole. The research concludes with a brief overview of industry indicators for the remainder of 2013.

According to the report, transportation costs were up only 3.0 percent in 2012 due to weak and inconsistent shipment volumes and pressure to hold rates. The trucking industry is maintaining a tenuous balance between supply and demand, a balance that will likely be disturbed when the U.S. Department of Transportation's new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours of service regulations go into effect July 1, 2013. The impact of these regulations will be to reduce existing drivers' productivity, leading to a capacity contraction. Truck transportation costs rose only 2.9 percent in 2012; however, expected capacity pressures will push rates up quickly.

Railroad transportation costs rose 4.9 percent, increasing rail revenue per ton-mile 5.3 percent to 3.961 cents. Competitive pressure from trucks in the intermodal market held rates down for this service. Intermodal volume was the second highest on record, while carload traffic declined 3.1 percent.

The inland waterway transportation system was disrupted frequently last year, with river flow problems affecting navigation. The severe drought reduced river levels, which resulted in temporary closures for emergency dredging. An 11 mile stretch of the Mississippi River was closed intermittently in August 2012, causing queues of up to 100 tows at $10,000 per tow per lost day. The shallow draft also resulted in light loading; every inch of lost draft results in thousands of tons of product not being moved. As a result, agricultural shippers reported rate increases of nearly 25 percent.

Historically low interest rates reduced costs for the record levels of inventory that has accumulated throughout the system. Warehousing costs increased 7.6 percent, but were still dwarfed by the 2.6 percent rise in expenses directly related to inventory levels, such as taxes, obsolescence, depreciation and insurance.

"CSCMP's annual 'State of Logistics Report®,' which we present with support from Penske Logistics, contains the information and industry perspectives that will not only enable supply chain leaders to prepare for the business challenges ahead," said Rick Blasgen, CSCMP president and chief executive officer, "but capitalize on opportunities that exist. This report identifies important trends that are impacting the U.S. logistics system, and reveals how logistics and supply chain costs are affecting the greater economy to help executives proactively manage their businesses and their supply chains."

"We are pleased to be supporting CSCMP's important work again," said Penske Logistics President Marc Althen. "This year's report really underscores the competitive advantage a well-managed supply chain can provide shippers. In spite of the 'new normal' business environment, we remain optimistic and see upside growth potential from this economic uncertainty especially for our core dedicated transportation, distribution center management and transportation management solutions. We see more shippers continuing to outsource various elements of their supply chains to logistics providers to further reduce warehousing, trucking and shipping costs while improving service levels."

The "State of Logistics Report®" is available to CSCMP members free of charge, and it's available for purchase for non-members. Click here to learn more.

In a global environment where economic growth in the developed world has slowed, there are major opportunities for manufacturers, retailers and logistics companies lie in emerging markets, according to a new briefing by Transport Intelligence (Ti). Ti, in conjunction with Agility, has researched and tracked Emerging Markets for the last four years, with a view to identifying those markets presenting the biggest opportunities for investors as well as examining the reasons behind their potential.

Emerging markets are far from being a homogeneous group of countries, and operating in this diverse set of markets requires a great deal of flexibility to adapt to the shifting dynamics. Complex patterns of trade are developing as a result of a number of important trends including

-- The rise of an African, South American and Asian Middle Class
-- The unbundling of production processes and the spread of virtual manufacturing networks across regions; not to mention
-- China's investment in Latin America and Africa.

China is still top of investors' priorities
Taking into account market size, the "ease of doing business" with and the development of transportation links, China still tops the rankings. It is followed by India and Brazil. Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are high up the rankings and ahead of Russia. Although Russia is important in terms of size and growth, it falls down on infrastructure links and the difficulties of doing business in a market where legal and security concerns are to the fore. This contrasts with markets such as UAE, Qatar and Oman which are business friendly, stable, highly urbanized and welcoming to Western investors and have risen to positions of predominance as hubs in the Middle East.

Nigeria scores well in terms of "market size and growth attractiveness," but was only 33rd in the overall 2013 Index. Despite enormous potential from a consumer goods perspective and oil and gas resources, Nigeria continues to be held back by political problems, corruption and weak infrastructure.

In terms of transportation connections, the Gulf States do very well, due to their huge investment in sea ports and airports. They have attempted to diversify their economies from oil and gas, and are building on their favorable geographic location as hubs, supplying not only the Middle East, but also parts of Europe, Africa and the India sub-continent.

China is also high up on the list based on transportation connections, just behind the UAE. Its economy's foundations have been laid on its integration with the world's trading networks. Well down the list are the Russia in 19th position, Brazil in 21st and India 27th.

The emergence of the Intra-Asia and Africa markets
When senior level executives operating in emerging markets were asked to rate the trade lanes with the greatest potential. The Intra-Asia and Asia-Africa markets headed the list. Overall, Asian trade lanes dominated – 6 out of the top 8 places involved an Asian origin - with the established lanes to Europe and North America third and fifth respectively. This seems to provide more evidence to suggest the changing emphasis in terms of goods flows. Although European and trans-Pacific flows will not disappear, a range of other trades will develop more quickly.

According to our survey, the trend towards complexity is only going to continue with Western manufacturers and retailers diversifying sourcing locations to a 'China plus' basis (that is, China plus additional countries throughout the region) or to a new low cost market completely. The Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia are just a few of the markets to benefit from 'parallel sourcing' strategies.

The growing power of the Asian consumer
The environment for global manufacturers, retailers and logistics companies is only going to get more complicated, not least due to the growing power of the Asian consumer. According to the Asian Development Bank, by 2030, consumer spending in Asia is likely to reach $32 trillion — or about 43% of worldwide consumption. Multinational companies expect that more than 50% of their revenue growth over the next 10 years will come from developing economies. Asia, it seems, is no longer just an origin – but also a destination.

Supply chain risk
Another challenge identified by respondents was the emergence of supply chain risk onto the business agenda. The risk has always been there of course, but with recent natural disasters in Asia – such as the tsunami and Thai floods – global manufacturers are looking at the issue far more seriously. Now, manufacturers are starting to cost risk into supply chains, whereas traditionally they have looked more narrowly at transport and logistics costs. 90% of respondents rated the issue of supply chain risk as 'highly important' or 'important.'

With so much production located in emerging markets which are more prone to natural disasters and where security and terrorism issues are of greater concern, this issue will increase in relevance to global manufacturers and retailers.

Click here to download a PDF copy of the whitepaper.

Colson Caster, a world leading manufacturer of caster and wheel products, announced today that it has expanded its free online 3D modeling program to include new brake and bearing options.

The online modeling program allows users to easily configure and download any of Colson’s most trusted caster series in their native format and then easily incorporate it into their chosen design software—saving users time and their company money. The new additions add brake and bearing options to some of their most popular series, including: 1-1/4” wide 2 Series product line and the 2” wide 4 Series product line. The complete 1-8 Series of casters are also available to cover any light to heavy duty application.

“The impressive reception from our customers on the online 3D program encouraged us to move quickly to include expanded product offerings,” said Charles Harris, testing and quality manager for Colson Group USA. “Customers quickly and effectively incorporate Colson caster products into their own custom designs using this program. The availability of our entire product inventory, from 1 Series to 8 Series casters makes the process even more valuable for our customers,” added Harris.

Colson’s, interactive, 3D modeling program reduces a process that previously took hours to just minutes. The customer is able to quickly view and identify first-choice caster solutions as well as possible alternate caster options by adjusting product parameters in this program. In turn, customers do not lose time searching for a product that does not fit or exist. Upon selection of the desired caster product, customers can even request a quote. Should a caster design require specifications not found on the 3D modeling program, as always, Colson’s engineering and manufacturing experts are available to custom design a caster to meet any specification.

Expansions to the program include new sizes for the 2 Series Stainless Steel line, as well as an updated Total Lock brake design and new Top Lock Brake in 4 and 6 Series casters. In addition, customers will now find options for a Pedestal Precision Ball Bearing and a newly designed Side Lock brake in all 4 – 6 Series product lines.

Colson’s online 3D modeling program, with the expanded product offering, is available now by clicking on the “Build 3D Model” icon on the www.colsoncaster.com home page, and is offered free to any visitor to the site.

About Colson Caster Corporation
For more than 125 years, Colson Caster Corporation has been providing the world high quality and large selection of premier caster and wheel products. Headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas for over 50 years, and with more than 150,000 square feet of state-of-the-art manufacturing space, Colson is a leader in caster innovation and builds exclusive caster products for all of the world’s markets. The company is the namesake brand for Colson Group USA, which is the world’s largest caster conglomerate. For more information, visit www.colsoncaster.com.

Contact: Laura Bean
870.910.2329
lbean@colsoncaster.com

Hannibal Industries, Inc., a leading storage system manufacturer and provider, announced today that is has created a white paper, “TubeRack: A Revolution in Steel Pallet Storage Rack Systems,” on its revolutionary storage system that is stronger and safer than conventional racking systems.

In earthquake prone areas like California, the Pacific Rim, South America, Japan and Southeast Asia, companies need to invest in storage solutions that will help mitigate the danger associated with seismic activity. While major efforts have been made to improve safety procedures, develop new technologies and implement stricter building codes in the U.S., there still remains a strong need to shore up earthquake resistance of a building’s contents which can be displaced if the proper material handling solutions are not in place.

The TubeRack System’s dual-moment frame allows flexibility both front-to-back and side-to-side giving it the ability to withstand impacts and seismic events more safely with a company’s product design. Its horizontal-bolt-together modular design handles more capacity with less steel in many instances, while reducing the stress on the slab. This all-new modular design also allows for future flexibility and lower freight costs.

You may download and read the white paper in its entirety here: http://hannibalrack.com/PDF/TubeRack_White_Paper_Layout_FINAL.pdf. For additional information on TubeRack and Hannibal Industries complete product line visit www.hannibalrack.com.

About Hannibal Industries, Inc.:
Hannibal Industries, Inc., headquartered in the Los Angeles metro area, is a tube and storage system manufacturer with a diverse product line that enables the company to provide turnkey storage systems to the most massive operations in the world. This employee-owned company is the largest U.S. manufacturer of steel pallet rack west of the Mississippi River.

The company’s industry leading product offering includes Structural Pallet Rack, Roll-Formed Selective Pallet Rack, Hybrid Systems, Cantilever Systems, Pushback Systems, Pallet Flow Systems, Case Flow Systems and Drive-In Systems. Engineering and design services offered by the company include: system design; seismic engineering; permit administration; in-house installation and custom fabrication. A true innovator, Hannibal Industries was awarded a patent in 2006 for a pallet rack system adjustable safety restraint, and currently has a patent pending for its TubeRack. For additional information, visit www.hannibalrack.com.

For more information, contact:
Hannibal Industries Media Relations/
Master Plan Communications, Inc.
Ashton Maxfield
949.289.6493
ashton@masterplanpr.com
or
Deborah Choi
714.310.9651
deborah@masterplanpr.com

Seegrid Corporation, the leading manufacturer of vision-guided robotic industrial trucks announced that material handling AGV (automated guided vehicle) expert, John Hayes has been promoted to vice president of U.S. sales and marketing.

According to Anthony Horbal, Chief Executive Officer for Seegrid, “John Hayes joined Seegrid as National Account Manager in 2012 to expand our U.S sales efforts. 2013 has been our strongest year in unit sales and Hayes has greatly contributed to this success. He is most deserving of this recognition.” As vice president of U.S. sales and marketing, Hayes will be responsible for overseeing sales, business development, applications engineering, and marketing services for Seegrid.

“Seegrid is a pioneer and leader in vision-guided robotic industrial trucks and we are poised to make a game-changing global impact on the material handling industry and I am very happy to be a part of this team and my new leadership role within Seegrid. I am confident that my extensive background in material handling automation has greatly impacted Seegrid and I look forward to increasing our sales efforts exponentially over the next several years,” reported John Hayes as the new Vice President of U.S. Sales and Marketing.

About Seegrid
Founded in 2003, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Seegrid Corporation brings robotic vision-guided technology to the material handling industry. With more than thirty years of innovation and research by leading robotic scientists, engineers, programmers and logistics practitioners worldwide, Seegrid’s exclusive Robotic Industrial Trucks are revolutionizing the movement of materials in manufacturing and distribution environments. Seegrid’s technology transforms industrial vehicles into unmanned, automated pallet trucks and tow tractors that operate without the need for wire, tape, laser, magnet or other costly automated guided vehicle (AGV) guidance systems. Seegrid offers solutions that optimize workflow processes by increasing productivity and reducing costs, creating economic and operational advantages. Fast Company magazine named Seegrid as one of the Top 50 World’s Most Innovative Company in 2013 and among the Top 10 World’s Most Innovative Robotics Company in 2013. Follow Seegrid Corporation on Twitter at @Seegrid.

Contacts:
Sales, John Hayes
jhayes@seegrid.com
412-379-4500x 174

Marketing, Amanda Merrell
amerrell@seegrid.com
412-389-4500x 184

SDI Intelligrated, a joint venture in São Paulo, Brazil between Intelligrated® and SDI Group USA announces that it will host three interns from Brazil in the U.S. this summer as part of a scholarship program sponsored by the Brazilian government for the country’s top students. The interns will be hosted in St. Louis and gain experience in engineering.

The students are among approximately 1,500 Brazilian undergraduate students studying in the United States this year through the Brazil Scientific Mobility Program. The government program aims to promote innovation and strengthen science and technology skills in Brazil. Students spend a year in the U.S. studying at universities and working as interns before returning to Brazil to complete their degrees. Scholarship recipients are primarily students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

SDI Intelligrated is hosting these students as interns to help them gain practical experience in their fields, and with a long-term goal of building relationships with students, universities and future leaders in Brazil after the students return to their home country.

“We are pleased to offer these students internship experiences in the U.S. and are interested to see how they apply their experience when they return home,” said Martin Clark, senior director, international operations, Intelligrated.
The Brazil Scientific Mobility undergraduate scholarships program, administered by the Institute of International Education, is part of the Brazilian government's initiative to grant 126,000 scholarships for the best students from Brazil to study abroad at the world’s best universities, with 100,000 scholarships funded by the government of Brazil, and 26,000 funded privately. The program is sponsored by the scholarship foundation of Brazil’s Ministry of Education, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). The Institute of International Education has been working closely with CAPES and with colleges, universities and corporations across the United States, including SDI Intelligrated, to place the students in U.S. study programs and internships that best meet their needs.

“We are pleased to partner with the Government of Brazil and with the U.S. companies and campuses to implement this important program,” said IIE's President and CEO Allan E. Goodman. "At a time when Brazil’s economy is expanding rapidly, and Brazil and the U.S. are forging unprecedented ties in trade, energy and scientific development, we look to higher education as another area where our two countries should seek much stronger cooperation.”

About SDI Intelligrated
SDI Intelligrated is a joint venture between Intelligrated® and SDI Group USA two leading North American-based providers of automated material handling solutions with more than 25 years of combined experience operating in South America. In 2012, the companies united their sales, engineering, project management, customer service and spare parts capabilities under one Brazilian company with operations in Jundai, São Paulo state, Brazil.

SDI Intelligrated offers complete material handling automation solutions including conveyor, sortation, palletizing, software and machine controls. Serving the Brazilian warehousing, distribution, consumer product manufacturing, postal and parcel markets, SDI Intelligrated offers total engineering and integration services to increase efficiency and reduce cost.

For sales and marketing information, please contact Emily Smith, marketing supervisor, Intelligrated, by phone at (513) 881-5239 or by email at emily.smith@intelligrated.com.
For media information, contact Natalie Fioto, public relations, Koroberi, by phone at (919) 945-0566 or by email at natalie@koroberi.com.

For the second time, Food Logistics magazine named Randall Manufacturing as a Top Green Provider. Randall Manufacturing has been recognized by Food Logistics both for committing to sustainable leadership and for investing in innovative, Green products -the pioneering GREEN bulkheads, and now GREEN InsulWall®.

GREEN InsulWall – a modular, energy-efficient curtain wall system - is made from recycled insulation. It has superior R-value coupled with reusability and modularity. GREEN InsulWall meets the growing demand of organizations looking for advanced environmental solutions.

“Building managers, architects, 3PLs, and material handling partners are looking for products, such as GREEN InsulWall, which help reduce the escalating cost of energy and that are environmentally-friendly, said Fred Jevaney, Randall Manufacturing president. Developing products that save landfill waste, conserve energy, and provide our markets with a LEED-contributing product make our organization incredibly proud.”

The company’s commitment to sustainable operations and environmental leadership is reflected in its Positive Impact program. The three driving tenets of Positive Impact are 1) committing to conserve the Earth’s resources; 2) helping fight hunger in our community; and 3) supporting our nation’s workforce by manufacturing in the USA.

To commemorate this important distinction, Randall Manufacturing will be launching on June 24th, a blog series entitled “LEEDing Questions”. “I will be asking a variety of innovative design & build contractors a series of questions about today’s GREEN building trends and the products that they see shaping the future of GREEN buildings,” said Todd Jessup, warehouse Territory Manager at Randall Manufacturing. LEEDing Questions will be featured on the company’s warehouse blog page and social media channels.

To learn more about the GREEN InsulWall visit, www.randallmfg.com/warehouse or call 800-323-7424.

About Randall Manufacturing – Warehouse
For over ten years, Randall Manufacturing has been providing innovative temperature control products to warehouses, facilities and workplaces. With an eye for sustainability, Randall has been the first to utilize recycled materials in its products to meet the growing need for GREEN building materials.

Randall’s flexible, modular curtain wall solutions include GREEN InsulWall®, Randall Industrial Curtain Walls, Randall Noise Curtain Wall and insulated pallet covers. In addition, InsulAir™ provides a recirculatory air solution for warehouse doors.

Contact: Beth Brown
bbrown@randallmfg.com
630-782-0001

Literature for the new Mid-Load UltraStore™ Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) is now available detailing applications and specifications which separates a mid-load ASRS from mini and unit load systems.

A mid-load automated storage and retrieval system focuses on inventory and usage requirements that don’t fit the other two systems. Organizations that have inventory in cases or on pallets or unique profiles, reliable 100% system access, system relocation, quick ROI, fast availability and easy maintenance will often find the mid-load a perfect solution.

The literature details how the mid-load UltraStore ASRS is made in America and provide cost effective operation by using surface mounted track and guide system. This design not only reduces installation time, but allows the system to be easily relocated in the future.

The optional Perfect-Uptime™ system allows the UltraStore mid-load automated storage and retrieval system to be productive even during down times including scheduled maintenance periods. This manual system helps assure that the stored items are accessible at all times for maximum reliability.

The crane immediately moves down the lane while positioning the shuttle to the proper height. The crane stops at the correct position and the shuttle inserts or extracts the stored material and brings it back down to the operator area. Here the item can be moved onto awaiting fork lifts, conveyor system or work station for ergonomic operations.

ISD - Integrated Systems Design is a leading manufacturer and systems consultant, designer and integrator for warehouse, manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, institutions and retail organizations in North America. ISD systems are renowned for their tremendous value, reliability and ease of maintenance. Systems are designed using technologies from the leading material handling manufacturers of the world.

Solutions designed by ISD focus on providing space savings, increased productivity, reduced labor, higher accuracy and system flexibility to change as on operations activities change in the future. Utilizing proven technology and off the shelf components helps provide cost effective solutions requiring minimum maintenance and yielding fast Return on Investments (ROI).

ISD expertise ranges from handling and picking pieces (eaches), cases, pallets, build lines, and special or custom handling solutions. Products and services include: automatic storage and retrieval (ASRS), conveyor, robotics, batch stations, automatic inserters and printers, pick to light, A-frames, horizontal and vertical carousels, vertical lift modules (VLMs), controls, software (including inventory management, WCS, WMS, MES and ERP), application and facility consulting and design, AutoCAD, system simulation, moves, installation and service.

For high resolution images, word documents or more information on how the UltraStore ASRS system please contact Ed Romaine at 215-431-4524, email eromaine@isddd.com or visit our website at www.ISDDD.com. Also ISD has a vast photo and video library available at you and your publication on request. If there is a subject matter, case history or event you wish covered, please call to discuss.

With its release of the study, "Delivering Tomorrow: Logistics 2050", Deutsche Post DHL took a far-reaching look into the future of trade, business and society. The study examines five different scenarios of life in the year 2050. These five visions of the future are based on a detailed analysis of critical factors - including trade and consumption patterns, technological and social trends as well as climate change - and estimate their probable impact on people's behavior and values in 2050.

"The pace of change has rapidly accelerated in recent years," says Frank Appel, CEO of Deutsche Post DHL. "In this complex economic, political and social climate, it has become practically impossible to make linear forecasts. In a world that is becoming harder and harder to predict, we have to expand our horizon and think about alternatives. We can devise robust strategies and set the right course only if we have gained an understanding of different perspectives."

The central finding of the study is a comprehensive collection of five credible visions of the future. They outline how different the world could appear in 2050 in terms of the degree of globalization, the extent of economic and social development, predominant technology standards and environmental conditions.

All future scenarios share one thing in common: the transformed role of logistics
All scenarios share a common element: the broadly transformed role of logistics. Overall demand for logistics services does indeed climb in most of the five alternative scenarios. But the particular requirements placed on logistics providers and the special challenges they face vary widely from scenario to scenario.

Scenario 1, Untamed Economy - Impending Collapse
The world is characterized by unchecked materialism and mass consumption. This non-sustainable way of life is fed by the relentless exploitation of resources, a development that stokes climate change and causes natural disasters to mount. In a world characterized by tumultuous growth, demand for logistics and transport services climbs sharply. A global transportation supergrid ensures a rapid exchange of goods between centers of consumption. But as climate change advances, supply chains are increasingly disrupted, a development causing additional challenges for logistics companies.

Scenario 2: Megaefficiency in megacities
"Megacities" have emerged as the world's power centers. They are both the main drivers and beneficiaries of a paradigm shift toward "green" growth. To overcome the challenges of expanding urban structures, such as congestion and emissions, megacities have become champions of collaboration. Robotics has revolutionized the world of production and services. Consumers have changed their habits: Products are now usually rented, instead of purchased. Highly efficient traffic concepts have relieved congestion. A global supergrid with mega transporters, including trucks, ships and aircraft, as well as space transporters, has opened important trade connections between the megacities of the world. The logistics industry has been entrusted to run city logistics, utilities, and system services for airports, hospitals and shopping malls.

Scenario 3, Customized Lifestyles
This scenario describes a world where individualization and personalized consumption are pervasive. Consumers are empowered to create, design and make their own products. Newly developed 3D printers play a major role here. This leads to a rise in regional trade streams, with only raw materials and data still flowing globally. Customization and regional production are complemented by decentralized energy systems and infrastructure. The implications for logistics include a vastly reduced need for long-distance transportation of finished and semi-finished goods due to the localization of value chains. Logistics providers organize the entire physical value chain. They also handle the encrypted data streams required for the transmission of construction and design blueprints for 3D printers. The decentralized organization of production turns strong regional logistics capabilities and a high-quality last-mile network into important success factors.

Scenario 4, Paralyzing Protectionism
This scenario describes a world where, triggered by economic hardship, excessive nationalism and protectionist barriers, globalization has been reversed. Technological development is lagging. High energy prices and dramatic scarcity of supply lead to international conflicts over resource deposits. Implications for the logistics industry include challenges posed by the decline in world trade and the resulting regionalization of supply chains. Governments view logistics as a strategic industry. As relations between some blocs and countries are extremely strained, logistics providers in bloc-free countries act as intermediaries in international trade brokerage.

Scenario 5, Global Resilience - Local Adaptation
This scenario describes a world initially characterized by a high level of consumption thanks to cheap, automated production. However, due to accelerated climate change, frequent catastrophes disrupt supply chains and lean production structures, resulting in repeated supply failures. The new economic paradigm is distinguished by a shift away from efficiency maximization to vulnerability mitigation and resilience. This radical move toward redundant systems of production and a change from global to regionalized supply chains allow the global economy to better weather troubling times. The resilient world in 2050, with regionalized trade, relies on a logistics sector that ensures supply security as a top priority, with backup infrastructure to guarantee reliable transport in unstable and hazardous times. Instead of complex just-in-time delivery processes, huge warehouse structures located close to the manufacturer are seen as indispensable buffers.

To meet the challenges the future holds, logistics service providers need to test alternative transportation solutions and work continuously to improve supply chain sustainability efficiency. The European Commission has set a 60% greenhouse gas (GHG)-reduction target for transportation by 2050, but achieving even a modest reduction in total GHG emissions will be hugely challenging for the logistics industry. This is mainly because demand for logistics services is expected to rise steeply over the next 40 years.

The Commission proposes a shift from road to rail or water for freight traveling more than 300 kms or 186 miles. This would be a major shift for Europe, even more of a challenge for the U.S. It would potentially involve a move away from just-in-time manufacturing, a reversal of globalization back to localized sourcing, or clustering of manufacturing capacity in low carbon locations.

Only those who systematically prepare can be certain that the future will not only hold challenges and risks, but also opportunities.

Click here to view a video of the five scenarios. Click here to download the full report.

The development of the study was supported by 42 highly respected experts including Klaus Töpfer (former German Environmental Minister and Director of the U.N. Environmental Program), Fatih Birol (Chief Economist of the International Energy Agency) and Michael ten Hompel (Managing Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics), as well as leading representatives of such organizations as the World Economic Forum, the Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung (GfK), the Rocky Mountain Institute, the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and Greenpeace International.

With the appointment of Ben Xia as Interroll’s new Asia Manager, a materials handling expert with an impressive track record has joined the company. At Vanderlande, the 47-year-old from China was responsible for the company’s expansion of materials handling solutions in North Asia. Ben Xia will officially start on July 1st, 2013 and will join the executive management team of the worldwide Interroll Group, headed by CEO Paul Zumbuehl.

In addition to a doctorate in electrical engineering, Ben Xia’s professional career and achievements to date comprehensively match the Interroll Group’s growth strategy. Prior to joining Interroll, Ben Xia was Managing Director for North Asia at Vanderlande. Previously, Ben Xia held management posts in various companies including Shanghai Citel Electronics and Pirelli Asia-Pacific.

At Interroll, Ben Xia will primarily focus on expanding the company’s market position in the segments of airports and distribution centres as well as courier, postal services, pharmaceutical and consumer goods companies by exploiting growth potential in China, North Asia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. Following the opening of the new regional Centre of Excellence in Suzhou near Shanghai in 2011, Interroll expanded its services for customers in Asia on a massive scale. Fast delivery, application engineering and local production and/or assembly of all products ensure that customers worldwide benefit from the key advantages and expertise of Interroll products.

In financial year 2012, Interroll recorded double-digit growth in Asia and growth of 24% in China. Well-known brands such as China Post, Red Bull, Amazon, Nongshim, Shanghai Tobacco and Bangkok Airport are among Interroll’s customers in Asia. The company has also built up a strong reputation as a technological leader in this region.

In 1988, Interroll launched its business activities in the Asian market with the establishment of a representative office in Singapore. The company has continually expanded its market position in Asia since then, with subsidiaries in Thailand, Japan, China and Korea.

Interroll CEO Paul Zumbuehl said, “We welcome Ben Xia here at Interroll and are confident that his experience and contacts in the material flow industry will enable us to increasingly profit from strong growth in our target markets.”

Interroll Profile - Promotional Partner Sauber F1 Team
The Interroll Group is one of the world’s leading specialists within the field of internal logistics. Headquartered in Switzerland, the exchange-listed company employs around 1,500 people at 30 enterprises around the globe. Interroll products are deployed at well-known global brands such as Amazon, Bosch, Coca-Cola, Coop, DHL, FedEx, Peugeot, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Siemens, USPS, Walmart or Yamaha, to name a few. The business focuses on airports, parcel and postal services, distribution centres and food processing facilities. Regional Centres of Excellence and production sites, global expertise, financial stability and a solid brand reputation make Interroll a strong partner for growth and most sought-after employer. Interroll is Promotional Partner of the Sauber F1 Team. With their Swiss headquarters and global operations, both Interroll and Sauber strive for excellence as leading players in a highly competitive landscape. Precision, reliability and speed are their common strategic core values that define their critical success.

Contact:
Paul Zumbühl, CEO
Tel. +41 91 850 25 24
Jens Karolyi, Investor Relations
Tel. +41 91 850 25 69
investor.relations@interroll.com

www.interroll.com
www.interroll.com/ir (Investor Relations and subscription to financial information)
Financial Agenda
Press Release

Press release (PDF)

Interroll Holding AG
P.O. Box 566 - Via Gorelle 3
CH-6592 Sant'Antonino
T +41 (0)91 850 25 25
F +41 (0)91 850 25 05

Investor Relations:
investor.relations@interroll.com

This unique 2”x 6” color coded, reversible magnet, can be used to quickly identify a “stock out” condition when the “Red” side appears. Reverse the magnet to the “Green” side when stock is available. Adheres to any metal surface. Identify the product by applying a self adhesive bar code label or simply by using a wet/dry erase pen. Available in packs of 12 and can be scissor cut to smaller sizes on location.

Aigner has the solution for most any label holder need. Aigner label holders are management tools that prevent problems before they arise. Whatever the initial investment, you’ll receive quick payback in materials, labor, and overall efficiency.

When looking for a Label Holder solution, look to a leader. Look to Aigner!

Contact Aigner Label Holder Corp for further information and a local distributor. 800-242-3919

The Rack Manufacturers Institute, Inc. (RMI) of MHI's “Considerations for the Planning and Use of Industrial Steel Storage Racks – 2012 Edition" is designed to promote the effective purchase and use of storage systems using pallets, pallet racking and mechanical handling equipment in industrial facilities.

These considerations detail the purchase and use of storage systems that are well designed, diligently maintained and used as intended - systems that meet the safety objectives of industrial facilities and avoid injury to persons and property. It provides guidance on the best practices and proper use of industrial steel storage racks for the warehouse or distribution center operator who may not be a specialist in technical matters or in the detail design related to the storage facility.

This publication is for sale in the MHI Bookstore for $25.00. It is offered at no charge to RMI members. Click here to learn more and to order.

RMI is an affiliated trade association of MHI. RMI was formed in 1958 by visionary industry leaders whose mission it remains to advance standards, quality, safety and general fitness for intended use of industrial steel storage rack systems and welded wire rack decking. RMI member companies are concerned, conscientious manufacturers affiliated in an industry association to provide voluntary standards for the design of industrial steel storage rack systems, and to formulate guidelines for the proper use, operation and maintenance of those systems.

MHI is an international trade association that has represented this industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling, logistics and supply chain equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. Member companies come from all areas of material handling and various parts of the world, making MHI a strong national and international representative for the material handling industry. Much of the work of the industry is done within its product-specific sections, councils and affiliates. The association also sponsors trade events, such as ProMat and MODEX, to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate industry professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics.

Contact: For more information on MHI activities and programming contact Carol Miller at 704-676-1190.

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For more information contact:
Tom O’Brien
800-486-0021
sales@ralphs-pugh.com
 

As a North American leader in pallet pooling, PECO Pallet provides a more sustainable shipping platform for grocery and consumer goods manufacturers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. PECO’s sturdy wood block pallets are built from responsibly forested timber and are constantly reused, repaired, and recycled. Shippers who utilize PECO’s pooled pallets can eliminate the waste, inefficiency, and safety problems associated with single-use stringer pallets.

Adrian Potgieter, PECO Pallet’s Senior Vice President of Sales, said, “Sustainability is nothing new at PECO Pallet – our entire company was founded on the basic principle of reusing pallets to reduce waste. We sincerely appreciate the recognition from Inbound Logistics and hope that other companies who want to ‘go green’ will think about switching to ‘red’ as a way of reducing their own carbon footprint.”

This is PECO Pallet’s second year winning the recognition as a G75 Supply Chain Partner. Inbound Logistics’ methodology for selecting 75 Green Supply Chain Partners (G75) considers a company’s involvement in three areas: participation in public-private partnerships, corporate sustainability initiatives, and collaborative customer-driven projects. The editors base their choices on measurable green results, sustainability innovation, continuous improvement, and industry recognition. As Editor Felecia Stratton explained, “The 2013 [G75] honorees are truly ‘walking the walk’ when it comes to commitment to supply chain sustainability.”

About PECO Pallet:
PECO Pallet is a North American leader in pallet rental services and provides millions of its red wood block pallets to major grocery and consumer goods manufacturers throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. PECO Pallet’s tremendous growth over the last decade reflects the company’s overall commitment to exceptional quality and genuine passion for customer service excellence. PECO is headquartered in Irvington, New York and maintains over 550 service centers and manufacturing plants throughout North America. For more information about PECO Pallet, visit www.pecopallet.com.

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For more information please contact:
Adrian Potgieter
914.619.8947
apotgieter@pecopallet.com
 

The U.S. acquisition is another milestone in the long-term strategy of the Interroll group to expand its global leadership role in the material handling and internal logistics key products. With over 60,000 installations, especially in airports, distribution centers and courier and postal services, the curves of Portec have for decades been some of the industry’s leading products.

"The product portfolio of Portec is an excellent complement to our existing range of solutions. The technological expertise Portec has on belt curves for medium and heavy duties will enable us to continue to open up new business areas for our customers worldwide. At the same time, the strong U.S. presence of Portec will facilitate and accelerate our access to the market for other products significantly,” said Paul Zumbühl, Chief Executive Officer of Interroll.

Airport - Curves since 1957
Portec is not only one of the technology leaders, but also one of the most traditional providers of curves. The first product developments trace back to 1957. Since that time the company has developed its product range continuously. In airports, Portec’s solutions are in use especially for baggage handling i.e. in large airports such as Hartsfield Atlanta Airport, Chicago O'Hare Airport, San Francisco International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport. In addition, Portec products are used for goods distribution centers, courier and postal services; FedEx and UPS. In addition to the manufacture and sales of proprietary systems, the company is also successful as a service provider in the replacement parts business in the U.S. as a supplier of high quality belts, which are used in third party logistics systems.

Portec’s HQ is located in Cañon City, Colorado, where around 100 people are employed. Owner of the company is the investment company, Incline Equity Partners, based in Pittsburgh, PA.

Creating additional value together
The acquisition of Portec provides further impetus to the profitable growth Interroll consistently pursued for years. "We have very carefully examined what added value the acquisition of Portec would bring us. Both companies will benefit from this acquisition and have a number of advantages. By integrating into the global distribution network of the Interroll group, the reach of the products Portec manufactures and offers, currently available mainly in the U.S., will significantly improve. At the same time Interroll will be able to offer its customers around the world an even more comprehensive product portfolio in the future. In addition, the existing customers of Portec will now get easy and direct access to more Interroll solutions," said, Interroll’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Zumbühl.

"The integration of Portec in the Interroll group is the best way to consistently take advantage of growth opportunities and continuing our long-term success in a global market," says Marco A. Oropeza, CEO of Portec. "After the integration with Interroll, our customers can continue to have access to our products and services portfolio - while benefiting from a stronger business partner, offering complementary solutions, access to international markets, industry expertise and long-term stability."

Today, the company has approximately 23,000 customers worldwide. For years Interroll pursued a consistent expansion as a technical service provider for internal logistics - this also includes targeted acquisitions. Examples include the acquisitions of SIPA in France (2000) to expand the dynamic storage business, of Axmann (2003) in Sinsheim, Germany and Jeffersonville, IN, United States with their innovative range of sorters, belt curves, roller and belt conveyors; BDL in March 2006, German belt drive manufacturer, acquired to improve the market position in the food industry. Moreover, with the acquisition of Canadian Werner Motor Company Ltd. in February 2007, a supplier of drum motors for driving countertop conveyor belts, Interroll reached a leadership position in the North American market. In Atlanta, Georgia, Interroll is building a Regional Competence Centre to expand its capacity for the production of dynamic storage solutions. With the acquisition of Portec, Interroll will now be able to serve the North American market for belt conveyors even better.

Background: The Interroll Group is one of the world’s leading specialists within the field of internal logistics. Headquartered in Switzerland, the exchange-listed company employs around 1,500 people at 30 enterprises around the globe. Interroll products are deployed at well-known global brands such as Amazon, Bosch, Coca-Cola, Coop, DHL, FedEx, Peugeot, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Siemens, USPS, Walmart and  Yamaha, to name a few. The business focuses on airports, parcel and postal services, distribution centers and food processing facilities. Regional Centers of Excellence and production sites, global expertise, financial stability and a solid brand reputation make Interroll a strong partner for growth and most sought-after employer.

For any questions please contact Mr. Karolyi, Investor Relations, on Thursday, 13th June 2013 between 11:00 and 13:00 CET or Mr. Zumbühl, CEO Interroll Worldwide Group, on Friday, 14th June between 09:00 and 10:30 CET.

Disclaimer: This press release has been made public and sent to subscribers at the same time. Interroll declines any responsibility for delays caused by recipient communication problems. The German version of this release is the authoritative version.

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For more information please contact:
Paul Zumbühl
+41 91 850 25 24

Jens Karolyi
+41 79 725 01 77
investor.relations@interroll.com
www.interroll.com
 

These are the principal findings of a survey by Intermec, which surveyed managers of transport and logistics firms in six countries around the world during April 2013.

“Investing the time to review current processes may seem to be a daunting task, but the benefits show this is more than worthwhile,” said Jeff Sibio, Intermec Industry Marketing Director for Transport and Logistics.

The study finds that 38% of US organizations view operational efficiency as the area of most strategic importance for their business. More than three quarters (77%) of organizations across UK, US, Germany, France, Australia and New Zealand say their customers now demand same-day delivery services, and 92% of companies claim that meeting these expectations is placing significant challenges on their business to adjust.

Most feel that customer demand can best be made through automating key processes in the pick-up and delivery areas, and adopting new technology for drivers such as GPS, mobile and broadband communications. Companies anticipate that by adopting these technologies, the time taken for each pick-up and delivery can be cut by 2.68 and 2.41 minutes respectively1, providing a significant boost to the efficiency of the mobile worker.

Automate to innovate

• The survey respondents believe broadband mobile communications (60%), integrated vehicle telematics (44%) and RFID (38%) offer the most promising return on investment to their organization.
• The efficiency gains from new technology could extend to back office staff as well. The survey respondents report that they are receiving 6,677 calls per day from customers asking for order status updates.
• By providing proactive shipment updates, a process enabled by location-based and mobile technologies, these same companies believe they could eliminate 24% of these calls immediately.
• This equates to 1,602 calls per working day, a time saving that could then be used to better serve a wider range of customers.

The need to re-engineer

• 44% of companies feel that process re-engineering is the most effective means of improving operational efficiency levels.
• Overall, transport and logistics managers feel that a process re-engineering effort can improve efficiency levels by over 13%.
• Yet despite this, over a third (39%) have failed to complete a process re-engineering effort in the last year.
• Of these, nearly three quarters (72%) have not evaluated their existing processes for at least two years.

“Customer expectations in the industry are growing higher each day, putting increasing pressure on mobile workers to meet tighter deadlines,” said Sibio. “Our survey shows that the use of technology not only reduces call and pick up times for workers, it also offers customers the chance to make fewer calls.”

For more information, visit www.intermec.com, or follow us at www.intermec.com/blog.

About Intermec

Intermec Inc. (NYSE:IN) is the workflow performance company. We design the leading data capture and information management solutions at the interface between mobile workers, assets, and customers. For more information about Intermec, visit www.intermec.com or call 800-347-2636.

About the Research

The research sampled 375 transport and logistics managers at organizations of over 500 employees within the UK, France, Germany, USA, Australia and New Zealand. The research was commissioned by Intermec and carried out by research company Vanson Bourne in April 2013.

1 Data shows that each pick-up can be cut by an average of 2.68 minutes, and each delivery reduced by 2.41 minutes on average. This equates to a 29% per cent saving on each delivery, and a 30% saving on each pick up.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130612005253/en/

Source: Intermec Inc.

Waggener Edstrom Worldwide
Traci Hoch, 631-657-3413
thoch@waggeneredstrom.com
www.intermec.com

The study found that supply chain complexity is increasing as the number of suppliers, partners, carriers, customers, countries and logistics channels rise. Given this, top of mind with supply chain executives is the need for improved speed and accuracy. These become cost drivers, and better visibility is necessary to help manage and reduce those costs and improve operational performance.

According to the report, with increased globalization shipments are spending more time in the transportation and logistics pipeline. Visibility to item, shipment and pallet is dependent on universal standardization of product IDs and bar codes.

Key findings of the report include:

• The top 20% best-in-class companies claim to be compliant to GS1 standards
• Users that adhere to GS1 standards are more than twice as likely as others to monitor transportation and logistics activities at the unit and container level
• Shippers and logistics service providers are tightly interconnected and need to speak the same language to enable end-to-end visibility
• Firms are relying increasingly on the use of third party logistics providers as supply chains become more globally connected.

Click here to view the full Aberdeen report.

Data gathered from members of the Industrial Truck Association (ITA) shows an estimated expected growth of 2 to 3 percent for 2013 over 2012 figures, with another 1 to 2 percent increase anticipated in 2014. ITA gathers market intelligence quarterly to help its members depict trends and recognize the changing needs of the industry.

ITA members estimated the 2013 market for forklifts at approximately 179,000 to 184,000 units, compared to 178,904 for 2012. In addition, 89 percent of members expect that in 2013, they will increase overall factory shipments above 2012 levels.

“We’re seeing a promising trend of renewed growth in demand for powered industrial trucks since 2009 to 2010, when the recession greatly impacted our industry,” said Jim Moran of Crown Equipment Corporation and Chairman of ITA. “This steady growth shows some stability returning to the marketplace.”

About half of the companies report they are on track to increase the number of production employees this year above 2012 numbers. According to Moran, good news for the forklift industry is usually good news for the country. He noted that forklift sales often mirror the ups and downs of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

“Our industry’s growth is a strong indicator of growth in the manufacturing sector, and we’re selling a lot of products into the automotive and warehousing industries,” he said. “Our rebound is symbolic of the economy’s rebound. We’re cautiously optimistic.”

For years, Yale Hoists integrated rotating axle tube frame end trucks have been known for their durability and dependability. Their legendary performance has made them the preferred end truck by crane builders for both single and double girder applications. These popular end trucks are available for CMAA Class C and now CMAA Class D service requirements, which includes meeting the bearing life requirement of 10,000 service hours.

The Yale Hoists end trucks are available with 4 wheel sizes, and come loaded with features that make it one of the most easy-to-install and maintain end trucks on the market today.

The new product brochure and technical specifications for the Yale Hoists integrated rotating axle tube frame end trucks may be viewed at www.cmworks.com/Yale- Integrated-Rotating-Axle-Tube-Frame-End-Trucks-Class-C-Class-D

About Columbus McKinnon
Columbus McKinnon is a global leader in the material handling industry, supplying products and systems that efficiently and ergonomically move, lift, position or secure materials. Key products include hoists, cranes, actuators, chain and forged attachments. The Company is focused on commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality provided by its superior design and engineering know-how. Comprehensive information on Columbus McKinnon is available on its web site at http://www.cmworks.com.

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For more information please contact:

Gary Krypel
716-689-5563
cmco.marketing@cmworks.com

“Our involvement with the United Way has continued to grow over the past 10 years, particularly when we started this partnership with ECU Athletics,” said Brett Schemerhorn, Vice President of Marketing for NMHG. “NMHG, in collaboration with the ECU football, basketball and baseball teams, has donated more than $232,000 to the United Way of Pitt County over the past three school years.” 

Jim Cieslar, executive director of United Way of Pitt County, was present to receive the check from NMHG’s John Angster, VP of Human Resources, Americas.

“Our partnership with NMHG and ECU Athletics is an outstanding example of the commitment that NMHG has to the people of Eastern North Carolina,” said Cieslar. “The partnership between United Way and NMHG rests on a mutual commitment to our local community.” 

About United Way
Founded more than 50 years ago, United Way of Pitt County is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization that seeks to advance the common good by focusing on the keys to a good life – education, income, health and neighbors helping neighbors. United Way of Pitt County is a member of the United Way Worldwide, located in Alexandria, Va. United Way Worldwide is an independent, national organization that serves approximately 1,400 other United Ways across the country.

About NMHG
NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc. (NMHG), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (NYSE:HY).  Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. and its subsidiaries, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, employ approximately 5,300 people worldwide.

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For more information please contact:
Ryan Fisher
864-272-3023
ryan.fisher@jacksonmg.com

“Our involvement with the United Way has continued to grow over the past 10 years, particularly when we started this partnership with ECU Athletics,” said Brett Schemerhorn, Vice President of Marketing for NMHG. “NMHG, in collaboration with the ECU football, basketball and baseball teams, has donated more than $232,000 to the United Way of Pitt County over the past three school years.” 

Jim Cieslar, executive director of United Way of Pitt County, was present to receive the check from NMHG’s John Angster, VP of Human Resources, Americas.

“Our partnership with NMHG and ECU Athletics is an outstanding example of the commitment that NMHG has to the people of Eastern North Carolina,” said Cieslar. “The partnership between United Way and NMHG rests on a mutual commitment to our local community.” 

About United Way
Founded more than 50 years ago, United Way of Pitt County is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization that seeks to advance the common good by focusing on the keys to a good life – education, income, health and neighbors helping neighbors. United Way of Pitt County is a member of the United Way Worldwide, located in Alexandria, Va. United Way Worldwide is an independent, national organization that serves approximately 1,400 other United Ways across the country.

About NMHG
NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc. (NMHG), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (NYSE:HY).  Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. and its subsidiaries, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, employ approximately 5,300 people worldwide.

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For more information please contact:
Ryan Fisher
864-272-3023
ryan.fisher@jacksonmg.com

The Lektriever Vertical Carousel from Kardex Remstar can store a wide range of media. Multiple sizes of storage trays are available which can be used for storage of file folders, card media, optical boxes, photos, digital media storage devices, product samples, binders and a vast array of other items. As the unit reaches its maximum capacity, these pullout trays can be utilized in a multitude of ways to help keep materials organized. 

Unlike traditional filing cabinets that remain stationary, these trays can be removed at any time without bending or reaching. All automated storage and retrieval systems from Kardex Remstar work on the "Goods to Person" principle, delivering all stored materials to the golden zone. This is the area between a person's shoulders and waist to eliminate bending, reaching or stooping. Workers can easily lift the tray from the machine and return to their workstation to complete any necessary auditing without hassle.

Individual trays can be removed from the Lektriever Vertical Carousel and brought back to a workers desk for batch processing. In some applications at month end, files need review and media needs to be archived. Allowing for materials to be easily removed and archived not only helps the organization keep things in order, it frees additional space within the carousel for more goods to be stored.

This feature improves daily tasks, by bringing the work directly to the worker. The Lektriever Vertical Carousel pullout trays increase functionality of the machine by increasing storage capacity over time. With business operations constantly changing, the Lektriever Vertical Carousel can change with the business, work flow and overall processes.

Kardex Remstar, LLC, a company of the Kardex Group is a leading provider of automated storage and retrieval systems for manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, offices and institutions. For information about our dynamic storage solutions, call 800-639-5805 or visit www.kardexremstar.com.

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For more information please contact:
Christina Dube
207-591-3168
800-639-5805
Fax 207-854-1610
christina.dube@kardexremstar.com
http://MediaCenter.KardexRemstar.com  
www.KardexRemstar.com
 

This is the sixth year since 2004 that ISD has won an award from TGW.

“Designing systems utilizing such world class material handling equipment from manufacturers like TGW helps provide our customers with quality and reliable manufacturing and distribution systems which help them outperform their competitors and surpass their business objectives, said. Morgott.” He continued, “It’s all about performance and value when we design a distribution, manufacturing or warehouse system for our customers it’s very important that the system design and material handling equipment exceed expectations.”

Integrated Systems Design - ISD is a leading manufacturer, systems consultant, designer and integrator for warehouse, manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, life sciences, institutions and retail organizations in North America. ISD systems are renowned for their tremendous value, reliability and ease of maintenance. Systems are designed using technologies from the leading material handling manufacturers of the world.

Solutions designed by ISD focus on providing space savings, increased productivity, reduced labor, higher accuracy and system flexibility to change as an operation's activities change in the future. Utilizing proven technology and off the shelf components helps provide cost effective solutions requiring minimum maintenance and yielding fast Return on Investments (ROI). 

ISD expertise ranges from handling and picking pieces (eaches), cases, pallets, build lines, and special or custom handling solutions. Products and services include: automatic storage and retrieval (ASRS), conveyor, robotics, batch stations, automatic inserters and printers, pick to light, A-frames, horizontal and vertical carousels, vertical lift modules (VLMs), controls, software (including inventory management, WCS, WMS, MES and ERP), application and facility consulting and design, AutoCAD, system simulation, moves, installation and service.
 
For more information on ISD (Integrated Systems Design), call 248-668-8250 or visit the ISD web site at www.ISDDD.com/

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For more information please contact:
Ed Romaine
215-431-4524
eromaine@isddd.com
 

Collaboration and sharing information with suppliers is essential for the supply chain to function, yet it also creates risk. According to a recent report from the Information Security Forum titled "Securing the Supply Chain," information risk is the least well-managed of of all supply chain risks.

Firms go to great lengths to secure intellectual property and other sensitive information internally, yet when that information is shared across the supply chain, security is only as strong as the weakest link.

“Supply chains are inherently insecure and organizations create unintended information risk when sharing information with their suppliers,” said Michael de Crespigny, Chief Executive Officer, ISF. “There is a “black hole” of undefined supply chain information risk in many organizations – they understand and manage this risk internally but have difficulty identifying and managing this risk across their hundreds or thousands of suppliers."

“When suppliers share your information with their suppliers, the risk is extended further up the supply chain and visibility and control diminish. This aspect of supply chain information risk often goes unseen and unmanaged,” continued de Crespigny. “The key to managing information risk in the supply chain is an information-led, risk-based approach to identify what information is being shared and assess the probability and impact of a compromise”

The report suggests, that to minimize risk, firms should consider the nature of their supply chains, determine what information is shared and assess the probability and impact of potential compromises. Organizations can then address information risk management integrate it into their procurement and vendor management processes.

The Information Security Forum has created the Supply Chain Information Risk Assurance Process (SCIRAP). It focuses on identifying information shared in the supply chain and focusing attention on the contracts that create the highest risk. This provides a scalable way to manage contracts so that efforts are proportionate to the risk. SCIRAP integrates with existing procurement and vendor management processes, providing a mechanism to make supply chain information risk management a part of normal business operation. As a result, organizations will be able to better understand their supply chain information risk, identify the assurance or actions required, and work with procurement or vendor management to manage information risk.

Click here to learn more.

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For more information please contact:
Rachel Verkerke
519-763-3625 x222
Fx: 519-763-2894
rverkerke@pentalift.com  
 

Interroll Profile - Promotional Partner Sauber F1 Team
The Interroll Group is one of the world’s leading specialists within the field of internal logistics. Headquartered in Switzerland, the exchange-listed company employs around 1,500 people at 30 enterprises around the globe. Interroll products are deployed at well-known global brands such as Amazon, Bosch, Coca-Cola, Coop, DHL, FedEx, Peugeot, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Siemens, USPS, Walmart or Yamaha, to name a few. The business focuses on airports, parcel and postal services, distribution centres and food processing facilities. Regional Centres of Excellence and production sites, global expertise, financial stability and a solid brand reputation make Interroll a strong partner for growth and most sought-after employer. Interroll is Promotional Partner of the Sauber F1 Team. With their Swiss headquarters and global operations, both Interroll and Sauber strive for excellence as leading players in a highly competitive landscape. Precision, reliability and speed are their common strategic core values that define their critical success.

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For more information please contact:
Paul Zumbühl
+41 91 850 25 24

Jens Karolyi
+41 91 850 25 69
investor.relations@interroll.com