Clark Materials Handling’s electric forklifts help ensure emission-free logistics at a door and gate factory in Germany.

In Großzöberitz, Saxony-Anhalt, door and gate manufacturer Teckentrup produces steel doors and frames on one of Europe’s longest production lines. Around 1,500 to 2,000 doors roll off the production line every week. This requires a logistical masterpiece every single day. A total of 30 Clark electric forklifts, which prove their worth in all areas of the factory, make a significant contribution to this. The Clark fleet is a prime example of how emission-free, low-maintenance handling can be successfully implemented in industrial door production.

Teckentrup GmbH & Co. KG, headquartered in Westphalia and with production facilities in Saxony-Anhalt, is one of the largest manufacturers of doors and gates in Europe. As an expert in customised door and gate solutions, Teckentrup offers high-quality, customer-focused products in the home (garage doors), professional (functional doors) and industrial (industrial doors) sectors. The company works with its partners to develop tailor-made solutions and enjoys both national and international success.

Industrial customers

Teckentrup currently has a high vertical range of manufacture of 90 per cent. With around 900 employees and a network of European subsidiaries and partners, the company has extensive market knowledge and develops doors that are precisely tailored to country-specific requirements. The focus is on the development and production of high-quality industrial doors and functional sheet steel doors, which are specially manufactured for use in fire, sound, burglary and smoke protection. Requirements have increased significantly in recent years due to stricter regulations and an increased need for security.

“As a medium-sized, owner-managed company, we are flexible, provide individual customer service and meet high requirements,” explains Peter Handrich, Head of Supply Chain Management at Teckentrup in Großzöberitz. “We are the market leader in terms of approval depth and technical specifications, especially when it comes to safety issues such as fire protection or special constructions.”

Digitalisation plays an important role in accelerating and streamlining work processes. “Teckentrup is driving forward digital solutions in all areas of the company, with a focus on sales and production,” explains Handrich. “Our online configurator TEO, for example, allows doors and gates to be configured quickly and in a user-friendly manner in accordance with standards, and construction projects to be planned efficiently,” he adds. “A new import function makes it possible to read, analyse and process service specifications at the touch of a button.”

High demands on functional doors

In Zörbig Teckentrup operates a factory built in 1990 and continuously modernised and expanded to produce steel doors – in particular fire doors, tubular frame doors, roller shutters and frames. “Here, industrial doors are manufactured largely automatically in two shifts,” explains Handrich. “Due to rising production figures of around 100,000 doors and 5,000 roller shutters per year, the capacity in the powder coating area at the Großzöberitz plant was expanded in 2023 with a new system and the manufacturing processes were restructured.”

Teckentrup is currently planning two new production lines for frames and a new mat hall for the manufacture of fire doors. Sustainability plays a major role: the roof of the production hall in Großzöberitz is equipped with a PV system with a total capacity of 1000 kWp for generating the company’s own electricity. When the decision was made to purchase new industrial trucks, it was clear that only environmentally friendly electric forklifts would be considered.

Sustainability and safety in the truck fleet

“We tested several competing vehicles, but I liked Clark’s ‘green’ one best and it won us over – not because of the colour,” laughs Handrich, “but because of its good performance data and high user-friendliness.” The close cooperation with Clark’s partner P&H Gabelstapler und Baumaschinen was also a decisive factor. “P&H had already provided us with good advice and support with the Clark gas forklifts,” says Handrich. Marcel Krämer, Head of Maintenance, can only agree: “The Clark forklifts and P&H have become indispensable in our factory.”

Currently, 30 Clark electric forklifts are in use in Großzöberitz – including 27 GEX 20-30 electric forklifts with a load capacity of 2 and 3 tonnes and one GEX 50 electric forklift with a load capacity of 5 tonnes and a special triplex mast with a lifting height of 8.50 metres. The vehicle is mainly used for maintenance work, for example on the PV system. Two new Clark SE20 (48 volt) and SE30 (80 volt) electric forklifts were recently purchased. With a load capacity of 2 and 3 tonnes, these forklifts offer the perfect combination of ergonomics, safety and high handling performance. The compact forklifts are very manoeuvrable and ideal for indoor and outdoor use. With a steering angle of 101° (zero steer turn axle), they prove particularly useful in narrow aisles or space-critical work areas, as they can turn almost on the spot.

Occupational health and safety are high priorities at Teckentrup. Management also listens to its employees. “Our forklift drivers should feel comfortable on their forklifts, because good ergonomics increase productivity,” says Peter Handrich. It was therefore important that the electric forklifts had an ergonomic driver’s seat and intuitive controls. Restraint systems from IWS provide additional safety. The IWS ‘Pilot Protector’ restraint system consists of gas-pressure-sprung swing doors that protect the driver in the event of the vehicle tipping over sideways.

Lead-acid instead of lithium-ion batteries

All Clark electric forklifts are equipped with lead-acid batteries. Teckentrup made a conscious decision against lithium-ion technology. “The use of Li-ion batteries is not cost-effective in our factory,” explains Krämer. “We have the time to charge batteries because our logistics operate on a single shift basis.” The site uses high-frequency charging technology so that vehicles are quickly ready for use when needed. “We have the space for the charging infrastructure. Lead-acid batteries have a long service life – often well over ten years – even with around 1,000 operating hours per year in single-shift operation,” adds Krämer.

Tailored to the task

Clark forklifts are used in all areas of the plant, from goods receipt and dispatch to truck loading and unloading. They distribute goods within the plant and supply the production lines with materials. Raw materials are delivered on coils or pallets and transported to the relevant consumption points. Larger coils are moved by crane; smaller coils and palletised goods are transported to their destination by forklift. The hydraulic fork adjustment ensures that the forks of the forklift can be adjusted from pallet to coil transport.

The material for current production is kept ready to hand at the workstations. Clark forklifts also ensure that supplies are replenished. The lead time from ordering a door solution to delivery is approximately 4-5 weeks for standard solutions. The finished doors are stored in a cantilever trolley in the warehouse or transported by forklift to the shipping department, where they are packaged. The forklifts responsible for picking the goods are equipped with a tablet so that picking can be carried out paperless via the merchandise management system.

“Our goal at our plant in Großzöberitz is to make industrial door and gate production as efficient and sustainable as possible – from resource-saving production and in-house power generation to emission-free and smooth logistics processes. Our partner Clark also makes an important contribution to this,” concludes Handrich.

Peter MacLeod spoke with Tatsuya Akashi, President of Itoh Denki Europe, to hear how his company meets the high demand placed on conveyors and rollers by the modern warehouse.

The intralogistics sector has faced its share of challenges in recent years, 2025 being no exception. Tatsuya Akashi, President of Itoh Denki Europe, described it as “a quite tough year for the industry. We had very sluggish market investment because of France had a problem with the government, and Germany was not doing so well due to energy issues. Overall, it was a tough year.”

Even the UK, he noted, had seen economic efficiency fall, with major Japanese companies relocating their European headquarters to the continent rather than remaining in England. Yet amidst the difficulties, Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, Czechia, and Hungary, had experienced a manufacturing boom. “Poland and some of the Eastern Europe has boomed a lot, kind of becoming the centre of manufacturing of Europe,” he told me. Akashi highlighted that, despite these challenges, Itoh Denki Europe had experienced growth.

“Luckily, we gained back quite a lot of large projects, and we did above 10%… all the other surrounding companies said ‘You’re so lucky that you have 10% growth!’ Industry was pretty bad.”

A major focus for the company is helping customers increase their profitability. Akashi explained: “First of all, increase the value for money for our products. There are a lot of very cheap Chinese brands of motor rollers coming in. But when we look at durability, and also how we are increasing our speed or torque or other specifications, we are selling a much higher quality product at the same price.” He added that the company’s modules, such as the Multi Angle Ball Sorter, had become a driving force in Europe. “Instead of spending huge money on a cross-belt sorter or slidechute sorter, they can make a very simple sorter based on our MABS module… the cost is around half or one-third of having a huge cross-belt sorter,” he said. Maintenance is simple and quick, often just five minutes of downtime, which delivers clear benefits to both integrators and end users.

Competing with Cheap Imports

Local presence and service are equally important in competing with cheaper imports. “In the case of MDR or a slave roller, the cost itself is just around €10 euro. If you buy from China, maybe it’s €7, but then if you have a shortage and have to bring it by air shipment, it costs €50. So with something very cheap and heavy, you shouldn’t do it in China. You should do it somewhere close to Europe,” Akashi explained. Quick delivery, he said, ensures that downtime is eliminated and operations remain smooth. One example he gave was a leading global e-tailer (yes, THAT one!) where a cheaper solution would have caused nearly two days of conveyor stoppage, equating to potential losses of around €2 million. “If they were using ours, they could come back on in 10 minutes,” he said.

Artificial intelligence is also being integrated into Itoh Denki’s operations. “When we design some control software nowadays, we partly use AI… when we want to do preventive maintenance or control the box moving style… we could use AI to better control our programme and make the programme faster,” Akashi said. While AI is currently an enhancer of automation, he sees substantial future potential as more end users shift from manual work to automated solutions.

Carbon Reduction

Sustainability is another priority. Akashi stressed the company’s strength in enabling carbon reduction, not only through more energy-efficient products but by optimising operations. “If they use our motorised roller, because we do the run-on-demand, it means… only three blocks are moving out of 100. Thanks to this run-on-demand technology, you can save up to 60% electricity… using Itoh Denki product, which is the enabler of the final carbon footprint. Here we are very strong pride in our company,” he said.

Akashi (pictured, below) also discussed the heritage of Japanese engineering. “One thing I can say is in the B2B area, especially if it is… common motor, there’s a lot of okay-level cheap Chinese motors. But we are making a dedicated motor for this industry, which is high torque but low speed… Japan is absolutely number one,” he said.

Looking ahead, the company continues to focus on innovation and customer engagement. Its Amsterdam technology centre allows northern European clients to test products with their own totes. Customisation is fast, with minor adjustments taking just two weeks. Akashi also highlighted new developments to be showcased at LogiMAT, including the flexible noise-arrest roller, which can carry smaller products and reduce maintenance demands.

Reflecting on success, Akashi summarised the company’s philosophy:

“We become smiling when our good technology is adopted and contribute to society. It means a big satisfaction of the end user, our OEM partners, but also we can make our business grow and certain level of high profitability can be kept.”

Milan Linate Airport is one of the most important airports in Italy for private aviation and luxury charter flights. Located only a few kilometers from the center of Milan, it represents a preferred choice for businessmen, managers and international travelers who want to reach the city quickly and with maximum comfort. Thanks to its strategic location and dedicated infrastructure for executive aviation, Milan Linate is now one of the most used airports for private jet charters in Northern Italy.

Milan Linate: a strategic airport for private aviation

One of the main advantages of Milan Linate is its location. The airport is about 7 kilometers from the city center, allowing quick access to financial districts, luxury hotels, and major business centers.

This is a great advantage for business travelers who need to maximize their travel time.

Reasons why many passengers choose this airport for charter flights include:

• very short distance from the city center

• quick access to business areas in Milan

• services dedicated to private aviation

• fast and confidential boarding procedures

For these reasons Linate is often used by entrepreneurs, business executives, and entertainment personalities. However, it is important to note that Milan Linate is not an airport dedicated exclusively to private jets. In fact, the airport hosts both scheduled commercial flights and general aviation and business aviation traffic. Airlines connect Milan with many Italian and European cities, while private jets use the same airport thanks to dedicated infrastructure.

The Milan Prime Linate terminal for private jets.

An exclusive terminal dedicated to private aviation operated by SEA Prime operates within Milan Linate Airport.

The facility, known as Milan Prime Linate, is one of Europe’s leading business aviation terminals and offers dedicated services for private jet passengers. Here check-in, security and boarding operations take place in a separate environment from the commercial flight terminal, providing greater privacy and much reduced waiting times.

Available services include VIP lounges, meeting rooms, concierge assistance, personalized catering, and luxury car transfers directly from the plane. Thanks to this infrastructure, Milan Linate has become one of the most popular airports in Italy for charter flights and private jets bound for major European destinations.

The operational limitations of Milan Linate airport.

An important aspect to consider if choosing Milan Linate Airport concerns the airport’s operational limitations.

The length of the runway at Linate airport is perfect for small and medium-sized private jets, but can be more limiting for some large jets used on very long intercontinental routes. Despite this, Linate remains one of the most efficient airports for European charter flights.

Airport runways and the operation of private jets.

Linate has two runways:

• 18L/36R main runway, approximately 2,440 meters long

• Secondary runway 18R/36L, about 600 meters long, used mainly by lighter aircraft

The main runway is used by both commercial flights and private jets. Therefore, there are no separate runways dedicated exclusively to business jets. The length of the main runway allows the operation of most private jets used for European flights.

How to charter a private jet to Milan Linate

Thanks to privatejetfinder.com chartering a private jet flight to or from Milan Linate Airport is now easier than ever before.

The first step is to request a customized quote indicating some key elements of the trip, including:

Based on this information, it is possible to identify the most suitable aircraft, choosing from different categories of business jets, from light models ideal for European flights to higher category aircraft for longer routes.

Thanks to the presence of the executive terminal operated by SEA Prime, passengers arriving or departing from Milan Linate can enjoy an exclusive travel experience with fast procedures and dedicated VIP services.

Renting a private jet on privatejetfinder.com in fact allows you to travel with maximum flexibility, comfort and privacy, avoiding the long waits typical of commercial flights and quickly reaching Italy’s economic capital.

For this reason, Milan Linate Airport continues to be a favorite choice for businesspeople, managers and international travelers who wish to reach Milan on a high-end charter flight.

Following the successful software migration of an automated high-bay pallet warehouse and manual warehouses, Klinkhammer Intralogistics has been awarded the contract to connect an additional warehouse location of Otto Lehmann GmbH to its Warehouse Management System (WMS). This involves connecting a manual pallet block storage facility in Geiselhöring as an additional location in a separate instance to the ‘KlinkWARE’ WMS for an external service provider.

Otto Lehmann GmbH, with around 400 employees, is a leading manufacturer of roofing products and drainage technology – from snow guard systems and roof module holders to gutter hooks. The product range comprises around 3,000 product variants. Around 10,000 tonnes of steel and around 3,000 tonnes of non-ferrous metals, primarily copper and zinc, are processed each year.

The company plans to set up an external storage facility in Geiselhöring. This warehouse will be managed using KlinkWARE WMS, but will be operated completely separately from the main warehouse in Neutraubling. The plan is to use independent software and system configuration on a separate server, which will exchange data with the main system via a shared host interface. The focus is on processing goods receipts and full picks for around 50 fast-moving items. In addition to goods receipt and dispatch of pallets – including tour approvals and packing station allocation – the new warehouse will also use the software to map stock transfers, stock corrections and inventory.

Due to the high degree of standardisation of the KlinkWARE software, the entire project will take only around eight weeks and includes testing, commissioning, training, system support and the user documentation. The warehouse will be set up as a separate address in the main system to ensure a systemic separation of the company’s own warehouse from the warehouse of the external service provider. At the same time, there will be a connection to the central WMS via the ERP system, which generates withdrawal notes.

Back in spring 2025, a four-aisle automatic high-bay warehouse with storage and retrieval cranes and picking stations, a manual long goods warehouse and a block storage facility at the Neutraubling site were converted to KlinkWARE. The reason for the migration was outdated servers and operating systems, which posed an increased security risk. In addition, the maintainability of the existing software was limited, making it necessary to adapt it to the current development environment.

By creating a new set of specifications, a comprehensive process optimisation was also carried out. This made it possible to eliminate functions that were no longer needed and, at the same time, to incorporate frequently missing requirements into the new solution. By connecting the external warehouse, Otto Lehmann is creating greater transparency through standardised systems and is consistently continuing the modernisation of its logistics IT.

INFORM software has announced the launch of ‘YMSlite’, an entry-level yard, dock, and gate management solution for small to mid-sized warehouses, distribution centres, carrier and container yards, 3PLs, and manufacturing sites with yard operations. The easy-to-use software gives operators a straightforward way to organize and monitor yard operations in real time.

In many smaller facilities, yard operations remain one of the least digitized areas in the supply chain. Trucks wait at the gate, dock doors are occupied longer than necessary, and teams rely on phone calls, radios, and manual lists to keep track of trailers and containers. This leads to unnecessary dwell times, higher detention and demurrage costs, and a constant risk of miscommunication between warehouse staff, transport partners, and gate personnel.

“In Europe, a lot of everyday yard operations still run on clipboards, spreadsheets, and local knowledge,” says Gary Van Tassel, Director of Sales for Terminal & Distribution Center Logistics at INFORM. “At the same time, customers feel growing pressure from rising transportation costs, driver shortages, and increasing service expectations. YMSlite gives small and mid-sized facilities a practical way to gain control over their yards. With real-time visibility, better dock planning, and fewer surprises at the gate. Without the overhead of a big system implementation.”

Yard, dock, and gate in one platform

As a standalone system, YMSlite combines yard, dock, and gate operations in a single web-based application. Operations teams can configure their yard layout – including parking spots, docks, and bulk areas – and track trailers, containers, and chassis in real time. A live yard overview shows where each unit is located and for how long it has been there, allowing teams to reduce search times and act early when dwell times become critical.

Within the application, users can assign equipment to doors, block and unblock locations, and move trailers between parking slots and docks. Gate staff benefit from a clear overview of expected arrivals and departures and can mark check-in and check-out directly in the system, linking each truck to the relevant unit and yard location. A compact KPI view provides insights into yard occupancy, dock utilization, gate activity, and dwell times to support data-driven decisions.

Built for smaller facilities – fast start, low risk

YMSlite is tailored for small and mid-sized warehouses, distribution centres, carrier and container yards, 3PLs, and manufacturing sites that need professional yard management without the complexity of enterprise systems. The user interface is intentionally simple and immediately understandable for operational teams on the ground – so users can get started without extensive training. Setup is equally straightforward: new sites can be configured within 30 minutes, enabling teams to work with the software quickly and productively. Fully cloud-based, YMSlite can be implemented directly without dedicated IT projects or in-depth IT know-how.

YMSlite is offered with a transparent subscription model, with a flat monthly rate and no hidden fees or long-term commitments. A free trial of 15 days allows interested companies to test the solution with their own data and processes before making a decision.

“Over the past decades, INFORM has built a strong portfolio for complex logistics operations all over the world,” says Karsten Schumacher, Product Manager YMSlite, Terminal & Distribution Center Logistics at INFORM.

“With YMSlite, we are deliberately extending this portfolio to smaller logistics facilities. Many of these sites face the same visibility and efficiency challenges as large operations but have lacked a solution that fits their scale and resources. YMSlite closes exactly this gap and allows us to support customers from small businesses through to global enterprises with the right level of functionality in each case.”

Developed with and for smaller logistics facilities

During customer pilots of YMSlite, companies were able to replace paper-based yard lists and manual gate logs with a shared digital view of all trailers, docks, and appointments. Participants reported faster access to information, fewer misunderstandings between staff, and more predictable yard flows, particularly during peak periods.

“YMSlite has been a clear step up from working in Excel. The interface is clean, the system is easy to understand, and we were up and running in about five minutes. Cloud access means we can reach the same up-to-date information from anywhere and don’t have to worry about different file versions. If you’re looking for a straightforward, more structured alternative to spreadsheets, I’d recommend giving YMSlite a try,” says a Warehouse Manager for a leading regional 3PL and YMSlite Beta User.

Ongoing feedback from beta users continues to shape the product’s evolution. Upcoming enhancements in analytics and reporting will expand the system’s capabilities without compromising its intuitive, user-friendly design.

A tightly scheduled picking process, an automated shuttle warehouse, and in the middle of it all, a manual step that slows everything down. OPO Oeschger was looking for a solution that would fit into existing structures without changing them. Sereact impressed with a robot-based solution that uses artificial intelligence and works immediately. The robotics integrate seamlessly into existing processes and ensure a noticeable increase in efficiency.

OPO Oeschger is a Swiss family-owned company headquartered in Kloten, founded in 1926 and now employing around 300 people. With a range of more than 70,000 items, OPO Oeschger is one of the leading suppliers of fittings and components for carpenters, wood, glass, and metal construction, as well as for schools and resellers. In addition to furniture and kitchen fittings, the range also includes door and building fittings, machines, and tools. In its logistics, OPO Oeschger consistently relies on highly automated processes to deliver not only quickly but also reliably. Order picking is also being specifically developed with new technologies to meet increasing demands.

When standard solutions don’t help

Many processes in logistics at OPO Oeschger are already automated. Nevertheless, the goal was to identify new potential. There was a particular need for action in the area of order picking. Although an automated small parts warehouse was in place, items were still being picked manually. Since the warehouse building offers only limited space and the processes are precisely coordinated with the conveyor technology, the new solution had to be implementable without major interventions.

Adjustments to the conveyor technology or upstream control processes were out of the question. The solution had to integrate seamlessly into an existing workplace without imposing new processes. This is precisely where other providers who offered only standardized systems failed. OPO Oeschger, on the other hand, was specifically looking for a solution that would fit into the existing system and could realistically replicate the behavior of a human picker.

The robot picks what fits

Sereact impressed OPO Oeschger with its willingness to consistently adapt to the existing framework conditions. “The Sereact team came to our site, took a close look at our processes, and very quickly understood how they work,” explains Daniel Schütz, Operations Manager Logistics at OPO Oeschger.

“While other providers proposed standard solutions, we were able to implement individual requirements together with Sereact.”

The picking robot was integrated into an existing picking workstation. Instead of adapting the environment, the robot was designed to perform the tasks of a human employee as realistically as possible: it picks up target cartons and places them in two target locations. If requested to pick up a destination container, the robot first removes the anti-slip mat from the container. The robot then removes items from a source container and places them in the prepared destination carton or container. These are then sent on to the conveyor system for further processing.

A prerequisite for commissioning was a targeted adaptation of the interface in the warehouse management system, which was implemented without any problems in cooperation with TGW Logistics. This meant that only orders suitable for automated picking could be forwarded to the robot. The selection of suitable items is carried out directly by OPO in the item master. The actual picking and placement logic — i.e., the decision on how to place and stack items in the box—is entirely controlled by Sereact’s AI-supported control system. No product training was necessary. The AI solution takes care of product recognition, selection, and picking independently. The precision of the solution is particularly evident with items for which the cardboard packaging has been calculated exactly. Targeted preselection is crucial for the stability of the process.

An employee who doesn’t need a break

With the use of the picking robot, OPO Oeschger has taken an important step toward future-oriented logistics processes. The robot reliably performs standardized picking tasks that were previously covered by manual labour, thus creating a noticeable reduction in the daily workload. It works stably and reliably, especially with items that meet clearly defined criteria. Technically, the robot would be capable of significantly higher performance. At OPO, however, the speed was deliberately throttled in order not to overload the existing structural structure. In its current configuration, its performance is roughly equivalent to that of half a full-time employee. This deliberate limitation is part of a strategic approach.

OPO is using the project to learn specifically how AI-based robotics can be integrated into existing processes and what conditions need to be created for later scaling. At the same time, the expertise of the employees remains central: they now focus more on complex picking processes that involve handling flexible or sensitive products, for example. The combination of robot-assisted automation and human experience increases overall efficiency and process quality. Items that are not suitable for the robot are specifically excluded in the warehouse management system. For OPO Oeschger, the use of this technology was not a measure to reduce staff. Rather, the focus is on gaining knowledge. The aim is to further develop the system in a targeted manner and make it scalable.

What works today will continue to grow tomorrow

The experience gained from the project forms the basis for future automation projects at OPO Oeschger. The company is already working with Sereact and TGW Logistics to further develop the interface logic. The aim is to control even more precisely which items the robot can handle in the future, even for more complex orders with mixed items. In the medium term, the picking robot will interact intelligently with manual workstations and automate where it makes economic and procedural sense.

“We deliberately viewed the project as an investment in know-how,” explains Schütz. “We also wanted to learn at an early stage how picking robots can be meaningfully integrated into our processes, with a view to today’s operations and future logistics strategies.”

The aim is also to increase the utilization of the existing robot. The use of additional units is also planned for the future. Based on the knowledge gained, a scalable solution is to be developed that fits seamlessly into future infrastructures and consistently exploits the potential for automation. With the knowledge gained, OPO Oeschger and Sereact are working together to further optimize logistics processes in order to reap the full benefits of automation in the long term.

A fresh flowers business is blooming in time for Mother’s Day thanks to a supply chain partnership which helps it cope with a 100 per cent increase in demand. Global agribusiness Flamingo has its busiest time of the year in the first quarter of every year, with Valentine’s Day quickly followed by Mother’s Day.

It works with one of Europe’s leading pallet poolers, IPP, to ensure its blooms make it to the supermarket shelves in good time for key events in its peak season, while also reaching key efficiency and sustainability targets.

During this time, it will see the number of pallets transported by IPP increase by 100 per cent – a vital partnership for the business, which has seen a five per cent increase in overall demand for its products year-on-year.

Flamingo supplies hundreds of millions of stems of flowers, plants and produce to UK and European supermarkets and florists. It works with partner growers in 19 countries, with a goal of products reaching the shelves within 96 hours of being farmed.

It relies on IPP to keep its supply chain moving with a reliable supply of pallets, enabling it to move products efficiently from its sites to its retail customers.

Vanuza Machado, UK inbound logistics co-ordinator, said:

We’ve been working with IPP for more than 10 years, building a strong and collaborative partnership over that time. Key events like Mother’s Day bring a significant uplift in volume, so flexibility and responsiveness are crucial. IPP supports us by ensuring pallet supply keeps pace with increased demand, helping us manage peak volumes smoothly and maintain service levels during our busiest periods. This long-standing partnership is built on reliability, open communication and a shared focus on continuous improvement. As our business grows across the UK and Europe, having trusted partners who understand our operations is more important than ever.

Sustainability is a priority for Flamingo as it continues to grow, with its focus on reducing its carbon footprint through renewable energy investment, greater use of sea freight, improved water stewardship, lower chemical usage, biodiversity projects and stronger waste and recycling programmes.

IPP aims to bring innovation and added value to the partnership beyond simply providing pallets, as its use of Internet of Things technology and its advanced forecasting and planning capabilities helps optimise product flows during peak periods, reducing waste and unnecessary miles.

IPP commercial director Demi Crabbe said: “For more than a decade, our partnership with Flamingo has demonstrated the value of reliability and innovation during peak periods. We have a truly collaborative approach to resolving any challenges, which we achieve through open communication. Improving efficiencies and reducing environmental impact is at the forefront of both our agendas. By combining our robust pooling network with our circular approach, we help customers reduce waste, cut carbon and deliver products on time, every time. This Mother’s Day, we’re committed to ensuring Flamingo can meet demand seamlessly and continue delighting consumers across the UK.”

International terminal operator CoreX Ports & Terminals / Yilport Holding, Inc. has received 5 reach stackers, 5 empty container handlers and 9 forklifts to increase its container handling efficiency at terminals in Ghana, El Salvador, and Portugal. The trucks were ordered in batches throughout 2025 and are now in service.

CoreX Ports & Terminals / Yilport Holding operates 22 Marine and 5 inland terminals in 12 countries and relies on a fleet of container handling equipment to meet strict customer deadlines in a wide range of demanding environments. To keep up with demand, Yilport decided to replace older equipment at four of its terminals with 19 of the latest Konecranes lift trucks to ensure continued safe and efficient operations and maximum uptime.

“We appreciate Konecranes’ continued participation in our equipment purchase tenders and their responsiveness to our operational requirements. The addition of these reach stackers, empty container handlers, and forklifts further strengthens our equipment fleet across multiple regions, supporting higher productivity, operational resilience, and service reliability. As we continue to expand our global terminal network, investments in modern equipment remain a key driver in delivering efficient and competitive port services to our customers worldwide,” says Erhan Çiloğlu, Deputy CEO & CMO, Yilport Holding.

“This delivery reflects Yilport’s confidence in Konecranes. We’re proud to have delivered the right solution with our Turkish distribution partner Portunus playing a key role to make this happen, supported by our unmatched global after-sales service through our distribution partner network,” says John Elisson, Regional Director MEA, Lift Trucks, Konecranes.

The 5 reach stackers, 5 empty container handlers, and 9 forklifts meet a wide range of capacities and handling requirements at four terminals. For deeper insights, ‘TRUCONNECT Remote Monitoring’ will collect usage data and send it via secure mobile connection to the Konecranes customer portal, where Yilport can follow one truck, a group of trucks or its entire lift truck fleet around the world. With up-to-date information about truck performance, the port operator can analyze and optimize its operations.

A commercial vehicle rental specialist has launched a new whitepaper looking at why charging infrastructure is holding back electric vehicle adoption across the light commercial vehicle (LCV) sector.

The ‘Charging Ahead’ whitepaper, based on data from Dawsongroup’s EV Readiness Survey of fleet operators across the UK, uncovers a disconnect between perceived readiness and actual implementation.
While 53% of respondents believe their premises are suitable for EV charging infrastructure, only 27% have actually installed chargers on site. Meanwhile, 47% remain either unsure of their suitability or consider their premises unsuitable altogether.

In the report driving range is identified as the most important factor in EV selection for fleet managers (42%). For micro fleets running between one and ten vehicles, a single van falling short on range can throw an entire day’s operations into disarray.

“For smaller fleets, every vehicle is a workhorse. If one can’t deliver the expected range, it disrupts the entire operation,” said Sarah Gray (pictured, below), Head of ZEV Strategy and Development at Dawsongroup vans. Charging speed is also highlighted as a day-to-day challenge. Unlike private EVs, commercial vans run to tight schedules where slow charging translates directly into lost productivity. The whitepaper maintains that faster charging infrastructure is key to keeping vehicles on the road, with drivers able to top up during breaks rather than waiting for a full charge.

The findings show that 59% of drivers take their vehicles home overnight, which can create challenges around charging consistency and cost control.

“When vehicles are dispersed overnight, businesses lose control over charging consistency and cost management. It becomes harder to monitor energy usage and ensure vehicles are ready for the next day,” says Gray.

Despite 41% of fleets parking vehicles at their business premises overnight, on-site charging adoption remains surprisingly low. The whitepaper suggests that many businesses underestimate what installation involves.

“Many businesses underestimate the complexity of installation,” says Simon Ridley, Managing Director at Dawsongroup vans. “From assessing electrical capacity to managing costs and planning for future scalability. It’s not just about buying chargers; it’s about integrating them into the business model.”

The whitepaper recommends a practical, phased approach, starting with temporary or mobile charging solutions, carrying out site assessments to understand power availability, and building an infrastructure that can grow with the fleet.

The experts at Dawsongroup vans encourage businesses to combine real world vehicle trials and telematics to test EV performance against actual route demands, rather than just relying on manufacturer figures.