3PL fulfilment specialist Europa Warehouse, in Corby, UK, has boosted its credentials having been awarded AA accreditation, the highest rating, from the Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standard (BRCGS). This accreditation covers the storage of food and non-food packaging, packaging materials, and consumer products.

The globally recognised accreditation, (part of the British Retail Consortium, the go-to trade association for all UK retailers), marks the latest step in Europa’s warehouse investment programme, ensuring compliance for its retail, e-commerce, and wholesale customers.

This gold standard AA accreditation is a mark of assurance, demonstrating to customers that the highest standards are adhered to in the storage and distribution across the supply chain, providing peace of mind for customers who entrust their goods with Europa Warehouse. It is one of the most prestigious accolades in logistics, providing a framework for managing product safety, integrity, quality, and operational controls.

Dionne Redpath, Chief Operating Officer and Warehouse Divisional Director at Europa Worldwide Group, comments: “The latest accreditation reflects our determination to provide our customers with a complete supply chain management solution that delivers business objectives. Having undergone the rigorous audit process required we are delighted to join an elite group of certified global suppliers. This accreditation covers the storage of food and non-food packaging, packaging materials and consumer products – demonstrating our commitment to creating and manufacturing a process of well-designed risk-based product safety management systems.”

The BRCGS is one of the most important industry accreditations, providing the most effective way of showcasing the high standards enforced by the Europa Warehouse team in Corby, and the dedication the senior team has to improve and train their workforce.

Redpath continued: “This shows we meet the highest standards required and that we work to support customers, continually investing in the development of our services to deliver the highest quality.”

Jon Margetts, Head of Facilities & Health & Safety at Europa Warehouse added. “We are pleased to have received the highest British Retail Consortium certification for our Corby warehouse which reflects our continued commitment to customers.”

Europa Warehouse’s £60m Corby facility is capable of storing up to 100,000 pallets and processing up to 50,000 units of goods per day through its £11m automation system. Europa’s total combined portfolio in Dartford, Birmingham, and Corby, offers over 1 million sq. ft of dedicated warehouse and logistics space and are now fully authorised customs warehouses for both wet and dry goods.

similar news

New Head of Sales Appointed at Europa’s Largest Facility

‘Right to Repair’ legislation is having an impact on consumer goods manufacturers and spare parts stockists in at least four States in the US, and those waves are being felt too, by OEMs in Europe and the UK, writes Jo Bradley, Business Development Manager at Sparck Technologies.

Perhaps not before time, the backlash against the ‘disposable society’ is in full swing. This is great news for the environment – not so great for the many companies who will face some serious packaging problems.

For many decades, ‘spares and repairs’ has been an industrial orphan – across a wide range of consumer goods, and indeed commercial equipment, it has been cheaper to send a broken item to landfill and buy a replacement rather than to have it repaired. In many cases the design and manufacture renders even simple repairs not just economically prohibitive but physically impossible. But under pressure from both consumers and regulators, this is changing.

In the US, at least four States have brought in versions of ‘Right to Repair’ legislation. In the European Union, the European Parliament early last year adopted a Directive extending existing laws to require manufacturers, initially of common household goods from washing machines to smartphones, either to repair damaged items, or to make spare parts, tools and instructions available to consumers and third party repair shops ‘at reasonable prices’. In the UK, major retailers including Currys (electricals/electronics) and the department store John Lewis are making a big thing of their repair services. This is in addition to the usual service of ‘consumable’ spares such as replacement filters.

But this will mean a big increase in the number of packages moving through different lanes. OEMs, or their parts stockists, will have to supply individual items, or ‘kits’ of parts and tools, both to repair specialists and direct to consumers, while the repair shops have to pack and despatch renovated products back to their owners. In the industrial and commercial sectors, suppliers to MRO (Maintenance, Repairs, Operations) activities – not just spare parts but also tools and consumables such as drill bits – already face similar challenges.

The range of items involved is intimidating. A washing machine repair might involve a new drum, or just a new microswitch. Under some of the new laws products have to be supported for many years so the number of different parts is vast. In automotive, where of course ‘spares and repairs’ never went away, we know a US client with 1.3 million part numbers in their catalogue – and that is just to support their niche market of imported German cars! Clearly, packing everything into the same narrow range of ‘standard’ boxes or cartons is a non-starter.

And many or perhaps, given the advance of electronics, most spare parts are small both in size and in value. Small items generally require proportionately more packaging material – coupled with labour costs it is no surprise that packing can cost more than the value of the goods. In many cases, supporting repairs is inherently uneconomic; the more so if spares are required to be supplied ‘at reasonable prices’. And shipping costs too can be disproportionate for small boxes, especially if the box is larger than it needs to be.

So OEMs, stockists and repair shops need to bear down heavily on the costs of pick, pack and dispatch. Smart automation of these operations will be critical, and luckily, ‘right-sizing’ boxes for dispatch can now be a fast, automatic process that can produce over 1000 boxes an hour.

Sparck Technologies’ automated boxing systems not only replace most of the labour required in manual operations – one or two operators on a machine can achieve the same throughput as up to 20 manual stations – but for individual items or ‘kits of parts’ can create boxes that are ‘fitted to size’ for each order. The item or assemblage is 3D scanned, the optimum size and shape of box calculated, board is cut, creased, erected, sealed, weighed and labelled. If required, the machine can keep producing ‘standard’ (not necessarily the carton industry’s standard) boxes until a ‘special’ is needed. There is also the option to split operations so that a ‘tray’ is produced into which items can be picked, and which is then united with its ‘lid’ elsewhere. Sparck’s CVP machines can handle weights of up to 30kg, and at the other end of the scale create boxes as shallow as 28mm.

The CVP Impack range can pack at up to 500 orders an hour, or one every seven seconds, while the CVP Everest range achieves an impressive 1,100 per hour – one box every three seconds, and unlike with manual packing, this performance doesn’t tail off towards the end of the shift.

Besides these labour savings and productivity gains, there are many other benefits. Savings in the use of board of typically 30% are commonplace, while void fill – typically non-recyclable – can be greatly reduced or even eliminated. Right-size boxes economise on postage or courier rates, particularly when these are based on ‘volumetric weight’, and make more efficient use of transport. Creating boxes at the point of use means that there is no need to store large numbers of pre-forms or erected boxes. With one machine you’ve got more than 40 million box sizes at your disposal. And packaging that fits the items snugly reduces the risk of transit damage. This all saves money, pleases the customer and is good for the planet.

Retailers and manufacturers are getting to grips with the Returns cycle – now they have to contemplate Repairs as well. But with ‘right-size’ auto-boxing technology, at least the pack and despatch side is more manageable.

similar news

TSC Printronix Auto ID Adds UK Repairs

Once again this year, visitors to the META-Regalbau stand in hall 1 – Stand H01 and H05 will be able to discover some new and proven highlights from the extensive world of storage technology. The focus will be on the new main catalogue, with which META will be presenting a number of new products and innovations at the upcoming LogiMAT. In addition, storage solutions in conjunction with conveyor technology and the tried and tested standard shelving systems will be central elements of the trade fair presentation.

After META successfully presented the new brand layout at last year’s LogiMAT and introduced it to the market, this year the spotlight is on new and proven warehouse technology solutions.

New main catalogue – innovations and news

This year, the Stuttgart trade fair will be the starting signal for the new main catalogue, as it will be presented to customers on 11th March. The catalogue is a reference work, manual and work tool all in one, and META has incorporated a lot of feedback through constant customer dialogue. Visitors and customers can look forward to the new catalogue, because in addition to the new layout, the focus will be on new products and optimisations to the range.

360° conveyor technology solutions

Under the name META-ILS (ILS = Innovative Logistic Solutions), META offers customised solutions for complex tasks in the field of warehouse automation with conveyor technology. Customers worldwide benefit sustainably from efficient conveyor technology in combination with high-quality warehouse technology. At LogiMAT, visitors can use 360° glasses to travel through impressive reference shots and thus fully experience the dimensions of complex international projects.

Innovative and proven – an insight into the META world

On over 130 square metres, the quality supplier of warehouse technology will be presenting the extensive META world in its new layout to visitors in Hall 1 – Stand H01 and H05. The team from the warehouse technology experts will be happy to answer any questions about the new products and tried-and-tested solutions – such as warehouse technology, steel construction, factory equipment, services or the META Calc online configurator.

similar news

New Developments from META at LogiMAT

Traveling with your pet can turn into a stressful experience when you choose a scheduled flight. Many airlines impose strict rules for transporting animals, often relegating them to the cargo hold, an environment that can be not only uncomfortable but also potentially hazardous to their health.

Also read our article on the dangers of pressurization when transporting animals in the cargo hold.

Don’t leave it in the cargo hold of a commercial flight! The dangers of pressurization for four-legged travelers

The cargo hold of airliners, although pressurized and air conditioned in many cases, does not offer the same comfortable conditions as the passenger cabin. Here are some of the main risks that animals may face:

1. Inadequate pressurization: Although the hold is pressurized, any variations may cause discomfort to animals, especially smaller animals or those with pre-existing health problems.
2. Temperature extremes: During loading and unloading, animals may be exposed to temperatures that are too high or too low.
3. Isolation stress: Animals separated from their owners and immersed in a noisy and unfamiliar environment may suffer from intense anxiety.
4. Accidents and losses: Cases of animal loss or accidents related to mishandling during loading and unloading are not uncommon.

Renting a private jet is the perfect solution for a luxury flight with our animal friends

A private jet eliminates all these risks, ensuring a comfortable and safe journey for you and your four-legged friend. Traveling by private jet means you can have your pet by your side at all times, avoiding unnecessary stress and providing an uncompromising luxury experience.

Advantages of private jet for animal transport

1. Customized cabin: Pets can travel comfortably in the passenger cabin, close to their owners, in a familiar and relaxing environment.
2. Absence of restrictions: No weight or size restrictions, unlike scheduled flights.
3. Flexible schedule: Ability to schedule your flight according to your needs, minimizing waiting time.
4. Safety and comfort: Optimal pressurization and temperature conditions to ensure the animal’s well-being.

How to get animals used to taking the plane

To make sure the trip is enjoyable for your pet, here are some useful tips:

• Vet Visit: Before traveling, check your pet’s health status and make sure you have all the required documents, such as pet passport and vaccination certificates.
• Essential accessories: Bring along blankets, toys and bowls to create a family environment on board.
• Transport Habit: If the animal has never traveled, try familiarizing it with the carrier or short trips before the flight.

Choose PrivateJetFinder to rent a private jet for you and your pets

PrivateJetFinder is the ideal solution for those who want to travel with their pet without sacrificing comfort and safety.

• Personalized counseling to plan the trip.
• Experienced and animal-friendly crews.
• Jets equipped with all the amenities to ensure a smooth flight.

Don’t leave your four-legged friend in the cargo hold of a commercial airplane! Choose your preferred destination and contact us today for a tailor-made quote!

AustralianSuper, Australia’s largest superannuation fund, and Oxford Properties Group (“Oxford”), a global real estate investor, developer and manager, today announce a new strategic partnership that aims to build a significant industrial and logistics venture across Europe, which will be managed by M7 Real Estate. AustralianSuper has acquired a 50% stake in Oxford’s c. €840 million European industrial and logistics portfolio (the “Portfolio”) and in M7 Real Estate, the market leading European investment and asset management business that was acquired by Oxford in 2021.

The joint venture is the first between AustralianSuper and Oxford and brings together two like-minded global institutional investors managing a combined €270billion of long-term capital on behalf of over four million pension fund members. The partnership will provide further capital to fund the growth of the Portfolio, known as the European Supply Chain Income Partnership (“ESCIP”), with a target of up to €4.5 billion GAV of high-quality ‘last mile’ and mid-box warehouses over the next three to five years.

The Portfolio currently comprises c.730,000 sqm high-quality urban logistics and distribution warehouses across 76 assets. The properties are well located in 19 of the most strategic urban ‘last mile’ and distribution hubs in the UK, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. With a diversified base of more than 200 tenants, the Portfolio is well-positioned to capitalise on increased occupier demand and rental growth throughout western Europe.

M7 Real Estate, as investment and asset manager, will be tasked to source and execute on new opportunities for the strategy targeting income-led exposure across the pan-European supply chain, with a continued focus on both smaller, multi-tenanted, core+ or value-add assets located near large cities and population centres, alongside a core+ mid-box strategy seeking investments into larger distribution and warehouse assets in key logistics corridors, throughout the six target markets of the venture.

The assets have strong environmental credentials and are focussed in submarkets that are characterised by acute supply demand tension, with 53% weighting to urban assets by estimated rental value (“ERV”). In the UK these include London and the South-East (19% of total ERV) and the Midlands (14%), as well as Paris (15%), Copenhagen (11%) and Barcelona (8.2%) in mainland Europe.

The Portfolio is c. 90% occupied and delivers a highly diverse and defensive income stream secured against 214 tenants, across a range of business types and geographies. No single tenant represents more than 5% of the total in-place rent.

Paul Clark, Head of European Real Assets at AustralianSuper, commented: “We believe urban logistics and distribution represents one the most compelling sector opportunities in European real estate today, and have been tracking the sector for several years to find the right portfolio that meets our ambitions, with strong fundamentals and significant growth potential. We are delighted to partner with the Oxford and M7 teams, investors with proven track records operating and growing high-quality logistics portfolios, to scale the ESCIP platform together using our collective expertise, generating long-term performance for members.”

Joanne McNamara (pictured above), Executive Vice President, Head of Europe at Oxford Properties, commented: “This strategic partnership with AustralianSuper brings a significant and, importantly, a like-minded capital partner alongside us into both the M7 portfolio and the M7 Real Estate platform. This creates full alignment between all three parties from day one, while providing fresh capital from both partners to grow the platform as we enter into a new real estate cycle. We believe there are exciting prospects in this high conviction strategy, a major pillar of Oxford’s capital deployment ambitions in the region for 2025, with a compelling pipeline of investment opportunities which we expect to announce in short order.”

David Ebbrell, CEO of M7 Real Estate, commented: “Since its foundation M7 Real Estate has been a go-to partner for some of the world’s largest and most respected real estate investors wishing to access the European multi let and urban logistics sector. Having been acquired by Oxford Properties in 2021 and enjoyed a very successful partnership over the past four years, we are very excited at the prospect of now working alongside AustralianSuper as well. Not only is AustralianSuper’s investment into our business another huge endorsement of M7 Real Estate’s team, its expertise and long track record of creating value, the support of Australia’s largest superannuation fund also brings with it a commitment to invest significantly through our platform alongside Oxford Properties into the European industrial and logistics sector over the next few years, helping us achieve our own ambitions for growth.”

AustralianSuper’s global real assets portfolio totals c. €35 billion, including more than €6 billion invested in Europe. The Fund’s property portfolio includes the King’s Cross Estate and the Canada Water regeneration projects in London. Within industrials, the Fund has invested in Moorebank Logistics Park, Australia’s largest intermodal logistics facility, the Craigieburn Logistics Estate housing a new Amazon Robotics Fulfilment Centre in Australia, and the Wiri Logistics Estate in New Zealand.

M7 Real Estate is an award-winning pan-European investor and asset manager, with a European network spanning 10 offices and an on-the-ground presence of 170 team members across nine countries. Led by CEO David Ebbrell, M7 Real Estate has 4.1 million sqm and c. €5.5 billion of assets under management and specialises in the mid-box, multi-let and urban logistics sectors. It has a strong track record of creating value by aggregating assets into institutional sized portfolios and via intensive asset management, leveraging its experienced team and market leading data and information management systems.

The transaction is expected to complete at the end of Q1 of 2025 and is conditional, amongst other things, on customary regulatory approvals.

similar news

Logistics Property a Major Contribution to UK economy, Report Reveals

Warehouse automation and software specialist Dematic has recently signed a contract with Globalpesca – a leading Italian provider of frozen foods and food services to the hotel, restaurant, and catering industries – to ensure operational efficiencies at a new low-temperature, cold storage warehouse for frozen goods.

“Important factors in our decision process included knowing that Dematic has many years of experience developing automation solutions for the hospitality and catering industry and it has deep experience in the storage of food items at low temperatures,” explains Andrea Ruffoni, the supply chain director at Globalpesca, adding, “And when it comes to stacker cranes for pallets, we were confident that Dematic was the right company to partner with.”

Headquartered northwest of Milan in Gravellona Toce, Italy’s Piedmont region, Globalpesca S.p.A. is a family-owned business whose roots date back nearly 125 years.

Due to rapid growth in the hospitality and catering industry in Italy, food service companies must be able to manage higher order volumes and be prepared to continuously improve service levels. Globalpesca recognised that automation would support its operations by bringing improvements in two key areas: better planning and managing of its inbound product process and better handling in storage and restocking of its picking areas.

Solution increases storage capacity using the height of the new facility

The Dematic solution is going to be installed in a new warehouse facility adjacent to Globalpesca’s distribution centre in Gravellona Toce. The solution calls for a self-supporting structure designed to meet the load and temperature requirements of the warehouse, the second temperature-controlled warehouse adjacent to the distribution centre.

The 24-metre high new warehouse covers approximately 1,400 square metres. The Dematic solution includes two RapidStore® UL1200 stacker cranes with an option of an additional one for future expansion plans, a pallet transport system using BK25 conveyors, and two Ergopal picking workstations with an option for a third workstation. Installation and commissioning are scheduled to be completed by early 2026.

The Italian frozen foods specialist aims to automate its operations and improve the efficiency of its processes with more precise inventory tracking and improving ergonomics for its operators by no longer needing them to access the facility’s −25°C areas and having them work at better designed workstations for preparing pallets.

During the project’s conception phase, an Italian team from Dematic together with a customer project team led by Ruffoni, worked closely to review various possible scenarios for Globalpesca to determine the best fit with future scalability as one of the priorities.

According to Mauro Corona, the sales director for Dematic Italy, the project is a great example of a strong collaboration. “The extensive automation expertise of Dematic and Globalpesca’s deep experience in their industries came together in a strong cooperative partnering for an efficient solution that will provide a strategic lever for Globalpesca in a demanding business environment.”

similar news

New Telematics System Offered to Food Sector Cold Chain Operators

1. Centralized Coordination

2. Embracing Technology for Efficiency

3. Real-Time Data for Decision-Making

4. Operational Scalability

5. Customer-Centric Services

6. Compliance and Security

7. Sustainability Initiatives

Final Thoughts