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ORBIS To Showcase Integrated Products And Solutions At ProMat 2023
New pallets, totes and management systems to be highlighted at the ORBIS booth in
Chicago, March 20-23
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. — March 2, 2023 — ORBIS® Corporation, an international leader in reusable packaging, will highlight its integrated portfolio of products and services to help companies drive supply chain sustainability and efficiency at this year’s ProMat in Chicago, March 20-23.
Located at Booth S4104, products showcased will include reusable pallets, bulk containers and totes designed for automated warehouses. ORBIS also offers a range of services to support companies as they make the switch from single-use packaging to reusable packaging. ORBIS Reusable Packaging Management (RPM), part of ORBIS Corporation, offers a full range of packaging management services that extend the useful life of packaging for a more sustainable supply chain. Services include management, cleaning, sorting, asset tracking and analytics. Additionally, ORBIS has an engineering services team that conducts analysis and provides expertise needed to ensure a smooth conversion to reusable packaging, as well as a rapid return on investment.
“We are excited to feature our integrated approach to helping companies improve the flow of product in their supply chain,” said Bob Petersen, ORBIS Corporation senior director, marketing. “Our products, plus our team’s expertise and insight, bring today’s companies significant supply chain efficiency. Showcasing our newest innovations in reusable supply chain packaging lets our customers know our dedication to their work and our planet.”
With sustainability and efficiency in mind, these are the products ORBIS will highlight at this year’s ProMat:
The NEW 40x48 Odyssey® Low Profile (LP) pallet
This dimensionally consistent, robust pallet is designed to provide repeatable performance with automated equipment. With the same stability and unique features of the original 40X48 Odyssey pallet, the new low-profile 5.6-inch height aims to bring the added benefit of seamlessly integrating with alternate pallets in existing pallet pools. The Odyssey LP pallet is a robust solution that improves load stability with steel reinforcements and molded-in frictional elements that minimize load shifting, product load damage and pallet slippage off material handling equipment.
AROS® container for automated storage
The ML6545-325 handheld container is part of the Automated Reusable Optimized Solutions (AROS) line designed for seamless integration into automated systems to facilitate the efficient transfer, storage and organization of merchandise. With the largest cubic density of any container in its standard footprint, the ML6545-325 handheld container provides an innovative design, compliant to FM Global Data Sheet 8-34, to ensure the container interfaces seamlessly with today’s high-speed systems. Complete with a variety of key features that optimize their use in automated storage systems, the AROS product line is designed for compatibility with a variety of automated system features commonly found in e-commerce, retail and consumer packaged goods operations.
400+ trip 40x48 Odyssey pallet
The 40x48 Odyssey pallet provides stability with unique design features, including optional steel reinforcements and molded-in frictional elements. These elements minimize load shifting, do not damage cases or product, and prevent pallet slippage off fork equipment. The Odyssey pallet also is a highly durable and sustainable solution, with 36 times the life span of a 40x48-inch whitewood stringer pallet, according to a recent study. In FasTrack life-cycle analysis testing, the Odyssey plastic pallet completed at least 400 cycles through the supply chain without failure, compared with the wood pallet’s 11 cycles.
Collapsible racks for part shipments
ORBIS’ custom collapsible racks combine the durability of steel with the flexibility of collapsing when parts have been unloaded. This custom metal solution can efficiently save two to three times the space when empty, which reduces return freight costs. This design can be used for storing and transporting lightweight products, as well as products that are generally used in other hanging bag rack solutions. Collapsible metal racks can be customized with different ORBIShield® dunnage solutions for part protection.
Reusable Packaging Management
In today’s complex supply chains, it’s critical that packaging is available where and when you need it. ORBIS RPM services significantly reduce the time and effort required to track, retrieve, clean and inventory packaging assets in a wide variety of industries, including industrial, food and beverage products, and consumer packaged goods. The ORBIS RPM team works to analyze supply chains holistically to determine the best management program. By using data, ORBIS handles inspection, sorting and even product refurbishment to ensure the supply chain is as efficient as possible.
Packaging Life-cycle Assessments
ORBIS helps companies calculate the impact reusable packaging can have on the environment. Using life-cycle assessments to compare reusable and single-use packaging, ORBIS applies data-driven analysis to help customers reduce their overall environmental impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, solid waste and energy usage. ORBIS will conduct packaging assessments at the booth during ProMat.
About ORBIS Corporation
With more than 170 years of material handling expertise and 65 years of plastics innovations, ORBIS helps world-class customers move their product faster, safer and more cost-effectively with reusable totes, pallets, containers, dunnage and racks. Using a proven approach, ORBIS experts analyze customers’ systems, design a solution and execute a reusable packaging program for longer-term cost savings and sustainability. Using life-cycle assessments to compare reusable and single-use packaging, ORBIS also helps customers reduce their overall environmental impact. ORBIS is a part of Menasha Corporation, one of the oldest family-owned manufacturers in the United States.
Elgin, Il. - October 21, 2024 – Systems in Motion today announced that its new name and brand will be effective immediately. This name change is part of a rebranding initiative, but is also the culmination of the companies’ close working relationship for the past five years and represents their unified strength. Systems in Motion will continue to provide material handling services as a tier-one, turnkey material handling integrator.
The Systems in Motion name creates a single and powerful platform – one that embodies client and industry goals of moving forward – while understanding the complexities and unique objectives of every system. The new brand also signifies the culmination of investment in internal processes that streamline procedures, and deliver a seamless customer experience.
Under the Systems in Motion name, the company will continue their track record of delivering on their long-standing core values of integrity, continuous customer care and a passionate, “Make it Happen” approach for every project.
“We recognized that going to market under a cadre of names was not helping our customers understand our complete turn-key services and approach,” Scott Lee, CEO of Systems in Motion explains. “Operating as one voice, and one company, Systems in Motion will move forward to continue offering superior industrial automation.”
Scott Lee continues as the company CEO, along with long-time leaders in data analysis, systems design/build, electrical/controls, installation, aftermarket services and parts.
Mr. Lee said of the announcement, “This is an exciting time for Systems in Motion. These companies have worked together for years, but today we move together under one name, to deliver even greater value to our customers and suppliers in the future. “
Systems in Motion will complete a rebranded web site in January of 2025. Meanwhile, a landing page with related material can be found at www.systemsinmotion.com, which highlights the benefits of the new company structure and its mission to provide flexible, efficient and scalable operational improvements through automation.
About Systems in Motion
Systems in Motion provides turnkey material handling systems for warehousing, fulfillment, distribution and manufacturing companies. Our clients experience results that are led by experts who provide superior results and continuous customer care. The company’s corporate headquarters are in Elgin, Il. For more information visit www.systemsinmotion.comor call 1-800-678-9091.
September 24th, Charlotte, NC - HTL Freight, a rising leader in the third-party logistics (3PL), is pleased to announce the acquisition of CTS Logistics, a full-service managed transportation company (4PL) headquartered in Windham, NH. This acquisition, HTL Freight’s fourth major transaction since 2021, reinforces its commitment to delivering exceptional freight solutions across North America.
CTS Logistics, known for its managed transportation and brokerage services, has built a strong reputation since its founding in 1989 by Donald Leclair. The company’s family-oriented ethos has been carried forward by Leclair’s children—Alan, Keith, Brian, and Kim Garneau—who continue to play key roles in the business.
"Our decision to partner with HTL Freight was driven by their dedication to upholding the values that have defined CTS Logistics for the past 35 years. HTL Freight’s leadership shares our commitment to integrity and service, making them the ideal partner to carry forward our family’s legacy," said Alan Leclair, President of CTS Logistics.
As part of the acquisition, Keith Leclair has been appointed as Vice-President of LTL at HTL Freight. His extensive experience and leadership will be instrumental in expanding HTL’s Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) capabilities.
Finalized in February 2024, the acquisition has since led to a close collaboration between the two companies to ensure a seamless integration of operations, systems, and cultures. This collaborative process has preserved CTS Logistics’ strengths while enhancing the combined service offerings.
Founder Donald Leclair expressed confidence in CTS Logistics’ future under HTL Freight's ownership, stating, "The collaboration between our teams over the past few months has confirmed that HTL Freight is the right partner to continue serving our clients with the level of care and dedication they’ve come to expect."
This acquisition allows HTL Freight to further expand its geographic footprint and service offerings, positioning the company as a notable player in both the 3PL and 4PL sectors. Customers will benefit from enhanced transportation solutions, including increased brokerage capabilities and more robust managed transportation services, all supported by HTL Freight’s state-of-the-art technology platform.
"We are thrilled about the growth opportunities this acquisition brings to both our customers and our organization. The addition of CTS Logistics strengthens our ability to provide comprehensive, technology-driven solutions that enhance efficiency and deliver cost savings to our shipper partners," said Onu Okebie, CEO of HTL Freight.
About HTL Freight:
Founded in 1983, HTL Freight (htlfreight.com) is a supply chain management company providing an experience rooted in service, data-driven insights, and advanced technology for both shippers and carriers. Focused on customer service, operational excellence, and partnerships, HTL's mission is to consistently exceed expectations and "Go the Distance" for its clients by delivering reliable supply chain solutions.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, is celebrating 20 years of operations in India, a milestone that reflects the airline's ongoing commitment to the Indian market since its first flight to Mumbai on 26 September 2004. Over the years, Etihad Cargo has expanded its presence in India, now offering belly hold capacity via nonstop services between Abu Dhabi and 12 major Indian cities, with plans for further growth.
Etihad Cargo handles over 46,000 tonnes of cargo annually ex India, connecting the country to over 100 global destinations via its Abu Dhabi hub via 588 widebody and narrowbody rotations each month. To meet the needs of specific sectors, Etihad Cargo has enhanced its product range, adding new features and launching new products. Key commodities handled include electronics, including mobile phones and semiconductors, garments, pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce, automobile components and courier shipments, reflecting the diversity and strength of India's manufacturing and export sectors.
The carrier's IATA CEIV Pharma-certified PharmaLife product provides precise temperature control for the safe transport of high-value pharmaceuticals, a growing market in India. Etihad Cargo is exploring additional certified pharma trade lanes with key airline partners and has implemented stringent cargo screening for US-bound shipments from major Indian hubs, including Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad. Etihad Cargo's pharma roadshows in India, launched in 2023, have helped double PharmaLife volumes by improving connectivity and frequencies. Additionally, the introduction of Etihad Cargo's IATA CEIV Li-batt-certified SecureTech product in 2024 has supported the growth of electronics shipments.
"As Etihad Cargo celebrates two decades of successful operations in India, the carrier's commitment to its customers remains strong," said Stanislas Brun, Vice President Cargo. "Etihad Cargo's continued investment in its network, product range, infrastructure, and digitalisation efforts ensures the carrier can provide efficient, reliable air cargo solutions that meet the evolving needs of customers in India and beyond."
The airline has invested in advanced technology to enhance its operations, including the use of customer relationships and cargo management systems like Salesforce and Sales Cockpit, as well as track and trace capabilities and automated warehouse management. The ongoing enhancement of Etihad Cargo's online booking portal, which now includes options for pets and dangerous goods as well as personalised dashboards, has improved the efficiency of the booking process. Currently, 93 per cent of the bookings made in India are made directly through Etihad Cargo’s booking portal.
As Etihad Cargo looks to the future, the airline will continue to innovate and expand its operations, remaining committed to evaluating its network and adding capacity where required to support its customers in this key market. With a focus on delivering efficient and reliable cargo solutions, Etihad Cargo is dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of the Indian market and cementing its position as the air cargo partner of choice for the Indian market.
Charlotte NC, September 23, 2024 (McLeod User Conference ) – HOPTEK, a global leader in AI-driven trucking and fleet transportation solutions, has been selected by Xtreme Trucking of Wisconsin, one of the U.S.’s leading technology-first transportation and logistics providers, for its Dispatch Engine® solution, a digital platform providing instant visibility and access to the spot load market, while matching available carrier capacity across thousands of possible options. HOPTEK’s “digital twin” will provide real-time visibility and enable Xtreme to boost operational efficiency and fleet utilization, while reducing driver turnover and deadhead miles, resulting in material cost savings and profitability.
Started as a small independent operation in 2006, Xtreme Trucking was formally established in 2009 to become a quality diversified transportation provider, with a growing revenue profile and extensive coverage across the United States. Through HOPTEK’s Dispatch Engine®, Xtreme has leveraged real-time data visibility and dynamic decision-making to drive operational velocity to achieve up to a 20% increase in both Revenue per Hour and Weekly Revenue Miles per Driver – a clear competitive advantage.
Travis Nelson, President and Founder of Xtreme Trucking said: “Between supply chain complications, market shifts, and driver shortages, the past several years have been a rollercoaster ride for our industry. Selecting HOPTEK’s Dispatch Engine solution addresses several seemingly intractable challenges, enabling us to optimize fleet utilization, increase driver satisfaction, and reduce deadhead empty miles. HOPTEK’s robust visibility platform enables us to make the best available decision, even as fleets remain dynamic, and routing and load scenarios shift constantly. We at Xtreme immediately recognized the value of HOPTEK’s strategic offering to our operation and how it would support the achievement of our goals.”
Transportation and logistics are the backbone of the U.S. economy. Xtreme fuels that economic growth by delivering best-in-class operations, innovative technology solutions, and a talented workforce. The company was seeking a solution that would address very specific issues related to driver miles, route efficiency, and utilization in one platform. Achieving these goals required a unique set of capabilities. HOPTEK’s Dispatch Engine® solution closes these gaps by creating dispatchable recommendations that consider the entire fleet, at any given moment. It gets critical information to dispatchers, planners, drivers, and other stakeholders in near real-time, supercharging efficiencies and profitability.
Balaji Guntur, CEO and Co-founder of HOPTEK said: “We’re excited and honored to have been selected as a long-term partner to Xtreme Trucking. Their keen eye for innovative technologies and solutions that genuinely add measurable value attests to why the industry will view Xtreme as a trend setter and leader in small to mid-size fleet tech adoption. We believe they have selected a solution that will enable them to achieve their technology goals, while at the same time supporting their efficiency mindset and profitability targets.”
About Xtreme
Xtreme Trucking LLC delivers superior reefer transportation and dedicated services across the United States. With a leading view on technology and a modern truck and trailer fleet, we are an essential solutions provider for customers who value the integrity of their supply chain and require safe, and exceptional service. Moreover, Xtreme strives for leading on-time delivery and customer service, and as a technologically minded fleet, and remains deeply committed to promoting both customer and driver satisfaction. To find out how Xtreme Trucking Delivers, please visit: https://www.xtremetrucking.com/
About HOPTEK
HOPTEK was founded in 2021 when global strategy and management consultancy Kearney brought its transportation and tech expertise together to help transform the trucking industry. After HOPTEK’s AI-powered system helped a leading U.S. fleet solve major operational challenges and drastically boost their performance, the company opened that technology to fleets across the U.S. With transformational technology tools such as Fleet Scanner®, Freight Finder®, and Dispatch Engine®, trucking and logistics companies can actively analyze fleet performance, identify and reduce wasteful wait times, and optimize dispatching in responsive real-time. For more information, please visit: https://www.HOPTEK.ai/
About Kearney
Kearney is a leading global management consulting firm. For nearly 100 years, we have been the trusted advisor to C-suites, government bodies, and nonprofit organizations. Our people make us who we are. Driven to be the difference between a big idea and making it happen, we help our clients break through. For more information, please visit: https://www.kearney.com/
Nulogy, a leading provider in supply chain collaboration solutions, and Kinaxis, a global leader in supply chain orchestration, have announced a partnership to develop cutting-edge solutions for brand manufacturing supply chain networks worldwide.
The new partnership aims to catalyze fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and life science brands and their supplier networks to work together more effectively through digital transformation solutions, thereby mutually improving costs, service and revenue. Combining the supply chain orchestration capabilities of Kinaxis with the collaborative external manufacturing specialization of Nulogy will enable customers to share forecasts and order information with suppliers and receive inventory capacity information faster.
Nulogy’s purpose-built multi-enterprise platform enables greater responsiveness in the supply networks of leading FMCG and life science brands, including L’Oréal, Colgate-Palmolive, and Church & Dwight, as well as their extended suppliers and hundreds of sites around the world.
“Given the speed and volatility of today’s global market, it is more important than ever for brand manufacturers to digitally synchronize with their supplier communities in order to respond with agility,” said Jason Tham, CEO at Nulogy. “Through our partnership with Kinaxis, we look forward to collaborations that will elevate the performance of supply chain networks around the world.”
Kinaxis Maestro is the AI-infused end-to-end supply chain orchestration platform for fast, intelligent decision-making. Trusted by renowned global brands to provide agility and predictability to help navigate volatility and disruptions, Kinaxis has been a leader in supply chain planning for over 40 years.
"Our partnership with Nulogy improves visibility, control and collaboration of the upstream network of critical suppliers, like contract manufacturers and co-packers, by integrating a variety of supplier data into Maestro,” said Bill Walker, Senior Director, Partner Solutions Extensions at Kinaxis. “Giving our customers the ability to better run simulations, digitize planning and connect in suppliers.”
Learn more about the partnership at ASCM Connect on September 9, 2024. Kevin Wong, Chief Operating Officer, Nulogy; Polly Mitchell-Guthrie, Supply Chain Thought Leader, Kinaxis; and German Vizcaya Leon, VP Global Planning, Colgate-Palmolive will discuss how Nulogy and Kinaxis’s solutions in Advanced Planning & Scheduling and Supplier Collaboration have played pivotal roles in interconnecting Colgate’s network.