All Materials handling articles – Page 9
-
Company ContentElectric vehicles could transform role of tier 1 suppliers in managing logistics
As OEMs look to reduce production costs and manage more complexity, automotive suppliers will face challenges. But with more EV models in the pipeline, many have the opportunity to grab a larger piece of the pie both for manufacturing and supply chain management.
-
FeatureTaking the assault out of the battery
The traceability of raw materials used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, such as lithium and cobalt, is one of the main sustainability challenges faced by carmakers who are investing to meet the consumer demand and regulatory pressures behind the electric vehicle revolution
-
NewsGerman carmakers fined for anti-trust activity on steel purchases
BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen have agreed to pay penalties totalling around €100m ($111m) for anti-competitive practices related to downstream long-steel product purchasing
-
NewsVW lineside logistics reduces Golf production time by an hour
Process improvements at VW’s Wolfsburg plant have reduced the time it takes to assemble a Golf by one hour
-
FeatureRe-tooling of manufacturing plants and supply chain for EVs pose investment risk for OEMs
Tooling and conversion of automotive plants are significant costs for OEMs as they invest in electrification, which some may struggle to afford, according to a new report by Automotive from Ultima Media.
-
FeatureElectrification poses cost and technology risk for automotive supply chain
The high R&D, production and supply chain costs of electric vehicles could mean that OEMs will be selling most at a loss for years to come, according to a report by Automotive from Ultma Media.
-
FeatureDB Schenker explores use of exoskeletons for logistics
The company has been trialling the exoskeletons – structures worn on the body to electro-mechanically assist movement – at several logistics locations in Germany to help warehouse personnel during physically demanding tasks.
-
InterviewDistribution Down Under: How AIVs are smartening up Toyota’s new parts centre
Japanese carmaker Toyota has now commissioned what it describes as “the most advanced automotive distribution centre in Australia” as part of its strategy of transitioning from manufacturing to purely logistical operations in the country. Intelligent robots and sophisticated design are helping the carmaker to achieve new levels of warehousing efficiency…
-
FeatureData and the digitisation of the supply chain
The automotive industry is being transformed by new vehicle technology, but operational processes are also undergoing profound changes driven by unprecedented levels of data
-
NewsWood you believe it? Materials handling with a difference
A new company based in Chemnitz is seeking to overturn conventional wisdom when it comes to material handling equipment – by using wood as a construction material
-
FeatureRunning out of juice – will demand for battery materials outstrip supply?
As OEMs accelerate their EV programmes, there is growing concern that demand for battery materials will outstrip supply. Gavin du Venage considers the risks
-
FeatureLogistics 4.0: how smart technologies are lifting logistics to another level
After a period of exploration, OEMs, tier suppliers and logistics providers are getting serious about making their operations smarter and more connected – Logistics 4.0 is here
-
NewsMMK to build steel production and logistics facility in Togliatti
Russian materials supplier, Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works (MMK), is building a 1.2 billion rouble ($18.4m) production and logistics facility in Togliatti following a deal signed with local government. The company said it was building the new plant because of high demand by the automotive industry for its metal products ...
-
FeatureDelivering a smarter factory
Magna Steyr’s vehicle assembly plant in the Austrian city of Graz is not a typical automotive factory; the site, which in 2018 brought its cumulative total production tally to 3.5m vehicles, produces vehicles under contract for OEMs such as Daimler, BMW and Jaguar Land Rover. Efficiency is important in any ...
-
FeatureFlight club: Why more logistics operations are signing up to drone technology
Impressive advancements have been made in drone technology over the last few years and many believe that drones will play a key role in the logistics of the future, for internal business functions as well as deliveries to consumers. In fact, NASA estimates that there will be 7m drones in ...
-
FeatureZim joins TradeLens to boost digitalisation
Global container shipping provider, Zim Integrated Shipping Services, has signed up to the TradeLens digital business platform, a service based on blockchain technology to provide secure shipping data and make global trade more efficient.
-
FeatureMercedes-Benz Wörth plant reaches CKD milestone
Workers at Mercedes-Benz Wörth plant in Germany, have dispatched the 750,000th complete-knock down (CKD) truck kit from the facility’s CKD Centre.
-
FeatureToyota North America: Breaking down supply chain barriers
Toyota is realigning its production and service parts organisation by integrating its inbound and aftermarket supply chain departments into a new division called PDAD. Group vice-president of the new division, Alok Vaish, explains the thinking behind it
-
FeatureNio targets more dynamic logistics for NEVs
The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer sees opportunities to improve inventory management and parts handling in its supply chain
-
FeatureSeat looks to buy parts beyond Spain
Though Seat sources the majority of its parts from domestic suppliers in Spain, the Spanish carmaker has just announced that it plans to buy more components from outside the country.