Bearings & Drives signs exclusive distributor deal with CeramicSpeed

As we are all aware, in the food and beverage industry, uptime and reliability are everything. Production equipment requires food-grade certification, and any breakdown will cause costly repairs and production stops. To further strengthen its support to the industry, NW based bearings firm Bearings & Drives Ltd, has become the sole distributor of the industry leading CeramicSpeed Insulate ball bearings, introducing to the UK market the latest technology in operational efficiency, allowing UK customers day to day direct access to these products from their warehousing facilities. Constantly at the forefront of technological development and innovation, CeramicSpeed is a dedicated and leading supplier of hybrid ball bearings. With a strong presence in the European market, they are rapidly becoming the industry’s most trusted supplier of advanced bearing solutions. CeramicSpeed Insulate ball bearings are custom-made for electrical motors and a guarantee against damage caused by stray currents. Steve Bacon,Sales Director at Bearings & Drives, explains the significance of the supply arrangements for the UK food and drink industry: “We are thrilled to become the UK distributor for such a ground-breaking product. CeramicSpeed Insulate Hybrid ball bearings are the future across all industries, including manufacturers of electrical motors. The demand for stronger, more durable and longer-lasting bearings for electrical motors is on the rise – and in many applications, conventional steel balls in motor bearings simply can’t compare. “When we reviewed CeramicSpeed Insulate in action in Denmark we saw the immediate benefits that we can bring to our manufacturing clients here in the UK. Taking for example how the product range brought significant efficiencies to a leading Danish dairy products manufacturer. The manufacturer faced sizeable issues with the durability of steel bearings they were using in a specific motor. The products manufactured by the dairy contain many small particles that penetrate the bearings subsequently reducing  the bearing life. Along with high bearing temperatures this led to many control shutdowns and became detrimental to efficient operation. “CeramicSpeed Insulate bearings are non-conductive as the ceramic balls in the bearing have a resistivity of 15 kV per mm. The Insulate series is the best defence against damage caused by stray currents. In addition to being protected from the passage of electrical currents, the operating temperature in hybrid bearings is approximately 10-20 °C lower than conventional bearings. By using these, the dairy has now reduced the bearing temperature with 15ºC increasing lubricant life and decreasing production shutdown considerably. The CeramicSpeed bearings with their higher resistance towards corrosion and contamination, increased the bearing life of the bearings by 400%.” Anders Thormann, Managing Director at CeramicSpeed explains why they chose Bearings & Drives as their exclusive partner for CeramicSpeed Insulate: “Bearings & Drives helped us to break through in the UK food and beverage category in 2017, and the knowledge gained on our products by their team since then puts them in a unique position to take the next step in distributing CeramicSpeed products in the UK.” From their base in Congleton, Cheshire Bearings and Drives serves its national client base with industrial Maintenance, Repair and Operations products from globally recognised manufacturers of Bearings, Power Transmission, Industrial Gearboxes, Motors, Tools & Consumables. Drawing on their vast experience of customer requirements, their products and services have been developed for all types of industries including Food, Paper, Recycling, Distribution, Quarrying and Plastics. The business offers single source supply, including managed inventory services, to streamline your ordering process, reduce downtime and improve production efficiency – creating considerable cost savings. Their industry leading Repair Services cover Motors, Gearboxes & Pumps. Available 24/7, the team of highly skilful engineers is on hand to deliver advice and engineering solutions. For more information, visit https://bearingsanddrives.co.uk

Macpac: 50 years old and growing stronger every day…

From a small-scale humble start-up manufacturer in 1973, Macpac has grown to be the innovative and successful thermoforming packaging company it is today – and one of the UK’s largest privately-owned manufacturers in its sector. 2023 sees Macpac celebrating its milestone anniversary of 50 years, and we could not be prouder or more excited to celebrate all that Macpac has accomplished during this time in partnership with employees, clients, and industry partners. This half a century of conceiving, designing, and manufacturing packaging is no small feat, particularly when taking into consideration how we have had to evolve with such turbulent times and demands, driven inexorably by climate change and environmental concerns, fuelled by a powerful and growing environmental lobby. This major achievement is the result of the combined efforts and hard work of every individual within Macpac and is more remarkable for a privately-owned manufacturer to not only survive but thrive within a packaging sector that is notorious for its short-stay players, where there are numerous acquisitions, take-overs, and mergers. Through two generations from father to son, Macpac has consistently delivered excellent customer service and provided packaging in a timely and cost-effective manner during a time that has seen a tumultuous evolution in packaging design and advances in materials technology. Testimony to this success is the number of customers that have remained loyal to the company over several decades. The early days… In 1973 the company was founded by Chris Kershaw, father of the current owner and Managing Director, Graham Kershaw. The company was born out of the demand to produce packaging for Dinky Toys and Meccano and operated on the first floor of an old printing mill. With the invention of ‘thermoforming’, growth was rapid and in the 1970’s the business re-located to Macclesfield, out of which the name ‘Macpac’ was born. Expansion… The business continued to expand throughout the 1980’s, with a further move to Bredbury in Stockport due to outgrowing the Macclesfield site. In 1990 Macpac gained the ISO9001 accreditation for the development processes put in place for tooling development. A low point in Macpac history came in 1996 when a devastating fire at the Bredbury factory prompted the move to the current address on the Heaton Mersey Industrial Estate in Stockport. Occupying just a single industrial unit with a modest 4 thermoforming machines on site, Macpac continued to operate and grow. Keeping it in the family… In 1997 Chris Kershaw’s son, Graham, returned to the family business after graduating from university and working overseas for 10 years on robot control systems. It is this interest in manufacturing processes & his commitment to the environment that would be a guiding factor in the direction that Macpac would follow in the years ahead, influencing the green credentials of the company’s packaging designs and choice of materials. By 1998 Macpac realised that to achieve increased productivity it had to modernise its processes, therefore introducing Computerised Numerical Control machines (CNC’s) into its toolroom. This departure from traditional cast aluminium toolmaking provided highly accurate CAD/CAM machining and gave a distinctive competitive edge whilst speeding up the whole process. Over the following years Macpac would continue to invest heavily in supporting the tooling manufacture process which in turn plays an important part in feeding the thermoforming machines. The next generation… In 2000 Chris Kershaw decided to take a step back from the business and Graham became the new Managing Director of Macpac. This was to be a turning point in Macpac’s history – with an injection of new investment and forward-thinking ideas, to grow what was already a well-established business, into the force it has become today. RPET takes centre stage… In 2003, there was a stampede to move from PVC due to recycling issues and heightened concerns for the environment. Macpac was to be a forerunner in the application of its preferred replacement – Recycled PET (R-PET) – promoting the uptake and use of the material across a wide range of key markets. In 2005 Macpac entered the medical/pharmaceutical sector, naturally using R-PET as the choice of material in its design of the very first thermoformed dosage pill tray, which was to revolutionise the administration of tablets to millions of patients. R-PET has now become the most widely used of all thermoforming materials and by 2023 makes up over 90% of the material Macpac processes through its factory. The scalable process By 2008 and following sizable investment in new thermoforming equipment, Macpac had doubled the size of its factory with the acquisition of adjoining units, with later expansions to the site for larger raw materials and finished goods warehousing. In 2010 and a further investment of £750,000 in new machinery and staff, the company achieved BRC/IOP accreditation which it has proudly held ever since. 2011 saw Macpac make a big step forward with the acquisition of Hamilton Packaging. This purchase expanded Macpac’s customer portfolio and introduced Macpac to new markets they had not been involved with previously. Working with German machine manufacturers Illig, Macpac, always being innovative and looking to improve efficiencies, helped develop a new rewind system for their machines. 2013 saw Macpac install the first Illig 74 down-stacking machine ever made incorporating this new design – this new machine allowed for a reduction of tooling costs without compromising on production efficiencies. Innovation at our core… Innovation is at the centre of Macpac’s ethos; this is evident with a plethora of awards gained over the past few years: Macpac saw double in the year 2000 – winning both the prestigious Starpack ‘Gold Award’ for its packaging design to house a Carbon Monoxide detector, and with a ‘Bronze Award’ for technical innovation. In 2014 Macpac won another Starpack Award – this time ‘Silver’, for a patented clam pack design called ‘Surecel’ which offered a range of high security, tamper-evident clam packs, without the requirement for specialist machines to close the packs, nor scissors to open them. During 2015 Macpac received a Starpack ‘Bronze Award’ for ‘Snap In’, another patented solution. This clever design offered the opportunity to lock a thermoformed part to another substrate, such as board or acetate sleeve, and was perfectly conveyed when used for the popular Orchid retail market in Tesco. A year later Macpac was awarded ‘Best Innovation Award’ at the 2016 Gro South Horticultural show for its Large Letter Pack design enabling plants to be sent through the post at the Royal Mail’s Large Letter rate. In 2020 Macpac won the ‘Special Award for Covid 19 Response’ at the Railway Industry Awards. This was for the design and manufacture of special, thermoformed visors that could be uniquely fitted over hard hats and were produced in record time for the Network Rail workforce to use during the height of the Covid outbreak. The designing, prototyping, manufacturing of tooling and then forming of the visors took place over the Easter Holiday weekend, during a challenging time for all, whilst adapting and coming to terms with new working rules brought about by the pandemic. Never standing still, Macpac added a further string to their bow in 2022 by installing the very first down-stacking machine with punch and die capabilities in the UK, giving Macpac even more manufacturing options to better service customers’ demands. A major attraction of Macpac is the company’s personal attention to detail, working with customers to ensure they understand the initial brief and meet their customer’s needs relating to bespoke design, budget, and sustainability. From initial concept to finished design and manufacturing of tooling all under one roof, Macpac has the flexibility to manufacture from as little as 1000 units up to many millions, covering all sectors of industries, each with their own nuanced specifications. Whether dealing with food projects requiring a fast turnaround to meet tight in-store launch dates, wax melt projects with quirky designs, or highly technical, long-term pharmaceutical projects, Macpac has the knowledge and experience, reflected in their solid growth as a second-generation family business. In 2023 Macpac is 50 years young and counting – with passion and family values at the core, celebrating half a century of proven dedication in design and manufacture, we are very much looking forward to what exciting new challenges lie ahead…

London Packaging Week organisers launch key survey

Leading multi-format event organiser Easyfairs has committed to taking the packaging sector’s temperature in the coming weeks by launching a brand-new survey. London’s vibrant home for packaging innovation and design, London Packaging Week, is seeking to canvas the opinion of suppliers, designers, packaging developers, marketers, and founders, as it continues to identify the major forces and emerging trends that will reshape luxury over the next decade. The five-minute, 10-question survey looks into which influential brands, organisations, and external factors are making waves – from manufacturing to consumerism. Renan Joel, Managing Director, Packaging at Easyfairs, said: “This is an opportunity to help shape an already renowned event and allow us to continue creating a dynamic and inspirational offering that drives packaging innovation, business and connections at the heart of the UK’s luxury and consumer products markets. “Unequivocally, our performance is contingent on the quality of our listening. It qualifies us to connect the dots between trust and relationships, whether between individuals, an organisation and its customers, or stakeholders. “It enables us to look audiences in the eyes and guarantee a level of interest they relish.” LPW, scheduled to take place on September 21 and 22 at the ExCel London, will, no doubt, be awash with of brands, innovators, designers and creators looking to study what drives the success of prestige brands innovating to come up with a league of creative and sustainable solutions. “Packaging matters more than ever,” added the Easyfairs chief. “In a world of disparate alternatives, consumers choose to express themselves with brand choices that reflect their values. “London’s vibrant home for packaging innovation and design will walk you through the entire immersive process, where the right materials and shapes are matched to the desired sensory cues that trigger a positive response in the consumer’s mind. Quite simply, there is no other exhibition or observer of the luxury industry whose insights are more useful, accurate and packed with smart predictions for the packaging sector. LPW will, once again, show that it understands the mindset that creates luxury’s timeless value.” The short survey comprising 10 key questions can be found here.

Loma Systems to showcase multiple “Check & Detect” solutions at Interpack

Loma Systems, a global leader in inspection technologies for food quality and safety, will be showcasing its latest inspection solutions at Interpack 2023, held at Messe Düsseldorf, Germany on 4-10 May. The company is exhibiting in Hall 11, on Stand F02. The Loma team look forward to welcoming visitors to the stand and displaying their exciting collection of new and existing ‘Check & Detect’ solutions, designed to meet all inspection needs. The company is particularly proud to exhibit its new X5 SideShoot – a side-view X-ray system for food inspection, suitable where the food in packaging is taller than it is wide. This includes items such as yoghurts, confectionery, snacks and cookies. The side-view X-ray system features a 150 mm wide belt, with a 270mm aperture and is capable of offering excellent detection of an extensive range of contaminants, including all metals, glass, stone, rubber and dense plastics, plus, within multilayer products, you can determine the layer in which the contaminant entered the process. Loma is also proud to be introducing a new product into its Pipeline portfolio. The X5 Pipeline range will now include a new 4” option. Perfect for inspection of pumped and free-flowing applications such as large-formed hams and gammons, this product complements the Pipeline family, which is already available with product pipes of 2.5 and 3”, all offering excellent detection across a wide range of contaminants. With Loma’s range designed to inspect virtually all applications, on show will be the IQ3+E Vertical Fall gravity fed/throat metal detector system, designed for inspecting powders, granules or bulk food products. And for visitors looking for pharmaceutical solutions, Loma will be exhibiting their new and improved IQ4 LOCK-PH Metal Detector, designed for inspecting up to 30,000 tablets and capsules per minute. For those applications demanding the ultimate in cleaning efficiency, Loma’s IP69 rated IQ4 RUN-WET® Metal Detector Conveyor will be on display, as will their CW3 RUN-WET® Combo System, a fully IP69 rated checkweigher and metal detector system designed following industry-leading hygienic principles, for simultaneously detecting metal contaminants and reducing giveaway in food products. Both systems provide quicker and easier cleaning and are perfect for inspecting a wide variety of food products, including retail-packed convenience food/Food to Go and much more, where bacterial contamination is a risk. Finally, Loma will also be showcasing its data capture software, TRACS (Trending-Reporting-Analysis-Capture-Software), a graphical reporting tool, which runs over a network and captures data from connected machines for analysis and reporting from a remote computer. TRACS displays live and historical batch data for all production runs and is designed to work with Loma’s metal detectors, checkweighing, X-ray inspection, and combination systems. For more information on Loma’s ‘Check & Detect’ solutions, click here.

Kite Packaging enters third year of carbon neutrality

March 2023 brings renewed confirmation of carbon neutrality for Kite Packaging Group Limited from Carbon Neutral Britain. In 2022, Kite achieved carbon neutral status under Scopes 1 and 2, extending their offsetting to also include third-party deliveries under Scope 3. Following on from last year, the employee share-owned company has maintained this, successfully offsetting a total of 1338 tonnes of CO₂e emissions, far exceeding their emissions for the year. All Kite trucks and outbound deliveries made by third-party couriers have been offset and are therefore carbon neutral. The company is continuing to operate with carbon neutral delivery, whether that is between Kite’s NDC and RDCs or directly to their customers and will be shown on customer delivery notes. The employee share-owned company avoided a further 198 CO₂e by using renewable energy in their operation, having fitted solar panels at their new premises in Puma Park, Coventry. This is in keeping with their ambitions to use renewable energy for electrical consumption. Kite Packaging remains committed to environmental causes, collectively effecting meaningful change that helps us care for the wellbeing of our planet. To find out more about the products and services available at Kite Packaging, please visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk.

Award Recognition for Soft Plastic Recycling Initiative

The successful collaborative project bringing together Heinz and Tesco with packaging industry leader Berry Global and recycling technology experts Plastic Energy and Sabic to develop Heinz Beanz Snap Pots made with 39 percent recycled plastic has been recognised with a Silver Award in the global Packaging Innovation Awards. The award recognises how the project has delivered improved sustainability for the Heinz Snap Pots while retaining what makes them so popular with consumers: handy snappable format, microwave-ready and freshness retention. The Heinz Snap Pots produced by Berry Global use 39% ISCC PLUS-certified (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) recycled soft plastic on a mass balance basis. Soft plastic is returned by consumers to and collected by Tesco stores for conversion by Plastic Energy into an optimal oil feedstock. This is combined with virgin material by Sabic to produce an alternative feedstock to manufacture recycled food-contact approved plastic pellets. These are sent to an ISCC-certified Berry Global site for manufacturing into new Heinz Beanz Snap Pots after extensive trials led by Sabic, Berry Global and KraftHeinz to select the correct polymer compositions to achieve the challenging technical requirements. After use the Heinz Snap Pots can be recycled through kerbside collection. By diverting, recovering and upcycling plastics which would otherwise have been sent to landfill or incineration, this first of its kind project helps to promote and support the move towards a circular economy. “We are delighted the Heinz Beanz Snap Pots project has received this important award,” commented Jean-Marc Galvez, Berry CPI President, Berry Global. “It demonstrates how a collaborative approach across the entire value chain can deliver innovative circular packaging design.” Jojo de Noronha, President Northern Europe at Heinz, said: “We’re proud to have teamed up with leading experts to bring this important innovation to our customers. Our hope is that this prompts an industry-wide look at what more can be done to address the lack of soft plastics being recycled in the UK, and we can, as a collective, get better when it comes to developing new packaging solutions that are good for both our consumers and for our planet.” The Packaging Innovation Awards is the packaging industry’s premier awards competition, recognising the best in packaging design, encouraging advancements in sustainability and performance, and inspiring the next big ideas. The awards look for creations that challenge the accepted limits of what’s possible, showcase new technologies or techniques, and inspire future innovation.

Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett signature flavour BodyFuel™ sports drink launched

Since its launch in December 2022, BodyFuel™ has been a resounding success for Applied Nutrition, with the company selling 2.5m units in its first three months on sale. In the last month, it has also been revealed that BodyFuel™ has outsold all other soft drinks at a major nationwide retailer. The new sugar-free tropical punch flavoured drink is emblazoned with a cartoon version of Paddy’s famous pose that UFC fans worldwide are very familiar with, and a highly distinctive black and red pack design that’s sure to stand out on the shelves and in the fridges of retailers, gyms and convenience stores across the country. Applied Nutrition launched BodyFuel™ with Orange, Lemon and Lime and Summer Fruits variants before quickly following that up in February with Icy Blue Raz, a firm favourite in many of their other supplements, and the unique Rocket Ice Lolly flavour. Paddy Punch is the first flavour to be designed alongside one of the company’s ambassadors and the firm says it has plans for more exciting flavour partnerships in the coming months. Applied Nutrition has also ensured it has a secure and reliable supply chain in place to keep retailers stocked as it expects a huge demand for Paddy Punch. Ahead of its launch (Monday 27th March) Paddy Pimblett said: “Working together with Applied Nutrition on Paddy Punch has been a top experience for me, we tested so many flavour combinations and we think we have ended up with one that people are going to love. “It tastes unreal! And I’m made up to put my name on such an amazing drink.” Body Fuel contains 665mg of electrolytes from a multitude of sources, in levels that Applied Nutrition says are the optimum ratio needed to aid muscle function, and rehydration and support most consumers in the widest variety of activities. In addition, BodyFuel™ is Informed Sport tested so it is safe for professional athletes, it’s sugar free, less than 5 calories, contains anti-oxidant vitamins C&E, vitamin D and Zinc, a full panel of B-vitamins and 250mg of BCAAs to support recovery. Dan Warburton, Applied Nutrition’s National Account Controller said: “We’ve seen the continued demand for functional drinks the last 18 months and we’ve responded to these insights with action through the launch of products like BodyFuel™, creating tasty drinks with a variety of health benefits. “BodyFuel™ came to market to support the demand, and we’ve been blown away by the response from shoppers. We’re delighted to have worked with Paddy on such a popular product and can’t wait for consumers to get their hands on Paddy Punch. It has been our most successful new product launch and we’re excited to see the growth over the next 12 months.”

Bakery’s £1.5m expansion as it prooves track record for success

An independent, family-owned Surrey bakery is tripling its footprint to support the growing demand for its expertly crafted artisanal bread, savoury and sweet treats. Cavan Bakery has moved into a new 15,000 sq ft purpose-built baking facility in Walton-on-Thames with the support of a £1.5m funding package from Lloyds Bank. The business, which also has 13 bakery shops across Surrey and South London, and a café at Molesey Boat Club, produces 40 different types of bread each day and 30 different pastries, buns and cakes, alongside snacks such as sausage rolls and sandwiches. The majority of Cavan Bakery’s speciality breads are sourdoughs, made by skilled artisan bakers every night and early morning, as has been the case since 1929. The bakery produces 15 different breads daily. In total over 80,000 products are supplied into its shops and cafés as well as wholesale to local businesses each week. The new bakery is almost three times larger than its previous 5,200 sq ft space and offers greater capacity to store ingredients and boost production. The fit-out of the former warehouse was designed by the business to create the customised space required to deliver its ambitions to grow. Amid increasing demand for ethical, locally-produced artisanal food, Cavan Bakery is now looking to open at least another three shops this year. Cavan Bakery employs around 180 people from the local area, and the business sees investing in a contemporary, purpose-built production environment as essential for attracting and retaining talent. This included investing in new machinery to help reduce running costs and become more efficient. For example, it has reduced the number of ovens it needs, by investing in larger, more efficient models to produce its goods. The business is also exploring electrifying its fleet of delivery vehicles, having recently invested in its first electric van. In addition to its retail outlets, the business supplies over 100 wholesale customers in the area, including local cafés, restaurants and farm shops, which accounts for around 15% of its total business. Ingredients for its products are sourced as locally as possible to reduce food miles, and any surplus food is donated to local community kitchens, food banks, homeless shelters and breakfast clubs. Jeff Greenall, Director at Cavan Bakery, said: “We’re really privileged that we’ve been able to grow at a strong and steady rate, particularly over the last decade as people have discovered the craft of skilled artisan bakers who provide quality and diverse goods. We are proud to provide our customers with local, sustainably-sourced products. “People are at the heart of our success. This includes our fabulous staff and our loyal customers. In return, we want to create the best products possible at an affordable cost. Our new bakery and shops will ensure that, because quality is baked into everything we do – literally.” Victoria Vawdrey, Relationship Director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Cavan Bakery is an excellent example of a business that puts its customers at its heart. Jeff and the team ensure that new products, as well as beloved staples, are produced with the love and care that customers appreciate in artisan producers. In particular, it’s so encouraging to see a business giving back to the community too, supporting local initiatives and helping to create a fairer world. We’re proud to be by Cavan Bakery’s side, and we look forward to remaining there as it continues to grow.”

3 pros and 2 cons of logistics outsourcing

As a business owner or manager, you’ve got a lot of responsibilities. You have to find and manage customers, supervise employees’ tasks, monitor the performance of your marketing strategies, and attend business meetings. And above all, there’s a logistic function which is one of the backbones of the success of your business. Doing all the tasks of your business can be overwhelming. Some areas of the company might be more demanding and time-consuming. And if you aren’t careful, you might compromise some areas for others. Therefore, your company will barely experience growth. Fortunately, you can outsource some functions and find more time to manage your business. One of these is to outsource your logistics. An Overview Of Logistics Outsourcing Logistics outsourcing is the practice of hiring a third-party company to handle your various business supply chain functions. These include processing orders, handling materials, warehousing, inventory management, packaging, and transporting finished goods to customers. The service provider you hire to manage your business supply chain department is known as a third-party logistics (3PL) firm. Such a company will use its warehouse to provide you with all the supply chain or logistics services. It can handle all the supply chain issues, including logistics planning, procurement, and customer service. Pros Of Logistics Outsourcing When it comes to logistics outsourcing, some business owners are reluctant to work with third-party companies. Little did they know they were losing a great opportunity to enhance operational efficiencies and company growth. There are several benefits of logistics outsourcing. They include the following:
  1. It Allows You To Save Money
Saving money is one of the practical ways to ensure your business runs well for the foreseeable future. It allows you to reduce costs while increasing your profits. Logistics outsourcing provides cost-effective solutions to manage your supply chain function or department. For instance, you won’t have to run your own warehouse, which means you don’t have to worry about the cost of managing a warehouse, including electricity bills, monthly rental charges, and maintenance fees. The outsourced 3PL company will use its warehouse to manage your inventory. In the long run, this helps you to save huge sums of money. In addition, logistics outsourcing eliminates the need to employ a full in-house for your supply chain department. The company will use its team members to manage the warehouse. This helps reduce your labor expenses. Therefore, if your goal is to reduce costs in your business, one of the ways to achieve that is through logistics outsourcing.
  1. It Gives Quick Access To Technology
Another benefit of logistics outsourcing is having quick access to new technology. Technology is evolving every second, and you should be able to quickly integrate these developments into your business systems for success. A 3PL will advise and guide you to ensure you’re using modern technologies efficiently. One of the technologies a 3PL company may assist you in implementing is the Internet of Things (IoT), which is becoming increasingly popular in the supply chain. This technology embeds software, sensors, and other technologies in physical objects that will help you collect data on client demands and interests. As such, you can optimize your actual output and increase the quality of your products.
  1. It Provides Scalable Solutions
Logistics outsourcing may allow you to respond quickly to clients’ demands. If you manage your logistics internally, you might have many issues with your supply chain function. For example, you might not have enough labor force and machinery to handle increased demand during the holiday season. Besides, you may experience problems when you want to scale down after product demand has reduced drastically. Logistics services are designed to respond efficiently to clients’ demands. They can scale up or down according to your demand. It can also help you expand into new markets, including international targets. Cons Of Logistics Outsourcing Although logistics outsourcing has many benefits, it also has some drawbacks. Here are the two major disadvantages of going in this direction.  
  • The Transfer Of Responsibility
One of the big disadvantages of logistics outsourcing is the transfer of responsibility. The hired 3PL will be the one communicating with customers in most cases. And if its staff doesn’t effectively communicate, your business will be liable for poor customer service. Therefore, do due diligence when selecting a logistics partner to ensure you find a reputable one with excellent staff.
  • The Risk Of Company Information Leak
When you outsource any of your business functions, you need to understand that there’s always a risk of critical information leaks. The outsourced logistic firm will deal with your business and customers’ confidential information. Your business can suffer financial loss if such information gets leaked to unauthorized people. Therefore, before you sign a deal with a 3PL, it’s important to confirm they’ll maintain your confidentiality. Takeaway If you want to manage your supply chain function effectively, you may hire a 3PL. It’ll handle all your logistic tasks as you focus on managing your business. As discussed in this article, logistics outsourcing has benefits and drawbacks. However, the pros are more than the cons. When you decide to partner with a 3PL, make you’ll find the most suitable service provider for your business needs.

Fast-track hire filtration service

The decision to invest valuable CAPEX into untested High Value Equipment carries risks and fears that are typically a step too far for most companies and individuals. Will the equipment work? Is it the right solution? Will it ultimately be a waste of company funds? These are all questions that stop CAPEX purchases in their tracks on a regular basis. Filtration specialists Axium Process now have the answer to these questions, with the launch of a membrane separation rental service developed specifically to bypass traditional concerns and provide a fast-track solution. Axium’s new service is a valuable resource for fast or temporary technical filtration solutions that would normally involve time-consuming research and risky commitments to large capital investment. Offering great flexibility and suitable for many liquid processing applications, Axium’s UF2Go and RO2Go crossflow systems have been developed for rapid filtration solutions. Backed up with extensive technical expertise, Axium can fulfill high-priority requirements swiftly from their range of universally adaptable membrane filtration options. The UF2Go and RO2Go systems have been designed to meet industrial scale demand for most types of liquid processing requirements – with environmental concerns top of the list. “The UF2Go and RO2Go crossflow systems provide an exceptionally practical solution for urgent filtration needs,” says Derek Davies, Business Development Director at Axium Process. “Both systems are available through a rental model typically using OPEX, which bypasses the usual CAPEX restrictions but allows observation of long-term trends. It’s ideal for situations where a permanent installation may be required at a future point.” Quick to install and easy to use, there are a vast array of applications for Axium’s systems across many different industries, including manufacturing, pharmaceutical, food, beverage, dairy and water recycling. From the removal of suspended solids and organic impurities to wastewater recovery, high-value protein extraction, or even to support occasional high-demand situations, the versatile concept is built on reliable tried-and-tested technology used by multiple leading brands. “Both the UF2Go and RO2Go are designed for easy deployment and minimal operator intervention, and each system can be up and running in a matter of hours,” says Derek. “During installation and commissioning, full operator training will be conducted by one of our engineers.” “We are excited to offer this level of flexibility and support for our customers. We understand the need for businesses to find simple, cost-effective solutions for everyday problems, be it a planned intervention, emergency, or temporary requirement.” Axium Process is one of the UK’s leading membrane filtration system manufacturers, specialising in Microfiltration, Ultrafiltration, Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis technology.