O. Glaser

Since April, Toyota MH Switzerland has been under the management of Oliver Glaser, who moved to Switzerland from Toyota MH Germany. The Freiburg native has an interesting background. He was also CEO of an Italian motorcycle manufacturer – and head of Carrellificio Emiliano (Cesab) Europe. 

Toyota is launching an offensive at LogiMAT with three new warehouse technology units – all featuring integrated lithium-ion batteries. The LSI200, SSI200D, and SSI160LN models, electric low-lift and high-lift pallet trucks with operator platforms, are powerful and designed for high productivity. 

Fig.: Jungheinrich

Jungheinrich is celebrating the world premiere of its new EAE 212a, equipped as an AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot), at LogiMAT, which started today. The low-lift pallet truck is narrower than a Euro pallet and, thanks to its guidance system and integrated toolchain, also promises real-time visualization.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding lithium-ion batteries, the constant need for intermediate charging quickly drives up electricity costs. New fleet management software from Linde MH aims to define charging time windows and performance limits while maintaining consistent vehicle availability.

Photo: IFOY

Of course, the articulated vehicle takes some getting used to. Even experienced "pilots" say so. But being able to turn corners in just 2.7 meters has its advantages. The Aisle-Master OP that Combilift sent to the IFOY test camp is even equipped with shock monitoring and energy consumption control. 

Narrow warehouse aisles allow for greater racking capacities on the same footprint. Toyota MH has therefore turned its attention to its "very narrow aisle" forklifts and revised the Vector series. The result is two new models, the VCE100A and VCE120A, and an improved cab for the VCE150A.

With three new versions of the semi-automated N20 C SA order picker, operators can conveniently raise the forks of the Linde order picker to a comfortable working height and no longer need to bend down when setting down goods. This reduces walking distances between the vehicle and the storage location. 

According to brand manager Francesco Pampuri, the machines are a "new benchmark in this market segment". Baoli is presenting its KBE 25-35 family at this year's LogiMAT (April 25-27), cost-effective electric forklifts for continuous operation, for stacking and transporting loads from 2.5 to 3.5 tons.

For lithium-ion batteries, the more easily recyclable iron-phosphate version is the better choice. Clark has expanded its GEX20-30L and GEX40-50 electric forklift series to include such 80V models, further developing the emission-free alternative to internal combustion engine forklifts. 

The technically superior of the two material handling machines nominated by Still for the IFOY award is, of course, the PXV vertical order picker with its 14.5 m lifting height. However, machines like the EXH 16 hand-operated low-lift pallet truck are likely to find wider sales. It's easy to use and ideal for transport on trucks.

From April 25th to 27th, Toyota Material Handling will be represented at LogiMAT with two key locations: its main stand in Hall 10, and in Hall 3 with the newly created Logistics Solutions Integration area, including a collaboration with its sister companies Vanderlande and Viastore. 

With a central window, the operator has a clear view of obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles appearing below when the platform is raised. Crown's newly developed SP 1500 high-lift order picker offers significant advantages in terms of workplace safety.

M. Macht

Michael Macht will step down as Chairman of the Supervisory Board at the Annual General Meeting on May 17 to focus more on the automotive industry. He will be succeeded by Hans Peter Ring. Andreas Krinninger will remain on the Management Board for another five years. Nicolas Peter, previously CFO at BMW, will head the Audit Committee. 

Irish forklift manufacturer Combilift is keeping everyone in suspense. A new model is to remain under wraps until the first day of the LogiMAT trade fair. But it is said to be an emission-free, quiet machine that reduces its environmental footprint while simultaneously offering high performance.

R. Najork

The supervisory board of Hamburg-based forklift and intralogistics systems provider Jungheinrich has nominated Rolf Najork as successor to current chairman Hans-Georg Frey. The shareholders' meeting will decide on the appointment on May 11, 2023.