8 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2024 www.hpmag.co.uk NEWS A virtual reality tour of ERIKS’ £22 million FCE (Fulfilment Centre of Expertise) is now available to view on its website. The virtual tour, provides an immersive look at the FCE, emphasising the advantages of central stock management in contrast to local stock management, providing insight into optimising logistics and improving efficiency. This state-of-the-art facility revolutionises the supply chain landscape by offering customers unparalleled flexibility, reliability, and efficiency through centralised stocking. In recent years, manufacturers across the UK and Ireland have faced unprecedented supply chain challenges forcing many businesses to reassess their supply chain strategies, with a noticeable shift from ‘Just In Time’ to ‘Just In Case’ approaches. However, ERIKS’ new virtual tour of the FCE demonstrates centralised stocking offers a more effective solution, eliminating inefficiencies and limitations of traditional local stock models. A key advantage of the FCE is its precise delivery options with the choice of next-day delivery, including pre-9 AM, pre-10 AM, and pre-12 PM slots. By utilising a courier service, ERIKS guarantee that customers receive their order when they need it. This level of service is not achievable with traditional service centre van deliveries, which are limited by the number of vehicles available and geographical area. was conceived as a hub of activity, featuring products tailored to a wide range of industries. From automotive to aerospace, the vast array of motion plastics solutions on display is designed to provide visitors with the chance to witness first-hand the versatility and applications of these materials. One of the standout features of the ‘enjoyneering’ experience is igus’ new initiative: GO ZERO LUBRICATION. This is part of the company’s broader commitment to sustainability, a principle that was woven throughout the day’s events. GO ZERO LUBRICATION aims to reduce the environmental impact of traditional lubrication methods by promoting maintenance-free, lubricationfree components made from highperformance plastics. The initiative supports igus’ long-term goals of achieving zero waste, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting recyclable materials wherever possible. Following the product showcase, I was invited on a guided tour of igus’ factory facilities, offering a behind-the-scenes look at its semi-automated readycable production line. This glimpse into the manufacturing process highlighted how igus is adapting to increasing demand. “This year, we have invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in our Northampton factory to help us meet the growing demand for igus products from UK industries,” said Aldridge during the tour. The factory’s state-of-the-art processes allow for the assembly and shipment of sub-assemblies within a 24-hour timeframe, reinforcing the company’s reputation for efficiency and responsiveness to market needs. A key element of the tour was the visit to the customer test area – a dedicated space where attendees could observe advanced robotic solutions in action. igus’ RBTX specialists were on hand to offer detailed explanations of the company’s wide range of automation options, demonstrating how igus products are being used to drive innovation in manufacturing. This area not only showcased the flexibility and precision of igus’ robotics solutions but also provided a platform for exploring the possibilities of further automation in industrial settings. The interactive cobot desk was another highlight, showcasing the cutting-edge technology behind igus’ automation systems. The centrepiece of this display was the ReBeL cobot, the world’s first collaborative robot made entirely from high-performance plastic. Lightweight and highly efficient, the ReBeL represents a significant breakthrough in the field of service robotics. Its unique construction opens the door to new applications, particularly in industries where traditional robotics solutions may be too heavy or cost-prohibitive. After a break for a festival-themed lunch – complete with freshly made wood-fired pizzas and ice cream – I also had the opportunity to test another of igus’ products, the RCYL bike, on guided bike rides around the Brackmills area, giving us the chance to experience the RCYL bike first-hand. This unique bicycle, constructed primarily from recycled ocean plastic waste, showcases igus’ commitment to sustainability and its vision for the future of manufacturing. Each year, millions of bicycles are discarded after rusting beyond repair, contributing to an alarming amount of waste in landfills. The RCYL bike aims to tackle this issue by offering a maintenance-free rust-proof alternative to traditional metal-framed bicycles. Thanks to its lubrication-free components, the RCYL bike not only reduces the need for regular upkeep but also highlights the versatility of high-performance plastics. The bike’s eye-catching design, available in a range of vibrant colours, further underscores the creative possibilities of sustainable materials. The igus ‘enjoyneering’ event successfully combined education, innovation, and sustainability, offering attendees a comprehensive look at the company’s forward-thinking approach. Whether through the factory tour, the customer presentations, or the interactive product displays, the event made clear that igus is committed to leading the way in motion plastics technology. With initiatives like GO ZERO LUBRICATION and the RCYL bike, igus is not only shaping the future of manufacturing but also making a strong case for sustainability at the core of industrial innovation. As the ‘enjoyneering’ experience continues, it promises to serve as a vital resource for businesses looking to optimise their operations while embracing environmentally friendly practices. With its blend of technological expertise and ecological responsibility, igus is paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable future. ERIKS launches virtual tour of £22m fulfilment centre
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