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Beckhoff Automation Posts Sales of 903 Million Euros – Very Close to Previous Year’s Level
2019 financial year highlights include innovations, sustainability and global expansion
- worldwide sales in 2019: 903 million euros (-1%)
- 4,350 employees worldwide (+1%)
- investment in research and development: 70 million euros
- coronavirus impact minimized
VERL, Germany, April 21, 2020 – Beckhoff Automation generated global sales of 903 million euros in 2019, representing a slight decrease in sales of 1% compared to the previous year, when the company posted sales of 916 million euros. Beckhoff is satisfied with the performance of the business despite this slight decline, since the company was able to essentially maintain sales at the previous year’s level in what would become an extremely difficult market environment.
A significant slowdown in investment levels worldwide was palpable even in the second half of 2018, which led to a substantial reduction in orders in 2019 among Beckhoff’s machine builder customers in particular. Many markets bounced back strongly at the start of 2020, which all changed again, however, with the outbreak of the global coronavirus crisis. Beckhoff expects economic life at the company to resume more or less fully once the pandemic subsides, including the associated investments.
While it is difficult at present to forecast precisely how the business will develop in 2020, Beckhoff is planning for a financial year at the previous year’s level and is cautiously optimistic about single-digit sales growth.
“With global sales totaling 903 million euros, 2019 was a balanced financial year for us,” says owner and Managing Director Hans Beckhoff. “This was somewhat unusual for us, since we have grown on average by 15% annually since the year 2000. After a number of boom years, a cyclical correction was to be expected, though the impact of this may now be exacerbated by the coronavirus situation. However, we are presently working at full capacity, and this is set to continue over the coming months with no reduction in working hours envisaged. As the impact of the pandemic recedes in the coming months, we can even achieve acceptable growth in 2020. On the strength of this optimistic general assessment, Beckhoff is proceeding with all investment projects as well as research and development activities with full intensity. Beckhoff currently has a workforce of 4,350 employees globally, and this will further increase in certain areas too,” adds Hans Beckhoff.
Adjusting to the coronavirus situation
The company has adjusted well to the coronavirus situation. Beckhoff continues to serve customers at a virtually unchanged capacity and is ready to take on new projects. As a globally active company with branches in 39 countries, Beckhoff became aware of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic at an early stage. The subsidiary in China, in particular, was able to gain experience with how to ensure employee safety and maintain company operations in the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the experiences of Beckhoff employees in China, the company introduced initial measures in Germany at the end of February. By mid-March, all employees in Germany were working from home offices whenever feasible (1,200 positions in Germany and 2,100 positions in total worldwide). “Just under 80% of employees with an office workplace are working from home offices. All employees affected by these measures continue to be accessible for our customers via many lines of communication,” reports Hans Beckhoff.
At the same time, production was switched to staggered two-shift operation. All employees in production were also split into safety groups (that is, potential infection groups), which can work independently and at a safe distance from each other. “All production, warehousing and supply functions were protected by introducing social distancing and staggered working times and a number of hygiene measures, thus enabling continued supply chain security for our customers. The company would like to thank all production and warehousing employees for the exemplary and selfless manner in which they supported these changes and restrictions,” affirms Hans Beckhoff.
In addition, Beckhoff can help in the battle against coronavirus by providing cutting-edge products and technologies and through the experience and expertise of its employees. Beckhoff is involved in around 15 high-profile projects worldwide, for example, in order to develop respiratory and testing equipment. One particularly exciting and promising invention is the CoroVent ventilator, which Beckhoff supported during development and production in the Czech Republic (for further information see: www.corovent.com).
Business expansion in Germany
The dense sales network was extended in Germany with the addition of new sales offices in Waldkirch (near Freiburg), Aachen and Kempten. Also, Beckhoff acquired ADL Embedded Solutions GmbH, headquartered in Siegen, Germany, on April 1, 2019. ADL is a specialist company that is well known for producing deep embedded applications using motherboards and specially adapted peripherals. The company develops tailor-made, turnkey embedded solutions in collaboration with customers. For many years now, it has based its projects on Beckhoff industrial motherboards, and with the integration of ADL into the Verl-based company, this successful collaboration can progress to the next stage.
Global expansion strategy
Beckhoff furthermore acquired Tri-TEK Corp. in Seoul, South Korea, on July 1, 2019. The successful distributor has been closely associated with Beckhoff for many years. As Beckhoff Korea, the experienced team, which to date has focused primarily on semiconductor and display manufacturing, will now be able to support South Korea’s high-tech market even more comprehensively.
Beckhoff currently has subsidiaries and representative offices in 39 countries worldwide. Counting its own sales companies and distributors, Beckhoff is represented in 75 countries around the globe.
Greer, SC—Creform Corporation, a manufacturer of unique products for material handling structures has designed and built a stationary flow rack to be used lineside for an assembly line. The flow rack can be virtually used in any industry and for most application and is particular useful holding an optimal amount of inventory at the point of assembly which maximizes floor space. It also can prevent excessive inventory which is one of the seven waste considerations in lean manufacturing. This flow rack contains an “L shaped” slide pipe and skate wheel conveyor.
Creform sales engineers worked closely with the customer to design this customized solution to meet their specific needs. The result is an optimized flow rack where parts and materials are strategically organized at the point of use. This setup enables workers to quickly locate the components they need, reducing downtime and saving time. Creform offers multiple flow lane options and can create virtually any hybrid solution.
The gravity flow rack assists first-in, first out (FIFO) inventory management. ensuring that materials are used in the order that they are received. The compact design allows for lineside placement, minimizing floor space requirements.
The pictured unit is 49" W x 50" D x 63" T, can hold up to 1200 lb. and is built using Creform 28 mm pipe which provides flexibility and reusability for the user. However, higher capacity and custom rack sizes and configurations are possible with Creform’s 42mm product line of pipe and joints. Further, the 42mm product line can integrate seamlessly with the 28mm system.
The flow rack features Five supply levels and one return level on the bottom for product presentation in a modified stair-stepped setup. The flow rack design utilizes Creform’s low friction L shaped gray colored slide pipe for the top 4 levels. The L shaped slide pipe provides containment on both sides to secure the boxes effectively in each lane. Creform’s highly efficient skate wheel conveyor is utilized on the bottom supply level and on the return level. Both of these levels have the conveyors located evenly spaced to accommodate many different sized boxes.
Creform skate wheel conveyors and L shaped slide pipe are suitable for both plastic returnable totes as well as cardboard boxes. Both products provide a long and reliable life span.
Each of the cart’s levels can be repositioned with only simple tools. With this design, each level can be repositioned or whole flow rack customized with only simple tools. This greatly simplifies adjustment.
Creform offers flow racks in a wide variety of pipe colors, and accessories can include information sheet holders, label holders, tool storage, hooks to hang tools and other supplies. As well as built with feet, rather than wheels. Creform Structures can be built for ESD for anti-static applications. Available as a kit or an assembled structure or in the component form for a complete DIY solution.
Creform provides solutions for dynamic material handling needs in the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing. As pioneers in adaptive systems, the company empowers companies to seamlessly integrate continuous improvement methodologies like Kaizen, 5S, and lean manufacturing principles. From robust pipe and joint structures to gravity roller conveyors and cutting-edge AGV technology, Creform equips users with the tools to optimize efficiency across various applications. Whether it's streamlining workflow with flow racks and workstations or enhancing mobility with agile carts and AGVs, the company’s solutions are tailored to elevate your operational performance.
Online at creform.com for additional information regarding Creform Corporation and its products.
“Our two newest products reinforce Toyota’s commitment to environmental stewardship without compromising the efficiency and power of our reliable products,” said Bill Finerty, President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling. “These two new models are impactful in many different applications, meeting the needs of all our customers and harnessing the innovation and power of our electric products.”
The Integrated Mid & Large Electric Pneumatic Forklifts are engineered to meet the most demanding heavy-duty applications, particularly in outdoor environments where robust performance is required for transporting heavy loads.
With load capacities ranging from 8,000 to 17,500 pounds, Toyota’s electric pneumatic forklifts are versatile across various applications. Each model is equipped with an integrated lithium-ion battery, delivering low maintenance and reduced downtime, and powered by a Toyota-designed electric drive system, these forklifts offer the performance of internal combustion (IC) trucks with the efficiency of electric models.
Toyota features AC drive and lift motors for advanced runtime and speed, built to excel in traditional IC environments. Innovative technologies, including a floating cabin and fully electric forklift, provide lower noise levels and reduced vibration, making this forklift model an ideal solution for industries that demand both performance and sustainability.
As a testament to Toyota’s culture of Kaizen – or continuous improvement – Toyota launched an enhanced version of its reliable Core Electric Forklift. This compact, four-wheel electric lift truck is designed for a broad range of indoor applications, with a focus on speed, efficiency and operator comfort. Suited for industries such as retail, manufacturing and food handling, the upgraded model supports load capacities of 3,000 to 6,500 pounds.
Toyota’s Core Electric Forklift delivers efficient uptime and lower energy consumption to maximize productivity and cost efficiency with improved motors and controllers. Toyota designed the new models to prioritize operator comfort with ergonomic enhancements, including larger storage compartments and USB charging features. Offering increased runtime and 34 customizable options, Toyota’s upgraded forklift provides unmatched versatility and efficiency.
Learn more about Toyota and its full line of industry-leading material handling products and solutions here.
About Toyota Material Handling
Toyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics, and warehouse optimization. For more information or to learn more, visit ToyotaForklift.com
MOORESTOWN, NJ (December 18, 2024) OPEX® Corporation, a global leader in Next Generation Automation providing solutions for document, mail, and warehouse automation, has been selected as a finalist in the 2024 NED (New Equipment Digest) Innovation Awards, which celebrates innovations in industrial technology, tools, and equipment that empower businesses to work faster, better, and more cost-effectively.
Introduced in March 2024, Sure Sort X with Xtract is a fully adaptable, turnkey offering designed to automate multiple manual tasks with a simple, one-touch solution.
The technology handles nearly 100% of customer-sortable items weighing up to 20 pounds and sorts items into a configurable array of mixed bin sizes and types, all while maintaining a consistent throughput of up to 2,100 items per hour.
“We are excited to once again receive this recognition, which honors our warehouse automation solutions that clients around the globe count on, as well as our culture of innovation,” said Alex Stevens, President, OPEX Warehouse Automation. “Sure Sort has long been a preferred warehouse automation solution for distribution centers and third-party logistics companies. Sure Sort X paired with Xtract has been developed to meet the evolving demands of the marketplace to deliver one integrated solution that automates the sort and order takeaway process.”
When Sure Sort X is paired with Xtract, totes are retrieved and their contents are transferred into shipping containers automatically, eliminating the need to manually sort and transfer boxes downstream. Xtract iBOTs can handle up to 200 extracted totes per hour.
The system can accommodate multiple market vertical workflows and greatly reduce the need for human interface. Installation can occur in as little as one week and return on investment can be realized within just two years.
For nearly five decades, OPEX has served as a trusted partner, collaborating closely with clients to develop customized, scalable solutions that transform how they conduct business.
About OPEX
OPEX Corporation is a global leader in Next Generation Automation, providing innovative, unique solutions for warehouse, document and mail automation. With headquarters in Moorestown, NJ, USA—and facilities in Pennsauken, NJ; Plano, TX; France; Germany; Switzerland; the United Kingdom; and Australia—OPEX has nearly 1,600 employees who are continuously reimagining and delivering customized, scalable technology solutions that solve the business challenges of today and in the future.
Richland Hills, Texas, September 12, 2024. AML, a U.S-based manufacturer of barcode data collection products, announces the launch of its latest Android® product, the StrikerX mobile computer.
“As more and more companies are moving away from legacy TELNET based applications, and towards APK and web-based applications, the power required to efficiently access and process graphical apps increases exponentially,” AML President Mike Kearby said. “StrikerX can handle the most demanding tasks with power to spare. Add in the fact that StrikerX is equipped with a Wi-Fi® 6E radio, and it becomes the clear choice for those looking for mobile computers they can keep deployed for years to come.”
StrikerX comes with a host of built-in software utilities for rapid deployment and maximum operator efficiency. The mobile device can be configured with an array of options including different barcode scanners, keypads, with or without a handle, and an optional camera. StrikerX can also be paired with a variety of charging accessories.
For more information on AML's new mobile computer, StrikerX, contact an AML representative at 800-648-4452 or visit our website at:
About AML. AML is a manufacturer of barcode-centric data collection products. For more than 40 years, AML has been providing American-Made data collection products to a variety of companies and industries, with an emphasis on value and performance.
For more information, contact Natalie Smith, Marketing Manager. nsmith@amltd.com
Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Co., a 117-year-old industry leader in heavy-duty industrial casters, proudly announces the enhancement of its legacy Super Endurance Caster (SEC) series, now rebranded as the Spinfinity® Super Endurance Caster (ZFSEC) series. In addition, Hamilton is introducing the all-new Spinfinity® Super Endurance Dual Caster (ZFSEC2) series, both of which feature a new heavy-duty 'V-Style' seal designed to elevate performance in the most demanding environments.
The Spinfinity® Super Endurance Caster (ZFSEC) series replaces Hamilton’s legacy SEC series, setting a new benchmark for kingpinless caster design in extra heavy-duty applications. Central to this upgrade is the heavy-duty 'V-Style' seal, which offers protection against dirt, debris, and moisture. This advanced sealing technology ensures consistent performance and extends the life of the caster, making it the ideal choice for environments where reliability is critical.
"With the introduction of the V-Style seal, the ZFSEC series is engineered to withstand the harshest conditions while providing zero-fix, 100% maintenance-free operation," said Mark Lippert, president of Hamilton Caster. "This enhancement allows our customers to minimize maintenance costs and downtime, further solidifying Hamilton’s reputation for durability and dependability."
The ZFSEC series retains the robust construction that Hamilton is known for, including a swivel top plate and inner raceway made from forged steel, providing superior strength for shock conditions. Sealed precision ball bearings are also now standard in all wheels, contributing to the maintenance-free performance of the series. Notably, the zerk fittings have been eliminated, as the new design makes them unnecessary.
Complementing the ZFSEC series, Hamilton introduces the all-new Spinfinity® Super Endurance Dual Wheel Caster (ZFSEC2) series. This dual wheel series is engineered for extra heavy-duty applications where stability, durability, and maintenance-free operation are paramount. Like its counterpart, the ZFSEC2 series leverages the new 'V-Style' seal, ensuring that each caster is fully protected against contaminants that could compromise performance.
Combined with sealed precision ball wheel bearings, this caster series ensures zero-fix, 100% maintenance-free performance. The dual-wheel configuration enhances stability and allows for a lower overall height, offering a perfect blend of strength and maneuverability.
Casters in both series are finished in a durable HAA polyester platinum powder coat and are available in a wide variety of wheel types, allowing for customization based on application needs. For complete wheel specs and product details check out the Spinfinity® Super Endurance Caster Landing Page and all-new Spinfinity® Super Endurance Dual Caster Landing Page.