Although the worst of the disruption caused by the pandemic is now behind us and market demand has largely bounced back, some supply chain issues mean optimism is cautious.
Supply problems remain in some areas of the world still affected by Covid-19, along with labour shortages across the logistics industry in the developed world. Together with inflation – exacerbated by the war in Ukraine – these issues mean high energy and materials prices for members of the Automated Material Handling Systems Association (AMHSA), as well as for companies considering investment in automation. However, according to Dave Berridge, AMHSA Secretary, “The problems caused by labour scarcity – particularly in the UK following Brexit – mean that many firms consider automation is more of a necessity than a choice.”
Retail bounceback
AMHSA members continue to deal with high volumes of enquiries, many of them from retailers. Bricks-and-mortar retail made a fair recovery in 2021 compared to the lockdowns of 2020. However, e-commerce growth has been down recently. “This has to be put in context,” explains Dave Berridge. “The lockdowns meant e-com sales skyrocketed in 2020, so it’s more sensible to compare the 2021 figures with 2019. According to recent research from IMRG, the UK e-commerce association, year-on-year growth from 2019 to 2021 went up by 39%.”
Informative events
With over 60 members, AMHSA continues to be the voice of the automated logistics industry and provides a programme of training workshops and networking events to facilitate the sharing of best practice. Recently, members benefited from a visit to returnable transit packaging supplier, IPL Group, to learn about RTP and its interaction with automated handling systems.
IMHX
AMHSA will once again have a high profile at IMHX, which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from 6-8 September. Many AMHSA members will showcase their solutions in the AMHSA Pavilion and the association will once again host an insightful seminar series on a range of automation topics.
AGM
The AMHSA AGM will take place on Tuesday 26 April at the association’s home of Harborough Innovation Centre in Market Harborough. Following a social event the night before, the AGM will be followed by a special IMHX Exhibitor Training Workshop.
Nurturing talent
AMHSA operates its own four-year apprenticeship programme in association with car manufacturer, Toyota. The scheme enables apprentices to complete two years of hands-on learning at the Toyota Academy in Derbyshire, followed by vocational training with the member company.
For information on the benefits of membership, please call Matthew Jones on 07517 610514 or visit the AMHSA website at www.amhsa.co.uk.
Dave Berridge
Secretary, AMHSA
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