Despite the challenges of inflation, high interest rates and an uncertain geopolitical situation, underlying demand for intralogistics automation remains strong.
Secretary at AMHSA
There has been a dip in warehouse construction and the associated logistics automation systems in the short term. However, the continuing growth of the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) market – driven by labour availability issues and a focus on improving the efficiency of brownfield sites while greenfield investment is on hold – and the prevailing long-term trends mean that the future for logistics automation remains very positive. “Continuing labour availability issues and the global growth in e-commerce will be the key drivers for the trend to automate over the coming years,” explains Dave Berridge, AMHSA Secretary. “The need to meet consumer expectations in terms of delivery speed and convenience in the face of labour shortages will necessitate more and more warehouse automation.”
Informative workshops
With around 60 members, AMHSA is the voice of the UK’s automated logistics industry. At its AGM back in April, the association appointed Duncan Pointon as its new President for the traditional two-year term. AMHSA provides a programme of training workshops and networking events to facilitate the sharing of best practice in the sector. In addition to its Autumn Conference for members, recent events have included training workshops on the essentials of automated material handling systems, the issues surrounding fire protection for ASRS (automatic storage and retrieval systems) and strategies for social media.
Exhibitions in 2024
A number of AMHSA members will be exhibiting at the co-located shows IntraLogisteX and Robotics & Automation at the NEC on 19 & 20 March next year. In addition, AMHSA is once again supporting IWLEX, which returns on 14 & 15 May at NAEC Stoneleigh, as well as the Tomorrow’s Warehouse events, which take place on 20 June in Coventry and 2 October in Manchester.
New members
AMHSA is pleased that the association continues to grow, recruiting several new members this year: AGF, a specialist warehouse functionality solutions provider; Avancon, a specialist conveyor, transfer and divert modules manufacturer; and Root-See, consultants supporting businesses venturing into automation of their production and distribution. In addition, George Utz Ltd – the plastic box, tote and container manufacturer – recently rejoined the group. As well as training events and networking opportunities, AMHSA members benefit from discounted exhibitor rates at selected shows.
Apprenticeship programme
AMHSA continues to support its members in recruiting and training the workforce of the future by operating its own four-year apprenticeship programme in association with car manufacturer, Toyota.
AMHSA is the voice of the UK’s automated material handling industry and seeks to accelerate the adoption of world-class intralogistics automation across the UK supply chain.
AMHSA
01858 414229
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