We’ve agreed to carry out a multi-year upgrade of baggage handling systems (BHS) at London’s Heathrow Airport. Most of the savings will come from eplacing IE2 motors and older generations with IE5 motors. Under the agreement, these will be installed at select parts of the BHS across the airport, including on our own TUBTRAX individual carrier solution.
The changes are expected to reduce energy consumption by more than 50%, and we estimate that the upgrade will deliver a return on investment for Heathrow in just three-and-a-half years. It will also contribute to the airport’s goal of reducing on-the-ground emissions by 45% and help reduce costs at one of the world’s busiest airports.
We’ve launched a new sorter – SPOX – which is able to handle much larger volumes than previous models and can do so at slower speeds.
SPOX is also versatile, because it can process both small and odd-shaped items alongside standard parcels. Developed with sustainability in mind, the sorter can predict when maintenance is needed – to limit potential downtime – and remain operational for longer. Worn or damaged components and parts can be easily removed for refurbishment or repair before being reintegrated.
As part of our switch to more sustainable materials, we used timber flooring for the mezzanine floor at a parcel distribution centre in Lyon. Replacing steel for the structure has significantly reduced embodied greenhouse gas emissions. The 8,500 m2 solution was also quicker to install and, when combined with the choice of timber instead of steel, reduced total costs by almost half. The anti-slip floor is also safer and more comfortable for those working in the facility.
We’re working with our customers to reduce noise levels in their facilities. For example, a new version of our belt-and-roller conveyor is significantly quieter than comparable systems. Changing timing belts and installing lower-noise IE5 motors – along with reducing the number of drives and enclosing conveyor sides – all contribute to a creating a more pleasant working environment.
In addition, the new conveyor has fewer components, which makes it easier to install and maintain. It also consumes less energy than our first version. We have already installed the latest system in one location with more to follow.