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With the 26^th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) taking place in Glasgow between 31 October – 12 November 2021, climate change and the move towards Zero Carbon is big news, and getting higher on everyone’s agenda.  The move to Net Zero Carbon brings some new challenges, which require new solutions.  Every day, conventional industries are accustomed to facing and dealing with challenges, and the problem-solving skills and capabilities developed can be applied equally to the new challenges of climate change.  In addition, some of the new technology being deployed in the Wind and Nuclear industries can be applied in conventional industries and bring additional opportunities to benefit in your own patch. 

So what will Net Zero mean for our industries – and what can we do as individuals?

Introducing PROTEAN Submersive Extreme, our latest NSF H1 registered highly versatile grease which has been developed to resist extreme water wash off and heavy loads. Our PROTEAN range is designed to provide solutions for the food and drink production industries however Submersive Extreme is adaptable to any environment and has been tested in some of the most hostile applications. We have spent years of detailed research and hands-on application experience to produce the best possible performance, reduce breakdown and maximise efficiency. We focused on developing a grease that has an exceptionally high dropping point, high load carrying capacity, reduced wear and industry leading resistance to water and corrosion.

We have worked closely with manufacturing leaders and proven through analysis in the most extreme environments that within weeks Submersive Extreme can save companies thousands of pounds in downtime, but, more importantly, they are no longer letting their customers down with delays in production. This has not only resulted in huge cost savings but also significantly increased their growth opportunities emerging for new customers.

• 66% of tradespeople have had tools stolen or van broken into
• Two thirds (66%) of tool theft victims have lost at least one working day as a result, in addition to the loss of tools
• Tool theft is biggest business worry for one fifth of tradespeople

The majority (66%) of tradespeople have had their tools stolen or van broken into, a Screwfix survey has found.

Nearly two thirds (65%) of tool theft victims have had their tools stolen more than once. And nearly a quarter (24%) said tool theft has had an impact on their business. For one fifth, tool theft is the biggest business worry.

As a result of tool theft, two thirds (66%) of tradespeople have lost at least one working day, in addition to the loss of the value of the tools, which for three quarters (75%) was more than £500. One fifth of trade tool theft victims had more than £5000 worth of tools stolen.

To protect themselves from tool theft, just over half (51%) remove them from their van overnight, 40% have CCTV at home, and one quarter (25%) have additional security products on their van.

To help tradespeople protect their tools and vans, Screwfix has a range of security products including the Master Lock van padlock and hasp set 230mm.  This nickel-plated, die-cast zinc padlock with hardened steel shackle and a nickel and chrome-plated hardened steel hasp is supplied with two keys and fixings and provides enhanced protection for a van.  While smart CCTV kits from Swann ensure vans and properties can be monitored wherever a tradesperson is, and Van Vault products such as site security boxes and the Outback ensure tools can be kept securely whether on site or on vans.

Ben Lainton, Director of Trading at Screwfix, said: “These latest findings show the concerning level of tool theft and van crime and the damaging impact they have on tradespeople and their businesses. Many of them are seeking ways to protect their tools and vans, so as a key supplier to the trade, we’re continuing to add security-focused innovations to our range to play our part and help them. The latest products from Master Lock, Swann, and Van Vault are prime examples and demonstrate how we are continuing to develop our offer to ensure we provide what the trade needs.”

For more information on security and protection products from Screwfix, visit www.screwfix.com

Port cranes have a difficult and demanding job, unloading thousands of tons of goods from ships around the clock. This is particularly true of a TRF Limited grab and loader crane operating at Paradip Port on the East Coast of India. The crane helps to supply raw materials to one of the largest fertiliser and chemical manufacturing facilities in India. To ensure reliable braking performance for the crane, TRF approached Stromag to provide a complete system package.

Crane needed

The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) operates the manufacturing facility in Paradip. Founded in October 2005, the plant produces 2 million tons of fertiliser every year as well as 7,000 tons of sulphuric acid and 2,650 tons of phosphoric acid daily. These large-scale operations require a vast amount of raw materials, which are delivered by ship via the deep seaport at Paradip. When IFFCO took over the plant, it was clear a large port crane was required to ensure efficient offloading of the raw materials.

Under the laws of cricket, it is illegal for players to rub any substance other than saliva and sweat onto the ball, let alone scuffing it with their fingernails. Similarly, strict rules apply to the manufacturing of cricket balls. Here’s how cricket ball manufacturer, Kookaburra designed its first ever machine tending robotic system to produce the perfect ball, with the help of industrial robot supplier, TM Robotics and M.A.P Services, Australian partner for TM Robotics and Shibaura Machine.

Machine tending is repetitive work. The job of loading and unloading machines with parts or materials are usually done by humans. In the production of cricket balls, workers would place covers ― the outside leather of cricket balls ― onto trays after being pressed into shape to form half of a cricket ball. These trays are then placed into a rack and moved to the next process ― trimming excess leather from the pressed cover.

Howden Group, a leading global provider of mission critical air and gas handling products, technologies and services, has strengthened its team in China with the appointment of Harold Lang as Group Vice President and China President.

From 1 November 2021, Harold Lang replaces Soren Jensen, who retired from the company at the end of September. In this role, Harold will be responsible for the leadership of Howden across China and continuing profitable growth within its key areas including: waste water, mining, hydrogen production, steel production, petrochemical, oil & gas, general industrial and power generation industries. 

National Grid has partnered with Digital Catapult to deliver the UK’s first feasibility report to assess the opportunity for adoption of 5G within the Electricity & Gas Transmission networks.

The project - ‘5G Art of the Possible’ - will be the first 5G techno-economic feasibility study on UK energy networks, setting the foundations for potential follow-up trials and rollout of applications into operations that can support the UK’s net zero ambitions.

This project aims to investigate the opportunities for 5G in the provision of high-speed and reliable wireless communications, to enable the digitalisation of operational processes and applications. These could range from digital image inspection, and condition and health monitoring of high-value assets, to field force enablement via the provision of improved connectivity and applications for operational staff across National Grid’s network.

• E-mobility specialist Quantron AG sets out to become an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
• The "QUANTRON vision 2025" project aims to create a strong brand identity by creating a unique vehicle design and thereby optimize aero and energy efficiency
• Italian design expert Fabio Filippini and Spanish innovation consultancy Mormedi led by Jaime Moreno support QUANTRON with their global expertise
• The first steps are the design for a 12 meter bus, a light truck and a heavy US truck.

Quantron AG, specialist for commercial vehicles with electric and hydrogen drive trains, is setting out to become an OEM for zero-emission vehicles. To strengthen the identity of the products and the QUANTRON brand, the company is bringing international design expertise on board.

The aim of the "QUANTRON vision 2025" project is to build a strong brand DNA by creating a unique QUANTRON look and feel. Vehicle design not only has an aesthetic function, but also has a major impact on aerodynamics and thus on the vehicle's energy consumption.

There is no hiding that van theft in the UK is a prominent crime, with at least 30 vans being stolen on average every day. When it comes to tool theft, figures are even more disheartening.

According to recent research carried out by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, 57% of tradespeople are in the habit of leaving their valuable work tools inside their van at night. Unloading instruments from one’s vehicle every evening is not the most appealing of routines; however, not emptying your van may turn out to be a risky move if it is not equipped with trackers or extra locks to prevent break-ins.

In fact, Volkswagen’s study revealed that 55% of tradespeople in the London area have been subjected to tool theft in the last year, followed by the West Midlands (33%) and the North East (28%). Alongside losing precious and costly equipment, van drivers then find themselves unable to work for a number of days, which will inevitably add to their significant financial blow.

“Tool theft is a massive problem for tradespeople, with thieves targeting vans parked up overnight across the country,” said David Hanna, Head of Sales Operations at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “It not only costs van drivers millions in buying new kit but also impacts their ability to do their jobs, further impacting their finances.

“We’re urging people who own expensive equipment to take extra precautions to deter would-be thieves, whether that’s removing items overnight, adding extra security measures, or avoiding parking in unlit, secluded areas.”

Here are a few tips that will help you keep your van and equipment as safe as they can be from thieves. 

Prevent “peel and steal”

Many delinquents use the so-called “peel and steal” method – a simple yet effective technique which allows burglars to easily open the side door of your van. By grabbing the top of the door with their fingers and pressing their knees against it, they are able to pull it down in a matter of moments.

A strategic way to prevent thieves from doing this is to park your van close to a wall or to other vehicles. Not only will they struggle to perform the “peel and steal” technique, but the lack of space will also stop the doors from fully opening.

Park in well-lit spots

When leaving your van unattended, it is always wise to park in a frequented zone that is nicely illuminated. Under the spotlight, felons are less likely to carry out their misdeeds as their bad intentions would be easier to spot. To deter would-be thieves even further, make sure to park your vehicle in a CCTV-monitored area.

Apply stickers on your vehicle

Simply placing stickers on your vehicle can be surprisingly effective. By advertising the fact you are using a security system for your van, thieves may decide that attempting to break into it is ultimately not worth the risk.

Additional security

“Melius abundare quam deficere,” the ancient Romans would say. The aphorism means “better too much than not enough”, and it is quite fitting when reasoning about your van’s security. An extra pair of locks (slam locks, deadlocks, etc.), trackers, and additional alarm systems can go a long way in keeping your vehicle and tools protected.

Many manufacturers have even set up phone apps that notify you when your Ford or Vauxhall van has been opened. Ultimately, it is better to be safe than sorry!

Keep tools and inventory out of sight

This may sound pretty obvious, but it is worth remembering that leaving valuable equipment on show is an implicit invitation to opportunist delinquents. If you decide not to remove your tools from your van, make sure to keep them out of sight.

Also, in the unfortunate event of a break-in, it may be wise to write up an inventory that lists the value, make, and model of your instruments. Just ensure, though, to lock the spreadsheet somewhere safe.  

This short list will allow you to gain a solid head start over ill-intentioned criminals. By leasing vans fitted with modern and handy technology, worries about overnight thefts will no longer keep you tossing and turning in bed.  

Driving a van for countless hours around the country is demanding. It is no wonder that courier and delivery drivers, who sit behind the wheel for a large portion of the day, can end up being worn out after a while.

According to a recent survey conducted by the European Transport Workers Federation (ETF), two-thirds of professional drivers feel tired on a regular basis (60% of lorry drivers and 66% of bus drivers). More worryingly, 30% of lorry drivers and 24% of bus drivers have even admitted dozing off whilst at the wheel.      

Staying focused for a substantial number of hours while sitting persistently in the same seat is no easy task. As fatigue kicks in, both our reflexes and decision-making processes gradually abate. In fact, it is no surprise that fatigue has been identified as a major factor in fatal road accidents. To put things into perspective, in 2016 alone, 4,002 people were killed in accidents involving vans and lorries.