BILA will automate forklifts worldwide

BILA, the largest automation company in Scandinavia, is now eliminating the three major barriers that have hindered the industry from easily automating manual pallet transport with traditional forklifts.

The solution is called Global AGV.

BILA's Global AGV solution coincides with the launch of a completely new division in its business, focusing exclusively on logistics automation. In the new division, BILA Logistics, both expertise and logistics products are consolidated in one place. This represents a global initiative on BILA's part, and to execute this ambitious plan, BILA Logistics has handpicked a significant figure from the international logistics industry, Ole Madsen, former CEO of Schäfer in Northern and Eastern Europe for 12 years.

"We are doing something that no one else has done before. This allows all SMEs to join the automation trend and achieve a more efficient internal logistics. We have simplified the self-driving automatic AGV truck by building a module on a manual stacker. It is so easy that the industry can install it themselves and save time and money on large consultant projects. Software integration is simplified or entirely removed. Additionally, the solution is available for lease, costing approximately a quarter of what the industry pays for a traditionally manned truck on a monthly basis. We also offer a demo period with a return option if the satisfaction is not met. Last but not least, we are working towards stocking the Global AGV solution, so it will only be a matter of weeks before companies can free up forklift operators for more value-added tasks in the company,"

• Ole Madsen, CEO of BILA Logistics

AGV stands for "Automated Guided Vehicle." These are driverless electric stackers that navigate through a production facility's shelves using laser scanners. In addition to Global AGV, BILA Logistics' product range includes two other strong logistics automation solutions: PALOMAT® and Dan Palletiser.

Lean logistics equals competitiveness

There is much to gain by optimising the logistics in a manufacturing company. In the book "The Strong Value Chain - How to Create Competitiveness," written by Professor Jan Stentoft from SDU and consultant Einar Scholte from Implement, it is stated that both the top and bottom lines can be improved by up to 20% within 24 months if the value chain receives strategic focus.

Ole Madsen looks forward to helping the industry renew and automate pallet logistics. In Europe alone, more than 400 million pallets are used annually in the industry. Despite this, automation could free up manpower for more complex and value-added logistics tasks.

A high level of automation equals a robust competitiveness both locally and in the global market. After all, robots cost the same worldwide, and then the company's employees can focus on tasks that cannot be automated. For example, a fully automated leased solution for pallet handling costs approximately 25% per hour of the expenses for a traditionally manned solution, emphasises Ole Madsen, CEO of BILA Logistics.

BILA's new logistics division is located in Aalborg, where BILA has recently opened a new office.

The automation company wants to be even closer to talents from Aalborg University, and the commute will be shorter for the North Jutland residents who have commuted to Mors. BILA Logistics plans to recruit a larger number of employees with logistics expertise to drive the new initiative, and synergy benefits will be gained with the over 350 other colleagues in the group's headquarters in Nykøbing Mors and the other 10 offices in Denmark.

BILA has been automating for 32 years

BILA Logistics is part of the BILA A/S group, founded in 1988, helping the industry with production optimisation through automation solutions, typically using logistics solutions, industrial robots, and cobots.

The solutions range from simple automation to the optimisation of entire production lines. All competencies are gathered at BILA A/S and include consulting, construction, development, implementation, and subsequent servicing of robot systems. The company has its workshop where they develop and construct special tools for robot systems.

BILA is a high-tech company with over 350 dedicated employees spread across several addresses in Denmark, as well as local offices in Sweden, Norway, Germany, the USA, and a department being established in England. Furthermore, PALOMAT® is already represented through dealers in 22 countries. Over the years, BILA has delivered more than 2000 automation solutions to the industry in Europe and the USA.

Published in January 2020.