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Daifuku announces the introduction of their latest innovation in baggage technology &#8211; Bag-UX, designed to improve baggage system performance by reducing jams and identifying other potential issues that impact throughput capabilities. Bag-UX is the first of its kind, utilizing technology developed by Daifuku to ensure proper baggage orientation at ticket counter load belts before entering the system downstream.
&#8220;When Bag-UX detects a bag orientation issue (also known as bag hygiene), it stops the conveyor belt and identifies the exact issue on the touchscreen display. Common issues with bags include extended handles, soft-sided bags not placed in a tub, wheels facing down or forward, and bags spaced too close together. The operator then corrects the issue, which will initiate the belt to restart and resume normal operation,&#8221; commented Mark Funston, Vice President of Digital Business Solutions, Daifuku Airport Technologies.
&#8220;The application of this technology is not limited to the ticket counter operations with the ability to be used in other areas of the baggage system as a preventative measure to streamline operations. Airport operations are time-dependent; this solution is just one area Daifuku is investing in to allow our client&#8217;s operations to gain efficiencies.&#8221;
The initial pilot program commenced in December 2020 for United Airlines at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), with additional programs scheduled to roll out internationally in the coming months.

Baggage handling systems

Daifuku Airport Technologies

proper baggage orientation

streamline operations

ticket counter

Introducing an innovative product, called Bag-UX

NOVI, MI–Jervis B. Webb Company (Webb) is pleased to announce an operational change to enhance its relationship with customers, clients, and vendors. Effective January 1, 2021, Logan Teleflex, Inc. will be merged into and acquired by its corporate parent, Jervis B. Webb Company to strengthen and enhance the airport operations and better serve the Aviation Industry.
“Combining our resources ensures that we will continue to provide quality customer service in all aspects,” said Tim Hund, President at Jervis B. Webb Company. “We strongly believe that these changes are positive for everyone and we will work diligently to make the transition as seamless as possible.”
Webb will assume the current office and manufacturing operations in Louisville, Kentucky.
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# # #
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Contact for media inquires:
Jan Wingfield
Marketing and Communications Manager
Jervis B. Webb Company
248-221-1015
jwingfield@jerviswebb.com
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About Jervis B. Webb Company
Jervis B. Webb Company has been in operation in the United States since 1919 and is wholly owned by Daifuku North America Holding Company (Daifuku North America). Daifuku North America is wholly owned by Daifuku Co., Ltd., headquartered in Osaka, Japan. Operating since 1937, Daifuku Co., Ltd. employs over 10,000 personnel worldwide and is the largest material handling company in the world in terms of sales, with net sales of more than ¥443 billion JPY (around $4.2 billion USD). The business includes consulting, engineering, manufacturing, installation, after-sales services for logistics systems, baggage handling systems, and material handling equipment.

aviation industry

Jervis B. Webb

Logan Teleflex

Merger

Logan Teleflex, Inc. to Merge with Jervis B. Webb Company

Many great things occurred in 1970; you could see the Beatles or Jimmy Hendrix in concert and, the world’s first jumbo-jet, the Boeing 747 made its first commercial flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
In May of the same year, another progressive step in aviation was also taking place with the founding of Intersystems.
For the last 50 years, the company has played a vital role within the aviation industry with its advanced software solutions combined with a laser focus on quality, innovation, and delivering a value enhanced experience to its customers.
How does a business thrive across five decades? One word. Innovation.
Always ahead of the curve, in the early days of operation, Intersystems developed an advanced Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS) and a range of high-quality CRT displays which were networked and featured high resolution with high refresh-rates.
Fast forward to the early ’90s, the company was well ahead of its time with the creation of wide-screen 16:9 displays, before they were commercially available and FIDS received it’s graphical user interface (GUI) along with the most advanced feature set in the market.
Bruce Allen, Intersystems Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We have always been early adopters of the latest technology, for example, graphical interface, ethernet networked displays, high-resolution, 100hz refresh rates, use of colour graphics, TCP/IP Ethernet communications and advance display techniques with visibility rules.”
Given the staggering advancements in technology, when asked how the company decides which innovations to pursue, Bruce responded, “We view technology through the lens of our customer. Does it make sense and deliver considerable benefits and value to our customers? If it achieves this, only then do we bring it to market.”
Intersystems takes pride in the many prestigious projects delivered around the world in addition to their long term customer partnerships spanning up to 30 years, among these, including Adelaide Airport, Vancouver Airport, and Pudong Airport.
<h5>Today, Intersystems supports airport sites across the globe, handling approximately 10 percent of global passengers and flight movements.</h5>
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“Our point of difference has always been our people; I may be biased, however, I consider them to be among the most brilliant, creative, and dedicated team I have had the pleasure to oversee. With offices spanning the globe, including Australia, China, and America, keeping a commitment to innovation, collaboration both internally and externally is what has enabled us to succeed while still maintaining the ability to be nimble and responsive to our customers and the industry’s needs,” Bruce stated.
Intersystems was acquired by Daifuku Group in late 2019, for Bruce, he sees this as yet another integral milestone to the businesses future development plans.
He continued, “The acquisition by our parent company Daifuku Co.,Ltd. sets us up for continued success. Intersystems have become a crucial part of the Airport Technologies strategy. Our products are currently undergoing a significant R&amp;D project to complete the rapidsuite 6 range as a fully integrated, web-enabled tier-1 Airport Operational System (AOS) delivered either via the cloud or on-site.”
“As we’ve begun integrating into the wider Airport Technologies group, our staff numbers are increasing along with our market reach. We feel very positive about the future opportunities for both our business and people.”
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About Intersystems 
For fifty years Intersystems has provided innovative, clever thinking, operational business solutions to the airports industry that result in highly functional, top-end products that reduce risk, task times and provide outstanding performance.
<a href="http://www.inter-systems.com">Website: www.inter-systems.com</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IntersystemsIBD">https://www.facebook.com/IntersystemsIBD</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/IntersystemsIBD">https://twitter.com/IntersystemsIBD</a> 
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/intersystems-group">https://www.linkedin.com/company/intersystems-group</a>

Airport Operation Systems

FIDS

Flight information displays

intersystems

Intersystems marks significant milestone as they celebrate their 50th birthday

<a href="https://www.hial.co.uk/sumburgh-airport/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sumburgh Airport</a> is the main airport serving the Shetland Islands, with direct flights to, and from, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Kirkwall. <a href="https://www.hial.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL)</a>—the company that operates and manages the airport—planned an upgrade to the hold baggage screening equipment in order to meet new European regulation.
As a result, Daifuku Airport Technologies in the UK have been brought in to upgrade Sumburgh’s baggage handling system—making it compliant with Standard 3 Hold Baggage Screen (HBS) technology. To achieve this, changes need to be made to the existing in-gauge outbound system and the preboard search. Integrating the new Smith CTX9800Si and 3D baggage screening scanner is also required.
Sumburgh Airport’s General Manager, Andrew Farquhar, said: “We are delighted to work with Daifuku Airport Technologies on this project—they were awarded the contract following a competitive tender process, and the project is on track for completion by the end of July, 2020.”

Andrew Farquhar

HIAL

highlands and islands airports Ltd

Smiths CTX9800Dsi

standard 3

sumburgh airport

Daifuku Airport Technologies awarded renovation contract for Scotland’s Sumburgh Airport

SAS <a href="https://www.brest.aeroport.bzh/sas-aeroports-de-bretagne-ouest" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Aéroports de Bretagne Ouest (ABO)</a> had a fantastic 2019. Their <a href="https://www.brest.aeroport.bzh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brest Bretagne Airport</a> surpassed its passenger record, welcoming 1.2 million travellers (up 12% from 2018).
This success is the result of ABO undergoing considerable work—modernising, extending and bringing their equipment in line with current standards.
However, the organisation hope to continue breaking records, and aim to see 2 million annual passengers using their Brest airport by 2035. As part of this, ABO have brought in Daifuku Airport Technologies to modify both Brest and Quimper airports’ baggage conveyor systems.
Daifuku Airport Technologies will now support Brest Bretagne Airport’s ambitious growth by supplying a new hold baggage control system. This includes the integration of two explosive detection systems and an automatic tag reader.
As for <a href="http://www.quimper.aeroport.bzh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Quimper Bretagne Airport</a>, Daifuku Airport Technologies will integrate the new hold baggage screening equipment.

automatic tag reader

baggage conveyor systems

Brest Bretagne airport

explosive detection system

hold baggage screening equipment

Quimper Bretagne airport

Daifuku Airport Technologies secures new BHS contract for Bretagne Airports

Two colleagues who traded expertise in a remarkable reversal of roles are urging others to make the move from industry to instructing and train the engineers of the future.
As a workshop supervisor at Daifuku Logan in Hull, Matt Shackleton relished the task of passing on his skills to apprentices including Sean Edwards, who at the time was a young learner from Humberside Engineering Training Association.
But Matt’s long-term aim was to join the team at HETA, and when Sean got there first, he remembered his former instructor and gave him the advice to help him make the move.
Matt is older by six years, but it was Sean who took the training route first after his potential was spotted by Sarah Smith, HETA’s former workshop manager in Hull, as he completed his apprenticeship and a BSc in engineering management.
Sean said: “Sarah persuaded me to become a mechanical instructor. It’s very different – a lot more about managing people. You need management and communication skills and you need to be able to understand the young people. Matt taught me well. He always had time for people and he understood what we need to do.”
It was only a matter of time before Matt took the next step, and he found Sean a willing source of encouragement. Cathy Bourne, HR Manager at HETA, is now looking for other engineers to shadow the teaching staff with a view to making the switch.
Cathy said: “We are always looking for skilled engineers who want to become teachers and there is no one better to advise them than the instructors we have here who have come from industry.
“It’s not for everybody but there are great opportunities at our sites in Hull, Scunthorpe and Stallingborough for people who can develop the management and communication skills. It’s very rewarding work and we offer attractive terms and conditions including generous leave entitlement, pension and healthcare. The country needs more engineers and it also needs more people to train them.”
Matt, a fabrication and welding instructor, said: “I knew very early that this was something I wanted to do. My own instructor was a big influence on me and I found myself telling the learners the same stories. I wanted to be able to tell learners what employers are looking for such as time-keeping, enthusiasm, other employability skills.”
Lee Sutton, an electrical instructor, joined the ranks at HETA after spending nine years on domestic, commercial and industrial work with accompany in Hull and then four years on fitting and maintenance at a shipyard.
He said: “It’s good to see when people pick skills up, do things properly and put their training to good practice. There are some very clever learners here and it’s surprising how quick and intelligent they are. They can head off on a really good career path from here.”
The new Hull training centre which HETA opened in August 2018 houses a working environment which is a big improvement on the previous workshops at Sutton Field industrial estate.
Matt said: “We have the space and the facilities to fabricate a lot more things and create more real-world scenarios. It’s very similar to being in a company and I would recommend it to others in industry. The transition to education is a big one but there are a lot of people who can help.
“Sean gave me some good insight about what it’s like being an instructor at HETA and now we are both passing on our knowledge to the learners. I am at a stage in my life where I can still remember what it was like being 16, giving the learners they respect they deserve. They make an adult decision to come here and we treat them as adults.”
Sean added: “Matt adapted to the role of instructor straight away and he’s really good – he has a lot of respect from the learners. He helped me a lot when I was at Daifuku Logan and I advised him about making the move to become an instructor, but there’s nothing I need to tell him about welding!”
First published: 5 February 2019, https://hullisthis.news 
<a href="https://hullisthis.news/instructors-make-the-move-from-industry-to-train-engineers-of-the-future">hullisthis.news/instructors-make-the-move-from-industry-to-train-engineers-of-the-future[/embed]</a>

apprenticeship programs

apprenticeship training

apprenticeships

Daifuku Logan

HETA

Hull training centre

passing skills to apprentices

skilled engineers

Instructors make the move from industry to train engineers of the future

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Daifuku Airport Technologies has won inter airport’s InterTerminal award 2019 for its visualization and simulation software, Sym3.
Implemented in airport operations globally, the Sym3 Operator visualizes a 3D rendering of the baggage handling system (BHS), providing complete visibility across all aspects of the system in real time.
Created specifically for use across all integrated systems in the BHS, Sym3 provides an end-to-end SCADA/maintenance diagnostic system (MDS).
State-of-the-art features enable users to accurately track bags in addition to monitoring the status of hardware live. Superior functionality supports operators and managers to filter, search and highlight individual bags in the BHS based on a range of criteria including barcodes/PAX, carrier, flight number, EDT and make-up destination.
The announcement comes soon after the release of Sym3 V8, which can view and access data on any device via the web interface and crucially identify potential bags at risk – reducing levels of misconnected baggage and system downtime. This means that informed critical decisions can be made on-the-go, with complete visibility to all stakeholders.
A game-changer for operations teams is the ability for regular training and process improvements. Sym3 automatically records the last 48 hours of data, enabling staff to review historical footage for troubleshooting failures, modifying processes and staff training.
The software’s open interface and scripting capabilities make possible a single seamless integration with third-party software, including computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), CCTV systems and document management systems.
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Published by Passenger Terminal World: <a href="https://www.passengerterminaltoday.com/news/it-software/interterminal-win-for-daifuku.html">Interterminal win for Daifuku</a>
Credit: Tara Craig

3d emulation

3d simulation

3d software

Award

InterAirport

Sym3

InterTerminal win for Daifuku

With 9.4 million passengers, Marseille-Provence airport (AMP) recorded a new traffic record in 2018.
From the perspective of growth and development of low-cost carrier traffic activity, Marseille Provence airport has undertaken major infrastructure modernization and extension projects.
It is in this context that Daifuku Airport Technologies will initially install the Baggage Handling System (BHS) to replace the existing system.
Our solution has been judged by Marseille Provence Airport as being technically and financially the most interesting: it will incorporate new standard 3 machines and will allow the airport to increase its reception capacity.
Daifuku Airport Technologies had already been entrusted with the project to replace the four baggage delivery carousels at Hall 4 in 2017.

Daifuku Airport Technologies awarded extension work contract for Marseille Provence Airport Terminal 2

Daifuku Co., Ltd has made the following announcement to acquire Netherlands-based Scarabee Aviation Group B.V and Australia-based Intersystems (Asia Pacific) Pty Limited, one of the world’s leading FIDS providers.
The acquisitions, a key milestone in Daifuku&#8217;s Value Innovation 2020 strategy, will increase Daifuku Airport Technologies digital portfolio, affirming their capabilities in Airport Operational Management Systems, Business Intelligence, Biometrics, and Security. Both acquisitions, further strengthen Daifuku&#8217;s technological advantage, as a leading provider of end-to-end airport solutions, enabling enhanced airport operations and significantly improving passenger experience.
“As the industry has evolved, we have invested significantly to ensure we continue to deliver leading-edge solutions. With passenger numbers increasing at such an expediential rate, we need to respond to the growing needs of airports and airlines worldwide, evolve our thinking and push the boundaries, both as our commitment to the industry and as a trusted partner,” said Adam Matheson, Executive General Manager, Daifuku Airport Technologies.
Daifuku is the world&#8217;s largest materials handling company with an annual turnover of more than USD$4 billion.
The decision comes as Daifuku continues its growth trajectory establishing Airport Technologies (ATec) as one of the four core businesses, alongside Manufacturing and Distributions Systems (FA&amp;DA), Cleanroom Production Line Systems (eFA), and Automobile Production Line Systems (AFA).
Daifuku is the only company in recent history to cover all airport fields of baggage handling systems, operation and maintenance; self-service baggage check-in systems and now smart security lanes and airport operational management systems.
Mr Matheson said, &#8220;Based on the expectation that airport facilities will be updated and expanded due to a rapid increase of passengers, we anticipate there to be demand for smarter airports with improved convenience and greater use of communications technologies.&#8221;
&#8220;We believe the acquisition of Scarabee and Intersystems gives us the strongest platform to immediately enhance our capabilities and further deliver on our strategy.&#8221;
&#8220;Our strategy continues to support the end-to-end processes of airport operations by providing high-value, sophisticated, innovative technology and systems that deliver exceptional passenger experiences,&#8221; said Mr Matheson.
Daifuku’s Scarabee checkpoint security lanes, are now in use at some of the most innovative airport security operations including Schiphol Amsterdam (AMS), Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Denver International Airport (DEN) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with the support of and in partnership with United Airlines.
Daifuku Airport Technologies will seek to leverage Scarabee’s extensive experience integrating high performance Computed Tomography (CT) scanners that TSA is in the process of deploying nationwide,  recently completing the first US CT integration at IAH.
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About Daifuku Airport Technologies
Daifuku Airport Technologies, a business division within Daifuku Co., Ltd, is a trusted partner of airports and airlines globally, providing end-to-end solutions across self-service, baggage handling, operations, security, equipment, and digital technology.
Our leading-edge solutions continue to revolutionize airport operations around the world, enhancing the productivity, intelligence, accuracy, and passenger service levels of our partners.
<a href="http://www.daifukuatec.com">www.daifukuatec.com</a> 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/daifuku-airport-technologies
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About Scarabee Aviation Group
Scarabee Aviation Group, headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands and with offices around the globe, has a 25-year history of innovation in security by developing products and partnerships to enhance security, improve efficiency and deliver differentiated and improved passenger experience. From smart security lanes to innovative BagDrop® self-service check-in solutions, Scarabee is helping airlines and airports improve operations, experience, and the bottom line.
www.scarabee.com
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About Intersystems 
For almost fifty years Intersystems has provided innovative, clever thinking, operational business solutions to the airports industry that result in highly functional, top-end products that reduce risk, task times and provide outstanding performance.
<a href="http://www.inter-systems.com">www.inter-systems.com</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IntersystemsIBD">https://www.facebook.com/IntersystemsIBD</a> 
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/IntersystemsIBD">https://twitter.com/IntersystemsIBD</a> 
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/intersystems-group">https://www.linkedin.com/company/intersystems-group</a>

Daifuku Airport Technologies enters new era in Digital Technology

Daifuku has announced that Brad Jackson, Chief Operations Officer of Daifuku BCS has been appointed Senior Vice President of Daifuku’s Airport Technologies (ATec) Operations, a business division within Daifuku.
Shuichi Honda, Daifuku Director, Senior Managing Officer and Head of Airport Technologies, commented, “Brad has had an impressive track record over the last 13 years within Daifuku BCS, and has contributed significantly to the strong results and strategic development of our Airport Technologies division,” said Shuichi Honda.
The announcement comes as Daifuku has experienced a growing number of orders for its ATec division.
“Airport Technologies is an essential part of our future strategy of which in his current position, Mr Jackson has been a key proponent in driving growth and new opportunities across our global network.
“In his new role, Mr Jackson’s key focus will be on strategic initiatives to maintain and further grow Daifuku’s competitive excellence in these areas,” said Shuichi Honda.
CEO of Daifuku BCS, Shaun Roper commented, “During his tenure as COO, Brad has been instrumental in delivering a number of key strategic projects and successfully leading our global expansion and operations, achieving record sales.”
Mr Jackson will formally transition to his new position as of May 13, 2019.

Daifuku announces the appointment of Brad Jackson as Senior Vice President of Airport Technologies.

The four-year service contract covers the O&amp;M of 5,500ft of conveyor, 11 claim units, 421 drives, 100 power turns, 12 high-speed diverters and six make-up units. It also includes operational responsibilities for control room monitoring, manual encoding and jam clearing. Additionally, ELS will maintain 31 of Daifuku’s Mobile Inspection Tables (MIT), which have been designed to improve the efficiency and ergonomics in the TSA Checked Baggage Resolution Area (CBRA). The Cleveland Hopkins O&amp;M contract is the third airport service contract won by ELS in 2017.
Ian Charters, chief operations officer, ELS, said, “ELS is excited by the opportunity to extend its market-leading O&amp;M services at the birthplace of aviation, and looks forward to building a close working relationship with the airlines and the airport. The new Cleveland Airport program adds to the company’s substantial 2017 airport business expansion and we consider this as further evidence that the quality and consistency of our maintenance programs better position us to meet the needs of our customers.”

Airport operations and maintenance

Daifuku wins operations and maintenance contract for BHS at Cleveland Hopkins Airport

Through collaboration with its Group companies, along with installing BHS and related equipment to over 500 airports around the world, boasting the world’s top market share, the Daifuku Group also supplies airport operation and maintenance services.
New Chitose Airport’s installation will consist of a variety of conveyor types, the latest camera-based barcode scanners and advanced software for tracking and monitoring baggage during transport. Compared to the conventional system, the new installation will bring improved bag tag scanning accuracy and enable 3D real-time tracking of baggage, preventing instances of late or lost baggage, which is expected to reduce management costs and increase passenger satisfaction.
In recent years, economic growth of developing countries has led to a boom in the movement of people around the world, with global air passenger numbers, which reached 4.1 billion people in 2017, anticipated to reach 8.2 billion by 2037, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). In response to this, there is expected to be increased demand for system renewals and expansions, along with investment in airport equipment and facilities that offer traveler-friendly experiences.
Within Japan, overseas tourist numbers (Japan National Tourism Organization) tripled over a five-year period, rising from 8.36 million in 2012 to 28.60 million in 2017, with this expected to further increase in the future.
Setting the installation to New Chitose Airport as a key example within the domestic market, Daifuku will continue to promote installations of state-of-the-art baggage handling system within Japanese airports.

Passenger terminal

Daifuku to install its first Domestic Baggage Handling System at New Chitose Airport

Tokyo (Japan), Sep 20 (ANI): Exhibition of largest logistics companies in Asia, &#8220;Logis-Tech Tokyo 2018&#8221; was held in Tokyo.
In the exhibition, &#8220;DAIFUKU&#8221; which develops world level logistics system technology for material handling was attracting the attention of many visitors.
At &#8220;DAIFUKU&#8221; booth, Check-in counter like that at the airport was built, and the latest product of &#8220;SELF BAG DROP (SBD)&#8221; was announced. During departure process, passenger first performs facial recognition, operates device, and receives package tag.
The passenger puts the baggage on a dedicated conveyor.
The technology to read barcode and structure makes it easy for passengers to place luggage.
And it is contained in the technology cultivated in the operation of material handling in factories and warehouses.
Many airport operators around the world are planning to introduce “Smart airport” system that utilizes AI technology, such as digitizing, shortening the waiting time for automation, providing timely information to passenger, and reducing the trouble of baggage loss.
This theater is “4D BAGGAGE JOURNEY” to introduce the technology of “Daifuku” in the airport.
Along with the trajectory of luggage flowing through the airport, visitors can learn about material handling technology.
This technology which cannot be usually seen becomes more familiar through &#8220;SELF BAG DROP&#8221;.
The high technology of &#8220;DAIFUKU&#8221; with its accuracy, efficiency, and swiftness will contribute to our daily lives and will become more familiar in the future.

AI technology

Facial recognition

Passenger experience

Self bag drop

Self check-in

Daifuku introduces Advanced Airport Facility

Daifuku is considering raising its earnings guidance for the medium term, according to Hojo, 69, who plans to step down as president at the end of next month. The need for more semiconductors in cars and robots, and consumers’ growing appetite for e-commerce and big data can only mean more demand for Daifuku’s machinery, he says, while China looms as a possible new market for expansion.
Few outside of the chip industry will have heard of Daifuku, whose gear is found in cutting-edge Intel Corp. plants and helps Amazon.com Inc. move stuff around its cavernous warehouses. The Osaka, Japan-based company also supplies baggage-handling systems for the world’s biggest <a href="http://www.daifuku.com/us/~/Media/daifukucom/company/resourcelibrary/brochure/pdf/Webb_Airport_Systems.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">airports</a> from Chicago’s O’Hare to Beijing and London.
Daifuku was one of the biggest stock gainers in 2017 among its peer group of machinery makers as it racked up <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/terminal/P3VDBL6TTDS0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">better-than-expected</a> results. It climbed more than 1,200 percent over the past five years to reach a record in January, pushing Daifuku’s market value to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/6383:JP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">1 trillion yen</a> ($9.2 billion) for the first time before paring gains amid a global equities selloff.
<h3>What issues determine the decision on profit targets?</h3>
Masaki Hojo: Price gains in DRAM are slowing. On the other hand, the application for semiconductors continues to expand beyond smartphones and traditional computers to automated cars, among other things. We are really benefiting from the good environment we’re in, but we also have to be cautious and be flexible. We want to see how the company does in the new fiscal year and think about how much should be, if needed, revised and how much the operating margin target could be raised.
<h3>How is the outlook on demand from China?</h3>
We’re not seeing it weaken. We want to see how things go for the next three years though. For now, we don’t expect to see any extreme drops. China is a market we’ve never seen before. Basically demand has been from Taiwan, South Korea and top makers in the U.S. But China has set a policy to produce the chips it consumes within the country, which means more and more aggressive investments of equipment from both existing companies and newcomers in the industry.
<h3>What about demand from e-commerce companies?</h3>
Amazon is actively investing and we’re supplying machines that are profitable. In Japan retailers like <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/9843:JT" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nitori Holdings Co.</a>, which sells furniture, is investing big to set up new distribution centers for operational efficiency. In China, companies like <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/ALIBABZ:CH" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.</a> and <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/700:HK" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tencent Holdings Ltd.</a> are investing. South Korea will catch on, taking cues from Japan, and while it will take time for India’s e-commerce market to develop, it’ll be a big market once it does.
<h3>Why is Daifuku’s machinery important for e-commerce?</h3>
Nowadays, there’s a complete overlap between information-technology and distribution. Distribution is about how accurately merchandise could be delivered to customers. In Japan, retailers are investing in distribution centers also to solve problems &#8212; like not having enough human resources to deliver goods.
<h3>What’s your take on Daifuku’s stock price?</h3>
It’s normal for retail investors and funds who acknowledge our company’s earnings growth to take an interest in Daifuku’s shares, and I welcome that. But looking at the recent ups and downs in the stock market, it feels like looking at a computerized game. The way we view stock prices is within the boundaries of common knowledge: Those with good earnings rise and those without fall. In that sense, trading 36 to 38 times their estimated earnings feels overbought to me. [Daifuku <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/6383:JP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">trades</a> at a ratio of 31.]
<h3>What is Daifuku’s next step?</h3>
We have to be able to come up with various suggestions for clients. It’s not simply going to be about a hardware or software but about providing a high value-added system equipped with cutting-edge technology. Otherwise, we can’t be a real champion. Health care, biotechnology, agriculture are among the industries Daifuku could tap. We’re going to try and see if a type of power-supply machines used in chip factories could be put to use in the biotechnology industry.

Baggage-Systems giant Daifuku challenges market expectations yet again

The baggage system compromises of 6 check-in islands, each with 20 check-in desks, 18 arrivals carousels, 6 transfer baggage lines, 4 manual coding lines, 48 EBS lanes and 8 screening lines. The screening lines have 6 automatic MV Xray machines and 4 automatic CT Xray machines with additional explosive trace detection and level 5 baggage resolution areas.
Baggage identification is realised by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID ) integrated seamlessly into all systems, this coupled with the end to end data tracking is reaching identification rates far beyond what is possible with standard optical systems. Each tilt tray sorter chute is fitted with a final RFID based bag information display system which automatically reads the bag as the bag is loaded into the unit loading device (ULD).
Construction of the 220,000m2 Terminal started in June 2013 at an estimated cost of 40 billion yuan ($6.1 billion), and project delivery included a new runway, new control tower and a transportation hub connecting the airport to the city with <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuhan-Xiaogan_Intercity_Railway" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">intercity railway</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_2,_Wuhan_Metro" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">metro line</a>.
Starting from August 31st, all flights from T1 (international, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) and T2 (domestic) were moved to Terminal 3, which is expected to accommodate 35 million passengers annually by 2020.
“We are delighted with the new system, its leading edge on time, on target delivery is a testament to the excellent working relationships and dialogue we have with the airport, the design teams for the terminal building, right down to all the sub-contracting companies since the projects conception” stated Ron Osborne, Managing Director of Daifuku Logan Ltd. “We very much look forward to working closely with the airport on any of its future BHS project requirements”.
Daifuku Airport Technologies provides baggage handling systems and service at hundreds of airports globally.

Automatic CT Xray Machine

Baggage identification

Baggage resolution area

Baggage screening

Explosive trace detection

MV Xray machine

Radio frequency identification

RFID

Tilt tray sorter

Daifuku Airport Technologies wins baggage handling system contract at Wuhan Tianhe Airport in China

MITs are mobile robots that provide a customised solution for optimal flexibility and improved workspace efficiency. MITs are a quiet, safe, and scalable approach to the checked bag reconciliation area. MITs also offer a “goods to person” ergonomics approach by delivering bags directly to TSA agents, eliminating lifting, twisting or turning. Bags are searched directly while on the MIT’s stainless-steel surface and routed automatically back to the appropriate conveyor system after inspection.
“As part of our continued commitment to lead the evolution of the airport experience, Dallas Love Field is always looking for newer, better and faster technology to reach new heights in terms of economy of scale. We successfully hosted an influx of travelers during the Thanksgiving holiday, and with our new Mobile Inspection Table robotic technology, were able to process a record number of bags with greater efficiency than ever before. The new system and our dedicated partners at TSA enabled us to have a smooth and secure screening process, enhancing the overall customer experience at Dallas Love Field” says Tim Smith, Logistics and Systems Manager at Dallas Love Field Airport.
Daifuku ATec provides baggage handling systems and Operation and Maintenance services at hundreds of airports globally.
<h3>About Daifuku Airport Technologies</h3>
<a href="https://www.daifukuatec.com/about/about-daifuku/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Daifuku Airport Technologies</a> is the global airport business division of Daifuku Co. Ltd., the world’s largest material handling company and leading provider of airport baggage handling systems such as the Drop-UX series, Daifuku&#8217;s automated bag drop solutions, Baggage Tray System, Tilt Tray Sorter, Standard 3 Integration, Mobile Inspection Table, WebbView®, Sym3 and Airflow.

Checked bag reconciliation

Mobile Inspection Table

Transportation security administration

Daifuku Airport Technologies Mobile Inspection Table beats thanksgiving rush at Dallas Love Field Airport

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