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BluJay Solutions Drives Growth and Innovation as Company Marks Milestone
Three years since introducing BluJay brand, the company continues growth streak, expands network and drives double-digit increase in bookings
BluJay Solutions, a leading provider of supply chain software and services, today highlighted key achievements that have primed the global company for continued success in helping customers achieve excellence in logistics and trade compliance.
"Our momentum is evidence of a focus on strategy, innovation, and customer priorities, which includes introduction of the BluJay Way and DNA platform," said Andrew Kirkwood, CEO, BluJay Solutions.
"The past year has been a remarkable one for BluJay, from product innovation and strong financial performance, to customer successes and strategic partnerships that further the Frictionless Supply Chain. As we celebrate 'BluJay Day' and look ahead, we're approaching our continued evolution with a growth mindset - not just in revenue, but in empowering our people to deliver the highest level of service possible. Our team is constantly striving for new and better ways to innovate and get closer to our customers' needs and priorities to get them where they want to be, faster."
BluJay's DNA is the unique blend of Data, Networks, and Applications designed to help shippers, LSPs, forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and other organizations build high-performance supply chains.
BluJay's developments over the past year include:
Company Growth and Customer Engagement
• Financial strength: In 2019, BluJay saw strong financial performance with 20 percent year-over-year growth in SaaS bookings. Software as a Service (SaaS) platform revenues grew by double digits and recurring revenues today represent more than 75 percent of the company's $175 million revenue base.
• Global footprint: As further proof of its strong market position, BluJay also expanded its global presence in new and existing markets including a modern upgrade to a new office for 300 employees in Hyderabad, India, and new space in Denmark. In the past week, BluJay strengthened its presence in Melbourne, Australia and Asia-Pacific via acquisition of Expedient Software.
• Supply chain network milestones: Billions of miles and global trade transactions flow through BluJay's networks and applications each year. Over $18 billion in annualized freight under management, or about 2.5 percent of all trucking spend in the U.S., transacts through BluJay's Transportation Management for Shippers platform. In 2019, over 10 billion miles were managed by BluJay's TMS - enough to travel to the sun and back 55 times. BluJay's Transportation Management for Forwarders solution surpassed the 100 mark for number of countries in which is it deployed. For trade compliance in 2019, BluJay saw 80 percent growth in transactions filed through its Customs Management-Global platform, and $450 billion in U.S. imports were processed by BluJay's Customs Management-US solution.
• Customer engagement: At BluJay, stakeholder feedback is critical not only to the product development process, but also across the organization to providing value and fostering customer success. BluJay's largest events, SOAR and SOAR Summit, saw record attendance and participation in Customer Advisory Boards, where users collaborate with product teams on roadmap priorities. The company embarked on the Frictionless Tour, a first-of-its-kind multi-stop event that took the BluJay experience on the road to customers and partners across a dozen U.S. states in just under three months. BluJay's emphasis has been on delivering excellence across all areas of the business to get closer to its customers' priorities and deliver on their most pressing business needs.
• Executive leadership: In the first full year under leadership of CEO Andrew Kirkwood, BluJay expanded its executive leadership suite to drive the company's strategic vision. New appointments include David Landau, Chief Product Officer; Chris Timmer, Chief Revenue Officer; Michael Hunt, Chief Financial Officer; and Jan-Paul Boos, SVP EMEA.
Innovations in Data, Networks, and Applications
• New data solution: BluJay launched the industry-first Freight Market Index (FMI). The monthly report provides subscribers with data-driven intelligence derived from the over $18B in annualized freight under management transacting within the BluJay Global Trade Network. The FMI's extensive set of transportation KPIs and quartiles provides users with benchmarks and context to better understand opportunities or trade-offs between cost and service, for informed decision-making.
• Network partners: BluJay forged several strategic alliances with industry-leading organizations including Convoy, SleekFleet, Loadsmart, Raven Logistics, and project44. Through these partnerships and others, the company continues to enhance its network, reach new markets, and add new services that drive value for customers.
• Product innovation: The introduction of BluJay's DNA platform was accompanied by an enhanced product roadmap, investments in R&D and development, and several new products or modules to be unveiled in 2020. BluJay held multiple hackathons for its development teams around the world, resulting in product innovations that moved forward into development, including a new solution that will be released in the second quarter of 2020.
Chief Product Officer David Landau adds, "We've made amazing progress over the past year, but 2020 looks even brighter. During the next nine months, expect to see BluJay launch multiple new products, announce new partnerships, and introduce some exciting new technologies."
For more information on BluJay's DNA and latest news, visit www.blujaysolutions.com.
About BluJay Solutions
BluJay Solutions helps companies around the world achieve excellence in logistics and trade compliance - it's in our DNA. Through a blend of Data, Networks, and Applications, delivered in the BluJay Way, our DNA platform powers the Frictionless Supply Chain for thousands of the world's leading manufacturers, retailers, distributors, freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and logistics service provide
Reading, Pa. – Nov. 18, 2024 - Penske Truck Leasing is lighting up a new solar-powered initiative seeking to boost efficiency, minimize energy costs, and reduce emissions initially at select truck leasing,truck rental, and truck maintenance locations in the U.S. with the installation and activation of its first-ever rooftop solar-powered systems.
The company’s new state-of-the-art facility in Channahon, Illinois, is now fully operational, and is predominantly powered by an onsite photovoltaic (PV) solar system, expected to generate roughly 80% of the building’s energy needs at 200 KW capacity. Any remaining required energy will be supplied by the local utility provider.
A Grand Rapids, Michigan, location will be active in the coming months and Penske’s Linden, New Jersey, location is expected to go online in 2025. These facilities are also new state-of-the-art locations.
The new facilities incorporating solar systems in Channahon, Illinois, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Linden, New Jersey, are part of the company’s LEED building program.
Under a power purchase agreement with Sunrock Distributed Generation, seven additional Penske facilities in California are expected to be retrofitted with new PV solar systems in the next year, which are expected to yield roughly 600 KW of renewable energy across all locations. These facilities are located in Fresno, Hayward, La Mirada, National City, Riverside, San Diego and San Leandro.
Penske is collaborating with San Francisco-based ForeFront Power as its lead project consultant on this solar initiative.
“Our solar program is an important piece of our renewable energy strategy and ForeFront Power continues to be an outstanding partner in helping us bring these projects to fruition,” said Drew Cullen, senior vice president of fuels and facility services at Penske. “These investments will allow us to directly generate our own renewable energy to power our locations and continue to support our customers with sustainable solutions.”
On average, four solar panel-powered Penske Truck Leasing facilities will generate an estimated 1-million-kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable energy annually and will result in an emissions avoidance of 442 metric tons (MT) CO2e, which is equal to powering nearly 90 homes for one year.
“The initiative to install solar systems at our locations is a part of our company’s LEED-certified facilities process,” explained Ivet Taneva, Penske vice president of environmental affairs. “Investing in solar has considerable economic impacts for our operations as well as the environmental benefits of further reducing emissions related to electricity use.”
Penske Truck Leasing is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. A leading provider of innovative transportation solutions, Penske operates and maintains more than 437,000 vehicles and serves its customers from nearly 1,000 maintenance facilities and more than 2,500 truck rental locations across North America. Solutions from Penske include full-service truck leasing, fleet maintenance, truck rentals, used trucks, and a comprehensive array of technologies to keep the world moving forward. Visit pensketruckleasing.com for more information.
WIXOM, MI, October 14, 2024 - Integrated Systems Design (ISD), a leading provider of innovative material handling solutions, announced today that it has joined MHI's Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) product section group. This strategic move reinforces ISD's commitment to advancing automation technologies to its manufacturing and warehouse customers improving their warehouse, logistics, and supply chain systems.
MHI, the nation's largest material handling, logistics, and supply chain association, welcomes ISD to its AS/RS group, which focuses on promoting the development and implementation of automated storage and retrieval systems across various industries.
By joining this prestigious group, ISD gains access to a collaborative network of industry leaders, enhancing its ability to contribute to and benefit from the latest advancements in AS/RS technologies. This partnership will enable ISD to further refine its product offerings, including its flagship UltraStore Mid-Load AS/RS system, and provide cutting-edge solutions to its customers. ISD has been an integral part in years past leading efforts to create and implement the ANSI standard MH24.1 with the AS/RS product section group.
Ed Romaine, VP Marketing at ISD and former Vice Chair and Chairman of the AS/RS product section, expressed enthusiasm about the new membership: "Rejoining MHI's AS/RS group marks a significant milestone for Integrated Systems Design. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver state-of-the-art automation solutions that drive efficiency and productivity in material handling operations. Our UltraStore Mid-Load AS/RS system, ideal for goods-to-person storage and retrieval of pallet, case, and uniquely sized material, exemplifies the innovation we bring to the industry. We look forward to engaging with fellow industry leaders and contributing our expertise to shape the future of AS/RS technologies."
ISD's membership in the AS/RS group underscores the company's dedication to innovation and its commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends. As a member, ISD will participate in various initiatives, including educational programs, research projects, and industry events that promote the adoption and advancement of automated storage and retrieval systems.
The UltraStore Mid-Load AS/RS system showcases ISD's commitment to developing versatile and efficient solutions. This system is designed to meet the growing demand for flexible, high-density storage options in various industries, offering optimal performance for goods-to-person operations handling diverse load types.
ABOUT INTEGRATED SYSTEMS DESIGN - ISD
Integrated Systems Design is a comprehensive systems integrator of automated solutions for warehouses, manufacturing, distribution, retail, and wholesale applications improving processes and productivity while reducing operational costs. Whether providing consulting services to meet current issues or developing future scalable plans to address industry challenges, ISD creates value for a broad range of industries tailoring systems to clients' specific requirements.
ISD expertise ranges from handling, storing, and picking pieces (eaches), cases, pallets, build lines, and special or custom handling solutions. Products and services include: automatic storage and retrieval (ASRS), conveyor, robotics, batch stations, shuttles, pick-to-light, A-Frames, carousels, vertical lift modules (VLMs), controls, software (including inventory management, WCS, WMS, MES, and ERP).
About MHI
MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third-party logistics providers. The association sponsors trade events, such as ProMat and MODEX, to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals.
For more information about this release, please contact: Ed Romaine, VP Marketing & Bus. Dev., 215-512-2613, eromaine@isddd.com
LAFAYETTE, Ind., Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wabash (NYSE: WNC), the visionary leader of connected solutions for the transportation, logistics and distribution industries, announced today it was selected to receive a $1.6 million grant award from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) to support a research and development project aimed at decarbonizing the commercial transportation industry.
The three-year project, set to begin next year in partnership with the University of Delaware’s Center for Composite Materials, focuses on integrating high-efficiency solar energy into refrigerated trailers and truck bodies. This innovation will play a pivotal role in making zero-emission mid-mile transportation a commercially viable option.
“This project has the potential to revolutionize refrigerated transport by reducing reliance on the electrical grid and minimizing overall emissions,” said Michael Bodey, director of technology discovery and innovation at Wabash. “While many of today’s zero-emission products focus on tailpipe emissions, they still draw power from energy grids, which often rely on non-renewable sources. Our goal is to offer a truly green solution—a well-to-wheel approach—that accounts for the full life cycle of energy consumption, from production to usage.”
Wabash will use its proprietary EcoNex™ Technology, a composite material designed to enhance thermal efficiency and reduce energy consumption, while the University of Delaware will contribute its proprietary TuFF technology, which utilizes recycled aerospace-grade carbon fiber, to strengthen and lighten the trailers and truck bodies.
“By incorporating lightweight solar panels and utilizing EcoNex Technology in refrigerated trailers and truck bodies, we are addressing two of the most significant barriers to electrification: weight and energy consumption,” Bodey explained. “EcoNex not only improves the insulation and performance of the trailers but also contributes to overall weight reduction, making the solution even more efficient.”
Batteries powering heavy trucks can weigh between 5,000 to 10,000 pounds, often limiting the payload capacity and drawing significant energy from the electrical grid when charging. The goal of this project is to develop enabling technologies that reduce the weight and energy needs of these vehicles while offering fleet customers greener, more efficient transportation options.
“TuFF is the world’s strongest short fiber composite that is reciprocal with sustainable solutions to the mobility industry. It’s great to collaborate with Wabash on building the most sustainable solar panel integrated refrigerated trailer for the trucking industry,” said Srikanth Pilla, UD PI and director of the Center for Composites Materials at the University of Delaware.
Wabash is the only trailer and truck body original equipment manufacturer (OEM) selected for this government grant, highlighting its unique leadership position in sustainability and innovation. By focusing on mid-mile transportation, the project seeks to create a flexible solar energy system that can be CARB-compliant across different vehicle types, without requiring fully electric platforms to meet compliance.
This initiative is part of the DOE’s Silicon Solar Manufacturing and Dual-use Photovoltaics Incubator Funding Program, which supports advancements in PV technology across the supply chain and fosters new markets for American products. The outcomes of this project will help Wabash continue to evolve its technology ecosystem and green its supply chain to better serve its customers’ sustainability goals.
Wabash: Changing How the World Reaches You® Wabash (NYSE: WNC) is the visionary leader of connected solutions for the transportation, logistics and distribution industries that is Changing How the World Reaches You®. Headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, the company enables customers to thrive by providing insight into tomorrow and delivering pragmatic solutions today to move everything from first to final mile. Wabash designs, manufactures, and services a diverse range of products, including: dry freight and refrigerated trailers, flatbed trailers, tank trailers, dry and refrigerated truck bodies, structural composite panels and products, trailer aerodynamic solutions, and specialty food grade processing equipment. Learn more at onewabash.com.
University of Delaware Center for Composite Materials The University of Delaware Center for Composite Materials (UD-CCM) was established in 1974. It has been recognized as a Center of Excellence in Composites Materials and Structures six times by the DOD, NSF, and FAA. Technology transition occurs through the Industrial Consortium, with over 350 industrial companies participating since 1978. UD-CCM has a 50-year history of interdisciplinary research covering raw materials (fibers, fiber sizings), intermediate forms (fabrics, prepregs), manufacturing (forming, infusion, winding, pultrusion), joining technologies, modeling and simulation tools, and inspection methods. Learn more at https://www.ccm.udel.edu/.
Des Plaines , Illinois – NOBLELIFT North America, a global leader in Lithium-iron technology and a manufacturer of a comprehensive range of high-performance, low-maintenance manual, electric, and internal combustion material handling equipment, hosted its 2024 Dealer Meeting at the Embassy Suites in Rosemont, Illinois, just miles from their Illinois headquarters in Des Plaines, Illinois.
Over ninety participated in this year’s bi-annual dealer meeting which lasted two days. Day one of the program included presentations and training on various subjects such as NOBLELIFT new products, NOBLELIFT lithium-iron technology, future plans, leasing/financing, marketing, aftersales tech support, parts, extended warranties, quoting software, and more. The dealers welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the company, share their feedback and ideas, and network with other dealers.
Day two was an opportunity for dealers to tour the NOBLELIFT North America headquarters and warehouse. They were able to demo equipment, see the newest models, including the new lithium-iron scissor lifts, meet team members and ask questions. The Des Plaines headquarters is strategically located less than 4 miles from Chicago O’Hare airport.
ATLANTA (Oct. 8, 2024) – Randa Apparel & Accessories (RAA), one of the world's leading fashion apparel and lifestyle accessories companies, today announced a strategic partnership with FORTNA, the leading automation and software company for the full logistics value chain, to modernize their recently acquired Dallas-Fort Worth 625,000 square foot warehouse. This collaboration aims to modernize the facility to meet contemporary demands, enhancing operational efficiency and productivity.
RAA, known for its portfolio of over 40 licensed brands and the recent acquisition of the Haggar brand, acquired the Dallas-Fort Worth facility as part of the deal. Faced with the decision to either move out of or upgrade the facility, RAA engaged with FORTNA to develop a comprehensive solution to keep operations local while addressing real estate constraints.
"Providing configurability is paramount in today's environment," said Ron Egan, FORTNA Vice President, North America. "Whether it’s a brownfield or greenfield project, FORTNA is equipped to support customers at any stage of their warehousing journey. In RAA's case, we optimized the design of their current facility and delivered a customized brownfield solution—demonstrating FORTNA’s flexibility and commitment to meeting customer needs."
FORTNA's retrofitted brownfield design includes automated material flows and sortation systems for both inbound and outbound processes. The project will update nearly all material handling equipment in the facility and will implement the FORTNA warehouse control system solution (FORTNA WCS™) over the next two years.
FORTNA WCS™ will aid RAA in their distribution process by providing a single point of control and visibility within the warehouse. This centralized access point allows the RAA team to efficiently monitor and troubleshoot material handling equipment, ensuring smooth operations across their facilities. The system's ability to manage facility flow and maintain uptime further reduces the risks typically associated with integration and implementation, granting empowerment to operations and maintenance teams.
"Automation is the key to unlocking the most out of the human workforce," Egan added. "By automating routine warehouse tasks, we're able to level up efficiency and labor effectiveness for RAA."
The reliable and scalable architecture of FORTNA WCS™, which is hardware agnostic, offers RAA realtime control over their material handling equipment (MHE) systems. This flexibility ensures that RAA can adapt and scale their operations as needed without encountering compatibility issues.
The user-friendly warehouse control system interface enables RAA's team to handle system management from a centralized touch screen effortlessly, streamlining their workflow and enhancing operational efficiency. Through these key features, FORTNA WCS™ positions RAA to implement their systems with greater confidence and effectiveness, ultimately optimizing their operational performance.
FORTNA projects that RAA will realize a 25% labor savings and increased operational productivity through this partnership, allowing the facility to remain viable as business grows for the foreseeable future.
FORTNA Inc. 1349 W Peachtree St. NW, Suite 1300, Atlanta, GA 30309
About FORTNA
FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services. Visit https://www.fortna.com/.
About Randa Apparel & Accessories
Randa Apparel & Accessories (RAA) is a global powerhouse with over 100 years of expertise. One of the world’s leading apparel and lifestyle accessories companies, RAA operates a portfolio of 30+ brands across all distribution channels. More information is available at https://randa.net.