The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Novus programme, in partnership with the UK Warehouse Association (UKWA), recently provided students from the University of Salford with an exclusive site tour of Jungheinrich’s state-of-the-art facility in Warrington. The site tour on January 29th, 2025, exemplified the transformative potential of industry-academia partnerships. It offered students invaluable practical insights that seamlessly complemented their academic learning. For many, this experience was a revelation, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, especially in the fields of procurement, logistics, and supply chain management.

The day commenced with a coach departing from the University of Salford, carrying a group of enthusiastic students poised to immerse themselves into the world of automation and efficiency. Upon their arrival at Jungheinrich’s impressive Omega South facility, the group was welcomed and guided through a packed schedule of presentations, demonstrations, and networking opportunities. The formal proceedings kicked off with Kevin Barber, Head of Business Solutions providing a comprehensive introduction to Jungheinrich and their global operations. This overview set the stage for Victoria Burston’s, Head of L&D and Apprentices insightful presentation on the diverse and dynamic career opportunities within the intralogistics sector. Victoria’s talk highlighted the growing demand for skilled professionals in this rapidly evolving field, inspiring students to consider future career paths in warehouse management, automation, and supply chain optimisation. 

Following the introductory sessions, students were divided into groups to engage in interactive automation workshops. This hands-on experience facilitated a more focused exploration of specific technologies. Technical Project Manager, Archie Dandy led a session focused on the pivotal role of mobile robots, including Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), in contemporary warehouse operations. Senior Technical Trainer, Doug Dickinson’s workshop showcased the efficiency and space-saving benefits of carousel and under pallet carrier solutions, demonstrating how these systems optimise storage and retrieval processes. VNA Sales Manager, Mark Ogden’s session concentrated on semi and automated narrow aisle pallet solutions, emphasising the importance of maximizing warehouse space while maintaining efficiency throughput. These workshops provided students with a concrete understanding of these technologies and their impact on overall warehouse performance.

The tour went beyond mere presentations, students experienced technology in action. They witnessed live demonstrations of AGV and AMR equipment, gaining a first-hand appreciation for their precision and adaptability. The demonstrations of the lift carousel and under pallet carrier shuttle systems further solidified the concepts discussed in the workshops, showcasing the practical application of these technologies in a real-world setting. This immersive approach proved invaluable for the students, as evidenced by their enthusiastic feedback.

“It was a valuable experience that provided great practical insights and enhanced our learning,” commented Zainab Durgwala, a student participant. Her sentiment was echoed by many others, who appreciated the opportunity to see textbook concepts come to life.

Esther Tibila shared a particularly insightful perspective:

“Overall, it was an impactful, informative, and insightful experience, especially for students who have no background in procurement, logistics, and supply chain management. During our RPPLM module, the lecturer kept mentioning ‘person to goods’ and ‘goods to person’ in warehousing, and most people seemed quite confused. But after the session, everyone could relate to what was being taught, which made it very practical.”

Tibila’s comment highlights the tour’s effectiveness in bridging the gap between theory and practice, making complex concepts more accessible and understandable. She further added, “I believe if the school would consider frequent workshops like these with the seminars, it would make the learning experience at Salford even better.”

The visit concluded with a wrap-up session, providing students with an opportunity to ask questions and engage with the Jungheinrich team. Refreshments were provided, allowing for informal networking and further discussion. A workshop tour was also offered, giving students the chance to delve even deeper into the intricacies of Jungheinrich’s operations. The success of this site tour stresses the importance of industry-academia partnerships in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the modern logistics landscape.

The collaboration between the University of Salford, Novus, CILT, and UKWA, with the generous support of Jungheinrich, has provided students with a valuable experience that will undoubtedly shape their future careers. The feedback from the students speaks for itself, highlighting the tour’s impact on their understanding of intralogistics and their enthusiasm for the field. Experiences like this are crucial for developing the next generation of logistics professionals, and the University of Salford is committed to providing its students with opportunities to learn from the best in the industry. This visit to Jungheinrich is a prime example of how such partnerships can enrich the educational experience and prepare students for success in the dynamic world of logistics and supply chain management. Dr. Albert Aidoo-Anderson, Lecturer of Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management at the University of Salford, underscored the significance of these industry partnerships, stating:

"These industry collaborations are essential in preparing our students for their future careers. The practical demonstration of concepts we teach in the classroom helps cement understanding and ignites a passion for the profession. We're grateful to Jungheinrich, UKWA, Novus and CILT for making this possible."

Written by Dr. Albert Aidoo-Anderson, Lecturer of Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management at the University of Salford

Find out more about CILT(UK)’s NOVUS programme here.