Equipment & Technology

BULK2020 Spotlight: Kockums Bulk Systems

With BULK2020 set to be one of the biggest events in the Australian bulk handling industry, ABHR speaks to Show Director Simon Coburn to find out more.

Following the success of MEGATRANS2018, ABHR sits down with Kockums Bulk Systems Managing Director Francois Steyn to ask what value the company sees in BULK2020.

Australia’s transport and logistics industry earns an estimated revenue of $96.65 billion each year, employs nearly half a million people and is being rapidly affected by a surge of new technologies, according to Australian Industry Standards’ 2018 Transport and Logistics discussion paper.

It also says that by 2020, there will be more than 50 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices around the world, with spending on connected logistics solutions expected to more than double between 2018 and 2020.

Francois Steyn, the Managing Director of Kockums Bulk Systems, says the logistics industry is where a lot of new innovation is being developed, particularly in manual handling.

“We’ve observed that much of Victoria’s manufacturing industry is now being replaced by warehouses and logistics operations,” he says.

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Kockums Bulk Systems takes pride in being a leader in the field of handling and packaging bulk powders, especially when it comes to powders that are considered difficult to convey.

Traditionally, the company aimed its technology towards the manufacturing industry, as many processes involve some sort of powder. However, as the market developed, Kockums had to diversify its offer to cover the needs of the growing logistics industry.

Mr Steyn says the company’s first major foray into logistics was at MEGATRANS2018, one of Australia’s biggest intermodal logistics trade events, where it was able to display its manual handling solutions.

“MEGATRANS was such a valuable event, as we connected with a new demographic of customers and listened to some of the issues they were facing in their day-to-day operations,” he says.

“So, when we heard that BULK2020 would be connected to MEGATRANS2020, we knew we had to jump on board to showcase our materials handling capabilities as well as our manual handling solutions. We will truly have a foot in both camps of the show.”

The Australian Bulk Handling Expo 2020 (BULK2020) is Australia’s only exhibition dedicated solely to the bulk solids handling industry. The event, which will take place from 1 to 3 April 2020, is designed for businesses that are bulk commodities producers, which require the use of equipment for the movement of bulk goods, domestically or internationally.

Held in conjunction with MEGATRANS2020, it will showcase some of the latest technology, equipment and services the bulk handling industry has to offer for manufacturers and producers.

Some examples of the equipment that will be on display include conveyors and their components, motors and drives, belt scrapers, container tipplers, weighing and level measurement devices.

Mr Steyn says he is keen to see how the connection between the two shows will provide additional value.

“MEGATRANS2018 was big, so with the addition of the bulk handling side of things, we expect there will be even more networking opportunities available,” he says.

“It also helps get all the suppliers together in the one room, letting people see what’s going on in the industry, who is doing what, and plans for moving forward.”

As part of this industry collaboration, the Australian Society for Bulk Solids Handling (ASBSH) will host an industry conference at the inaugural event.

“It has been many years since we had an exhibition dedicated to bulk handling in Australia, and this will be an excellent opportunity to connect bulk handling engineers with suppliers across multiple industries,” Mark Jones, President of the ASBSH, says.

“We will be advising organisers Prime Creative Media on the conference program and look forward to seeing you all there.”

Also supporting the event is Platinum Sponsor VEGA Australia.

Both BULK2020 and MEGATRANS2020 will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with one ticket providing entry to both shows.

Simon Coburn, the BULK2020 Show Director, says that since announcing the event, there has been plenty of local and international interest from potential exhibitors and visitors.

“It’s exciting to have all these exhibitors together, in not only a great place for business opportunities, but also a fantastic occasion to network within this fast-paced and essential industry,” he said.

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