At its recent AGM, the Automated Material Handling Systems Association (AMHSA) appointed Andy Pilkington as its new President, taking the reins for a two-year term of office.
Formerly Vice-President of AMHSA, Andy has worked in the automated materials handling industry for almost 27 years. Commented outgoing President, Peter Lerigo, "Andy has a wealth of experience and understands fully the key role that AMHSA plays in promoting the benefits of automation, so his appointment has been widely welcomed."
The first key area of activity for Andy Pilkington will be the association's forthcoming symposium, which will focus on solutions and products to streamline e-commerce fulfilment for companies small or large. Explained Andy Pilkington, "The event will appeal to delegates who are either currently involved in or rising to the challenge of e-commerce, including direct to customer home/office delivery services and 'click and collect'. This is a key area to a wide range of companies as web-based ordering takes over from the traditional store-front shops and mail order catalogues. Now even companies that once relied on distributor networks and independent store retailers are accepting orders direct to customers and facing fresh challenges." Mr Pilkington continued, "Presentations and discussions will be held by e-tail supply chain specialists, but the day will also provide plenty of opportunities for delegates to network together and to discuss any challenges or thoughts with AMHSA members." Being held on 9 October at the Hinckley Island Hotel in Leicestershire, the symposium is expected to attract over 100 delegates from the UK and overseas. In the evening, AMHSA will host a dinner to allow for further networking in a relaxed environment with fellow delegates.
Andy Pilkington has spent his entire career in the automated logistics sector. After completing a degree in Electronic Systems & Control Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University, Andy worked for 10 years for Morris Material Handling as a Systems Consultant, where he gained experience in designing and installing conveyor and crane control systems as well as Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems. He then moved to Logistex, where he is Senior Solutions Design Engineer, responsible for designing fulfilment systems and materials handling solutions. As well as vast experience in Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (ASRS) - both high-bay and miniload solutions - Andy's specialisms include AGVs, Warehouse Management Systems and conveyor controls.
In his spare time, Andy is a keen photographer - undertaking both commercial and social photography projects - a regular churchgoer and also enjoys walking and cycling.
Stepping into Andy's shoes as Vice-President of AMHSA is his colleague, Martin Elliott, also of Logistex. Andy believes that Martin's appointment as Vice-President is a wise move by AMHSA: "As Martin and I are together on a daily basis, we are able to work closely on AMHSA matters, which will ensure strong leadership and development of AMHSA over the period of my, and eventually Martin's, Presidency of AMHSA."