Joloda Hydraroll's Chief Revenue Officer, Wouter Satijn, is interviewed by Peter MacLeod, from Logistics Business, for a new episode of the Logistics Business Conversations podcast, to discuss the power of Automated Loading and Unloading Systems.

In this episode, Wouter and Peter discuss how Joloda Hydraroll’s Automated Loading Systems can help combat the common challenges of manual handling in warehouses, as well as important developments in the warehouse industry and loading bay area.

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the world's "best kept secret" in logistics

Wouter opened by pointing out that even as automation reshapes factories and warehouses, the loading bay remains one of the last manual aspects. He explained,

The challenge is maybe that we are still the world's 'best kept secret', because although we're growing big time, but there's still a lot of manual loading and unloading happening with a lot of scarce forklift drivers, and that's something we are on the crusade to reduce.

That mission, to automate loading and unloading, for “100% end of line”, continues to drive Joloda Hydraroll’s innovations across global logistics hubs and factory environments.


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Safety and Operational Pressure

the danger zone

Peter noted how manual loading areas are a very dangerous place to be working, and Wouter agreed, “We really call it a danger zone… forklifts are under pressure to be loading or unloading in a quick timeframe to turn around those trailers quickly. There's a lot of operational pressure. That's where there are a lot of near misses and serious accidents happening, in and around the cargo space.

Automated loading systems eliminate many of these risks by keeping people out of harm’s way, while also cutting near misses, forklift miles, and associated costs.


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building the business case

When it comes to automation, Wouter emphasised that every project starts with understanding the customer’s needs, “We build a lot of business cases for our clients… it’s not a clear-cut off-the-shelf solution. We interview the customer and see what is the best technology fit, and also what makes sense in terms of ROI.

And if the numbers don’t add up?

We’re very pragmatic, and if the business case doesn’t stack up, we look at a different solution.

That customer-first approach has shaped our product range. From fully automated dock-to-trailer systems to hybrid and manual Rollerbed Systems.


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case studies

Loading Dock (6)

automation’s environmental and ESG benefits

Wouter also praised how leading companies are using sustainability goals to accelerate innovation, “I think that's a big shout out to all the big companies that really drive that environmental agenda, because it starts with them… already in audit or an ESG report is requested from the suppliers. And that's really, really good.

Joloda’s systems help customers reduce carbon footprints by minimising truck idle time and maximising fleet utilisation, “We load a trailer within two minutes. That trailer can be used 20-30 times in a day… whereas in other operations, where there's manual loading going on, it takes 30-45 minutes.”

Reducing loading times also means fewer trailers, and lower CO₂ emissions, while in some cases, automation even allows buildings to be smaller. “If it is a building that is 100 or 200 meters long, we could compress that to 40 metres… instead of 80 dock doors, we could introduce eight fully automated docks, because we can load a trailer in two to five minutes.”


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Triple Dock With Load

automation for every warehouse

introducing LoadMatic Lite

Not every site is ready for full-scale automation, and Joloda Hydraroll recognises that.

Wouter highlighted the LoadMatic Lite, a new system designed to retrofit easily into existing warehouses and handle non-modified trailers, “It's a machine that you can install quite easily in an existing brownfield warehouse… and it loads any non-modified trailer.

He added:

The first customers bought it, tested it, and loved it… that’s going to be an absolute game changer!

LoadMatic Lite reflects a growing trend toward accessible automation. Bridging the gap between manual operations and high-volume, fully automated sites.


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speak to the experts

Contact us today for a consultation session with a member of our Systems team.

During the consultation, a Joloda Hydraroll Group Systems Expert will speak with you about your business' current logistics operations, plans and goals. 

We have over 60+ years of experience providing cutting-edge technological solutions to the logistics industry and have helped countless companies around the world lighten their load.  


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global footprint, local service

With systems installed worldwide, Joloda Hydraroll supports customers through an established, Global Distribution Network, “We are in 35+ countries, direct and indirect… we have 24/7 hotline that you can call with Joloda Conveyor Services, and we’ve got a spare parts service for all those machines.

Despite being robust systems, Wouter notes maintenance remains essential, “Any machine needs servicing and needs checking… what I also love is that a lot of customers say we've got a super maintenance team. We want to do that ourselves, and we will gladly provide training.


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Load Preparation With AGV And Forklift

trends shaping the automation landscape

From labour shortages to robotics, Wouter has seen several global themes driving automation demand, “Australia is seeing a lot of scarcity around labour. Labour rates are extremely high… and of course, the focus on safety in Australia is second to none.

He also pointed to a growing integration between loading systems and robotic technologies, “We integrate more and more with robotic forklifts, AGVs, AMRs… to get pallets fed from production lines directly onto our loading machines.”

The result? A smarter, safer, and more connected loading bay ecosystem.

Wouter added, “We are looking at a very interesting thing of inspection of pallets before they get onto the loading dock." For a company founded in 1962, this blend of deep heritage and new technology underlines how Joloda Hydraroll continues to evolve.

our partnership process

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We consult

Integrating and coordinating with stakeholders on site

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We design

In-house adaption and production capabilities

Implement Icon

We implement

Manual or automated loading solutions

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We support

Servicing packages and emergency call out services

Joloda Hydraroll Office

reflecting on Joloda

Reflecting on his two decades with Joloda, Wouter’s passion is evident, “I'm working here for 20 years, so I'm very passionate about this company… and especially the people that are working in our great company that's now 350.”

That sense of responsibility fuels his motivation, “There’s a lot of responsibility to take care of the 350 families we employ… and I’m very passionate about that.

For Wouter, it’s more than machinery, it’s about people, progress, and partnerships that move global logistics forward.

conclusion

As automation continues to evolve, the conversation around loading efficiency is becoming less about replacing people and more about designing smarter, safer, and more connected systems.

Through his discussion with Logistics Business Conversations, Wouter Satijn highlights that automation doesn’t have to be complex or all-encompassing to deliver real impact. Whether through compact, entry-level unmodified automation systems like LoadMatic Lite, or bespoke Automated Trailer loading & Unloading solutions, Joloda Hydraroll’s approach remains the same: to help lighten the load and make material handling easier, safer, and more efficient for every operation.


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our automated loading systems

Slipchain

This system's designed for all customers that have high-volume logistics shuttle cases with a small fleet of dedicated trailers.

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Moving Floor

This system's best suited to businesses with high-volume logistics shuttle cases, and small fleets of dedicated trailers

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Trailerskate

This system's designed for businesses with a high-volume logistics shuttle case with a larger fleet of trailers

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LoadPlate

The LoadPlate system is a semi-automated loading system for containers and regular non-modified trucks, for use when transporting metal, timber and complex cargo.

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LoadMatic

The LoadMatic system is a fully automated loading system for regular, non-modified trucks and container for when you're transporting both palletised and non-palletised goods.

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LoadMatic Lite

LoadMatic Lite is a versatile, entry-level Automated Truck Loading System, ideal for manufacturers and distribution centres looking to increase their daily load volume beyond what’s achievable with manual forklift operations.

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