GREENE, N.Y. — To support the current and future growth of The Raymond Corporation, there have been multiple new appointments in the organization:

• Lou Callea is appointed vice president and general counsel for Raymond. Callea will manage all strategic and day-to-day operations within the legal department. Callea previously was general counsel for the legal department.
• Erric Heitmann is appointed vice president, engineering for Raymond. Heitmann will have responsibility for product development, manufacturing engineering, Systems & Advanced Engineering, test engineering and product engineering. Heitmann previously was director of product development engineering.
• Dan Klassen is appointed vice president, Quality & Program Management for Raymond. Klassen will assume responsibility for the quality organization and the program management office. Klassen previously was the director of Muscatine operations in Muscatine, Iowa.
• Dave Norton is appointed vice president, customer solutions for Raymond. Norton will have responsibility for custom engineering, sales engineering, field service, training and the customer care managers. Norton also will oversee the product management group on an interim basis. Norton previously was director of product and manufacturing engineering.

“Raymond has experienced a record period of employment expansion and market share improvement,” says Tim Combs, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Raymond. “These organizational changes will enhance our customer responsiveness and further strengthen our executive leadership team.”

For more information on The Raymond Corporation, visit www.raymondcorp.com or call 800-235-7200.

The Raymond Corporation is a global provider of unmatched material handling technology, expertise and support to increase productivity and cost-efficiency. Designed with ecological and economical benefits in mind, Raymond^® lift trucks are engineered to achieve higher performance and increase efficiency. Raymond offers a full line of manual and electric lift trucks — including pallet trucks, walkie stackers, counterbalanced trucks, reach trucks, orderpickers and turret trucks — and iWAREHOUSE^®, complete with iWAREHOUSE Essential^™ and iWAREHOUSE Enterprise^™, to manage lift truck fleets, labor efficiencies and warehouses. Additionally, flexible automation solutions, customized financing options and industry-leading consultation from Raymond further enhance warehouse processes and streamline material handling practices.

Seegrid is growing. To accommodate this growth, the company hired Gary Ensey as regional sales manager and reports to Derek Roberts, Director of Sales. Ensey will oversee Seegrid’s Western region of the US.

Ensey expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Seegrid team commenting, “The most exciting thing about joining the Seegrid sales team is the opportunity to sell a high-tech product into a mostly untapped market. The Seegrid technology lends itself to almost all markets and gives me the opportunity to sell our product into the various industries in need of automation. Seegrid’s flexible AGVs give the customer a low cost, easy to install, and flexible alternative to other solutions. By freeing up the employee, it also gives the company better utilization of their workforce and reduces labor costs.”

John Hayes, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, North America, explained why the dramatic staff increase is necessary noting, “We have seen a 350% increase in Seegrid robotic industrial truck orders year to date when compared to 2012. Also known as flexible AGVs, this extraordinary growth is proof the manufacturing sector has recovered. Material handling and distribution centers are expanding quickly because the demand for our products has never been stronger. We are adding talented and experienced staff to ensure the quality and customer care continues to be a hallmark of our company, our brand, and our reputation.”

One of the elements for the Seegrid growth model is the “Try before you buy program.” It allows potential customers to see how the Seegrid technology operates in their plants and distribution centers or warehouses, assuring that it is the right product every time. Seegrid has eliminated the guess work in selecting an AGV.

About Seegrid:
Seegrid Corporation provides simple, affordable, flexible vision-guided automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to the material handling industry. Seegrid robotic industrial trucks, flexible AGVs, are revolutionizing the movement of materials in manufacturing and distribution environments. Seegrid automated pallet trucks and tow tractors optimize workflow processes by increasing productivity and reducing costs, creating economic and operational advantages. Robotic industrial trucks deliver a rapid return on investment, improve facility safety, and reduce equipment and product damage. Fast Company magazine named Seegrid as one of the Top 50 World’s Most Innovative Company in 2013 and among the Top 10 World’s Most Innovative Robotics Company in 2013. Follow Seegrid Corporation on Twitter at @Seegrid.

Seegrid Corporation
www.seegrid.com
Amanda Merrell, Marketing Director
amerrell@seegrid.com
412-379-4500 x184

Intelligrated®, a leading North American-based automated material handling solutions provider, announces the hire of David Erickson as vice president, software development, for its N.Y.-based software subsidiary company, Knighted® (www.knightedsoftware.com).

With 23 years of experience in the supply chain and logistics industry, Erickson will manage Knighted application development teams to produce supply chain software solutions. He reports directly to Dan Napoli, senior vice president, research and development, Knighted.

“We’re pleased to welcome David to Knighted,” said Greg Cronin, executive vice president, Intelligrated. “His deep industry experience will help us leverage Knighted’s unique technical innovations to deliver world-class software applications to our customers.”

Before joining Knighted, Erickson held product development, implementation services and performance engineering positions for RedPrairie, helping grow the company from a 35-person shop to more than 1800 associates. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Carroll University in Waukesha, Wis.

Knighted delivers an innovative suite of fulfillment execution systems that increase order fulfillment accuracy and velocity for the e-commerce, retail, food and beverage, 3PL, wholesale and consumer products industries. The Knighted suite includes warehouse management (WMS), warehouse control (WCS), order fulfillment, labor management and supply chain business intelligence software.

For sales and marketing information, contact Emily Smith, marketing supervisor, Intelligrated, by phone at (513) 881-5239 or by email at emily.smith@intelligrated.com.

For media information, contact Natalie Fioto, public relations, Koroberi, by phone at (919) 945-0566 or by email at natalie@koroberi.com.

About Intelligrated
Intelligrated is a leading North American-based, single-source provider of intelligent automated material handling solutions that drive distribution and fulfillment productivity for retailers, manufacturers and logistics providers around the world. Through a broad portfolio of automation equipment, software, service and support, Intelligrated solutions optimize processes, increase efficiency and give businesses a competitive edge.

Intelligrated designs, manufactures, integrates and installs complete material handling automation solutions including conveyor systems, sortation systems, palletizers, robotics and order picking technologies – all managed by advanced machine controls and software. Solutions include industry-leading Intelligrated-manufactured Alvey®, RTS™ and IntelliSort® brand equipment and Knighted warehouse management (WMS), warehouse control (WCS) and labor management software.

Every project is backed by Intelligrated’s 24X7 multilingual technical support and access to lifecycle service through a network of national, regional and local service centers. From concept to integration to lifecycle support, Intelligrated automation delivers distribution and fulfillment success. For more updates, follow us on Twitter @Intelligrated.

Expanded line of flexible sortation equipment, to meet the needs of multiple industries, Mantissa Corporation is proud to announce an expansion to its industry leading sortation product line that now includes the P-Tilt™ (powered) and Xbelt™ (crossbelt) sorter solutions. Utilizing a common platform, it is the first modular and interchangeable line of sortation equipment.

With multiple divert, drive and chute technologies Mantissa Corporation offers the most comprehensive line of standard & custom sorting solutions.

All of Mantissa’s sorting solutions can adapt to changing requirements and throughput rates while setting the industry benchmark for longevity, energy efficiency and maintainability that the market demands.

616 Pressley Road
Charlotte, NC 28217
(704) 525-1749
www.MantissaCorporation.com

All-electric mechanical ball screw drive extreme duty lift table with no hydraulic fluid used. This extremely durable lift is rated for industrial use and warranted for 5 years. Hydraulic drift is eliminated. 2 tables may be synchronized for lifting large products at a single speed. Cycle rate capable of 80 times/hour. Motor is designed for heavy industry to 100,000 up/down cycle lifetime. Up to 2200-lb capacity units available. Quiet operation.

Available from Products For Industry (PFI) Modex booth # 8937 Products For Industry 800-548-4430 F 800-336-6608

KNAPP AG recently announced a large order for an automated material handling solution at a new distribution center for e-commerce specialist wehkamp.nl in the Netherlands. wehkamp.nl is the leading online portal in the Netherlands, selling fashion, IT accessories, telecommunication items, furniture, household appliances and sport and leisure equipment.

The Dutch e-commerce giant is currently experiencing a 15-20 per cent annual growth rate, allowing it to invest in a new high-performance distribution center in Zwolle. One point seven (1.7) million registered customers, 200,000 SKUs in the future, 20 million shipments per year: These tremendous demands await the new wehkamp.nl distribution center. Apart from enormous amounts shipped and a constantly changing item range, the main concern of wehkamp.nl is to address the needs of customers. Under the heading "same-and-next-day-delivery", the system will react quickly and be able to deal with last minute orders. All this called for a versatile, flexible solution capable of rapidly adapting to the changing demands of online commerce.

These factors convinced wehkamp.nl to choose a KNAPP e-commerce solution with the OSR Shuttle technology at its core. The OSR Shuttle has a capacity of half a million storage locations and processes 98 per cent of the entire order volume. Ergonomically designed Pick-it-Easy work stations are used for goods-to-person picking in an intuitive workflow that reduces errors. With "One-Touch-Picking" a customer order can be made ready for shipment within 30 minutes of the order being received. Dispatch tasks, such as sorting and finishing (including document insertion and closing cartons or bags), are carried out automatically. KNAPP's KiSoft warehouse logistics software guarantees efficient processing and permanent control spanning all processes.

The new warehouse is scheduled for startup in 2015 and will be capable of shipping 200,000 items per day. René Wolters, Managing Director KNAPP Benelux BV stated: "This project is a prime example of our philosophy Making Complexity Simple. With the tried and tested OSR Shuttle solution, all articles are available at all times, independent of turnover category. The solution also has an entirely modular structure. The cooperation with wehkamp.nl is outstanding, and this project will successfully allow their continued growth."

KNAPP AG:
KNAPP AG operates internationally in the field of warehouse automation and warehouse logistics software. The company with headquarters in Austria has 2,300 employees worldwide and 1500+ installations. Among its many innovations is the development of shuttle technology with over 200 shuttle solutions installed globally. In the past fiscal year, the company achieved a record sales volume of $490 million, the highest level since its founding in 1952.

For more information, please contact:

Jerry Johnson
Marketing Manager
Knapp Logistics Automation, Inc.
Tel: 888-606-0695
jerry.johnson@knapp.com
www.knapp.com

To support the current and future growth of The Raymond Corporation, there have been multiple new appointments in the organization:

• Lou Callea is appointed vice president and general counsel for Raymond. Callea will manage all strategic and day-to-day operations within the legal department. Callea previously was general counsel for the legal department.
• Erric Heitmann is appointed vice president, engineering for Raymond. Heitmann will have responsibility for product development, manufacturing engineering, Systems & Advanced Engineering, test engineering and product engineering. Heitmann previously was director of product development engineering.
• Dan Klassen is appointed vice president, Quality & Program Management for Raymond. Klassen will assume responsibility for the quality organization and the program management office. Klassen previously was the director of Muscatine operations in Muscatine, Iowa.
• Dave Norton is appointed vice president, customer solutions for Raymond. Norton will have responsibility for custom engineering, sales engineering, field service, training and the customer care managers. Norton also will oversee the product management group on an interim basis. Norton previously was director of product and manufacturing engineering.

“Raymond has experienced a record period of employment expansion and market share improvement,” says Tim Combs, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Raymond. “These organizational changes will enhance our customer responsiveness and further strengthen our executive leadership team.”

For more information on The Raymond Corporation, visit www.raymondcorp.com or call 800-235-7200.

The Raymond Corporation is a global provider of unmatched material handling technology, expertise and support to increase productivity and cost-efficiency. Designed with ecological and economical benefits in mind, Raymond® lift trucks are engineered to achieve higher performance and increase efficiency. Raymond offers a full line of manual and electric lift trucks — including pallet trucks, walkie stackers, counterbalanced trucks, reach trucks, orderpickers and turret trucks — and iWAREHOUSE®, complete with iWAREHOUSE Essential™ and iWAREHOUSE Enterprise™, to manage lift truck fleets, labor efficiencies and warehouses. Additionally, flexible automation solutions, customized financing options and industry-leading consultation from Raymond further enhance warehouse processes and streamline material handling practices.

Datalogic, a global leader in Automatic Data Capture and Industrial Automation markets and producer of bar code readers, mobile computers, sensors, vision systems and laser marking systems, expects a surge in next generation advanced data collection devices, which will intelligently edit and communicate data and play a critical role in providing improved Business Analytics, termed ‘Big Data’.

This vision for future market growth was delivered by Bill Parnell, President and CEO of Datalogic ADC, the division focused on the global Automatic Data Capture market. Speaking during the cornerstone CEO Vision session at ID WORLD Rio de Janeiro, the third Americas summit on traceability, mobility, and security held recently in Brazil, Bill Parnell presented his market insights.

“The objective in analyzing extremely large and diverse types of data is to uncover correlations and patterns, aiding fast decisions and improved business results. Business Analytics focuses on why events are happening, what will happen next, and how to optimize the enterprise’s future actions,” said Bill Parnell.

In the retail industry, for example, Bill Parnell sees the need for advanced data analytics being driven by a variety of applications which guide decision-making. Example applications include price and promotion optimization, store site selections using census data sets and satellite imagery, or in-store and on-line shopper behavior by tracking shopping patterns and purchases. If relationships between large and unrelated data sets are analyzed, new insights can be used to tune existing and future strategies to yield significant results improvement.

In terms of ‘big data’, the data volumes are huge. Wal-Mart is one example where data collected and used to drive business analytics exceeds 2.5 petabytes. The data contained in about 1 million customer transactions are being collected every hour. Mr. Parnell stressed the need for new data collection solutions to intelligently collect the large volume and variety of data in these complex transactional environments.

“Automatic Data Capture is no longer just scanning barcodes.”

The future of automatic data collection is going far beyond simply scanning barcodes. For instance, advanced high performance imaging technology reads barcodes but also provides images that are the basis for item recognition systems using visual pattern recognition software. He also stated that benefits from business analytics are being seen in many other industries such as government, healthcare, and logistics while also serving as a catalyst to the development of more complex and higher performing data collection systems.

The end goal is to manage ‘big data’ for better business and improved customer satisfaction. Next generation advanced data collection devices, such as those from Datalogic, are crucial in providing the fuel for these analytical decision-support systems.

Datalogic ADC, a world leader in Automatic Data Capture, offers state of the art solutions with fixed position retail scanners, handheld scanners and mobile computers. Datalogic ADC’s range includes in-counter and on-counter point of sale scanners, general purpose and ruggedized handheld scanners, rugged mobile computers, industrial PDAs and vehicle mount computers. Solutions for applications in several sectors include healthcare, hospitality/entertainment, manufacturing, retail, services and transportation & logistics.

Businesses in the retail sector can particularly benefit from Datalogic ADC’s vision-based technology solutions, analytical tools, self-shopping solutions and consumer relationship technologies.
A division of the Datalogic Group, Datalogic ADC is headquartered in the US with a presence in over 120 countries.
For more news and information on Datalogic ADC, please visit www.datalogic.com.

Datalogic Group is a global leader in Automatic Data Capture and Industrial Automation markets. As a world-class producer of bar code readers, mobile computers, sensors, vision systems and laser marking systems, Datalogic offers innovative solutions for a full range of applications in the retail, transportation & logistics, manufacturing and healthcare industries. With products used in over a third of world’s supermarkets and points of sale, airports, shipping and postal services, Datalogic is in a unique position to deliver solutions that can make life easier and more efficient for people. Datalogic S.p.A., listed on the STAR segment of the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001 as DAL.MI, is headquartered in Lippo di Calderara di Reno (Bologna). Datalogic Group as of today employs about 2,400 members of staff worldwide distributed in 30 countries. In 2012 Datalogic Group achieved revenues for 462,3 million Euro and invested over 32 million Euro in Research and Development with a portfolio of over 1,000 patents across the world. For more news and information on Datalogic, please visit www.datalogic.com.

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in November for the sixth consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 54th consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®. Manufacturing expanded in November as the PMI™ registered 57.3 percent, an increase of 0.9 percentage point when compared to October's reading of 56.4 percent.

"The PMI™ registered 57.3 percent, an increase of 0.9 percentage point from October's reading of 56.4 percent. The PMI™ has increased progressively each month since June, with November's reading reflecting the highest PMI™ in 2013," said Bradley J. Holcomb, CPSM, CPSD, chair of the Institute for Supply Management™ Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. "The New Orders Index increased in November by 3 percentage points to 63.6 percent, and the Production Index increased by 2 percentage points to 62.8 percent. The Employment Index registered 56.5 percent, an increase of 3.3 percentage points compared to October's reading of 53.2 percent. This reflects the highest reading since April 2012 when the Employment Index registered 56.8 percent. With 15 of 18 manufacturing industries reporting growth in November relative to October, the positive growth trend characterizing the second half of 2013 is continuing."

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 15 are reporting growth in November in the following order: Plastics & Rubber Products; Textile Mills; Furniture & Related Products; Primary Metals; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Paper Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Petroleum & Coal Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Transportation Equipment; Chemical Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. The three industries reporting contraction in November are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Wood Products; and Machinery.

New Orders
ISM's New Orders Index registered 63.6 percent in November, an increase of 3 percentage points when compared to the October reading of 60.6 percent. This represents growth in new orders for the sixth consecutive month, at a faster rate than in October. A New Orders Index above 52.2 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Census Bureau's series on manufacturing orders (in constant 2000 dollars).

Production
ISM's Production Index registered 62.8 percent in November, which is an increase of 2 percentage points when compared to the 60.8 percent reported in October. This month's reading indicates growth in production for the sixth consecutive month, at a faster rate than in October. An index above 51.2 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Federal Reserve Board's Industrial Production figures.

Employment
ISM's Employment Index registered 56.5 percent in November, which is 3.3 percentage points higher than the 53.2 percent reported in October. This month's reading indicates expansion in employment for the fifth consecutive month, at a faster rate than in October. An Employment Index above 50.5 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on manufacturing employment.

Click here to view the full report.

In addition to MODEX's 800 exhibits, the MODEX Supply Chain Conference will include nearly 150 complimentary educational sessions outlining leading trends, best practices and state-of-the-art equipment and technology solutions. MODEX is partnering with Supply Chain & Transportation USA to deliver this one-of-a-kind, end-to-end supply chain educational experience.

Keynotes

Shipping Trends for Global Supply Chains Edward H. Bastian, President, Delta Airlines This keynote will global commerce and his perspective on future supply chain issues, trends and technologies essential to competitiveness. The keynote will include a shipper’s panel to examine supply chain challenges and opportunities for advanced manufacturing companies.

A Conversation with Lee Scott Lee Scott, American businessman and former CEO of Walmart In this keynote, Lee Scott will detail how to build a supply chain that is a market differentiator. Hear what it takes to match performance to a company’s needs and gain insight on how to cope with rapid change in the battle to deliver products to consumers at the lowest prices.

Preview of MHI Industry Report - Trends Driving Supply Chain Innovations Scott Sopher, Principal, Deloitte Consulting & George W. Prest, CEO, MHI Scott Sopher will join George W. Prest in presenting the findings of the new industry report from MHI. The report will focus on hot-button industry trends impacting manufacturing and the supply chain.

MODEX will be held March 17-20, 2014 in Atlanta's Georgia World Congress Center. Admission to the exhibits and the conference sessions is free to all registered attendees.

Visit MODEXShow.com to learn more and register to attend.

Scott Larsen, President R. H. Brown Company & Mike Wall, President of Container Systems Inc. have been elected to serve on the Board of Directors and Brett Wood, President/CEO Toyota Material Handling, USA Inc. has been elected to serve on the Manufacturers Board of Advisors of the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) for 2014.

The following individuals currently serving on MHEDA’s 2014 Executive Committee are MHEDA President, Scott Hennie, President Elite Supply Chain, President-Elect Mark Milovich, President Lift Atlanta Inc., Treasure Scott Lee, President Conveyor Solutions Inc., Vice President, Mark Juelich Chairman/CEO American Warehouse Systems LLC and Immediate Past President, Jerry Weidman, President of Wisconsin Lift Truck.

For complete listing of MHEDA Board Directors and members of the Manufacturers Board of Advisors, visit www.mheda.org/boardofdirectors.

The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) is the only national trade association dedicated solely to improving the proficiency of the material handling distributor. MHEDA represents nearly 600 companies in the material handling equipment business. Located in suburban Chicago, the association provides services to companies seeking to improve their business through education, networking, benchmarking and best practices. For more information, visit www.mheda.org.

Vanderlande Industries has taken technical support to a new level by offering its customers the option of EYE4U, a real-time, video-based technical support solution. EYE4U’s live imaging saves time in diagnosing and correcting situations, thereby improving uptime and increasing material handling system availability. These images help overcome possible language barriers and miscommunication, which can often be the case with traditional voice-based support.

EYE4U is wearable video technology that is compact and easy to use. It utilizes a hands-free video camera and two-way communication, so customers can easily work through support questions or troubleshooting with live instruction from a helpdesk specialist. The head-worn camera unit is light and compact and the recorder allows up to 9 hours of excellent quality recording. EYE4U comes with a wireless remote control for quick, easy video and image capturing. All live video and image streaming is encrypted for secure communication and can only be accessed by authorized helpdesk specialists.

These capabilities make EYE4U a valuable support tool that optimizes communication, and as a result enables accurate diagnosis and fast, effective problem-solving. EYE4U is an option within the Vanderlande Industries hotline & helpdesk support services and further extends the helpdesk capabilities to increase effectiveness, speed response and correct problems in the shortest possible time.

A video about EYE4U can be found on YouTube: http://youtu.be/brKJdLB2mxg

About Vanderlande Industries
Vanderlande Industries is a leading global supplier of turnkey material handling systems for warehouses, distribution centers, parcel and postal hubs, as well as baggage handling systems for airports. The company offers a complete solution from engineering and design to installation and operations and maintenance services. Vanderlande Industries offers more than 60 years of experience and ranks as the 5th largest material handling supplier in the world. Its North America headquarters is ;ocated in Atlanta, GA and serves the US and Canada.

Press Contact:
Melissa Freeman
Marketing Manager
Vanderlande Industries Inc
1828 West Oak Parkway
Marietta, GA 30062
Phone: 770-250-2800
Email: info.us@vanderlande.com
www.vanderlande.com

A full range of guaranteed manual, semi-automated and automated order picking systems designed to meet a company’s exact requirements is being introduced at Modex by Integrated Systems Design – ISD in booth number 9534. ISD systems match an organization’s SKU profile, floor space, labor, throughput and velocity requirements. Being a consultant and integrator allows ISD to be technology and brand neutral. This allows ISD’s order picking and fulfillment systems to be designed with performance first and foremost to mitigate customers risk and help to assure success.

The guarantee program is part of ISD’s customer commitment. The program allows systems, processes and procedures to be designed, validated, implemented, trained and serviced for years of high performance usage.
“Being an integrator and consultant allows ISD to mix and match technologies, processes and procedures to assure maximum Return on Investment (ROI), said Tony Morgott, VP Sales, ISD. Focusing on our customers’ business requirements, and not any specific technology, allows ISD to design and implement order picking systems that meet current and future needs.”

Integrated Systems Design’s experience in implementing a wide range of material handling systems including shelving, pick to light, ASRS, AGVs, AGCs, A-Frames, carousels, VLMs, WCS, WMS and others allows ISD to make the guarantee offer.

Integrated Systems Design - ISD is a leading manufacturer, systems consultant, designer and integrator for order picking, packaging, shipping and assembly operations for warehousing, manufacturing, distributing and retailing organizations in North America. ISD systems are renowned for their tremendous value, reliability and ease of maintenance. Systems are designed using technologies from the leading material handling manufacturers of the world.
Solutions designed by ISD focus on providing space savings, increased productivity, reduced labor, higher accuracy and system flexibility to change as an operation's activities change in the future. Utilizing proven technology and off the shelf components helps provide cost effective solutions requiring minimum maintenance and yielding fast Return on Investments (ROI).

For high resolution images or a word document for this release, simply click the link below or contact Ed Romaine at 215-431-4524 or email eromaine@isddd.com. For more information on ISD (Integrated Systems Design), call 248-668-8250 or visit the ISD web site at www.ISDDD.com/
 

Seegrid, manufacturer of vision-guided automated vehicles for the material handling industry, was just given the 2013 Manufacturer of the Year Award from the Pittsburgh Business Times. Justine Coyne, writer for the Pittsburgh Business Times reported, “Seegrid, which manufactures automated vision-guided pallet trucks, tow tractors and walkie stackers (pedestrian walk-behind stackers), has 68 employees, but is rapidly expanding both its head count and its physical plant location. In 2013, the company’s workforce increased by more than 10 percent, and it expects hiring to continue strong through 2020.”

Anthony Horbal, CEO of Seegrid accepted the award and thanked his dedicated team members for their hard work, vision, and passion(http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/video/BiMnk3aTofn7Fzx-5uJLnmId0eDsYLz-?autoplay=1). Horbal also commented, “What sets Seegrid apart is the flexibility of its technology, which allows systems to operate without the need for wire, laser tape, or magnets. Its systems can be delivered in the morning and up and running in a facility by the afternoon. Seegrid recently instituted a ‘try before you buy’ program that allows potential customers to see the technology in action in their own facility.”

Seegrid has experienced a 350% year-over-year sales increase of its robotic industrial trucks. Even stronger growth is anticipated in 2014 as the company embarks on international sales in Europe and the Middle East.

Pittsburgh Business Times provides the latest breaking business news, updated throughout the day, some of this week's top stories from Pittsburgh Business Times and other popular features from the print edition. Subscribers receive daily business news updates, latest news of 17 industries, dozens of popular topics from around the nation and the latest networking and marketing alerts.

About Seegrid:
Seegrid Corporation provides simple, affordable, flexible vision-guided automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to the material handling industry. Seegrid robotic industrial trucks, flexible AGVs, are revolutionizing the movement of materials in manufacturing and distribution environments. Seegrid automated pallet trucks and tow tractors optimize workflow processes by increasing productivity and reducing costs, creating economic and operational advantages. Robotic industrial trucks deliver a rapid return on investment, improve facility safety, and reduce equipment and product damage. In addition to Manufacturer of the Year, Seegrid also awarded the Gold Medal Award at the WBT Innovation Marketplace 2013 competitive event. Fast Company magazine named Seegrid as one of the Top 50 World’s Most Innovative Company in 2013 and among the Top 10 World’s Most Innovative Robotics Company in 2013. Follow Seegrid Corporation on Twitter at @Seegrid.

Seegrid Corporation
www.seegrid.com
Amanda Merrell, Marketing Director
amerrell@seegrid.com
+1 412-379-4500 x184

A new vertical lift module from Kardex Remstar can accommodate goods weighing up to 2,205lbs (1,000 kg) per tray. The Shuttle XP 1000 is the newest addition to the successful Shuttle XP vertical lift module series that includes the 250, 500 and 700 models. The new solution allows companies with heavy goods to organize their work processes with more flexibility, efficiency and ergonomics.

The Shuttle XP 1000 allows the simple and ergonomic storage of heavy tools and large goods as well as a large number of small parts per tray. Providing stronger, greater, further capacity is the new "Super Strong" tray, which can accommodate up to 2,205lbs (1,000 kg) with a width of 4.1ft (1,250 mm) and up to 1764lbs (800 kg) with a width of 13ft (4,000 mm). For ease of use, the new tray uses castors instead of conventional plastic sliding shoes. The storage system can be used by a wide range of sectors as a production buffer, to supply assembly lines, as a tool store or to distribute spare parts. Whether as a stand-alone solution or in combination with other machinery, fast access to the stored parts is guaranteed.

All models in the Shuttle XP series provide high density storage with which companies in all sectors can streamline their work processes. Fast access times and a clear overview of the inventory stock maximize efficiencies. Large storage capacity can be achieved in the smallest of floor spaces, reducing the space used for storage by up to 80%. Designed with the "goods to person" principle, the stored goods are brought from the extractor to the access opening where they can be ergonomically removed by the operator. All Shuttle XP models are fitted with Logicontrol as standard, the latest machine control system from Kardex Remstar. This can also be used for simple warehouse management. In addition, Logicontrol has interfaces which can be used to link it to superordinate ERP systems.

Kardex Remstar, LLC, a company of the Kardex Group is a leading provider of automated storage and retrieval systems for manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, offices and institutions. For information about our dynamic storage solutions, call 800-639-5805 or visit www.kardexremstar.com.

Kardex Remstar Media Contact:
Christina Dube, Marketing Communications Manager, 207-591-3168
christina.dube@kardexremstar.com
For more articles and high resolution photos please go to http://MediaCenter.KardexRemstar.com

Kardex Remstar, LLC
41 Eisenhower Drive • Westbrook, ME 04092 • Tel 800-639-5805 • Fax 207-854-1610 • www.KardexRemstar.com
A Member of the Kardex Group

Banner Engineering announces it has added IO-Link communication to its industry-recognized DF-G1 fiber amplifier. With IO-Link, Banner’s DF-G1 fiber amplifier can achieve point-to-point communication, allowing for complete configuration and monitoring capabilities.

The DF-G1 features an intuitive interface, dual display, digital readouts and easy set-up and configuration. An updated mechanical design with an improved fiber clamp allows for ease-of-use and stable sensing performance. Enhanced with IO-Link communications, the DF-G1 increases sensing capabilities for diverse applications, including plastic and glass assemblies, electronics assembly machines, pill and caplet counting and high-speed detection for registration mark or product-leading edge detection.

"The introduction of the IO-Link communication allows for full remote configuration of the DF-G1 fiber amplifier operating parameters and signal strength monitoring," said Dennis Smith, Technical Marketing Manager, Banner Engineering. "When connected to an IO-Link Master, DF-G1 configuration and application trending data can be communicated to a host controller on the field bus network, allowing for convenient storing and reporting of sensing values."

Offering complete user control, the DF-G1 provides full manipulation of all operating parameters, including switch point threshold, Light Operate or Dark Operate, various output timing functions, electronic gain level and sensor response speed. Operators can also implement one of six Expert TEACH and SET methods to ensure optimal gain and threshold selection for each application, particularly in low contrast environments, such as small part or clear object detection.
Featuring thermally stable electronics, the DF-G1 minimizes warm-up drift and enables multiple amplifiers to be mounted side-by-side, with no reduction in the ambient temperature limit. Inherent thermal stability also provides cost-saving advantages by reducing machine start-up time and eliminating production delays due to ambient temperature changes. For additional flexibility, an intricate cross-talk avoidance algorithm allows two fiber optic assemblies to be mounted in close proximity, sensing different features of the same target.

The DF-G1 is powered by a high-performance 32-bit microprocessor with a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter, and provides response speeds as fast as 200 µs to meet high-speed requirements.
For more information on the DF-G1 fiber amplifier with IO-Link, visit www.bannerengineering.com.

About Banner. Banner Engineering is a world-leading manufacturer of photoelectric and ultrasonic sensors, indicator lights, vision sensors and vision lighting, electronic machine safeguarding systems, wireless networks, fiber optic assemblies and precision measurement systems.

For further information, contact Banner Engineering Corp., 9714 Tenth Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55441. PH: 888.373.6767 (Toll-free North America), or 001.763.544.3164 (International). FAX: 763.544.3213. Email: sensors@bannerengineering.com.

Crown Equipment Corporation, one of the world’s largest material handling companies, today introduced the Crown ST 3000-25 Series walkie straddle stacker capable of handling up to 2,500 pounds and working in environments with tight spaces, such as grocery and retail. The Crown ST 3000-25 is available in North America and South America.

The stacker’s compact design, combined with Crown’s exclusive X10® Handle, is a key reason why the stacker can maneuver in small spaces. The durable, cast aluminum control handle features advanced ergonomics so operators can effortlessly perform any function necessary. A brake override feature ensures accurate maneuvering when the handle is in the near-vertical position. This allows the stacker to easily turn in an area almost as small as its own footprint and reduces the risk of damage to the truck, load and facility. The stacker’s low-profile power unit and clear mast design give operators a clear view while working with elevated loads or moving products throughout the facility.

Unlike typical counterbalanced trucks that require an 11- to 13-foot aisle to operate, the Crown ST 3000-25 allows managers to use six- to seven-foot aisles so they can maximize storage space. With the products stacked vertically on an organized rack system, operators have quick access to each individual product, without having to move numerous loads to reach the item they need.

The Crown ST 3000-25 comes with an onboard charger that allows its 24-volt powered lift and travel system to be charged anywhere in the facility. Easy access to the battery compartment simplifies battery maintenance.

About Crown Equipment Corporation
Crown Equipment is one of the world’s largest material handling companies. Crown’s award-winning line of forklifts maintains a reputation for advanced product design, engineering and technology, and integrated manufacturing processes. Offering a broad range of forklifts, as well as automation and fleet management technologies, Crown seeks to provide customers with forward thinking and innovative products designed to improve performance and lower operating costs. Headquartered in New Bremen, Ohio, with regional headquarters in Australia, China, Germany and Singapore, Crown operates a global service and distribution network. Additional information about Crown’s ideas for helping its customers advance the productivity of their operations and accomplish more can be found at crown.com.

In August, PeakLogix was introduced to the "Sharknado Chaser's", a team of 4th graders from J.B. Watkins elementary school interested in competing for the first time in this year's Nature's Fury First Lego League (FLL) Robotics Challenge. Each challenge is comprised of three parts: the robot game, the project, and the FLL Core Values that the teams compete in at an official tournament.

PeakLogix' was excited to serve as the corporate sponsor for this local elementary school robotics team and began the relationship by providing the necessary funding for them to purchase the FLL EV3 Robot set that can be used year after year to compete in FLL challenges. This new community involvement stemmed from the desire for PeakLogix to get involved with providing educational experiences that help nurture young minds through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

In addition to funding the team, PeakLogix provided hands-on learning activities by inviting the team to their corporate headquarters while they were in the process of building their robot. The visit to PeakLogix provided the opportunity for the students to learn about robotics in the material handling industry and meet our engineers and ask questions about robotics. When the Sharknado Chaser's were finished building and programming their robot, but still waiting to compete in the regional tournament, PeakLogix hosted them on a field trip to one of their client sites to see first-hand how industrial robots are used in the manufacturing of a product they were familiar with. As you can imagine, this invoked a plethora of questions and the team interacted excitedly, learning from our engineers, project managers and service technicians while also learning about the manufactured product from the plant manager.

The Sharknado Chasers went on to participate in the Richmond, VA tournament on Saturday, November 16, 2013. There were 26 teams represented from the region, only four of which were rookie teams like our Sharknado Chasers. Although the Sharknado Chasers didn't finish in the top 3 teams (to move onto the state championship), they received a special judges award for exemplary "Gracious Professionalism" which speaks to their composure, character and strong showing of "Core Values" where they were graded on how well they worked together as a team.

We are very proud of our First Lego League Robotics Team. The Sharknado Chasers were enthusiastic and eager to learn from us. We look forward to next fall when we begin a new challenge with them.

ABOUT PEAKLOGIX

PeakLogix is a material handling systems integrator headquartered in Midlothian, Virginia. PeakLogix has been helping manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and warehouses become more efficient and more profitable for twenty five years. PeakLogix specializes in concept design and development, engineered solutions, turnkey project management, expansion and consolidation, space utilization, automation and systems and technology integration. Visit them online to learn more about their community involvement with STEM education initiatives at www.peaklogix.com

The men's basketball coach at Virginia Commonwealth University, Shaka Smart, and his wife, Maya, mounted an-end-of-the-year fundraising and awareness campaign for FRIENDS Association for Children. As part of this campaign, the Smarts' initiated a 30-day online blitz for the month of November through a local start-up company, BonfireFunds.com, selling t-shirts designed by Maya featuring the FRIENDS logo. The 30-day blitz was a fun way to get local businesses and organizations involved by competing to raise the most funds for the top prize, spending an hour with Coach Smart - a local celebrity in these parts, afforded by his performance as head coach for the VCU Rams.

In total, SHAKA AND FRIENDS raised $30,000 in thirty days for FRIENDS Association for Children, with PeakLogix employees raising $3,438.00 for this worthy cause. Additionally, more than 1,000 FRIENDS t-shirts will go into circulation in the Richmond area this month and each time one of them is worn by a contributor around town, they are continuing to help enhance awareness and visibility for the FRIENDS organization which will help to bolster the operations sustainability.

FRIENDS Association for Children has been supporting success in the lives of children and families in Richmond, VA for more than 140 years. It was founded in 1871 as the Friends Asylum for Colored Orphans and has evolved to meet contemporary community needs. In 2013, it is helping hundreds of kids realize their potential through early childhood development, art and music enrichment, afterschool programs, summer camps, mentorship, and parent education. Through these services, children are gaining the critical literacy and development skills needed to succeed in life and contribute to the well-being of our community. There is still time to build awareness for this organization that’s helped so many kids throughout its history. Consider becoming a FRIEND or sharing the news!

ABOUT PEAKLOGIX

PeakLogix is a material handling systems integrator headquartered in Midlothian, Virginia. PeakLogix has been helping manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and warehouses become more efficient and more profitable for twenty five years. PeakLogix specializes in concept design and development, engineered solutions, turnkey project management, expansion and consolidation, space utilization, automation and systems and technology integration. Visit them online to learn more about their community involvement with STEM education initiatives at www.peaklogix.com

Hannibal Industries announces the company relocated its Stockton warehouse to a new 34,000 square foot facility that will house the company’s products and enable Hannibal to improve throughput and customer service while expanding the company’s Quick Ship Program. The Quick Ship Program that houses Hannibal Industries’ frames, beams and accessories ships orders within 72 hours.

Hannibal Industries’ new Stockton warehouse is located at 3838 Imperial Way, Suite 100, Stockton, CA 95215

Hannibal Industries’ President, Blanton Bartlett, states, “Hannibal Industries continues to grow and expanding our Stockton warehouse will boost productivity in order to meet the increased demand for the company’s products.”

Hannibal Industries is an employee-owned company that provides a diverse line of products pertaining to the tube and storage system market. Some of the many products the company offers include: Structural Pallet Rack, Roll-Formed Selective Pallet Rack, Hybrid Systems, TubeRack, Cantilever Systems, Pushback Systems, Pallet Flow Systems, Case Flow Systems and Drive-In Systems.

Connect with Hannibal Industries on Twitter @HannibalRack, the HannibalRack YouTube channel and on LinkedIn.

For additional information on the Metalsistem products and Hannibal Industries’ complete storage solutions offering visit www.hannibalrack.com.

About Hannibal Industries, Inc.:
Hannibal Industries, Inc., headquartered in the Los Angeles metro area, is a tube and storage system manufacturer with a diverse product line that enables the company to provide turnkey storage systems to the most massive operations in the world. This employee-owned company is one of the largests U.S. manufacturer of steel pallet rack west of the Mississippi River.

The company’s industry leading product offering includes Structural Pallet Rack, Roll-Formed Selective Pallet Rack, Hybrid Systems, Cantilever Systems, Pushback Systems, Pallet Flow Systems, Case Flow Systems and Drive-In Systems. Engineering and design services offered by the company include: system design; seismic engineering; permit administration; in-house installation and custom fabrication. A true innovator, Hannibal Industries was awarded a patent in 2006 for a pallet rack system adjustable safety restraint, and currently has a patent pending for its TubeRack. For additional information, visit www.hannibalrack.com.

For more information, contact:
Hannibal Industries Media Relations/
Master Plan Communications, Inc.
Ashton Maxfield
949.289.6493
ashton@masterplanpr.com
or
Deborah Choi
714.310.9651
deborah@masterplanpr.com