Vienna, Ohio – Millwood, Inc. a worldwide industry leader and innovator of unit load and packaging systems, materials and services, and Liberty Technologies, a Millwood Company, recently added three new hires to regional sales and business development positions. “Millwood is a growing organization and we continue to expand our foot print,” said Doug Gaier, Millwood’s director – regional sales management. “These three will allow us to better service customers in new regions along with our large base of national accounts.”
Greg Smith is Millwood’s new regional sales manager for the Red River Region. The region encompasses Texas and Oklahoma and includes key accounts in Dallas, Houston and Oklahoma City. Smith has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas – Dallas and has 25 years’ experience in sales and management in a variety of distribution, manufacturing and service environments. He and his wife have one son who is a junior at Georgetown University in Washington DC.

Stuart Dodd joins Liberty Technologies as manager – business development. Based in Pittsburgh, Dodd will provide unit load analysis and service the engineered film, banding and air bag requirements of strategic and national accounts. Dodd holds a bachelor’s degree in packaging engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology and has nearly 20 years’ experience in packaging engineering and sales. He and his wife have four boys.

Working from Atlanta, John Monson also joins Liberty Technologies as manager – business development. Like Dodd, he will work closely with strategic and national accounts. A graduate of North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in textile chemistry, Monson has 15 years’ experience working with distributors and servicing the transport packaging needs of national accounts. He and his wife have two children.

“Stuart and John are integral to Liberty Technologies’ efforts to expand our presence in the market for engineered film and consumable packaging products,” said Kirk Ambrose, general manager – sales, marketing & technology. He added that Monson and Dodd will also represent Millwood’s complete line of transport packaging equipment.

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For more information please contact:
Ron Ringness
800-860-4744

Alyson Kallmeyer
(440) 449-6800 x7238

Advance Storage Products is proud to announce and welcome Jeff Becker as its new Sales Manager—Integrated Systems.

Mr. Becker brings with him 20 years of experience in the materials handling industry, having worked at Elite Storage Solutions, and most recently Konstant.   Mr. Becker holds a BS in Business Administration from Clarion University. 

Jeff Becker can be reached at jbecker@asprack.com or 724-368-9988.

About Advance Storage Products
Advance Storage Products has served the materials handling industry for over 45 years.  Providing design, engineering, and project management for a full line of substantial material handling installations, Advance is a market leader in quality warehouse rack systems. 

For more information visit www.advancestorage.com.

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For more information please contact:
Gail Spencer
714-902-2037
gspencer@asprack.com
 

Joanne Fabrics Inc. is a family owned and operated company that has been operating as a wholesaler and distributor of decorative fabrics for 35 years. After firmly establishing itself in the Canadian market, Joanne Fabrics successfully ventured into the United States under the name J.F. Fabrics Inc.

Joanne Fabrics distributes designer fabrics, wallpaper and decorative hardware from their 70,000 square foot facility in Toronto, Canada to retailers, designers, decorators, upholsterers, large department stores, hospitals, health care facilities, hotels, restaurants, furniture manufacturers, nautical and recreational vehicle manufacturers. Joanne selects, stocks and distributes fabrics from major mills around the world with a commitment to provide the highest level of quality and service.

No Room to Grow
With fabric sales steady, Joanne Fabrics looked to expand business into decorative hardware. The hardware line Joanne Fabrics introduced consisted of 1,100 hardware SKUs that were stored in the same shelving that held the fabric bolt SKUs. "Fitting a square peg into a round hole wasn't working," said Kim Hovesen Krasa, Vice President at Joanne Fabrics, "Picking the hardware we had was an inefficient and labor intensive process, and we needed to add more hardware lines." With hardware orders growing each year, Joanne Fabrics needed a solution to fill current hardware orders faster and add SKUs for new hardware lines.  

Expanding Hardware
Joanne Fabrics implemented 4 Shuttle VLM's integrated with FastPic5 Inventory Management Software into their 55,000 square foot warehouse. The first two Shuttle VLMs were installed to manage the existing hardware line of 1,100 SKUs. With room to spare, Joanne Fabrics reduced the amount of floor space required from 600 square feet to 198 square feet, a 67% floor space savings. Looking to offer additional hardware lines, they installed two more Shuttle VLMs six months later. With four Shuttle VLMs in place utilizing the 30 foot ceiling height , Joanne Fabrics has expanded hardware inventory by 31% (to 1,600 SKUs) in only 395 square feet of floor space with no additional labor required.

Increasing Productivity & Maintaining Labor
Using the Shuttle VLMs orders are picked in half the time with only one worker required. Prior to upgrading to the Shuttle VLM's, orders took on average 10 minutes to pick manually. "Our 3pm order cutoff time is something our competitors cannot offer," said Hovesen Krasa, "The Shuttle VLMs allowed us to maintain our 3pm order cutoff time when expanding our hardware lines and growing business." Cutting the pick time in half has enabled Joanne Fabrics to meet growing customer demand without additional labor.  

Near Perfect Accuracy
Joanne Fabrics order accuracy has increased from around 92%, to a near perfect 98% with the Shuttle VLMs.   Using QuickPick TIC (transaction information center) Pick-to-Light Technology the operator is directed to the exact location to pick from using a light bar mounted on the front of the Shuttle VLM access opening. The TIC displays the location, part number, description and quantity of the item to be picked.  

To further increase accuracy, the photo database feature in FastPic5 displays an image of the part for each transaction. "With the point and click software, pick to light direction and photo database, training new employees is no trouble at all," says Hovesen Krasa.

The Way It Was
Prior to the Shuttle VLMs, both fabric and hardware was stored on shelving. Using a paper pick ticket, the picker would walk and search through aisles of shelving 110 feet long and 10 feet high, travelling up and down, and moving from side to side on a rolling ladder, to pick orders. Using this system the picker fulfilled 3 orders at a time, with new orders received every 15 minutes.

New & Improved
Orders are initially received via the call center, online and by fax. They are then uploaded into their ERP system and pushed to FastPic5 every 15 minutes. Orders are filled in the order they were received. The picker places a tote for each order onto the batch station, up to six orders can be filled at a time. Each tote is scanned so the FastPic5 software can identify where on the batch station each order tote is located.  

When the picker is ready, the VLMs move to bring the parts required for each order to the order picker. The TIC pinpoints the exact location of the part required; identifying the part number, description and quantity to pick. The worker picks the parts required, verifies the part with the photo displayed in FastPic5, and turns to the batch of orders to distribute the part picked among the orders.

When all orders for the batch have been picked, each order is verified with a bar code scanner. Once verified the packing slip is automatically printed.   If the order is complete, the picker delivers it to the shipping area.   If the order requires additional parts from the fabric zone, the order is brought to a staging area to be matched up with the corresponding fabric required to complete the order.

Quick & Easy Replenishment
The replenishment process is very similar to the picking process. The worker creates a replenishment order and FastPic5 directs worker through the replenishment process. Each part to be restocked or added to inventory is delivered to the workstation and the FastPic5 software automatically locates the best storage location for the part. "Instead of the worker having to search for a storage location, the Shuttle VLM presents the location for storage; allowing us to replenish inventory in half of the time," says Hovesen Krasa. Using pick-to-light technology the worker is directed to the exact location to store the part as well as the quantity and part number to store. The worker confirms the put and the on hand quantity available for picking is updated.

Using the cycle counting feature in FastPic5, parts are presented to the worker for a physical count. This allows Joanne Fabrics to ensure the physical inventory and the host system inventory are always accurate and prevents inventory shortages. "Cycle counting is 33% quicker with the Shuttle VLMs and allows us to ensure our inventory is accurate," says Hovesen Krasa.

A Bright Future
With room to grow, the Shuttle VLMs have allowed Joanne Fabrics to save 67% floor space while increasing capacity and productivity without adding labor. "We were very lean already, it's one of our founding principles," said Hovesen Krasa, "the Shuttle VLMs fit nicely into our already lean facility, simplifying processes and allowing us to do more without additional labor."

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 on automated storage and retrieval systems, call 800-639-5805 or visit www.kardexremstar.com .

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For more information please contact:
Christina Dube
207-591-3168
christina.dube@kardexremstar.com
http://MediaCenter.KardexRemstar.com  
 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Rehrig Pacific Company, a leading manufacturer of reusable transport packaging systems including plastic pallets; distribution and display crates; and carts and containers for dairy, grocery, retail, pharma, material handling, food and beverage, agriculture, and recycling and waste industries today announced that it was named the 2013 Supplier of the Year by the All Star Association. The Association’s “Thoroughbred Award” is presented to the company that not only has exemplified outstanding products and customer service to the All Star members from the previous year, but who has also introduced new innovative solutions to the members and the dairy industry.

“It wasn’t one facet of our total dairy supply chain capabilities that differentiated us from the other suppliers, but the collective ensemble. To All Star, and our customers, our value was and is our vision to be an innovator in the Industry by offering comprehensive product and service offerings,” said Luke Jeffers, national sales manager, dairy supply chain solutions for Rehrig Pacific Company. “We service over 30 of the All Star Association’s members with dairy cases and supply chain solutions.” Rehrig Pacific’s vision is that our innovative Solutions will deliver quantifiable Supply Chain efficiencies, while helping our customers grow and achieve their goals for sustainability. 

Headquartered in Lexington, KY, The All Star Association offers its members a variety of services to help strengthen their operations, thus making them more profitable and utilizes the combined buying power of its members for the benefit of all.  The Association’s membership includes over 300 plants in 47 states, Puerto Rico and Nova Scotia producing fluid milk, ice cream, cultured products, cheese, water, beverages, juice, custom blow molding, and related products. For more information about the Association, visit www.allstardairy.com.

Rehrig manufactures plastic milk crates and dairy pallets that meet the demands of today’s automated milk processing plants. Rehrig also provides complete supply chain solutions including a wide array of reusable transport packaging services and solutions including asset management and exchange, reverse logistics, recycling and sustainability services, and RFID tracking hardware and software. In addition, Rehrig has developed delivery carts and systems, including the EZ Pal One-Touch Delivery System that moves product picking to the production facility or distribution center and away from the retail storefront.

For more information about Rehrig Pacific Company and its full line of sustainable supply chain and waste and recycling collection products and services visit: www.rehrigpacific.com.

About Rehrig Pacific Company
Rehrig Pacific has been helping customers find better ways to transport and store their products for 100 years. Founded in 1913, Rehrig Pacific has grown to become a world-leading plastic pallet and container manufacturer serving the agriculture, pharma, bakery, beverage, dairy and materials handling industries. It also manufacturers roll-out carts, recycle bins and commercial containers for the waste and recycling collection industry. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif., Rehrig Pacific serves customers with manufacturing and service locations throughout North America and Mexico with sales offices in South America.

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For more information please contact:
Luke Jeffers      
770-339-2684
ljeffers@rehrigpacific.com

Kristan Grote
262-947-5941
kgrote@rehrig.com
 

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) recently announced the nation’s major freight railroads plan to invest an estimated $24.5 billion in 2013 to build, maintain and upgrade America’s rail network to ensure freight railroads can continue to deliver for the nation’s economy. This investment includes $13 billion in projected capital expenditures, or CapEx, which go toward upgrading or enhancing rail network capacity in the year ahead.

“While most other transportation modes rely on government funds, America’s freight railroads operate on infrastructure they own, maintain and upgrade to serve their customers and power our economy,” said AAR President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger. “This year, freight railroads plan to continue to focus on investments that maintain and enhance our physical infrastructure and safety systems, including cutting edge technology that ensures we are ready to deliver for the future.”

With hundreds of transportation infrastructure projects underway nationwide, railroads are investing in projects such as intermodal terminals that facilitate truck to train freight transport; new track; bridges and tunnels; modernized safety equipment; new locomotives and rail cars, and other components that ensure the U.S. freight rail network remains the most reliable and efficient in the world.

In recent years, railroads have been spending roughly 17 percent of their annual revenue on capital expenditures, compared with the average U.S. manufacturer that spends roughly 3 percent of revenue on capital expenditures.

The freight railroads also estimate they will hire more than 11,000 employees this year, primarily in response to retirements and attrition for positions that can be found across the U.S. With approximately 22 percent of the industry’s workforce eligible to retire in the next five years, railroads are dedicated to recruiting highly skilled people interested in making railroading a career. In the first five months of the year, railroads are participating in more than 70 career fairs across the country. For more information on where, visit www.aar.org/jobs.

“We are looking for employees who want a true potential life-long career and will want to help make the railroads safer and more reliable than they have ever been,” said Hamberger. “The success of our industry—from our importance to the economy to our continually improving safety record—can be attributed to the hard working men and women who make their careers with the railroads.”

Rail employee compensation, including benefits, averages roughly $107,000 per year, with jobs ranging from engineers and dispatchers, to law enforcement, to information technology and industrial development.

The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) recently released a video explaining the impact material handling and logistics has on the supply chain and the many different career opportunities available in this vibrant and growing industry.

The video explains the thousands of careers available in this industry that are as diverse as the materials and products moving through the supply chain. People, projects, and resources all have to be managed. Facilities need to be planned and designed. Marketing, sales, accounting, operations, engineering, CAD design, technical support, information technology and logistics are just some of the career choices the material handling and logistics industry has to offer.

Click here to view the video.

This video is part of an ongoing effort to promote material handling and logistics careers by MHEDA and MHI. For more information, visit MHEDA's Career Center and the MHI Career Center.

Now available are two new ultra-rugged vehicle mount computers featuring a high performance Intel Core i7 Processor. With the option of a 12-inch or 15-inch sunlight viewable display, the V1204V and V1502V have the processing and communications power to run the most demanding applications in real time.    The Intel Core i7 processor with 4GB DDR3 SDRAM ensures maximum system responsiveness and capacity to meet current and future business needs.

Integrated WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n and standard dual-diversity antennas keep the computer connected where other computers fail.  A wide choice of Windows including 7 Pro, Embedded Standard 7, and XP Professional as well as Linux OS options allows for seamless integration.

As with all DAP vehicle mount computers, these new additions are ultra-rugged and sealed to IP65 for protection against dust and water and are ready to handle your most challenging environments.

For more information on DAP’s full line of mobile computers, visit www.daptech.com or contact us today.

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For more information please contact:
Dawn Janssen
480-705-4200
Fax: 480-705-4216
dawn.janssen@ropermobile.com

Need another reason to register for FOCUS? Together with your industry peers and the JDA Global Support Services team, attend JDA’s Support Roundtable session and have a candid, interactive discussion about your Support experience. 

As a JDA customer, we want you to know that we value your feedback and we can’t wait to discuss your experiences with you. By attending this collaborative session, tailored to RedPrairie customers, here’s what you can expect to gain:
• Direct access to JDA’s Global Support Services leadership team
• Opportunity to share your experiences, tell us what you like and how you’d like to see us improve
• Engage in face-to-face collaborative discussions with other JDA customers
• Hear more about our plans to take JDA Support Services to the next level and optimize your maintenance dollar ROI

Sign up for FOCUS today, and attend JDA’s Support roundtable. We look forward to seeing you in May!

JDA Global Support Services Roundtable: A Discussion About Today and Tomorrow
When: Monday, May 6, 4:45 - 5:30 p.m.
Where: FOCUS 2013
Why: Share your experiences and engage in an interactive discussion with JDA's Support leadership team.

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For more information please contact:
Kristen Miller
847-865-3044
kristen.miller@jda.com
www.jda.com

OCONOMOWOC, Wis. – ORBIS Corporation, a leader in sustainable reusable packaging, partnered with Nissan North America to standardize Nissan’s reusable packaging system. Recently, the companies accepted the Environmental Awareness Award at the 2012 Automotive Supply Chain Global Awards for their partnership and efforts related to reusable packaging. Winners are selected from organizations or companies which have done the most to reduce the impact of pollution on the environment.

As a progressive company, Nissan understands and values the benefits that reusable packaging brings to its supply chain, including logistics cost savings, part protection, safety, sustainability and a lower lifetime cost than alternative packaging methods. The company has successfully implemented ORBIS reusable solutions including reusable totes, bulk containers, protective dunnage and pallet systems to move parts from its suppliers into its U.S. assembly plants.

Nissan collaborated with ORBIS Corporation to standardize its reusable packaging system with a selected set of container and pallet sizes, in a minimal amount of stocked colors. Each part supplier’s packaging is uniquely marked for easy identification and efficient return to the supplier and all totes, bulk containers and pallets are optimally sized to reduce overall logistics costs.

Nissan’s expansive network of part suppliers throughout the U.S. and Mexico provides an inherent loop for reusable packaging to be packed, used, returned and replenished – the program developed in tandem with ORBIS helps takes advantage of that. Nissan’s part suppliers use this standardized packaging to protect vehicle parts and components, as well as optimize the number of parts per shipment for inbound trips into Nissan plants. At the assembly plant, parts are delivered right to the line in reusable packaging. When empty, packaging is returned to the supplier for replenishment. Over 90 percent of Nissan parts are shipped in reusable packaging. Nissan is committed to a sustainable packaging program that optimizes its assembly operations and aids suppliers in getting parts to Nissan in a timely and efficient manner to meet production requirements.

About ORBIS Corporation
ORBIS helps world-class customers move their product faster, safer and more cost-effectively. Using a proven approach, ORBIS experts analyze its customers’ systems, design a solution and execute a reusable packaging program for longer-term cost savings and sustainability. Using life-cycle assessments to compare reusable and single-use packaging, ORBIS also helps customers reduce their overall environmental impact. ORBIS Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Menasha Corporation, the 3rd oldest family owned business in the United States. As a steward of sustainability, ORBIS is committed to a better world for future generations. ORBIS tracks and measure our own resource utilization to continuously conserve natural resources and reduce waste. For more information about SmartTrak, please visit www.orbisrpm.com,www.orbiscorporation.com, www.linkedin.com/company/orbis-corporation, www.facebook.com/ORBISCorporation, or www.youtube.com/orbiscorp.

About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year in 2010, 2011, and 2012 by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online atwww.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com.

About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., one of the largest Japanese automotive company by volume, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan and is an integral pillar of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 248,000 employees globally, Nissan provided customers with more than 4.6 million vehicles in 2011. With a strong commitment to developing exciting and innovative products for all, Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of fuel-efficient and low-emissions vehicles under the Nissan and Infiniti brands. A pioneer in zero emission mobility, Nissan made history with the introduction of the Nissan LEAF, the first affordable, mass-market, pure-electric vehicle and winner of numerous international accolades including the prestigious 2011 European Car of the Year award.

For more information on our products, services and commitment to Sustainable Mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.


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For more information please contact:
Samantha Goetz
262-560-5364
samantha.goetz@orbiscorporation.com

Colin Deval
414-299-3942
colin@corecreative.com

With the Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard requiring U.S. operators to be certified by November 2014, Maximum Capacity Media’s Crane and Rigging Conference and Industrial Crane and Hoist Conference will focus on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s crane operator certification requirements. The jointly held crane safety and management conferences will take place May 29-30 at the Indianapolis Marriott North in Indianapolis, Ind.

The operator qualification requirements are part of the Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard that governs crane safety. The standard is the product of a negotiated rulemaking process that began in the summer of 2003 and culminated in the publication of the final rule on Aug. 9, 2010. 

Discussions on crane operator certification requirements are heating up as the deadline for compliance draws near. Specifically, the industry is buzzing about the OSHA’s requirement to certify operators based on the type and capacity of the crane.

In fact, OSHA has opened the door on these crane safety topics and has scheduled two informal stakeholder meetings in April to solicit comments on crane operator certification requirements in the Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard.  The agency seeks information from the public on the usefulness of certifying operators for different capacities of cranes, and the risks of allowing an operator to operate all capacities of cranes within a specific type. OSHA will hold separate meetings on April 2 and 3 at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. 

There is more to crane safety compliance than operator certification. At the Crane and Rigging Conference and Industrial Crane and Hoist Conference, industry professionals will also learn about OSHA’s new designations for personnel, such as lift directors, site supervisors, riggers, and signalpersons; hazards related to crane operation and how to assess them; and the crane technology and design advancements to meet current crane standards. These crane safety presentation topics include:

• Practical Applications of the OSHA Crane Regulations for Safety and Risk Managers
Mark Steinhofer,  Account Manager of Site Operations, Safety Management Group

• Lift Planning for Heavy Lifts
Jim Yates, SVP of Engineering and Technical Services, Barnhart Crane & Rigging

• Leading Causes of Crane Accidents: Final Data from Haag Engineering’s Crane Accident Study
Jim Wiethorn, Principal Engineer and Chairman of Haag Engineering

• How U.S. Certifications Are Helping Fill Canada’s Labor Shortage
Debbie Dickenson, Executive Director, Crane Institute Certification
Fraser Cocks, Executive Director, BC Association for Crane Safety

• Overhead Cranes and Hoists—Operator Issues and Requirements
Frank DiMeglio, Technical Trainer & Inspector, NACB

• Bringing Mobile Learning to the Jobsite
Keith Anderson, Chief Rigging Engineer and Rigging Group Manager, Bechtel Equipment Operations
Paul Drexler, Account Manager, Bechtel Equipment Operations

• Complete Crane Communication
John Egnatz, 30-year veteran operator

Additionally, vendors from a variety of professional organizations, including Event Partner North American Crane Bureau, will be available to answer questions about complying with the upcoming OSHA crane regulation and overall crane safety.

To view the complete agenda and register for the Crane and Rigging Conference and the Industrial Crane and Hoist Conference, visit www.craneandriggingconference.com/crc-ichc.

About MCM Events
MCM Events is a division of Maximum Capacity Media, publisher of Crane & Rigging Hot Line, Industrial Lift & Hoist, Lift and Access, and other lifting equipment industry publications. MCM Events produces the MCM-CIC Crane Operator Rodeo, Lift and Access Showcase & Symposium, SAF-T Conference, and other live and virtual events. For more information about CRC/ICHC visit www.craneandriggingconference.com.

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For more information please contact:
Franci Motz
fmotz@maxcapmedia.com
602-368-8552
 

Alsip:  From a small borrowed space the size of a one car garage where material was mixed in coffee cans to 50,000 square feet of state of the art mixing and molding equipment, the DeMent family has continually reinvented itself as a world class custom polyurethane manufacturer.

The story began when a Southside Chicago man by the name of Robert DeMent heard about this new material called polyurethane that was the next best thing since sliced bread and was willing to risk everything he had to get his own business started. Like any new start-up, the first few years were tough. In lieu of paid employees, many times “Big Bob” brought parts home for his sons to finish.

Fast forward 50 years, after several moves and expansions, it is those two sons who now own the company and are strategically planning for the next 50 years. According to Bruce and Mike DeMent, co-owners, “the history, formation, size, and scope of Kastalon is based on the creativity, energy, and imagination of its employees who funnel their energies and expertise for the betterment of the product we supply our customers.”

Today, Kastalon, Inc. is in the business of designing, engineering, and manufacturing polyurethane components for a wide variety of applications and industries. These industries include steel and metals manufacturing, heavy equipment, military, aerospace, materials handling, industrial machinery, food, mining, appliances, building materials and any opportunity requiring high quality polyurethane parts.

This year is about celebrating the past, but more importantly, planning the future. For more information, visit www.kastalon.com.

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For more information please contact:
Lyn Thorne
(708) 389-2100
Fax: (708) 389-0432
 

US manufacturers are targeting an aggressive 1.5 percent reduction in cost of goods sold (COGS) for 2013 in an effort to drive margin growth, according to a new study from The Hackett Group, Inc. A significant portion of this will be driven by a planned 1.7 percent reduction in internal manufacturing costs, which is on top of a 1.8 percent reduction in 2012. In addition to internal manufacturing efficiencies, purchased material cost reductions are expected to reach 0.5 percent of total materials cost in 2013, 0.3 percent lower than 2012, as companies continue to lock-in savings from favorable commodity price markets.

With GDP growth stabilizing in major regions of the world, manufacturers are expecting reduced sales forecast uncertainty, enabling them to plan supply requirements and manufacturing capacity with far greater confidence, the study found. The research showed that companies are taking advantage of this stability by looking inward for cost reduction opportunities and other improvements: companies are turning to strategic sourcing, improving their operations, and optimizing their supply chain networks.

According to the research, the focus for 2013 cost improvements will continue to move away from outsourcing and towards internal manufacturing productivity, which is expected to contribute nearly 50 percent of the overall improvement. The study found that found that while companies aggressively used outsourced manufacturing to reduce costs through 2011, starting in 2012 companies shifted away from this strategy, and expect to be much less reliant on outsourcing for savings in 2013 as well.

Last year The Hackett Group issued research showing that the tide has begun to turn on the flow of manufacturing jobs from the U.S. to China and other low-cost countries. The research found that some companies are already reshoring a portion of their manufacturing capacity, and this trend is expected to reach a crucial tipping point by 2015, as the total landed cost gap between the two nations continues to shrink, driven in part by rising wage inflation in China and continued productivity improvements in the U.S. The new study's findings indicate that manufacturers are indeed shifting focus of improvement initiatives away from offshoring and outsourcing.

"Over the past few years major companies have outsourced the large majority of the activities that can be managed by third parties, to take advantage of low-cost locations," said Dave Sievers, a Principal and the Practice Leader of The Hackett Group's Strategy & Operations Practice. "But in many cases the labor cost gap is shrinking, making on-shore and near-shore manufacturing much more attractive. At the same time, new opportunities for cost reduction are emerging, including internal optimization, materials cost cuts, and reduced energy prices. For 2013, companies are clearly focusing on building the skills and infrastructure they need to take advantage of these trending opportunity areas."

Favorable energy prices as well as stable aggregate demand also helped spur a 1.8 percent reduction in logistics and 1.5 percent reduction in warehousing costs during 2012. This trend is expected to continue in 2013 with companies anticipating additional savings of 2 percent in logistics costs and 1.7 percent in warehousing costs.

"With demand really beginning to stabilize in 2012, companies began to optimize their existing distribution networks, reducing overhead and operating costs. We expect this to be a significant trend going into 2013," said Len Prokopets, Associate Principal, The Hackett Group's Strategy & Operations Practice.

In order to achieve these performance improvements, companies are focusing on supply chain strategy, and plan to increase investment in their supply chains by nearly 3 percent in 2013. Interestingly, the research showed that only 20 percent of the total investment will go toward upgrading or building new capacity (down by half from 2012). Instead, key 2013 investment priorities will include IT, skills and training to improve processes, and supply partners to develop joint capabilities and products.

Click here to learn more.

(CINCINNATI)—Intelligrated® (www.intelligrated.com), a leading North American-based automated material handling solutions provider, announces the acquisition of Datria Systems, Inc., a provider of voice-enabled solutions for today’s mobile workforce. Datria will become part of Intelligrated’s software subsidiary, Knighted®. The acquisition is a strategic component of Intelligrated’s mission to deliver innovative solutions that increase fulfillment velocity for e-commerce, multichannel retail, 3PL, wholesale, consumer products and food and beverage industries.

Datria, with offices in Denver, provides voice-enabled solutions for distribution and logistics, retail store operations, mobile field service management, and manufacturing processes. Datria voice solutions allow employees to connect and communicate directly to the systems that support their business processes. Rather than using keystrokes or paper, employees can connect in real-time on a wide variety of mobile devices, from smart phones to industrial handhelds, using their voice.

Datria’s innovative, cloud-based VoIP architecture is an ideal complement to the portfolio of solutions available through Intelligrated. The company will immediately begin to integrate Datria technology with the Knighted software platform. The integration of voice technology will further enhance Intelligrated’s ability to deliver modular solutions that streamline operations, improve productivity and accuracy, and maximize the value of labor, automation and supervisory control.

“Our goal is to continue to develop software solutions that improve operational efficiency and lower supply chain costs,” said Greg Cronin, executive vice president, Intelligrated. “We will continue to invest in our software teams and develop innovative software and services using the latest tools and technologies.”

Datria’s key customers include Coca-Cola Refreshments, Roche Diagnostics, Swire, Merrill Corporation and Progressive International. Intelligrated and Knighted will provide ongoing support of existing Datria installations and will offer Datria Voice as a stand-alone solution. Datria CEO James Greenwell will remain in a senior management role, reporting to Greg Cronin, executive vice president of Intelligrated.

About Intelligrated
Intelligrated (www.intelligrated.com) is a leading North American-based, single-point provider of automated material handling solutions with operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Brazil. Headquartered in Mason, OH, a suburb of Cincinnati, Intelligrated designs, manufactures and installs complete material handling automation solutions, including conveyor systems, IntelliSort® sortation systems, Alvey® palletizers and robotics, Real Time Solutions® order fulfillment systems, warehouse control software and advanced machine controls—all supported by 24X7 Customer Service and Support.

Through its New York-based subsidiary company, Knighted® (www.knightedcs.com), Intelligrated offers web-enabled logistics software for today’s supply chain operations including warehouse management software (WMS), warehouse control software (WCS) and labor management software (LMS).

Serving the warehousing, distribution, consumer product manufacturing, postal and parcel markets, Intelligrated collaborates closely with its clients to develop productivity solutions and support their needs throughout the life of their material handling systems. For more updates, follow us on Twitter @Intelligrated.

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For more information please contact:
Emily Smith
(513) 881-5239
emily.smith@intelligrated.com

Natalie Fioto
(919) 945-566
natalie@koroberi.com
 

New Orleans—enVista unveiled its enHanced Mobile solution for Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 users today at the Microsoft Dynamics Convergence conference in New Orleans, La. enHanced Mobile enables organizations running Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP to access their global business solution on any mobile device and manage their inventory with greater accuracy and efficiency, from any remote location.

enVista President and CEO Jim Barnes said, “enVista brings extensive Microsoft Dynamics AX implementation and upgrade experience. We are intimately familiar with the technology stack and how to seamlessly integrate it into complex environments. Our enHanced Mobile for AX solution is another way we provide value to Microsoft Dynamics AX users and extend the value of their ERP investment.”

Mobile transaction reporting offers several strategic advantages. enHanced Mobile provides real-time transaction visibility and reporting. The browser-based application is simple to implement and upgrade and only takes minutes to install. The solution’s web interface enables users to leverage any device, form factor or manufacturer. enHanced Mobile can also be accessed globally and is significantly less expensive than fixed workstations and traditional radio frequency data collection devices.

enVista’s enHanced Mobile features integrated barcode scanning that records each transaction, such as shipping and receiving, picking, and cycle counting, as soon as physical inventory is picked and scanned. These real-time updates ensure companies have the very latest inventory management snapshot readily available. The embedded barcoding validation process reduces risks associated with paper-based systems, such as data entry errors and information loss. Optimizing transaction record and reporting processes improves internal efficiencies by eliminating unnecessary data tracking and sharing activity.

Barnes said, “enVista enHanced Mobile users benefit from partnering with a single services provider to manage and optimize supply chain technology and processes from source to consumption. enVista not only provides an experienced Microsoft Dynamics AX ERP practice, we also offer exceptionally deep supply chain consulting experience across Retail, Supply Chain, Transportation and IT. We look forward to meeting with Microsoft Dynamics AX users at Convergence Booth #2155.”

enVista serves a multitude of vertical industries, including: retail, manufacturing, distribution, consumer goods, food and beverage and third party logistics.

About enVista’s Enterprise Solutions Practice
enVista is a Microsoft Dynamics AX Gold Certified Partner and Retail Solution Partner. With unmatched supply chain consulting, LEAN process improvement and technical/functional expertise with Microsoft Dynamics AX, enVista uniquely enables manufacturing and distribution-centric companies to address their supply chain and business requirements, from source to consumption. enVista’s Enterprise Solutions practice brings a proven track record of implementation success and highly referenceable Dynamics AX clients. Microsoft Dynamics AX users benefit from a single partner that can address all of their ERP and IT requirements, including Cloud and Managed Hosting services. enVista also offers enHanced productivity and data migration tools that extend the value clients obtain from their Dynamics AX solutions.

About enVista
enVista is a leading supply chain consulting and IT services firm, delivering innovative solutions that improve profitability, enhance customer service and reduce waste from source to consumption. enVista’s unrivaled consulting experience, deep vertical industry expertise and comprehensive solutions portfolio, enable clients to leverage one strategic partner that consults, implements and operates across Supply Chain, Transportation, Retail, IT and ERP.

enVista is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and Retail Solutions launch partner. Join enVista at Convergence Booth #2155.

For more information about enVista, please call 877-684-7700 or contact info@envistacorp.com.

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For more information please contact:
Jessica Kruse
(317) 208-9100 x322
jkruse@envistacorp.com
www.envistacorp.com

(CINCINNATI)—Intelligrated® (www.intelligrated.com), a leading North American-based automated material handling solutions provider, announces the acquisition of Datria Systems, Inc., a provider of voice-enabled solutions for today’s mobile workforce. Datria will become part of Intelligrated’s software subsidiary, Knighted®. The acquisition is a strategic component of Intelligrated’s mission to deliver innovative solutions that increase fulfillment velocity for e-commerce, multichannel retail, 3PL, wholesale, consumer products and food and beverage industries.

Datria, with offices in Denver, provides voice-enabled solutions for distribution and logistics, retail store operations, mobile field service management, and manufacturing processes. Datria voice solutions allow employees to connect and communicate directly to the systems that support their business processes. Rather than using keystrokes or paper, employees can connect in real-time on a wide variety of mobile devices, from smart phones to industrial handhelds, using their voice.

Datria’s innovative, cloud-based VoIP architecture is an ideal complement to the portfolio of solutions available through Intelligrated. The company will immediately begin to integrate Datria technology with the Knighted software platform. The integration of voice technology will further enhance Intelligrated’s ability to deliver modular solutions that streamline operations, improve productivity and accuracy, and maximize the value of labor, automation and supervisory control.

“Our goal is to continue to develop software solutions that improve operational efficiency and lower supply chain costs,” said Greg Cronin, executive vice president, Intelligrated. “We will continue to invest in our software teams and develop innovative software and services using the latest tools and technologies.”

Datria’s key customers include Coca-Cola Refreshments, Roche Diagnostics, Swire, Merrill Corporation and Progressive International. Intelligrated and Knighted will provide ongoing support of existing Datria installations and will offer Datria Voice as a stand-alone solution. Datria CEO James Greenwell will remain in a senior management role, reporting to Greg Cronin, executive vice president of Intelligrated.

About Intelligrated
Intelligrated (www.intelligrated.com) is a leading North American-based, single-point provider of automated material handling solutions with operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Brazil. Headquartered in Mason, OH, a suburb of Cincinnati, Intelligrated designs, manufactures and installs complete material handling automation solutions, including conveyor systems, IntelliSort® sortation systems, Alvey® palletizers and robotics, Real Time Solutions® order fulfillment systems, warehouse control software and advanced machine controls—all supported by 24X7 Customer Service and Support.

Through its New York-based subsidiary company, Knighted® (www.knightedcs.com), Intelligrated offers web-enabled logistics software for today’s supply chain operations including warehouse management software (WMS), warehouse control software (WCS) and labor management software (LMS).

Serving the warehousing, distribution, consumer product manufacturing, postal and parcel markets, Intelligrated collaborates closely with its clients to develop productivity solutions and support their needs throughout the life of their material handling systems. For more updates, follow us on Twitter @Intelligrated.

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For more information please contact:
Emily Smith
(513) 881-5239
emily.smith@intelligrated.com

Natalie Fioto
(919) 945-566
natalie@koroberi.com
 

GREENVILLE, N.C. – NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc. (NMHG), a proud sponsor of East Carolina University (ECU) Athletics, presented a check for $22,300 to United Way of Pitt County during the basketball game against Marshall on Saturday, March 9. NMHG donated $100 for each of the 223 three-point shots made by the Pirates throughout the 2012-2013 season.

Jim Cieslar, executive director for United Way of Pitt County, was presented the check during halftime by NMHG director of brand management Thom Peebles. NMHG is in the middle of its third academic year in partnership with ECU Athletics to benefit United Way and has donated more than $225,000 through the program to date. Throughout the academic year, NMHG also partners with ECU baseball and football athletics.

“At NMHG, we are strong advocates of United Way as it provides us with a deep sense of pride to be able to give back to the community through an organization that does so much to help those around us,” stated Brett Schemerhorn, VP of marketing for NMHG. “In addition to the contributions NMHG makes based on specific ECU athletic accomplishments, many of our dedicated employees also voluntarily contribute to the United Way program.”

About United Way
Founded more than 50 years ago, United Way of Pitt County is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization that seeks to advance the common good by focusing on the keys to a good life – education, income, health and neighbors helping neighbors. United Way of Pitt County is a member of the United Way Worldwide, located in Alexandria, Va. United Way Worldwide is an independent, national organization that serves approximately 1,400 other United Ways across the country.

About NMHG
NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc. (NMHG), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (NYSE:HY).  Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. and its subsidiaries, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, employ approximately 5,300 people worldwide.

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For more information please contact:
Ryan Fisher
864-272-3023
ryan.fisher@jacksonmg.com
 

Recent trends suggest a reason for optimism for the U.S. economy and its manufacturing sector, according to the quarterly Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) U.S. Industrial Outlook, a report that analyzes 27 major industries.

While GDP declined at a 0.1 percent rate in the fourth quarter of 2012, manufacturing output grew at a 1.9 percent rate.

MAPI forecasts that industrial production will increase 2.2 percent in 2013, an increase from 2.0 percent in the December 2012 forecast. A further pickup is likely in 2014, with growth anticipated to be 3.6 percent, above the 3.2 percent in the previous report. Manufacturing production should outperform GDP growth, which MAPI estimates will be 1.8 percent in 2013 and 2.8 percent in 2014.

“Despite some austerity measures, there are several reasons to be optimistic about continued economic growth in 2013 and 2014,” said MAPI Chief Economist Daniel J. Meckstroth, Ph.D., author of the analysis. “One is that consumer deleveraging is close to an end. Consumers have refinanced, defaulted, or restructured mortgage debt and paid down installment debt. Households have the capacity to use more credit, and loans are available for creditworthy households. In addition, the housing market is showing definitive improvement, particularly on the supply side.”

The report offers economic forecasts for 24 of the 27 industries. MAPI anticipates that 16 of these will show gains in 2013, and 8 will decline. Housing starts should see a 24 percent increase while aerospace products and parts production is forecast to advance by 10 percent. The outlook improves in 2014, with growth likely in 23 of 24 industries, led by housing starts at 34 percent. Public works construction is the lone industry expected to decline in 2014, by 1 percent.
According to the report, non-high-tech manufacturing production (which accounts for 90 percent of the total) is anticipated to increase 1.8 percent in 2013, the same as in the previous forecast, and increase by 3.8 percent in 2014, a slight gain from 3.7 percent in the December analysis. High-tech industrial production (computers and electronic products) is projected to expand by 4.3 percent in 2013, an improvement from 3.0 percent growth anticipated in MAPI’s December report. An upswing to 9.0 percent growth is forecast for 2014, an increase from 8.3 percent in the previous outlook.

Seventeen of the 27 industries MAPI monitors had inflation-adjusted new orders or production above the level of one year ago (two more than reported last quarter), 8 declined, and 2 were flat. Housing starts grew by 27 percent in the three months ending January 2013 compared with the same period one year earlier, while construction machinery improved by 16 percent in the same time frame. The largest drop came in electronic computer shipments, which declined by 34 percent.

Meckstroth reported that 6 industries are in the accelerating growth (recovery) phase of the business cycle; 11 are in the decelerating growth (expansion) phase; 6 are in the accelerating decline (either early recession or mid-recession) phase; and 4 are in the decelerating decline (late recession or very mild recession) phase.

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GREENVILLE, N.C. – NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc. (NMHG), a proud sponsor of East Carolina University (ECU) Athletics, presented a check for $22,300 to United Way of Pitt County during the basketball game against Marshall on Saturday, March 9. NMHG donated $100 for each of the 223 three-point shots made by the Pirates throughout the 2012-2013 season.

Jim Cieslar, executive director for United Way of Pitt County, was presented the check during halftime by NMHG director of brand management Thom Peebles. NMHG is in the middle of its third academic year in partnership with ECU Athletics to benefit United Way and has donated more than $225,000 through the program to date. Throughout the academic year, NMHG also partners with ECU baseball and football athletics.

“At NMHG, we are strong advocates of United Way as it provides us with a deep sense of pride to be able to give back to the community through an organization that does so much to help those around us,” stated Brett Schemerhorn, VP of marketing for NMHG. “In addition to the contributions NMHG makes based on specific ECU athletic accomplishments, many of our dedicated employees also voluntarily contribute to the United Way program.”

About United Way
Founded more than 50 years ago, United Way of Pitt County is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization that seeks to advance the common good by focusing on the keys to a good life – education, income, health and neighbors helping neighbors. United Way of Pitt County is a member of the United Way Worldwide, located in Alexandria, Va. United Way Worldwide is an independent, national organization that serves approximately 1,400 other United Ways across the country.

About NMHG
NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc. (NMHG), is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (NYSE:HY).  Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. and its subsidiaries, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, employ approximately 5,300 people worldwide.

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For more information please contact:
Ryan Fisher
864-272-3023
ryan.fisher@jacksonmg.com
 

Pittsburgh, PA — Seegrid announced the GT10 Robotic Industrial Truck Tow Tractor to the European Union. After extensive review and testing, the GT10 is fully compliant with all the requirements for CE marking, the machinery directive, and health and safety regulations for use in industrial applications. This is the same GT10 product that is currently in use in North America. According to Mitchell Weiss, Chief Operating Officer for Seegrid, “Compliance with the comprehensive CE requirements assures both the health and safety of European workers, as well as presents American users an additional level of confidence.”

Weiss shared why Seegrid has chosen to launch the GT10 Tow Tractor in Europe. “European factories have high labor rates and greater requirements for worker ergonomics. As a result they use quite a lot of automation. The GT10 will support these automated operations by delivering goods reliably and on time, while reducing manned travel time, and risks associated with driving trucks.”

Weiss also noted that with the large European manufacturing base, Seegrid expects the GT10 to be used primarily in parts-to-line applications. Seegrid is establishing dealer relationships and recognizes the need to work globally to satisfy the needs of customers. Weiss clarified, “Many of Seegrid’s customers are multi-nationals, and often corporate leaders are not based in North America. As a world-class leader, we need to ship our technology worldwide.”

European manufacturers already possess sophistication with technology and robotics. As the European economy recovers from recession, there is a strong need for improved productivity and capacity. Seegrid has a unique and proven offering with a significant installed base in North America, and is highly adaptable for Europe.

Weiss is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the engineering and manufacturing departments. Mr. Weiss is the co-author of Industrial Robotics: Technology, Programming and Applications. He holds twenty patents and earned several academic and industry awards, including being named to Industry Week’s Top 50 R&D Professionals.

About Seegrid
Founded in 2003, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Seegrid Corporation (www.seegrid.com) brings robotic vision-guided technology to the material handling industry. With more than thirty years of innovation and research by leading robotic scientists, engineers, programmers and logistics practitioners worldwide, Seegrid’s exclusive Robotic Industrial Trucks are revolutionizing the movement of materials in manufacturing and distribution environments. Seegrid’s technology transforms industrial vehicles into unmanned, automated pallet trucks and tow tractors that operate without the need for wire, tape, laser, magnet or other automated guided vehicle (AGV) guidance systems. Seegrid offers solutions that optimize workflow processes by increasing productivity and reducing costs, creating economic and operational advantages. Fast Company 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.

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For more information please contact:

David Noble
dnoble@seegrid.com
412.379.4500 xt 190

Amanda Merrell
amerrell@seegrid.com
412-379-4500 xt 184

Lexington, KY - CLARK Material Handling Company (CLARK) is proud to announce that it’s prestigious “Dealer of the Year” Award for 2013 has been awarded to Fraza Forklifts of Detroit, Michigan. CLARK selects its Dealer of the Year each year from a North American network of 85 dealers and 200 plus dealership locations, recognizing the dealership’s excellence in equipment sales, parts and service, customer satisfaction and overall dealer operations. This annual award honors the Best Dealer in North America.

CLARK would also like to recognize 2013 Dealer of Excellence, Dealer of Distinction and Dealer of Merit winners. The “Dealers of Excellence” are the “best of the best” performing CLARK dealers and represent the top 10% of the dealer group. The “Dealers of Distinction” are in the top 15% of the dealer group and have achieved great success in servicing CLARK customers in their respective geographic areas. “Dealers of Merit” are in the top 25% of the dealer group and also are outstanding in their service to CLARK customers.

CLARK is proud to recognize the following top performing dealers:

“Dealer of Excellence”
Naumann/Hobbs Material Handling – Phoenix, AZ
Holt of California – Sacramento, CA
TruPar America – Bentleyville, PA
Burke Handling Systems, Inc. – Jackson, MS “

Dealer of Distinction”
J.H. Ryder Machinery Ltd. – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Louisiana Lift & Equipment, Inc. – Shreveport, LA
Cervus Equipment Corporation – Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Sooner Lift, Inc. – Oklahoma City, OK
Homestead Materials Handling Co. – Roanoke, VA

“New Dealer of the Year”
All Lift Service Co Inc – Willoughby, OH

“Dealer of Merit”
Material Handling, Inc. – Dalton, GA
W.E. Johnson Equipment Company – Miami, FL
OZMAQ S.A. DE C.V. – San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Delta Materials Handling, Inc. – Memphis, TN
CEPAMOSA – Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico
Apex Material Handling Corporation – Chicago, IL
Forklifts of Minnesota, Inc. – Minneapolis, MN
MidCo Material Handling – Seattle, WA
Capital Equipment & Handling, Inc. – Hartland, WI
Valley Industrial Trucks, Inc. – Youngstown, OH
Graylift, Inc. – Fresno, CA
Tri-Lift NC, Inc. – Greensboro, NC
FMH Material Handling Solutions, Inc. – Denver, CO
Cardinal Carryor, Inc. – Louisville, KY
CSI Material Handling, Inc. – Bethlehem, PA
CSI Material Handling, Inc. – New Castle, DE
Norlift of Oregon, Inc. – Portland, OR
Starlift Equipment Company – West Haven, CT
Jefferds Corporation – St. Albans, WV
Gonzalez Trading Corporation – San Juan, PR
Prolift, Inc. – Buffalo, NY

About CLARK Material Handling Company
CLARK Material Handling Company has been an industry leader since its production of the first gasoline powered material handling truck in 1917. CLARK is privately held by the Young An Company, and is present in 102 global markets, including the support of 350 dealers in 550 locations. A full range of I.C. and Electric trucks for diverse applications are available in the CLARK product line.

For more information about any CLARK products, please visit www.clarkmhc.com or contact your local authorized CLARK dealer.

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For more information please contact:

Bo Maslanyk
(859) 422-6525
bomaslanyk@clarkmhc.com