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Magnetek Introduces New Website

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Menomonee Falls, Wis. –Magnetek, Inc. today announced the release of their new website. Located at the same address, www.magnetekmh.com, the new website is simple to navigate and incorporates an intuitive graphic display. All related information, including brochures and manuals, now resides on each product page, and pricing is just a click away for those registered for access to Magnetek Material Handling’s online pricing. Visitors who would like to register for online pricing access are encouraged to fill out the request form. Highlighted features include new videos, the display of related products, and more case studies.

The new website is mobile optimized for easy viewing and content accessibility whether on a smartphone or tablet.  The ease with which customers can access product information from a mobile phone is expected to increase customer satisfaction and decrease the amount of time spent locating specific products and documents.

“We hope customers find it quick and easy to locate the information they are looking for on our new website,” said Dan Beilfuss, Director of Sales for Magnetek Material Handling. “We plan to continue to add useful information, such as application tips and case studies, which will help our customers get the most out of our products.”

About Magnetek, Inc.
Magnetek, Inc. provides digital power and motion control systems used in overhead material handling, elevator, and mining applications. The Company is one of North America’s largest suppliers of digital drive systems for industrial cranes, hoists, and monorails. Magnetek provides Energy Engineered® drives, radio remote controls, motors, and braking and collision avoidance subsystems to North America’s foremost overhead material handling crane builders. The Company is also one of the world’s largest independent builders of highly integrated digital motion control systems for high-rise, high-speed elevators and is a leading independent supplier of digital motion control systems for underground coal mining applications. Magnetek is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wis., in the greater Milwaukee area and operates manufacturing facilities in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Bridgeville, Pa., as well as Menomonee Falls.

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For more information please contact:
Lynn Bostrom
262-252-2903                                          
lbostrom@magnetek.com


Vertical Carousels: The Dark Horse of Order Picking

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The most common vertical carousel application today is product security. With lockable doors, automated security doors and a variety of inventory management software to provide traceability, it's no wonder that the vertical carousel lends itself nicely to storing and managing high dollar value items; it's quite a nice fit. 

While this is a great application, the most overlooked application for a vertical carousel is order picking.   That's right, plain good old fashioned order picking. When picking orders that average 4 lines per order or more, vertical carousels with inventory management software is an ideal solution. It offers fast retrieval times, provides good throughput and minimal operator travel time.

Fast Delivery
Using inventory management software, a vertical carousel will only rotate around one time to make all picks required for an order. This means the time it takes to deliver a complete order to the operator will never be longer than the time it takes for a vertical carousel to make one full rotation. An average sized vertical carousel at 20 feet can make a complete rotation in 90 seconds. Compared to other storage technologies that require trays to be extracted, it would take up to 132 seconds to deliver four trays to an operator.

Here is where the slotting argument comes into play.   Of course if you slot the storage machine efficiently and two of the four parts are located on the same tray the storage device only has to retrieve and deliver three trays, cutting down the delivery time. The same argument can be made for the vertical carousel. When slotted properly, the most frequently picked items (or fast movers) are stored on carriers that are close to one another, cutting machine delivery time.

Vertical carousels can also be programmed with a "home" location. When the machine has sat idle for a specific amount of time and no order is currently being picked it automatically rotates to the home position. This ensures that when the next order is ready to be picked the vertical carousel is already rotated to the "home" position where fast movers are stored.

Batch Picking For Improved Throughput
When integrated with software, batch order picking is possible.   Batch order picking is the process of picking multiple orders (or a batch) at a time. A combination of vertical carousels, software, a batch station and pick to light technology allows an operator to batch pick. A batch station is commonly located in front of the carousels and the operator stands between the carousels and the batch station.

First, an operator assigns an order to a tote on the batch station. The software coordinates the picks so that the carousel rotates around to present the operator with the first pick and the lights direct the operator to pick a specific quantity of that SKU from the carousel. The operator picks a the quantity and turns to distribute them among the batch of orders located on the batch station. This allows the operator to fill multiple orders with only one rotation of the vertical carousel, increasing throughput substantially.

Minimal Walk Time
When order picking, it's always important to take into consideration operator walk time. A typical vertical carousel is 12 foot wide, lining up 4 vertical carousels side by side in a row can create a 48 foot area for an operator to cover.   Instead, place two vertical carousels next to each other and the other two vertical carousels across from the first two. The operator then only has to walk a maximum distance of 24 feet to make a pick. When designing a vertical carousel order picking system it is important to strategically place the carousels to minimize walk time.

Making it Work in the Real World
Vertical carousels are working every day to assist organizations in picking orders. An electronic contract manufacturer based in Utah uses three 20 foot Megamat vertical carousels for order picking. The vertical carousels manage the electronic components used to produce printed circuit board assemblies. Orders are picked daily to feed the manufacturing line. The vertical carousels have pick to light technology and are equipped with FastPic inventory management software that interfaces with the companies ERP system.

When a job is ready for fulfillment, the order is downloaded from the ERP system to the FastPic inventory management software. When ready, the operator starts the order, causing the vertical carousels to spin into position for picking and the batch lights to light. The operator easily moves from one pick to another filling the job order. Most job orders contain between 100 and 150 lines.

The carousels require less people and allow the company to fill job orders faster than ever. Previously picking job orders from shelving, the company has seen not only an improvement in productivity, but an uptick in picking accuracy as well.

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.

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For more information please contact:
Christina Dube

207-591-3168
christina.dube@kardexremstar.com
http://MediaCenter.KardexRemstar.com  
www.KardexRemstar.com
 

Heartland Engineered Products is pleased to announce Mr. Thomas Gondi of Southern Market Share as Manufacturer’s Representative for Heartland Engineer

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Thomas is a welcome addition to our Engineered and Safety Products Divisions bringing 11 years of experience in Material Handling Industry. Thomas is dedicated to supporting Distributors and their clients. Thomas works closely with Distributor Sales personnel, and is able to specify product solutions to ensure they are maximizing value to their clients.
 
Thomas will be contacting Material Handling Distributors in the South East Region. We are very excited to have Thomas Gondi join Heartland Engineered Products. You may contact Thomas at 864-233-2322 or email tgondi@southernmarketshare.com.
 
 
Heartland Engineered Products is a leading producer of Engineered Platforms, Accessories, Safety Guarding and Dock equipment used in manufacturing, distribution and warehousing facilities throughout North America, focusing on increasing in-plant efficiency, space utilization and safety.
 
For more information please contact:
Judy Wilhelm
800-333-0080- Ext. 233
jwilhelm@heartland-ep.com
www.heartland-ep.com

MODEX recognized among top 250 U.S. trade shows

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MODEX has been named to the 2012 Trade Show News Network’s (TSNN) U.S. Top 250 Trade Shows list. TSNN’s list represents the top 250 trade shows held last year in the U.S. ranked by net square footage. MODEX 2014 was ranked 128th among the top 250 trade shows.

“ To achieve this recognition for a new show launch is remarkable and everyone at MHI is very proud to have accomplished this feat. We’re thrilled to be included are looking forward to an even more successful MODEX event in 2014,” said Tom Carbott, MHIA Senior Vice President of Exhibitions.

TSNN is an online resource and authority for the trade show, exhibition and event industry. The organization operates an event database that includes more than 19,500 trade shows, exhibitions, public events and conferences. Click here to view the full list of TSNN’s top 250 trade shows.

MODEX 2014will be held March 17-20, 2014 at Atlanta's Georgia World Congress Center. For more event information, visit www.MODEXShow.com.

MODEX is produced by MHI. MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling, logistics and supply chain equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. The association sponsors trade events, such as ProMat and MODEX to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics.

Contact: Carol Miller, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) (704) 676-1190.

Survey Shows Large Reductions in U.S. Manufacturing Energy Consumption between 2002 and 2010

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The Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently released data on manufacturers on their energy use. According to the report, total energy consumption in the manufacturing sector decreased by 17 percent from 2002 to 2010.

Manufacturing gross output decreased by only 3 percent over the same period. Taken together, these data indicate a significant decline in the amount of energy used per unit of gross manufacturing output. The significant decline in energy intensity reflects both improvements in energy efficiency and changes in the manufacturing output mix. Consumption of every fuel used for manufacturing declined over this period.

Click here to learn more.

Are women the answer to the shortage of skilled manufacturing workers?

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A recent report by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute called “Untapped resource: How manufacturers can attract, retain and advance talented women,” identifies women as a potential source for funneling skilled workers into manufacturing. However, across all manufacturing sectors in the U.S., women are underrepresented in the workforce. While women represent 46.6% of the total U.S. labor force, they only comprise 24.8% of the durable goods manufacturing workforce. The proportion of women in leadership roles in manufacturing companies also lags behind other U.S. industries.

According to the survey, 51% of those surveyed cite the main driver of women’s underrepresentation in manufacturing is the perception of a male-favored culture and 80% believe that manufacturers can improve their efforts to recruit women.

As many as 600,000 manufacturing jobs remain unfilled and 70% of manufacturing companies report experiencing a moderate to severe talent shortage. Addressing this crisis means taking steps to recruit, retain and promote workers including women.

The report highlighted several next steps in attracting women to manufacturing jobs:

  • Start at the Top -- Cultural change needs to begin in the C-suite
  • Address Gender Bias Head on -- Complete targeted awareness training to uncover implicit bias
  • Create a More Flexible Work Environment -- Shift from a presence-driven culture to a results-driven culture
  • Foster Sponsorship -- Support sponsorship as a way to help women advance to leadership positions
  • Promote Personal Development -- Customized learning and development can aid in retention efforts
  • Build a Strong Employer Brand -- Involve female leaders in recruitment.

Click here to view the full report and click here for more statistics on women in the manufacturing workforce.

JERVIS B. WEBB COMPANY AWARDED CONTRACT FOR INVERTED FRICTION DRIVE SYSTEM AT CHRYSLER STERLING HEIGHTS ASSEMBLY PLANT

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FARMINGTON HILLS, MICH.—Jervis B. Webb Company is working on a project at the Chrysler Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP), located in Sterling Heights, Mich.

The project includes miles of inverted friction drive system, which will be used in the body paint process, as well as for delivery of car bodies between the paint shop and general assembly system. 

“This contract is a real milestone for our company because it will be one of the largest friction drive conveyor systems in the U.S.,” said Noel Dehne Vice President of Automotive Sales.  “Ultimately, it is more cost effective and energy efficient than more traditional skid conveyor system.”

Other benefits of the friction drive system include:  quieter and cleaner than chain conveyors, offers smooth and continuous flow, and uses variable frequency drives to adjust conveyor speeds.

Webb also will install 6” overhead power & free conveyors, a phosphate E-Coat System, with 45 degree vertical curves, and a two-level shuttle crane for storing auto bodies at the end of the paint process.  The project is expected to be completed later this year.

About Jervis B. Webb Company
Jervis B. Webb Company is a subsidiary of Daifuku Webb Holding Company, a leading developer of innovative material handling technology such as Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs), Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), conveyors, baggage handling systems, bulk handling systems, cleanroom systems and airport maintenance services. Daifuku Webb consists of Daifuku America Corporation, Jervis B. Webb Company, Elite Line Services and Logan Teleflex, Inc. Daifuku Webb specializes in the design, engineering, manufacturing, installation and service of integrated systems used in the automotive, airport, semiconductor, LCD equipment, food/beverage, bulk, warehousing and manufacturing industries. Daifuku Webb is headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich., with manufacturing locations throughout North America.

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For more information please contact:
Sarah Carlson
248-755-7680

Chelsie Preston
(248) 553-1000 ext.1125

U.S. manufacturing costs are now equal to Mexico and will be equal to China by 2015

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In another sign that America is becoming more competitive in manufacturing, the U.S. is now equal to Mexico in “attractiveness” as a source for manufacturing operations and is on track to achieve cost parity with manufactured imports from China by 2015. That’s according to new research released by AlixPartners.

The report advises that before companies set up or move production they need to perform thorough, case-by-case analyses as a number of critical factors -- including product type, location, transportation and other variables -- that can greatly impact attractiveness and cost-effectiveness.

According to the survey, 37% of manufacturing executives said they would choose the U.S. as their preferred location for nearshoring (defined as moving production of products closer to the U.S. consumer base). While an equal percentage of respondents cited Mexico as the most attractive nearshoring locale, the U.S. continues to post impressive gains versus perceptions of just a few years ago. In the firm’s survey just two years ago, 63% chose Mexico, while only 19% said they would choose the U.S.

Accompanying economic and manufacturing cost analysis finds that some goods can indeed be manufactured at an equal or lower cost in Mexico than in China, many other types of products cannot. This provides clear evidence that in all cases, many factors need to be carefully analyzed and weighed before nearshoring or reshoring takes place. For example, while the “China cost” for items analyzed such as machined aluminum parts, plastic molded parts, non-denim slacks, and knit apparel and sweaters is indeed on the rise, that cost is still lower than Mexico’s in each case – and is forecast to remain lower through at least 2015.

“The U.S. is definitely a more cost-competitive source for manufacturing today than it has been in many, many years,” said Steve Maurer, managing director at AlixPartners and leader of the firm’s Manufacturing Practice in the Americas. “In fact, the cost gap with China has on average been closed by approximately 70% for the products we analyzed. However, some consultants have taken that fact and tried to apply it with a broad brush across all of their clients and all of their clients’ products. As our analytical and product-specific research shows, that could be a big mistake.”

With a resounding 84% of the C-level executives saying that the decision to nearshore their manufacturing would be an important one during the next year (versus just 53% who said the same last year), it is clear that nearshoring and reshoring decisions are moving to the “front burner” in 2013. Factors that need to be carefully analyzed before shifting production include product type, raw materials costs, labor costs, inventory costs, exchange rates, duties, freight costs and overhead costs, among others.

“Without question, these are absolutely critical decisions for company leaders. When it comes to moving production, companies should look twice before they leap,” said Foster Finley, managing director at AlixPartners and leader of the firm’s Supply Chain Practice in the Americas. “Not only do product-cost variables vary widely by product type, but several factors, such as exchange rates, materials costs and labor agreements, can all have a dramatic impact on the outcome.”

Approximately 58% of the respondents said that for production that has either already been nearshored or is being considered for nearshoring, they have either reduced or expect to reduce their total “landed cost” by 5% to 20%. Landed cost is the calculation of all aspects of bringing a product to its point of sale, including transportation costs, duties and the expense of inventory in transit.

If current trends remain in place, on average, by 2015 the cost of importing manufactured products from China will be about the same as manufacturing them in the U.S. However, other key low-cost countries, such as Mexico and India, will remain highly competitive, thus highlighting the need for case-by-case analyses when evaluating nearshoring.

Click here for the full report.


HANNIBAL INDUSTRIES INVESTS IN NEW TRUCK FLEET

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(LOS ANGELES, CALIF.) – On Earth Day 2013 Hannibal Industries announced that it purchased a brand new truck fleet.  The company purchased six cleaner burning diesel tractors as a part of an initiative to reduce particle matter and nitrogen oxides emissions.

Hannibal Industries’ trucks are constantly delivering the more than 100,000 tons of steel the company manufactures and ships to its customers annually.

Hannibal Industries’ new truck fleet meets the California Air Resources Board regulations for trucks. For additional information on Hannibal Industries’ offerings, visit http://www.hannibalindustries.com/.  Connect with Hannibal Industries on Twitter @HannibalRack, the HannibalRack YouTube channel and on LinkedIn. 

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 largest U.S. manufacturers of steel pallet rack west of the Mississippi River.

The company’s 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.

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For more information please contact:
Ashton Maxfield
949.289.6493
ashton@masterplanpr.com

Deborah Choi
714.310.9651
deborah@masterplanpr.com
 

MHI Announces 2013 Material Handling and Logistics Research Grant Call for Proposals

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MHI announces that proposals are being solicited for material handling and logistics focused research projects to be conducted by academic institutions. MHI and CICMHE have allocated up to $100,000 in 2013 to fund three types of research proposals matched to the needs of faculty at different points in their professional careers.

The first type, the Startup Grant, provides a small amount of startup funding to attract young faculty to the industry. The second type, the Spark Grant, provides more traditional applied research project support. The third type, the Partnership Grant, helps faculty leverage the MHI and CICMHE funding to obtain significantly larger, typically multi-year grants. .

The lead institution and principal investigator for each type of grant must be in the United States or Canada. The research grant is provided by MHI through its College Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE).

"MHI and CICMHE are proud to support this important research, which will contribute significantly to the body of knowledge on ways to improve the material handling, logistics and supply chain operations," says Mike Ogle, MHI Vice President of Educational & Technical Services. "We are eager to support research that benefits the overall safety and productivity of manufacturing and distribution in the U.S. and beyond."

The first deadline for proposals is May 31, 2013. For questions regarding this research funding, contact Mike Ogle at 704-676-1190 or visit www.mhi.org/cicmhe.

MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. The association also sponsors trade events, such as ProMat and MODEX to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate industry professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics.

CICMHE is an independent organization that prepares and provides information, teaching materials and various events in support of material handling education and research. Founded in 1952, the main body of CICMHE is composed of thirteen college and university educators. Additional members are drawn from material handling equipment manufacturers, distributors, users and consultants, representatives of the business press, and professional staff members of organizations concerned with material handling education. CICMHE encourages research and sponsors educational seminars and training courses. Through its various programs and diverse representation of membership, CICMHE facilitates the interchange of information among concerned individuals in industry, academia and in the user community to aid in improving and implementing material handling education.

Contact: Carol Miller, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, MHI, (704) 676-1190.

John Mazock VP of Manufacturing for Seegrid Helps Develop Leading Robotic Industrial Trucks

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Pittsburgh, PA—John Mazock has held the position as vice president of manufacturing at Seegrid for two and a half years.  According to Chief Administrative Officer, David Heilman, “Mazock joining the Seegrid team was a strategic move.  With his vast experience in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma program management, and quality systems, he has strengthened our manufacturing process and developed industry leading quality and manufacturing teams.”

Mazock has over twenty years of experience in manufacturing management.  Prior to Seegrid, he was director of operations at L-3 Communications, Brashear Division.  He also served as director of manufacturing for Matthew’s International, iDL Division.  During his tenure as production manager for Sony, Mazock received the Sony Gold award for his participation in the startup of the first synchronous CRT and television final assembly manufacturing system, and was recognized with the Leads with Action award.  Mazock holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from University of Pittsburgh and is a Six Sigma champion.

Mazock commented, “While other sensor technologies in the material handling industry are at their limits of what they can do, Seegrid’s vision technology has limitless potential. As tasks and applications for robotic vehicles evolve and become more challenging, Seegrid has the technical foundation to meet the challenge. From the moment I understood Seegrid’s vision-guided product, I knew that it was something really big…a game changer in the industry. I had experience with AGVs in manufacturing operations and had abandoned them due to their cost and lack of flexibility. The Seegrid system provides the value of an AGV at a fraction of the cost, and without the loss of the flexibility that lean operations require.” stated Mazock.

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 some of the 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. Follow Seegrid Corporation on Twitter at @Seegrid.

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For more information please contact:
Michael Hasco
mhasco@seegrid.com
412-379-4500 x237

Amanda Merrell
amerrell@seegrid.com
412-389-4500 x184

Pine State Trading Co. Improves Productivity & Performance with ProTrack Labor Management Solution

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Long Grove, IL – TZA, a technology and engineering company specializing in the optimization of labor performance and operational effectiveness across the entire supply chain, announced today that Pine State Trading Co. has selected TZA’s ProTrack Labor Management Solutions to boost labor efficiencies and manage costs across its distribution and delivery network. Founded in 1941, Pine State Trading Co. is a New England leader in the marketing and distribution of convenience and beverage products.

“Pine State Trading Co. has been providing extremely high quality products and services to our customers throughout our history,” said Keith Canning, managing partner. "We are committed to providing our employees with the technology, process improvement and training in order to make this program a win-win for our entire organization and our customers. The implementation of TZA’s labor management solution allows us to continue to develop and maintain a high performance culture across our distribution network.”

“Pine State Trading Co. has a very long history of success as an organization and the entire leadership team has shown tremendous support for this program and is committed to implementing a sustainable high performance culture,” said Evan Danner, president at TZA. “We are very pleased to have Pine State Trading Co. join the growing ProTrack customer community. By implementing a complete labor management program across their distribution operations, as well as their fleet of more than 100 vehicles and delivery drivers, Pine State Trading Co. is taking a holistic approach to improving supply chain productivity in support of their business and operational goals.”

ProTrack is an industry leading labor management solution that enables customers to achieve productivity gains of 10% to 30% or more across their distribution, manufacturing, administration and delivery operations.

About Pine State Trading Co.
Pine State Trading Co. (www.pinestatetrading.com) is a New England leader in the marketing and distribution of convenience and beverage products. They are a family-owned company with over 800 employees who are each empowered to exceed your expectations. Pine State offers a diversified sales, marketing, and logistics network to serve over 5,000 customers and are committed to investing in the people and the technology necessary to consistently deliver quality consumer products and services.

About TZA
TZA (www.tza.com) is a technology-based company that helps clients optimize enterprise-wide labor performance. TZA’s cloud-based ProTrack Labor Management Software provides industry-leading capabilities for planning, monitoring and measuring workforce productivity and utilization. Since 1984, more than 20,000 users across hundreds of sites in manufacturing, distribution and retail have saved millions of dollars annually due to continuous workforce productivity gains and supply chain process improvements. ProTrack is supported by world-class services including Lean Best Practices, Engineered Labor Standards, Performance Management, Organizational Development/Training and Supply Chain Consulting.

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For more information please contact:
George Huhta
(847) 540-6543 ext. 124
ghuhta@tza.com

Top Sales Managers, Salespersons, Sales Coordinators and Rental Managers of 2013 for CLARK

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Lexington, KY – CLARK Material Handling Company has announced the recipients of its Sales Manager, Salesperson, Sales Coordinator, and Rental Manager of the Year awards for 2013. These winners achieved excellent growth in CLARK forklift trucks sales and rentals in 2012 throughout North America and Mexico and are recognized as outstanding contributors to the continued success of CLARK.

With over 80 dealers and 200 locations in North America and Mexico to service our customers, CLARK is proud to recognize the following CLARK professionals:

Top Sales Managers
Dan Rivard of Fraza Forklifts – Detroit, MI
John Patterson of Material Handling, Inc. – Dalton, GA
Wally Painter of The Lilly Company – Knoxville, TN
Carlos Cardenas of MYMMSA – Mexico City, Mexico
Fred Hnatiw of Cervus Equipment Corporation – Calgary, AB Canada
Mike Milhoan of Homestead Materials Handling Co. – Roanoke, VA

Top Salespersons
Derrell Finch of Equipment Depot – Houston, TX
Ricardo Garcia of AMECO – Monterrey, Mexico
Keith Nichols of Forklifts of Minnesota, Inc. – Minneapolis, MN
Johnny Blanton of The Lilly Company – Knoxville, TN
Bill Moffatt of Cervus Equipment Corporation – Edmonton, AB Canada
Doug Dixon of Sooner Lift, Inc. – Oklahoma City, OK
Breck Lehman of CSI Material Handling, Inc. – New Castle, DE

Top Rental Managers
Aurora Robles of OZMAQ S.A. DE C.V. – San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Bruce Deford of National Lift Truck, Inc. – Chicago, IL
Adam Brass of Naumann Hobbs Material Handling – Phoenix, AZ
Terry Maner of Burke Handling Systems, Inc. – Jackson, MS
Kay Mallory of Jefferds Corporation – St. Albans, WV

Top Sales Coordinators
Marge Miranda of National Lift Truck, Inc. – Chicago, IL
Mike Samuel of Naumann Hobbs Material Handling – Phoenix, AZ
Karen Kosatka of Louisiana Lift & Equipment – Baton Rouge, LA
Cosme Lopez of CEPAMOSA – Guadalajara, Mexico
Helen Dunlap of The Lilly Company – Knoxville, TN
Robin Lyons of Sooner Lift, Inc. – Oklahoma City, OK
Pam Calabrese of CSI Material Handling, Inc. – Bethlehem, PA

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. Headquartered in Lexington, KY, CLARK is privately held by the Young An Company of South Korea, and is present in 102 global markets, including the support of 550 dealer locations. A full range of I.C. and Electric trucks for diverse applications are available in the CLARK product line. In 2008, CLARK ranked #1 “Best in Value” on Modern Material Handling magazine's consumer survey.

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 informaiton please contact:

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

Creating an integrated, real-time supply chain

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A recent report from Bloomberg Businessweek Research Services titled Supply Chain Innovation Driving Operational Improvements illustrates how crucial innovative supply chain tools are for corporations that want to meet performance expectations and complete complex processes. The survey polled 318 vice presidents, directors, and C-level executives who represent companies in several sectors for the report. They indicated that the next two years will see an increase in the adoption of supply chain tools to better manage business processes. While 75 percent of decision-makers said forecasting and planning tools help achieve certain goals, supply chain visibility technology that optimizes real-time data is becoming more important.

To achieve an integrated, real-time supply chain, advanced management solutions are needed as well as data analytics technology that can translate real-time reports into actionable insight to support changes or strategies moving forward. Real-time information supports decision making and enables a more flexible environment in which supply chains can respond quickly to market dynamics and consumer demand.

Seventy-three percent of survey participants said supply chain analytics tools are important to their companies' goals, and 71 percent said analytics tools need to be more predictive. To enhance the ability to forecast supply chain performance, 73 percent of respondents said that by 2014 they plan to upgrade their software with supply chain analytics tools, and 71 percent said they will install supply chain traceability tools.

Other key findings in the report are:

  • Demand-driven supply forecasting/planning leads all supply chain tools in level of importance and level of adoption. Getting this task right is seen as key to supply chain management
  • Although deployment of supply chain management tools lags the expressed level of importance, adoption and upgrading will grow over the next two years across the board for these tools
  • Supply chain tools that support the creation of real-time supply chains, such as multilevel inventory optimization, demand signal repository, sales and operations planning, and leveraging point-of-sale data, are not widely adopted yet. However, they are recognized as highly important and are on track to be adopted more quickly over the next two years than most other tools.
  • Mobile access to supply chain tools and data is gradually happening. Fifty-one percent of respondents expect employees to have mobile device access to demand and supply forecasting/planning data by 2014, up from today's 28 percent, who say it is available now.

Click here to view the complete report.

MHI's Storage Manufacturer's Association rebrands with new name and logo

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The Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association Industry Group of MHI announces the changing of its name to the Storage Manufacturers Association (SMA). The name change includes a new logo and branding to better reflect the diversity of the solutions SMA members provide. These solutions range from storage systems, steel shelving, bin shelving, industrial work platforms (mezzanines), work and assembly stations, modular drawers, clothing storage lockers, movable base storage and containers for the manufacturing and distribution environment.

"The new name more accurately reflects the focus of SMA as it continues to represent a wide range of suppliers who deliver best-in-class industrial storage solutions," says SMA Chair Keith Shipman. "The decision to change our name and logo reflects SMA's desire to have our brand more accurately reflect our membership and the role we play in the industry."

SMA members will continue to promote the industry and create standards for design, performance and proper operation of industrial storage equipment. SMA standards include the Specification for the Design, Manufacture, and Installation of Industrial Steel Work Platforms - MH28.3 and Specifications for the Design and Testing of Metal-Wood Shelving-ANSI MH 28.2-2003.

The Storage Manufacturers Association (SMA) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of industrial storage equipment. They supply storage solutions worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. Industrial storage equipment includes steel shelving, industrial work platforms (mezzanines), work and assembly stations, modular drawer equipment, clothing storage lockers, movable base storage equipment, storage containers and directly related equipment.

MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling, logistics and supply chain equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. The association sponsors trade events, such as ProMat and MODEX to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics.

Contact: Carol Miller, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, MHI (704) 676-1190.


First Meeting of the Material Handling and Logistics Industry U.S. Roadmap Held in Atlanta

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The first meeting for the development of the U.S. Roadmap for Material Handling and Logistics was held in Atlanta, GA on Tuesday, April 16th and Wednesday, April 17th. There were 37 participants meeting in a series of face-to-face full group and breakout sessions where they discussed capabilities that the industry needs to develop over the next ten years.

The companies and organizations involved in the Atlanta meeting were:
ATI Industrial Automation, Boeing, Coca-Cola, DC Velocity, Genuine Parts, Georgia ACTE, Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics, Georgia Tech, Grenzebach, Gwinnett County Public Schools, Hamilton Casters, Knapp Logistics Automation, Liberty Technologies, Lift Atlanta, Metro Atlanta Chamber, MHI, Polk State College, Reed Exhibitions, Rock Hill Schools, Smith Drug, South Fulton Parkway Alliance, Southworth Products, SSI Schaefer, Starrco, Stone Cross Group, Supply Chain Brain, The Progress Group, Unex Manufacturing, Virginia Tech, Warehousing Education and Research Council.

The purpose of the U.S. Roadmap on Material Handling and Logistics is to help the industry determine how logistics and supply chain trends and challenges can be turned into action plans to develop needed capabilities over the next ten years. The Roadmap will be developed by gathering thought leaders industry, universities and government to participate in roundtable style discussions. The remaining Roadmap meetings will be held May 7-8 Washington, D.C., June 4-5 in Los Angeles and June 26-27 in Chicago.

The results of each event will be rolled up into a single U.S. Roadmap for Material Handling and Logistics report and action plan that will be available for general release by the end of 2013.

The Material Handling and Logistics Industry U.S. Roadmap is a collaborative industry effort, involving five association partners and eight publication partners.

Association Partners:

  • Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution (CELDi)
  • College Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE)
  • Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA)
  • MHI
  • Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC)

Publication Partners:

  • CSCMP’s Supply Chain Quarterly
  • DC Velocity
  • Inbound Logistics
  • Logistics Management
  • Material Handling & Logistics
  • Modern Materials Handling
  • Supply Chain Brain
  • Supply Chain Management Review

Call for US Roadmap for Material Handling and Logistics Participants
The MHL Roadmap is currently seeking thought leaders to participate in the upcoming workshops. Your participation will not only provide you with the recognition of being a part of the development of this strategic industry initiative but will enable you to:

  • Network with thought leaders across a wide variety of backgrounds, interests and expertise
  • Bring new ideas back to use in your business and in your career
  • Directly influence the future direction of the industry
  • Raise awareness of the importance of material handling and logistics to the US economy
  • Gain new perspectives on the industry and how it should work in the future

MHI is providing administrative and financial support for the development of the Roadmap. For more information and to participate, visit www.MHLroadmap.org or email info@MHLroadmap.org.

Turn Grate Floors into Great Floors with ResinDek® from Cornerstone Specialty Wood Products, LLC

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Cincinnati, Ohio – Cornerstone Specialty Wood Products, LLC has found a recovering economy requires major rework for numerous mezzanine floor materials in existing warehouses.

Flooring products such as concrete, plywood, bar and plank grate with time can create safety hazards and work barriers since they potentially peel, delaminate, crack, bend and gap causing items to fall through on workers below or just become very difficult to walk and roll wheels over.

The Internet and the marketplace require quick response time and a distribution warehouse cannot afford a bad floor to hinder those demands.

Therefore, the team at Cornerstone Specialty Wood Products has found itself in a unique position of not only replacing these outdated damaged floors, but in reworking them to avoid business interruptions and higher costs for their customers.

ResinDek® is an engineered wood panel that has been designed for the material handling marketplace, which means it performs better than plywood, concrete, plank grating or bar grating because it has been engineered for these fast moving logistical environments with heavy traffic and loads.

So with Savings, Safety and Solutions Cornerstone Specialty Wood Products’ ResinDek® is a great fix for these structural platforms that are being retrofitted for additional supplies, people and movement.

With ResinDek® you can rest assured that your employees are walking on a more ergonomic floor that has better stain resistance, is solid-so no more worries about stuff falling below overhead like bar grate, static build-up reduction to protect employees and equipment, and can support weight loads from 1,250-8,000 lbs.

What some customers like the most, is it can be installed on top of existing floors allowing work to continue while repairs and rework are occurring. 

“Savings can range from $100,000 to over $1 million dollars by using our repair methods versus replacing the entire mezzanine floor and structure,” stated Keith Shipman, National Sales Manager at Cornerstone Specialty Wood Products, LLC.

As a world leader in mezzanine flooring, Cornerstone Specialty Wood Products, LLC manufactures and distributes USA made ResinDek® flooring globally to international fulfillment centers, pick modules, warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing and storage facilities.  ResinDek® is offered in several grades for weight bearing load requirements and is available with enhanced finishes such as Diamond Seal®, certified static control and static guard to keep these economical, ergonomic and environmentally friendly structural work platform floors industry preferred. 

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For more information please contact:
Keith Shipman
Kshipman@resindek.com
888-755-3048
http://www.resindek.com
http://www.resindek.com/Mezzanine-Floors-vs-Concrete
http://www.resindek.com/Videos

Debbie Newhouse
502-593-7799
dnewhouse@resindek.com

 

NEW FLIPAK HELPS REDUCE RETURN TRANSPORTATION COSTS

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OCONOMOWOC, WIS. – ORBIS Corporation, a manufacturer of sustainable reusable packaging and an expert in supply chain optimization, has launched the FP143, the newest addition to the FliPak product line of plastic containers. The FP143 container can be used for grocery, health and beauty care, automotive and consumer goods applications while cutting unnecessary transportation costs.

ORBIS attached-lid containers have transformed modern distribution systems for more than 25 years. The FP143 continues the tradition of innovation with a design that works in many automation systems in today’s supply chains. The reusable plastic attached-lid container takes the place of corrugated shipping boxes for long-term reduction in packaging costs, a durability that means greater overall operational efficiency and space savings.

Like all FliPak containers, the FP143 stacks when full and nests when empty for a more efficient use of available space. In addition, it features a highly efficient nest ratio, reducing the need for additional transportation expenses – helping companies keep their environmental impact at a minimum.

Designed and engineered to provide superior user efficiency, the FP143:

•      Minimizes automated system downtime – With a new optional tab on the lid that snaps easily into place to keep the lid closed on conveyors and automated systems

•      Reduces transportation costs – With a highly efficient nest ratio, more empty containers can be shipped per trip in a standard 53’ trailer

•      Improves load handling with the ability to band across the length or width of the container

•      Cuts labor costs by eliminating the mess and work time associated with the setup or disposal of corrugated shipping boxes and the waste they generate

“The FP143 is an example of how ORBIS utilizes design and engineering to deliver benefits at every step of the process for our customers, while keeping the environment top-of-mind,” says Andrea Nottestad, marketing manager for ORBIS Corporation. “In addition to its built-in efficiencies as a stackable, reusable plastic tote, we’ve added a simple yet ultimately effective snap as an option to keep lids closed without the need for extra materials such as tape or cable ties so it doesn’t open or jam on conveyors.” 

Additional benefits of the FP143 include:

•      Hinge improvements minimize snags and safety hazards

•      Textured areas on the long and short sides, for easy label removal

•      Lid design that transfers weight to the base of the container, supporting high weight loads

•      Dual color options – the ability to select separate lid and base colors

•      Security holes that work well with ties, fastener plugs, etc.

•      Increased truckload quantity – 1,200 more totes per 53’ truck than alternative totes

•      Straight handle for improved interface with automation

With an extended service life of up to 250 trips, these containers add efficiencies with a return on investment in six to 18 months (length of service life and payback time depends on specific application).

“Our goal is to help companies move their products more efficiently, more cost-effectively, and with a reusable container that will give them a significantly reduced payback period. This container helps us do just that,” says Nottestad.  

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, please visit www.orbiscorporation.com, www.linkedin.com/company/orbis-corporation, www.facebook.com/ORBISCorporation, or www.youtube.com/orbiscorp.

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

Heather Markovich
414-299-3965
hmarkovich@corecreative.com

TZA Enhances ProTrack Labor Management System with Dynamic Alerting, Mobile App, and Enterprise Dashboards

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Dallas, TX – TZA, a technology-enabled company specializing in the optimization of labor performance and operational effectiveness across the entire supply chain, announced today a new and enhanced release of its cloud-based ProTrack Labor Management System. These enhancements provide accelerated access and visibility to critical workforce information and processes:

•Dynamic Alerting helps your management team to proactively keep tabs on any operational, service level and performance issues as they happen – and before they escalate into larger problems. The ProTrack alerting engine monitors all of the key metrics in your operation and allows the user to customize the thresholds for each metric and assign the subscribers to each alert. It can then send out notifications via email, text message or mobile app to the appropriate resource whenever an alert rule is triggered. The alerting engine also monitors responses to alerts and can be configured to escalate alerts accordingly.

•Mobile Alerts App provides users with anywhere, anytime access to ProTrack’s dynamic alerts and messaging from their iPhone. Using the mobile app, managers and supervisors can receive, review, acknowledge or escalate alerts. The app provides secure access to ProTrack LMS on the shop floor, in the warehouse, at a retail location or when traveling. It extends the decision-making information from ProTrack to improve labor productivity on a 24/7, real-time basis.

•Enterprise Dashboards help users manage their operations with up-to-the-minute, at-a-glance performance and analytical reporting.  ProTrack dashboards redefine the user experience with more presentation options, interface enhancements, and expanded drill-down capabilities, providing the ability to visualize, analyze and share performance, volumetric and analytic data including utilization, quality levels, discipline, incentive pay, delays, indirect times, travel times and distances, and equipment usage. Users can also import data from databases, spreadsheets, XML and other data sources to display all relevant KPIs and metrics from a single dashboard.

Additional enhancements include an upgraded incentive engine to manage multiple plans and payout calculations, expanded time clock functionality for companies not using a time and attendance system, and new kiosk sign in/sign out to ease daily punch in process.

“The addition of one of the market’s first mobile apps, dynamic alerting and intuitive dashboards redefine how our users at all levels of the enterprise can plan, monitor and manage their workforce and run their operation at lower cost," says Andy Recard, vice president, labor management practice at TZA. “TZA is moving labor management technology and programs forward with ProTrack’s innovative functionality and improved user experience.”

About TZA
TZA (www.tza.com) is a technology-based company that helps clients optimize enterprise-wide labor performance. TZA’s cloud-based ProTrack Labor Management Software provides industry-leading capabilities for planning, monitoring and measuring workforce productivity and utilization. Since 1984, more than 20,000 users across hundreds of sites in manufacturing, distribution and retail have saved millions of dollars annually due to continuous workforce productivity gains and supply chain process improvements. ProTrack is supported by world-class services including Lean Best Practices, Engineered Labor Standards, Performance Management, Organizational Development/Training and Supply Chain Consulting.

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For more information please contact:
George Huhta
(847) 540-6543 ext. 124
ghuhta@tza.com
 

CM AirStar Chain Hoist Now With Longer Service Life and Superior Air Leak Protection

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AMHERST, N.Y. – Columbus McKinnon Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCO), a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of material handling products is proud to present the CM AirStar Chain Hoist with new enhancements that give this popular hoist best-in-class performance even for the most demanding applications.

The CM AirStar chain hoist now boasts a longer service life and superior air leak protection due to new upgrades to the control manifold and air seals. Available in ¼ to 1 ton capacities, the CM AirStar offers faster lifting speeds and lower operating costs with lower air consumption than its competitors.

For years, the CM Airstar has always been a reliable and rugged air hoist for applications requiring variable speed control. These new design enhancements will continue that legacy of meeting the high demands of industries like automotive manufacturing. For more product details and specifications, please visit www.cmworks.com/Hoists/AirHoists/CMAirStarChainHoist.

The American-made CM AirStar Chain Hoist is available through the Columbus McKinnon network of distributors. To learn more about the products and services offered and to find a list of distributors, please contact customer service at 1-800-888-0985 or go
to www.cmworks.com.

About Columbus McKinnon
Columbus McKinnon is a global leader in the material handling industry, supplying products and systems that efficiently and ergonomically move, lift, position or secure materials. Key products include hoists, cranes, actuators, chain and forged attachments. The Company is focused on commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality provided by its superior design and engineering know-how. Comprehensive information on Columbus McKinnon is available on its web site at http://www.cmworks.com.

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For more information please contact:

Joshua Karczewski
716-689-5568
joshua.karczewski@cmworks.com

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