Dan M Lower labor and energy costs are causing Mexican imports into the US to grow larger annually, and within five years the nation could even topple China as our largest importer, according to a new report issued by the Boston Consulting Group. By 2018, the Mexican economy could grow by $20 billion to $60 billion annually, according to the report entitled “Made … Read more
Having a planned replacement strategy for your fleet of lift trucks and other materials handling equipment is the key to maximizing your fleet’s value and reducing overall operating and maintenance costs. Generally, lift trucks have a useful life of about 10,000 to 12,000 operational hours, depending on maintenance practices, operating conditions and the type of … Read more
Two museums will receive antique materials handling equipment from the turn of the 20th Century thanks to the Raymond Corporation, a manufacturer of lift trucks and other materials handling equipment based in Greene, New York, according to a company news release. Two cast metal wheel carts that had been used at the Lyon Iron Works … Read more
Wrapping pallets and other materials in stretch film can save your company money, cut down on product loss and damage, and improve operational efficiencies. Stretch Film Saves Money Using stretch film is a great way to save money. It can be used to consolidate loads, making them less time intensive than handling loose boxes. This … Read more
Randall Manufacturing — an Elmhurst, Illinois, building solutions company — recently launched a series of interviews with commercial building experts discussing the “green” building trends that can be expected over the next several years. The interview series is based on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program launched by the US Green Building Council. … Read more
A new lift table introduced by Southworth Products, of Portland, Maine, lowers to just 3-1/2″ above the floor and can accommodate any skid or pallet, including closed bottom designs, up to 2,200 pounds. The LiftMat comes with an optional diamond-plate ramp that allows workerst o feed and offload it using a hand pallet jack or … Read more
Did you ever walk into a chain pharmacy or discount store wonder how in the world they can keep track of the tens of thousands of separate products they offer for sale? Typically, central distribution centers will warehouse nearly all of their products — such as toilet paper, gum and both prescription and over-the-counter medications — and … Read more
Columbus McKinnon has rolled out what it calls its lightest and most compact 3/4 and 1-1/2 ton ratchet hoist ever. The ratchet hoist, called the CM Bandit, currently is available in Canada and will be sold in the US starting next month, according to a company news release. What makes it unique is its compact design and … Read more
Editor’s Note: This is the second of special two-part series on scissors lift safety. When used correctly, scissors lifts can improve operational efficiency, help maintain optimal ergonomic conditions for workers, and increase productivity. In order to maximize your use of a scissors lift in your materials handling operation, there are a number of considerations to take … Read more
Editor’s Note: This is the first of a two-part series on scissors lift safety. Scissors lifts are a helpful tool in the warehouse and manufacturing environment because they allow workers to perform tasks at a comfortable, ergonomically improved height. But they also can be dangerous if not used correctly. Michael Renken, vice president of sales for … Read more
