The South Will Rise Again … With Advanced Manufacturing?

The key to the American South’s future economic prosperity may lie with advance manufacturing, according to a report issued by the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation. The report was commissioned by the Southern Governor’s Association. That organizations president, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, said Southern states should band together to support a common goal of creating … Read more

The Amazing Packaging Race to Be Held at PACK EXPO

Packaging students from six universities will participate in “The Amazing Packaging Race”, a takeoff on the popular CBS television series, “The Amazing Race”, during this year’s PACK EXPO, to be held September 23 to 25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Teams of students will compete for points by completing complicated packaging-related tasks at the booths or participating … Read more

Expert Says Increase In Forklift Accidents May Be Related to Improved Economy

A leading forklift safety official says the recent upsurge in forklift accidents could be directly related to the global economic recovery. Stuart Taylor, of Mentor Training, says sudden economic changes — both up and down — usually are accompanied by an increase in forklift accidents. “The connection between the recession and accidents is clear,” Taylor said in prepared … Read more

New Software Designed to Integrate, Simplify Warehouse Operations

A new web-based software program introduced by Wynright Corporation, of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, allows warehouse operators to integrate their warehouse control systems that control real-time activities in their facility with their warehouse management systems, which control overall operations. The software, called Wynsoft, allows for greater efficiency, improved accuracy and lower costs as materials move through … Read more

Workbenches Can Add Value, Efficiency to the Workplace

Industrial workbenches provide workers a place to perform essential job functions and can improve productivity, help reduce inefficiencies, and improve profitability and have long been a staple in warehouses, factories and even laboratories. From vibration-sensitive workbenches that can accommodate high tech microscopes to heavy-duty workbenches for specialized tools and equipment, installing the proper workbench in … Read more

Early Materials Handling Job Made Lasting Impression on University President

Minor events that happen to us when we are younger can make an important and lasting impression that can be felt throughout our lives, Letourneau University President Dale Lunsford recently told a group of incoming students at the school, which is located in Longview, Texas. During the university’s annual convocation chapel, which was held August 26, Lunsford told a group … Read more

Fuel Cells, Hydrogen Energy to Take Center Stage in October

Issues related to fuel cells and hydrogen energy will be the focus of two events to be held during October. On Oct. 9 and 10, the California Hydrogen Business Council will hold its second annual fuel cell summit at the Sacramento headquarters of the state’s Environmental Protection Agency. Later in the month, the South Carolina … Read more

Toyota Introduces AGVs for Handling Cargo Containers

Automated Guided Vehicles, which essentially are driverless heavy equipment vehicles, have been sold by Toyota to Japanese cargo handling companies for many years, but now the company wants to offer the vehicles in the US, according to news reports. The decision was made to offer the vehicles to US markets after Toyota determined that port … Read more

Are Forklift Operators Becoming Obsolete?

For nearly a century, forklift operators and drivers of other materials handling equipment have been able to rely upon a steady supply of work. Being a certified forklift operator meant that there was  always a job thanks to the central role forklifts and other heavy equipment play in the warehouse and manufacturing industries. But now that mainstay is being … Read more