material handling solutions

Client Demands Results in Material Handling Partnership

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With the increase for client demands in the material handling business, Bastian Solutions has announced a partnership with Seegrid. According to insiders, they both fulfill client demands and both companies are satisfied with partnership. Referencing the partnership, National Account Manager for Seegrid stated “Seegrid is very happy to partner with Bastian Solutions. The innovation and … Read more

Material Handling Issues Solved with Air Cannon

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A coal operation in South Africa has solved material build-up problems with their material handling transfer chute that feeds it’s export silo bin with a timed series of air cannons that blast accumulation from chute and vessel walls, preventing bottlenecks and maintains throughput rates.The 50/50 joint venture company utilizes a twin-module washing operation that delivers … Read more

Program for Next Generation of Material Handling Leaders

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The 2013 Emerging Leaders Conference is set for August 1 in Chicago, will take place in one day, and focus on leadership development, career advancement and networking. Liz Richards, EVP, of MHEDA states that “HEDA is looking forward to partnering with MHI to present an exciting new program for the next generation of material handling … Read more

Material Handling Made Easy With Smart 3D

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Since Intergraph is consolidating it’s market-leading, material handling design solutions entities into one single solution; Smart 3D. It is scheduled for commercial release to customers in the process, power, offshore and marine industries later this year. Beta testing began this past week, and many of Intergraph’s clients will be involved, along with being participants in … Read more

Mobile Robots Make Warehouse Ops Cheaper and More Efficient

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mobile robots for warehousesMobile robots have been used in manufacturing for decades, but thanks to their shrinking costs and the needs for businesses to increase efficiencies and lower expenses, they are starting to appear more frequently in warehouse and distribution applications.

Corey Ryan, medical account manager for KUKA Robotics, based in Shelby Township, Michigan, said that in recent years robots have been showing up in more and more businesses, not just manufacturing.

“We increased interest in mobile robotics across all industries,” Ryan told the website Robotics Online. “The ability of one mobile robot to service several locations and perform a greatly expanded  range of task offers a great appeal for specialized applications.”

Giant Eagle Uses Robots to Cut Warehouse Costs

One success story is Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle, a leading supermarket chain that operates in four Eastern states. The company currently is using pallet-handling mobile robots in its 440,000-square-foot food  distribution center outside of Pittsburgh. Four double pallet robots, which resemble driver-less forklift truck, handle much of the facility’s putaway operations. Another four mobile robots are being used at a Giant Eagle distribution center in Cleveland, Ohio.

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How to Reduce Your Shipping Costs

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Thanks to the rise in E-Commerce, most companies today are shipping their products to their clients or customers more often than ever before. But this added convenience for the end user often means additional expenses for vendors, which usually are passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices or additional charges. Yet some companies … Read more

How to Select the Best Corrugated Box for Your Shipping Needs

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How to Select the Right Corrugated Box for Your Shipping NeedsCorrugated boxes represent the vast majority of the packaging industry in the United States, carrying between 90 and 95% of the nation’s manufactured goods to consumers. Approximately 25 billion corrugated boxes are produced annually, an average of 500 boxes for every family in the US.

Part of their popularity resides in their durability. Corrugated boxes are made from two or more sheets of liner board and one or more fluted sheets of corrugating medium. Nearly all the liner boards are made from kraft, which is a type of paperboard created from virgin softwood lumber. About two-thirds of the corrugating medium is made by through a semi-chemical pulping process of virgin hardwood fibers, with the remaining third made from plant waste and recycled medium, which is used corrugated boxes collected from supermarkets and shopping centers.

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Mobile Poly Strapping Machines Ensure Secure Shipments

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Mobile Poly Strapping MachineIf your business ships bundled products such as newspapers, pipe, lumber, concrete block and other items, you may want to consider investing in a mobile poly strapping machine. Strapping, also known as bundling or banding, is the process of applying a strap around an item to hold it together tightly during transport. By restricting movement, products can be shipped more safely and with less product damage or loss.

Variable Speeds and Tensions

A mobile poly strapping machine utilizes a polypropylene strap that can automatically be applied to multiple packages — up to 15 per minute in some cases. The straps can be applied at adjustable tensions of 10 to 100 lbs.

The straps themselves are available in various lengths, thicknesses and polymer variations depending on your specific needs. They also can be embossed or imprinted with your company’s logo or branding.

Strapping can be done either horizontally or vertically. Edge protectors are sometimes used to help spread the load at the corners and reduce damage to the load by the tension of the strap.

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Equipment Rental to Continue Trending Upward in 2014, Industry Report Says

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Equipment Rental Industry Growh Expected to Continue to GrowThe US equipment rental market is expected to grow 9.8% in 2014, according to a report released this week by the American Rental Association. And it is expected to increase even further, to 11.8%, in 2015.

During 2013, the US equipment rental industry grew 7.3% over 2012, with $33.6 billion in revenues projected, the ARA report stated. The reason for the strong forecast was anticipated growth in residential construction as the nation continues to bounce back from the housing crisis of the past several years.

“The US equipment rental market is expected to continue its upward trajectory and show significant growth through 2017,” according to a summary of the report, called the ARA’s Rental Market Monitor. “Strong growth in real residential construction through 2015 will fuel the construction and industrial equipment segment.”

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Haeco Will Demonstrate Famatec Manipulators at ProMat 2013

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A Famatec ergonomic manipulator allows its operator to handle objects weighing hundreds of pounds with ease and safety. The manipulators – sold in the United States by Ohio-based Haeco – can be useful to many material handling operations, from pallet loading to plate glass installing to automotive assembly. Almost any object, whether smooth or rough, … Read more