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

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

Conference Held In Chicago This Week for Forklift Parts, Service Managers

The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association is holding its annual conference in a convention center just outside Chicago this week. The event’s theme this year is “Delivering a Superior Customer  Service Experience for Your Parts and Service Customers.” The conference is scheduled to be held Wednesday and Thursday at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare hotel … Read more

Battery-Free AGVs Allow Heavier Loads, Longer Work Time

Automated Guided Vehicles, which essentially are driverless forklifts, have been used for many years in industrial and warehouse applications to carry lighter loads along preprogrammed pathways. But up until now, because they are battery-powered, they have been limited in the amount of weight they can carry and how long they can remain on the job … Read more

Private Investment Group Buys Stake in Oshkosh Corp.

About 10.1% of the shares of equipment maker Oshkosh Corp. have been purchased by a private investment group, according to industry news reports. The purchase of more than 8.7 million shares by Capital World Investors, a Los Angeles-based division of Capital Research and Management Co., was publicly disclosed via a mandatory filing with the US Securities … Read more

Environmentally Friendly Use for Post-Consumer Barrels

As gardening season winds down for the year, home gardening enthusiasts already are making their plans for next year’s growing season. One option is a gravity-based irrigation system. Barrels made of fiberglass, wood, earthenware or polyethylene are ideal for building such a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly system for irrigating a home garden — or even … Read more

Toyota Named Green Supply Chain Partner By Trade Publication

Toyota Materials Handling USA Inc. has been named to Inbound Logistics’ list of Green Supply Chain Partners for 2013, according to a company news release. It was the fifth consecutive year that the manufacturer of materials handling equipment has been named to the list. The company – based in Irvine, California — was recognized for its … Read more