Material Handling

Increasing Warehouse Space for Less, Part 3

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how work platforms can make your facility more efficientEditor’s Note: This is the last in a series of blogs examining the benefits of work platforms in warehouse and manufacturing facilities.

Work platforms offer warehouse operators a fast, efficient and affordable way to increase their existing warehouse storage space. But they also can be used for a wide variety of operations.

Picking operations, value-added services, sorting systems, slow-moving inventory storage, fast-response processing and other functions can all be facilitated by work platforms. That’s because they offer the full functionality of new construction or the addition of a mezzanine or other renovations to existing facilities without the expense or downtime.

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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

Increasing Warehouse Space for Less, Part 2

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work platform solutions for warehousesEditor’s Note: This is the second in a series of blogs examining the most efficient and affordable ways to optimize existing warehouse space

Thanks to near universal access to the Internet and web’s elimination of geographic boundaries, many companies today are turning to e-commerce as a way to increase their customer base. While this usually results in more business, it also typically requires more warehouse space.

One of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to optimize your existing space — without having to invest heavily in new construction or renovations — is to install work platforms. These sturdy, steel structures allow warehouse operators to utilize vertical space, maximizing their cost-per-square-foot.

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Material Handling Equipment Forecast Shows Growth

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Material handling equipment new orders grew by over 7% in 2012, and are expected to grow by 5 or 6% by the end of 2013. The growth it is expected to be at 10% by 2014. States MHI executive consultant, Hal Vandiver, “as the current US economic expansion shifts from capital expenditure driven to consumer-led, … Read more

Increasing Warehouse Space for Less, Part 1

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work platforms warehouse solutionsEditor’s Note: This is the first of a three-part series on innovative ways to increase warehouse space.

Rapid growth is every business’s objective, but it can sometimes have unintended consequences.

When companies experience a sudden upswing in business, it often requires them to find additional warehouse space. Building new facilities requires substantial capital investment. And seeking out more leased space can be time-consuming, not to mention the logistical issues it can cause when products are located in multiple locations.

Need More Room? Try Looking Up!

Another option that most warehouse operators sometimes don’t consider is to make better use of their vertical space. This can be achieved by either adding on a mezzanine — or essentially a second floor that runs wall to wall within the warehouse — or by simply installing work platforms.

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Clean Energy Fuels BMW’s Forklift Fleet

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With Plug Power’s recent expansion with BMW Manufacturing Co., has brought its clean energy fleet to 275 units. Thus, making it the largest fleet in North America. BMW Manufacturing Co. has a firm commitment to being economically friendly, as well as improving and incorporating modern technology in its production processes. In 2003, BMW equipped more … Read more

Handtruck Manufacturer’s Handle Allows Ease for Deliveries

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In the popular Material Handling Product News magazine, the Magline extractor handle for two-wheel handtrucks, has been featured as the product of the month. The extractor allows drivers to easily pull hand trucks out from loads. It is “offered as a retrofit or as a new accessory, an extractor handle for Magline’s line of two-wheel … 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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Outdoor Canopies Can Improve Your Business’ Visibility

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If you are looking for a fast, affordable and effective way to increase your business’ visibility, you might consider an outdoor canopy. During the warmer months, people are outside and on the go more often. So setting up an outdoor canopy either in front of your business or in another high-traffic location can be an … Read more