Material Handling Management articles from August 2004

Material Handling Management archives from August 2004

OSHA at your door: are you safe inside?(Editorial)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Editorial)
August 1, 2004... How many injuries happened in your work-place last year? If you had 15 or more that resulted in days away from work, restricted work activity or a job transfer for every 100 full-time workers, OSHA might be paying you a surprise visit. ...

Hours of service rules struck down.(News Briefs)
August 1, 2004... The U.S. Court of Appeals (District of Columbia Circuit) has thrown out the new Hours of Service (HOS) rules that went into effect on January 4, 2004, and has sent the case back to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for...

RFID experts group moves to AIM Global.(News Briefs)(Department of Defense )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... A group of RFID (radio frequency identification) expert advisers initially chartered by the U.S. Department of Defense will become an expert advisory group within AIM Global, the industry trade association for RFID and the automatic...

New Software Selection Handbook available.(News Briefs)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The new Software Selection Handbook is a step-by-step tool for organizations that want to follow a quality process as part of software selection. The handbook provides detailed descriptions of the steps companies should follow to ensure a...

CLM will change name in 2005.(News Briefs)(Council of Logistics Management to Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The Council of Logistics Management (CLM) Executive Committee has voted to become the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), effective January 1, 2005. "The decision to become CSCMP was made for one reason--to meet the...

Rice Lake Weighing Systems has acquired Powell All-Steel Scales.(Companies Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Rice Lake Weighing Systems has acquired Powell All-Steel Scales. Rice Lake will now manufacture and distribute Powell's full line of livestock, truck and railroad track scales throughout the world.

Case Systems Inc., a manufacturer of furniture and commercial plastic laminate cabinetry for schools, laboratories and healthcare facilities.(Companies Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Case Systems Inc., a manufacturer of furniture and commercial plastic laminate cabinetry for schools, laboratories and healthcare facilities, has acquired BOSTONtec Inc. and has relocated it to its Midland, Michigan, facility.

Wisconsin Lift Truck Corp.(Companies Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Wisconsin Lift Truck Corp. announced that Nissan Forklift Corp. N.A. has named the company its authorized dealer for Nissan and Barrett lift trucks in an additional 29 counties in Wisconsin and Michigan.

TPG N.V., a mail, express and logistics company, has acquired Wilson Logistics Group, the Swedish-based global freight-forwarding company, from Nordic Capital.(Companies Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... TPG N.V., a mail, express and logistics company, has acquired Wilson Logistics Group, the Swedish-based global freight-forwarding company, from Nordic Capital. In line with the strategy of TPG's division TNT Logistics, this acquisition is TNT's...

Equipment Inc., a Nissan lift truck dealership in Jackson, Mississippi, was presented the Nissan 2003 President's Award.(Companies Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Equipment Inc., a Nissan lift truck dealership in Jackson, Mississippi, was presented the Nissan 2003 President's Award. The award identifies the one dealership whose annual contributions demonstrates tremendous success in new equipment sales,...

In a management buy-out orchestrated with a management team based in the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom, NORD Holding has taken a stake in Transnorm System Holding GMBH, with headquarters in Harsum, Germany.(Companies Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... In a management buy-out orchestrated with a management team based in the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom, NORD Holding has taken a stake in Transnorm System Holding GMBH, with headquarters in Harsum, Germany. Transnorm has been...

HK names new partner.(HK Systems Inc.,)(Munroe Material Handling)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... HK Systems Inc., automated material handling and supply chain software solutions provider, has named Munroe Material Handling as a new Distributor Integration Partner. Munroe Material Handling, St. Louis, has been providing material...

Jack Allor has been promoted to president of Dearborn Mid-West Conveyor Co.(Managers Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Jack Allor has been promoted to president of Dearborn Mid-West Conveyor Co. He succeeds Wes Paisley who will take on the role of vice chairman of DMW.

Denise M. Schier.(Managers Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Ametek Inc. has named Denise M. Schier as vice president and general manager of Commercial Floor Care. She was division vice president and business unit manager of sensors and monitoring products for Ametek Aerospace.

Kent Prokop.(Managers Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Kent Prokop, a 27-year veteran of the freight logistics and transportation industry, has been named president of the Warehousing and Distribution unit of Pacer International Inc.

Brian A. Rener has been named vice president and chief electrical engineer for the mechanical/electrical/plumbing engineering unit of A. Epstein and Sons International Inc.(Managers Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Brian A. Rener has been named vice president and chief electrical engineer for the mechanical/electrical/plumbing engineering unit of A. Epstein and Sons International Inc. Richard J. Kooy has been named vice president of business development.

Thomas S. Wujek has been named vice president, sales & operations, for Flexible Steel Lacing Co. (Flexco).(Managers Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Thomas S. Wujek has been named vice president, sales & operations, for Flexible Steel Lacing Co. (Flexco). Michael J. Stein has been named director of marketing. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Steve Ackerman, president of FKI Logistex North America, announced the appointment of three senior executives as presidents of its North America divisions.(Managers Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Steve Ackerman, president of FKI Logistex North America, announced the appointment of three senior executives as presidents of its North America divisions. Dave Baker was named president of the Manufacturing Systems Div., John Kelly was named...

Koichi Maeda.(Managers Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... APL has appointed Koichi Maeda managing director of its Japan business. His career includes senior positions in human resources, marketing, business planning and systems coordination.

James Cady.(Managers Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... James Cady, president and CEO of Staktek Holdings Inc., was named an Austin, Texas, regional winner of Ernst & Young's 2004 Entrepreneur of the Year competition. He will now be considered for National Entrepreneur of the Year award.

David Donnan.(Managers Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Checkpoint Systems Inc. has hired David Donnan as president of its North America division. He will also lead the newly formed Strategy Council and have responsibility worldwide for RFID, marketing and communications.

Conrad J. Heilman Jr. has been promoted to vice president of Tunnell Consulting and to director of the firm's pharmaceutical/life sciences technical practice.(Managers Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Conrad J. Heilman Jr. has been promoted to vice president of Tunnell Consulting and to director of the firm's pharmaceutical/life sciences technical practice. He replaces Joseph S. Tempio in the director's position. Tempio was recently elected...

Rob Douglas.(Managers Making News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Rob Douglas was recently appointed president of Psion Teklogix Americas. He will focus on expanding the company's position in the Americas mobile computing market.

Security and global sourcing.(Ask the MHM Editorial Advisory Board)(Panel Discussion)
August 1, 2004... Meet Our New Member Thomas D. MacLean joins MHM's Editorial Advisory Board. MacLean is vice president, order fulfillment, Osborne International. As our newest board member, he gets first dibs at answering this month's question. ...

A permanent solution for labeling floor storage.(Floor Labeling: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... This floor labeling system has a 5 in. X 7 in. aluminum frame that installs in less than two minutes. The custom-imprinted, replaceable, 3 in. X 5 in., self-adhesive aluminum label is .012 in. thick and inserts inside the frame. Labels are...

The revolutionary solution for the buying and selling of used/surplus material handling equipment on-line.(Used & Surplus Equipment: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... An on-line marketplace that provides real-time opportunities for companies to turn surplus material handling equipment into cash, and purchasers a money-saving opportunity to buy high-end used/surplus equipment. B2bmaterialhandling.com is...

Free packing area design guide.(Packing Function: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... The Order Fulfillment Solution Center-Packing Function Website has been created to help management become better informed about problems involved in designing and integrating a packing department into the company order fulfillment plan. Each...

Modular conveyor systems offer versatility.(Conveyor Systems: Special Advertising Section)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... Dynamic Conveyor's light- to medium-duty DynaCon[R] modular conveyor systems offer true versatility. DynaCon's modular conveyor systems can be reconfigured in less time, in ever-changing manufacturing or workflow environments. Made from...

LP gas lift ttuck works in 7 ft. aisles.(Narrow Aisle Forklift: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... The Aisle-Master articulated forklift is designed to maximize storage space by reducing operating aisle widths. The truck can work both indoors and outside like a regular counterbalance truck. The Aisle-Master has 4400 lb. lift capacity, with...

Modular conveyors online at conveyormart.com.(Conveyors & Parts: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... Conveyor Mart is your online store for cost-effective, fast delivery modular conveyors and replacement parts. With over 2500 items being offered, we know you'll find what you are looking for. Well-known Taylor Conveyor products are also offered...

Legacy Platinum System.(Power Systems: Special Advertising Section)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... The Legacy Platinum System from Douglas Battery offers the ultimate in maintenance free power. This valve-regulated system is designed and manufactured to provide long life and superior performance, while reducing maintenance costs and...

Telescoping lifter provides safe, stable handling.(Lifter: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... The MechLift's[TM] rigid structure ensures ergonomic load movement without annoying sway. Pneumatic and electric models adapt to a wide selection of end effectors. Capacities to 1500 lbs. The MechLift is ideal for applications such as door or...

Double coverage--up to 6-foot-wide mezzanine openings.(Safety Gates: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... Protect a 6-foot-wide opening with standard FabEnCo XL71 Series Self-Closing Safety Gates for $500 or less. Special features allow for mounting on either side of your mezzanine opening with no opposite point contact. No cutting, welding or...

Quality speed reducers and gearmotors.(Power Transmission: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... Whether you're designing new material handling equipment or replacing existing speed reducers or gearmotors, consider Grove Gear products. We offer the widest range of standard and custom designs, including BISSC-approved and stainless steel...

Export and domestic pallets.(Presswood Pallets: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... Litco's Inca presswood pallets meet the new ISPM 15, International Standards for Wood Packaging Material, and do not require additional costly treatment for infestation. Inca pallets are priced for the budget-minded! Incas have been used in the...

RFID enabled label Printer/Applicator.(Labeling: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... The new Tharo PA1000tZ Printer/Applicator, is a powerful accessory for the Zebra[R] Z4M[TM] and RFID Enabled Zebra[R] R4Mplus[TM] thermal/thermal transfer bar code label printers. Applies labels to the top or side of a product. All metal...

Precision lifting.(Lifting Device: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... More precise than a hoist, more efficient than an air balancer. Gorbel's new Easy Arm[TM] lifting device gives you the speeds you need to increase productivity, the precision you need to decrease product damage, and the strength to protect your...

Cost-effective Universal conveyor rollers.(Conveyor Rollers: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... Interroll Corp. 1700 Series Universal conveyor rollers may be used in nearly all conveying applications. 1700 rollers have hexagonal or round shafts; available as fixed, spring-loaded, threaded or tapered for quick installation and easy...

Morse offers more selection.(Drum Handling: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... Morse--"The Specialist in Drum Handling"--offers the widest product line. Over 100 items to handle steel, fibre and plastic drums, plus many cans. Move, pour, agitate, mix, palletize, open, heat, lift, weigh, tilt, stack, plus custom versions...

Style 840[TM] woven wire partitions.(Wire Partitions: Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... Separate, secure, or store valued items with this easy to install system. Use 20 standard sized panels and steel support posts to build partitions, enclosures, or storage areas of any size or configuration. Modular design reduces installation...

No dropped wireless user sessions.(Cutting Edge)
August 1, 2004... Stay-Linked is an RF/wireless solution that prevents costly lost productivity associated with dropped user sessions caused by disruptions in device-to-host connectivity. It features host-based wireless terminal emulation that runs natively on...

Get a grip.(Cutting Edge)
August 1, 2004... Egrips safeguard mobile phones, PDAs and other hand-held electronic devices from falling and breaking by giving users a better grip. A thin silicone-based product keeps items from sliding out of users' hands or off the edge of slippery...

Serial hub with free software.(Cutting Edge)
August 1, 2004... The 10/100 Base-T 8-port hub has been added to the company's line of DeviceMaster products. Those who own, purchase or upgrade to DeviceMaster serial hubs or device service can receive free the PortVision serial port management console....

Wearable wireless computer.(Cutting Edge)
August 1, 2004... The new VLS-410 wearable wireless computer is voice-driven, enabling users to perform tasks, from sign-on to application selection to work assignments, simply by speaking. It features expanded onboard memory, fast processor and 10-hour battery...

Calendar.(Calendar)
August 1, 2004... August 24-25 Logistics Performance, Cost and Value Measures. Georgia Tech Global Learning and Conference Center, Atlanta. Visit www-pe.gatech.edu or phone 404-385-3500. August 26-27 Third-Party Logistics. Georgia Tech Global Learning and...

Don't let the sun set on you.(Transport Packaging)(2005 Sunrise)(Editorial)
August 1, 2004... Here's packaging-related issue for which you might not be responsible; however, you will be held accountable if things go awry. It was dubbed 2005 Sunrise in the last century, 1997, by the Universal Code Council (UCC). Actually, things go...

It's a small world after all: for many U.S. businesses, the best practice from an international perspective is to outsource manufacturing and production to Europe and Asia. Outsourcing, though, is not as simple as it seems, and it could cost you more than you think.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... European and Asian companies face many of the same issues you do: the need to reduce total operating costs, shipment sizes changing from pallets to cases, and creating more flexible systems. Many U.S. companies, though, are letting European and...

Delivering news on time.(International MH)(Inther Logistics Engineering)
August 1, 2004... In Northern Europe, newspaper and book publishers usually turn to Audax to see that their product ships to airlines, bookstores and retailers' news shelves on time, daily. The Gilze, Netherlands-based company also delivers stationery and other...

Dress up your business plan.(Warehousing & Distribution)(Editorial)
August 1, 2004... When doing a business plan, and considering how you're going to take your product to market, you first need to know how you'll get product into your building, then how you'll get product out to your customers. That has to be in your business...

AIDC in the warehouse: hardware's easy; software's hard.(Warehousing & Distribution)(Automatic Identification and Data Collection)(Editorial)
August 1, 2004... Chorley's statement neatly sums up the challenge today: It's not technology that's the great issue; it's making it all work effectively in a real-time, demand-driven environment. Automatic identification and data collection (AIDC) is--or...

Let your computer manage facility maintenance: maintenance software goes beyond swapping wrenches and voltmeters for keyboards and mice. It's now about analysis for asset preservation.
August 1, 2004... The easiest way to determine if your machinery needs maintenance is when it stops working. That's also the most expensive way to determine if it needs maintenance. There are numerous ways companies predict when equipment in the shop will...

Air-tight case for inflatable dunnage: how to capture, hold and use air is evolving at a rapid pace, as manufacturers of air-encapsulating dunnage products respond to the needs of shippers.
August 1, 2004... When the topic is dunnage, it's really a discussion about what you do with air. You're relying on something you can't see, yet can't do without. Granted, there are many forms of protective packaging that fall under the umbrella of dunnage;...

Big Lots keeps up with closeouts: this retailer staffs material handling innovators to move bargains before they're bygones.(MHM Innovator of the Month)
August 1, 2004... In the early 1990s, closeout retailing was a novelty, even to its practitioners. Big Lots, one of the leaders in this space, staked it out as a niche whose future its felt was clear. Material handling would require storage, and lots of it--high...

U.S. and China: rivals or partners?(Manufacturing Management)(Editorial)
August 1, 2004... If your only source of information is the evening news, then you probably feel the end is near. Take the issue of industrial jobs, for example. We hear that more and more work is being "exported" to China. We're told that manufacturing is...

Bits of gold.(Controls & Systems)(Editorial)
August 1, 2004... Gold, treasure and valuables used to be the plunder of choice for pirates of old. Today's plunder is now digital bits and bytes, and it can do as much harm to countries now as theft of valuables did then. In the U.S., you don't hear much about...

Attached-lid containers.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... FlapNest 2717-12 nestable containers stack with lids flapped shut and nest with lids flapped open. The 5:1 nesting ratio reduces return shipping and storage costs. The containers feature plastic hinges, reinforced lid and wall collars and...

Overhead crane stops.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... These non-slide overhead crane stops are for use where conventional crane stop attaching plates interfere with rail hook bolts. The stops feature dogs that clamp the upright wedge to the rail. The dogs barely drop beneath the head of the rail...

Flow cell with tilted shelf.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... This flow cell is a complete, modular unit including posts, beams and drop-in tilted shelf. For line-side storage and parts picking, the shelf is angled at 22[degrees] to maximize view and access of picks. Per-shelf capacity is 1,000 lb; total...

ESP modifies conveyor platforms.(Case Study)
August 1, 2004... A Wisconsin apple processor needed a special conveyor. The application called for a conveyor to be partially submerged in a large tank of water. Jets inside the tank circulate water to guide apples toward the cleated, plastic-chain-operated...

Security carts.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The RC-8 security cart is 48 X 24 X 70 in. with a double-door front. Casters are bolted to welded plates for durability. The cart features EZ Latch N Lock system, 2.25 X 2.25-in. side mesh and 1 X 4-in. base mesh. Shelves are optional and can...

Jumbo scissors lifts.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... Fourteen jumbo lifts are available for a variety of applications. Seven models are single-leg lifts with capacities from 12,000 to 40,000 lb; platform size ranges from 9 X 12 ft to 12 X 20 ft; travel from 5 to 6 ft. Seven double-leg models have...

Lift trucks for tough jobs.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The H70-120XM Series lift truck handles loads from 7,000 to 12,000 lb. Its rigid isolating mounting system features armored elastomer engine mounts that compensate varying engine load levels, lessening vibration and noise. Vista mast provides...

Roller track with guide.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... The Profile Series roller track now includes a special slide-guide to ensure smooth carton flow. The track features a full-length, captive T-slot on each side to eliminate possible carton misalignment. The roller track measures 35mm high X 40mm...

Battery changers.(Product News)
August 1, 2004... PCE Series Power Changers stack batteries up to six levels high. Dual electric lift and drive offers loaded travel speed to 180 fpm, lift speed to 21 fpm. PLC-controlled battery safety stop and deadman operator platform provide safety during...