Material Handling Management articles from February 2007

Material Handling Management archives from February 2007

Paper chase.(Technology Focus: AS/RS)(automatic storage and retrieval systems technology)
February 1, 2007... To automate or not to automate high-density storage is a question many warehouse managers face when they reach the storage limits of their facility. Automatic storage and retrieval systems save warehouse floor space, improve inventory accuracy,...

Rapid return on investment: mini-load AS/RS manages returns inventory for distributor of CDs, DVDs and video games.(Technology Focus: AS/RS)
February 1, 2007... In 2003, Jim Rink, v.p. of distribution at Alliance Entertainment (www.aent.com), needed high-density storage with a small footprint to handle less-than-pallet-load returns. Alliance distributes about 220,000 CDs, videos, DVDs, games and...

First, let's define sustainable: let's forget about mandates and think about continuous improvement.(Transport Packaging)
February 1, 2007... During January's material handling extravaganza, ProMat, I spoke with a number of folks involved with, or sustained by, transport packaging. Looking over my notes I see that virtually all of them mentioned sustainability, the big buzzword in...

A vehicle for change: new advances in lift truck research and development are making the world a better place to live and work.(Andel on Lift Trucks)
February 1, 2007... Attendees of last month's ProMat show (www.mhia.org) saw the material handling industry round a major turning point in its evolution. Lift trucks could no longer be ignored. In ProMats past, lift trucks were more window dressing than...

Choosing a real-time locating system: "while it's tempting to think that WiFi-based systems are the more 'open' standard, the real magic is the software.".(Data Intelligence)
February 1, 2007... You probably think you know what moveable assets you have, where they are and how efficiently they're being used. In some instances, you might be right. In others, however, you could be costing your company money. Big money. Now, it's not...

MHM quick poll.(material handling managers)(Survey)(Statistical data)
February 1, 2007... MHM Quick Poll Do material handling managers believe their company's recent investments in outside consulting services have been worth the money? Almost half say: No! No, not worth the expense. 49% Yes, worth...

Outlook for 2007: a goodish year: economic forecasts aren't just for the executive suite.(Light Lifting)
February 1, 2007... It's that time of year, with the final data for 2006 coming in, when economic forecasters review their expectations for the previous year and gloat about their successful predictions, or quietly take their lumps. It's also time for them to...

Consultant, heal thyself: 6 ways to get positive results from consultants: like marriage, a successful relationship with consultants requires work and commitment on both sides.(Leadership)(Cover story)
February 1, 2007... Lawyer, used-car salesman and income tax auditor; what do these professions have in common? They could all use a good image consultant. The problem is, consultants don't fare much better in opinion polls, even material handling consultants. ...

Forward thinking about reverse logistics: service providers take on the job--handling unwanted goods--that no one else wants to think about.(Reverse Logistics)
February 1, 2007... Returned merchandise, whether in consumer or commercial supply chains, has become a fact of business life. In the highly competitive business world, poor handling of returns can suck the lifeblood from a company. Third-party providers...

Body knowledge: improved ergonomics=improved productivity: ergonomics, like safety and quality, is not a destination. It's a process.(Ergonomics)
February 1, 2007... Managers looking to improve bottom line results often point to rising health care costs--workers' compensation claims in particular--as the reason for poor performance. Well, there's good news and not-so-good-news about workplace injuries:...

Small product conveyor.(Product News)
February 1, 2007... The Model NPB conveyor was developed for the pharmaceutical market, but can be used to convey a variety of small products. Available in a variety of configurations, the NPB is positive driven with a 4-1/2-in. wide, impact-resistant plastic...

Cold storage labeling system.(Product News)
February 1, 2007... Laser print cold storage labels in-house in large or small quantities with the new Frig-Id labeling system, which performs in temperatures to -20[degrees]F. The laser labels are precision cut to three popular sizes on 8 1/2- x 11-in. sheets....

Moveable platform extension.(Product News)(Caljan Rite-Hite Ltd. introduces unit handling conveyors)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Fully complying safety standards, the SafeTrack boom conveyors feature a new Man-Rider platform that attaches to the delivery end of the conveyor. As the operator loads or unloads a trailer, the platform on which he or she stands moves with the...

Rugged handheld imager.(Product News)
February 1, 2007... Handheld IS1890 FocusIND bar-code scanner reportedly operates well in dusty or wet work areas. Designed to withstand two-meter falls on concrete, the reader combines a high-resolution sensor with a processor that enables a wide array of...

Vertical storage system.(Product News)
February 1, 2007... The Adjustable Racking System is a rack-and-pallet system designed to help companies store more items in less space than standard storage racks. Users can place and remove pallets with a standard lift truck. The system consists of fixed steel...

Omnidirectional pallet.(Product News)
February 1, 2007... Nearly frictionless, horizontal movement provided by Aero-Pallet makes it easy to move and position heavy loads from 1 to 14 tons. The pallets can be used to move heavy bulky loads in manufacturing and assembly applications, in cleanroom...

Innovative robotic case picking system.(Product News)
February 1, 2007... CaseFetch case-picking system uses mobile robots to give pickers fast access to any pallet in a building. Pallets entering the warehouse are loaded by lift truck onto mobile pod bases at pick-and-drop locations, which transport them to storage...

Counterbalanced, stand-up lift trucks.(Product News)
February 1, 2007... The ES3000 and ES5500 series electric counterbalanced Stand-up lift trucks feature electric power steering, low step height and extra padding to help reduce operator fatigue over long shifts. The flexible side stance operating position allows...

Modular workstation.(Lista International Corp. offers Ergonomic modular workstation system)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Ergonomic modular workstation system offers flexibility to accommodate changing or future needs. Units can be used for assembly, inspection, testing, rework, packaging and material transfer. The workstation is available with a supplied conveyor...

Brushless, powered rollerdrive.(Product News)(Interroll Holding AG)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... The EC200 brushless 24V DC-powered RollerDrive combines high speed with integrated intelligent electronics as a safe and economical alternative to chain and belt driven conveyors. Suitable for a range of applications including pharmaceuticals,...

Temperature sensors.(Product News)
February 1, 2007... The new TS400 and TS500 temperature sensors are supposed to be reliable and easy to program. These platinum resistance temperature detectors provide precision, repeatability and fast response times. Sensors may be mounted directly or remotely,...

Six-axis mini-robot.(Product News)(FANUC Robotics North America Inc. introduces vision robots)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... The LR Mate 200iC mini-robot with built-in vision is designed for use in a variety of applications. Slim and lightweight, the six-axis robot has the flexibility to quickly adapt to small lot sizes. Other modifications make the device well...

Compliance products catalog.(Product News)(American Labelmark Company Inc. Labelmaster)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... The new 2007 Transportation Solutions catalog features products for complying with regulatory and hazardous materials requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation publications, log books, security seals, placards, markings, placard...

Air-operated transfer tubes.(Product News)(Anver Corp.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... The Anver TT Series Transfer Tubes are an air-powered and maintenance-free alternative for high-speed pneumatic conveying, hopper and bulk loading and dust and trim waste removal. Featuring a smooth bore that lets materials pass freely without...

Fast-charging battery products.(Product News)
February 1, 2007... Two new fast chargers, the SVS200 and SVS300, are built for the Class 1 and 2 material handling vehicle market. PosiNET web-based power management system automatically captures and analyzes data from trucks, batteries and chargers. The system...

Energy efficient vacuum conveyor.(Product News)
February 1, 2007... The IC Series of vacuum conveyors features energy efficient multistage ejector technology. Designed for safely conveying virtually all types of materials, the unit is suitable for transporting flakes, pellets, and powders in a variety of...

Vertical lift module DVD.(Product News)
February 1, 2007... A new product- and application-based DVD illustrates and describes the speed, flexibility and efficiency of the Shuttle XP Vertical Lift Module (VLM). The VLM is a series of trays stored on the inside of a column with an inserter/extractor...

Small, full-featured bar code reader.(Product News)(Pepperl and Fuchs Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... The MAH300 handheld device instantly reads large linear and high-density matrix symbols with dynamic optimization technology (DOT). DOT continuously adapts the resolution, illumination and image field for fast automatic symbology identification...

Web site manages non-performing inventory & assets.(Product News)
February 1, 2007... SurplusTrack.com provides companies possessing non-performing inventory and assets with a cost-effective medium to sell, trade or transfer goods in an online industrial exchange community. It uses Web-based technology to globally connect...

Heavy-duty cabinets.(Product News)(Akro-Mils Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... With industrial strength locks and high weight capacity, Heavy-Duty Cabinets protect parts and equipment from dust, damage, and theft. Durable steel construction is powder-coat finished for cut and scratch resistance. The cabinets are available...

Inventory tracking software.(Product News)
February 1, 2007... Inventory4000 stores detailed information about inventory and stock items in one central database. The system not only stores user defined analysis codes and descriptions but also records transfer and disposal events, condition reports and...

Economic optimism rebounds among industrial manufacturers.(Industry News)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... According to PricewaterhouseCoopers' (www.pwc.com, New York) Q4 Manufacturing Barometer, economic optimism has rebounded among industrial manufacturers compared with the previous quarter: almost two out of three executives are optimistic about...

New aviation parts DC.(Industry News)
February 1, 2007... Aerospace Products International, Inc. (Memphis, www.apiworldwide.com), a provider of distribution and supply chain services for the aviation industry, opened a new 172,000 sq.-ft. distribution center in Southaven, Miss., 2.5 miles from the...

Target to build its first food distribution center.(Industry News)(Company overview)
February 1, 2007... Target (www.target.com) will build its first food distribution center in Lake City, Fla. Scheduled to open in late summer of next year, the facility will handle a variety of frozen, refrigerated and fresh produce items for Target stores in the...

National retail systems sets up shop in Savannah.(Industry News)
February 1, 2007... National Retail Systems Inc. (Secaucus, N.J., www.nrsonline. com), a provider of retail logistics services, broke ground on a 140,000 sq-ft container transload and special project distribution facility in Georgia. Scheduled to open in...

Best practices for fighting counterfeiting and piracy.(Industry News)
February 1, 2007... The U.S. Chamber of Commerce (Washington, D.C., www.uschamber.com) has issued some real-world recommendations for protecting supply chains from counterfeiters. The publication, No Trade in Fakes Supply Chain Tool Kit (available online,...

Tesco to install solar roof at new DC in Riverside Calif.(Industry News)
February 1, 2007... Los Angeles-headquartered Solar Integrated Technologies, Inc. (www.solarintegrated.com) won a $13-million contract from Tesco (London, www.Tesco.com) for a 2 MW photovoltaic roofing system to be installed at Tesco USA's distribution center...

On the job.
February 1, 2007... "I see the consultant for our new 'green' distribution center is here." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Advance Auto Parts to open 550,000 sq. ft. DC in Indiana.(Industry News)
February 1, 2007... Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (Roanoke, Va., www.advanceautoparts.com), an automotive aftermarket retailer, plans to open a 550,000-sq. ft. distribution center in Remington, Ind. The new DC will serve stores in the Midwest. It will open in summer...

Procter & Gamble to cut inventory locations by 50%.(Industry News)
February 1, 2007... Calling the move "Distribution Reinvention," Procter & Gamble (P&G, www.pg.com) will reduce the number of its distribution centers (DCs) from 450 to approximately 225 over the next two years. Accompanying the slimming down of P&G's physical...

Payless ShoeSource plans dual-DC network, will close Topeka facility.(Industry News)
February 1, 2007... To enhance logistics efficiency and speed-to-market, Payless ShoeSource, Inc. (Topeka, Kans., www.payless.com) will build a new 600,000-sq.-ft. distribution center east of the Mississippi river at a "to-be-determined" location by the summer of...

30th Annual WERC Conference.(Industry News)
February 1, 2007... The Warehousing Education and Resource Council's 30th Annual Conference takes place in Nashville, April 22-25, 2007, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville. Connect with industry practitioners, suppliers and thought...

Hilex Poly to close Calif. Factory.(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... One of the world's largest plastic bag companies, Hilex Poly (Hartsville, S.C., www.hilexpoly.com), will close its plant in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. The closure is part of an integration strategy that the company has been implementing since its...

Hanson Logistics to build new consolidation center in Chicago.(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Hanson Logistics (St. Joseph, Mich., www.hansonlogisticsgroup.com) is constructing a 14,500,000 cu.-ft., temperature-controlled Chicago Consolidation Center to support demand for order mixing, freight consolidation and shared truckload delivery...

Big Dog moves distribution to NC.(Big Dog Holdings Inc., North Carolina)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Big Dog Holdings Inc. (Lincolnton, N.C., www.bigdogs.com), which makes casual clothing and accessories, moved its main distribution center to a new facility in North Carolina from Santa Fe Springs, Calif. The new facility is 230,000 sq. ft. and...

Circuit City restructures, closes stores and DC.
February 1, 2007... Under pressure from decreasing margins, Circuit City Stores, Inc. (Richmond, Va., www.circuitcity.com) expects to close seven domestic "superstores" by the end of February. The stores reportedly are cash-flow negative or are very low-volume,...

Updated "Belt Conveyor for Bulk Materials" handbook.
February 1, 2007... A second printing of the 6th edition of Belt Conveyors for Bulk Materials is now available in both CD and print format from the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (Naples, Fla., www.cemanet.org). The updated edition incorporates new...

FKI Logistex awarded AS/RS contract by Preferred Freezer Services.(Vendor News)
February 1, 2007... FKI Logistex (St. Louis, www.fkilogistex.com) will supply very-narrow-aisle automated storage-and-retrieval systems (AS/RS) for six new facilities of Preferred Freezer Services (Newark, www.preferredfreezer.com). With the new contract more than...

Nuvera to supply hydrogen refueling system for test project at Raymond Factory.(Vendor News)
February 1, 2007... Nuvera Fuel Cells (Cambridge, Mass., www.nuvera.com) will supply a hydrogen refueling system to Raymond Corp.(www.raymondcorp.com) to support fuel-cell powered lift trucks at its manufacturing facility in Greene, N.Y. The system will refuel a...

ProLogis pays $1 billion for Parkridge warehouse division.(ProLogis to aquire Parkridge Developments)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... ProLogis (Denver, www.prologis.com), one of the world's largest owners and developers of distribution facilities, will pay $1 billion for the industrial operations of private, English developer Parkridge (Birmingham, England), as it seeks to...

ProLogis joins Chicago climate exchange.(Vendor News)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... ProLogis (Denver, www.prologis.com) joined the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX, www.chicagoclimatex.com), the world's first and North America's only voluntary, legally binding greenhouse gas emissions reduction, registry and trading program....

Raymond celebrates 85 years by focusing on innovation.(Vendor News)
February 1, 2007... The Raymond Corporation (Green, N.Y., www.raymondcorp.com) is celebrating its 85th anniversary by focusing on the company's history of innovation, starting with the invention of the first hydraulic hand pallet truck in 1934. "In the past...

Intermec to supply RFID products to Microsoft, will work with NASA to track materials in space.(Vendor News)
February 1, 2007... Intermec Inc. (Everett, Wash., www.intermec.com), a developer and manufacturer of RFID technology, has been selected to supply RFID hardware to Microsoft Technology Centers throughout the United States. Microsoft Technology Centers allow...

MRI acquires IntroTech.(Vendor News)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... MRI (Dallas), the parent company of ShockWatch (www.shockwatch.com), a supplier of package protection devices, announced the acquisition of IntroTech Inc. (St. Paul, Minn.). The privately held company makes chemical-based temperature sensors...

Myers Industries completes sale of European segment.(Vendor News)
February 1, 2007... Myers Industries, Inc. (Akron, Ohio) completed the sale of its European Material Handling Segment businesses to U.K.-based LINPAC Materials Handling (LMH). Myers Industries' European Segment was comprised of the Allibert-Buckhorn and Raaco...

Sealed Air announces Bubble Wrap Competition winner.(Vendor News)
February 1, 2007... Sealed Air Corp. (Elmwood Park, N.J., www.sealedair.com) named 15-year-old Grayson Rosenberger from Nashville the grand prize winner of its Bubble Wrap Competition for Young Inventors. His winning invention used Bubble Wrap cushioning to create...

SCA sells North American packaging operations.(Vendor News)(Metalmark Capital acquires SCA North America Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... SCA (New Brighton, Pa., www.scanorthamerica.com) sold its North American packaging operations to Metalmark Capital (Stockholm, Sweden) for $400 million in cash. The North American operations have annual sales of approximately $430 million. The...

Reusable Pallet & Container Coalition reaches out to users.(Vendor News)
February 1, 2007... The user community will play a greater role in the activities of the Reusable Pallet & Container Coalition (RPCC, Washington, D.C.), according to Mike Ulrich, the organization's newly elected president and business development manager for Macro...

Lavelle to lead Doosan Infracore.(Vendor News)(Tom Yoon appointed as managing director )(Michael J. Lavelle appointed as vice president of sales and marketing)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Doosan Infracore (Warrensville Heights, Ohio, www.doosanlift.com) announced the reassignment of Tom Yoon, former president of its U.S. Lift Truck Division, to managing director for overseas sales and marketing, based in Seoul, Korea. Michael J....

ITA leader to give keynote address at China Industrial Truck Event.(Vendor News)
February 1, 2007... The Industrial Truck Association (Washington, D.C., www.indtruck.org) president Jim Malvaso (president and CEO of Raymond Corporation, Green, N.Y.) will give the keynote address at the China Industrial Truck Association's annual meeting in...

3M acquires Sealed Air's interest in PolyMask Corp.(Vendor News)
February 1, 2007... Hoping to expand more rapidly into related markets, 3M (St. Paul, Minn., www.3m.com) acquired Sealed Air Corp.'s (www.sealedair.com) 50% interest in PolyMask Corp., a joint venture between 3M and Sealed Air that produces protective films...

A dollop of RFID: RFID gives inventory visibility and increases throughput for sour cream manufacturer to Wal-Mart.(Case History: RFID)
February 1, 2007... Drivers at Daisy Brand can load 24 pallets on their trucks in 20 minutes. It used to take them an hour. The reason for the difference? RFID technology Daisy Brand's adoption of RFID technology is helping the 75-year-old, privately held...