Material Handling Management articles from June 2004

Material Handling Management archives from June 2004

Lift trucks in the news: too often the news is bad. Let's change that.(Editorial)
June 1, 2004... Material handling is making news everywhere Did you see the May issue of Esquire magazine? It had a feature called "Viva Wal-Mart." The writer proclaimed that Wal-Mart's inventory control and information technologies are so far ahead of...

Compliance 2005: withstanding pain to get the gain.(News Briefs)(Wal-Mart's radio frequency identification systems and electronic product code standards)
June 1, 2004... Will the Wal-Mart radio frequency identification (RFID) adoption mandate leveled at its top 100 suppliers prove successful? Craig Harmon says Wal-Mart is condemned to success. He's president of QED System, a consulting firm specializing in...

Nissan names top dealerships.(News Briefs)(Nissan Forklift Corp.'s Service Excellence Program)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Six dealerships were recently honored as Gold Award winners in Nissan Forklift Corp.'s Service Excellence Program. The award is given to those dealerships that demonstrate excellence in service management, product service and factory-support...

Logistics institute offers e-courses.(News Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The Logistics Institute at Georgia Tech (TLI) presents the World-Class Warehousing and Material Handling eCourse. Developed by Edward H. Frazelle, Ph.D., one of the world's top logistics experts, this comprehensive electronic course brings the...

Industrial control business rebounds.(News Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Sales of industrial control products and systems, as tracked by NEMA's Primary Industrial Control Index, rebounded in the first calendar quarter of 2004. Having been essentially stagnant for the previous five quarters, the index improved by...

Survey says U.S. manufacturers are optimistic.(News Briefs)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Encouraged by a stronger U.S. economy and increased corporate spending, business leaders are optimistic about industry growth in 2004, according to a recent national survey of manufacturers sponsored by Siemens. Sixty-three percent of U.S....

Exel senior VP Battista dies.(News Briefs; Ken Battista)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Ken Battista, senior vice president of business development, Exel, died May 12. Throughout his 34 years in the supply chain industry, Battista worked for Procter & Gamble and several large third-party logistics providers before assuming...

On the job.
June 1, 2004... "Oh, that's what they meant by 'big parts saving'." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Esync named finalist for the 2004 Stevie Award.(News Briefs; American Business Awards)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Esync is a finalist in the category of Best Overall Company for the second annual American Business Awards. Hailed as "the business world's own Oscars" by the New York Post, the American Business Awards are the first national business...

Constance L. Crosby.(Managers Making News; Psion Teklogix appointment)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Psion Teklogix has named Constance L. Crosby vice president and general counsel. Crosby has acted as its external legal representative and has been a member of its board.

Cattron-Theimeg Inc.(Managers Making News; appointment)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Cattron-Theimeg Inc. appointed Daniel J. Mihalcak vice president of sales for mining and material handling products throughout North and South America. He will report to James Kingerski, senior vice president, sales and marketing ...

Steve M. Gundlach.(Managers Making News; promotion)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... TNT Logistics North America has promoted Steve M. Gundlach to general manager of its fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) business sector in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Chairman and CEO of Lift Technologies Inc.(Managers Making News; appointments)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... William Harrison, chairman and CEO of Lift Technologies Inc., announced restructuring of his executive team. Brian Lamb will become president and chief operating officer for the American markets, Konrad Ostmeier will be managing director for...

Dan Flowers.(Managers Making News; joins Exel Direct)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Dan Flowers has joined Exel Direct, the fulfillment business unit of Exel, as president. Flowers will be responsible for the development and implementation of structured processes and disciplines to expand the company's network system.

Intelligrated.(Managers Making News; appointment)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Brad Bijonowski has joined Intelligrated as director of the Southwest regional office. Marty Augustyn will serve as its operations manager.

Lift trucks in action.(Editorial Advisory Board on role of industrial trucks in their operations )
June 1, 2004... The theme of this issue is industrial trucks. We asked our Editorial Advisory Board to discuss the role of industrial trucks in their operations by addressing any or all of these questions: * What are your key concerns about lift trucks and...

Hitachi solves AM radio interference.(Cutting Edge)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... A conveyor manufacturer was experiencing excessive AM radio interference with the drive brand it was using. It spent countless hours and tested many demo drives from various manufacturers who all said they could solve this problem. Many of the...

Revolutionary lift truck.(Cutting Edge; from SKF Group)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The E-Truck uses no hydraulic systems. The truck features an electromechanical steering system, and actuators for lifting, tilting, side shifting, mast height control and direct-drive traction motors. Sensors detect steering requirements and...

Vision-guided robotics.(Cutting Edge; from Braintech Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... eVistionFactory software is a component-based system, using open standards, specifically for robotic vision and designed for building VGR solutions. It is a combination of vision technology, systems engineering and Internet wireless support....

Pallet separator.(Cutting Edge)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... GripBoard works as a pallet separator. Made from recycled, waterproof, high-density polyethylene, its gripping surface reduces material shifting and sliding. The flexible separator can temporarily conform to fit any material. A cost-effective...

Moving bits.(Controls & Systems)(wireless technology)
June 1, 2004... If you're using technology only to automate tasks and eliminate labor, you're missing opportunities. That's been a familiar refrain about technology for years, and sometimes it's true. Wireless technology may well be one of those times. It does...

Calendar.(Calendar)
June 1, 2004... June 14-16 Second International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology. Rochester, NY. Sponsored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Visit www.asme.org. June 20-23 AMHA Annual Conference. (Formerly...

RFID takes center stage at big show.(Transport Packaging; Pack Expo International)
June 1, 2004... The RFID drama is being written by industry folks who might know what they want in terms of driving out cost and driving up profits; however, they don't always know what they're talking about. I'll be generous. Let's say they're not aware of...

Tour of lift truck duty: let us take you for a look outside your industry. You may be surprised at the new things you'll learn about lift trucks.
June 1, 2004... A lift truck's a commodity--until you need it to go above and beyond the call of duty. If you haven't been outside your own industry to see the variety of things lift trucks have been equipped to do lately, it may be time to take a tour. We'll...

Floor labeling.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(Aigner Index Inc)
June 1, 2004... A Permanent Solution for Labeling Floor Storage 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....

USED & surplus equipment.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... THE REVOLUTIONARY SOLUTION FOR THE BUYING AND SELLING OF USED/SURPLUS MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT ON-LINE An on-line marketplace that provides real-time opportunities for companies to turn surplus material handling equipment into cash, and...

Packing Function.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)((Dehnco) Pack Materials, Inc)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2004... Free Packing Area Design Guide 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...

Conveyor systems.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)
June 1, 2004... Modular Conveyor Systems Offer Versatility 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...

Narrow aisle forklift.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)
June 1, 2004... LP Gas Lift Ttuck Works in 7 Ft. Aisles 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...

Conveyors & parts.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(Conveyor Mart)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Modular Conveyors Online at conveyormart.com 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....

Power systems.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(Legacy Platinum System)
June 1, 2004... Legacy Platinum System 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...

Lifter.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(EMH Movomech Systems LLC)
June 1, 2004... Telescoping Lifter Provides Safe, Stable Handling 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....

Safety Gates.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(FabEnCo Inc.)
June 1, 2004... Double Coverage--Up to 6-Foot-Wide Mezzanine Openings 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...

Power transmission.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Quality Speed Reducers and Gearmotors 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,...

Presswood pallets.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)
June 1, 2004... Export and Domestic Pallets 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...

Labeling.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)
June 1, 2004... RFID Enabled Label Printer/Applicator 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...

Lifting device.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)
June 1, 2004... Precision Lifting 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...

Conveyor rollers.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)
June 1, 2004... Cost-Effective Universal Conveyor Rollers 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...

Drum Handling.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Morse Offers More Selection 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,...

Wire partitions.(New Products, Equipment & Services Showcase)(Woven Wire Partitions)(Wire Crafters LLC)
June 1, 2004... Style 840[TM] Woven Wire Partitions 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...

Online and on target.(Inside MHMonline)(Material Handling Management)
June 1, 2004... As you'll see on the next two pages, Material Handling Management just launched a new Web site, www.MHMonline.com! Why should you care? Because you told us how to do it. We took the time to study research about your interests, how you...

Distributors: where OEMs meet customers; Most lift truck purchasers or leaseholders never meet the original manufacturers of their lift trucks. The distributor is the face of the manufacturer and the most visible channel of services for the end user.(Lift Truck Distributors)
June 1, 2004... Mike Lavelle, vice president sales and marketing, Daewoo Heavy Industries America, doesn't mix words. "The role of the dealer or distributor of our products is the key to our success," he says. "All that we can do [for dealers], be it in terms...

Your safety is ITA's concern: an exclusive interview with Dirk von Holt, president, Industrial Truck Association.(Association Report)(Interview)
June 1, 2004... The Industrial Truck Association performs vital services for both its OEM members and the customers of those members. It was established in 1951 to further the interests of the industry through cooperative efforts involving issues of importance...

You're a hot topic.(Warehousing & Distribution)
June 1, 2004... Ever get the feeling people were talking about you? Well, they were last month in Charlotte, North Carolina. That's where the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) held its spring meeting, and you, its customers, were a topic of...

Dock efficiency: last things first; To ensure the uninterrupted flow of material promised by just-in-time or radio frequency data collection, check your product's point of ingress and egress.(Warehousing & Distribution)
June 1, 2004... There's an engineering doctrine, the Five-P Principle, which says, Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. That applies to dock efficiency or building international space stations. An integral part of your plans for efficient movement of...

A lobster tale: sometimes a material handling innovation benefits not only the companies involved, it can improve the lot of an entire industry.(MHM Innovator of the Month)(East Coast Seafood Inc.,)
June 1, 2004... This is a story of good and bad news. Determining which is which depends on your position at the dinner table. Seafood industry processors and distributors have numerous challenges, including keeping the catch alive until it's time to, well,...

Chicken little or Pollyanna?(material handling industry seems to be on the upward swing inspite of downward economy)
June 1, 2004... Good news is an oxymoron, they say. Bad news, they say, is redundant. Well, I just got some good news and I'm guessing that it suggests a lot more good news. Let's see what you think. What about the 3 million jobs we lost to factory floors in...

What's in a name--or number?(Automatic Data Collection)
June 1, 2004... Stop for a moment and think about what makes modern commerce possible. Is it the Internet; computers; WMS, ERP, EDI and other application software? No. All those things just make it possible to conduct business faster and more efficiently....

Landoll Corp.(Lift Trucks)
June 1, 2004... The Bendi Series III lift truck combines the strengths of reach, turret and traditional sit-down lift trucks. It features 180-degree steering and front-end articulation as well as rear-wheel drive for extra stability, traction and control. It...

Aisle-Master Lift Trucks.(Lift Trucks)(Discount Packaging Supply Inc.)
June 1, 2004... Discount Packaging Supply Inc of Miami was planning to expand warehouse space by 30 percent to 40 percent. Instead, the company purchased Aisle-Master lift trucks. Because the front tower portion of these trucks does the turning, operators are...

TCM Fork Lift Trucks.(Lift Trucks)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The Acroba line of battery-powered lift trucks can take a 90-degree turn by not turning at all. Not only do they travel forward and backward, they also travel left and right. To turn at the top of an intersecting aisle, the driver rotates the...

Hyster Co.(Lift Trucks)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... J30-40ZT three-wheel lift truck series, with capacities from 3,000 to 4,000 pounds, combines maintenance-free brushless AC technology with high maneuverability. An on-board diagnostics display significantly reduces downtime by allowing service...

The Raymond Corp.(Lift Trucks)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The Model 7400 Reach-Fork truck is available in capacities from 3,200 to 4,500 pounds, in Reach and Deep-Reach configurations. The bidirectional truck (forks first or tractor first) features the company's ACR system, a combination of AC...

Cascade Corp.(Lift Trucks)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Damage-free handling in the paper industry is big business for lift truck attachment providers like Cascade. It offers a feature called adaptive force control with its clamps that automatically apply the right clamp force to fragile products...

Cat Lift Trucks.(Lift Trucks)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... "Many 3PLs are telling us that flexibility is key," says Nick Adams, marketing manager for Cat Lift Trucks. "They change the quantities and types of products they handle and shift locations to where warehouse space is more economical or where...

East Penn Mfg. Co.(Batteries and Chargers)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The Deka HydraSaver line of reduced-maintenance motive power batteries extends watering intervals from the typical one- to two weeks to nine to 10 weeks. A water level indicator LED warns when the battery needs to be watered. East Penn Mfg. Co....

EaglePicher.(Batteries and Chargers)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Available in 24-, 36-, 48- and 72-volt configurations, Horizon batteries are optimized for fast charging. Their ultralow internal resistance prevents the batteries from overheating in service or under charge and allows them to be recharged...

Hawker.(Batteries and Chargers)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The Powertech high-frequency charger automatically assesses a battery's charging requirements, allowing the user to reduce utility costs and manage battery watering. One charger can recharge batteries from 450-1200 AH without adjustment, as...

Yale Materials Handling Corp.(Lift Trucks)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The ERC-GH lift truck features a transistorized AC-powered traction motor and an auto deceleration system that automatically slows the truck when the accelerator pedal is released. Yale Materials Handling Corp. Write 236 [ILLUSTRATION...

JLG Industries.(Lift Trucks)(Services)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Gary Bisbee, vice president industrial products for JLG Industries, says the desire of retailers to eliminate rolling ladders in their stores and ease safety concerns led to the development of its ministockpickers. "The idea was to provide...

Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks.(Lift Trucks)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has introduced new reach trucks that lift as high as 425 inches. These models offer display-based programming and performance profiling, which operators can use to customize settings such as travel speed and steering...