Material Handling Management articles from October 2006

Material Handling Management archives from October 2006

Progress for peanuts.(Light Lifting)(business innovations)
October 1, 2006... There are big ideas. There are little ideas. And there are little ideas that turn out to be big ideas. Not everything that you do to improve your material handling processes requires a long, drawn-out cost justification, months of...

Clear view: new warehouse lighting system cuts energy and maintenance costs.(New Facility)(Company overview)
October 1, 2006... When Sea Gull Lighting Products L.L.C. built a new warehouse in Burlington, N.J. twice the size of its old facility, it managed to keep energy bills about the same. It did not need to turn off any lights to reduce energy costs. Instead, it...

Cheaper and better plastic.(Transport Packaging)(Personal account)
October 1, 2006... I recently had a call from a couple guys at a New York financial investment firm. My heart started palpitating because I thought they were about to offer me an advance on my kiss-and-tell expose of the material handling industry. Turns out...

Retrain the palletload brain: lift truck operators may be in for an expensive surprise if they try to move unusual loads without proper preparation and calculation.(Andel on Lift Trucks)
October 1, 2006... If you drive a lift truck eight hours a day, it's easy to develop a palletload mindset. Eventually, you expect everything you handle to behave like a nice, square pallet-load. If your lift truck operators resemble this remark, it's time for an...

Low-hanging fruit: opportunties for process improvement and better resource utilization are everywhere.(Data Intelligence)
October 1, 2006... Sitting in a truck-stop restaurant a couple of months ago, I got talking with the truck driver sitting next to me who inadvertently gave me the idea for this column. He commented that he'd just delivered a load of 1,066 tires and had to...

Win the fight for capacity: to become a preferred shipper do everything you can to keep drivers driving.(Cover story)
October 1, 2006... Why do carriers play favorites with customers? Because they can. Driver shortages and other capacity issues show no signs of letting up. Being a preferred shipper helps ensure superior service to your customers. Hasbro (www.hasbro.com)...

Alternative opinions on alternative fuel.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2006... Re: "Wal-Mart's Fuel-Cell Trials" (August 2006), what Wal-Mart is doing will trickle down to the smaller business ranks and progress will be made in making alternative fuels a viable possibility for the business customer. Wind and solar power...

Go visual: combat wasted motion and confusion by applying visual workplace concepts.(Visual Management)
October 1, 2006... Even if you consider yourself a lean organization and have process improvement programs and tools everywhere, your material handling operations could benefit from a visual boost. To say that it doesn't would be to say that no one has to waste...

Make informed decisions: end of the line: beginning of savings.(Transport Packing)
October 1, 2006... You only have to look as close as your computer or catalog-stuffed mailbox to see that small parcel shipments and transport packaging are the fastest growing segments of the multi-billion dollar packaging industry. Material Handling Management...

Suspended solution in a recyclable package: medical device manufacturer replaces foam packaging with a less costly, flexible, easy-to-store and recyclable alternative.(Transport Packing)
October 1, 2006... For 30 years Spacelabs Medical (Issaquah, Wash., www.spacelabs.com), a global provider of medical patient monitoring systems, has delivered innovative healthcare solutions in the form of touch-screen monitoring solutions. Transport packaging...

Shipper cools cost of transporting hot products.(Transport Packing)
October 1, 2006... One argument against reusable containers for shipping internationally--and via other modes of transportation--is that they never make it back. Here's proof that it works and that it can be cost effective. If you're a jalapeno pepper, it's...

Judging a box by its cover: providing custom box making services means being ready for anything.(Transport packing)
October 1, 2006... While the primary function of transport packaging has always been to protect the product, another important function is advertising on the side of the box. Adapting logos and other information to boxes, however, is an expensive proposition for...

Lock-a-load: wrap-to-pallet system helps concrete products company secure loads.(Transport Packaging)(Basalite Concrete Products LLC )
October 1, 2006... Packaging concrete is not a simple job. The stuff is heavy and hard on equipment. And when customers make demands on how a product should be delivered, transport packaging choices can be limited, at best. Basalite Concrete Products LLC...

Automatic water-activated tape dispenser.(Pack Expo International Product Preview)
October 1, 2006... Better Pack 500 automatic water-activated tape dispenser is engineered for durability, ease of use and reliability. Rugged tabletop unit with steel side-frame construction includes smooth-touch keypad preprogrammed with 14 preset lengths from 6...

Electromechanical actuators.(Pack Expo International Product Preview)
October 1, 2006... The Rexroth CKK and CKR compact electromechanical actuators offer high system rigidity to move heavy payloads or complex end-of-axis tooling with precision. Belt-drive CKR Compact Module has a low-wear, steel-reinforced polyurethane belt with...

Mixed product picking robot.(Pack Expo International Product Preview)
October 1, 2006... The KUKA KR 40 PA robot offers operators an easy-to-use control panel to create pallets of mixed products. The robot creates custom pallets using built-in order building software. The 4-axis robot to be demonstrated at Pack Expo is capable of...

Protective coatings for shipping and handling.(Pack Expo International Product Preview)
October 1, 2006... Three specialized coatings designed to resist absorption of water, oil and grease and prevent abrasions are now available for use on VBoards. VBoards laminated, recycled paperboard formed into a rigid right-angle shape. They offer edge...

Collapsible bulk container for liquid loads.(Pack Expo International Product Preview)
October 1, 2006... Citadel-v collapsible bulk container has an integral valve port and molded-in sump area for the controlled, efficient and sanitary discharge. Hinged cover of high-impact HDPE latches securely in place over the recessed valve port for an...

In-house case printing.(Pack Expo International Product Preview)
October 1, 2006... The Generic Case Printing (GCP) Assessment tool shows companies who use preprinted shipping cases if their case packaging costs can be reduced. The GCP Assessment will be offered to all Pack Expo attendees free of charge. Those who fit a...

Angled roller and retrofit kit.(Pack Expo International Product Preview)
October 1, 2006... Series 400 angled roller can improve productivity, eliminate unnecessary labor costs, and reduce operational expenses in various applications, including singulation; depalletizing/descrambling; angled, sorting and center-stage diverters;...

Cradles protect cylindrical product.(Pack Expo International Product Preview)
October 1, 2006... Rollguard will show its thermoformed, EPS foam and recycled fiber roll cradle lines at Pack Expo. Thermoformed roll cradles, designed to protect rolled and cylindrical materials, feature a strong cushioning construction. Made of high-impact...

Track and trace system.(Pack Expo International Product Preview)
October 1, 2006... Consumer goods manufacturers today face many demands that affect product identification--a drive to reduce recalls, food labeling regulations and retailer requirements. Integrated enterprise coding and traceability solution ensures accurate...

Drive up stretch wrapper.(Pack Expo International Product Preview)
October 1, 2006... The Q-300XT stretch wrapper lets a lift-truck operator drive up, position a pallet on the turntable, start the machine with a lanyard switch, and drive away without getting off the truck. The machine wraps 30 to 40 loads per hour, up to 80 in....

Flexible heat sealing in one machine.(Pack Expo International Product Preview)
October 1, 2006... The new Aergo CP Club Pack Sealing machine has two sealing technologies, RF and traditional heat sealing, to help packagers meet the style, size and material selection needs of mass merchandisers. For traditional heat-sealing applications, the...

Packaging conveyors.(Pack Expo International Product Preview)
October 1, 2006... A number of new modular, light-to-medium duty conveyor systems are being introduced at Pack Expo. A new split belt conveyor from DynaCon Conveyor Corp. handles products for both top and bottom exposure. Top and bottom exposure can be used for...

Robotic packing system for molded containers.(Pack Expo International Product Preview)
October 1, 2006... The Robox Vi portable, vision-guided robotic system for orienting and packing molded bottles, jars and caps, combines robotic case packing and palletizing technology with vision technology. The combination of the robot and vision technology in...

RFID label maker.(Pack Expo International Product Preview)
October 1, 2006... The Schober RFID-TI smart tag and ticket-making processor produces contactless readable tickets for airport baggage tracking tags, pallet and case tracking, and asset tracking. New features include a redesigned tag dispenser with web tensioning...

Corn- and potato-based packaging material.(Pack Expo International Product Preview)
October 1, 2006... PelaSpan-Pac Natural corn and potato starch product is 100% biodegradable, fully compostable without residues and disintegrates in water without polluting groundwater. 'S' shape interlocks within the container to provide stronger cushioning,...

Wal-Mart expands RFID implementation.(Industry News)(Wal-Mart Stores Inc.)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (Bentonville, Ark., www.walmart.com) reports that it will bring another 500 stores online with its RFID initiative by the end of this year. This would bring the total number of Wal-Mart retail locations using the technology...

Chrysler launches production of Chrysler Sebring.(Industry News)
October 1, 2006... In mid-September The Chrysler Group (Auburn Hills, Mich., www.daimlerchrysler.com) officially launched production of the all-new 2007 Chrysler Sebring sedan at its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant. The launch is the latest application of...

On the job.(Industry News)
October 1, 2006... "The guys in IT are touchy today" [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Material Handling Management Industry Leadership Award.(Industry News)
October 1, 2006... The editors of MHM have long appreciated the instructional and motivational value of success stories. We believe that there are many such stories out there just waiting to be told. In an effort to recognize manufacturing plants,...

Litigation as a growth industry.(Industry News)
October 1, 2006... In its third annual survey of corporate litigation trends--pulling data from 422 in-house law departments worldwide--Fulbright & Jaworski (New York, www.fulbright.com) found that U.S. companies face an average of 305 pending lawsuits. For U.S....

Research says propane-fueled forklifts can meet 2007 emissions standards.(Industry News)
October 1, 2006... The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC, www.propanecouncil.org) recently released the results of a three-year research project to demonstrate that propane-fueled forklift engines can meet more strict environmental standards. The PERC...

Alaska distributors doubles space.(News Facilities)(Alaska Distributors Co. installs inventory management system)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... SeayCo Integrators Inc. (Atlanta, www.seaycointegrators.com) and Conveyco Technologies (Bristol, Conn.www.conveyco.com) installed a new inventory management system for Alaska Distributors Co.'s new warehouse in Kent, Washington. Alaska...

API consolidates four facilities.(News Facilities)(Aerospace Products International)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Aerospace Products International Inc. (API, www.apiworldwide.com) opened a 172,000-sq.-ft. facility in Southaven, Miss. The Memphis-based company provides distribution and supply chain services for the aviation industry. API will consolidate...

BJ's new DC supports growth plans.(News Facilities)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. (Natick, Mass., www.bjs.com) officially opened its new 618,000 sq.-ft. distribution center in Uxbridge, Mass. The new facility replaces a smaller distribution center located in Franklin, Mass. "The enhancements...

Build-a-bear workshop brings distribution in-house.(News Facilities)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (St. Louis, www.buildabear.com), a retailer of customized stuffed animals, opened a new, 350,000 sq.-ft. distribution center in Groveport, Ohio. The new location will serve as the primary distribution center for the...

HighJump acquires delivery management software company.(Vendor News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... HighJump Software, a 3M company (St. Paul, Minn., www.highjumpsoftware.com) acquired Global Beverage Group Inc. (GBG, Waterloo, Ont., www.globalbeveragegroup.com), a provider of delivery management software for direct store delivery. Over 500...

Zebra acquires RFID patents.(Vendor News)(Zebra Technologies Corp.)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Zebra Technologies Corp. (Vernon Hills, Ill., www.zebra.com) acquired an extensive portfolio of radio-frequency identification (RFID) patents from BTG plc for approximately $10 million. "This portfolio of more than 200 U.S. and foreign patents...

Zebra settles lawsuit, signs license agreement.(Vendor News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Zebra Technologies Corp. (Vernon Hills, Ill., www.zebra.com) announced a settlement and license agreement with Paxar Americas, Inc., the U.S. operating subsidiary of Paxar Corp. (White Plains, N.Y., www.paxar.com), settling all disputes between...

General hydrogen orders 2,900 fuel cells.(Vendor News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Ballard Power Systems (Vancouver, B.C., www.ballard.com) signed a $22 million agreement with General Hydrogen Corp. (Cincinnati, www.generalhydrogen.com) to supply 2,900 of its Mark 9 fuel cells. Ranging in size from 4 to 20 kilowatts, the fuel...

HK systems appoints new president and COO.(Vendor News)
October 1, 2006... HK Systems, Inc. (Milwaukee, Wis., www.hksystems.com) appointed Michael L. Gonzalez president and chief operating officer. In his new role Gonzalez will report to John W. Splude, HK Systems' chairman and CEO. Gonzalez will have operational...

Jungheinrich opens new parts DC.(Vendor News)(Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp.)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... The Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp. (www.jungheinrich-us.com) moved into a new 17,000 sq.-ft. warehouse, in Richmond, Va. Jungheinrich managers said the company can now guarantee overnight delivery anywhere in the United States of all parts...

Accellos acquires radio beacon and headwater technology.(Vendor News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Accellos Inc. (Colorado Springs, Colo., www.accellos.com) a provider of logistics, transportation, warehouse and mobile fleet management software, acquired Radio Beacon Inc. (Toronto, www.radiobeacon.com). Radio Beacon is a provider of...

Bolzoni completes acquisition of Meyer.(Vendor News)(Meyer Company)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Bolzoni S.p.A. (Piacenza, Italy, www.bolzoni-auramo.com), a manufacturer of lift-truck attachments, finalized its purchase of the Meyer Company, the second largest manufacturer of lift truck attachments in Germany and the fourth largest...

Witron wins boots contract.(Vendor News)(health and beauty retailer)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... As part of efforts to reorganize its supply chain, Boots The Chemist (www.boots.com), the U.K. health and beauty retailer, is building a new distribution facility in Nottingham (U.K.) that will replace 17 regional warehouses. The German...

SCA acquires protective-packaging specialists.(Vendor News)(Cool Logistics Ltd. acquired by Stockholm Energi AB)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... SCA (Stockholm, Sweden, www.sca.se) acquired the remaining 75% of shares of Cool Logistics Ltd. (www.cool-logistics.com), a packaging company focused on temperature-sensitive products, primarily for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries....

Kuka provides robotics for meat application.(Vendor News)(AMF Automation Technologies)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... AMF Automation Technologies (AMF, Richmond, Va., www.amfautomation.com) selected KUKA Robotics Corp. (Clinton Township, Mich., www.kukarobotics.com), a global manufacturer of industrial robots, to supply the robotics for a new meat food...

Conveyor industry shipments climb.(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA, Naples, Fla., www.cemanet.org) reports that overall shipments for the first six months of 2006 increased 2.8% compared to the same period in 2005, with total shipments of $2.6 billion. ...

Nissan forklift receives foreign trade zone status.(Vendor News)
October 1, 2006... A subzone of the Foreign Trade Zone at the Chicago-Rockford International Airport, the new Trade Zone status of Nissan Forklift's Marengo, Ill., operation will allow it to streamline the customs process and reduce or eliminate duties or tariffs...

Clark recognized for community work.(Vendor News)
October 1, 2006... Clark Material Handling Co. (www.clarkmhc.com) was named the 2005 Community Partner of the Year by the Kentucky United Methodist Home for Children and Youth (Versailles, Ky.). Clark has an ongoing partnership with the home, sponsoring a boys'...

SOCO System and CAPE Systems join forces.(Vendor News)
October 1, 2006... CAPE Systems Group, Inc., (South Plainfield, N.J., www.capesystems.com), and SOCO System A/S of Denmark (www.socosystem.com) have established a strategic relationship to deliver enhanced solutions to customers using CAPE's pallet mapping...

Barloworld sells U.S. leasing operations.(Vendor News)
October 1, 2006... Industrial brand management company Barloworld Ltd. (Rep. of South Africa, www.barloworld.com) sold the materials handling equipment lease and loan portfolio held by its industrial distribution division in the United States for $77 million to...

K-Tron buys Pneumatics Company.(Vendor News)
October 1, 2006... K-Tron International Inc. (Pitman, N.J., www.ktron.com) bought Premier Pneumatics Inc. (www.premierpneumatics.com), a Salina, Kans.-based manufacturer of pneumatic conveying and bulk handling equipment, for $27.6 million. K-Tron executives said...

Motorola buys symbol for $3.9 billion.(Vendor News)
October 1, 2006... Motorola (Schaumburg, Ill., www.motorola.com) purchased Symbol Technologies (Holtsville, N.Y., www.symbol.com) for $3.9 billion. The purchase reportedly reflects Motorola management's desire to deliver more seamless "mobility solutions." Symbol...

HK systems acquires AGV Products.(Vendor News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... HK Systems Inc. (Milwaukee, www.hksystems.com) acquired AGV Products (Charlotte, N.C., www.agvp.com), a supplier of automated guided vehicles (AGVs). The transaction enhances HK Systems' AGV technology offerings. "AGV Products is excited...

Nissan receives CARB certification.(Vendor News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2006... Nissan Forklift (Marengo, Ill., www.nissanforklift.com) received compliance certifications for its full line of internal combustion forklifts from both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB)...

Productivity by the cartload: a renewed interest in AGV carts is helping to make assembly at automakers more productive.(AGV Update)(automatic guided vehicles)
October 1, 2006... Manufacturers took the lead in using automated-guided vehicle (AGV) lift trucks. Now, they are among the first to embrace using AGV carts. Carts are an affordable, flexible, and safe method for linking two areas in a facility that are far...