Greer, SC—Creform Corporation, a manufacturer of unique products for material handling and commercial use has designed, built and assembled a flow rack for an automotive parts manufacturer that creates a “supermarket” storage area. The flow racks create a storage area ideal for picking parts and kits of individual SKU’s that make up a manufacturing kit. The flow rack is  also ideal for assembly stations, work-in-process storage, kitting operations and can also be used for general warehousing of pull-to-ship parts.The flow rack is used as an individual rack or has the ability to connect several together with brackets in order to create a large-scale picking supermarket. It allows for quick material replenishment and fast access to parts, is scalable and can be expanded or reconfigured as production demand changes.The rack has three levels of gravity-fed roller tracks that provide smooth and controlled flow of containers and incorporates multiple roller track lanes. The roller tracks are rated for continuous industrial use with consistent part presentation and are suitable for a wide range of container weights, from light kitting totes to heavy-duty bins. The flow lanes are angled for reliable container flow and presentation while guaranteeing FIFO inventory management.Each of the rack’s levels can be repositioned or the entire flow rack can be customized with only simple tools while the vertical presentation face allows the levels to be easily moved up or down with the same simple tool.The flow rack features 15 mobile casters for easy repositioning across work zones and is fully reconfigurable — shelves, roller tracks, and lane spacing can be quickly adjusted as your production needs evolve. Designed with ergonomics in mind, the system allows easy customization for different operators or work cells. Stationary structural feet are available as an option.The dimensions of the flow rack pictured are 132" W x 48" D x 63" T and has a maximum load capacity of 2000 lb.Low friction precision Placon skate wheel conveyors are available that allow for shallow flow lane angles suitable for both plastic returnable totes as well as cardboard boxes.As with all Creform flow racks, higher capacity, sizes, configurations and lane dividers are possible. The flow rack pictured is white, but a wide variety of pipe colors are available as well as for ESD applications. Accessories can include information sheet holders, label holders, tool storage, hooks to hang tools and other supplies. Creform flow racks are suitable for warehouse or manufacturing plant use. They are available as a kit or an assembled structure or in the component form for a complete DIY solution.The Creform System is used to create an array of material handling and efficiency enhancing devices and is a proven component in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing programs. The company partners with customers in developing and enhancing these programs.ContactBG EdwardsCreform Corporationbg.edwards@creform.com800.839.8823SCsales@creform.comwww.creform.com

Now delivered in as little as 6 weeks – matching many heavy industry gearbox lead timesSEW‑EURODRIVE, now offers external oil cooling and supply systems for heavy industry gearing with lead times as short as six weeks. Built and configured at SEW-EURODRIVE Heavy Industry Gearing (HIG) in Wellford, South Carolina, these systems are engineered to support today’s torque-dense gearboxes—where thermal limitations often determine gearbox size.Previously available only through longer-lead global channels, these systems are now stocked and assembled in the U.S., eliminating delivery bottlenecks.Never Lose Your Cool: Precision Cooling for Critical ApplicationsAs HIG drive systems grow more compact and power-dense, thermal management becomes essential. SEW‑EURODRIVE’s external lubrication systems address that challenge, with configurations that ensure oil is delivered, circulated, and cooled exactly as your application demands.Available types include: Oil-to-air cooling systems (OAP1) Oil-to-water cooling systems (OWP1) Pressure lubrication systems without cooling (ONP1)Each is sized using SEW‑EURODRIVE’s thermal validation tools and can be gearbox-mounted or skidmounted for flexibility in layout and maintenance access.What’s New Assembled in the U.S., reducing delivery time from 14–20 weeks to as little as 6 weeks Standard options in stock and ready to configure Designed to support thicker startup oil viscosities up to 5,000 cStBuilt for Your ApplicationSEW‑EURODRIVE’s Oil Cooling and Supply Systems can be tailored to your specific requirements and include modular, sensor-ready features to support system reliability and monitoring.Standard stocked options include: Duplex oil filters (25μm) — allows filter change during operation • Electro-optical contamination pop-up indicator Oil manometer gauge Oil thermometer gauge Oil pressure switch • Oil temperature switch — all to monitor the gearbox oil sump in real time“With local assembly and standard stocked components, we can now deliver complete external thermal management solutions in six weeks—helping our customers get their HIG systems up and running faster and more reliably.” — Austin Burdette, Product Manager, SEW‑EURODRIVE HIG USAGet StartedContact your SEW‑EURODRIVE Heavy Industry Gearing representative to discuss your application needs or request a quote.www.seweurodrive.comAbout SEW-EURODRIVEFounded in 1931 in Bruchsal, Germany, SEW-EURODRIVE is a global leader in Industrial Automation, with operations in over 50 countries, 17 manufacturing plants, 92 assembly facilities, and more than 21,000 employees. The company holds over 1,000 patents, continuously driving technological advancements in gearmotors, frequency inverters, servo drives, and Industry 4.0 solutions.SEW-EURODRIVE provides engineered solutions in countless industries, including automotive, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, mining, steel, logistics, energy, and more, providing customized automation solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Despite its global reach, SEWEURODRIVE remains family-owned, ensuring long-term vision, strong values, and a commitment to excellence.SEW-EURODRIVE. Driving the World™ContactSEW-EURODRIVE, Inc.Michelle NAU937-307-1901MNau@seweurodrive.com—Joe TETZEL864-661-1236JTetzel@seweurodrive.com

August 8, 2025 – Houston, Texas – Oceaneering International, Inc. (Oceaneering) announces that its Mobile Robotics business has introduced a suite of advanced autonomy features now available on the MaxMover™ Counterbalance Forklift and CompactMover™ Fork Over Leg that are engineered to drive safety, productivity, and flexibility in modern material handling and intralogistics environments.These new capabilities deliver intelligent automation for real-world industrial challenges and are ideal for deployment in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and logistics centers across the globe.The MaxMover™ Counterbalance Forklift is specifically designed for use across warehouse logistics, manufacturing operations, distribution centers, and assembly lines. The system offers a true replacement for conventional counterbalance forklifts. Amongst its new capabilities are Elevated Obstacle Detection (EOD), a safety-enhancing feature that detects overhead hazards, such as suspended structures or raised equipment, beyond the reach of standard scanners. EOD allows the mobile robot to automatically slow or halt to prevent collisions. It resumes movement once the path is clear, helping to minimize downtime and protect assets.Also new is Empty Drop-off Detection (EDD), which actively scans drop-off zones to ensure they are clear before payload release. This intelligent safeguard prevents misplaced loads, reduces the risk of equipment damage, and keeps operations running smoothly. Additional innovations include Fork Pitch Adjustment (FPA), which automatically modifies fork width to accommodate varying pallet sizes, eliminating manual adjustments and enabling seamless load handling with a single vehicle.The CompactMover™ FOL U 1200 is a compact autonomous mobile robot engineered to replace traditional electric pallet stackers. It offers a fully electric solution without hydraulics for easier maintenance and a fork-over-leg design, natural-feature navigation, and infrastructure-free deployment.The CompactMover™ offers a scalable, low-maintenance solution for modern warehouse and production environments. The new features include EOD, which detects and stops for high obstacles, Automatic Pallet Tracking, which seamlessly handles misaligned pallets on the floor, and Available Location Detection (ALD), which scans rows and finds available spaces efficiently.With these innovations, Oceaneering Mobile Robotics continues to push the boundaries of autonomous material handling. By enabling higher throughput, lowering operating costs, and improving overall safety, these solutions are ideal for smart warehouses, distribution centers, and industrial facilities seeking scalable automation strategies.For more information, visit: oceaneering.com/omr.About Oceaneering Mobile Robotics Oceaneering Mobile Robotics designs, manufactures, implements, and maintains innovative turnkey logistic solutions based on autonomous mobile robot technology. For over 35 years, OMR has been a trusted partner for the automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics industries. For more information on Oceaneering Mobile Robotics, please visit www.oceaneering.com/omr.About Oceaneering International Oceaneering is a global technology company delivering engineered services and products and robotic solutions to the offshore energy, defense, aerospace, and manufacturing industries. For more information on Oceaneering, please visit www.oceaneering.com.ContactMickey O'Callaghanomr_bd@oceaneering.com

This is a paid advertisement.In the high-stakes environment of automotive manufacturing, Valeo needed to accelerate material flow—without slowing down operations. Instead of a disruptive overhaul, they partnered with Slip Robotics to deploy autonomous, loading/unloading SlipBots that integrated seamlessly into existing workflows. The results? 6X faster loading and unloading, reduced transportation waste, and zero forklifts inside trailers—boosting safety and efficiency across the board. Valeo’s transformation proves that with the right technology, B2B operations teams can unlock serious gains in speed, safety, and savings—without the headache of complex implementation.

In the dynamic world of material handling, where the efficiency and safety of operations hinge on the reliability of equipment, the often-overlooked heroes are the casters and wheels. Both play a pivotal role in the seamless movement of loads through industrial environments, yet the intricacies of selecting the right ones are often underestimated.Before you add to cart consider these common mistakes to avoid.Ignoring Load Limits: The Pitfalls of Overlooking Capacity RequirementsExceeding the recommended load capacity of casters can result in premature wear, damage, and failure. Most loads don't maintain an even weightacross the length and width of the platform. An off-center load could overload even the most durable casters. If a caster fails due to excessive weight, it can potentially cause injuries to workers and damage to products or infrastructure.It's crucial to accurately assess load requirements and choose casters that can accommodate the appropriate load capacity (including the weight of your cart!) Pro Tip: For optimal load distribution and safety, the common mistake of dividing the load capacity by 4 overlooks crucial factors. Instead, we advise dividing by 3 to account for potential uneven floors and to ensure stability. There are two reasons for this: First, on uneven surfaces, 3 or fewer casters bear a greater load, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the load can be adequately supported by 3 casters for operator safety and equipment integrity.Second, unpredictable load distribution necessitates planning for potential shifts, whether due to floor irregularities or weight imbalances. Adjusting the load rating accordingly ensures a proactive approach to prevent potential issues.Material Mismatch: Why the Right Wheel Matters for Your EnvironmentWheels are used in material handling because they significantly reduce the force required to move an object. Think about the force needed to push a heavy box across a floor. Static friction demands a specific applied force to initiate motion, and once in motion, dynamic friction insists on a consistent force to sustain it. The person exerting the force encounters a delicate balance: their applied force against the friction force generated by the box's weight and the floor. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the factors that impact caster performance.Will it navigate rough or uneven floor conditions? Is floor protection a priority? Does noise or speed play a role? Will the wheel be subjected to washdown or high-heat applications? These are the questions that guide the meticulous selection of the right caster and wheel.The complexities within polyurethane wheels alone can create paralysis in selecting the right type. Add in metal, nylon, rubber, and pneumatic, and it becomes even more crucial to comprehend the environment the wheel will be working in. Choosing caster materials unsuitable for the environment can have a significant impact on rolling resistance, triggering a waterfall effect of potential issues including compromised performance and durability, premature wear, failure, and a more strenuous work environment.Pro Tip: Casters and wheels come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to match unique performance requirements. Some roll-on tracks and temperatures up to 500F. Others bear 40,000-pound loads inside and outside the factory. Gather application data and choose an industrial caster/wheel manufacturer (or distributor) that you trust to help you select the right caster. Taking these extra steps will prevent headaches down the road. RELATED: Casters, Wheels, and Accessories GuideMaintaining Momentum: Why Speed Matters Most casters are rated for walking speed (3-5 mph), but sometimes the need for speed extends beyond this. Faster speeds require a caster that can not only withstand the increased velocity but also the increased severity of impacts. When towing loads at accelerated paces, it becomes imperative to assess not only the wheel material but the bearing type as well.Precision ball bearings can typically handle higher speeds and radial forces. These bearings are best for manual applications due to lower start-up forces. Wheels used in towing applications benefit from tapered wheel bearings as they run at higher speeds and encounter turns under load. These bearings are best for side load conditions as well as higher industrial speeds. Pushing the speed boundaries requires casters that can keep up without compromising performance or safety.Pro Tip: Larger wheel diameters and axles, more robust swivel construction, and bearing selection are critical components that enhance casters' overall performance and endurance at higher speeds. Overlooking Safety Standards: Don’t Put Your Workplace at RiskAccording to the Spine Research Institute at The Ohio State University, over 1.3 billion people suffer from musculoskeletal disorders that lead to low back, neck, shoulder, and other joint pain. While the causal pathways of these disorders are influenced by a multitude of factors, the workplace environment is a consideration.Adhering to safety standards ensures casters used in material handling meet specific load capacity, durability, and design criteria. This compliance is directly tied to workplace safety, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and damage to both personnel and property. Following safety standards helps create a safer working environment by ensuring casters can withstand the demands of the application.Pro Tip: Ask if the manufacturer is a member of the Institute of Caster and Wheel Manufacturers (ICWM), a Material Handling Institute (MHI) subgroup. Members are committed to safety and must adhere to certain criteria such as the American National Standard ANSI ICWM-2018, Vocabulary, Performance, and Testing Requirements for Casters and Wheels. This Standard is intended to guide owners, users, designers, purchasers, and/or specifiers of material handling equipment or systems.Neglecting Maintenance: The Silent Killer of Caster LongevityAccording to Forbes, unplanned/unscheduled downtime represents one of the costliest events at any manufacturing plant.  Specific to casters, failing to perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning and lubrication, can lead to the accumulation of foreign objects and debris on caster components. This accelerates wear and tear, shortening the lifespan of the casters and increasing the risk of failure and unplanned downtime.Alternatively, planned downtime is a proactive approach to preventing breakdowns, and the build-up of contaminants within your caster to prolong the life of your equipment. Should you be using a caster that is not maintenance-free, it is important to implement a routine maintenance schedule that includes cleaning, inspection, and lubrication of caster components. Pro Tip: Have you considered maintenance-free casters? These casters minimize downtime and reduce maintenance costs by eliminating the need for lubrication or regular upkeep. Featuring sealed precision bearings and durable construction, they provide consistent performance, enhanced safety, and cleaner operation. Perfect for lean manufacturing, automated systems, and industries like aerospace, automotive manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, electronics assembly, cleanrooms, and renewable energy.As we understand the pitfalls explored above, it becomes evident that the right caster choice is not just about functionality but a commitment to safety, efficiency, and longevity. So, before you proceed with your next caster purchase, remember the cardinal rules: respect load limits, choose materials wisely, embrace routine maintenance, adhere to safety standards, and consider the often-underestimated factor – velocity. Each decision contributes to a chain reaction of reliability and performance in the workplace.Never consider casters and wheels a commodity; rather consider them the foundation of a safe, efficient, and enduring material handling environment.For more information visit hamiltoncaster.com or www.mhi.org/icwm.

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A leading international manufacturer of ink needed an explosion proof loading dock leveler. The CA levelers would provide the same ease of use, push button operation as a hydraulic leveler, but would not require any additional explosion proof add-ons. This is because the CA utilizes compressed air with an industrial automotive-grade bellows system to lift the leveler and does not have any motors in the pit.

When an automotive recycler was expanding their facility, they turned to the products that have already worked for them in other areas of the business – Gorbel® Workstation Cranes and GS Series Hoists.

DENSO had two primary objectives in mind, to overcome labor shortages and improve warehouse operation safety for associates driving vehicles inside the facility.Together, DENSO, Bastian Solutions and Toyota Material Handling integrated five AGVs into their Maryville, Tennessee warehouse. By automating the transport of product pallets from receiving to production lines, DENSO can better leverage their human labor force for improved