Raymond Basics lithium-ion motorized stacker gives operations a productive and cost-effective material handling offeringGREENE, N.Y., September 3, 2025 — The Raymond Corporation introduces a highly productive and economical Raymond Basics offering: the Raymond® RBS26-F Stacker. This lithium-ion-powered fork-over stacker serves as an ideal solution in compatibility with skids, crates, containers and platforms without bottom boards.“At Raymond, we’re always looking for options that support the variety of needs that our customers have to efficiently and securely enhance their operation,” said Mike Distin, product manager of Raymond Basics, The Raymond Corporation. “Powered by lithium-ion, the Raymond RBS26-F Stacker delivers the performance operators need to reliably and affordably increase productivity within their operations.”Stacker maximizes reliability, productivity and affordabilityHighly maneuverable and versatile, the Raymond RBS26-F Stacker helps operators move and stack products more quickly and easily while reducing on-the-job fatigue. Operators can expect: Greater productivity — Electric travel, lift and lower capabilities — including the ability to lift loads of 1,480 to 2,600 pounds to heights between 72 and 114 inches — improve productivity across warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, retail and home center applications that utilize skids, crates and containers where the platform is free of a bottom board. Improved maneuverability — Options such as turtle speed, creep mode and dual thumb controls simplify the operating experience, offering exceptional handling in a variety of spaces. Secure operation — Personal identification numbers prevent unauthorized lift truck use; reduced speeds during turns help minimize lift truck, product and facility damage; and a standard load backrest improves load stability and handling for a more secure operating experience. Quick charging and long use — Lithium-ion batteries offer reliable power for up to two hours, while opportunity charging keeps lift trucks on the warehouse floor longer.For more information or to locate an authorized Raymond Solutions and Support Center, visit www.raymondcorp.com or call 800-235-7200.About The Raymond CorporationThe Raymond Corporation, a member of the Toyota Industries family of companies, is a leading global provider of best-in-class material handling products and intelligent intralogistics solutions. Built on principles of innovation and continuous improvement for over 100 years, Raymond’s integrated automation, telematics, virtual reality and advanced energy solutions provide ways to optimize operations and bring warehouse and distribution operations to a new level of performance. Raymond® electric forklift trucks are engineered to achieve increased productivity and efficiency and are designed to provide ecological and economic benefits. Raymond delivers solutions to material handling and logistics markets in North America and globally. Combining operational excellence, award-winning innovation and world-class global customer support, we work together to run better, manage smarter and keep our customers always on. For more information, visit raymondcorp.com and follow us on Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.ContactElizabeth BuzaThe Raymond Corporationelizabeth.buza@raymondcorp.com607-343-0845

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

Toyota Introduces Three Unique Solutions Designed to Maximize Productivity in Every Warehouse EnvironmentCOLUMBUS, Ind. (August 19, 2025) — Toyota Material Handling, a North American leader in material handling products and solutions, announces the introduction of its advanced lineup of electric heavy-duty stackers. Engineered for versatility, durability, and comfort, these stackers are optimized to perform and boost productivity in even the most demanding and diverse warehouse environments.“The addition of our new electric stackers underscores our commitment to creating adaptable and efficient material handling solutions aimed at enhancing the operational productivity of any warehouse,” said Shannon Curtis, Director of Product Marketing for Toyota Material Handling North America. “Whether stacking at elevated heights or navigating narrow aisles, these stackers empower operations to overcome logistical challenges, boost efficiency, and increase operational productivity.”Designed to deliver precision at every level and boasting load capacities ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 pounds and lift heights up to 189 inches, the electric stackers are built to optimize operations and increase efficiency across a variety of applications. The new lineup consists of three unique Toyota models, each designed with operator comfort, durability, and versatility in mind: Walkie Reach Truck: Built specifically to reach high racks in confined spaces, the Walkie Reach Truck offers exceptional maneuverability and a maximum capacity of 3,000 pounds. Ideal for environments where flexibility is needed in narrow aisles, this innovative design features intuitive control and a versatile mast to tackle tasks that require precision. Walkie Straddle Stacker: With the ability to lift loads up to 4,000 pounds, the Walkie Straddle Stacker offers robust performance for general warehousing, retail, and manufacturing settings. The stable straddle design ensures secure handling of palletized loads, making it reliable in high-volume operations. Counter-Balanced Stacker: This stacker boasts unrivaled versatility and stability and can lift loads ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 pounds. Ideal for applications where base legs and obstacles could interfere with pallets, the Counter-Balanced Stacker features a compact, counterbalanced design to allow for secure and efficient operation in environments where versatility is key.“These stackers expand the broad range of tasks and applications our customers can efficiently manage, from demanding and high-volume retail environments to specialized manufacturing operations,” Curtis said.Each stacker incorporates an AC Drive Motor for quiet and smooth operations, delivering a low-maintenance solution. Paired with regenerative plugging, the stackers offer an opportunity for increased uptime for consistent productivity during demanding shifts.The stackers' performance and versatility are backed by the comfort of operator-friendly features, including a multifunctional control handle with ergonomically positioned handgrips and dual thumbwheels for precision handling. The addition of optional power steering can further improve operator comfort during extended shifts or in tight spaces.Learn more about Toyota and its full line of industry-leading material handling solutions or find an authorized dealer near you by visiting ToyotaForklift.com.About Toyota Material HandlingToyota Material Handling offers material handling products and solutions, including forklifts, reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, container handlers, automated guided vehicles, and tow tractors, along with aerial work platforms, fleet management services, and advanced automation engineering and design. Toyota’s commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction, the hallmark of the Toyota Production System, extends throughout more than 230 locations across North America. With access to an industry-leading lineup of material handling products, Toyota dealers are uniquely positioned to help solve wide-ranging challenges in warehousing and distribution. Built for every application, Toyota can provide the most complete set of solutions for material handling, automation, energy, advanced logistics and warehouse optimization. For more information, visit ToyotaForklift.com.ContactStephen RosenbergSenior Manager, Marketing & CommunicationsStephen.rosenberg@tmhna.com

For warehouses and distribution centers, Destuff-it™ portable ergonomic conveyors provide a safe and efficient solution for handling floor-stacked packages in shipping containers or related vessels.

Stihl dealer in the Midwest can expect fast, accurate service when they need equipment, accessories or spare partsMississippi Valley Saw was founded in 1978 by Bob Joynt in Peoria, IL. It began serving the nation’s heartland by shipping chain saws, log splitters and accessories to about 70 independent dealers and lawn centers. Growth was swift, and in 1981 the company moved into a new location. Soon after, Mr. Hans Peter Stihl visited and asked them to drop all other lines and become an exclusive Stihl dealer. Mississippi Valley Stihl (MVS) was born.MVS investigated all possible solutions to their time, inventory and space issues and chose the Lean-Lift® Vertical Lift Module from Hänel Storage Systems. A bank of three units were installed initially, with a fourth lift added shortly after to keep pace with demand.The benefits of the Lean-Lifts® were immediate. Before the lifts, five or six people would work well into overtime to fill the day’s orders.After the lifts, a single person could get all orders received by 2 p.m. out by 4 p.m. the same day. Orders are picked faster with less walking and no more overtime.The lifts work together to cue the next part automatically so that the operator can move from lift to lift, minimizing any potential wait time for trays to be delivered to the access point. Totes and boxes are used to collect the various parts for each order, with a put-to-light system ensuring the right parts go into the right container. A pick-to-light system is used to pull fast moving items from bins nearby.The increased speed and accuracy afforded by the Hänel Lean-Lifts® allowed MVS to keep its commitment to its dealer network to provide the right part within 24–48 hours, even while stocking an ever-increasing inventory of parts.

The Hänel Lean-Lift as a high-speed shipping systemWhen it comes to tools, the experts at Productivity Inc. can provide customized solutions for the metalworking industry. In addition to consulting, customer care, service and maintenance,Productivity Inc. delivers tools and tool holders to customers throughout North America. Fast shipping from the company’s site in Minneapolis is supported by three Hänel Lean-Lifts® that are used to store more than 10,000 items.The Hänel vertical lifts are equipped with multifunction containers, making them ideal for automated small parts storage. Job orders are displayed directly on the HänelSoft® terminal and can be processed there.The high-speed version of the Hänel Lean-Lift® quickly brings stored items to the retrieval area on request.If the items needed for a particular order are located in various lift systems, picking performance can be boosted even more through parallel system operation.Thanks to digital compartment and sub-level indicators, even storage positions in very small configuration layout patterns can be identified easily. The combination of all these features ensures that orders are filled and shipped in record time – without errors.Orders are filled directly opposite the system access points, where they are also packed for shipping. Order confirmation is entered in the systems using barcode scanners. Another Hänel Lean-Lift® located in a different area of the warehouse is also integrated in the storage solution.Productivity Inc. quickly recognized the high quality of Hänel technology through the reliable performance delivered by the storage systems

The Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) have developed a new American National Standard to provide guidance and a standardized test methodology for steel mesh containment panels (also known as rack guarding or rackback).Items stored in pallet racks have the potential to fall into aisleways, causing injury or damage. Steel mesh containment panels can be installed on storage racks to keep items from falling.ANSI MH31.1-2019, Steel Mesh Containment Panels Used in Pallet Rack and Vertical Storage System Applications: Performance and Testing Requirements, has been developed to provide guidance on containment panel design, use, and performance criteria, including a uniform testing methodology for evaluating restraint performance. and testing. This standard also addresses flue space requirements outlined in NFPA 13 for back-to-back storage rack applications.Information on ANSI MH31.1 and a list of manufacturers of steel mesh containment panels is available at www.mhi.org/progma.

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The Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) has published a blog to supplement its latest video on safety at pick modules. The video can be viewed at mhi.org/progma/videos.Here at ProGMA, we have produced a series of educational videos on protective guarding equipment in the material handling industry. ProGMA members provide fixed protective guarding products to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. A variety of such items are designed for installation at pick modules, which are multi-level structures typically constructed out of pallet rack that allow multiple pallets of product to be stored, broken down, picked, and packaged into specific orders for shipping.Our video is targeted at end users, system integrators, material handling warehouse design consultants / engineers, distributors, and safety professionals in manufacturing and distribution centers in the material handling industry, as well as students studying the sector. Many household and industrial goods we interact with every day were once stored or passed through a pick module. At the distribution centers of companies like CVS Pharmacy and Rite Aid Corporation, for example, goods are stored before being repackaged and shipped to individual stores.As the 2:23min-long video says at the outset, pick modules can have several elevated levels of materials that are handled by both automation and personnel. Although everything in the material handling industry is becoming more automated, separation of full stored cases into smaller, individual shipments is still being completed manually. The size of pick modules has been increasing over the years; in the past, you may have seen a floor plus one level system, then a floor plus two levels, and now it is not uncommon to see three or even four elevated levels. This increases potential hazards.As the video continues, it is of paramount importance that proper guarding is used from the ground up to protect structures, the product they hold and, most importantly, the people working within and around them. Rack upright columns can be difficult to replace and costly to repair because often the area has to be closed off, product has to be removed, and multiple sections need to be disassembled. These components are all dependent upon one another, so if one part fails, the entire system can fail.The video highlights three “easy and affordable” solutions: Free-standing pallet rack column protectors Post cushions Bumper guardsHowever, ProGMA members offer a variety of products for ground-level protection including guardrails, bumper guards, column protectors, bollards, rack guards, and product containment enclosures  (i.e., wire mesh or netting); and for upper-level protection, such as side and back product containment enclosures (wire mesh or netting) to prevent products from falling below.What does ANSI say?The video continues, and quotes American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 6.4.3, which states that “…any gate that provides an access opening through the guards for the purpose of loading and unloading material onto a work platform shall be designed such that the elevated surface is protected by guards at all times. Gates that swing open, slide open, or lift or leave an unprotected opening in the guarding are not acceptable.”However, it is important to note that there are many mezzanines that were installed before the ANSI standards were created that used more conventional gates, such as removable, sliding, or swinging systems—and that is the same for pick modules. Systems can be retrofitted to achieve conformity with current standardization. There is no grandfather clause for ANSI (or OSHA) so all systems whether new or old should follow their guidelines. Note that many of the protective guarding products found in the video and on the ProGMA site are easily retrofittable to these older systems.As the video stresses, only dual-gate systems should be used. The same gates used on a pick module are also the preferred method for securing all elevated pallet drop areas whether they are in pick modules, on mezzanines, or on elevated work platforms such as storage or production / blending areas. The ANSI standards that recommended the use of dual-gate systems were written specifically for elevated work platforms and since a pick module is a type of elevated work platform that should be applied.The video demonstrates how a dual-gate system uses two counterbalanced and interconnected gates that are configured so when the first gate at the ledge is open, the second gate behind the pallet is closed. Fixed guarding on the sides—often the frame of the pallet rack in a pick module—prevents access into the side of the areas. This allows material to be loaded into the area while keeping employees a safe distance from the ledge and the material. When the rear / operator gate is opened, the ledge gate automatically closes, maintaining a barrier at the ledge while the pallet is accessed and picked. This creates what ProGMA calls a controlled-access area so there is always a barrier between the worker and the ledge.For information, ProGMA members that manufacture such solutions include Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc., Wildeck, and Heartland Engineered Products. Although companies still provide swing gates for pallet drop areas where a single pallet is loaded and staged, they are not an acceptable solution according to ANSI and could potentially create a situation where they are in violation of OSHA code.A self-closing swing gate, also featured in the video, should only be used when integrated with pallet flow lanes where multiple pallets are loaded into the system. The pallet flow lanes are pitched so the pallet rolls into the storage area. This allows the gate to immediately close once the pallet is loaded.  By comparison, when used for a single pallet position without flow rails, the staged pallet would hold the swinging gate open, preventing it from closing.For securing multiple deep pallet flow lanes, a dual-gate system is the preferred safety method because not only does it make sure a barrier is in place all times for fall protection, but it also keeps people out of the pallet flow lanes when pallets are being loaded. The two types of incidents we see in these areas are falls from the ledges and pallets being pushed into the legs of employees who have entered the lane. Only the dual-gate system keeps people out of the lanes when the lane is being loaded. The self-closing swing gate, however, does secure the ledge for fall protection.Hand in gloveOftentimes, a safety aspect can be used to increase productivity. For example, the self-closing swinging gate on pallet flow lanes will allow pallets to be quickly loaded into the system. Any time the lift truck operator wants to load a pallet into the area, they just push the pallet through the swinging gates. The dual-gate system has the potential of the gates being in the incorrect position for loading, meaning that the ledge gate is closed when the lift truck is trying to replenish pallets into the area. So they can go to load but a barrier is in place preventing them from doing so.A user can power operate these gates for remote operation but often this isn’t feasible due to the number of areas. Manual operation can actually create a safer and faster environment. The position of the gates in a dual-gate system can be used as a signal between the picker up on the platform and the lift truck operator below. In other words, when the ledge gate is closed that means the picker is picking from the pallets or the area doesn’t need to be replenished.When the picker has finished in that bay or when they notice the pallets need to be replenished in that bay, they just manually close the gate near them, which opens up the ledge gate. Now the lift truck operator can look up and see which areas are safe and ready to be replenished. This is an example of a safety system helping communications among the different workers.In conclusion, it’s evident that, despite automation, people remain at the center of activity in and around pick modules. ProGMA and its members are a one-stop-shop for leading safety solutions, whether it be for preventing hazards associated with falling boxes, product, or workers; or structural protection of the system itself from impact. As the video serves to reiterate, even in automated systems there are still people moving around the facility, either on ground level or on the elevated levels. Even if people are not used for the picking of material, there are areas where empty pallets or totes are removed that need to be guarded.The product-centric video doesn’t feature specific brands, but free-standing pallet rack column protectors, post cushions, and bumper guards are available from ProGMA members including Adrian’s Safety Solutions, A-Safe USA, Bluff Manufacturing, Boplan, DamoTech, Folding Guard, Husky Rack & Wire, Heartland Engineered Products, Jesco, McCue, Slowstop Guarding, SpaceGuard Products, Steel King, Troax, VisiPlas, Wildeck, and WireCrafters.Costs range from inexpensive, light-duty products to more expensive, heavy-duty solutions. Importantly, talking with the manufacturer about the application will help source the right product/s for the facility. No two pick modules or applications are completely alike and that’s what the member companies of the ProGMA are here to help with.The ProGMA website—mhi.org/progma—features details of 22 member companies and hundreds of solutions to help companies with older systems find protective guarding solutions to update / upgrade their pick module system.See the latest video and others in the series at mhi.org/progma/videosShould you be using a ProGMA member to enhance the safety and productivity of your pick modules?About ProGMAThe Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) members are the industry’s leading suppliers of fixed protective guarding products designed to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. Member companies meet regularly to review, discuss, and revise the standards for design and performance of protective guarding products used in the material handling industry. ProGMA member companies are committed to the development, maintenance, and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. Visit the website at mhi.org/progma.About MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, their customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals.Contact for editorial enquiries: Ashley Skidmore, askidmore@mhi.org or 704-676-1190

Price: $50.00This standard is established to provide a guideline for design, testing, fabrication, and utilization of industrial storage rack decking utilized as an accessory for industrial steel storage racks that conform to ANSI MH16.1, Design, Testing, and Utilization of Industrial Steel Storage Racks. Storage rack decking is placed on beams of industrial steel storage racks to create a surface on which to place materials that can be on pallets, in containers, or in some other form.This standard applies to uniformly loaded storage rack decking applications, as well as various concentrated and partially distributed loading conditions common to storage rack applications. Storage rack decking can be fabricated from welded-wire mesh with permanently attached reinforcements, metal bar grating, composite engineered wood, corrugated metal, perforated sheet metal, or other materials that meet the performance requirements for use in storage racks.This standard does not apply to:Storage rack decking manufactured prior to date of adoption of this standard;Storage rack decking that has been improperly installed, altered, damaged, or used in any manner other than that for which it was originally intended, designed, purchased, sold, or a combination thereof;Lumber not graded or stamped by the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB), West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau (WCLIB), or equivalent grading agency; orStorage rack decking that is intended to support any loads other than product loads (e.g., moving, or live, loads due to walking or stepping).

Price: $50.00The purpose of this standard is to serve as the guide for designers, manufacturers, sellers, installers, owners, users, and governing bodies of steel mesh containment panels used in pallet rack and vertical storage system applications and to achieve the following objectives:to provide guidelines for the design and testing of steel mesh containment panels used in pallet rack and vertical storage system applications;to promote the understanding of the respective responsibilities of manufacturers, sellers, installers, owners, users, and governing bodies associated with steel mesh containment panels used in pallet rack and vertical storage system applications; andto provide a uniform means of testing steel mesh containment panels used in pallet rack and vertical storage system applications.This standard provides performance and testing requirements for vertically-mounted steel mesh containment panels used in pallet rack and vertical storage system applications to contain and minimize the potential for falling items, protecting personnel, product, and property. 

A container fabricated from corrugated steel sheet as a completed assembly for containment, with the possible addition of structural sections for additional strength and with optional hardware added for specific use and application.

Container that features an integrated pallet and has fixed side walls.

A container that can stack within another container when empty. See also Nesting container .

This document contains detailed examples on how storage rack designers can apply the formulas and guidance found in ANSI MH16.1-2023 in their designs and calculation packages.

When you’re manufacturing product for a customer, the final step in the packaging process usually to place containers of products onto a pallet for shipping – either to a distribution center or directly to your customer – so it’s a pretty important step. However, manual palletization (employees physically putting containers on pallets) is often considered one of the least desirable activities; the containers are heavy to lift and in many cases the position on the pallet requires extended reaching. It can be a back breaking job and it may even be causing employee safety concerns for the company. But there is another option. Robotic palletizing exists, and it can be a solution for your company.

The 2014 National Electrical Code has a number of paragraphs affecting electric chain and wire rope hoists. Some of these paragraphs are subject to varying interpretations. Therefore, acting through the electrical engineering subcommittee of the HMI engineering committee and with the approval of the HMI Board of Directors, the Hoist Manufacturers Institute has developed and authorized the publication of the consensus contained within this pamphlet. It is hoped that this HMI Consensus will be mutually helpful to users, manufacturers and sellers of electric chain and wire rope hoists. For specific commentary with respect to individual brand hoists, users and sellers should contact the manufacturer(s) of their electric chain and wire rope hoist(s).