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The 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. Mission: ProGMA promotes safety, security, and guarding for people, products, and facilities. ProGMA educates about protective barrier and guarding solutions through industry standards and best practices. Vision Statement: To be the authoritative resource for the best practices, standards, and applications of protective barrier, guarding solutions and associated technologies for industrial facilities. Protective Guarding Manufacturing Association member companies meet regularly to review and discuss industrial safety hazards and to promote specific guarding solutions for people, products, and facilities. ProGMA programs include: Development of educational materials for the promotion of proper protective guarding methods. Development, maintenance, and publishing of industry standards and specifications. Promotion of the features, advantages, and benefits of properly used protective guarding equipment. Development and promotion of standard nomenclature for protective guarding products. Dissemination of information regarding relevant legislation and international trade. Development, review and revision of product standards. Confidential collection and reporting of market statistics for different types of guarding products. Protective Guarding is a fixed barrier or device, used in manufacturing, distribution, and other industrial facilities to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory from hazards present in the workplace. Protective Guarding items range from fixed objects installed around articulating equipment, machinery, or material storage areas such as safety fence, netting, guard rail, and bollards to specialized switches designed to stop machine operation as well as safeguarding through visual or auditory aids.
The Robotics Group (TRG) are leading manufacturers, integrators, consultants, and component suppliers of robotic solutions designed specifically for warehousing and distribution applications. Traditionally, industrial robots in material handling applications have been limited to palletizing/depalletizing, conveyor picking, or other highly-repetitive tasks. Technology advancements are creating opportunities for robots and automated machinery in a wider variety of applications, including warehousing and distribution center activities. TRG conducts education and outreach with the goal of fostering technology adoption in this rapidly changing industry sector. Mission Our team of technology leaders inspires user confidence and fosters the adoption of robotic solutions to drive efficiency in supply chain applications. TRG member companies meet regularly to identify methods of promoting adoption of robotic and automated solutions in material handling applications. We identify barriers to adoption and understand the voice of the customer while creating opportunities to encourage the transition of automated technologies to promote supply chain efficiency. TRG programs include: The development of educational and training materials; A voice in the development and maintenance of national and international standards; The communication of the benefits of robotic and automated solutions via trade shows, educational forums, and other national and regional seminars.
Headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, IPG is a global provider of packaging and protective solutions across a diversified set of geographies and end-markets. The Company develops, manufactures, and sells a variety of solutions including paper and film-based pressure-sensitive and water-activated tapes, stretch and shrink films, protective packaging, woven and non-woven products and packaging machinery.
Rennco manufactures a full line of vertical packaging machinery and automated systems that create flexible packages and bags to suit your products and needs. Rennco provides three advanced packaging solutions tailored for the e-commerce industry: the ProCommerce, 301 E-Commerce Bagger, and EZ20 Vertical Bagger. The ProCommerce machine stands out as "the best of both worlds," offering the ability to process both bubble mailing materials and opaque mailing films, which are main materials for e-commerce mailers. While the 301 E-Commerce is designed for e-commerce applications only require opaque mailing films Rennco’s vertical packaging machines utilize centerfolded roll stock material, allowing for precise "right-sizing" of the shipping mailers to fit around your products. This custom-fit approach minimizes waste and reduces the use of excess packaging consumables, ultimately delivering cost savings to the end user while maintaining product protection during transit.
Pioneer Search Group is a specialized executive search firm focused on recruitment within the material handling automation and packaging machinery industries. We partner with manufacturers, dealers, and system integrators across the country to identify and place top-tier talent in leadership, engineering, and sales roles. With deep industry expertise and a relationship-driven approach, we help companies build high-performing teams and support professionals in advancing their careers.
Since 1986, ELOKON has helped companies make their warehouses safer, smarter, and more efficient. We build smart safety and fleet management technologies for the most demanding material handling environments. Our systems use advanced sensors, wireless infrastructure, and cloud software to prevent accidents, boost productivity, and support compliance with OSHA, CE, and ISO 13849-1. With 130+ team members in Germany, the U.S., and Poland, we serve Fortune 500s and SMEs across 45+ countries. We specialize in two areas: 1. Forklift Safety & Fleet Telematics: Proximity detection, speed zoning, access control, and mixed-fleet management 2. Machinery Safety & Automation Consulting: CE certification, risk assessments, and full lifecycle support We actively contribute to global safety standards through our work with industry associations and committees, and we regularly share insights at leading trade shows across Europe and North America.
Realized 75% of Packaging Products Revenue, Meeting Goal One Year EarlySARASOTA, Fla., Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IPG (“the Company”), a global provider of packaging and protective solutions, issued its 2024 sustainability report, Safe, Circular & Responsible, highlighting its achievements and ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and positive impact on people, communities, and the planet.“In 2024, we met our commitment one year early for 75% of our revenue to come from packaging products that are recyclable, reusable, or compostable, and continued progress on the commitments we have made in product innovation, climate, energy, water, waste and safety,” said Pete Durette, CEO of IPG. “I am immensely proud of the dedication and efforts that our talented team members have made in 2024 toward achieving our commitments, and I am grateful for the continued support from our suppliers and customers who are all essential partners in our continuing efforts.”IPG’s external commitments, through the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), The Climate Pledge, the CEO Water Mandate, the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the TRUE Zero Waste program, and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Better Climate Challenge help to steer our efforts.“Our focus remains on meeting our customers’ needs today, and planning for what they will need tomorrow,” said Jay Bolus, VP of Sustainability at IPG. “The sustainability challenge remains dynamic, and we continue our efforts to find and implement creative solutions.”Highlights from the 2024 IPG Sustainability Report include: Realized 75% of revenue from packaging products that are recyclable, reusable, or compostable, meeting our goal one year early Realized more than 68% of our revenue from products that are Cradle to Cradle Certified®, with four new products achieving certification Increased renewable energy use to 10%, up from 6% in 2023 Achieved a 30% reduction in our Scope 1, Scope 2, and material Scope 3 emissions from the 2021 baseline Awarded TRUE Zero Waste Certification at 4 facilities, increasing our waste diversion rate to 66% Achieved our safety goal to realize zero life-changing events for our employees, and reduced our total case incident rate to 1.18, down from 1.52 in 2023, a reduction of 22%IPG’s full 2024 Sustainability Report is available at www.itape.com/sustainability.Cradle to Cradle Certified® is a registered trademark of the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute.About IPGHeadquartered in Sarasota, Florida, IPG is a global provider of packaging and protective solutions across a diversified set of geographies and end markets. The Company develops, manufactures, and sells a variety of solutions including paper and film-based pressure-sensitive and water-activated tapes, stretch and shrink films, protective packaging, woven and non-woven products, and packaging machinery. For information about the Company, visit www.itape.com.IPG’s vision is to be the Global Leader in Packaging and Protective Solutions. Sustainability is a key strategy for achieving our vision and mission and is a primary driver of operational excellence and doing what is right for our employees and communities.ContactJay BolusVice President SustainabilityIPGjbolus@itape.com
Mitsubishi Electric has launched its latest FR-D800 series inverters, designed to deliver better performance, easy operation, and improved energy efficiency for a wide range of industrial applications. Compact and intuitive, the new series delivers powerful performance alongside features designed to make selection, installation, and operation simpler.With a focus on user-friendliness, the FR-D800 inverters feature a door-style surface cover and integrated wiring to make installation faster and easier. The FR-D800 is up to 37% smaller*1 than its equivalent predecessor, reducing enclosure size requirements, allowing for more flexible mounting, and reduced installation costs. A new USB Type-C interface lets users set parameters directly from a PC without powering up the inverter, streamlining both setup and maintenance.Parameters can be set without needing to power the inverters main circuit.The inverters can help save energy with advanced synchronous motor control, which reduces power consumption and cuts operating costs. Its high-efficiency motor drive and lower standby power consumption also contribute to a reduced carbon footprint, supporting more sustainable production practices."With the FR-D800 series, we wanted to create an inverter that both new and experienced users can use with confidence," said Shotaro Marumoto, Inverter Development Section Leader at Mitsubishi Electric. "We've made it straightforward while delivering the advanced performance businesses need to improve productivity, save energy, and meet their sustainability goals."The FR-D800 series is suitable for a wide range of applications, from conveyors and pumps to food processing equipment and textile machinery. Selected models*2 are also suitable for harsh, corrosive environments, thanks to circuit board protection meeting IEC 60721-3-3:1994 3C2/3S2 standards. Furthermore, FR-D800 inverters can control both induction and permanent magnet (PM) motors, eliminating the need for multiple inverters for different motor types. Built-in support for popular Ethernet protocols including CC-Link IE TSN, Modbus/TCP, and EtherNet/IP ensures seamless integration into existing industrial networks, enabling users to quickly integrate it into their digital manufacturing and smart production environments.The series also makes maintenance simpler. Its preventive maintenance functions include lifetime diagnostics for key components like capacitors and fans, helping operators spot potential issues early, especially when using the FR Configurator2 support software. Anomaly detection based on current patterns helps reduce the risk of unexpected downtime, and when a fault does occur, analysis functions solve the problem quickly."Energy efficiency, simplicity, and reliability are essential for modern automation applications and industry in general," added Marumoto. "The FR-D800 series shows Mitsubishi Electric's commitment to providing solutions that meet these needs while contributing to a greener future."The FR-D800 series will be available globally from March 2025, with models designed for different voltage requirements, including single-phase 100V, 200V, and three-phase 400V options.To learn more about FR-D800 series, please visit us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/products/drv/inv/pmerit/fr-d/fr-d800/.Should you have further technical questions, our local expert Tom Henfling, Product Manager, VFDs for North America, may be contacted directly at Tom.Henfling@meau.com.About Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Ill., Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. is a U.S. affiliate company of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. It offers a broad product portfolio including programmable automation controllers (PAC), programmable logic controllers (PLC), human machine interfaces (HMI), variable frequency drives (VFD), servo amplifiers and motors, control software, computerized numerical controllers (CNC), motion controllers, robots, low-voltage power distribution products, and industrial sewing machines for the industrial and commercial sectors. Additional information about Mitsubishi Electric Automation is available at us.MitsubishiElectric.com/fa/en.About Mitsubishi Electric CorporationWith more than 100 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. Mitsubishi Electric enriches society with technology in the spirit of its “Changes for the Better.” The company recorded a revenue of 5,003.6 billion yen (U.S.$ 37,3 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. For more information please visit https://www.MitsubishiElectric.com.*U.S. dollar amounts are translated from yen at the rate of ¥134=U.S.$1, the approximate rate on the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2022About Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation Business GroupOffering a vast range of automation and processing technologies, including controllers, drive products, power distribution and control products, electrical discharge machines, laser processing machines, computerized numerical controllers, and industrial robots, Mitsubishi Electric helps bring higher productivity – and quality – to the factory floor. In addition, its extensive service networks around the globe provide direct communication and comprehensive support to customers. The global slogan “Automating the World” shows the company’s approach to leverage automation for the betterment of society, through the application of advanced technology, sharing know-how and supporting customers as a trusted partner.For more about the story behind “Automating the World” please visit: www.MitsubishiElectric.com/fa/about-us/automating-the-world.About e-F@ctorye-F@ctory is Mitsubishi Electric’s integrated concept to build reliable and flexible manufacturing systems that enable users to achieve many of their high speed, information driven manufacturing aspirations. Through its partner solution activity, the e-F@ctory Alliance, and its work with open network associations such as The CC-Link Partners Association (CLPA), users can build comprehensive solutions based on a wide ranging “best in class” principle.In summary, e-F@ctory and the e-F@ctory Alliance enable customers to achieve integrated manufacturing but still retain the ability to choose the most optimal suppliers and solutions.*e-F@ctory, iQ Platform are trademarks of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan and other countries.*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.*All other trademarks are acknowledgedContactPam SummersMarketing Communications Manager+1 (847) 478-2415Pam.Summers@meau.com
Expanding Motion’s Service Footprint in CanadaBirmingham, Ala. – Motion Industries, Inc., a leading distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts, and a premier provider of industrial technology solutions, is pleased to announce the opening of a new sales branch in Quebec, Canada. The new facility, located at 2903 7th Street, Val-d'Or, officially opened on June 2, 2025. This strategic location strengthens the company’s ability to better serve and expand its customer base in Northern Quebec.The Val-d’Or facility joins an extensive network of approximately 70 Motion branches across Canada, further expanding the company’s market footprint. Services include product order fulfillment supported by a large inventory network, as well as engineering and repair services in pneumatics, hydraulics and power transmission. The location also offers industry training opportunities for customers.Leadership Quotes on the New FacilityMotion’s new Val-d’Or branch enhances customer service in Northern Quebec. Brent Pope, Motion’s Senior Group Vice President, Canada & Sales Excellence, said:“This new branch is set up for success thanks to its experienced team, innovative services and strategic industrial park location. It reflects our commitment to supporting Quebec’s economy by delivering expert solutions and fostering strong community connections.”James Howe, President of Motion, added:“By establishing a foothold in Northern Quebec, we can now provide local customers with faster, more responsive service to help keep their facilities running smoothly. We’re eager to build lasting relationships through exceptional service.”A Positive Economic Impact for QuebecIn addition to providing industry-leading services, the branch will create opportunities for skilled jobs in Quebec, stimulating the local economy and supporting a thriving community.About MotionWith annual sales of over $8 billion, Motion is a leading industrial distributor of more than 18 million parts and supplies, including bearings; mechanical power transmission products; electrical and industrial automation components; hose, belting, and gaskets; hydraulic and pneumatic components; process pumps; industrial and safety products; seals and accessories; material handling solutions; and more. To increase customers’ productivity, the company offers many value-added services, including engineering, fabrication, repair and Industry 4.0 solutions across these product groups. In addition, Motion Automation Intelligence (Motion Ai), Motion Conveyance Solutions and Motion Repair & Services were formed to offer a wide range of specialized, related products and innovative solutions tailored for diverse applications.Motion North America operates over 600 branches and service centers and 17 market distribution centers. Motion Asia Pacific has nearly 150 branches and service centers and 13 distribution centers in Australasia. Motion serves more than 190,000 OEM and MRO customers in aggregate and cement, automotive, chemical and allied products, equipment and machinery, equipment rental and leasing, fabricated metals, food and beverage, iron and steel, lumber and wood, oil and gas, pulp and paper, rubber, utilities, and more. Motion is a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC). Visit our website at www.Motion.com.ContactBrenda MillerMotion(205) 956-1122
The Mobile Automation Group (MAG) and The Robotics Group (TRG) Industry Group of MHI is pleased to announce the approval of Durable Surfaces’ application to join TRG at the 2025 Spring Meeting held May 4-6 in Houston, Texas.MHI member companies have the opportunity to join any of MHI’s Industry Groups or the Solutions Community. Industry Groups share information and conduct research to stay at the forefront of their industry. Typical Industry Group activities include industry statistics collection, standards development, technical publications, public relations, promotion of safety, and member and user education. The Solutions Community brings MHI members together with equipment and systems users to collaborate and address common challenges and opportunities in manufacturing and supply chain in a safe harbor environment.For more information about MHI Industry Groups, please visit mhi.org/industrygroups. To learn more about MAG, please visit mhi.org/MAG or contact Jayesh Mehta at jmehta@mhi.org. To learn more about TRG, please visit mhi.org/TRG or contact Jayesh Mehta at jmehta@mhi.org.About MAG Mobile Automation Group (MAG) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of automatic guided vehicle systems. They supply systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. Both Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) are computer-controlled wheel-based load carriers (normally battery-powered) that run on a plant or warehouse floor (or, if outdoors, on a paved surface). The main difference between AGVs and AMRs is how the path they follow is determined: (1) Most AGVs follow predefined paths, although there may be areas of the plant or warehouse where they have more freedom. (2)AMRs can determine their own path, although they will attempt to follow suggested paths if they exist. This difference leads to differing methodologies for ensuring safe operation for the two types of vehicles: AGVs follow the ANSI B56.5 Safety Guidelines and there is a standard under development for AMRs.About TRG The Robotics Group (TRG) are leading manufacturers, integrators, consultants, and component suppliers of robotic solutions designed specifically for warehousing and distribution applications.Traditionally, industrial robots in material handling applications have been limited to palletizing/depalletizing, conveyor picking, or other highly repetitive tasks. Technology advancements are creating opportunities for robots and automated machinery in a wider variety of applications, including warehousing and distribution center activities.TRG conducts education and outreach with the goal of fostering technology adoption in this rapidly changing industry sector.About MHI MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 1,000 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, the members’ 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.
An agricultural company, renowned for its innovative approaches to farming machinery, identified a need for an efficient method to move their newest tractor through various assembly stages. Recognizing the complexity and the high-capacity requirements of the task, they sought an automated solution to streamline the assembly process.
Hagie Manufacturing, a leading provider of agricultural crop sprayers and large-scale snow removal equipment, decided to expand its facility to improve workflow. As part of this expansion, Hagie also sought to enhance lifting capabilities in its sub and final assembly work bays for crop sprayers.
Transbotics engineers designed a Laser-Guided Tugger vehicle to move cart-trains weighing up to 65,000 pounds of palletized glass for a major client in the North American food and beverage industry. These automated guided vehicles (AGVs) carefully move and stop while fully loaded with palletized glass, preventing tower pallets from toppling over. They are programmed to work side by side with automatic train loading machinery and conveyor systems. Transbotics technicians integrated the AGV system seamlessly into the existing automated process.
When a machinery manufacturer making microchips needed a device to precisely position parts in a clean room test situation, the EMH AL System™ Aluminum Crane with motorized Low Headroom End Trucks provided the ideal solution. Since completion, the customer could not be more pleased with the installation. The machine manufacturer has already contracted for a second EMH AL System.
This article, which first appeared in MHI Solutions, Q1, 2016, provides guidance on integrating barrier protection with ergonomic equipment as a means to avoid injury in the workplace. Workcells, machinery, assembly lines, conveyors, walkways, and mezzanines are all areas in which barriers and ergonomic equipment should be considered. The article also provides guidance on selecting the appropriate safety equipment for your application.For more information, visit the Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) at https://www.mhi.org/progma.
The design of a floor in a building or mezzanine is an important ingredient in the reliability and safety of that building or mezzanine. Worker-friendly floors are imperative if ergonomic considerations are to be addressed. The strength and stability of the floor is an important consideration as the floor must adequately support the machinery and moving vehicles utilized in the material handling system.
A suspended machinery unit that is used for lifting or lowering a freely suspended (unguided) load. May be manually operated or electrically or pneumatically driven and may use chain or wire rope as its lifting medium.
A suspended machinery unit that is powered by electrically driven motors and is used to lift or lower a freely suspended (unguided) load. Generally uses chain or wire rope as its lifting medium.
A suspended machinery unit that, by use of manual operation, is used for lifting and lowering of a freely suspended (unguided) load. Generally uses chain (roller or link) as its lifting medium
This is a paid advertisement. Talos Engineered Products is a premier manufacturer of material handling equipment, based in Lewisburg, Tennessee. We use cutting edge machinery and expertise to craft efficient conveying equipment in the industry. Let Talos design & manufacture your next chute system with our modular, customizable UHMW Chutes. Contact us to get started.
The Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) explains applications and best practices for guarding applications to protect personnel from machinery, falling objects, or other hazards in walkways or other pedestrian areas.
This manual has been prepared by HMI and its Engineering Committee to provide information and suggestions for Hoist Inspection and Maintenance Personnel in their inspection and maintenance of overhead hoists. A thorough understanding of the information provided in this manual should provide a better understanding of safe inspection, maintenance, and operation and afford a greater margin of safety for people and machinery on the plant floor.