BlueSkye Automation has opened an Innovation Center in partnership with LiftOne. This state-of-the-art, 6,500-square-foot facility dedicated to showcasing the latest advancements in warehouse robotics, forklift technology, and integrated solutions.Conveniently located at the LiftOne South Atlanta branch—just minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the Innovation Center offers a fully functional warehouse environment, allowing customers to experience cutting-edge automated robotics and see how our solutions boost efficiency, maximize productivity, and reduce costs.“We’re excited to unveil the Innovation Center,” said Will Gillespie, Vice President of Operations at BlueSkye Automation. “This space reflects our dedication to driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and strengthening partnerships with leaders like Geek+, VisionNav, and others. We welcome our customers to experience firsthand how these advanced solutions can elevate their operations.”The Innovation Center serves as a dynamic space designed to further customer engagement and collaboration. Visitors can experience BlueSkye’s approach to warehouse automation firsthand, gaining valuable insight into how our solutions come to life in a real-world warehouse environment. The facility also features an impressive mezzanine that overlooks the operational space—an ideal setting for meetings, presentations, and group gatherings.To discover more about the Innovation Center watch the video.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – CARLSTADT, NEW JERSEY / – APRIL 28th, 2025 – Element Logic®, one of the world’s largest AutoStore integrator and a leading global provider of automated warehouse solutions, is proud to announce the acquisition of ABCO Systems. ABCO Systems is a U.S.-based system integrator specializing in storage and automation solutions. This acquisition marks a pivotal milestone in Element Logic’s strategic expansion in the Americas and reinforces its commitment to revolutionizing warehouses worldwide.A powerful partnership built on shared strengthsWith over 30 years of experience in warehouse design and automation, ABCO Systems, previously owned by The Zaf Group – the family office of Mike and Robin Zafirovski, has established itself as a key automation player in the US market. Founded in Carlstadt, NJ, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering racking, pick mezzanines, storage solutions, and shelving systems - while steadily expanding its capabilities in automation. E-commerce, 3PL, retail, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and cold storage are some of the sectors ABCO serves. They provide tailored solutions including robotics, goods-to-person systems, and automated sortation to improve operational efficiency and scalability. Today, with approximately 50 employees, ABCO has shown tremendous growth by helping clients implement tailored, forward-thinking solutions.“We are thrilled to welcome ABCO Systems into the Element Logic family,” Krish Nathan, CEO of the Americas of Element Logic, said. “This is more than an acquisition - it is a powerful partnership. Together, we can combine ABCO’s customer relationships and expertise with our automation capabilities to provide holistic warehouse solutions tailored to the North American market.”Supporting long-term strategy to become a full-spectrum automation partnerThe acquisition continues to strengthen Element Logic’s U.S. presence. ABCO and Element Logic’s complementary offerings are perfectly positioned to accelerate the adoption of AutoStore and other automation technologies in a market still ripe for transformation.“Element Logic and ABCO create a unique and powerful company within the industry. Very few systems integrators have the ability to implement a full turn-key solution which includes anything from storage to platforms to automation and everything in between.” Seth Weisberg, CEO of ABCO Systems, said. “Most have to farm out various aspects of any given project. Element Logic now has the ability to do individual solutions in brownfield buildings if that is what is required, or an entire greenfield solution.”This acquisition aligns seamlessly with Element Logic’s long-term strategy to broaden its diverse technology portfolio and serve as a full-spectrum automation partner.“This acquisition is a significant milestone in our journey to revolutionize warehouse performance worldwide,” Ankush Malhotra, Group CEO of Element Logic, said. “ABCO’s strong market position, deep domain and industry expertise and customer-centric approach make them a perfect fit. Together, this gives us the scale to be a full-spectrum automation partner in the Americas and bring world class innovation solutions to the market and our customer base. We are delighted to have the ABCO team join the Element Logic family.”About Element Logic®Element Logic optimizes warehouse performance through cutting-edge technology, AI-driven software, and tailored solutions that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. Element Logic is a global technology company founded in 1985, with more than 900 employees across 30 countries specializing in intelligent warehouse automation, and it’s the world’s first and largest AutoStore partner.With a strong heritage rooted in innovation, Element Logic empowers businesses across industries to maximize success by automating workflows and improving logistics operations. Their unique combination of expertise, proven track record, and commitment to both, people and technology, make them the preferred partner for warehouses aiming to gain a competitive edge.At Element Logic®, people are the greatest resource. It is their bravery, passion, and reliability values that enables them to deliver smarter solutions for their customers to succeed. Optimizing warehouse performance is not just a slogan - it is their mission.Learn more at www.elementlogic.us and follow them on LinkedIn and YouTube.About ABCO SystemsABCO Systems is a full-service systems integrator specializing in end-to-end material handling and automation solutions. They design, build, and support scalable systems that combine racking, mezzanines, conveyors, sortation, robotics, pick modules, and more - tailored to the unique needs of each facility.As consumer demand accelerates and supply chains grow more complex, ABCO helps businesses stay competitive by integrating smart, flexible technologies that streamline every stage of warehouse operations - from order picking and packing to storage and fulfillment. Their solutions are built through trusted partnerships with leading automation and storage manufacturers, ensuring long-term performance and ROI.Whether modernizing existing infrastructure or developing a new distribution center, ABCO Systems is committed to guiding clients through every stage of the process - from concept and engineering to installation and ongoing support. Delivering systems and building lasting solutions.ABCO Systems was exclusively advised by Stillwater Capital Corporation.ContactAnkush | Malhotra
Group CEO - Element Logicankush.malhotra@elementlogic.net | +44 7970102032Krish Nathan
| CEO Americas Element Logickrish.nathan@elementlogic.us | +1 818 554 8274Seth Weisberg | CEO – ABCO Systemssethw@abcosystems.com I +1 212 242 7514Visit us at: elementlogic.us | abcosystems.net

Hinwil (Switzerland), February 11, 2025 – Fnac, a European leader in entertainment product distribution, collaborated with intralogistics expert Ferag to establish an Omnichannel Distribution Center in Lisbon, Portugal. This venture marked the second successful partnership between the two companies, following a first project in Madrid, Spain. Ferag was entrusted as the general contractor for this transformative project, which started in April 2023 and achieved operational status end of 2023.Technology Integration for Efficiency BoostFnac's new distribution center faced several challenges, including the need to streamline operations for both B2B and B2C orders within its Omnichannel framework while optimizing space utilization. Previously, the manual and semi-automated zones operated disjointedly, leading to inefficiencies and space constraints. Furthermore, the process of preparing goods for shipment to shops required significant manual labor, hindering productivity and order fulfillment.Ferag engineered a comprehensive solution designed to Fnac's specific requirements, integrating modern technologies including TGW's Stingray Shuttle System, Interroll's conveyor systems, and Sealed Air's I-Pack® packaging system to enhance efficiency and operational performance across the Omnichannel distribution process. The software integration for this system at MFC and WCS level was carried out by Ferag.Optimizing B2B and B2C ProcessesThe B2B material flow in Lisbon includes fulfillment and dispatch of the orders, originated from the 46 Fnac shops across the country. The categorized and labeled SKUs (including technology, books, music, and more) are placed into containers and transported via roller conveyor to 4 of the 6 inductions of the  ferag.denisort allocated in a mezzanine-level , where the orders are fulfilled in 302 destinations. At these destinations, serving as pivotal hubs, the items undergo initial sorting in preparation for subsequent processing.Once the items are sorted, they move along the conveyor belt, transitioning to the roller conveyor system and transported to the Shuttle system, able to  handle containers and cartons as well as trays weighing up to 50 kilograms. Fnac’s Shuttle System serves as a shipping buffer and sequencer until the containers are ready to be dispatched.When a truck is ready for loading, the operators release the shipments in the Warehouse Management System. The system organizes the bins from the Shuttle system in the strict sequence demanded by the receiving shops. The fully automated tote stackers label the containers and stack them onto roller cases, additionally maximizing throughput performance in the distribution center. With this process complete, the roller cases are loaded onto the trucks for immediate dispatch. On average, the distribution center loads 6 or 7 trucks per day, supported by a system capable of handling up to 700 containers per hour.Space and Cost Savings Through AutomationThe B2C material flow process begins with orders placed through the web platform, accommodating both single and multiple items per order. A standardized carton box, of a single size, is utilized for packaging, replacing the former array of sizes for simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Once items are placed in the carton, they proceed along a conveyor line to reach the I-Pack packing machine, streamlining the packaging process, making it faster, more reliable, and cost-effective. The system calculates the product dimensions in real-time, optimizing package dimensions, reducing order volume and shipping costs. Cartons are then labeled automatically with shipping information, forwarded to the buffer zone before being conveyed to the shipping area for dispatch.But this is not all. In parallel, same buffer system manages return orders efficiently, ensuring seamless handling of returned items back to the provider. This streamlined process enhances efficiency and reduces complexities associated with varying carton sizes and by using one zone for different functions, ultimately improving overall logistics operations.Future-proof Logistics Solution for FnacThe successful implementation of Ferag's intralogistics solution at Fnac's Omnichannel distribution center in Portugal yielded remarkable results. “With a focus on integrating manual and semi-automated zones intelligently, Ferag overcame operational challenges while delivering tangible benefits in terms of efficiency, space utilization, and scalability” says Tiago  Figueirôa, e-Commerce, Supply Chain & Logistic Director at FNAC Portugal.Ferag's solution provided numerous benefits. Productivity increased exponentially, with the labeling process achieving a five-fold improvement compared to previous methods. By employing the Shuttle Buffer, space utilization was optimized, resulting in space savings within the distribution center. The modular design of the solution ensures scalability, allowing for seamless future expansion to accommodate Fnac's evolving needs.Ferag's collaboration with Fnac exemplifies its expertise as a system integrator and reinforces its position as a key player in the intralogistics industry. “By leveraging innovative solution design and fostering a collaborative partnership with other intralogistics providers and the Fnac’s Supply Chain specialists, we have demonstrated our commitment to delivering tailored solutions that drive operational excellence and business growth to our customers” says Alberto Mateos Sánchez, Sales & Customer Service Manager at Ferag. “We have empowered Fnac to achieve new efficiency and performance in its Omnichannel distribution operations, setting a new standard for retail logistics”.About FeragHeadquartered in Hinwil/Zurich, Ferag AG is a renowned Swiss family-owned company that has been a global leader in the development of conveying and processing systems for the printing industry for over 65 years. Since January 2025, the company has been restructured into two independently operating entities: Ferag GraphiX and Ferag Solutions.Ferag Solutions focuses on developing innovative conveying, sorting, and automation solutions for intralogistics. As a system integrator, consultant, and innovator in the field, we design, manage, and coordinate complete in-house logistics systems. Our core mission is to provide tailor-made solutions that enhance efficiency and flexibility across a wide range of industries. We offer comprehensive supply chain solutions for e-commerce, omnichannel distribution, as well as postal and 3PL automation.Our product portfolio includes the powerful ferag.doWarehouse software for warehouse management and process automation, complemented by innovative hardware solutions such as the ferag.skyfall pouch sorter and the ferag.denisort sorting solution. These cutting-edge technologies stand out for their flexibility, innovation, and scalability, providing significant value to businesses in an increasingly digitalized and automated world.Ferag Solutions operates across the world with dedicated sales and service teams to address the specific needs of local markets. Our Technologies division continuously drives research, development, and innovation, always with a strong focus on market and customer needs.With references in over 50 countries worldwide, Ferag Solutions is ideally positioned to take a leading role as a system integrator, consultant, and innovator in intralogistics.ContactFranziska GrafHead of Global Marketing & CommunicationT: +41 44 938 60 00D: +41 44 938 76 33Franziska.Graf@ferag.com

The mezzanine platform from Steel King is a combination of single and two-level platforms that creates a triple-mezzanine structure, providing more than 230,000 square feet of working space to support operations, conveyor and vertical lift module (VLM) picking stations along with other means of automation.

An international fashion retailer faced a capacity squeeze in its main store replenishment distribution center. To support the company’s throughput and storage needs, Swisslog configured a four-aisle, 16-level CycloneCarrier system with inbound and outbound elevators on each aisle. The system stores approximately 50,000 totes and is connected to the goods-to-person picking center located on the warehouse mezzanine by a 7,000-foot conveyor system. The entire system is controlled by Swisslog’s SynQ software, which is integrated with the customer’s ERP system.

A project located in Manchester, U.K. had a three level mezzanine with 220,000 sqft per level. The flooring system that was selected was 3/4" ResinDek HD with the TriGard® ESD finish and corrugated steel decking.

A structure consisting of vertical posts, horizontal floor beams, and a flooring surface that provides additional usable space by taking advantage of the unused vertical clearance within a building. Unlike a building ‘mezzanine’, it is not considered a permanent part of the building.

A stand alone mezzanine structure constructed within an existing building or structure which is designed to maximize clear space under and above the mezzanine. Also referred to as a "free standing, wide span mezzanine", this type of mezzanine incorporates wide column spacing and high PSF (pounds per square foot) capacity. Usually engineered for a specific need.

A mezzanine storage system built as an integral part of a building's structure. Generally put into the initial design of a building to serve a specific purpose. This type of mezzanine can utilize the building's structure for support and therein can incorporate wider span between support columns and thereby increasing the clear span of the system.

This is a paid advertisement. Panel Built mezzanines provide a cost-effective solution for maximizing vertical space, creating additional levels within a building without extensive construction. They are quick to install and can be customized to meet specific needs, making them ideal for expanding storage, offices, or equipment areas.

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.

To complement a new educational video, thought leaders representing the Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA), an MHI product group, discuss the importance of protecting personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities.ProGMA has recently launched the second in a series of videos about the importance of protective guarding products in the material handling industry. The video titled “Proper Safeguarding for Elevated Work Platforms” followed the inaugural, educational video titled, “Essential Safety Barriers for Automated / Robotic Workcells”. (http://www.mhi.org/progma/videos)Here, representatives of member companies expand on the themes explored within the latest video in the group’s first blog.Before we start, says Arlin Keck, corporate research and development engineer at Steel King (a manufacturer of pallet racks, mezzanines and guardrails), it’s important to clarify what we mean by “mezzanine” in this context. “The technical term for what my company and other members make is work platforms. Mezzanine was an old term for these systems; however, the word mezzanine had to be dropped because mezzanine, as defined in the building codes, refers to a specified type of floor within a building structure and carries with it added requirements for fire safety, egress, parking, and so on,” Keck explains.A typical work platform is design to support the site-specific load that will be placed on the floor, be it palletized loads, pallet jacks, foot traffic, work equipment, filing cabinets, racking or shelving units, to name just a few possibilities.Keck says that the main purpose of an elevated work platform is to add additional floor space into a building or room by taking advantage of surplus ceiling clearance that may exist in a warehouse or manufacturing facility. Aaron Conway, president at Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc. (a manufacturer of safety gates to secure the ledges of pallet drop areas on mezzanines and rack picking systems), says, “A company that has utilized all of its ground space can build upward. An elevated platform allows one to use the space for workflow or to store product.”As Hue Schlegel, director of marketing at Wildeck Inc. (a manufacturer of mezzanines and work platforms), puts it, “Move up, not out.” He adds, “Depending on the available height in a building, platforms can be one, two, or three levels high, with the most common height being 10 ft. top-of-deck and supporting a floor load of 125 lbs. per square foot. Their length and width are only limited by facility size.” Importantly, he explains, they cannot occupy more than two thirds of a fire-rated area within a building.Keck says work platforms are also used to create catwalks between separated platforms, and to serve as sortation and conveyance areas for mechanized systems. Conway agrees, adding, “Companies that supply elevated work platforms can fabricate them in virtually any configuration. They can be designed to accommodate specific workflow operations or to fit with existing structures in the building.”Industrial buildings are getting bigger and elevated work platforms are scaling up with them. Say, 50 years ago, facilities were much smaller and ceilings lower so there were fewer requirements for elevated platforms. Further, the equipment to load at such heights didn’t exist. Now, the capability of equipment is greater and taller structures are being utilized as a result. Within them, work and storage takes place on multiple levels.These multi-level work platforms present a danger of personnel and objects falling from height.As the latest video warns, the pallet drop area of elevated work platforms can lead to accidents if the ledge is open without adequate guarding. Falls to lower levels cost employers $5 billion annually in compensation claims in the U.S. alone. OSHA reports that it costs on average 16 lost working days per injured employee.Conway says, “Falling from an elevated level, whether it be people or products, is a serious danger and both should be addressed proactively, securing the situation before an incident occurs.” Schlegel adds, “The worst case, of course, is death; while the best scenario is that a worker survives a fall from the typical mezzanine height of 10 ft. sustaining only broken bones, fractures, and other injuries from hitting the concrete floor below. It is a serious matter not to be taken lightly.”Traditional railing or guarding systems are effective at preventing falls from height as long as they include a kick plate that is installed in conjunction with ANSI MH 28.3-2009. Adding netting or expanded metal and safety products to traditional railing systems provides added protection by capturing small objects that might otherwise fall into the work area below.OSHA Standard 1926.502, meanwhile, requires paneling or screening where tools, equipment, or materials are piled higher than the top edge of a toe-board or kick plate. ProGMA members also manufacture both netting and wire mesh panels that comply with that standard.However, David Brentz, chairman of ProGMA and vice president of member company Industrial Netting (a manufacturer of plastic netting), says, “That’s only a minimum requirement; added protection is financially prudent. The cost to install netting or wire screens around the perimeter of an elevated work platform pales in comparison to the cost of a single lost time accident. ProGMA members offer several simple, cost effective solutions to protect employees below loose objects that may fall or be kicked off work platforms.”Conway says, “In the past, properly guarding a pallet drop area or installing netting or wire was something that would be retrofitted, either after an incident occurred or after someone pointed out the issue. Designing proper safety guarding for the structure at the time of purchase makes for a much better fit; when retrofitting, there is often insufficient room for proper guarding and concessions have to be made. But, it is important to note that even if proper guarding wasn’t designed with the structure, it still should be installed. There are companies in the ProGMA that can customize solutions to fit these areas.”He continues, “Don’t confuse luck with judgment. If I visit a facility that was built, say, 20 years ago, I’m sure to find open pallet drop areas or insufficient guardrails. Just because these areas have been around for a while isn’t a reason not to properly secure them. I’ve heard the line, ‘Well, we’ve been doing it this way for 20 years and nobody has gotten hurt’. To that I say, ‘You’ve been lucky!’”Schlegel says, “The biggest safety risk is when a forklift access gate on mezzanine is left open creating a fall hazard for someone off-loading a pallet at the upper level. There are many products, provided by ProGMA members, that prevent the gate from being left open or that keep the operator at a safe distance, which should always be installed.”ANSI says, “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 up, leaving an unprotected opening in the guarding are not acceptable.”Dual gate systems such as a rolling gate ensure that the operator is separated from the ledge as well as the load. A pivoting gate ensures the operator is never exposed to the ledge and does not require him or her to walk near an open ledge to operate the gate.Unfortunately, sometimes it can take an incident and a facility to be shut down during an investigation for companies to understand the serious financial consequences of a workplace injury. There are many other companies that understand the risks and proactively secure their work areas. These diligent companies end up ahead in the long run:1. They typically get better solutions because they had the time to design them correctly;2. They get a better price because they can take their time and research the solutions;3. Safety solutions are in place before they need them.Conway concludes, “The large majority of people don’t want to get hurt and are not acting recklessly on the job. Typically, they are performing a repetitive operation, and in their process miss a step or push something too far and someone gets hurt. Proper guarding should be in place to prevent injury if this happens.”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 http://www.mhi.org/ProGMAAbout 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. http://www.mhi.orgContactAnupam Berry Boseabose@mhi.org704-676-1190