High-quality gear motors from NORD DRIVESYSTEMS are a crucial piece of the manufacturing puzzle for this Georgia-based automation provider.Consider the following scenario: guided by vision sensors, a robot spots a product on a moving conveyor, determines its exact position and, in one fluid motion, picks it up and places it into a waiting assembly, carrier tray, or shipping container. What human operators once found tiring—or at least tedious—the robot performs flawlessly, hour after hour, even long after its flesh-and-blood coworkers have gone home for the evening.Given the ongoing shortage of skilled workers, we can expect to see many more such scenarios, especially as the U.S. ramps up its reshoring efforts. That's where John London, Director of Operations at MESH Automation, comes in. "Getting parts and products positioned precisely without fail—there's little room for error," he says. “That’s long been one of the primary challenges with many competing automation systems. But not for us.”Since its founding in 1999, MESH Automation of Dawsonville, Georgia, has been meeting these and other automation challenges head-on. The company designs and builds robotic palletizing, machine tending, material handling, and warehouse control systems for an eclectic mix of customers across practically every industrial manufacturing sector.Whether they’re building solutions for automakers and their tier suppliers or food processors, roofing material producers, fertilizer manufacturers and many others, MESH and its 40+ employees work to provide robust and reliable automation systems by focusing on craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence.Proud PartnershipsPart of this success stems from strategic partnerships with some of the leading names in automation. These include FANUC, Siemens, and Cognex, to name a few, all of which contribute to MESH Automation's reputation for quality and dependability. But with automation comes the equally important need to bring products and materials to and from the machine tool, packing station, or inspection system, and do so without fail.For this critical task, MESH depends on a supplier with equivalent recognition throughout the industry: NORD DRIVESYSTEMS. “I like to tell people that, even though we build conveyors, we're not a conveyor company,” says London. “Still, we make a lot of them, and pretty much all are located within 30 feet or so of a robot.”For the past three years, he adds, each of these conveyors has used NORD helical worm gear motors tomove whatever’s sitting on top of it.This particular partnership began thanks to a COVID-induced supply chain disruption; after MESH Automation’s previous gearmotor supplier ran into inventory problems, London and his team reached out to their distributor, Motion Automation Intelligence of Birmingham. The sales representative there suggested they give NORD a try. Unfortunately, the very first shipment hit a snag—the motors arrived damaged in transit."That's when I knew NORD would be a good company to work with," London says. “Their standard lead time was six weeks at the time, but they were able to deliver replacement motors in just two, keeping us on schedule. That told me a lot about their emphasis on customer service.”This support level continues to this day. In one recent example, a MESH apprentice accidentally wired three motors incorrectly, causing them to burn out during startup. After being notified of the situation, NORD's Charlotte plant prepared replacements within a few hours, allowing a MESH project manager to pick them up that afternoon. "That was a big deal for us, and it reinforced what I already knew: NORD DRIVESYSTEMS is a solid company, as is our relationship with them," London says.Diverse NeedsThe partnership with NORD has served them well. As noted earlier, MESH enjoys a diverse customer base, with no industry segment exceeding 25% of its business. “We don't want just one industry feeding us," London explains. "Despite their differing needs, however, we're able to cost-effectively deliver automated systems to each of these industries due to our use of pre-engineered platforms, which we can easily modify for specific applications.” He laughs. “No two are identical, although we do use terms around here like 'half identical’ and ‘three-quarters identical’ to describe the level of customization needed to meet customer requirements.”NORD helps in this respect as well. For instance, MESH technicians can quickly change the gear ratio on any motor, a normally onerous chore made possible by NORD's modular, interchangeable components. This flexibility allows them to easily adjust the speed and torque to match the application without having to stock additional components. And when a special order is called for, notes London, "They've pretty much had whatever we need in stock or available within a couple of weeks."Whatever the customization level, these platforms often fall under the “MAC” family of automation cells—the MACTend for machine tending, the MACPac for packaging tasks, the MACGrind for finishing small- to medium-sized parts, and so on. Together with its assortment of process-specific “bolt-on” modules, each offers a starting point for MESH engineers to design what are effectively custom solutions but without the associated price point.Prove ItAmong the many customer success stories posted on the company website is a manufacturer of carpet tiles, which needed to feed "master" tiles to a press that cuts them into smaller pieces, a step known as "planking." Here, MESH delivered a cell containing a pair of vision-equipped robots and custom end-of-arm tooling ableto replicate the delicate but ergonomically taxing motions of a human operator.In another, a company that constructs hurricane-proof sheds wanted an automated way to screw the wall and roof panels to the wooden frame. In the past, this operation proved both labor-intensive and error-prone. Yet MESH designed a system with two robots, each armed with a screw gun to fasten the panels, following pre-programmed paths and working around window and door openings while ensuring consistent attachmentquality.And a company supplying machined components to its automotive customer desired to augment its human workforce by going “lights out” for three days at a time. This endeavor wouldn't be notable except for the fact that two different castings were used to produce six different part numbers, which meant that the system had to be "smart" enough to identify each workpiece before loading it into the CNC lathe. MESH accommodated this requirement by integrating a vision inspection system into the cell, reading each casting number and tracking it both during and after machining.Each of these solutions and many others share a common theme: the need for dependable conveyors to move products, parts, and materials into and out of the cell. Without them, nothing happens, which is why the company continues to rely on NORD products, despite their being a bit more expensive than those of the previous supplier.Says London, “We buy around seventy NORD gear motors each year and are actually paying slightly more than we did before, but the partnership we've built is well worth the extra money. We’re not one to beat someone up on price and then run away when there's an issue—instead, we place great value on suppliers who offer a fair price and stand behind their products. That’s what NORD does.”Fast MoversMESH's latest project may be its most ambitious yet: a robotic induction system for e-commerce sortation, which debuted at the recent ProMat 2025 trade show. The system uses a vision-guided robot to pick items from bins, scan barcodes on either side of the box, package, or envelope, and place each on a high-speed conveyor feeding a bomb bay-style sorter. Here again, the system depends on NORD worm gear motors to keep everything moving.London notes that the scanning capability eliminates a key limitation of current systems, where operators must place items with barcodes facing upward. “Our system doesn't care which way the label faces. It also picks 1,800 items per hour—well beyond what a human operator can achieve. We think it’s the first such solution on the market.”When asked a question that’s at the top of mind for many—whether automation is putting people out of work—London pushes back. “Our robotic cells don't replace people—they move them to better jobs. For example, I’ve seen how the companies that implement automation can often expand their quality control efforts. They put more energy into making sure products meet higher standards. And because workers no longer have to perform the repetitive, oftentimes strenuous tasks common in manufacturing, they’re able to spend more time on process improvement, oversight, and other value-added activities. It's better for everyone involved and makes the company more profitable to boot. That's what automation delivers.”About NORD DRIVESYSTEMSWith more than 4,900 employees, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has been developing, producing, and selling drive technology for over 50 years, and it is a global leader among full-service providers in the industry. In addition to standard drives, NORD delivers application-specific designs and solutions for special requirements, such as energy-saving drives or explosion-protected systems. NORD has subsidiaries and sales partners in 80 countries worldwide. The dense sales and service network guarantees optimal availability, enabling short delivery times, and customer-oriented service. NORD produces a very diverse range of drives for torques from 88 lb-in to more than 2.5 million lb-in, provides motors in the power range of 0.16 – 1,341 hp, and manufactures frequency inverters with the required power electronics of up to 200 hp. Inverter solutions are available for conventional control cabinet installations as well as for decentralized, fully-integrated drive units. Visit nord.com.ContactArielle SPOTTS608-850-1444Arielle.Spotts@nord.com

At its Annual Conference in Tucson, Arizona, MHI celebrated five exceptional professionals who have shaped the supply chain. The honorees were recognized during Awards Night on October 14.MHI’s Young Professional Network (YPN), a community devoted to developing and retaining the future leaders of the material handling industry, awarded Katie Hall the Outstanding Young Professional Award. Katie is Marketing Specialist for Fives Intralogistics. The YPN Young Mentor Award was presented to Mike Drolet, who is the Global Director of Industry Development for Murrelektronik.The Marketing Professionals (Mpro) community issued its Outstanding Marketer award to Joe Pelej, the Director of Marketing for Matthews Automation. Mpro is a dynamic community within MHI dedicated to empowering marketing professionals in the supply chain.Three awards were presented by the Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. (MHEFI), an independent charitable organization that provides financial support to engage and retain talent in the material handling, logistics, and supply chain industry.Sal Fateen, CEO of Seizmic, Inc., received the 2024 Norman L. Cahners Industry Award, while Gregg Goodner, board member of Hytrol, was honored with the 2025 award. This lifetime achievement honor recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary, long-term contributions to the material handling industry.MHEFI also presented the MHEFI Exception Contribution Award to Jim Vandegrift, the retiring president of R&M Material Handling. This award recognizes professionals who have made a significant impact on the material handling industry.The 2025 MHI Annual Conference was held October 12-15 at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort in Tucson, Arizona. The event featured keynotes, educational sessions, MHI Industry Group meetings, and networking events.About MHIMHI 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, workforce solution providers, 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 produces the ProMat and MODEX expositions that showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals. The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) is a division of MHI and provides education and research to the warehousing, distribution, and logistics community.

MHI and Oxford Economics release new insights into the material handling sector’s $266 billion GDP impact and its growing role in the national supply chainMHI, in collaboration with Oxford Economics, has released an updated “Handling the US Economy: The Economic Impact of the Material Handling Industry” report. This in-depth analysis explores how the material handling sector contributes to the broader U.S. economy and supports the supply chain infrastructure.The report reveals that the industry’s economic impact reaches far beyond the facilities where equipment and technologies are manufactured or designed. Its influence spans multiple sectors, driving job creation, tax revenue, and GDP growth.In 2018, when MHI and Oxford Economics produced the first ever analysis report, it was reported that the economic contribution of the U.S. material handling industry amounted to more than $173.2 billion in GDP. In 2024, the material handling industry has seen significant growth and now contributes $266 billion to the US GDP, supports more than 1.9 million jobs, and generates $58.3 billion in tax revenues. The GDP multiplier for the industry is 3.6. This means that for every $100 directly contributed by the industry, an additional $260 is generated elsewhere in the US economy. The jobs multiplier is 3.7, which indicates that for every 10 jobs directly created by the material handling industry, an additional 27 jobs are supported throughout the broader US economy.The report also highlights notable employment growth within the industry. In 2024, the industry directly employed 502,000 workers—an increase from 402,000 in 2018. Of those, manufacturers represented the largest share at 84% (422,000 employees), followed by dealers at 8.3% (approximately 42,000 employees), and service providers at 7.8% (around 39,000 employees).“This report highlights the essential role the material handling industry plays in driving economic growth. Beyond providing the equipment and technology that moves and delivers goods, the industry provides valuable support services—including consulting, leasing, and design—that enhance efficiency and generate added value throughout the supply chain and the broader economy,” said John Paxton, Chief Executive Officer of MHI. “The insights in this report will help to support your businesses decisions moving forward.”To download the report, please visit mhi.org/hub/marketintelligence.About MHIMHI 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, workforce solution providers, 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 produces the ProMat and MODEX expositions that showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals. The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) is a division of MHI and provides education and research to the warehousing, distribution, and logistics community.

Volume 4: Developing Your Soft Skills - Making a Successful Leap from the Classroom to the Workplace is the final textbook in the Fundamentals of Warehousing and Distribution series. The first three volumes in the series gave you an understanding of warehousing, distribution, and the technologies that play a critical role in the supply chain. Volumes 1 and 2 introduced the equipment, technologies, and processes used by all warehouses and distribution centers. Volume 3 described the most common types of warehouse designs, how they perform, and how they differ. This volume will help prepare you for your job in the workplace and help you refine the skills that will help you succeed and grow your career. The goal of this volume is to familiarize you with the responsibilities of the workplace beyond a basic job description and give you the tools you need to succeed. Many of the skills you’ve developed during your school years will help you succeed in the working world. Time management, organization, self-discipline, and relationship building are just as important as the mathematics and grammar skills you’ve practiced as part of your schoolwork. This know-how, along with your understanding of materials-handling equipment and systems, will serve you well in the workplace. Publication Date: 2025. For more information or quotes on special quantity shipping, contact the MHI Knowledge Team (education@mhi.org). 

This guidance document represents user considerations associated with multi-level shelving. It was developed by the Storage Manufacturers Association (SMA) and is intended to provide useful information and guidance for owners, users, designers, purchasers, or specifiers of material handling equipment or systems. It is advisory only and should only be regarded as a simple tool that its intended audience may or may not choose to follow, adopt, modify, or reject. The following information does not constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in operating, selecting, and purchasing such a system, and should not be relied upon as such. Such a program should be developed, and an independent adviser should be consulted in doing so.

The Ergonomics Toolbox is a new interactive, multi-media CD-ROM designed to aid companies in assessing task evaluation and equipment recommendations for manual material handling. Produced by the Ergonomics Assist Systems and Equipment (EASE) Council in

Presented by: The Conveyor and Sortation Systems (CSS) MHI Industry Group As automation reshapes the modern supply chain, the integration between packaging and material handling is more important than ever. In this session, experts from the Conveyor and Sortation Systems (CSS) Industry Group will explore how automation technologies—such as conveyors, sorters, and smart controls—are creating seamless transitions from packaging lines to warehouse and distribution operations. Attendees will learn: The key touchpoints where packaging and material handling intersect How automation reduces bottlenecks, labor costs, and product damage Real-world examples of integrated systems across e-commerce, CPG, and food & beverage Best practices for evaluating and selecting automation solutions The role of data and software in connecting packaging equipment with material flow systems Whether you’re a packaging engineer, operations leader, or supply chain strategist, this session will help you better understand how collaboration between sectors is driving scalable, sustainable automation strategies. Session Presented by CSS Colin Cartwright Director of Industry Development – Packaging NA at Murrelektronik Dr. Helge Hornis Director of Technology, Americas at Pepperl+Fuchs Allison Myers Director of Marketing & Communications at Fives Intralogistics Corp. Chris Thompson Sr. Marketing Communications Manager at Duravant 📅 Tuesday, September 30 🕧 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM 📍 Industry Speaks Stage (W-4324) 🔗 View full session details on the PACK EXPO website

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.

Conveyor and sortation equipment is essential for optimizing material handling systems. CSS educates the industry on key features, advantages, and emergingtechnologies while addressing market challenges through outreach. It provides valuable educational resources, promotes collaboration between manufacturers andtechnology providers, networking and supports career growth in the sector to drive innovation.

Rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries are an established and popular power source for consumer electronics, tools, appliances, and now passenger cars. One market which stands to benefit from the cost, efficiency and performance advantages of lithium-ion batteries is that of material handling equipment.This document presents an overview of the Lithium-Ion platform, including advantages and challenges of Lithium-Ion systems.

This Guideline was developed by the Lift Manufacturers ("LIFT"), an Industry Group of the Material Handling Institute ("MHI"); and represents suggested practices and considerations for precautionary labels on Industrial Scissors Lifts and Tilters. It is intended to provide useful information and guidance for owners, users, designers, purchasers and/or specifiers of such equipment. It is advisory only and should only be regarded as a simple tool that its intended audience may or may not choose to follow, adopt, modify, or reject. The following information does not constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in operating, selecting, and purchasing such a system, its repair or its replacement, and should not be relied upon as such. However, such a safety program should be developed, and an independent adviser should be consulted in doing so.

Consultants whose practice includes the areas of material handling and logistics possess varying degrees of technical expertise, ranging from business process advice and design to detailed engineering design services that lead to equipment and systems being bid and procured. Although a consulting firm may also perform system integration services, it is more the exception than the rule. See also Systems Integrator .

Material Handling is the movement, storage, control and protection of materials, goods and products throughout the process of manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal. The focus is on the methods, mechanical equipment, systems and related controls used to achieve these functions. See also, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Third Party Logistics. Note that all of referenced terms are highly interrelated and their definitions are frequently intermingled.

Boxabl is a unique company, manufacturing high quality homes which can be delivered on a flatbed truck and erected the same day. American Equipment LLC recommended the installation of three 7.5-ton capacity top-running, single girder cranes from R&M Materials Handling, Inc. The cranes, which span 47ft 7ins and provide 25ft of lift, feature R&M’s SX low headroom wire rope hoists, which help to maximize the lifting height of each system.

Jet Stream, a leading supplier of plastic pipe for irrigation and sewer systems was looking to improve inefficiencies in their production processes. They wanted to gain better control of their pipe loading and binding process by reducing the manual tasks and integrating material handling equipment that would do the hard work for them. No, small task due to the enormity in size of the pipes and the reorienting requirements coming out of fabrication to get them ready for stacking and binding.

Klapperich Tool, Inc. provides machine shop services for tool and equipment manufacturers. The facility is equipped with milling machines, metal lathes, surface grinders, CNC machines, wire electrical discharge machines, welding machines, and more. Klapperich Tool has used propane forklifts and a single portable jib crane for their material handling which required a need for coordination and the forklifts also caused a high concentration of propane exhaust fumes. To replace their old system, Klapperich Tool purchased a Spanco Freestanding Workstation Bridge Crane with 104-foot, six-inch long runways.