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The Rack Manufacturers Institute, Inc. (RMI) members are the Industry’s leading suppliers of Industrial Steel Storage Racks and Related Structural Systems. They supply industrial rack solutions worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing and distribution sector. RMI was formed in 1958. Mission: To promote the safe and effective use of industrial steel storage racks and related storage and handling systems. Vision: Every rack system is designed, manufactured, and installed to meet the RMI Standards. Through guidance and education, help to ensure that rack systems are operated and maintained safely. A rack is a single or multi-level structural storage system that is utilized to support high stacking of single items or palletized loads. Racking systems are a fundamental component of any distribution, storage, or material handling operation. The right racks allow rapid access to stored or mounted materials, as well as a dependable, ergonomic product storage solution. Racking systems maximize facility space while simplifying inventory requirements. Pallet racks are among the most widely used type of storage solutions in heavy industry, shipping and manufacturing. Rack decking is manufactured in a variety of styles, from wire mesh to channel-reinforced steel decking. RMI Programs Include: RMI develops American National Standards for industrial steel storage racks and welded wire rack decking. RMI has drafted the American National Standards ANSI MH16.1 (for industrial pallet racks), ANSI MH16.3 (for cantilever racks), and ANSI MH26.2 (for wire rack decking) and certifies compliance with the standards via the R-Mark Certification Program. Product testing and R&D programs funded by RMI over the past 35 years have resulted in virtually all of the technical advances made within the U.S. Codes/Standards Community. RMI members prepare and conduct extensive educational materials and programs to create additional value for you as a user of industrial storage racks and related products. All RMI members are seated on the RMI Engineering Committee. RMI representatives maintain seats on a number of code and fire safety bodies to further assist in advancing the state of the art in rack design/application. RMI collects and disseminates reliable industry statistics. RMI believes that it is important to you that your supplier be committed to the principles of continuous improvement in both product design/application and in the highest Professional and Ethical Standards of Performance as embodied in the mission and work conducted within RMI.
Lift Manufacturers Product Group (LIFT) members are the industry’s leading suppliers of industrial scissors lift equipment designed to move personnel, equipment, and product. Scissor lift equipment types include dock lifts, tilters, turntables, work platforms, and pallet stackers. They are used in manufacturing, distribution, and other industrial facilities for a variety of material handling applications. Mission The LIFT group cultivates a member network through exposure to innovations, industry promotion, safety standards, and education in support of the scissors lift equipment Industry. Vision Bringing together a network of members to elevate and promote the LIFT industry by providing innovative lifting technology and safety standards. Lift Manufacturers members meet regularly to commonly standardize the design, performance, and safety requirements of scissor lift equipment. (ANSI MH29.1 – Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissor Lifts). LIFT Programs Include: The development and promotion of industry standards for the design, performance and proper operation of lifts and lift systems. The development and promotion of Safety, Training, Inspection and Maintenance recommendations that are available to all lift users. The collection and dissemination of reliable industry statistics. The preparation and distribution of educational and promotional materials as to the benefits of LIFT solutions. The establishment of liaison and cooperation with private and governmental groups establishing standards and/or safety codes which are pertinent to this technology.
UpRight Warehouse Solutions is a provider of many traditional services needed by warehouses and distribution centers, we are pioneers in the development of game-changing, proprietary solutions that help ensure, sustain and advance workplace safety. A trusted leader in pallet rack repair, UWS inspects, repairs, and maintains hundreds of thousands of pallet rack frames, and the hugely diverse rack systems they support, in facilities across America. NO ONE knows pallet rack repair like UpRight! UpRight Rapid Rack Repair™ – It’s About Time UWS’s patented solution and repair process dramatically revolutionizes the rack repair process by shrinking repair timelines from as much as 5 MONTHS down to a matter of DAYS, making facilities substantially safer. Damage sitting unrepaired increases the threat of a pallet rack collapse. In the mitigation of this threat, there is simply no substitute for speed -and UpRight is the fastest pallet rack repair solution on the planet!
Coesia is a trusted partner for e-commerce fulfilment, offering advanced technologies to automate operations. With strong expertise in industrial process engineering, Coesia enhances packaging flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. Its portfolio includes packaging on demand, flow automation, and robotics, easily integrated into existing lines. Tailor-made solutions optimize every fulfilment step, from packaging to dispatch. Packaging systems reduce waste and costs, while automation boosts speed and precision. Robotics ensure quality in picking, sorting, and palletizing. By combining automation with eco-conscious practices, Coesia helps customers align their fulfilment operations with their environmental commitments. With global reach and a customer-centric approach, Coesia supports clients from design to after-sales, driving efficiency and long-term growth in a competitive market.
NuMove Robotics & Vision is a robotic system manufacturer and integrator. We develop flexible, personalized and value-added material handling solutions, thanks to an extensive knowledge in design, programming, software development, and machine vision. We specialize in palletizing, depalletizing, automated storage and case packing systems. Our team of experienced professionals, engineers and experts have been working in the field of industrial robotic automation for the past 30 years. Automation Solutions & Robotic Systems: - Robotic Palletizing (Single-SKU) - Robotic Mutli-SKU Palletizing: Floor-Level Robotic Mixed Load Palletizer (Single-Picking), Robotic Mixed Palletizer with Integrated Wrapping (Single-Picking Robot on Mezzanine), Robotic Mixed Layer Palletizer - Semi-Automated Mixed Palletizer - Robotic Depalletizing (Depalletizing by products, depalletize by row, or layer-based depalletizer) - Case AS/RS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) - Robotic Case Packing
J&L Wire manufactures a high-quality galvanized wire decking & flooring for use with pallet rack and material handling systems.

Milwaukee, WI — October 23, 2025 — NOBLELIFT North America proudly announced the grand opening of its new North American Tech Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The ribbon-cutting celebration was held in conjunction with the first annual “NOBLEFEST,” an exciting event that brought together dealers from across the country to experience the company’s latest innovations and celebrate the future of material-handling technology.Located at 700 W. Virginia Street, Suite #B110, the new 7,000-square-foot facility is dedicated to research and development, new product innovation, and dealer engagement. It serves as a hands-on environment where customers and dealers can test-drive equipment, experience new technologies firsthand, and participate in collaborative R&D initiatives, including automation projects that represent the next frontier of warehouse efficiency.During NOBLEFEST, attendees had the opportunity to test-drive NOBLELIFT’s newest lineup of equipment, including the HERO Task Support Vehicle, the PSR30 Walkie Reach Truck, and the ALPHA Series forklifts, along with a sneak preview of NOBLELIFT’s upcoming robotic solutions. Dealers also got an exclusive first look at what NOBLELIFT will be showcasing at MODEX 2026, one of the premier trade shows for manufacturing and supply chain innovation.“The opening of our Milwaukee Tech Center represents a major step forward in our North American commitment to innovation and dealer support,” said Bill Pedriana, President of NOBLELIFT North America. “It’s a place where our partners can experience technology in motion to test, learn, and help us shape the future of intelligent material-handling.”The Tech Center will serve as a hub for collaboration, product development, and continuous improvement, reinforcing NOBLELIFT’s reputation for engineering excellence and customer-driven innovation.To see photos from the event, visit nobleliftna.com/noblefest-milwaukee-2025.About NOBLELIFT North America NOBLELIFT® North America is a global leader in Lithium technology. We manufacture a comprehensive range of high-performance, low-maintenance manual, electric, and internal combustion equipment with more than 200 categories and around 30 series of each product. Our products are designed to meet different application demands and are well accepted by our customers in more than 100 countries and regions in Europe, America, Asia, Africa and more. Products include: sit-down forklifts, rough terrain forklifts, narrow aisle forklifts, walkie-stackers, order pickers, electric pallet trucks, scissor lifts, tuggers/tow tractors, scrubbers, sweepers, automated guided vehicles (AGV’s), lift tables, manual pallet jacks and more. Noblelift® North America builds tough, durable products that deliver high productivity, low total cost of ownership, easy serviceability, and advanced ergonomic features; accompanied by outstanding parts, service, and training support. We are Noble. Expect More!For more information about our company and our products, visit www.nobleliftna.com or follow us on social media.ContactNOBLELIFT® North America847-595-7100Sparky PowellDirector of Marketingsparky@nobleliftna.com

VANCOUVER, WA (USA) – October 20, 2025 – Rick Goode, Chairman and CEO of Columbia Machine, Inc., announced the appointment of Robert Gustine as Group President, Vancouver Operations, effective October 20, 2025. In this newly created role, Gustine will lead Columbia’s Vancouver-based Concrete Products, Palletizer, and Mold business units, along with shared manufacturing operations, to drive tighter strategic alignment and performance across the organization.Gustine’s mandate includes strengthening operational and financial accountability, advancing market and industry leadership, and reinforcing Columbia’s customer-centric culture - ensuring decisions are made “from the eyes of our customers” while maintaining cost-effectiveness. He will focus on operational excellence and manufacturing performance, including cost control, quality, efficiency, utilization, lean practices, and inventory management, while accelerating innovation and deepening collaboration across business units, affiliates, and international subsidiaries.Gustine joins Columbia from OECO (Parker-Meggitt), where since 2010 he has held progressive leadership roles including General Manager, Director of Site Operations, and Director of Manufacturing. Earlier in his career, he served in operations and quality roles at Material Sciences Corporation and Sherwin-Williams. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and is a Six Sigma Black Belt.“Rob brings a proven, metrics-driven approach to leading complex, high-reliability manufacturing,” said Rick Goode, Chairman and CEO, Columbia Machine, Inc. “His track record aligning teams around strategy, elevating quality, and moving faster from concept to customer value makes him an excellent fit to guide our Vancouver Operations and support our global growth ambitions.”“I’m honored to join Columbia and partner with our teams to deliver innovative, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for our customers,” said Robert Gustine. “We’ll focus on disciplined execution, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement—always from the eyes of our customers.”About Columbia MachineEstablished in 1937, Columbia Machine is a fourth generation, privately held, world-wide leader in the design, manufacturing and support of factory automation equipment solutions for a variety of industries, with customers in over 100 countries around the world. Primary business units include: Batching and Mixing Solutions, Concrete Products Equipment Solutions, Production Equipment Molds, Bag Filling and Handling Technology, Mechanical Palletizing Machines, Robotic Palletizing Solutions, Conveyor System Solutions, Pallet Load Transfer Solutions and Manufacturing Services. The Columbia Group of Companies has manufacturing facilities on five continents, with over 1,200 team members worldwide, focused on world-class engineered solutions and customer service.ContactTaylor GoodeCorporate Marketing Managertaygoode@colmac.com

Des Plaines, Illinois – October 15, 2025: NOBLELIFT North America is proud to announce the launch of the ALPHA Series Pneumatic Forklifts, marking the first time in the industry that a single forklift platform has been purpose-built for both lithium-ion (ALPHA 50–60 Li) and LPG (ALPHA 50–60 LPG) power options. The ALPHA Series represents a major step forward in design efficiency, serviceability, and long-term value for indoor and outdoor operations.“Creating a forklift series that is essentially the same with the exception of how it is powered is exactly the kind of innovation and future-focused engineering you should expect from NOBLELIFT,” said Bill Pedriana, President of NOBLELIFT North America. “The ALPHA Series allows customers to choose the power source that best fits their operation, without sacrificing performance, comfort, familiarity or parts compatibility with other trucks in their fleet.”Built Tough—Powered Your Way The ALPHA 50–60 Li (5,000–6,000 lbs. capacity) delivers quiet, zero-emission performance powered by NOBLELIFT’s advanced LiFePO4 lithium-ion battery system. Designed with a heavy-duty steel chassis, mast, and axles comparable to an internal combustion truck, the lithium version combines power and durability with clean, low-maintenance operation and an onboard charger for rental fleet applications.The ALPHA 50–60 LPG offers the same rugged construction, ergonomic design, and component layout—powered instead by a Kubota 56.2 HP/2,600 rpm LPG engine. Because both models share the same core architecture, parts inventory and service requirements are significantly simplified, reducing total cost of ownership for customers and distributors alike.Future lithium conversion kits will present the opportunity for ALPHA LP forklifts to be upgraded to lithium power, which can significantly extend the operational life of the truck for those that are not ready to move to electric machines today.Key Features Across Both Models Heavy-duty steel chassis and cast axles for maximum stability 4-Way hydraulics to carriage On-demand Fully Hydrostatic Power Steering (FHPS) for smooth control Integrated side shift for precision load placement Intelligent buffering to protect the ground and cargo from damage while forks descend Multi-function Eye-Level LCD Display showing load weight, height, steering angle, speed, system diagnostics, and more Operator Presence System (OPS) that locks hydraulics and travel when operator leaves seat LED lighting suite (headlights, signals, blue safety light, strobe, and rear work light) for superior visibility Rear grab bar with horn Tilt cylinder boots to protect tilt cylinder and oil seals from the environment Ergonomic operator compartment, with adjustable steering column, and deluxe suspension seat to reduce fatigueLithium Technology AdvantagesThe ALPHA 50–60 Li uses LiFePO4 chemistry, the safest and longest-lasting lithium technology available. Each battery features a Battery Management System (BMS), thermal management, and automotive-grade high-voltage controls. The lithium system is maintenance-free, fully charges in 2–3 hours and supports opportunity charging during breaks to enable continuous multi-shift operation. NOBLELIFT backs the lithium battery cells with a 10-year or 20,000-hour warranty.Proven LPG PowerThe ALPHA 50–60 LPG delivers the same ALPHA platform performance using Kubota’s proven LPG engine for facilities that prefer internal combustion power. A swing-out tank mount ensures easy refueling access, while shared components and design continuity streamline fleet management.ApplicationsThe ALPHA Series is purpose-built for demanding environments including: Manufacturing & Production Building Materials & Construction Supply Warehousing, Distribution & Logistics Lumber, Metal & Heavy Industrial Products Freight Terminals & Cross-DockingFor more information, visit www.nobleliftna.com/alpha-50-60-li-lithium or www.nobleliftna.com/alpha-50-60-lpg.About NOBLELIFT North AmericaNOBLELIFT® North America is a global leader in Lithium technology. We manufacture a comprehensive range of high-performance, low-maintenance manual, electric, and internal combustion equipment with more than 200 categories and around 30 series of each product. Our products are designed to meet different application demands and are well accepted by our customers in more than 100 countries and regions in Europe, America, Asia, Africa and more. Products include: sit-down forklifts, rough terrain forklifts, narrow aisle forklifts, walkie-stackers, order pickers, electric pallet trucks, scissor lifts, tuggers/tow tractors, scrubbers, sweepers, automated guided vehicles (AGV’s), lift tables, manual pallet jacks and more. Noblelift® North America builds tough, durable products that deliver high productivity, low total cost of ownership, easy serviceability, and advanced ergonomic features; accompanied by outstanding parts, service, and training support. We are Noble. Expect More! For more information about our company and our products, visit www.nobleliftna.com or follow us on social media.ContactNOBLELIFT® North America847-595-7100Sparky PowellDirector of Marketingsparky@nobleliftna.com

URBX Robotic Storage System Delivers 500 Cases or Totes Per Hour Per Robot, Reaches 125 Feet High, and Eliminates Traditional Aisle RequirementsWIXOM, MI – October 8, 2025 – Integrated Systems Design (ISD) announces the launch of its URBX automated storage and retrieval system, a Cube robotic ASRS system that fundamentally changes how distribution centers, warehouses and manufacturers operations approach high-density storage and rapid fulfillment.The URBX Cube Robotics ASRS system addresses three critical pain points facing warehouse operators: insufficient floor space, unsustainable labor costs, and inadequate throughput capacity to meet ecommerce and omnichannel delivery demands."Traditional ASRS systems require aisles for cranes or forklifts. This robotic cube system eliminates that waste," states Bob Jones, Senior Analyst and Consultant at ISD. "You're storing inventory in what used to be empty air. That matters when you're paying $15 per square foot."The Floor Space Problem Gets WorseDistribution centers and warehouses face a fundamental constraint—they're running out of room. Adding square footage increases inefficiencies and wastes valuable time. Industrial real estate rates continue climbing. Building new facilities takes 18-24 months and requires capital expenditures that strain budgets.Meanwhile, inventory requirements increase. SKU proliferation forces warehouses to stock more items in more variations. Ecommerce returns add to storage demands. Safety stock levels rise to buffer against supply chain disruptions.The math doesn't work. You need 40% more storage capacity but can't expand your footprint. Traditional solutions—racking configurations, mezzanines, off-site storage— don't solve the core problem."We've seen operations store inventory in trailers parked in their lots," Romaine explains. "That's not a storage strategy. That's desperation. You can't efficiently pick from a trailer 200 yards from your packing stations. I’ve seen a facility that parked trailers permanently at non-essential dock doors and just kept the doors open and utilized it as storage. This creates hazards and congestion and simply indicates a much larger problem… lack of floor space."How URBX Cube Robotics ASRS Changes the EquationThe new ISD URBX Cube robotic ASRS operates on different principles than conventional crane and aisle and other Cube automated storage systems.Instead of using cranes moving through fixed aisles, autonomous robots traverse a three- dimensional grid structure. They climb vertically and move horizontally without dedicated travel lanes. Each robot accesses any storage location within the grid. The system stores totes in a dense Cube arrangement—eliminating the wasted aisle space that traditional ASRS requires.The storage density improvements are significant. A Cube robotic system typically achieves 3-4 times the storage capacity of conventional racking in the same footprint. The system reaches heights up to 125 feet—utilizing vertical space, which most facilities leave empty.Each robot handles up to 100 pounds and completes up to 500 presentations per hour. That's 1000 transactions hourly when counting both storage and retrieval operations.Multiple robots work simultaneously within the same grid structure, scaling throughput based on demand."Think of it as three-dimensional chess," notes Ed Romaine, VP Marketing and Business Development at ISD. "The robots know where every tote or case sits. AI-driven software constantly optimizes their pathways.They're storing popular SKUs in easily accessible locations and moving slow-movers to deeper positions—automatically, continuously, without human intervention."Technical Specifications That MatterThe system's capabilities address real operational requirements:Storage Performance• Handles cases and/or totes• Maximum height: 125 feet• Load capacity: up to 100 pounds per tote• Tote or case handling rate: 500 per hour per robot• Transaction rate: 1000 storage/retrieval cycles per robot hourly• Tote and case dimensions: accommodates 6-inch to 24-inch containers for maximum flexibilityIntegration Capabilities• Compatible with standard conveyor systems• Interfaces with warehouse management software (WMS), warehouse control systems (WCS) and/or warehouse execution systems (WES)• Integrates with existing pick-to-light and goods-to-person technologies• Integrates with palletizers and outbound shipping systemsOperational Features• Machine learning algorithms optimize robot tasking and routing• AI-driven grid technology maximizes throughput• Vision systems detect dimensions, anomalies, and barcodes• Redundant robot fleet ensures continuous operationSystem Architecture• Modular design allows phased implementation• Scalable configuration grows with business requirements• Fault-tolerant operation continues during individual robot maintenance• Remote monitoring enables predictive maintenanceReal-World ApplicationsThe Cube robotic ASRS serves multiple industries facing storage and throughput challenges.Ecommerce operations benefit from rapid order fulfillment speeds and high inventory visibility. The system handles split-case picking efficiently—a critical requirement for direct-to-consumer fulfillment.Case handling applications allows organizations to cost-effectively store, sequence, buffer, stage, and retrieve cases automatically without any human intervention.Retail distribution centers use the technology for omnichannel order processing. The same system fulfills store replenishment orders and individual customer shipments without reconfiguration.Third-party logistics providers leverage the system's flexibility to serve multiple clients from shared facilities. They reconfigure storage allocations quickly as customer requirements change.Pharmaceutical distributors appreciate the system's accuracy and inventory control capabilities. The technology provides real-time location tracking and supports first-expired-first-out (FEFO) picking strategies.Electronics manufacturers utilize the system for component storage and kitting operations. The high-density storage accommodates thousands of low-volume SKUs in minimal floor space."One automotive parts distributor we worked with needed to double their SKU count without expanding their building," Romaine states. "Traditional racking couldn't deliver that. The Cube robotic system gave them 3.5 times their previous storage capacity in the same footprint. They canceled a planned facility expansion that would have cost $12 million."URBX Cube Robotics ASRS Implementation ApproachISD's OptimalOps-Process framework guides Cube robotic ASRS implementations from initial assessment through system validation.The process starts with comprehensive data analysis. ISD examines order profiles, SKU velocity, inventory characteristics, and workflow patterns. This analysis determines optimal system sizing and configuration.Design work considers both upstream and downstream operations. The Cube ASRS doesn't operate in isolation—it connects to receiving processes, picking workstations, packing stations, and shipping sorters. ISD designs these integration points for seamless material flow.Implementation planning addresses operational continuity. Most facilities can't shut down for system installation. ISD develops phased deployment strategies that maintain operations during construction and commissioning.Training programs prepare staff for new workflows. Technology changes how workers interact with inventory. Comprehensive training ensures smooth transitions and rapid productivity ramp-up."The technology works beautifully—when it's implemented correctly," Romaine emphasizes. "Poor integration kills ROI. We've seen expensive systems underperform because nobody thought about how totes move from receiving to the ASRS input, or how picked orders flow to packing stations. You need integrators who understand the entire workflow, not just the equipment."Return on Investment Factors for URBX Cube Robotics ASRSCube robotic ASRS investments typically deliver ROI through multiple operationalimprovements:Labor Reduction Manual picking requires workers to travel, search, and retrieve items. The Cube system brings inventory to stationary picking positions. Labor productivity typically improves 3-4 times compared to manual operations.Space Optimization Increased storage density eliminates expansion requirements.Organizations avoid capital expenditures for building additions or new facilities. Some operations consolidate multiple locations into single automated facilities.Accuracy Improvement Automated storage and retrieval eliminates location errors. Vision systems verify tote contents. Pick accuracy typically exceeds 99.9%—reducing returns, customer complaints, and reshipment costs.Throughput Capacity The system scales throughput by adding robots to the grid structure. Organizations handle peak volumes without temporary labor surges or overtime expenses.Inventory Visibility Real-time location tracking provides accurate inventory data. Organizations reduce safety stock requirements and improve inventory turns."One Ecommerce operation calculated their payback at 22 months," notes Romaine. "They eliminated 18 picking positions, gained 12,000 additional pallet positions, and improved order accuracy from 98.1% to 99.7%. Those aren't hypothetical benefits. They're documented results measured six months post implementation."Why ISD as Your URBX Cube Robotics ASRS Integration PartnerISD brings 60-plus years of warehouse automation experience to Cube robotic ASRS implementations. The company's OEM-agnostic approach ensures clients receive optimal solutions rather than vendor-locked specifications.ISD's expertise extends beyond equipment installation. The company analyzes entire facility operations—from receiving through shipping—designing integrated solutions that maximize performance across all processes.The OptimalOps-Process framework provides systematic methodology for assessment, design, implementation, and validation. This structured approach minimizes risk and accelerates time to full productivity.ISD maintains relationships with leading material handling equipment manufacturers. This network provides access to proven technologies and ensures long-term support availability."We're integrators who happen to manufacture some products—not manufacturers trying to be integrators," Romaine concludes. "That difference matters. We recommend Cube robotics if it's the right solution. We recommend other technologies when they fit better.Your operational success is our success. We're partners, not vendors."For organizations evaluating automated storage solutions or seeking to optimize existing warehouse operations, ISD offers free consultations to assess operational performance and identify improvement opportunities.About ISD - Integrated Systems DesignISD is a leading systems integrator specializing in warehouse, distribution, and manufacturing operations, as well as an OEM provider of the UltraStore Mid-Load ASRS system. Our proprietary OptimalOps-Process™ features an 8-step framework designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, expedite ROI, and future-proof operations by optimizing picking, sorting, packing, and shipping processes.At ISD, we prioritize collaboration, working closely with clients to define objectives, conduct comprehensive data analyses, and implement strategic planning. This partnership creates high-performance, tailored solutions that align with operational and business KPIs.Our extensive offerings encompass conveyor systems, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), robotics, sortation systems, warehouse software, pallet handling, packaging automation, and order fulfillment technologies.With 60-plus years of experience and an OEM-agnostic approach, ISD delivers customized solutions that maximize ROI and operational effectiveness. For more information, visit www.isddd.comVideo Link: https://youtu.be/vfHuAcZZpNQContactEd RomaineChief Marketing Officereromaine@isddd.com.

The challenge was to create a safety net barrier acting as a door to protect both products as well as employees in a warehouse setting. In addition the door needed to be accessible to the driver of a fork lift from the ground level.

Pushback racking gives Denali the high-density storage it needs, providing more pallet positions and requiring fewer aisles. The new racking uses the FIFO (First In First Out) inventory system – commonly used in the food industry. A pushback storage rack can offer up to 90% more storage space than traditional selective pallet racking.

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

BackgroundA seed company in Iowa had workers spending all day unloading palletized boxes onto a gravity conveyor. The conveyor moved each box to a staging area where workers would lift them individually onto a workbench for testing and repackaging if needed.The ProblemWith workers manually moving boxes onto and off the conveyor, the ergonomic drain on the company was significant. Each box weighed about 70 lbs, so workers were experiencing frequent back problems and fatigue throughout the day. Production was also slowed because manual lifting was time-consuming and unpredictable.The SolutionA Gorbel® Work Station Crane outfitted with a G-Force® Intelligent Lifting Device was installed. The Work Station Crane helped move the boxes ergonomically through all stages of processing, while the G-Force® provided workers with precise handling abilities. What previously took substantial physical strength could now be achieved with a slight touch of the hand. Workers were particularly grateful that this system was easy to use, with no complicated controls or unnecessary buttons – load sensors on the G-Force® took care of that.

This is a paid advertisement. Discover NūBotik MixPal and InnoPick® — NūMove's latest mixed palletizer and case AS/RS. Seize the opportunity to test these solutions at ProMat 2025! Visit booth S3350 to select products and watch your custom order being palletized in real-time. Register now!

This is a paid advertisement. Rehrig Pacific transforms beverage distribution by optimizing every step of direct store delivery to save time, reduce errors, and boost profitability. From innovative warehouse solutions and AI-powered pallet wrappers to specialized material handling tools like the Duo Lift and Duo Merch that streamline driver and merchandiser workflows, these innovations deliver a better way for customers to succeed in this fast-paced industry.

This is a paid advertisement.The rise of automated truck pallet loading and un loading has revolutionized how distribution facilities operate – increasing productivity and safety, as well as reducing truck turnaround times. Key amongst these technologies are laser-guided vehicles (LGVs), which are increasingly being utilized for loading and un loading in manufacturing and distribution facilities. The latest evolution of LGVs pack extreme improvements in battery performance, energy utilization, vehicle uptime, CO2 reduction, and enable a more integrated and space-optimized facility, making these LGVs serious systems for truck un loading , staging and loading in any manufacturing or distribution facility seeking to upgrade its operational intralogistics performance.

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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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

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: $150.00This standard specifies minimum requirements for the structural design, testing, and utilization of industrial steel storage racks. It applies to industrial steel storage racks, movable-shelf racks, rack-supported systems, and storage racks associated with automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRSs; also known as “stacker racks”), constructed of cold formed and/or hot-rolled steel structural members. Such rack types also include push-back rack, pallet flow rack, case-flow rack, pick modules, and rack-supported platforms. This standard is also intended to be applied to the design of the storage rack portion of any rack structure that provides support to the exterior walls and roof, except as noted. It does not apply to other types of racks, such as drive-in or drive through racks, cantilever racks (see ANSI MH16.3 for guidance on cantilever racks), portable racks, or racks made of material other than steel.ANSI MH16.1-2023 replaces ANSI MH16.1-2021, which was a revision of ANSI MH16.1-2012(R2019). It updates seismic provisions to align with ASCE/SEI 7-2022, including use of software to obtain seismic data and new methods to obtain the seismic response coefficients. It also includes revisions to the cantilever testing provisions and to the cyclic beam-to-column testing provisions in this section, so that either test can be used to determine beam design spring constants.A summary of the major revisions between the 2021 and 2012 revisions include the following:Reorganization of the document to align with guidance in ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, specifically moving requirements previously in Section 1 elsewhere in the document, adding Normative References to Section 2 (previously Section 10, “References to the Text”), and adding Terms and Definitions to Section 3 (previously “Nomenclature” in the Foreword);A requirement for post-installation inspection conducted by the owner;New stability design requirements similar to the requirements in ANSI/AISI S100 or ANSI/AISC 360 replace the effective length method for stability design outlined in previous editions;Seismic provisions (7.4) were revised to align with ASCE/SEI 7-2016, including revision of redundancy factors for multiple rows and revision of the Fa and Fv coefficients for the D-Default site class;New design procedure for perforated columns that includes a new definition of net section using reduced strips to represent the hole lines. Torsional properties are now to be calculated using rounded corners and a distortional buckling check is required for those sections subject to distortional buckling. The equation for the Q effect on the column strength has changed;New section on pallet support design;New section on frame tie and cross-aisle tie design; New provisions for base plate and anchor design where the seismic overstrength consideration is required;Interpretation of the cyclic tests for connectors has been added; The base fixity test and frame bracing test have been added;The portal test and the upright frame test in the 2012 revision were removed from the 2021 revision.
Free downloadThis standard applies to industrial steel boltless shelving; boltless shelving placed on mobile carriages; multi-level boltless shelving systems such as pick modules, catwalks, and deck-overs; and for boltless shelving used in conjunction with an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS). The structural framing components for these systems are made of cold-formed or hot-rolled steel structural members. This standard does not apply to the following: industrial steel pallet racks (addressed by ANSI MH16.1), industrial cantilever racks (addressed by ANSI MH16.3), boltless shelving structures not fabricated from steel, industrial steel bin shelving, or shelving systems built with slotted metal angles. Boltless shelving is typically a hand-loaded, prefabricated, free-standing, building-like non-building structure that utilizes a designed framing system. It is generally located within an industrial or warehouse environment that is restricted from the general public. Personnel working within the confines of the boltless shelving structure are presumed to be properly trained, physically able, and appropriately attired for the intended working environment. This standard is intended to be applied to the design, testing and utilization of such structures. This standard applies to boltless shelving structures installed within a building and subjected to seismic (earthquake) loads. Loads from environmental exposure, such as snow, wind or rain loads, are not addressed in this standard. This standard does not cover any design requirements that need to be addressed for supported equipment that would subject a shelving system to significant dynamic loading and/or harmonic vibration that has the potential to cause structural damage or metal fatigue. For environmental exposure or applications beyond the scope of this standard, an evaluation by a qualified design professional is required.

Free download.The purpose of this standard is to serve as the guide for designers, manufacturers, sellers, installers, owners, users, and governing bodies in the design, manufacturing, and use of pallets, slip sheets, and other bases for unit loads. This document is a revision to ANSI MH1-2019, which was a single consolidated standard comprising of 14 separate parts, many of which were written at different times and by different committees. This version is reformatted to incorporate the standard into a single consolidated document.

A four-sided superstructure that is mounted on a pallet base, with or without a cover. Also known as a box or container bin pallet.

This is a selection activity performed within a specific type of storage area (often pallet rack). Merchandise movement into these locations is in pallet load quantities from receiving or reserve storage locations. Merchandise movement out of these locations is in case quantities.

A pallet constructed in such a way as to have the top deck extending out from opposite sides.

A transporter or device used to distribute, move and store empty pallets.

From Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. This article evaluates the effectiveness of two interventions: a self-leveling pallet carousel designed to position the loads vertically and horizontally at origin, and an adjustable cart designed to raise loads vertically at destination to reduce spine loads. Low back disorders among workers in manual material handling industries are very prevalent and have been linked to manual palletizing operations. Evidence into the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions is limited, with no research that investigates interventions with adjustable load location.

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.

customers informed, and to provide feedback from AGVs’ stakeholders related to benefits and market of AGVs.

Small pallets create an opportunity for retailers, but they are not without their challenges, including safe load handling, for those in material handling. Half and quarter pallets present a challenge because they can only be moved with a single forklift tine, but physics and ANSI standards provide the answers to safe small pallet handling.
