Follow Us
Copyright MHI © 2026 | All Rights Reserved
An extremely useful and informative guide to ergonomic assist and safety equipment, this publication provides a detailed overview of the major classifications of equipment. These classifications include scissors lifts, adjustable worker elevation platforms, balancers, manipulators, vacuum assist devices, workstation cranes, stackers, conveyors, container tilters, workstations, pallet rotators and inverters. Illustrations cover each type of equipment along with recommendations on how the equipment should be applied.
Click Here to Read More
Click Here to Read More
Click Here to Read More
Heavy lifting, repetitive motions & hazardous areas, the potential for workplace injuries is significant– automation mitigates these dangers.
How do you build safer, more efficient warehouses when automation isn’t possible? This MHI Tech Talk brings together Megan Baker, Nathan Guralski, and Ron Mack to discuss why safety and ergonomics must be prioritized in material handling strategies, and how aligning innovation with worker well-being can drive long-term performance.
Improving ergonomic safety in your warehouse can help workers avoid injury and create a strong feeling that you care about their wellbeing. Watch how you can improve your warehouse in four steps.
Think of common tasks in your workplace. There’s repetitive twisting, bending, reaching, lifting. Even sitting takes a toll on your body. Compound that toll over a few years, and you risk soreness, strains and chronic pain. This episode explores the automated solutions purpose-designed to make jobs easier on our bodies, and why industry members are racing to deploy their own.
Our increasingly aging and obese employee demographic means that our workforce is more prone to injury than ever before. But there’s an easy solution. Instead of forcing an employee into a taxing job that works against them - design the job to fit the worker.
Attendees are looking to invest in AI, automation, robotics, and tech solutions to improve the speed and resiliency of their supply chain operations.With MODEX 2026 just over six weeks away, attendee registrations are tracking well above the last MODEX event in 2024. Looking at attendees that have registered to date, they are high in quality as well and represent the majority of the Fortune 1000, top 100 retailers, and top 100 consumer goods firms. We are also seeing record numbers of buying teams from these firms planning to attend.When attendees register, they are asked to answer a variety of demographic questions indicating their industry, product interest, buying authority and spending plans. Below are some highlights from current MODEX attendee demographics. 88% have buying power 80% are coming to see new products and innovations 65% are coming to network and learn 35% plan on spending over $1 million over the next 18 months 54% are corporate or senior management 33% are middle management or IT/Engineering 70% are looking for solutions for their distribution centers or warehouses 24% are looking for solutions for their manufacturing facilitiesWhen it comes to the solutions, MODEX 2026 attendees are looking for a wide range of equipment and technologies for their material handling and supply chain operations. However, there is a heightened interest in automation, robotics, autonomous vehicles, AI, and analytics. The top product interest categories for attendees currently are: Autonomous Mobile Robots Automated Storage / Retrieval Systems Robotics Conveyors and Sortation Systems Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Distribution & Warehousing Software Advanced Analytics Forklift Trucks and Autonomous Fork Trucks Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems Racks Pallets & Palletizers Order Fulfillment Automation, Order Picking & E-Commerce Automation Automatic Identification Products Batteries, Fuel, and Alternative Fuel Systems Lift Products Safety Equipment & Ergonomics Packaging & Unitizing Machinery & Materials Supply Chain Execution Systems & Software Supply Chain Security & Cybersecurity Parcel, Freight & Cargo DistributionThese statistics are an early indication of growth of the MODEX event and the high interest attendees in investing in the manufacturing and supply chain equipment and systems that will be showcased at MODEX.MODEX will be held April 13-16 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center and will be the most important week in 2026 for the manufacturing and supply chain industry. The event will feature over 1,000 exhibits, 200 educational seminars and 4 keynotes.For more information and to register for free admission to attend MODEX, visit modexshow.com.About MODEX MODEX 2026 will be held April 13-16, 2026, in Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. Over 1,000 exhibitors will showcase their solutions on MODEX’s show floor totaling over 625,000 square feet of manufacturing and supply chain solutions. MODEX exhibits will represent all segments of the material handling and supply chain logistics industry, from traditional manual equipment to computerized, automated systems, e-comm fulfillment, AI and last mile logistics. MODEX 2026 will also feature a comprehensive educational conference including keynotes and show floor educational seminars led by industry experts and leading authorities.About MHI MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 1,000 members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, 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 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.
With ProMat 2023 just one month away, attendee registrations are tracking above the last in-person ProMat event. Looking at attendees that have registered to date, they are high in quality from a buying authority perspective and represent a large number of the Fortune 1000 and top 100 retailers and consumer goods firms that are bringing their teams to the show. When attendees register, they are asked to answer a variety of demographic questions indicating their industry, product interest, buying authority and spending plans. Below are some highlights from current ProMat 2023 attendee demographics. –85% have buying power –80% are coming to see new products and innovations –65% are coming to network and learn –38% plan on spending over $1 million over the next 18 months –49% are corporate or senior management –34% are middle management or IT/Engineering –66% are looking for solutions for distribution centers or warehouses supporting manufacturing –25% are looking for solutions for manufacturing facilities When it comes to the solutions, ProMat 2023 attendees are looking for a wide range of equipment and technologies for their operations. However, there is a heightened interest in automation, robotics, autonomous vehicles and emerging technologies. The top product interest categories for attendees currently are: –Automation and Robotics including AGVS and AS/RS –Autonomous Vehicles including Mobile Robots, Fork Trucks and Drones –Software and Data Analytics, including AI and Machine Learning –Conveyor & Sortation Equipment –Automatic Identification & Data Collection/Radio Frequency Identification –Fork Trucks and Lifting Equipment –Order Picking, Fulfillment and Manifest Solutions –Sustainability and Alternative Energy Solutions including Batteries –Loading Dock Equipment –Racks, Shelving and Storage Equipment –Ergonomic and Safety Equipment –Packaging and Parcel Shipping Solutions These statistics are an early indication of high interest attendees have in gaining new information to inform investments in the manufacturing and supply chain equipment and systems that will be showcased at ProMat. ProMat will be held March 20-23 at Chicago’s McCormick Place and will be the most important week in 2023 for the manufacturing and supply chain industry. The event will feature over 1,000 exhibits, 150 educational seminars and 4 keynotes. For more information and to register for free admission to attend ProMat, visit promatshow.com. ProMat is Powered by MHI MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 900 members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, the members’ customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals. The Warehouse Education Research Council (WERC) is a division of MHI and provides education and research to the warehouse, distribution and logistics community.
Mississauga, ON September 20, 2022 – Blue Giant Equipment Corporation (“Blue Giant”) has acquired controlling interest of ergonomic lift assist solutions company, Cormac Industrial. Located in Mexico, Cormac Industrial is a leading manufacturer and provider of innovative industrial ergonomic lift assist equipment, including air balancers, jib cranes, overhead enclosed monorail systems, pneumatic lift tables, and lift assist systems. Cormac has been providing engineered lift assist solutions for over 30 years, for companies including Magna, Cummins, Nemak, Volkswagen, Nissan, and Stellantis. “As we expand our focus on providing ergonomic lift solutions, Cormac’s expertise and success in work cell and assembly line engineered ergonomic lift systems aligns perfectly with Blue Giant’s goals. We are excited to have Cormac as part of the Blue Giant family.” Said Steve Barbosa, President, at Blue Giant. James Patton, President, at Cormac Industrial said, “We are excited about the energy and momentum we have with Blue Giant and the opportunities for growth. Together, we look forward to innovating and expanding our lift assist solutions and selling products globally that improve safety and productivity” Together with Cormac Industrial, Blue Giant plans to broaden its ergonomic lift solutions product portfolio within the US and Canadian markets through its extensive distribution network. To view Blue Giant’s current product portfolio of engineered lift solutions please visit https://www.bluegiant.com/Products/Lift-Products.aspx About Blue Giant Equipment Corporation Blue Giant Equipment Corporation strives to be the global leader in loading dock safety systems and ergonomic lifting solutions through product innovation, quality, and a customer-centric business approach. For over 59 years, Blue Giant has been the premier solutions provider of safe, effective, and innovative loading docks and material handling equipment, including dock levelers, vehicle restraints, scissor lift tables, touch controls, seals and shelters, industrial trucks, and HVLS fans. For more information, visit https://www.bluegiant.com/ About Cormac Industrial Cormac Industrial has been a leader in the development and manufacturing of the best industrial ergonomic equipment in Mexico for more than 34 years. Our Mission is to provide timely, ergonomic, and innovative solutions that improve the productivity, safety, and quality of our customers. For more information, visit https://www.cormac-ind.com/ Contact Sharifa Clarke Blue Giant Equipment Corporation 905-457-3900 sclarke@bluegiant.com
The Ergonomic Assist Systems and Equipment (EASE) Council of MHI has produced a new brochure to help promote safer, healthier and more ergonomically correct workplaces.EASE members are the leading providers of ergonomic assist systems and equipment for the industrial environment. Their solutions promote the general safety and health aspects of work environments for people with or in the vicinity of mechanical equipment. Such equipment includes Adjustable Worker Elevation Platforms, Balancers, Containers Tilters, Lift Tables, Manipulators, Pallet Rotators, Stackers, Vacuum Assist Devices, platform trucks, carts, flooring technologies, Workstation Cranes and Intelligent Assist Devices.The brochure serves as an introduction to the EASE Council and their programming and directs the reader to the EASE Web site and it's ergonomic and safety resources including checklists, technical information, presentation materials, success stories and ergonomic news and events. Click here to download this brochure.The EASE Council of MHI is a resource for trends, information, practices, equipment and organizations that focus on ergonomics and improving the working interface between people and the materials they must move and use to reduce injury, increase productivity while providing a significant return on investment.MHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling and logistics industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling, logistics and supply chain equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. The association sponsors trade events, such as ProMat and MODEX to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics.Contact: Carol Miller, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, MHI (704) 676-1190.
In this episode of MHI Cast we speak to three members of the EASE Council — the industry group that promotes ergonomics in the workplace. We get an overview of what ergonomics in material handling entails and take a look at the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on ergonomics in the industry.
What does supply chain safety look like in the evolving warehouse environment of 2026? In this episode, we explore how safety is shifting from incident prevention to human-centered design. This episode highlights how recent technology can work together with human expertise to create safer, more sustainable operations.
Safety Tips Sheet No. 5: Employee Guidelines for Safe Carrying and Transporting LoadsSafe carrying and transporting of loads will avoid workplace injuries and will increase the ability of a worker to safely and properly perform a job. This is the 5th in a series of Safety Tips Sheets developed by the Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance concerning safe moving of loads. The content was developed by Ergonomic Assist Systems and Equipment (EASE), which is a Council in the Material Handling Industry of America.
Safety Tips Sheet No. 8: Alternatives to Manual Handling of Individual ContainersProviding alternatives to manual handling of loads can improve the workflow and reduce operator fatigue and avoid possible injury. This is the 8th in a series of Safety Tips Sheets developed by the Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance concerning safe moving of loads. The content of this series was developed by Ergonomic Assist Systems and Equipment (EASE), which is a Council in the Material Handling Industry of America.
Safety Tips Sheet No. 7: Hazard Evaluation Checklist for Lifting, Carrying, Pushing, or PullingWorkplace injuries can be avoided by identifying risk factors associated with handling loads. Hazard evaluations can be used to identify a problem workplace and to modify a workplace to avoid the listed risks. This is the 7th in a series of Safety Tips Sheets developed by the Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance concerning safe moving of loads. The content of this series was developed by Ergonomic Assist Systems and Equipment (EASE), which is a Council in the Material Handling Industry of America. This checklist in not designed to be a comprehensive risk assessment but rather as a tool to quickly identify potential problem jobs. Additional risk factors may exist that are not accounted for in this checklist. It is common practice to follow up checklist observations with more precise techniques to confirm risk factors.