Greer, SC—Creform Corporation, a manufacturer of unique products for the design and building of material handling structures and automated guided vehicles, has designed a five-level shelf cart for an aerospace parts manufacturer’s facility.The five-level cart helps improve the user’s workflow efficiency and helps minimize downtime by ensuring all necessary components are easily accessible and simplifies restocking and inventory tracking by centralizing items in a designated location.This cart features five lightweight corrugated plastic shelves supported by Creform pipes and includes custom foam cutouts to provide product stability and protection while the cart is in motion.  The number of levels enhances organization of tools, components, and materials neatly at the point-of-use area. The adjustable shelves can also be set to ergonomic heights for associates and helps reduce the likelihood of errors or defects in the assembly process by keeping parts clean, organized, and ready for use.The cart’s dimensions are 58" L x 40" W x 63" T and is designed to hold up to 800 lb. The unit is constructed with Creform 28mm white gray color pipe and black metal joints.  Creform shelf carts allow users to create tailored solutions that fit their specific needs, whether it's size, number of shelves, or additional features.The cart features four swivel casters and two fixed ergonomic casters that provide for easy rolling, positioning and maneuverability. The swivel casters at the corners ensure stability and allow the cart to be pushed down aisles but also easily moved laterally.The lightweight and portable, yet robust Creform cart can be moved from the kitting area to the point of assembly. Other alternative uses besides kitting are assembly line support and order picking. The cart’s versatility is suitable for manufacturing or warehouse environments and is excellent for small component storage.As with all Creform carts, higher capacity and custom cart sizes and configurations are possible with the Creform system of 28 mm and 42 mm plastic coated steel pipes and metal joints. They can be configured for ESD (anti-static) applications. The modular nature of Creform carts provides added value and ensures that if there is any damage or worn components replacement parts are readily available.Although the cart pictured is white gray, a wide variety of pipe color options are available, and upgrade hitches are available for AGV delivery. Accessories include hooks, labels as well as writing surfaces with clip boards to name a few. Creform carts are available as a kit, assembled structure or in component form for a complete DIY solution.Creform provides solutions for dynamic material handling needs in the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing. As pioneers in adaptive systems, Creform empowers companies to seamlessly integrate continuous improvement methodologies like Kaizen, 5S, and lean manufacturing principles.  From pipe and joint structures to gravity roller conveyors and cutting-edge AGV technology, Creform helps optimize efficiency across various applications. Whether it is streamlining workflow with flow racks and workstations or enhancing mobility with agile carts and AGVs, Creform solutions are tailored to elevate operational performance.ContactCreform CorporationSCsales@creform.com800.839.8823www.creform.comBG Edwardsbg.edwards@creform.com

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

Greer, SC—Creform Corporation, a manufacturer of unique products for the design and building of material handling structures and automated guided vehicles has designed and fully assembled a U-shaped workstation cell built for an audio-visual solutions manufacturer to support one-piece-flow assembly practices.Configuration and flexibility make it easy to add or remove associates as manufacturing needs change. The station could be run by one person or two if more production is needed. The cell also integrates a hydraulic lifting system to provide ergonomic adjustments for each operator. The work cell solution is designed to help the user achieve greater flexibility, improve efficiency, and maintain a safe working environment.In this three-stage workstation, each station features a variation of Creform’s skate wheel conveyors. The lower section of the workstation also utilizes standard plastic wheel conveyors for larger totes to flow underneath the surface. The work surface is made of durable HDPE plastic. At the top of the structure, a horizontal pipe is included to provide a location for hanging tools and to accommodate a work light. Parts or supplies replenishment can be performed on the back side of the structure preventing interruptions to the assembly operator working at the station.Each of the custom configurable workstations has a dimension of 50" W x 36" L x 80" H that allows the manufacturer to optimize floor space making it ideal for lean manufacturing environments. The workstation is blue colored plastic-coated steel pipe and clamped together with black 28mm metal joints.Useful accessories for a Creform workstation include overhead light, computer screen, shelves, additional flow lanes, drawers, information sheet holders, label holders, tool storage, and hooks to hang tools and supplies. All Creform workstations can be configured for ESD components when sensitive electronics need to be protected.Further, workstations can be mobile or stationary as both an assembled structure or kit with per-cut pipes for quick and easy onsite assembly. For even heavier duty applications they can be built using Creform’s unique 42mm pipe and are available with options such as drawers and shelves for storage, various pipe colors, casters instead of feet, tools and cup holders.Assembled structures are a great starting point for any customer. After delivery and introduction, a user can take advantage of Creform’s flexibility by changing the station’s configuration and features to best match the needs of their production process and manufacturing associates The workstations could be integrated with Creform AGV’s for more smooth and efficient material handling movement. For example, Creform AGV’s could deliver raw materials to the cell and return with finished products.The Creform System is used to create an array of material handling and efficiency enhancing devices and is a proven component in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing programs. The company partners with customers in developing custom solutions to enhance these programs.ContactCreform CorporationSCsales@creform.com800.839.8823www.creform.comBG Edwardsbg.edwards@creform.com

Price: $0.00.This standard applies to industrial steel bin shelving; bin shelving placed on mobile carriages; multi-level bin shelving systems such as pick modules, catwalks, and deck overs; and for bin 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.Bin shelving) is typically a hand-loaded, prefabricated, free-standing, building-like non-building structure that utilizes a designed framing system, which is generally located within an industrial or warehouse environment. Personnel working within the confines of the bin shelving structure are presumed to be properly trained, physically able, and appropriately attired to work in the intended working environment.This standard is intended to be applied to the design, testing, and utilization of industrial steel bin shelving systems. When a bin shelving system is designed for use in a seismically active area, the designer is cautioned to obtain more detailed information, amendments, and changes to adopted codes, including applicable design ground motions to use in the design, by contacting the local jurisdiction where the shelving units are to be installed.This standard applies to industrial steel bin shelving systems 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. This standard is a revision of ANSI MH28.1-2024 with the portal test removed.

Price: $0.00This standard applies to retail/consumer boltless steel shelving. The framing components for these systems are made of steel members. This standard does not apply to the following: industrial steel storage racks (addressed by ANSI MH16.1), industrial steel cantilevered racks (addressed by ANSI MH16.3), industrial boltless steel shelving (addressed by ANSI MH28.2), products greater than 96 in. (2.4 m) in height, boltless shelving structures not fabricated from steel, industrial steel bin shelving (addressed by ANSI MH28.1), or shelving systems built with slotted metal angles.Retail/consumer shelving) is a hand loaded, prefabricated, freestanding, building-like non-building structure that utilizes a designed framing system. It is primarily designed and intended to be used in residential or commercial applications (as opposed to applications requiring larger-scale industrial product storage in accordance with ANSI MH28.2) and generally located indoors within a home, shop, or garage environment not designed to withstand wind or earthquake loading.Retail/consumer steel boltless shelving systems are designed to be purchased by non professional consumers at retail stores and assembled without the need for technical guidance or training.This standard does not provide guidance for design requirements that need to be addressed for supported equipment that would subject a shelving system to significant dynamic loading or harmonic vibration that has the potential to cause damage or metal fatigue.

Price: $100.00This standard provides guidance for designers, manufacturers, sellers, installers, users, and governing bodies associated with power-operated vertical carousels and vertical lift modules.A vertical carousel is an enclosed system equipped with a series of shelves that work on a Ferris wheel concept, rotating around a track to deliver stored items to personnel through one or more ergonomically designed pick windows. A vertical lift module is an enclosed system that consists of one or two columns of tray storage with an inserter/extractor. For vertical lift modules with two columns of trays, the inserter/extractor is located between the tray storage. The vertical lift module inserter/extractor automatically locates and retrieves stored strays from the unit to deliver stored items to personnel through one or more ergonomically designed pick windows.Both vertical carousels and vertical lift modules are designed to utilize floor-to-ceiling height in a facility to optimize storage density. Shelves or carriers in vertical carousels and vertical lift modules are configurable to maximize storage density in a minimal footprint.The scope of this standard is to eliminate or minimize the hazards which can arise during installation, start up, operation, maintenance, testing, and dismantling of power-operated vertical carousels and vertical lift modules.ANSI MH24.2-2023 replaces ANSI MH24.2-2018. It provides expanded guidance for installations in high seismic locations and reformatting to better align with other national and international standards.

Vertical member within a shelving unit that supports the shelf beams, shelves, or elevated floors.

An applied concentrated load over a limited area. For example, where racking or shelving legs sit atop a work platform.

Overall specified loads applied to a work platform or shelving system. This represents the total anticipated weight that is imposed on the structure.

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

Successful retail stores must have merchandise on the shelf; neatly presented, clean, fresh, priced and ready for the consumer. Imagine a large busy store selling $500,000 a day - that means $500,000 worth of merchandise has to be stocked back on those shelves every day.

Project BackgroundJD Logistics is a leading international logistics company offering Retail-as-a-Service, managing inventory and fulfilling e-commerce orders on behalf of their customers. Their order fulfillment facility located in Fontana, California, was growing quickly and to maintain the industry leading service their customers have come to rely on, JD Logistics once again turned to Hai Robotics.In 2021 JD Logistics’ California location upgraded their manual processes by implementing Hai Robotics’ Autonomous Case-handling Robotic (ACR) Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) to speed up order fulfillment, increase storage density, increase efficiencies, and improve inventory management.The SolutionAll shelving and totes were standard non-precision assets that are readily available on the market. This allowed the system to both be designed to best support the facility’s needs and avoid unnecessary costs. These ACRs are intelligent enough to work in real-world environments. The robots needed only standard configuration typical for all installations so robotic grippers match the tote size selected for the shelves.Hai Robotics’ ACRs seamlessly integrated via a flexible interface communication layer with JD Logistics’ existing WMS system, helping to minimize the adjustment period to the new workflows and integration time.Throughput and Efficiency Picking efficiency improved to 100% accuracy Daily order fulfillment improved 42% — at just a third of the system’s maximum performance capacityFlexibility During Black Friday Week, JD Logistics successfully fulfilled 118%+ more orders over the normal weekly rate — with the same ASRS and no additional temp-staffing That’s nearly 175% more throughput JD Logistics was able to fulfill during the busiest time of yearLabor Training has been significantly reduced from about 2 weeks to 2 days Employees previously walking 10+ miles a day now pick in ergonomic, operator friendly workstationsDensity Storage height grew from ~5 feet to 17 feet — an increase of 240% vertical storage Using the same storage footprint, the number of unique SKUs increased 43% with room to grow

With a reputation for groundbreaking tractor and utility vehicles, Kubota’s parts promise is what keeps customers coming back. Kubota’s 60,000 square foot part center in Markham, Ontario has steadily grown to over 78,000 SKUs. Kubota now uses a pick and pass strategy with three picking zones, two of which are automated for maximum efficiency. Six HCMs manage the fast-moving SKUs; four Shuttle XPs manage the medium moving SKUs and the slower moving SKUs are stored in hi-bay shelving.

Diversco’s largest warehouse in Cambridge, Ontario, inventories and distributes parts and supplies for their watersports, scuba and marine divisions. As the 52,000 square foot warehouse was quickly running out of space, Diversco now uses three Shuttle XPs with PPG inventory management software to manage small parts inventory (4,500 SKUs) and rack and shelving with handheld RF scanning technology for large item inventory (400 SKUs).

A necessary reference for engineers, sales and marketing personnel, specifiers, buyers and users in the shelving industry. Students and faculty in engineering and manufacturing disciplines will also find it a handy reference tool. This 12 page booklet

Inspection Report for Boltless Shelving

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.