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March 14, 2023 – KANSAS CITY, Mo., and CHICAGO, Il. — Tension Packaging & Automation, a leader in packaging automation solutions for both eCommerce and pharmacy automation fulfillment operations, announced plans to introduce new packaging, automation and sortation solutions in their booth #S4359 at ProMat 2023. ProMat 2023 will be held March 20 through 23 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Themed “Touch the Future,” ProMat is expected to host more than 1,000 exhibitors and 50,000 attendees this year. Along with some of the biggest names in the material handling and supply chain industries, Tension Packaging & Automation will showcase their latest product innovations in packaging technology, which include: • SLAM Line – This state-of-the-art SLAM (Scan, Label, Apply, Manifest) Solution will illustrate how eCommerce and pharmacy order fulfillment centers can make the most of the “last 100 feet” in their shipping operations. • Z-Sort – ProMat attendees will have an opportunity to see Tension’s new Z-Sort advanced sortation solution and how its space-saving design can help increase item sorting rate, reduce errors and more. • Paper Bagging System – The Sharp MaxPRO 18 paper bagging solution will provide attendees seeking to achieve sustainability goals means to do so. “Our customers are experiencing both the challenge and excitement of tremendous growth. As we look toward the future and opportunities to help them succeed, we’ve developed solutions specifically geared toward increasing package throughput in fulfillment operations.” said Tension Packaging & Automation Vice President and General Manager James Herbert. “Tension is passionate about helping our customers reach their sustainability goals through our sustainable packaging and automation solutions,” said Tension Corporation Senior Marketing Manager Erin Moloney. “Our entire team looks forward to debuting our innovations in Chicago this year.” ProMat 2023 attendees can stop by the Tension Packaging & Automation booth #S4359 to get a first-hand view of the new SLAM, Z-Sort and Paper Bagging System product offerings. About: Tension Packaging & Automation is a global leader in complete packaging and automation solutions. Specializing in a wide variety of results-driven processes, we offer customers expertise in project design, machine development and software integration. Our broad support for automation includes manufacturing, installation, equipment, consumables and robotics. We are known as automation solution specialists for eCommerce and pharmacy — helping customers optimize productivity. Tension Packaging & Automation’s parent company, Tension Corporation, was founded in 1886 and is based in Kansas City, Missouri. Contact: Erin Moloney, Senior Marketing Manager emoloney@tension.com https://tensionautomation.com/resources/events/2023-promat
Booth highlights will feature Steele Solutions’ advanced structural steel platforms, material handling chutes, and solutions designed to support next-generation warehouse automation systems.MILWAUKEE, WIS (April 1, 2026) – Steele Solutions Inc., a North American leader in the design and manufacturing of complex work platforms, custom chutes, and security lockers, has announced its participation in MODEX 2026 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The event will take place April 13–16, 2026, and will bring together leaders across the supply chain, distribution, and warehouse automation industries.Attendees are invited to visit Steele Solutions at booth #B15726, where the company will showcase its innovative structural platforms and chute solutions designed to support modern distribution and fulfillment operations.“MODEX is an incredible opportunity for us to connect with industry partners, integrators, and end users who are shaping the future of warehouse automation,” said Kevin O’Neill, CEO of Steele Solutions. “We look forward to demonstrating how our structural platforms and chute systems help customers maximize space, improve efficiency, and support increasingly complex automation environments.”What to Expect at Steele Solutions’ MODEX 2026 Booth: Advanced Elevated Structural Platforms: Learn how Steele Solutions’ engineered platform systems create space for automation equipment, work areas, and storage while minimizing structural interference and maximizing facility efficiency. Slick Surface Technology (SST™) Material Handling Chutes: See Steele’s patented SST™ chute systems designed for smooth product flow, durability, and simplified installation with a welded, bolt-free frame. Automation Support Solutions: Explore how Steele Solutions partners with system integrators and automation providers to design structural systems that support robotics, conveyors, sortation equipment, and other advanced technologies. Expert Consultations: Meet one-on-one with Steele Solutions engineers and project specialists to discuss facility challenges and discover tailored solutions for optimizing operations.Steele Solutions is known for its engineering expertise and dedication to manufacturing high-quality products in the United States. The company supports customers in e-commerce, retail, distribution, parcel handling, and manufacturing industries worldwide.MODEX 2026 attendees can visit Steele Solutions’ booth from Monday, April 13 through Wednesday, April 15 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Thursday, April 16 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.For more information about Steele Solutions products and services and the company’s MODEX 2026 booth, visit steelesolutions.com/modex. To access media resources, visit steelesolutions.com/media-resources.About Steele Solutions, Inc.Steele Solutions, Inc. is one of the North American leaders in the design and manufacturing of complex work platforms, custom chutes, and security lockers. The company partners with industry-leading integrators who lead warehouse automation projects for large e-commerce retailers and parcel providers. Steele Solutions is headquartered in South Milwaukee, WI, and operates manufacturing facilities in South Milwaukee, WI; Waupaca, WI; and Tiffin, OH. In addition, the company has full support personnel in both West Allis, WI, and Tiffin, OH.
Automated Material Handling Provider Relocates Innovation and Support Center to Larger Facility.(West Chester, Ohio) – Trew, LLC, a U.S.-owned and operated leader in automated material handling solutions, is excited to announce another major expansion in Southwest Ohio, the fourth in six years. The company has entered a long-term lease for 330,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space, bringing its total footprint in the region to nearly 595,000 square feet. Trew’s existing Innovation and Support Center will be relocated to this new, larger facility located less than one mile from its existing headquarters.The expansion is part of Trew’s strategic growth plan and commitment to bring jobs to the region. “We have grown by 280 teammates thus far and expect to add more,” said Alfred Rebello, CEO of Trew. “We are thankful for the continued support from the Ohio Department of Development, JobsOhio, and REDI Cincinnati.”The expanded Innovation and Support Center will house the Technology and Education (demonstration) Center and key functions including research and development, client support services, parts fulfillment, field material manufacturing, and project staging of finished goods."This expansion reflects our commitment to innovation, and outstanding customer service," said Rebello. "By increasing our capabilities and bringing our Innovation and Support Center closer to our headquarters, we are better positioned to collaborate, innovate, and continue on-time delivery of exceptional solutions to our clients.”Trew relocated its headquarters and Ohio-based manufacturing to the 10045 International Blvd, West Chester, Ohio, facility in 2024. The Innovation and Support Center, currently located in Fairfield, Ohio, will move to a facility at 5389 E Provident Dr, West Chester, Ohio, this summer. The move increases the size of the Innovation and Support Center by 30%, tripling the size of the Technology and Education Center and research and development footprint. Trew’s Milwaukee-based engineering and professional services will continue to operate in that facility, with warehouse and manufacturing operations moving to the expanded West Chester campus."We are deeply grateful to our dedicated clients, talented teammates and business partners, all of whom have been instrumental in our remarkable growth," continued Rebello. "We are committed to ensuring the move happens seamlessly, without disruptions to our operations or client projects so we all continue to win together, one of our core values."About TREWTrew is a vertically integrated automated material handling solutions provider for integrators and end users, including Warehouse Execution Systems (WES), Warehouse Control Systems (WCS), PLC-based machine controls, sortation equipment, conveyor systems and services such as concepting, engineering, technical support, parts, field service and training. Serving the North American retail, warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, and e-commerce industries, Trew’s experienced staff and broad network of integrator partners enable uncommonly smart solutions tailored for the client’s business. Learn more at trewautomation.com.ContactJerry Koch513.342.3725Jerry.Koch@trewautomation.com
Spilamberto, Italy — [March 12th, 2026] — Sitma introduces PackHub, a compact Automated Bagging System designed to simplify and accelerate order fulfillment operations while easily integrating into existing packing workflows.Developed to support growing e-commerce and fulfillment environments, PackHub automates key steps of the bagging process, including bag feeding, orientation, and labeling, helping operators work more efficiently while maintaining a simple and intuitive workflow. By streamlining repetitive tasks, the system can reduce packaging time by up to 50% per order, increasing productivity without requiring a complete process overhaul.At the core of the system is a high-capacity hopper holding up to 500 bags, enabling continuous production with a large buffer capacity and minimizing operator intervention. Bags are singulated through a precision friction feeder and automatically rotated into the optimal position for ergonomic product insertion. A vacuum cup holding station stabilizes the bag during packing, while an integrated labeling unit prints and applies labels directly to the envelope.PackHub is designed for flexibility and easy integration. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for facilities with limited floor space, while the wheeled frame allows the unit to be easily repositioned within the production environment.“PackHub was developed to offer a practical automation step for operations looking to increase packaging productivity without completely redesigning their workflow,” said Stefano De Marco, Chief Executive Officer at Sitma. “By automating the most repetitive tasks while keeping operator interaction simple and intuitive, PackHub helps companies scale their fulfillment operations efficiently.”See PackHub in Action at Upcoming Trade ShowsSitma will showcase PackHub at two major intralogistics events in 2026. The system will be on display at LogiMAT 2026, taking place March 24–26 in Stuttgart, Germany, at the Sitma booth in Hall 6, Booth 6C12. PackHub will also be presented to the North American market at MODEX 2026, held April 13–16 in Atlanta, Georgia, where visitors can find Sitma at Booth A3127.Offering a practical step toward packaging automation, PackHub provides an efficient balance between manual packing and fully automated systems, helping companies improve throughput, reduce operator fatigue, and enhance packaging consistency.About SitmaSitma, a pioneer in packaging and sortation solutions since 1965, serves industries from consumer goods and frozen foods to graphic arts, direct mail, and e-commerce fulfillment. With a strong focus on sustainability, Sitma develops right-sized, eco-friendly packaging to minimize material use and optimize transportation. Operating in more than 70 countries with over 9,000 installations, Sitma’s product portfolio spans automated identification, order fulfillment, e-commerce automation, and sortation equipment.ContactMaurizio GianettoMarketing Managermaurizio.gianetto@sitma.com
A comprehensive guide to conveyor sortation technologies, this 16-page brochure features over 30 full color photographs and illustrations. The most commonly cited benefits from a well-designed conveyor sortation system is greater productivity. This brochure covers all aspects of conveyor sortation technology including merge subsystems, sortation subsystems, takeaway subsystems, along with selection criteria for each technology. This is an excellent companion for the CD-ROM on conveyor sortation, item #10070.
Description of Types of Conveyor and Sortation Systems
Introduction to Conveyor and Sortation Systems: Conveyors and sortation systems allow for more efficient movement of materials within retail, wholesale, distribution, and manufacturing operations. Because they are engineered to transport and organize large volumes of materials rapidly through a process, conveyors and sortation equipment save labor expense and increase handling productivity.
Conveyor and sortation equipment is essential for optimizing material handling systems. CSS educates the industry on key features, advantages, and emergingtechnologies while addressing market challenges through outreach. It provides valuable educational resources, promotes collaboration between manufacturers andtechnology providers, networking and supports career growth in the sector to drive innovation.
Conveyor and Sortation System Maintenance and Safety
Webstaurant Store, a prominent e-commerce player specializing in restaurant equipment and supplies, faced a complex challenge in their distribution center near Savannah, Georgia. Sorting similar-looking cases of various products for manual palletizing was an error-prone and inefficient task. To overcome these challenges, Webstaurant Store collaborated with FMH Conveyors and implemented their state-of-the-art LITESORT automated sortation system.
Fulfillment and Distribution centers have adapted to the increased demand brought on by floods of e-commerce orders. Now, having transitioned to picking eaches instead of full containers, more flexibility is required from conveyor and sortation solutions if operators want to keep up.
The importance of Conveyor and Sorting Systems goes beyond material handling, directly affecting the growth of your business and profits.
Picking and sorting are some of the most labor-intensive jobs in distribution centers. With e-commerce continuing to grow, systems quickly become more complicated. AI-enhanced robots are quickly becoming a feasible solution for picking and sorting in distribution centers.
When thinking of a modern distribution center, most people will picture a conveyor and sortation system. And while they are truly fascinating on the surface, what lies underneath, controlling the whole operation is equally impressive. Today we’re talking to some members of MHI’s Conveyor & Sortation Systems industry group about what’s under the hood, so to speak.
Fulfillment and Distribution centers have adapted to the increased demand brought on by floods of e-commerce orders. Now, having transitioned to picking eaches instead of full containers, more flexibility is required from conveyor and sortation solutions if operators want to keep up.
When considering automation solutions for a distribution center, many people may think that the choice between a conveyor and sortation system or AGVs and AMRs is an either/or scenario. In truth, these technologies can work well together and often require some of the same considerations when choosing a solution for your organization.
Today’s distribution centers are quickly becoming more complex thanks to increased consumer demands and new technologies. Conveyor and sortation systems can streamline operations - giving customers a superior experience. Incorporating these advancements into a facility can allow for faster and more efficient decision-making, meaning, less downtime, and better productivity.
Presented by: The Conveyor and Sortation Systems (CSS) MHI Industry Group As automation reshapes the modern supply chain, the integration between packaging and material handling is more important than ever. In this session, experts from the Conveyor and Sortation Systems (CSS) Industry Group will explore how automation technologies—such as conveyors, sorters, and smart controls—are creating seamless transitions from packaging lines to warehouse and distribution operations. Attendees will learn: The key touchpoints where packaging and material handling intersect How automation reduces bottlenecks, labor costs, and product damage Real-world examples of integrated systems across e-commerce, CPG, and food & beverage Best practices for evaluating and selecting automation solutions The role of data and software in connecting packaging equipment with material flow systems Whether you’re a packaging engineer, operations leader, or supply chain strategist, this session will help you better understand how collaboration between sectors is driving scalable, sustainable automation strategies. Session Presented by CSS Colin Cartwright Director of Industry Development – Packaging NA at Murrelektronik Dr. Helge Hornis Director of Technology, Americas at Pepperl+Fuchs Allison Myers Director of Marketing & Communications at Fives Intralogistics Corp. Chris Thompson Sr. Marketing Communications Manager at Duravant 📅 Tuesday, September 30 🕧 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM 📍 Industry Speaks Stage (W-4324) 🔗 View full session details on the PACK EXPO website
Setting the Stage: Why 2026 Feels DifferentAccording to a recent study cited by a robotics-provider blog, “at least 76% of supply chainand logistics operations are experiencing notable workforce shortages,” with more thanhalf of warehouses reporting shortages. Additionally, a 2025 survey of warehouseoperators notes that “e-commerce demands, labor shortages and the need for spaceoptimization are driving demand for more warehouse automation.” Another articlesummarizing 2025 trends emphasizes how labor uncertainty, aging workforce, and highturnover make hiring/retention a persistent challenge for warehouses — pushing firmstoward automation & robotics adoption.There is clear, recent evidence that labor challenges and rising demand are fuelingautomation investments.Key Takeaways:• Persistent labor shortages that aren’t easing• Unpredictable demand patterns• E-commerce fulfillment still accelerating• Sustainability showing up in RFPs and purchasing criteria• A push toward flexibility rather than fixed infrastructureThe Automation Wave: What’s Actually Changing on the Floor.The global market for warehouse automation is estimated at USD 29.9 billion in 2025, withforecasts projecting ~USD 63.4 billion by 2030 (CAGR ~16.2%). Also, a closely relatedmarket — “material handling robotics” — is valued at USD 26.8 billion in 2025, with aprojected increase to USD 55.0 billion by 2032. A forecast for “AI robotics inwarehousing” reports a 2025 value of USD 15.3 billion and projects a huge expansion to~USD 100 billion by 2034 (CAGR ~23.2%). Industry sources describe a shift in 2025: whatonce was a “competitive advantage” is becoming a “critical necessity”. In a study byPMMI, 25% of warehouses are projected to have “some form of automation” by 2027 — upfrom 14% in 2017 and 18% at the end of 2021.The scale and growth rate of automation investments and the automation adoption — inconveyors, robotics, AMRs/AGVs, AS/RS, sortation systems, etc. — is accelerating sharply.Key takeaways:• AMRs/AGVs replacing long walking routes• Robotic pick stations and assisted picking• Conveyor upgrades and smarter sortation• Sensors, software, and data-driven flow decisionsThe Overlooked Piece: Mobility HardwareCasters may not headline budget meetings, but they shape everything from safety tothroughput. They determine how smoothly mobile workstations hand off to AMRs. Whethercarts track straight during autonomous towing. How vibration affects sensors, weld robots,or precision assembly. Whether floors wear prematurely under heavy dynamic loads. Inenvironments where robots and people coexist, even small mobility issues compound:Misalignment becomes a collision risk. Drift becomes a lost load. Vibration becomesa cycle-time penalty.It’s no exaggeration to say: automation works only as well as its mechanical interface withthe floor.Key Take aways:• Why mobile workstations, carts, fixtures, and tooling still need reliable casters• Where automation increases stress on wheels: directional shifts, dynamic loading,floor imperfections• How small mobility issues can derail a large automation investment (alignment,noise, vibration, drift, safety)Looking for the right caster solution for your application?ICWM connects you with the expertise, standards, and member companies to get it right.Explore more: https://www.mhi.org/icwm