Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors - or VRCs - are gaining popularity in the material handling industry because of their cost effectiveness, safety features, and ability to optimize operations. In this video, learn how VRCs work, and how you can implement them into your own business.

Revolutionize your material handling automation with Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs). Efficiently move heavy loads between floors, optimize space, and streamline operations.

This is a paid advertisement. PFlow RapidStack™ is a modular vertical reciprocating conveyor designed to simplify installation and accelerate project timelines. Built from three stackable, bolt-together sections, RapidStack™ reduces on-site labor (with NO hot work) while delivering the durability and reliability PFlow is known for.

As warehouses are investing, they are also looking to Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs) as an essential part of their operations.

Learn how these unique conveyance solutions move materials between two or more fixed elevations in a newly released, comprehensive white paper.

What if your automated application requires moving large and/or heavy materials between floor levels? Try using VRCs.

Modular vertical lifting and automated cart return solutions at Booth B8523Milwaukee, WI – PFlow Industries, a pioneer in vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC) technology, will showcase its latest vertical material handling innovations at MODEX 2026, taking place April 13–16, 2026 in Atlanta, GA. The company will highlight how purpose-built vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRCs) and industrial cart handling solutions help facilities move more product, more safely, in less space. Attendees can visit PFlow at Booth B8523 to learn how engineered VRCs and automated cart return systems can improve throughput, reduce manual handling, and support safer, more efficient operations.Featured at the show will be PFlow’s new RapidStack™ Lift Modular VRC, designed to streamline installation and shorten project timelines without compromising performance. The system combines two pre-built sections (bottom and top) with a made-to-order middle section—the only component requiring custom fabrication—to enable site-specific vertical travel. This modular approach reduces fabrication time, accelerates delivery, and reduces field labor. The bolt-together design eliminates on-site welding and associated hot-work permits, while integrated quick-connect electrical components and adjustable, no-weld bracing enable faster installation and start-up. Rated for up to 2,500 pounds, with a standard 2-level, edge-of-mezzanine configuration, RapidStack™ delivers the structural integrity PFlow is known for.Visitors will also be able to explore the new PFlow PowerTow™, a powered, surface-mounted inclined ramp system that automates empty cart return through standard loading dock doors. Designed for single-story facilities that rely on industrial carts for outbound parcel flow, PowerTow™ creates a dedicated, single-direction return path that separates cart return from outbound traffic, helping minimize dock congestion and conflicts between people, carts, and forklifts. By eliminating manual cart push-back, PowerTow™ reduces operator fatigue, improves safety in busy dock and apron areas, and supports higher throughput with a cleaner, more predictable dock operation.Additionally, PFlow’s Dan Hext will share insights on how facilities can rethink traditional conveyor approaches during the “Shifting Conveyor and Sortation Paradigms” seminar at the MHI Industry Group Theater on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM.About PFlow IndustriesPFlow Industries is a global leader in vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRCs), pioneering solutions that safely and efficiently move materials between levels. Since 1977, PFlow has set the standard for innovation in vertical material handling, with thousands of VRCs operating worldwide across industries including manufacturing, warehousing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, retail, and data centers. From engineering and design through product delivery, PFlow provides custom VRC solutions that improve operational efficiency, enhance safety, and reduce long-term operating costs.

Visit booth #S1956 to see how versatile VRCs improve efficiency and worker safetyMilwaukee, WI – PFlow Industries, the founder of the vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC) industry, will showcase its vertical material lifting solution capabilities at ProMat on March 17-20, at the McCormick Place in Chicago. Attendees can visit booth S1956 to learn more about the versatility of PFlow VRCs, including the M Series 2-Post Mechanical Material Lifts that are ideal for almost any material lifting application.The PFlow M Series moves materials faster and more safely than forklifts, with standard travel speed of 25 feet per minute (FPM), and up to 400 FPM available. With its ability to lift up to 10,000 pounds, reach an unlimited number of floor levels, and perform under even the most demanding continuous use applications, the M Series is a perfect lifting solution for high-speed / high-cycle and automated material handling applications. With quality construction, backed by a lifetime structural warranty, the M Series provides reliable, long-term performance, resulting in minimal downtime.Each M Series VRC conforms to ASME B20.1 and is equipped with advanced safety features, including limit switches that control carriage travel, shutting off the motor and engaging the brake when tripped or power is lost. Additionally, chain sensors, certified safety cams, chain tensioners, and guides ensure safe operation by detecting chain tension loss and chain failure and preventing uncontrolled carriage descent.PFlow specializes in designing customized lifting solutions tailored to the specific requirements of each application, ranging from simple, two-level material lifting to complex integrations with automated systems. The versatile M Series VRC is available in both straddle and cantilever designs, each with its own unique advantages. Straddle configurations provide increased lifting capacity and larger carriage platform sizes, making them ideal for applications with ample space. Conversely, cantilever configurations offer access to the carriage platform from three sides and can accommodate taller payloads, making them suitable for areas with limited space.Visit PFlow at booth S1956 where product experts will be available to discuss vertical material handling needs and provide customized solutions and best practices for accelerating business goals, including improving efficiency, increasing facility velocity/throughput, and enhancing worker safety.About PFlow IndustriesAs a vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC) industry founder in 1977 and key author of state and federal codes, PFlow has literally written the book on VRC design and safety. Backed by the strength of the industry’s largest and most experienced dealer network, the largest in-house engineering and technical support staff, and dedicated in-region sales team, PFlow is an industry trusted VRC partner. Proudly claiming 20,000 units in operation, PFlow has the experience to ensure your project’s success. PFlow also designs and manufactures Cartveyor® shopping cart conveyors, designed for high-volume cart transport in multi-level retail environments. For more information visit www.pflow.com and www.cartveyor.com.ContactChuck CobbVP Sales, Marketing & Customer Supportinfo@pflow.com

A multi-level automotive facility required an efficient way to move both parts and vehicles between floors while maximizing limited building space and maintaining a seamless customer-facing environment.Operating across multiple levels created inefficiencies in both parts logistics and vehicle movement. Traditional methods—such as ramps or manual handling—were not viable due to space constraints, safety concerns, and the need to maintain a clean, professional showroom experience.The solution needed to: Enable reliable vertical transport of parts and vehicles Fit within a constrained footprint Support daily operational throughput Maintain safety and aesthetic standards

A beverage producer has optimized its production process by implementing an efficient vertical conveying solution. The upgrade improves the flow of goods between different production levels while reducing manual handling on the factory floor. By integrating the system into the existing conveyor layout, the company was able to increase efficiency without major changes to its current setup.

As the premier specialty coffee contract manufacturer in the Seattle area, Cascade Coffees business is booming. They are a leading supplier to leading coffee brands providing roasting, grinding, flavoring, and packaging coffee. Their supply chain is constantly in overdrive, so they wanted to improve the speed of their processes. They wanted an easier way to take carts full of coffee beans from the lower level up to the mezzanine. The carts are rolled over a hole in the mezzanine to fill the top of the coffee grinder.

The Application Guidelines for Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors were thoroughly revised from the original 1991 Version which they replace. They were prepared as a result of the VRC Sub-Committee's recognition of a need to develop comprehensive safety guidelines and establish a minimum design criteria for when such are used in conjunction with ASME B20.1 - The Safety Standard for Conveyors and Related Equipment.

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

In l990, a group of visionary industry leaders, each a major manufacturer of industrial scissors lifts, came together to form Lift, an industry group of the Material Handling Industry (MHI). LIFT was chartered to address the challenges and opportunities facing this industry and to benefit the growing community of end users who utilize industrial scissors lifts to raise, lower, and position material. An objective of LIFT, along with creating recognition of the industry within the market place, is to develop and promote codes and standards in accordance with MHI guidelines for the manufacture of industrial scissors lifts with the best interest of the user in mind. The goals of LIFT are achieved through a variety of structured programs and activities. Publications like "A Guide to Industrial Scissors Lifts" is just one example of the educational materials designed to assist end users and specifiers of industrial scissors lifts. In addition to educational materials, LIFT is also actively involved in developing minimum industry standards and is Secretariat of ANSI Standard MH29.1 (Safety Requirements for Industrial Scissors Lifts) and ANSI Standard MH 29.2 (Safety Requirements for Industrial Tilters).