MHS introduces cross-belt sorter with double-cell design for small items
The innovative design offers versatility to handle a wide range of item sizes typical of e-commerce fulfillment and parcel distribution centers MHS, a single-source provider of material handling automation and software solutions, announces a new cross-belt sorter designed to handle small items. The HC-Loop Double Cell has an innovative design that uses sections of two cross-belt cells that can either work simultaneously to handle a single large item or independently to handle two smaller items and boost capacity. The versatility of the double-cell design enables the sorter to handle items as small as 2.95-by-2.95-by-0.11 inches and as large as 33.46-by-25.59-by-25.59 inches. The HC-Loop Double Cell gives operations a solution to reliably handle small items like flyers, polybags, and shoeboxes while maintaining the flexibility to handle larger packages like electronics or office supplies. The precise divert of the HC-Loop Double Cell enables the use of narrower chutes to increase density and reduce the total footprint of the system while achieving up to 99.99% sortation accuracy. An intelligent induction system works to increase the utilization of available sorter cells by booking them in advance for target parcels, helping operations reach a capacity of up to 4,500 parcels per hour using a single compact induction line. “As operations face a demanding product mix and rising commercial real estate costs, the HC-Loop Double Cell sorter offers the versatility they need in a compact, efficient package,” says Luis Antezana Vila, Product Manager, Cross-Belt Systems, MHS. “But avoiding unplanned downtime is also critical. That’s why we’ve worked to establish strong component reliability and leverage sensor-based technology to predict and prevent unexpected outages.” Sensors placed along the sorter track and within each cell constantly monitor overall system status and individual components. Through predictive analytics, MHS can detect when a failure might be imminent, based on data reaching pre-determined thresholds, and proactively alert maintenance teams to help avoid unnecessary downtime. The company provides local sales, support, and service for implementations worldwide.
Bison VFsync PMAC Motors deliver synchronized movement across multiple axes with energy and cost efficiency
The award-winning products designed to fill the gap between induction and servo motors Bison Gear & Engineering Corp., a provider in the power transmission industry, has announced the release of its compact and highly efficient VFsync line of Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous (PMAC) motors. The VFsync line is designed for use within a wide range of applications, including conveyor systems, greenhouse equipment, bottling equipment, bagging equipment, packaging machines, and industrial pumps and mixers. The new VFsync PMAC motor line are variable speed AC motors that run synchronously with an input AC frequency in applications that require synchronized movement across multiple axes. The motor rotors contain magnets that precisely follow the internal rotating magnetic field without the slip commonly seen in general induction motors. As a result, the VFsync PMAC motors are highly effective for applications that require velocity control, with a lower price point than servo counterparts. What’s more, most of the major motion control platforms offer electronic drives compatible with PMAC motors thus minimizing the engineering investment needed for a motor type changeover. The VFsync PMAC motor line fills a gap in the fractional horsepower and integral horsepower market between a simple induction motor and a more complex servo motor. Machine builders looking for energy-efficient motor solutions that draw less power but don’t necessarily require the level of feedback and sophistication found in a servo motor see significant cost and functionality benefits from the VFsync PMAC motors. VFsync was awarded a Bronze Medal in the LEAP Awards (Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program) mechanical category in 2020.
Elevated conveyor conserves critical floor space
Multi-Conveyor recently built a series of powered mild steel conveyors including a unique gravity conveyor to transport tall-shaped plastic products. Products are robotically placed on a 5 feet high dual-lane conveyor where they index through a product forming process, then incline to an ultimate height of nearly 8 feet. The product proceeds at this elevation through two 90-degree turns with over 16 feet of straight conveyance between the curves, to an end stop. (Note: Products used in this video are for demonstration purposes only.) Enhanced support and quality construction properly secure elevated motor mounts while ensuring employee safety below. Elevated transport conveyors are commonly used to free up critical production floor space below. Up and over conveyors are often used to give operators and forklift traffic some headroom. In this project, a pneumatic cross-pusher was implemented to gently transfer the product onto a unique concept LBP-gravity slide, ideal for non-standard product contact surfaces, to easily decline for manual removal. See even more elevated conveyance videos by visiting our website video gallery at https://www.multi-conveyor.com/multi-media-center/videos1.
EP 181: Going Up with Custom Industrial Products
In this episode, I was joined by Jake Jakobson of Custom Industrial Products for the latest in our partnership with Material Handling Wholesaler. Jake is a Manufacturing Engineer at Custom Industrial Products and came on the show to talk about their VRC’s or Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors. We also discuss the safety that these types of conveyors bring to the workplace and how safety is thought about during the product development phase. Key Takeaways Custom Industrial Products if focused on developing custom vertical reciprocating conveyors for all types of applications as well as mezzanines. Jake explains how they can design these products for multiple applications. In the warehouse, they help companies to maximize their space by utilizing vertical square footage that might not have been realized in the past. Their VRC’s also help to create a safer environment. A vertical reciprocating conveyor or VRC is essentially a lift that can be utilized to transport heavy loads from one level to the next. Jake explains that it is different from an elevator because of the way it is built and operates it falls under a different set of codes. Since they are custom built there is a lot of flexibility in what you can do with a VRC especially when it comes to capacity. I found it pretty amazing that they can build them to handle up to 100,000-pound loads. With that type of capacity, you can really effectively move a lot between levels and safely. The VRC has multiple safety precautions in place and helps to reduce other dangerous situations that arise with other options for moving loads between levels. Jake goes into the other options and the danger they can bring. If you are lifting loads with a forklift from one level to the next, you open yourself up to too many dangers, including having openings on your mezzanine where individuals could potentially fall from. We also discuss how safety is thought of when developing a product. Jake explains how safety is thought of in the process and how they need to be cautious of the code’s dependence on the state the VRC will install. Listen to the episode below and leave a comment with your top safety tip below. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 181: Going Up with Custom Industrial Products Share on Facebook
Valentine to lead Hytrol’s academic partnerships
Christy Valentine has joined Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc. as the company’s Manager of Academic Partnerships. Valentine will run Hytrol’s Academic Partnership initiative, working closely with universities, colleges, vocational schools, and K-12 institutions to build a diverse influx of talent for Hytrol, helping to improve workforce development and community outreach. “Christy is an exceptional addition to our Hytrol team,” said Vice President of Corporate Development Bob West. “She will create lasting relationships with our community partners and push forward Hytrol’s promise to promote STEM learning and manufacturing training.” Valentines comes to Hytrol with over 25 years of experience in higher education and non-profit fundraising. She has previously served as executive director of marketing and communications at Arkansas State and chief development officer for the Soulsville Foundation in Memphis, Tenn. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and MBA from Arkansas State University. “I look forward to being an ambassador for Hytrol and introducing a new generation of students and your adults to the vast opportunities we offer. I am excited to join an organization with such an incredible legacy and to work directly with our community partners to cultivate a thriving, dynamic workforce,” said Valentine. To learn more about the benefits of academic partnerships, click here.
New Sinamics G115D distributed drive system specifically designed for conveyor applications
Comprised of the drive, motor, and gearbox, this new distributed drive system is available as a complete solution for motor-mounted and wall-mounted horizontal motion control conveyor applications With its new Sinamics G115D, Siemens is introducing a new, compact, and powerful drive system specifically designed for horizontal conveyor applications. The drive system comprises the motor, drive, and gearbox in one unit and is offered in two versions — wall-mounted and motor-mounted. The Sinamics G115D drive system is characterized by a robust design with a high IP protection class (up to IP66 / UL Type 4X) and is suitable for use in harsh environments. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the Sinamics G115D can be easily installed in confined areas. The drive system can also be operated reliably over a wide temperature range of -30 to 55 degrees Celsius (-22 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit), enabling operation in deep freezing applications. Sinamics G115D is suitable for applications in intra-logistics and airports, as well as in the automotive and food and beverage industries. Its power ranges from 0.37 to 7.5 kilowatts (1/2 to 10 hp) for wall-mount applications and 0.37 to 4 kilowatts (1/2 to 5 hp) for motor-mounted applications. The drive system can be put into operation quickly and easily with comprehensive integration into the Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) portal including Startdrive commissioning software or the Sinamics Smart Access Module (SAM) web-server for Wi-Fi setup and diagnostics. To be prepared for digital transformation and to enable cloud-based analysis, Sinamics G115D is integrated into the entire MindConnect portfolio and is compatible with MindSphere applications such as Analyze MyDrives. Thanks to Profisafe, the Sinamics G115D has Safety Integrated in the form of STO (Safe Torque Off) SIL2, which standardizes and facilitates the certification process. For flexibility in terms of installation, service, and maintenance, the solution is equipped with a plug-in connector and flexible connection possibilities. The device is particularly suitable for interaction with Simatic controllers such as the Simatic S7-1200 or Simatic ET200 for motion control. Siemens offers warranty extensions for Sinamics G115D through its Service Protect package. As part of this service package, an additional one or two-year warranty extension may be purchased for failure coverage. The package offers simplified processing under normal warranty conditions for an extended period.
Safety at Work: How training and technology help achieve goals
No matter the size or type of material handling organization, safety is frequently a top consideration. How to keep employees safe, operate equipment smoothly, and keep a facility in good working condition all play into such decisions. OSHA cites that the most frequently reported cause of lost or restricted work time is work-related musculoskeletal disorders caused by routine lifting of heavy objects, daily exposure to vibration, routine overhead work or work with the neck in a chronic flexion position, according to Don Buckman, divisional environmental, health and safety manager for Hyster Company. “Proper ergonomics can help reduce stress and injuries associated with the overuse of muscles, bad posture, and repeated tasks. It also plays a part in maximizing the productivity of lift truck operators,” he said. Buckman said ergonomic experts at Hyster focus on providing features offering lift truck operators easier entry and exit, improved foot space, better body position, and enhanced visibility. Training and product design Hyster’s customers rely on robust, OSHA-compliant training programs, customized to their specific trucks to help operators become proficient users, according to Buckman. “Intensive applications must maintain constant vigilance when it comes to safety, and work to overcome challenges like widespread skilled labor shortage and high turnover,” he said, noting that immersive reality simulators are helping Hyster customers supplement operator training without taking equipment out of service. At ProMat DX in April, Hyster highlighted two award-winning designs that can help workers maintain an ergonomically sound operating position, according to a company release. The examples included the new cab design for Hyster Big Trucks and the J50-60XNL, which “prioritize operator comfort and performance with features built to provide easier entry and exit, improved foot space and enhanced visibility,” the statement said. Lift truck telemetry systems can also help in creating a safety culture and in improving operator accountability, according to Buckman. “Onboard sensors that track truck information by the specific operator provides visibility to their travel locations, idle time, and impact alerts,” he said, noting that the system can identify performers who may require more training. “The system can also limit truck performance based on operator skill level. For example, new hires might have their trucks capped at slower speeds to help reduce potential risk while more experienced operators can still operate the same truck at levels that allow maximum performance,” Buckman said. At Hyster, Buckman recommended that companies stress that operators and supervisors stay focused on safety. “In addition to ergonomics and other safety features like lights and alarms, technology can help businesses reinforce operating best practices,” he said. A product-driven safety boost At Custom Industrial Products, safety is an associated benefit of its product lines. The company, founded in 1995 by husband-and-wife team Henry and Darlene Taylor, is Florida-based. The company manufactures VRC Material Lifts for integrators, architects, and material handling companies. The products offer a host of safety benefits, said Rob Railis, director of business development. “The VRC’s themselves help with the area of safety,” he said, noting their work in moving materials out of the way in a warehouse and in preventing forklift injuries. “This is a fairly low-cost way of improving the safety, especially when compared to elevators,” Railis said. The cost of a VRC is about a third to a quarter cheaper than the cost of an elevator when considering maintenance, inspections, and related personnel, said Jake Jakobson, manufacturing engineer for Custom Industrial Products. The VRC features benefits for operators as well. “In a lot of ways it is an ergonomic feature, moving materials from one floor to another,” said Jakobson, comparing the difference to the risks to using a ladder, moving products by stairs or transferring from floor to floor lifting the product overhead with a forklift “Ergonomically, it helps to prevent injuries,” he said. Jakobson said the units are designed for industrial use and with safety in mind, in some ways mimicking such features found on elevators although in a quicker fashion. The (VRCs) are programmed to stop quickly when needed and feature braking systems designed to stop with overrated loads. The systems are also certified in the state of Pennsylvania, which is home to a program of certification. “It allows us to sell within the state of Pennsylvania, but also tells the customer we are going the extra mile,” Jakobson said. All units meet 508A standards for control systems and incorporate additional safety measures, according to Jakobson. “We have a push-button station which will tell you whether the door is open or not or whether the doors are latched. There is a secondary indication if a program has occurred in the system. It will not allow you to operate until the major fault is cleared,” he said. The products also include a safety locking system that will not allow the system to operate if anything went wrong with the loading of products. Custom Industrial Products has customers ranging from small to large, and therefore including somewhat different safety considerations, according to Jakobson. Smaller operations are more concerned with basic safety, he said. “They like that we put in a tell-tale diagnostic system, which tells where problems are,” Jakobson said. “Larger and medium companies, their safety is a lot of times either safety manager driven or by the employee safety committee.” With all customers, Jakobson said the company likes to stress safety and to help train users in operation. In the future, Jakobson said leaders at Custom Industrial Products are consistently looking at different products and ways to make their products more efficient at the same time more sustainable to match with green initiatives by companies. “We are constantly looking for different products to help us out and to move forward and change,” he said. About the Author: Eileen Schmidt is a freelance writer and journalist based in the Greater Milwaukee area. She has written for print and online publications for the past 13 years. Email editorial@MHWmag.com or visit eileenmozinskischmidt.wordpress.com to contact Eileen. If your company would like to be featured, email editorial@MHWmag.com
EP 177: Intelligent Sortation with Ryan Yost
On this episode, I was joined by Avery Dennison’s Vice President of Identification Solutions, Ryan Yost. We discussed Avery Dennison’s role in the supply chain, how shipping has shifted due to COVID-19, and the concept of intelligent sortation. Key Takeaways You may recognize the name Avery Dennison from labels that you have used or even from some binders that you used during your school days, however, there is a whole other side to Avery Dennison these days. Ryan tells us how the company has evolved and become more involved in the supply chain and logistics arena. They provide identification solutions that allow you to identify and track everything through the supply chain. Ryan also explains how it is both from a physical and digital format. Their belief is that as technology progresses and adoption progresses there will be a digital twin for every item you have. Without a doubt, COVID has disrupted the whole supply chain bringing more attention to it in both a good and bad way. One thing that has certainly been impacted within the supply chain is shipping. It has been quite the conversation on how to get products to the consumer with restrictions that we have not experienced before. Ryan points out that the biggest shift is that the supply chain has changed from a system that was moving pallets and cases to now moving parcels direct to consumers. With the high demand from the pandemic, the last mile has been a huge focal point and most of it centering around how to solve for the last mile in the most effective way. We discuss the evolution of the omnichannel and the increased visibility of inventory and how it impacts the consumer. When it comes to intelligent sortation, Ryan refers to it as an intelligent supply chain and how it involves all of the information that is flowing through the supply chain. While we are creating loads of information and data every day through the supply chain, we need to harness it properly. Ryan explains that when that data is able to be harnessed properly a company can start to sort intelligently by ensuring that the product is shipping from the ideal location and delivering through the optimal mode. Not only does this have a positive impact on the business but it also helps to improve the customer experience. Listen to the episode below and let us know your thoughts on the current state of the last mile in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 177: Intelligent Sortation with Ryan Yost
Massive lane accumulation of 40+ Yards of Product
Utilizing enclosed pneumatic divert, combiners, dual lane merge, and more Multi-Conveyor recently built a series of mild steel constructed conveyors for varying height and width products that travel through dual belt merge, enclosed pneumatic diverts, massive lane accumulation; combiners, single file technology, and more. This brief video shows a small section of the line using a demo product starting at the 2:1 dual-lane belt. Product merges to one lane then end transfers onto a safety-enclosed 1:5 servo roll diverter. The overhead guarding has tool-lockable hinged doors, both up and downstream of motion hazards, for operator safety. The divert will continuously rotate to fill five (5) full lanes, one at a time, of accumulation, should a problem occur upstream. The LBP (low back pressure) tabletop lanes are 25 feet long, for a combined total accumulation capacity of 125 feet of product. Each lane has a pneumatic end stop at discharge to halt flow on command. A 5:1 combiner merges product at the accumulator discharge to reduce flow back down to a single file. The product then moves onto pneumatic metering clamps, roller belting, and more, ultimately discharging onto the customer’s palletizing cell (not shown). See even more videos of merge, lane, divert, and sorting applications using precise combinations of machinery design and belting solutions by visiting our video gallery at https://www.multi-conveyor.com/multi-media-center/videos1/emodule/602/egallery/5
Huron Technology Corp. announces the Flattening Belt Conveyor
Huron Technology Corp. has introduced the Flattening Belt Conveyor also known as the Bag Flattener Conveyor which is ideal for optimizing end of the line production of bagged materials. The Bag Flattener automates the bag flattening process for a safer, more consistent, and controlled method of layering bagged products on pallets prior to wrapping and shipping. A pneumatically actuated adjustable airbag opening between the two inverted belt conveyors allows the Bag Flattener to manage a range of bag sizes. The Bag Flattener can process up to 12 bags per minute, ranging from 5 to 50 pounds each. The Bag Flattener is suitable for a variety of bagged materials including grains and seed, foods, and lawn and garden to concrete and insulation. The Bag Flattener is available in both horizontal and inclined models to fit a variety of application needs. Don’t let shipping damage from loose or irregular loading cut into your profits. Learn how efficiently you can prepare bagged materials for more stabilized shipping.
Custom Industrial Products, Inc. increases starting wage to $15 per hour
Custom Industrial Products (CIP) has announced that their starting minimum wage will be $15 per hour, effective March 29th. CIP employees who were already making $15 an hour have had their wages increased as well. “We believe it’s vital in these uncertain times, in the midst of a pandemic, that we as an organization continue to invest in our people as well as contribute to the regrowth of the economy,” said Tom Tenney, CEO of Custom Industrial Products. “By paying more than many of our competitors, we hope to attract the best new employees and retain the kind of employees we need”, said Tenney. Prior to this increase, the starting wage averaged around $11 per hour. When asked how this increase will impact their daily life, shop powder coater, Robert Arnold said “it will help a lot. The Increase will pay for my wife to continue her education.” “CIP has an aggressive growth plan. To meet our goals, we need to recruit new employees and retain our best employees,” said Tenney. “We’re delighted to share our company’s success with the employees who make us successful.”
New Sinamics G115D distributed drive system specifically designed for conveyor applications
Comprised of the drive, motor, and gearbox, this new distributed drive system is available as a complete solution for motor-mounted and wall-mounted horizontal motion control conveyor applications With its new Sinamics G115D, Siemens is introducing a new, compact, and powerful drive system specifically designed for horizontal conveyor applications. The drive system comprises the motor, drive, and gearbox in one unit and is offered in two versions — wall-mounted and motor-mounted. The Sinamics G115D drive system is characterized by a robust design with a high IP protection class (up to IP66 / UL Type 4X) and is suitable for use in harsh environments. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the Sinamics G115D can be easily installed in confined areas. The drive system can also be operated reliably over a wide temperature range of -30 to 55 degrees Celsius (-22 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit), enabling operation in deep freezing applications. Sinamics G115D is suitable for applications in intra-logistics and airports, as well as in the automotive and food and beverage industries. Its power ranges from 0.37 to 7.5 kilowatts (1/2 to 10 hp) for wall-mount applications and 0.37 to 4 kilowatts (1/2 to 5 hp) for motor-mounted applications. The drive system can be put into operation quickly and easily with comprehensive integration into the Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) portal including Startdrive commissioning software or the Sinamics Smart Access Module (SAM) web-server for Wi-Fi setup and diagnostics. To be prepared for digital transformation and to enable cloud-based analysis, Sinamics G115D is integrated into the entire MindConnect portfolio and is compatible with MindSphere applications such as Analyze MyDrives. Thanks to Profisafe, the Sinamics G115D has Safety Integrated in the form of STO (Safe Torque Off) SIL2, which standardizes and facilitates the certification process. For flexibility in terms of installation, service, and maintenance, the solution is equipped with a plug-in connector and flexible connection possibilities. The device is particularly suitable for interaction with Simatic controllers such as the Simatic S7-1200 or Simatic ET200 for motion control. Siemens offers warranty extensions for Sinamics G115D through its Service Protect package. As part of this service package, an additional one or two-year warranty extension may be purchased for failure coverage. The package offers simplified processing under normal warranty conditions for an extended period.
Exotec Skypod System adopted by Gap Inc. to optimize returns process
Advanced Handling Systems (AHS, LLC) has announced that they have been contracted by Gap Inc. to design and integrate an Exotec Skypod System to optimize its returns picking process. AHS, LLC, a systems integrator located in Erlanger, KY, is the foremost US partner of Exotec and will be completing the integration of the full system with guidance from Exotec’s execution team. Exotec Solutions, a pick system provider based out of France, utilizes its Skypod mobile robots to manufacture Goods-to-Person technology. Exotec’s material handling solution has revolutionized the fulfillment industry in Europe and Japan and is now focusing on the US market. Gap Inc., a collection of purpose-led, billion-dollar lifestyle brands, is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, Intermix, and Janie and Jack brands. As one of America’s largest apparel retailers known for redefining resiliency with cutting-edge technology in its fulfillment centers, the company is working to make its returns processes more efficient. AHS, a full-service provider of integrated fulfillment, distribution and robotics solutions, has continued to push the industry adoption of innovation for labor-intensive processes. Exotec Solutions, founded by Romain Moulin and Renaud Heitz in 2015, specializes in robotic systems for the retail and eCommerce industries by utilizing 3D mobile robots (Skypods) to transfer bins of product to a picking operator from a mass storage area with 10-meter-tall racking. The Skypod system is the first of its kind to use mobile robots that are capable of moving in three dimensions. Laser scanner navigation and robust software allow the Skypods to navigate in a multidirectional manner while carrying bins of up to 30 kg. This frees up time for the warehouse team members to focus on packing and shipping, avoiding long-distance walks to access inventory.
Guided container and tray identification made easy
Leuze is introducing the latest addition to the BCL series with the new stationary bar code reader BCL 200i. It supports guided container and tray identification, especially suited to tight installation spaces on the conveyor line. As an expert in the field of identification, Leuze has been producing bar code readers since the 1990s. The company has continuously developed its product portfolio in this sector. LEUZE bar code readers meet numerous intralogistics requirements and are thus suitable for a wide range of applications. With the BCL 200i, Leuze is now expanding its BCL series with an additional stationary bar code reader. Small but powerful The new BCL 200i is a 1D bar code reader with integrated industrial interfaces and a simple PROFINET configuration. The device can be configured directly in the control via the GSDML file. The compact design makes it suitable for applications in tight spaces, such as on or between conveyor lines. This compact design also features a side cable outlet as well as its dovetail connection. Specialized for guided container and tray identification The new BCL 200i is particularly suited for the detection of 1D codes in guided container reading, regardless of whether the bar code is printed vertically or horizontally on the label. The same is true for guided tray identification when various moving trays are horizontally marked with 1D codes. The device features integrated Ethernet TCP/IP and PROFINET interfaces. The web-based configuration tool enables remote diagnostics from anywhere in the world. Detection through code reconstruction technology The integrated code reconstruction technology (CRT) enables the BCL 200i to read even bar codes with small line heights as well as damaged or smudged labels. With the aid of the CRT decoder, bar codes can also be read at a large twist angle. The resulting decrease in no-reads significantly increases system availability. Activation without additional sensor system Thanks to automatic reflector activation (autoReflAct), the new stationary bar code reader can be activated without an additional sensor system. This is achieved by directing the scanner with a reduced scanning beam towards a reflector mounted behind the conveyor path. As long as the scanner is targeted at the reflector, the reading gate remains closed. If the reflector is covered by an object such as a container with a bar code label, the scanner activates the read procedure. The label on the container is then read. The read procedure is completed as soon as the scanner has a clear line of sight to the reflector again.
Cisco-Eagle promotes David Sahyouni to National Sales Support Manager
Cisco-Eagle has promoted David Sahyouni to National Sales Support Manager, according to James Murphy, Vice-President of Sales. Sahyouni, a Dallas Customer Service Manager since 2005, will focus on developing critical sales, post-order, and customer service functions for Cisco-Eagle’s nationally-based sales force and customer base. In his new role, he is responsible for streamlining order entry and other associated processes that help our customers with more, better, and faster information. “Customers know they can come to us for solutions,” said Vice President of Sales James Murphy. “But service is as important. One of our most important advantages is how well we work with people after they’ve placed an order, and that’s where David shines. He’ll help us deliver is an even better experience from the minute you call us until the minute you receive your order. We’re already good at this, but he’ll make it better.” In his new role, David will develop Cisco-Eagle’s customer service employee-owners, including order entry, telephone operators, sales support specialists, and order coordination. “Logistics, order delivery, and faster, better information can make all the difference,” Murphy added. “I have every confidence that David will improve all aspects of our customer experience from end-to-end.”
Cisco-Eagle promotes Ryan Elkins to North Texas Sales Director
Cisco-Eagle has promoted Ryan Elkins to North Texas Director of Sales according to James Murphy, Vice-President of Sales. Elkins, who has worked as an account executive in Dallas since 2019, will be responsible for serving customers in North Texas markets. He will provide guidance for the sales and engineering groups, as well as assistance with strategic accounts and customers. “Ryan’s been invaluable to companies in manufacturing and distribution,” Murphy said. “We’re excited about him bringing the same vision and talent to our broad Texas customer base. He’s got a strategic mind and strong grasp of the needs of distribution and manufacturing operations.” In his new role, Elkins will provide guidance and expertise to our North Texas clients and the sales and engineering groups that work with them. Elkins is a 2014 Texas A&M graduate in Agricultural Economics. He joined Cisco-Eagle in 2018 as an account executive, where he implemented material handling systems in Northeast Texas and the surrounding areas. “We’ll be better than ever at helping companies operate safer and more efficiently because of Ryan’s leadership,” said Murphy.
MHS acquires TGW U.S. conveyors business
The acquisition expands MHS’s capabilities to serve the fast-growing e-commerce industry MHS Holdings, Inc. (“MHS” or the “Company”), a global provider of advanced material handling automation solutions, engineering, equipment, and software, just announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase certain assets related to TGW Systems, Inc.’s U.S. conveyor business unit, which operated separately from TGW’s U.S. integration business unit. The transaction is expected to close in February 2021. Based in Norton Shores, Michigan, TGW U.S. Conveyors, formerly Ermanco, Inc., is a division of TGW Logistics Group. TGW U.S. Conveyors works across multiple distribution & fulfillment end-markets, including e-commerce, life sciences, food & beverage, and parcel freight & logistics. TGW U.S. Conveyors will help accelerate MHS’s product strategy and growth plan so that MHS is best positioned to serve its growing customer base. TGW U.S. Conveyors will begin to operate under MHS Distribution + Fulfillment/MHS Conveyor as a division of MHS, and MHS plans to retain the TGW U.S. Conveyors employees post-close. “We are thrilled to join the MHS family and partner with MHS to deliver market-leading automation solutions for our customer base,” said TGW U.S. Conveyors Managing Director Christian Lahnsteiner. “Our newly-expanded relationship with MHS gives us a platform to extend our product solutions to a larger set of customers while continuing to deliver the quality product that we have been known for.” MHS was founded in 1999 and now generates more than $1 billion of revenue as they deliver automation solutions for the world’s largest logistics providers and e-commerce retailers. In April 2017, the Company’s founders led MHS through a recapitalization in partnership with Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (“THL”), followed by a series of acquisitions that expanded the Company’s global footprint, capabilities and product, and service lines. TGW U.S. Conveyors marks the latest in MHS’s series of acquisitions, following its purchase of eMotion Controls in early 2020. “TGW U.S. Conveyors has an impressive history of growth that dates back more than five decades,” said MHS CEO and Co-Founder Scott McReynolds. “The company brings with it a strong employee base and leadership team. It also expands on our existing capabilities to serve the distribution and fulfillment market with a broader array of automation products and systems. TGW U.S. Conveyors is a fantastic addition to our growing portfolio and further positions us to take advantage of the tremendous opportunity that lies ahead for our company and industry. We are very excited to have Christian and his team join the MHS family.” Harald Schröpf, CEO of TGW Logistics Group, added, “Two different conveyor product lines were at odds with our strategic orientation. It was important to us and we are therefore pleased to have found a strategic investor in MHS, who will continue the American division of the TGW Conveyor Business with all employees associated with this business. At the same time, our integration business unit, TGW Systems, Inc., will remain active in the North American market.” PricewaterhouseCoopers acted as an Accounting and Tax Advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal counsel to MHS. Financial terms for the transaction were not disclosed.