Crown USA fined over $98k that contributed to a 37-year-old technicians death
A U.S. Department of Labor workplace safety investigation has found a Woodbury plastic and resin manufacturer could have prevented a 37-year-old employee from suffering fatal injuries by following required safety rules designed to keep machines from starting up during maintenance. Investigators with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration learned the maintenance technician at Crown USA Inc. was crushed inside an unlocked hooding palletizer while servicing the machine. “Employers must understand federal workplace safety regulations exist to help prevent tragedies like the one that occurred at Crown USA Inc.,” said OSHA Area Director Jeffery Stawowy in Atlanta-West. “OSHA is available to answer employers’ questions and to help them understand their obligations. We can also provide employers resources for identifying hazards in their workplaces and developing safety programs.” OSHA determined the company violated federal regulations by: Failing to use adequate machine guarding to protect employees from struck-by and crushed-by hazards. Failing to train employees on energy control procedures and maintain training records. Failing to conduct inspections of energy control procedures. Exposing workers to serious respiratory hazards by not protecting them from accumulations of airborne particles of powdered pigment and other types of dust throughout the facility. Not providing personal protective equipment that prevents eye and skin irritation. Failing to label containers properly according to hazardous communication standards. Crown USA received eight serious and six other-than-serious violations. The company faces $98,699 in proposed OSHA penalties. The agency provides information on lockout/tagout and other machine safety procedures to educate employers on how to protect workers from potential equipment hazards. Founded in 1994, Crown USA Inc. supplies and manufactures roadway paint and pavement marking materials at its headquarters in Columbus. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission
Zallys® Electric Material Handling partners with eTug PRO for North America launch
Italy-based Zallys®, a manufacturer of electric material handling solutions since 1996, has partnered with the new eTug PRO Division of Japan USA Precision Tools to be the Authorized Factory Agent, Importer, and Distributor for the North American market. The initial roll-out campaign launching now features the top-of-the-line Zallys Electronic Tug series that are very popular in many segments worldwide including Automotive, Metallurgical, Glass & Stone, Railways, Textiles, Maintenance, Laundries, Hospitals, Waste Handling, Production Lines, Airports, Logistics and more. Thanks to decades of experience in the design and manufacture of professional electric vehicles, Zallys has always been a reference company in its field, offering logistics solutions for any requirement related to the handling of wheeled loads. Zallys has the widest range of utility electric vehicles available in the global market and offers pedestrian and man-on-board vehicles, being the ideal solution for all needs related to material handling. Featured Solution: ZALLYS Model M12 Electric Tug Move Heavy A-Frames Safer and Faster Innovative World-Class Solutions Made in Italy. Towing Capacity on Level Ground: 2,200 pounds Max Speed Forward / Backward: 3 MPH Maximum Slope: 15% eTug PRO is a new sales division of Japan USA Precision Tools (JUPT) focused on the Zallys product line. California-based JUPT specializes in the highest quality Precision Machines, Accurate Made-to-Order Tooling, Automation Components, Automation Systems and Material Handling Solutions.
PAC Machinery introduces a new motorized adjustable height stand for tabletop baggers
PAC Machinery, a provider of packaging for more than 60 years, has introduced new bagger accessories and resources that make bagging with tabletop automatic baggers even better! They have announced a new Motorized Adjustable Height Stand for automatic tabletop-style bagging machines. This new motorized stand adjusts the bagger height from 22 to 34 inches. This allows the operator to adjust the bagger’s seal height/loading height to best suit the operator and is more ergonomic than PAC’s fixed height stand. Effortlessly adjust the tabletop bagger’s height with the push of a button. Place it anywhere in a facility near an electrical outlet. This stand is ideal for PAC Machinery models Rollbag R785, R1275, and R1285. Using the new motorized adjustable height stand, allows the user to also add PAC’s Motorized Conveyor (see options section). Bags drop down from the bagger onto the stainless conveyor that gets placed in front of the bagger. Products travel up the adjustable incline section which has a height of approximately 35”. Conveyor is available in 10″ & 16″ widths. The new Motorized Adjustable Height Stand also allows the operator to use the Weigh Count Sorting Table to count and bag specific item quantities or weights – that is ideal for small parts packaging. Two New downloadable resources are now available on our website. Download our NEW bags brochure to see our wide selection of custom bags for your bagger and our NEW Stock Bags download is also a great resource!
CP&A advises on container crane procurement peer reviews
Casper, Phillips & Associates Inc. (CP&A) has delivered a presentation to port authorities titled, ‘Peer Review of Container Cranes’, to assist in future procurement processes. CP&A offers a wide variety of services, including specification, design, manufacturing review, modification, and accident investigation; and it is well-positioned to remind terminal operators and fellow stakeholders of the risks involved with container crane procurement. Including transport and offloading in the peer review scope is a good way to manage some of these risks — but that’s just the start. Richard Phillips, mechanical engineer at CP&A, said: “The procurement process for container cranes is somewhat unique and presents many challenges. Unfortunately, some procurement decision makers believe buying container cranes is the same as acquiring any other piece of equipment, such as a forklift or a company van.” As should be unanimously accepted by crane manufacturers, a peer is someone with approximately equal qualifications to the design team. While there is no universal set of criteria as to what makes an engineer a peer, a good starting point is professional licensure and relevant design experience in the appropriate disciplines. The team should have an expert in the prevailing hazards such as high wind, seismic, or other location dependent hazards. A peer review is when a neutral third party checks the design for compliance with the performance specification. A performance specification states what the crane needs to do — rated load, hoist and travel speeds, operating wind speed, etc. — but it does not specify how the crane manufacturer needs to meet the specification. Importantly, a design review is about compliance; it is not about the design reviewer’s preference for how he or she would have designed the crane. There is a level of professionalism expected for design reviews. While there will always be debate, comments that are not backed up by analysis, specification, or code requirements should be avoided. Phillips said: “It’s a big red flag if a large number of comments are generated without supporting calculations or citations of specification requirements. It’s not constructive for the designer to have to refute a large volume of comments that may not be contractually required or may be speculation since they are not supported by calculations. The reviewer should be performing enough analysis to back up their comments.” Custom port equipment Container cranes are custom designed to meet the unique requirements of each port. Some of these requirements may include being in a hurricane or earthquake zone; exposure to extreme temperatures; or proximity to other geological hazards. Sometimes a container terminal is located near an airport, or a crane may need to pass under a bridge during delivery, resulting in height restrictions. A naval architect provides the sea states and predicted voyage motions for the designers to analyze and brace the crane accordingly. The crane manufacturer owns the cranes until handover. Some crane manufacturers own their own fleet; others subcontract this work. It can be beneficial for the design reviewer to check the voyage bracing prior to shipping. There are other operational considerations, such as where hatch covers are stored; the use of dual trollies; and how many containers the crane can lift: single 40 ft., twin 20 ft., tandem 40 ft., quad 20 ft., etc. All things considered the planning phase has great variance. Sometimes it starts at the wharf design stage, other times the wharf is already designed, and existing cranes are being replaced. Depending on the level of customization, once a crane is awarded, it can be up to three years before delivery. Phillips, who himself conducts peer reviews of contractors’ crane designs, including some of the largest container cranes in the world, pointed to CP&A’s crane base anti-seismic isolation system (BASIS), which is built on nonlinear time history analysis (NLTHA) and can protect a crane’s main structure from damage even in contingency level earthquakes. “We are always improving our software,” said Phillips. “Our crane analysis software can be thought of as a custom workbench specifically made for cranes. There is a much larger market for buildings and bridge design, so the commercial software packages tend to focus on larger markets such as those [see below]. That led CP&A to create our own crane code-checking software. One example is that we have incorporated wind tunnel test data into our pre-processor, which develops the wind load forces on a crane. Obviously, a commercial building will not have integrated wind tunnel data for container cranes.” Cranes are significant structures Interestingly, due to the geological and environmental hazards, cranes should be treated more like bridges and skyscrapers instead of mass produced cars and airplanes. However, for cars and airplanes, there are crash tests and full-scale testing, which is impractical with cranes. ASCE 7-16 1.3.1.3.4 covers minimum design loads and associated criteria for buildings and other structures; this particular clause covers peer reviews for significant structures. Phillips added: “When you start thinking about how bridges, stadiums, and skyscrapers are designed it starts to become clear. For significant structures the [AISC 7] code requires a peer review. Are cranes significant structures? In our opinion they are; however, it is up to the local jurisdiction to make that decision.” Even at the time of going to press, CP&A was wrapping up peer review and procurement assistant projects related to rubber-tired gantry, rail-mounted gantry, and ship-to-shore cranes. Are your procurement processes for these hulking container cranes up to standard?
Advance Lifts celebrates its 50th anniversary
Advance Lifts, a North American lift manufacturer of industrial scissor lift tables, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. They are also the number one dock lift manufacturer in North America. Since Advance Lifts’ founding in 1974, the company has serviced all facets of business providing lifts for retail, package handling, air cargo, food processing, material handling, automotive, manufacturing, warehouses, aerospace, construction, fabricating & metalworking, roll & coil handling, and industrial applications. “Advance Lifts is extremely proud to not only be known for the most durable and innovative lifts, but for our unmatched responsiveness and superior service,” said Michael Renken, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Advance Lifts. “Our goal over the past 50 years has been to make the entire process of buying, installing, using, and servicing of lifts, as easy as possible for each and every customer.” Advance Lifts has dedicated 50 years to the principle of delivering top-quality products to customers. They have the largest variety of loading dock lifts, industrial scissor lift tables, industrial turntables, container tilters, container dumpers, work access lifts, mezzanine access lifts, multistage lifts, and reciprocating conveyors available. Advance Lifts leads the industry with some of the longest and most comprehensive warranties in their respective product groups. Another one of Advance Lifts’ accomplishments is an array of patented control systems with one allowing for up to .030 of an inch repeatable accuracy, maximizing production accuracies. With the most robust and longest-lasting lifts in the industry, Advance Lifts continues to innovate at its state-of-the-art 120,000-square-foot St. Charles, IL facility.
Miner Limited acquires Dependable Dock & Door
Acquisition Expands Miner’s Service Presence Across Central North Carolina Miner Ltd., the dock and door division of OnPoint Group, has announced the acquisition of Dependable Dock and Door, Central North Carolina’s leading high-speed door and loading dock specialists. Since 2003, Dependable Dock and Door has provided exceptional service and support to an impressive list of blue-chip customers throughout Central North Carolina, including Winston-Salem and Greensboro. Adding Dependable Dock and Door to Miner’s nationwide network of professionals further supports the company’s mission to be North America’s industry-leading facility expert in docks and doors. “This further expansion in the North Carolina and greater Southeast region reflects our commitment to building a nationwide service network to best serve customers from coast to coast. We’ve been thoroughly impressed with the team at Dependable Dock and Door and their reputation for quickly delivering exceptional service to their customers, and we are excited to welcome them to the Miner team,” said Miner President, Dave Wright. Following an extensive tenure as a technician and installer in commercial and residential sectors, Mark Harper started Dependable Dock and Door 21 years ago. He is a dock and door industry veteran and board member of the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation. Miner looks forward to implementing Mark’s expertise, further strengthening our capabilities in the Southeast United States. “Miner shares our commitment to providing exceptional service to our North Carolina neighbors, and we’re excited to take this opportunity to become part of their team,” said Mark Harper, owner of Dependable Dock and Door. “We’ve spent many years building our reputation and trust with customers as experts in creating systems that operate efficiently and safely year-round, and we’re grateful to expand our footprint further as we join the nationwide leader in our field.” The Dependable Dock and Door team has experienced impressive growth, credited in large part to their unwavering commitment to outstanding sales and service. They are the preferred dealer for Door Engineering and are the top choice in their region for the sale, installation, and service of commercial doors and dock equipment. Their service mindset and sense of urgency align with Miner’s mission to keep customers’ supply chains safe and operational.
Steele Solutions showcasing advanced structural steel platforms and material handling chutes at MODEX 2024
Booth highlights will include exclusive demonstrations of the future of elevated structural platforms and SST™ material handling chutes, with individual consultations on enhancing operational efficiency. Steele Solutions Inc., a manufacturer of structural steel work/equipment platforms, material handling chutes, and public-safety security lockers, has announced its participation in MODEX 2024 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, Monday, March 11 – Thursday, March 14. Attendees are invited to visit Steele Solution’s booth #C5081, conveniently located in Hall C on the main aisle, opposite the main entrance, and near the MODEX Backyard food court. “Steele Solutions is committed to delivering superior engineering and manufacturing solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Kevin O’Neill, CEO of Steele Solutions. “Our participation in MODEX 2024 represents an excellent opportunity to showcase our latest innovations in structural steel platforms and chutes. We enjoy meeting one-on-one with attendees, listening to their challenges, and demonstrating how our tailored solutions can enhance operational efficiency and safety for businesses across various industries.” What to Expect at Steele Solution’s MODEX 2024 booth: Advanced elevated structural platforms: Discover the most advanced platforms that eliminate cross-bracing and offer increased space for walkways, workspaces, and storage. Slick Surface Technology (SST™) Material Handling Chutes: Experience firsthand the quality of SST material handling chutes, featuring a 100% welded, bolt-free frame for easier assembly, improved structural integrity, and reduced maintenance. Solution Center for Custom Solution Capabilities: Visit our new Solutions Center to learn how Steel Solution’s team of over 60 engineers can tackle complex challenges with tailored product solutions. Expert consultations: Schedule a meeting with our team of sales and project management representatives to discuss specific product needs and find out how we can assist in optimizing operations. Steele Solutions is known for its engineering expertise and dedication to producing high-quality products in the United States, serving e-commerce, retail, distribution, and manufacturing customers globally. For an in-depth and hands-on review of the future of structural steel platforms and material handling chutes, MODEX 2024 attendees can visit booth #C5081 on Monday, March 11, until Wednesday, March 13, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Thursday, March 14, from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
How to select a proper dock lift for your operation
Hydraulic Dock Lifts have two advantages over other means of unloading trucks: Level unloading from the bed of a truck is safer than any other alternative, and Loading Dock Lifts are the only type of equipment that can reach from ground level to all sizes of trucks ranging from low step vans to large refrigerated reefers. There is no vehicle size that dock lifts cannot service. Once you realize the benefits of level loading with dock lifts, the next question is which type of loading dock lift system best fits your application and what options should you consider. Top of Ground Style or Pit Mounted Recessed Lift The first consideration is which of these hydraulic truck lift alternatives is best for your application. Top of Ground Advantages These units can be mounted on any flat concrete slab (units will sink into blacktop during the summer) and require no pit work. This not only avoids the cost of a pit, but also drainage issues and potential interference with underground utilities. If you decide to move the unit later (we have reports of units providing as many as 35 years of continuous service) it is an easy matter to unbolt the unit and move it with no pit left to fill in. Capacities range from 4,000 lbs. up to 15,000 lbs. and platform sizes range from 6’ X 6’ up to 8’ X 12’. The cost of top-of-ground units are always higher than the cost of recessed units, however, when the cost of pit construction is added to the equipment prices, top-of-ground units can be competitive. Recessed or Pit Mounted Advantages The equipment costs for these units are always less expensive than top-of-ground units. The biggest advantage is the fact that these hydraulic dock lifts are mounted flush with surrounding surfaces so they do not become an obstacle to drive over traffic. This is especially important if the unit is being mounted in a doorway. Top-of-ground units have ramps that transition loads from the platform to ground level which is fine for offloading operations but can be tiring if heavy loads must be pushed up the ramps for loading trucks. Standard capacities of recessed units range up to 20,000 lbs. Recessed units offer level loading both at ground level and at truck height. If recessed units are mounted within the face of docks they can provide easy dock-to-ground access, although top-of-ground units can do the same if the approach ramps are shortened and the units are mounted immediately adjacent to the dock. Platform Size The platform size is primarily determined by the type of transport equipment that will be used to load or unload trucks. The minimum suggested platform width is 6’. Guardrails use 4” to 8” of usable platform width on some models and there should be at least 4” of clearance on each side of the widest load such as a 48” wide pallet for ease of maneuvering. In some cases, the loads may be wider and some users like to unload two pallets side by side so 7’ and 8’ wide platforms are common options. If the loads are four-wheeled carts or baskets, or the loading equipment is limited to two wheeled hand carts, then a 6’ platform length is sufficient. For manual pallet jacks, 8’ platform lengths are considered minimum. Powered pallet jacks work best with 10’ lengths to comfortably fit the load, powered pallet jacks and operator all in line. Straddle stackers also fit well on 10’ platforms. Fork trucks are much longer so they generally require platforms in the 10’ to 12’ range. The size range mentioned above covers 99% of all applications and is now available as standards in both top-of-ground and recessed styles of loading lifts. Unusual loads may require custom-designed units with platform widths of 10’ or 12’ and platform lengths of up to 65’. If you have special requirements, a full-service supplier can help you design a perfect fit. Capacities Lifting Capacity Once a platform size has been determined, it is a simple matter of adding up the maximum weight of the goods being transferred, the weight of the transport equipment and the weight of an operator to arrive at a lifting capacity. Axle Rating Capacity The axle loads on manually propelled carts and pallet jacks are too light to be of concern. Manual pallet jacks divide payload weight evenly between two axles, but powered pallet jacks and straddle stackers often concentrate 60% of the combined payload and equipment weight on their rear axle and they can move heavier loads than manual equipment. Fork trucks usually concentrate 80% of the maximum payload plus fork truck weight on the front axle, but some unusual trucks may run as high as 90% concentrations. Most manufacturers have appropriate end load axle ratings for corresponding maximum lifting capacities, but there is always the danger that you have unusual equipment and/or if your application requires traveling over the side of the lift in anything other than the fully lowered position, there is a possibility that the side axle rating is marginal. It is wise to compare the axle loads produced by your equipment vs. the rating of the dock lifts to be safe. Roll Over Capacity This only applies to recessed units and refers to the maximum axle load allowable for vehicles driving over a fully lowered lift. Most recessed dock lifts are rated for 10,000# axle load slow speed drive over. This is usually more than adequate because of state mandated limits on truck axle loads. However, large specialty vehicles and high capacity fork trucks with small hard wheels can exceed these limits. In those cases, warn the lift manufacturer and they can modify the lifts to accommodate larger loads with thicker deck plates and other forms of reinforcement. Power units and controls The up-down controls must be controlled by the operator riding on the lift. Any other scenario is a sure recipe for an accident. Standard controls for most companies are NEMA 4 pushbuttons. These are
Mezzanine Safeti-Gates, Inc. expands custom engineering for pallet drop safety gates
Mezzanine Safeti-Gates, Inc. is expanding its custom engineering design services to meet the growing demand for development. The company has added a new building on its current property in Essex, MA. All of the pallet drop safety gates manufactured by Mezzanine Safeti-Gates come in standard single-wide and double-wide sizes. Additionally, the gates can be manufactured in stainless steel or powder-coated steel and finished in any color. Custom engineering can be obtained for standard designs with uncommon pallet drop area sizes or for completely new safety system designs. “With advances in automation, we are seeing a greater need for custom-engineered safety gate designs,” said Chris Conway, vice president, of engineering at Mezzanine Safeti-Gates, Inc. “We are getting more requests to design pallet drop gates that not only protect employees but also the equipment being used within the facility. In addition, companies are getting very creative in using their current facility space as the applications shift, so many times gates need to be designed for unique spaces.” Some of the unique custom-engineered pallet drop safety gates created recently by the company include: TCA safety gate design with product containment netting on both the ledge and rear gates, as well as the two sides; the customer needed to keep material completely inside the pallet drop area while ensuring employees have no access to the ledge at any time. Roly safety gate design that opens and closes with the lift within a vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC) that protects robots from falling into the shaft as materials move through levels. Roly safety gate design for an automated parking garage All custom-designed safety gates are thoroughly tested to ensure they fully comply with OSHA’s Walking-Working Surface Fall Protection regulations as well as ANSI fall protection standards. Used in thousands of locations throughout the world, pallet drop safety gate systems offered by Mezzanine Safeti-Gates can be equipped with power, remote operation, radio frequency sensors, and photo eyes.
Orbital Wrapper manufacturer introduces Semi-Automatic Upgrade Bundle
Orbital wrapper manufacturer TAB Industries, LLC, Reading, Pa., has introduced a Semi-Automatic Upgrade Bundle. Available as an option on the company’s TAB Wrapper Tornado Smart Controls orbital wrapping machines, the new Semi-Automatic Upgrade Bundle packages the most frequently purchased upgrades as a single unit to offer the high level of automation material handling managers prefer at a discounted price. The upgrade bundle features the company’s automated cut-and-wrap device and wireless remote transmitter and control system that enable one worker to operate the pallet wrapping machine automatically from the seat of a forklift. Durable, steel bumper guards that protect the wrapper from accidental contact with forklifts are also included in the discount package. Saving 25 percent versus purchasing the three upgrades individually, the Semi-Automatic Upgrade Bundle may be applied on the Smart Controls orbital wrappers in the standard 115-inch, 100-inch, and 80-inch wrapping ring sizes. The patented pallet wrapper machines automatically apply stretch wrap 360 degrees around and under a pallet and load to create a stable, secure, unitized load in one minute or less without boxes, crates, or banding. The stretch wrap machines are designed and manufactured at the company’s Reading, Pa. headquarters and delivered with the automation upgrade pre-installed, tested, and ready to operate. A full warranty is included.
TAWI announces new Mobile Lifting and Conveying solution for freight container unloading
TAWI, the inventor of the vacuum lift (also known as a vacuum tube lifter) has launched a new, portable vacuum lifter designed to be used inside of any ocean freight or box truck to reduce manual lifting of materials during the unloading process. This solution enables a more flexible workforce by reducing the need to team lift heavy objects while also minimizing the opportunity of injury. This is a faster, safer, and easier material handling method when compared to individual or team lifting of materials by hand. Capable of lifting materials up to 110 lbs (50 kg), TAWI’s Container Unloader is comprised of a vacuum lifter integrated with an operator platform and conveyor. With its trigger style controller, the operator can lift and move product without exerting any lifting force and at a faster rate than performed manually. The Container Unloader features a patented jib arm for low overhead spaces which is capable of horizontally gripping packages or materials to remove them from the top of a container or box truck. The unit is free-standing, completely mobile, and powered by either 3-phase electrical or optional battery pack for cordless mobility. Operators can use the remote control to drive the unit as well as the controls on the control panel. This mobilization makes it so that operators can maneuver the Container Unloader in and out of docks and shipping containers as well as to move around your facility or to other facilities in your organization,. “Many businesses are seeing workforce issues in today’s complex economy. This can include locating, training, and retaining qualified material handling employees,” states Nick Hajewski, Global Marketing Director for TAWI. “A vacuum lift reduces this issue of locating human capital by reducing the number of material handlers needed to perform an existing task – especially when team lifting is required. It also opens these heavy lifting applications up to employees not physically capable of manual handling such weights, as the lift does the lifting for the operator – all the operator needs to be able to do is squeeze the control handle. So that’s the secret –less labor required, faster performance due to a lack of physical fatigue, and at the end of the day, everyone is safer because they are not physically lifting the materials themselves. In trials we are seeing a reduction of employees in container unloading operations by 25%, while cutting the time to unload containers in half. This doubles the capacity of existing loading docks and reduces the dependence on hard to find labor”
Orbital Wrapper manufacturer introduces Hot Wire Cutting System to eliminate blade maintenance
Orbital wrapper manufacturer TAB Industries, LLC, Reading, Pa., has introduced a Hot Wire Cutting System for its TAB Wrapper Tornado line of orbital wrapping machines. Offered as an option, the new Hot Wire Cutting System features proprietary technology that automatically cuts the end of the stretch wrap after pallet wrapping by drawing a heated metal wire through the plastic film, then safely conceals the wire for quick cooling. The new design replaces the standard design that uses a blade, eliminating the need for sharpening and replacement along with a potential safety hazard while ensuring a clean cut every time. To be introduced at FABTECH booth #A-5142 in Chicago, Ill. on Sept. 11, 2023 on the latest TAB Wrapper Tornado orbital stretch wrapper model, the Hot Wire Cutting System is available on all of the company’s standard, semi-automated, and fully automated orbital wrappers. The automated device is also available for retrofit on wrapping machines in the field. The TAB Wrapper Tornado orbital wrapping machines apply stretch wrap 360 degrees around and under the pallet and load to create a stable, unitized load that eliminates the need for boxes, crates, and banding. The patented stretch wrapping machines and Hot Wire Cutting System are designed and manufactured at the company’s Reading, Pa. headquarters and delivered with a full warranty.
Episode 414: Dock scheduling with data docks: An interview with Nick Rakovsky
In this episode of the New Warehouse podcast, we sit down with Nick Rakovsky, the founder of Data Docks, a company dedicated to streamlining warehouse operations, explicitly focusing on dock scheduling and optimization. Nick shares insights into his background and what drove him to establish Data Docks. We explore the critical role of the dock within a warehouse and how Data Docks aims to bring efficiency and organization to the vital area of dock scheduling. Transforming Dock Scheduling and Efficiency Nick Rakovsky discusses the challenges he faced as a warehouse manager and how these challenges led to the inception of Data Docks. “I started off running a bunch of warehouses… The main pain points I was facing were accountability and communication. “He highlights the manual and time-consuming nature of dock scheduling and the need for a solution to streamline these processes. Enhancing Communication and Visibility with Dock Scheduling Data Docks provides a platform for customers and carriers to book appointments, receive updates, and streamline communication. Nick discusses the impact of reducing phone calls and emails, improving visibility for internal teams, and ensuring accurate information flows smoothly through the system. “We can validate the information. Now before they can actually go and create the appointment… it’s kind of like having that coordinator in the software, knowing where those rules and how they apply.” The Future of Dock Scheduling with Data Docks Nick Rakovsky shares his vision for the future of Data Docks, emphasizing the importance of further opening up communication and eliminating isolated issues within warehouse operations and dock scheduling. He discusses upcoming features, including a driver check-in portal and additional enhancements to improve communication and visibility. “The big vision is to… get rid of that communication back and forth with our clients and their customers.” Key Takeaways on the Impacts of Dock Scheduling Efficient Dock Scheduling: Data Docks streamlines manual and time-consuming processes, allowing users to gain back up to 60% of their day, allowing them to focus on more valuable tasks. Improved Communication: The platform enhances communication between warehouse teams, customers, and carriers, reducing the need for phone calls and emails and providing real-time updates. Future Innovations: Data Docks is committed to ongoing innovation, with upcoming features designed to enhance communication and visibility within warehouse operations further. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 414: Dock Scheduling with Data Docks: An Interview with Nick Rakovsky
See fast trouble-free changeovers with the new XCP Series Case Packer from Brenton at PACK EXPO 2023
Brenton demonstrates the new XCP Series continuous motion, direct load case packer, and its robotic expertise with an integrated line in Las Vegas While it is cliché to call something a game changer, the new XCP Series case packer from Brenton is pretty close to that. Designed with the customer in mind, the new XCP Series continuous motion, direct load case packer is the latest case packing solution from Brenton, a ProMach brand. The XCP is engineered to enable fast, consistent changeovers, including easy access to all critical areas of operation, making it the ideal case packing solution for applications up to 70 cases per minute. Brenton’s engineering team focused its XCP design on ease of operation, troubleshooting, and access – three attributes that are key to long-term success. The XCP will be flexing its strength in live demonstrations in booth C-3822 at PACK EXPO 2023, Sept. 11-13, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. Brenton is a leader in designing and manufacturing integrated end-of-line packaging systems and machines, specializing in case packing and palletizing, using both robotics and other automation. The XCP Series embodies a more aesthetic design that is intuitive to operate and maintain, making it the ideal case packer for numerous industries and applications in 2023 and beyond. It is designed to run wrap around cases and trays for products in bottles, jars, canisters, cups, and other rigid packaging for the food, personal care, chemicals, and beverage industries. “The goal with the XCP Series was to launch a continuous motion case packer that innovatively reflected the needs of today’s market and clients,” said Landen Stoker, Vice President and General Manager of Brenton. “We captured direct feedback from our customers while collaborating with other ProMach product brands to ensure we designed best in class operator and maintenance access that created a changeover optimized for uptime in today SKU prolific marketplace.” The result of this feedback, research and development is a case packer that makes great strides in the areas of: Changeover repeatability – provides faster, more consistent changeovers Easy access – operators can access all important areas of the machine and be within 6” of the corrugate blank at all operator-side entry points Faster delivery – standardized main design with customized infeed to target a shorter overall lead-time Intuitive HMI – features two-touch navigation to most commonly used functions Ergonomic blank load system – conveyor feed case blank loading system accepts three 26” stacks of blanks at a time The XCP Series includes the XCP-30, XCP-40, and the XCP-C30, which are customized versions of the case packer The addition of the XCP Series to Brenton’s case packing portfolio gives customers a reliable option with speeds reaching up to 70 cases per minute that is competitively priced and ready to perform. PACK EXPO attendees will also see an integrated stack and wrap palletizing solution featuring the new FANUC CR-35iA collaborative robot. This demonstration stars Brenton and Orion, also a ProMach brand, and showcases expertise that both brands have in robotic, palletizing and stretch wrapping applications. To see both the new XCP Series continuous motion, direct load case packer, or the integrated collaborative robotic demonstration with Orion, visit booth C-3822 at PACK EXPO 2023.
Hyundai Material Handling introduces new and innovative products that build for the future
Continuing to illustrate that no one delivers more, Hyundai Material Handling recently introduced a series of new and innovative products that are stronger, safer, more cost-effective and eco-friendly. Unique and advanced design features enhance comfort and reliability while maintaining the highest level of power and durability. “We’re extremely pleased and proud to offer these new state-of-the-art, high-quality products,” said Chief Operating Officer Lewis Byers. “Our new series exemplifies Hyundai Material Handling’s commitment to fulfilling the needs of our dealers and their customers.” The New Forklift Series 9V Series The 9V series satisfies customers’ demands by adapting Hyundai’s powertrain to increase the durability of transmissions and drive axles and enhance driving comfort. It includes the 25/30D 35DN-9V Diesel Pneumatic Forklift Series which offers a powerful, eco-friendly Hyundai diesel engine that meets all EPA/CARB Tier-4 regulations; innovative cost-effectiveness and reliable durability with improved capacity for heavyduty handling; enhanced safety measures; and outstanding operability ergonomics, including a new digital-type cluster with MCU function. Available in 5,000, 6,000, and 7,000-pound-capacity, the 9V Series is sure to improve work efficiency with consistent convenience in any environment. Another key offering in the 9V series is the 22,000-pound-capacity 100D-9V. Redefining the meaning of high performance in heavy-duty forklifts, the 100D-9V combines the power and efficiency of a Cummins diesel engine that meets the world’s most exacting emissions standards. The cab and controls are designed for maximum operator comfort and productivity, and it features innovative systems that will lower costs. 25/30/33LC-9 Series With the LC-9 (LP Cushion) Series, Hyundai Material Handling took its proven design to the next level, adding improvements and exclusive features that improve performance and reliability, and simplify servicing and operation. Available in 5,000, 6,000, and 6,500-pound-capacity, the Hyundai LC-9 series provides enhanced ergonomics and new safety features that help drive productivity while safeguarding not just operators but operations as a whole. B-X Electric Pneumatic Lithium Series The new battery-powered B-X Series brings forklift owners the complete lithium truck package: truck, lithium battery and charger, with an option to apply a conventional lead acid battery. Available in 5,000-pound through 7,000-pound-capacity, the heart of the B-X Series is a design that dramatically reduces energy consumption to cut the cost of ownership. Plus, the B-X Series can take advantage of Lithium-Ion Battery Technology, that provides longer run times, reduced charging time, and lower energy costs with zero emissions. Throughout these rugged machines are innovative features that improve reliability, simplify servicing, enhance safety, and offer a level of operator comfort unsurpassed in the industry. Class III Products Hyundai Material Handling is pleased to provide our dealers and their customers an exciting new selection of Class III products. This series of 10 electric pallet jacks, straddle stackers, and a manual pallet jack possess unique ergonomic designs, strong chassis, and quick-charging lithium batteries. With this new edition of Class III Products, Hyundai and its dealers now offer a complete line of material handling equipment to customers – from the factory floor or warehouse aisles right up to the loading dock.
Orbital Wrapper manufacturer earns second patent
Orbital wrapper manufacturer TAB Industries, LLC, Reading, Pa has earned another patent for an advance in stretch wrapping. Following a patent earned for the development of its TAB Wrapper Tornado orbital stretch wrapper machine, the latest patent awarded as U.S. Patent No. 11,066,198 B2 recognizes the development of a novel stretch film dispenser for orbital wrapping machines. This patented dispensing system automatically applies tension to the stretch wrap as it is applied around the pallet and pallet load to stabilize the cargo faster and use less stretch wrap than previously possible with other stretch wrapping machines or by manual hand-wrapping. Applied on the TAB Wrapper Tornado line of orbital wrappers, the patented stretch wrap dispenser sets the film roll within a circular ring assembly to dispense the stretch wrap around a horizontal axis as it rotates 360 degrees around and under the pallet and load. The innovation allows pallet loads to be stretch wrapped as secure, unitized loads in one minute or less by one worker versus approximately 15 minutes with multiple workers using other wrapping approaches. The patent names TAB Industries President Tom Brizek and Vice President Sales and Marketing Andrew Brizek as Inventors. The TAB Wrapper Tornado orbital wrappers with the stretch wrap dispensing system are designed and manufactured at the company’s Reading, Pa. headquarters and delivered ready to operate with a full warranty.
TVH
Interthor takes parent company’s name in the US on January 1st
From January 1, 2024 Interthor will officially go by the name Logitrans A/S, and move even closer to its parent company and origin in Denmark. Interthor Inc. and Logitrans A/S Denmark met in the early 80s at a tradeshow. The founder of Interthor Carl Thorkildson saw huge potential in the US for the clever compact ergonomic lifting equipment that Logitrans was manufacturing. The Thork Lift was the first product Interthor Inc introduced to the US market. It was the first skid lift in the US. A groundbreaking ergonomic product back then, and today 40+ years on it is still our best-selling product. Carl Thorkildson retired, and Interthor Inc. was acquired by Logitrans A/S back in 2006. Since then Interthor Inc has been running as a direct subsidiary of Logitrans A/S Denmark with its own sales office and warehouse in greater Chicagoland area. As a part of the new business strategy, Logitrans wishes to further synchronize the US division with the headquarter to create an even stronger global brand and presence. “Interthor was founded in 1957 and we have a trusted and well-known brand name in the US, but over the years we have seen more globalization of our end-users. Therefore, it makes sense to use the same name globally for our company. This way end-users know, we are able to service with clever compact ergonomic products no matter, if they are based in Europe, Asia, Australia, North or South America”, says Jesper L Jorgensen VP of Sales in the US. This name change will not affect the organizational structure of Interthor Inc, nor will it affect the relationships with partners, dealers and end-users. Business will run as usual – just under the name Logitrans A/S. The official date for changing from Interthor Inc to Logitrans A/S is January 1st 2024. However, the practical name change will happen gradually, which is why you might see the Logitrans logo on different elements and material starting from now.
Newly redesigned MA Series provides high throughput Stretch Wrapping capabilities to EOL applications
Orion Packaging Systems is displaying its vast array of stretch and pallet wrapping solutions, including a redesigned MA Series fully automatic rotary stretch system, in booth 3822, at PACK EXPO 2023, September 11-13, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Known for durability, efficiency and reliability, Orion offers the most comprehensive line of end-of-line stretch wrapping pallet packaging solutions available, including rotary turntable, rotary tower, orbital, and horizontal wrapping systems. MA Series The MA Series fully automatic rotary tower stretch wrapper provides high throughput stretch wrapping for any application in one module design. Rotary tower stretch wrappers are ideal for unique applications such as heavy, light or unstable loads. “The redesigned MA Series keeps the frame consistent for various applications and makes modifications for required speeds and sizes to the machinery within it,” says Orion VP of Sales Pat Pownall. “A machine running 80 loads per hour will look identical to a machine running 30 loads per hour.” Because of the standardization now available with the MA Series, the rebuild assembly installation system reduces turnaround time from the industry average 35 weeks down to 22 weeks, which is ideal for end-of-year purchases. In addition to faster installation, the MA Series is designed to combat the challenges facing packagers in 2023. The machine is highly intuitive to provide the most protective wrap to each load, saving the cost of items that become loose or damaged during transit. “You have to stretch wrap for the item that is going to slip,” Pownall said. “It might be the second row down or the tenth row down, but you have to know that to wrap properly. The days of two wraps on the top and two wraps on the bottom are gone.” Features and benefits of the newly redesigned MA Series include: Four-legged design for firm, stable operation Wire mesh guarding with interlocked doors and light curtain for operator safety Standard CAT 3 electronics with separate high and low voltage cabinets for added safety systems S-Carriage InstaThread film carriage for 260% pre-stretch to maximize film Open mechanical design for easy access to internal components High speed conveyance and rotary arm speed for high throughput one on machine Allen Bradley HMI with IntelleVue System for smart, easy-to-use controls Attendees can see the power of the redesigned MA Series through interactive video displays. Orion is sharing booth 3822 with Brenton, a robotic end-of-line systems manufacturer. At the show, attendees can also see an integrated packaging system with a robotic cell placing boxes onto an automation stretch wrapping turntable system.
Orbital Wrapper Manufacturer reports 45% increase in smart controls automated wrapping systems
Option on TAB Wrapper Tornado Meets Increasing Demand for Entry-Level Automation Packaging machinery manufacturer TAB Industries, LLC, Reading, Pa., has reported a 45 percent increase for 2022 in year-over-year sales for its Smart Controls orbital wrapping machines. Following a 55 percent increase in sales from 2021, the Smart Controls option features proprietary technology that enables the company’s semi-automated TAB Wrapper Tornado Standard orbital wrappers to operate as automated orbital wrappers. The Smart Controls automatically set the dispensing unit at its home location in the wrapping ring, apply the stretch wrap around the pallet and load, cut the stretch wrap, and ready the plastic film for the next pallet load, all by a single press and release of start and stop buttons on a remote control by the forklift driver. Available on the company’s three TAB Wrapper Tornado Standard models, which offer 80-, 100- and 115-inch wrapping rings, the Smart Controls may be integrated with the original corded remote control or with the company’s optional wireless remote control package, which enables the forklift driver to operate the entire process without leaving the seat of the lift truck. The Smart Controls orbital wrappers are designed and manufactured at the company’s Reading, Pa. headquarters and may be retrofitted onto TAB Wrapper Tornado Standard models in the field.