KION Group and Eurofork sign strategic partnership
KION Group has signed a cooperation agreement with a manufacturer of pallet shuttle systems, Eurofork, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany Eurofork solution E4CUBE® to be distributed through KION Group’s sales networks Andreas Schneider, SVP of Product Management at KION: “With this partnership, we are strengthening our product portfolio in the area of automated solutions” Maurizio Traversa, CEO of Eurofork: “Our partnership will open opportunities for numerous companies to leverage the latest automation technology with our pallet shuttle solution E4CUBE® The KION Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Eurofork S.p.A., a manufacturer of pallet shuttle systems. The two companies have signed a cooperation agreement at KION GROUP AG headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Under the agreement, Eurofork’s E4CUBE® solution will be distributed through the sales and service networks of the KION brands in the Industrial Trucks & Services segment in the EMEA region with immediate effect. Andreas Schneider, Senior Vice President of Product Management at KION, said: “We are very pleased to enter this strategic partnership with Eurofork, one of the leading players in the market for pallet shuttles. This will enable us to offer our customers an even more comprehensive product portfolio of automated solutions and further strengthen our position.” Pallet shuttle systems are an efficient form of storage with high flexibility, continuous material flow, and high throughput rates. Automated shuttles travel independently on rail systems through the racks and transport palletized goods to the picking station. E4CUBE® can be easily configured with standard modules for individual customer solutions and is operational within a few months. In addition, the system ensures the traceability of goods and offers high operational safety. Maurizio Traversa, CEO of Eurofork, said: “We are proud to enter this strategic partnership agreement, which marks a new high of our long-standing cooperation with the KION Group. Our pallet shuttle automation adds substantial value for customers and having KION teaming up with us for the distribution of the E4CUBE® will enable access to easy automation for a wide array of companies. This solution delivers value without unnecessary complexity, including from a financial perspective, thanks to our partner’s leasing solutions.” Eurofork was founded in 2000 in Roletto near Turin, Northwest Italy. The company specializes in producing material handling devices such as pallet shuttle systems and telescopic forks made in Italy. Eurofork products and solutions are used worldwide in industrial automation and intralogistics thanks to their quality and efficiency.
Linde MH expands Warehouse Product-line with the new MT15B and MT22
Linde Material Handling, a member of KION North America, has expanded its warehouse product portfolio bringing two innovative pallet trucks to North America: the Linde MT15B and MT22. Both trucks embrace the values of versatility, efficiency, and performance which are the basis for Linde product design. The MT15B is a 3,300 lb. capacity pallet truck powered by a 20Ah Li-ION battery. The onboard charger allows for easy opportunity charging – plugging in the truck on breaks and downtime throughout the shift – which greatly extends the life of the charge. As an option, you can replace the onboard charger with a second Li-ION battery. Both batteries are fully removable to be charged externally, increasing the operating time even further with battery hot swapping. The MT22 is a 4,500 lb. capacity pallet truck developed around a powerful 24v/100Ah Li-ION battery. Equipped standard with an onboard charger, short chassis length for a small turning radius, and durable caster wheels, the MT22 powerhouse is built to operate in variable working conditions. This pallet truck also includes the signature Linde tiller head with ergonomic control placements to reduce operator movements. These additions signify the commitment to innovation and continuous improvement held by KION North America. “With their cutting-edge lithium-ion technology and exceptional value, these pedestrian walkie-pallet jacks will empower businesses to optimize efficiency and productivity in their operations,” shares Jena-Christine Lawrence, Director of Product Management, Strategy & Training at KION NA. “We are being very deliberate to keep evolving customer needs at the top of our minds. You can see this with the standard features available on the new MT15B and MT22.”
Raymond West hosts 10th annual Pink Pallet Jack project to benefit Breast Cancer awareness
Raymond West will hold the 10th annual Pink Pallet Jack Project auction in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month from Oct. 18 through 29 Raymond West, an authorized Raymond Solutions and Support Center, will hold the tenth annual Pink Pallet Jack Project online auction in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month from Oct. 18 through 29. The 11-day auction will begin Oct. 18 at 12 a.m. PDT on Auctria.com (auctria.events/pinkpalletjack), where participants can bid on three pink Raymond® 8210 powered pallet jacks from suppliers. The auction will end Oct. 29 at 12 a.m. PDT. Winning bids will be announced the first week of November, with all proceeds from the auction being donated to The Tina Fund, Breast Cancer Angels and Northwest Hope & Healing. The Raymond 8210 powered pallet jack, part of The Raymond Corporation’s intralogistics solutions portfolio, is ideal for retail store, wholesale delivery and food processing applications that require navigation in tight and/or congested areas. The lift truck also will include Raymond’s exclusive Click2Creep™ design, which automatically reduces maximum travel speed, providing a tighter turn radius for pinwheeling or right-angle turning. Raymond’s Pink Pallet Jack Project has raised more than $175,000 for breast cancer over the past nine years.
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.
Raymond expands pallet truck lineup
Three new lift trucks offer expanded capabilities, operator comfort and convenience features, and full integration with Raymond® telematics With personnel, time, and budgets already stretched to the limits, storage, distribution, and e-commerce operations need every advantage they can get to stay competitive. That’s why The Raymond Corporation has announced the availability of three new Class III lift trucks, each designed with the capabilities facility and fleet managers need to keep their products and their operations moving smoothly and efficiently. “Our company was founded on the idea of innovation in material handling, and these new trucks continue that tradition,” said Chad Kritzman, product manager at The Raymond Corporation. “With class-leading performance, a range of operator comfort and convenience features, available telematics integration and the versatility to take on a variety of material handling tasks and movements, the new Raymond Class III lift trucks are among the most capable we’ve ever built.” The new Class III offerings from Raymond include: Raymond® 8810 Side Entry Pallet Truck. Model 8810 brings superior maneuverability, comfort, and productivity to a wide range of material handling and low-level order-picking applications. With ergonomically designed features and easy access from either side, Model 8810 allows operators to work easier and ride more comfortably. “The 8810 is an operator-friendly truck that has the performance to match,” Kritzman said. “With features like the height-adjustable backrest and control handle, the operator-sensing floor mat, built-in grab handles, and an ergonomic backrest, the 8810 allows the operator to work easily, comfortably, and confidently. Plus, forks-first or tractor-first capability makes the 8810 perfect for a wide range of applications, such as dock work, loading and unloading, horizontal transport, low-level picking, cold storage, and more.” Raymond 8530 Rider-Stacker. More economical than traditional standup counterbalanced forklifts and more productive than walkie stackers, Model 8530 offers exceptional versatility and capability. Ideal for horizontal transport, low-level order picking, and vertical pallet handling applications, Model 8530 can easily handle floor or first-level loads and can interface with racks and conveyors. “The 8530 is a quick, smooth-turning truck that allows operators to move more pallets or pick more cases per hour, all with lower energy consumption,” Kritzman said. “Pallet handling, order picking, product movement, P&D — the 8530 can do it all.” Raymond 8630 Tow Tractor. Model 8630 is ideal for high-capacity, high-volume transport, and batch-picking operations. It offers a full 15,000 pounds of towing capacity on flat surfaces to handle more carts and lower the cost per move. At just 33.25 inches wide, Model 8630 can easily work in tight, congested areas. Model 8630 can tow up to 7,500 pounds on up to an 11% grade, providing exceptional performance on ramps. “With its narrow stance and exceptional towing capacity, the 8630 is purpose-built for heavy-duty applications, especially in confined spaces,” Kritzman said. “Plus, operators will love the cushioned backrest, floor mat, and knee pad.” Each of these three new Class III lift trucks is available with Raymond’s iWAREHOUSE® telematics, giving fleet and facility managers the ability to acquire and analyze fleet, asset, and workforce data by using a wide range of customizable insights, including fleet sizing, labor efficiency, asset maintenance, and personnel and asset movement.
BlueBotics
Cherry’s Industrial Equipment Corp
Raymond West hosts 9th Annual Pink Pallet Jack Project to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness
Raymond West will hold the 9th annual Pink Pallet Jack Project auction in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month from Oct. 12 through 22 Raymond West, an authorized Raymond Solutions and Support Center, will hold the ninth annual Pink Pallet Jack Project online auction in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month from Oct. 12 through 22. The 10-day auction will begin Oct. 12 at 7 a.m. PST, when participants can bid on a pink Raymond® 8210 powered pallet jack. The auction will end on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. PST. Winning bids will be announced the week of Nov. 1, with all proceeds from the auction being donated to The Tina Fund, Northwest Hope & Healing and Breast Cancer Angels. The Raymond 8210 powered pallet jack, part of The Raymond Corporation’s intralogistics solutions portfolio, is ideal for retail store, wholesale delivery, and food processing applications that require navigation in tight and/or congested areas. The lift truck includes Raymond’s exclusive Click2Creep™ design, which automatically reduces maximum travel speed, providing a tighter turn radius for pinwheeling or right-angle turning. Raymond’s Pink Pallet Jack Project has raised over $150,000 for breast cancer over the past eight years. To learn more about the auction and to place a bid, visit www.raymondwest.com.
PLA announces opening of Houston pallet management facility
The new location further expands PLA’s nationwide pallet, logistics, and supply chain services capabilities PLA, a portfolio company of Silver Oak Services Partners, LLC (“Silver Oak”), has announced the opening of its newest pallet services facility in Houston, Texas. The addition of this facility brings PLA’s total number of facilities to 76. The new location is centrally located to bring new and recycled pallet supply, transportation, and other supply chain services to customers throughout the greater Houston metro area. Conveniently located just off I-45 and the Sam Houston Tollway, this location will serve PLA’s supply chain customers across a 150-mile radius, overlapping service areas with the company’s San Antonio and Dallas facilities. The nearly 23,000 square foot facility on over eight acres will feature 10 dock doors and process over 3 million pallets annually. The facility has also been equipped with state-of-the-art automated sort and repair equipment which supports PLA’s key focus areas of employee health and safety, customer service, and environmental sustainability. “We’re proud to continue expanding our nationwide footprint to better serve our loyal customers,” said Kyle Otting, PLA’s CEO. “We have had a long history serving customers in the Houston market from our other Texas operations, so adding a facility in Houston was a natural fit for PLA as we expand our extensive supply chain services network and help our customers stay on top of it all.” The Houston facility will bring at least 35 new jobs to the area and is located at 112221 N. Houston Rosslyn Road, Houston, TX, 77086.
Columbia/Okura LLC
Toyota Material Handling adds to electric Walkie Pallet Jack lineup
Toyota Material Handling (TMH) has launched two AC-powered walkie pallet jacks under the brand Tora-Max – including an all-new Compact Electric Walkie Pallet Jack. These new models add to Toyota’s industry-leading lineup of electric products and are an ideal solution for customers in the warehousing, manufacturing, beverage, retail, and distribution industries. Both models are available for order online at MyToyotaStore.com and at TMH dealers across North America. “These new ergonomic walkies are perfect for customers who need a fast, turnkey solution for their material handling needs,” said TMH Product Planning Manager Jena-Christine Lawrence. “This product launch is the latest example of Toyota’s mission to provide versatile and valuable solutions for any type of customer.” The Compact Tora-Max Walkie Pallet Jack delivers optimal maneuverability and exceptional power with a capacity of up to 3,300 pounds. The compact design allows for effortless navigation when working in trailers and tight spaces, and comes equipped with an exchangeable lithium-ion battery that allows for fast charging and quick, easy battery replacement. The Compact model also features a multifunction control handle with ergonomic hand grips, fingertip controls of all functions, and an LCD display that shows battery usage and important truck information such as fault codes and working hours. “The vertical driving position allows operators to maneuver in confined areas without fully extending the control handle,” Lawrence said. “The control handle was designed for comfort and intuitive use so operators can quickly learn to use the equipment.” The full-size Tora-Max Walkie Pallet Jack is built to carry up to 4,000 pounds, and its high ground clearance permits easy operation over transitions and uneven surfaces. This model comes equipped with an AC drive motor and a sealed, maintenance-free lead-acid battery with a built-in charger to maximize uptime. Both models offer useful features such as an electric lift and lower, a turtle mode button to slow the maximum operating speed for enhanced handling control, and an optional high-load backrest.
ORBIS BRINGS THE LATEST IN AUTOMATED AND SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING SOLUTIONS TO MODEX 2022
ORBIS® Corporation, an international leader in reusable packaging, will highlight the intersection of automation with sustainability in reusable packaging solutions at this year’s MODEX show, Booth B8419. ORBIS offers a variety of packaging solutions— including reusable plastic pallets, totes, bulk containers and metal solutions — and services that help supply chains find efficiencies, improve the flow of product and increase sustainability, all while reducing costs. ORBIS is exhibiting at this year’s show held in Atlanta, March 28-31. A prominent feature of the booth will be reusable containers and pallets optimized for automated systems. The booth will highlight the importance of increasing supply chain sustainability by showcasing reusable packaging solutions that can be manufactured, used, reused and reprocessed without impacting the solid waste stream. In addition to promoting the role reusables play in driving the circular economy concept, the booth will emphasize the importance in choosing the right container in the design of automated systems. “As supply chains evolve and the adoption of modern storage systems increases across all industries, we’re committed to delivering our customers reusable packaging solutions that meet the needs of automated systems while also supporting supply chain sustainability,” said Bob Petersen, VP of marketing and product management at ORBIS Corporation. “From primary packaging applications to e-commerce, automotive and more, we offer a variety of packaging solutions that help our customers keep up with today’s demands while reducing their impact on the planet.” With sustainability, e-commerce and automation top of mind for today’s supply chain managers, the ORBIS booth will showcase a variety of packaging solutions and programs for primary packaging, retail, automotive and industrial operations, including: E-commerce solutions for in-store and distribution centers From pick-to-order and order staging to curbside delivery and merchandising, ORBIS offers solutions for all aspects of e-commerce fulfillment. These versatile packaging solutions provide transportation efficiencies as they are stackable and nestable, and ease the picking process for associates by reducing touches, maximizing order quantity, ensuring fast and accurate delivery, and more. OpteBulk™ systems An optimal replacement for single-use fiber corrugated boxes and wooden pallets, the OpteBulk™ system is a pallet, sleeve and top cap system designed to efficiently handle and transport products in a wide variety of industries. Ideal for both manual and automated environments, the OpteBulk system offers sustainability, transportation and cost-saving benefits. The new 6-fold sleeve pack is optimized specifically for the manufacturing and transportation of primary packaging products, including beverage preforms, caps and closures, and blown bottle applications. 40×48 Odyssey® pallet The 40×48 Odyssey® pallet provides stability with unique design features, including optional steel reinforcements and molded-in frictional elements. These elements minimize load shifting, do not damage cases or product, and prevent pallet slippage off fork equipment. The Odyssey pallet is also a highly durable and sustainable solution, with 36 times the life span of a 40×48-inch whitewood stringer pallet, according to a recent study. In FasTrack life-cycle analysis testing, the Odyssey plastic pallet completed 400 cycles through the supply chain without failure, compared with the wood pallet’s 11 cycles. PlastiCorr® reusable plastic box PlastiCorr® reusable plastic box is a direct replacement for corrugated fiber boxes with identical functionality and enhanced features. This sustainable solution works seamlessly with existing automated packaging lines and is ideal for food, beverage and CPG applications. The patented design of the PlastiCorr box allows the box’s flaps to fold and straighten like new every time, allowing PlastiCorr reusable plastic boxes to be reused over 70 times with no change to pack count or pallet configurations. ORBIShield® protective dunnage ORBIShield dunnage is designed to protect unique vehicle parts during transit, assembly and storage using a variety of foam, rigid and fabric materials. The PolySilk™ nonwoven center fabric is ideal for soft divider sets, hanging bags used for lightweight parts, and protection for extra-delicate Class-A components, chrome and painted parts. Composed of extruded polypropylene, Lite Foam™ dunnage offers uniform strength and eliminates the ribbing effect seen in other lightweight dunnage materials. The design versatility of Lite Foam dunnage allows for multiapplication use — making it ideal for the automotive supply chain. StakPak® Plus container The StakPak® Plus tote adds various collar sizes to increase a container’s height to accommodate unique-shaped parts commonly found in the industrial and automotive supply chains. These containers take all the best attributes of the traditional StakPak container, including reusability and cost savings, and combine them with customized heights to increase container capacity. In addition, all StakPak Plus totes are fully compatible with existing totes in the industry. Other products for the industrial supply chain will also be on hand, including the AdjustaPak™ sliding dunnage, the collapsible 48 x45 BulkPak® containers and electrostatic discharge safe packaging. At MODEX 2022, ORBIS will offer two presentations: Optimizing In-Store and Warehouse Operations for E-Commerce with Reusable Packaging; March 28; 1:30 p.m. Speaker: Andrea Nottestad, senior product manager Location: DC Velocity’s Transportation & Logistics Theater Drive Automated System Uptime with Reusable Totes; March 29; 2:15 p.m. Speaker: Andrea Nottestad, senior product manager Location: Theater B Visit ORBIS at MODEX 2022, Booth B8419, to learn more, or go to orbiscorporation.com. For members of the media interested in visiting the ORBIS booth and speaking with one of our experts, please contact Kate Daniels at kdaniels@bader-rutter.com. About ORBIS Corporation With more than 170 years of material handling expertise and 65 years of plastics innovations, ORBIS helps world-class customers move their product faster, safer and more cost-effectively with reusable totes, pallets, containers, dunnage and racks. Using a proven approach, ORBIS experts analyze customers’ systems, design a solution and execute a reusable packaging program for longer-term cost savings and sustainability. Using life-cycle assessments to compare reusable and single-use packaging, ORBIS also helps customers reduce their overall environmental impact. ORBIS is a part of Menasha Corporation, one of the oldest family-owned manufacturers in the United States. As a steward of sustainability, ORBIS is committed to a better world for future generations. Headquartered in Oconomowoc, ORBIS has more than 2,500 employees and 55 locations throughout North America and Europe. For more information, please visit www.orbiscorporation.com, www.facebook.com/ORBISCorporation, www.twitter.com/orbiscorp, https://www.linkedin.com/company/orbiscorporation or www.youtube.com/orbiscorp.
Interthor/Logitrans is even more focused on green conversion – now with ISO 14001 certification
The Danish owner-managed company, Interthor Inc./Logitrans A/S, which for many decades has excelled in the global market for material handling equipment with its unique ergonomic solutions and high quality, is now even more focused on the green conversion. Most recently, Interthor/Logitrans has achieved another certification; the very recognized international standard in environmental management systems, ISO 14001. This standard sets specific requirements for the company to identify and understand its environmental impacts on activities and products. The company must establish an environmental policy, environmental objectives and set clear goals for improving its environmental efforts. “During the past year, we have worked purposefully to establish a strong foundation and a common understanding of environmental management system at Interthor / Logitrans, and we are therefore very proud of our ISO 14001 certification. With this certification, we have a tool to deliver environmental improvement results and to reduce pollution, waste generation, and inappropriate emissions into the environment ”. says Inese Niedola, QHSE Coordinator at Interthor/Logitrans. “We want to work strategically and consciously with our environmental goals and thereby minimize our environmental impact. With the ISO 14001 certification, we must constantly make improvements and evaluate. We have already done this before we were certified, but now we want to put even more focus on the environmental area. Over the past five years, Interthor/Logitrans has achieved very specific energy-saving measures, as electricity consumption has fallen by approx. 31%, which corresponds to a decrease in the CO2 footprint, cf. BBV tool, of 46.4 t. CO2″. added Niedola. “We have achieved the reduction through energy efficiency, where we, among other things. have replaced an exhaust system with regrowth and replaced an air compressor in our production, which has helped to reduce a large part of our electricity and gas consumption. We have also set some goals for further reduction and thereby expect to contribute even more to reducing our environmental impact. Our environmental certification should not just be visible on our website – it is a living and constant process that we will constantly work with “, explains Inese Niedola. Interthor/Logitrans’ goal is to work environmentally consciously, contribute actively and work purposefully with the green conversion, and Interthor / Logitrans therefore also works with the project “Klimaklar SMV” (“Climate Ready SME”), where small and medium-sized companies can get advice on how to strengthen growth and competitiveness via a specific climate strategy, CO2 calculation, and branding. Behind the project, you find the Manufacturing Industry, Danish Industry, and the Danish Industry Foundation in collaboration with other competent partners. Interthor/Logitrans also works with the nation-wide project ”Grøn Cirkulær Omstilling” (“Green Circular Transformation”), where the focus is put on development in a more sustainable and circular direction. This project is financed by the EU. “We have for a very long time focused on reducing CO2 emissions and green circular conversion, and through this work, we are now much more aware of our CO2 emission and how we can reduce it. The work has only just started, and we have high expectations and a lot of initiatives in the pipeline. One of the next projects is to make an overall sustainability strategy, which will become part of our overall strategy and a strategy for how we will implement and work with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. ” said CEO Gitte Kirkegaard.
Raymond Basics introduces Edge Lithium-ion Stacker
The Raymond Corporation announces the latest addition to its Raymond Basics product line with the Edge Stacker — a motorized, lithium-ion stacker with a 2,600-pound capacity. Ideal for light-duty applications, the Edge Stacker offers high maneuverability with the capability to lift loads as high as 140 inches. The Edge Stacker also features an electric lift, lower and travel to increase operator productivity as well as adjustable base legs to suit multiple pallet sizes and aisle widths. Available through Raymond’s e-commerce portal and a nationwide network of Solutions and Support Centers, the Edge Stacker and the entire Raymond Basics product line can be ordered and running quickly. Offering easy-to-use controls with enhanced ergonomic controls, like dual thumb controls for left- or right-handed users, the Edge Stacker is ideal for light-duty applications, including warehousing, distribution, home centers, and other facilities. The Edge Stacker also offers enhanced load stability and handling with its load backrest, which is included standard on all configurations. “The Edge Stacker, along with its budget-friendly price and short delivery time, helps customers perform a variety of tasks quickly and efficiently, giving operations a competitive advantage,” said Mike Distin, product manager for Raymond Basics. “The Edge Stacker offers enhanced productivity with electric travel, lift and lower as well as lithium-ion battery technology that offers faster charging and longer run-times.”
15,000# Pallet Trucks and More from Sroka
The heavy-duty Sroka electric walkie pallet trucks, also known as electric pallet jacks, are the most rugged, no-nonsense workhorses in the industry. Sroka offers flexible design features and capacities up to 30,000 lbs. Using time-tested designs based on years of heavy-duty applications, our motorized pallet trucks can be relied upon day after day. Custom pallet jack options include fork length, fork width, width over forks, and fork profile. Click here to download the brochure.
Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) and Logitrans enter Strategic Collaboration to build Autonomous Pallet Jacks
New solutions will combine MiR’s autonomous mobile robot (AMR) navigation and software expertise with Logitrans’ decades of material handling knowledge to fill the gap in ground-to-ground pallet movement Autonomous mobile robot (AMR) market provider Mobile Industrial Robots A/S (MiR) and a major material handling equipment manufacturer, Logitrans A/S, have entered a strategic collaboration to build autonomous pallet jacks. Designed to fill a gap in the market for safely, efficiently, and autonomously lifting pallets directly from the ground, the autonomous pallet jack will combine MiR’s autonomous navigation and software capabilities with the functionality of electric pallet jacks developed by Logitrans over the last 80 years. The companies plan to develop a new range of autonomous pallet jacks that will supplement MiR’s current heavy-payload mobile robots, which can transport pallets and goods smoothly and safely among people and other transport equipment in dynamic surroundings. MiR’s existing robots can pick up pallets from specially designed pallet racks, and many MiR customers are requesting AMRs that can pick up and deliver pallets from the ground. The collaboration enables both MiR and Logitrans to meet customer demands while also creating many new business opportunities in an emerging market. “Our mission has always been to transform the way companies handle internal logistics so they can be more productive and competitive—and this new initiative is another giant step forward in doing so,” said Søren E. Nielsen, president of MiR. “Combining our software competencies with Logitrans’ decades of hardware knowledge will help us to quickly fill this gap so that we can support our customers throughout their entire value chain.” While MiR has identified a need among its customers, Logitrans also sees an increased demand to automate existing pallet moving processes. “We know that the material handling industry is moving towards automation,” said Gitte Kirkegaard, CEO of Logitrans. “It is part of our identity to always be in front regarding product development within our business range. Being able to automate our products will help us maintain our leading position. We do not have the in-house capabilities for this type of product, so the collaboration with MiR is a great match for us.” New Solution Expands AMR and Pallet Jack Capabilities to Cover Most Intralogistics Needs MiR and Logitrans plan to make a fully automated and semi-automated autonomous pallet jack to fulfill different needs in the logistics processes. The long-term and strategic initiative of establishing new business areas and products for both MiR and Logitrans leverage the high-quality hardware equipment of Logitrans and the same advanced navigation technology and sophisticated fleet software as MiR’s traditional AMRs. “When these AMR pallet jacks come to market, companies can rely on MiR as a solution provider for most of their intralogistics needs,” Nielsen added. “Collaborating with Logitrans will help us meet the increasing demands for these offerings even sooner, which in turn will help our customers reach their business goals.” “With the joint competencies of MiR’s excellence in robots and Logitrans’ comprehensive product portfolio and ability to customize, we envision a future where customers can get the exact AMR solution of their needs,” Kirkegaard said.
Seegrid Lift Truck AMR is the Market’s most advanced Automated Forklift
Autonomous mobile robotics provider creates next-generation autonomy platform with humanlike 3D perception Seegrid Corporation, the provider in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for material handling, just announced new details surrounding the technology that powers Seegrid Palion™ Lift AMR, the company’s first autonomous lift truck. Palion Lift is equipped with the most advanced generation of Seegrid IQ, the company’s autonomy technology, and is the only lift truck AMR in the market with industry-leading 3D perception. Seegrid’s acquisition of Box Robotics is a driver of the company’s acceleration of next-generation Seegrid IQ technology, delivering enhanced perception and productivity to Seegrid’s AMR fleet. The company was also recently named #1 for all mobile robots in the United States in the 2021 Mobile Robot report by Interact Analysis, an international market research authority for the supply chain automation industry. “Seegrid and its AMRs are undergoing massive growth and eclipsing alternative material handling solutions to increase productivity and safety as logistics, eCommerce, and manufacturing facilities demand flexibility, reliability, and scalability,” said Jim Rock, Seegrid’s Chief Executive Officer. “Palion Lift AMRs provide next level, 360° safety to flawlessly execute vertical movements and reliably self-navigate in busy, ever-changing industrial environments.” Seegrid Palion AMRs benefit from decades of innovation. The latest generation of Palion AMR autonomy, Seegrid IQ, fuses data from cameras, LiDAR, and machine learning models with the company’s proprietary 3D computer vision system to provide safe and reliable material handling. “Seegrid IQ, the company’s proprietary autonomy technology, brings together our breakthrough 3D vision-based navigation technology pioneered by Dr. Hans Moravec with our best-in-class 3D situational awareness capabilities,” said Todd Graves, Chief Technology Officer. “Seegrid AMRs have the intelligence to perceive, plan, and control their movement, enabling them to reliably and safely perform in highly dynamic, complex, and fast-moving industrial settings.” Seegrid has long been a technology innovator since its founding in 2003 by world-renowned roboticist Hans Moravec, the company’s Chief Scientist. Seegrid Blue Labs, its dedicated in-house research and development group, specializes in advanced technology for the company’s future product innovations. Palion Lift is Seegrid’s latest innovation, safely automating the movement of palletized goods in workflows that involve transporting payloads up to 3,500 pounds throughout customer operations, retrieving, and securely placing them at heights of up to six feet for a complete, end-to-end solution. “Our logistics, eCommerce, and manufacturing customers need proven, scalable automation solutions to retain their competitive advantage in an era of relentless consumer demand,” said Jim Rock, Seegrid’s Chief Executive Officer. “Palion Lift is just the tip of the iceberg as to what Seegrid IQ will deliver to the materials handling industry.”
Raymond introduces next-generation 8910 Rider Pallet Truck with enhanced technology features
Ergonomic intralogistics solution ideal for heavy-duty and throughput applications The Raymond Corporation has added a new lithium-ion-ready rider pallet truck to its suite of intralogistics solutions. The newly introduced, next-generation Raymond® 8910 enclosed end rider pallet truck with iWAREHOUSE® telematics solutions is ideal for heavy-duty and high-throughput applications. This comfortable pallet truck features intuitive, easy-to-use controls and a roomy operator compartment with enhanced ergonomics, especially for long hauls. The pallet truck also features ergonomically enhanced steering and a deadman pedal requiring less effort to operate. “With skilled labor in short supply, operations are looking for technologies that are operator-friendly and ergonomic,” said Chad Kritzman, product manager of pallet trucks for The Raymond Corporation. “This cutting-edge pallet jack provides a user-friendly operating experience with features like auto-slowdown when cornering to further enhance load stability and operator confidence.” The new 8910 rider pallet truck contains several enhanced features, including: The ability to easily integrate with a full suite of telematics solutions through the iWAREHOUSE Fleet Management System, allowing operations to gather valuable information directly from their fleet and workforce to enhance efficiency and reliability. A newly updated OCSS option that is designed for work in cold-storage applications. Upgraded technology components that reduce energy consumption, providing a longer uptime. Reduced head length, which enables a smaller turning radius for greater maneuverability in tight areas. Automatic drive tire centering upon startup and auto-slowdown when cornering. Ideal material handling applications for the 8910 enclosed end rider pallet truck include: Horizontal transportation Manufacturing Long runs to P&D stations Cold storage Pallet breakdown Various fork lengths are available to maximize productivity in a variety of order picking applications.
Powered Stacker is versatile and easy to use
PowerStak™ high performance, fully powered stackers from Presto ECOA are the perfect solution for a wide range of load transporting and stacking requirements. Unlike manual push stackers, PowerStak units are equipped with powered drive allowing palletized loads to be moved effortlessly by any operator regardless of their size or physical strength – even over long distances. In addition to being easier to use than manual stackers, PowerStak units offer a significant economic advantage over forklift trucks. Compact design, low overall weight, and quiet operation allow them to fit nicely into a wide variety of work environments including warehouses and distribution centers, manufacturing and assembly work cells, on all types of loading docks, and even in big-box retail and home improvement centers. Six models are available in fork-over configurations for use with open bottom pallets or with adjustable straddle bases for use with any style pallet including the closed bottom. All models have a 2,200 lb. capacity at a 24” load center. Available lifting heights are 62”, 101”, 125” and 150”. Most models are available for shipment with one week. An abundance of performance and convenience features make PowerStak Stackers the safest, easiest to operate powered stackers available. All models feature an ergonomically designed control handle that puts all functions including lift, lower, forward, and reverse within easy reach for operator comfort and convenience. The redundant design allows all controls to be accessed by the operator’s right or left hand. An instrument control panel features a key switch, emergency e-stop, battery status indicator, and hour meter. For operator safety, an auto-reversing belly switch protects operators from potential injury when walking the unit backwards, while an automatic brake halts travel when the drive/steering handle is released. A Turtle Speed switch reduces drive speed by 50% to give operators more precise control when working in high traffic areas, tight quarters or accessing items in racks.
Cascade Corporation acquires Lift-Tek
Cascade Corporation, the global provider in the manufacturing of lift truck attachments, forks, and related technologies, has successfully completed the acquisition of mast manufacturer Lift Technologies, Inc. (USA) and Lift-Tek Elecar S.p.A. (Italy) – more commonly known as Lift-Tek – from Calvi Holding S.p.A as wholly-owned subsidiaries. Lift-Tek is a major global manufacturer of masts, including models in two, three, four, and five-stage configurations, with capacities up to 52 tons for a wide variety of applications. Products are used on both electric and internal combustion (IC) lift trucks, very narrow aisle lift trucks, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), telehandlers, and more. Established in 1999, Lift-Tek is recognized by OEMs in the industry for high-quality mast products and years of expertise in materials handling. With manufacturing facilities located in Westminster, South Carolina, USA, and Piacenza, Italy, Lift-Tek currently serves the North American and European markets as well as international customers. “We look forward to this new chapter in our company’s history,” says Angelo Ceresa, Board Member of Lift-Tek Elecar S.p.A. “We believe working together with Cascade brings excellent new potential to our operations and that our customers will benefit greatly from this development.” The acquisition gives the company the unique opportunity to bundle Lift-Tek masts with Cascade attachments for those customers who require a custom solution for the front end of their lift truck or automated guided vehicle (AGV). With Lift-Tek’s special engineering capabilities combined with Cascade’s latest attachment technologies, such as mobile weighing and sensing capabilities, the acquisition provides opportunities for synergy and growth when it comes to product development for digitally integrated solutions. “Lift-Tek’s reputation for quality products makes them a natural fit for the Cascade family,” says Davide Roncari, President & CEO of Cascade Corporation. “Together, we will be able to provide enhanced options for those customers in need of specialized, integrated mast/attachment solutions.” Lift-Tek will continue normal operations as independent subsidiaries under Cascade Corporation ownership.