Many new and innovative pallets and other materials handling products were recently introduced at ProMat2011, one of the largest materials handling trade shows in the U.S.
Held biannually, this year’s show saw over 30,000 attendees and around 700 exhibitors.
George Prest, CEO of Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), the conference sponsor, reported that the attendees were planning to spend $75 billion in capital spending over the next 18 months, giving the exhibitors a high incentive to bring out the best of their new products. The result was many notable premiers which included new pallets, bulk containers, machinery, and technology. The following is a highlight of some of the show premiers. For a more complete list of the products unveiled at the show, visit www.promatshow.com.
Pallets
• iGPS announced an agreement with Egemin Automation that will pair iGPS’ RFID embedded pallets with Egemin’s automatic guided vehicles and RFID readers to enable scanning and tracking of each load during transport. The captured data is then automatically transmitted to the facility’s warehouse management system, eliminating load blind spots within a warehouse. iGPS said the automated system provides a higher level of supply chain knowledge and visibility than was achievable in the past.
• A new hygienic pallet intended for the food and pharmaceutical industries was premiered by Polymer Solutions International. It is a one-piece molded pallet, made of FM-approved material to meet fire retardant requirements, is full perimeter edge-rackable to 2,200 pounds with four stringers and also comes in a three-stringer model.
More information can be found at www.prostackpallets.com.
• A new aluminum pallet designed to compete directly with wood pallets was introduced by AL Pallet. The Ultra-Light pallet is a low-weight pallet with a capacity comparable to similar wooden pallets. It is designed to reduce logistics costs, specifically in the one-way air logistics market, and is also suitable to closed-loop systems. AL Pallet said its unique structural qualities contribute to its high strength which reduces damage to cargo and allows repeated use if desired.
Additional details can be found at www.alpalletusa.com.
• ORBIS Corporation had its new 40×48 Stack’R pallet on display. The rackable/stackable plastic pallet is designed to store, ship and handle products throughout the food, consumer goods, agricultural and pharmaceutical supply chains. This lightweight pallet is available in polypropylene or polyethylene plastic and features versatile handling with 4-way fork truck entry, an optional cross stringer, and open or solid deck options.
Visit www.orbiscorporation.com for more information.
• Corrugated pallets were promoted at the show by Sonoco. Sonoco’s one-way FirmaDeck pallets are custom designed to meet customers’ needs. Options include 4-way entry, racking capabilities, unique sizes and testing to certify that the pallet can carry the required weight. Though more expensive than comparable one-way wood pallets, they are lighter than wood, do not need any phytosanitary or heat treatments, and can be shipped flat to save space during transportation, making them cost efficient, especially for exports. More details can be found at www.sonoco.com.
• Cabka showcased a shuttle pallet for automated high racking systems. Offering a high degree of dimensional stability and reliability, the CABKA-Shuttle comes as a 48×32 or a 48×40, but accepts pallets of all different quality, size and type using a piggyback system and transports them safely through the automated conveying systems.
Bulk Containers
• SchoellerArca Systems (SAS) has reentered the North American bulk container market with its introduction of two new lines of collapsible containers. The new Combo Life 315 NG builds upon the legacy of SAS’s Combo Life containers by improving forklift access, container capacity and construction, and return ratios, the company said. Also, an expanded list of container options allows end-users to customize the container to their specific operation and needs. SAS’s new Magnum Optimum line of bulk containers is a modular system built upon a 47”x39” base which can be outfitted with a variety of feet, skid and wall combinations.
Further information is available at www.schoellerarcasystems.com.
• A new class of pallet-sized, collapsible containers featuring an integrated pallet and lid system was presented by Buckhorn, Inc. With a 48”x40” footprint, and a capacity up to 1,000 lbs., the Maximizer is designed for shipping and storing light-duty dry goods. It can easily be constructed by one person and is made from moisture-resistant plastic allowing it to be stored indoors or outdoors. Its innovative design offers two full-width access side doors and four-way forklift entry.
Detailed specifications are available at www.buckhorninc.com.
Materials Handling Machinery
• Hyster introduced its new energy-saving electric lift truck. With lifting capacities of 3,000 to 4,000 lbs., the E30-40XN lift truck is highly durable and is among the most productive on the market, said Hyster. It is more energy efficient than previous models by providing low energy consumption. Also, by utilizing AC motors and transistor controller technology for all traction and hydraulic systems, Hyster has reduced the frequency and cost of maintenance.
• Rather than promoting its pallets at the show, CHEP featured its new materials handling simulator. The simulator expanded the range of testing available at CHEP’s Innovation Center in Orlando and simulates distribution and supply chain conditions to measure handling impacts throughout the entire distribution life cycle. CHEP executives said the lab will enable better decision-making for CHEP and ultimately CHEP customers by allowing quick comparisons of pallet durability and performance improvements against a control group representing current pallet platforms.
