Orders for material handling equipment increased by 22% in 2010, and they’re predicted to increase another 11-12% in 2011 and 2012, according to the Material Handling Equipment Manufacturing Forecast (MHEM) released by Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA, www.mhia.org).
"Industrial production activity is increasing and factory operating rates, or utilization, are rapidly improving as demand is shifting from recovery mode to near normal levels," says Hal Vandiver, MHIA executive consultant. "MHEM will benefit from demand for more efficient use of capacity in warehousing, distribution and manufacturing in the near term and expanding residential and non-residential building sectors in late 2012 and early 2013."
In addition, shipments of material handling equipment grew by 6% in 2010, and they’re forecasted to grow another 12-13% in 2011 and 2012. Domestic demand, shipments plus imports less exports, grew amost 4% in 2010. Domestic demand will likely be similar to shipment growth in 2011, and exports should be stronger than imports in 2011.
The MHEM forecast of material handling equipment manufacturing is released each quarter by MHIA and looks 12-18 months forward to anticipate changes in the material handling and logistics marketplace. The MHEM represents more than $20 billion or approximately 12-15% of the estimated $156 billion U.S. material handling consumption. The MHEM history and forecast is available in its entirety to MHIA members. It includes economic specifics on conveyors and conveying equipment; overhead traveling cranes, hoists and monorail systems; industrial truck, tractors, trailers and stacker machinery; and other material handling equipment.
Ingersoll Rand's CLK-Series air chain hoists operate 800 full-load hours between overhauls
Designed for production applications and loads up to 1100 lbs, the CLK-Series is the latest addition to Ingersoll Rand’s line of air chain hoists. With an ASME HST-5 rating of A5 (FEM/ISO mechanism classification of 1Am/M4), the CLK Series hoists are engineered to operate 800 full-load hours between overhauls.
Raymond's Models 9300 and 9400 sideloaders feature AC drive and AC lift
Raymond's Models 9300 and 9400 sideloaders can be used for transport and rack storage. Featuring AC drive and AC lift, the Models 9300 and 9400 offer Raymond’s ACR System. The Raymond sideloaders feature a high voltage system powered by two 24-volt batteries.
Kinetic Technologies' rotational pick and delivery carts feature a four-shelf design with 1,500-pound total capacity
Kinetic Technologies' custom rotational pick and delivery carts are designed for plants, distribution centers and warehouses. The 43-inch-by-52-inch cart frame is engineered for narrow aisle elevated pick operations and for in-plant delivery locations.
Force Control's MagnaShear motor brake features oil shear technology
The MagnaShear motor brake from Force Control Industries employs oil shear technology. Oil shear technology includes a layer of automatic transmission fluid between the brake disc and the drive plate. As the fluid is compressed, the fluid molecules shear – thus imparting torque to the other side.
Rytec's Plexline door series is engineered for corrosive environments
Designed to combine the performance of composite fiberglass with the benefits of high-speed doors, Rytec's Plexline door series is engineered for corrosive environments. It is a fully automated door for interior applications. Engineered for high-traffic applications, the Plexline door series is designed to take a hit.
Teklynx Labelview 9 software allows users to create labels, bar codes and encode RFID tags
Teklynx Labelview 9 software allows users to create labels, bar codes and encode RFID tags. Custom forms are engineered to simplify data entry. The GS1-certified Labelview 9 supports 50 barcode types and 25 interface languages.
Pepperl+Fuchs' PosiTrack PCV Data Matrix Positioning System uses data matrix technology to solve linear feedback applications
Pepperl+Fuchs' PosiTrack PCV Data Matrix Positioning System is a 2-D, camera-based position feedback system that uses data matrix technology to solve linear feedback applications. The PosiTrack PCV system is capable of read speeds to 41ft/s, and the data density of the 2-D code square allows continuous reading over distances up to six miles.
NES Rentals' E-Z Up lift is designed to fit into confined areas
NES Rentals' E-Z Up lift is designed to fit into confined areas and features a platform height of 9 feet 6 inches and an overall width of 2 feet 5 inches. Users can drive it through standard doors without leaving the platform.
Crown Equipment's internal combustion Class V pneumatic tire forklift is designed to eliminate frequent maintenance and excessive downtime
Crown Equipment's internal combustion (IC) Class V pneumatic tire forklift is designed to eliminate frequent maintenance, excessive downtime and shortened lifespan. The forklift is available in capacities ranging from 4,000 pounds to 6,500 pounds. The 2.4-liter John Deere Power Systems engine features a cast iron head and larger components.
Toyota Material Handling's integrated scale allows for simultaneous weighing and transportation of loads
Toyota Material Handling's integrated scale is available on 4,000- to 5,000-lb. internal combustion, cushion tire lift truck models. The Toyota integrated scale is engineered to enable operators to view, record or transfer legal-for-trade load weight information as the load is being transported through the facility.
Powerblanket's wrap-around tote heaters utilize GreenHeat Technology
Powerblanket’s wrap-around tote heaters utilize GreenHeat Technology to create a barrier of heat around the tote. GreenHeat Technology is a heat spreading system that is designed to provide an efficient and uniform distribution of heat while only consuming low levels of energy.
Bosch Rexroth's TS5 transfer system is designed for transport of loads up to 660 lbs.
The TS5 transfer system from Bosch Rexroth's Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies group is designed for harsh production environments and transport of loads up to 300 kg (660 lb.). Rexroth's TS5 conveyors feature a drive system and a “king shaft” powered roller design that requires no lubrication.
Presto Lifts' hydraulic load leveler allows goods to be loaded and unloaded at the same height
Presto Lifts' hydraulic load leveler is designed for use in the manual loading and unloading of pallets. Its platform lowers to floor height so that pallets can be placed and removed using a hand pallet truck. In loading operations, a pallet is placed on the platform and the platform is raised by hydraulic power to its full “up” position.
Gates' Poly Chain GT Carbon synchronous belts are offered in longer lengths
The Power Transmission unit of Gates offers Gates Poly Chain GT Carbon synchronous belts in longer lengths. An alternative to roller chain, the belts are used for drives requiring longer center distances and higher load-carrying capacities.
Yale's ERC-VA electric lift truck consumes less energy
Yale Materials Handling's ERC-VA electric lift truck features newly designed operator compartments, 16% more floor space, relocated multifunction displays, improved brake pedal layout, Auto Deceleration Systems and a steel hood. The Yale ERC-VA series utilizes AC motors and transistor controller technology for both the traction and hydraulic systems.
Visual Workplace's Floor-Mark is an alternative to tape and paint for marking floors
Visual Workplace's Floor-Mark is an alternative to tape and paint for marking floors and other areas of the workplace. Floor-Mark is designed for high traffic areas and features peel-and-stick backing for improved application. Floor-Mark is available in a variety of solid colors in one-, two-, three- and four-inch widths.
