Modern Materials Handling - April 2011

SHOW In REVIEWSystem Logistics’ vertical lift sequencerand plastic belt conveyor systemSystem Logistics demonstrated itsvertical lift sequencer (a VLM) and itsroller and modular plastic belt conveyorsystem.The company offers a total materialshandling solution for split-case pickingtechnology that was designed keepingin mind the need to create mixed-SKU, store-ready pallets.System Logistics president and CEOTom Coyne said he is seeing the highestdemand for mixed SKU pallets comingfrom the food and beverage sector. “Onthe beverage side, this technology worksfor anything from liquor to dairy. Andon the food side, it works as well for theproducers as it does for the grocers,” hesaid. According to Coyne, this is wherethe next level of technology headed.It’s the new arms race in the materialshandling industry, he added.System Logistics’ Paul Roy (left), VP ofmarketing and product management,and Tom Coyne, president and CEO.Swisslog, Intelligratedshares details aboutstrategic allianceIn a joint press conference, SwisslogLogistics Inc. offered details aboutthe strategic alliance the companyhas formed with Intelligrated.Markus Schmidt, senior vicepresident and head of North Americafor Swisslog, and Chris Cole, CEOof Intelligrated, spoke about theirexpectations for the partnership andthe value it will bring to the companies’customers.Additionally, Swisslog announceda new order for the company’sAutoStore system, and an order for afrozen, automated warehouse installationin Europe.AutoStore features a dense 3Dgrid of self-supporting bins moved topick stations by a series of independentrobots. Ideal for high storagedensity and enhanced picking efficiencyof small case, piece pickeditems, the fully automated systemexpands to accommodate changingdemand patterns.LXE introduces ThorEasy-on, easy-off front panel. That’s justone of three unique features on the newThor vehicle-mount computer, unveiledby LXE at a press conference.Thor’s new features include a fieldreplaceable,water-resistant front panelthat can be changed in minutes with ascrewdriver, a quick-mount smart-dockthat allows the computer to removedwith one hand and is easily transferredbetween forklifts or to IT for softwareupdates, and an ignition control functionthat enables the computer to startwith the forklift ignition, saving theoperator an extra step. These innovationsare designed to enhance uptimeand improve the user’s bottom line. BillRoeder, LXE’s vice president of productmanagement, said he believes theintroduction of the Thor vehicle-mountcomputer technology will “turn theindustry on its ear.”Raymond CustomCare optimizesContainer Store DCIn 2003, representatives from TheContainer Store came to ProMat toscout for solutions. Planning to collectas many as a dozen potential vendors forthe development of a new 1.1-millionsquare-footfacility, The Container StoreFrom left: John Creme, president ofMalin Integrated Handling Solutionsand Design; Mike Coronado, directorof distribution for The Container Store;and David Furman, VP of marketingfor The Raymond Corp.instead partnered with Malin IntegratedHandling Solutions, a Raymond Salesand Service Center.At a press conference, representativesfrom the three companies emphasizedRaymond’s CustomCare services, whichallowed Malin to provide the majorityof the services needed to make the newDC a reality and a success.“They astounded us from the start,”said Mike Coronado, director of distributionfor The Container Store. “Theylooked at much more than just lifttrucks and they have become a true andvalued partner.”The partnership produced solutionsfor racking, battery handling, equipmentinstallation and more, allowingThe Container Store to improve processtime by 30%.40 A p r i l 2 0 1 1 / Modern Materials Handling mmh.com