May 2023 Material Handling Network

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Cover Story

Automation Advances: Technology offers new opportunities in material handling

storage sites, shipping facilities, and sites for taking back returns.

Automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence are making headlines lately, as technological advances push all three forward. And in material handling, the need for labor and timely deliveries is driving interest, according to some industry experts.

Labor needs and warehouse evolution

At Tecsys Inc., Guy Courtin has seen first-hand the desire to bring automation into the fold of material handling facilities over the past two to three years. “It runs the gamut from basic point-topoint solutions to more complex picking solutions and robotic arms,” said Courtin, vice president of industry and advanced technology at Tecsys, a global provider of supply chain solutions.

Having worked in supply chains for two decades, Courtin has seen automation and artificial intelligence evolve and is witness to how the development fits with current trends. “The ground certainly is shifting. The trend has been labor. Labor is still a massive issue,” he said. The changing role of the warehouse is also a factor, according to Courtin. “Warehouses used to be pass-throughs,” he said, noting how warehouses are now needed as

“It has forced warehouses to say, “I have to find labor,” said Courtin, noting how some are now exploring where automation can fill those needs. Courtin said the pandemic was a catalyst for some of the changes. “Especially in the warehouse,” he said, noting how broader trends are at play, too. Courtin has studied labor trends by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and noted the cyclical nature of those trends. Now, as Baby Boomers retire and the next generation displays less interest in certain jobs, like warehouse work or transportation, the need for labor has become acute.

At Yale Lift Truck Technologies, Nic Temple agreed. “Global labor trends make the challenge of finding and retaining warehouse workers more intense each year. Warehouses are already plagued by high turnover - nearly 50 percent in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics - and the global workforce shortage is expected to reach 85 million by 2030,” said Temple, director of technology solutions.

At Tecsys, Courtin noted that automation could not only fill labor gaps and supplement existing the workforce but can be a point of enthusiasm for potential workers. “You’re interfacing with a touch screen. It’s cool, interesting technology,” Courtin said. Technology in use in particular, Courtin finds the development by robotic vendors of interest. “The robotic picking arms, the technology behind it is really fascinating,” he said, adding that return on investment can be a stumbling block to implementation.

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Drone possibilities are also notable, according to Courtin. “I’ve seen some companies starting to leverage drones and do cycle counting,” he said, noting the advantages of the technology. “Drones are non-intrusive. It’s quiet. You and I could be working while the drone is counting. We’re seeing it also on the consumer side,” he said, noting robotics in grocery stores compiling inventory data. “You can start imagining a lot of different applications,” Courtin said.

At Yale Lift Truck Technologies, one of the latest technological developments is an operator assist system called Yale Reliant (TM), according to Temple. The system “uses multiple detection technologies to monitor the surrounding environment and the status of the lift truck and load. It can provide warnings and assist with operator awareness by proactively reducing truck performance,” Temple said.

“For example, it can reduce travel speed if it detects something in the monitored area, such as obstacles, other trucks, or pedestrians,” he said. Yale has deployed over 2,500 units with Yale Reliant technology, as well as 450 commercially accepted robotic lift trucks, according to Temple. “This technology is proven to work in real-world applications as part of warehouses with varying levels of automation, including alongside manual equipment and automated systems like conveyors, sorters, and other technology,” he said.

Early days, high interest

Still, some perceive technological advances warily, according to Courtin, who has encountered the view that robots are bad and human workers good. He sees the picture as more complex. While in the long term, he thinks the advantages automation and robotics can provide is good, Courtin stressed that the entire warehouse operation needs to be considered when making updates.

If automation is helping move pallets more efficiently, how will this affect the loads at the docks and other parts of the chain? Courtin asked.

“The hurdle is, are you changing parts of the system without thinking? How do I integrate better with other pieces of the warehouse?” he said. Overall, he believes interest in the adoption of automation will continue. “I think the trend line is the same,” said Courtin, who dubbed it “early days” in the industry use of automation. “Automation in a warehouse is still a small percentage,” he said, envisioning development happening in increments rather than a big bang.

But interest is high.

“Maybe in the next five years there will be a push from consumers, ‘I want this automation,” Courtin said. “We as consumers are going to start expecting orders to come when we want them.”

At Yale Lift Truck Technologies, Temple agreed, noting the impact of the consolidation of consumer markets as well. “Global economic trends are making a transformative impact on the warehouse market.

By 2030, 60 percent of the work population will live in urban areas, according to Statistics Times. From some historical perspective, that figure was less than 30 percent in 1950. Also, by 2030, e-commerce will account for 30 percent of global retail sales according to some estimates. That’s up from 20 percent just 10 years prior,” Temple said.

So, for warehouses, technology isn’t “just a shiny object,” he said. “Operations increasingly depend on it to drive success,” Temple said. “Operations can’t afford to wait - today’s warehouses need technology seamlessly integrated in lift truck solutions to advance their performance and competitive position.”

Artificial Intelligence

At the core of artificial intelligence is information, which Courtin sees as offering great potential. “If we put robotics in a warehouse, now I am producing mountains of information,” he said, describing how the information could be used for tasks like helping map picks.

Cover Story continued

At AutoScheduler.AI, Keith Moore discussed the recent breakthroughs in AI technology. AI is now advanced enough to do things like pass a medical exam on paper, said Moore, but he stressed that it is not at a juncture where it could run a whole warehouse. “It’s not designed to optimize a warehouse,” he said.

AutoScheduler is a warehouse resource planning and optimization platform that dynamically orchestrates all activities on top of an existing warehouse management system, according to the website.

Still, overall, AI advancements offer opportunities, Moore said. “I can build tools where anybody who needs to understand warehousing and automation can call and AI can get you the exact answer,” he said, adding that AI offers a tool for combating the glut of information available in the current age.

But within operations, there are also still much simpler solutions currently available, Moore said. “I can do something simpler and show here how it is going to play out,” he said, noting that with current AI, the tech is running “a few levels deeper.” And AI has not overcome all challenges, according to Moore. “It’s getting better, it’s not perfect. It’s not a replacement for a person. It doesn’t necessarily have emotion,” he said, noting that in the hypothetical scenario of the technology helping an individual pass the medical exam, some areas would still be lacking. “I can look up any surgery, that doesn’t make me a doctor,” Moore said.

Warehousing requirements are extremely niche, according to Moore, but there are some areas where AI can be employed. He noted the busy work that could be avoided through some automated communication by a chat GPT. It is a concept of efficiency employed through the tools AutoScheduler currently offers.

“How do I plan this site, the hours, people, equipment,” Moore said. “We have sites where we went from planners having thousands of touches in the system to now, they might touch it five to ten times a day.” Moore acknowledged the learning curve of all the latest advancements. Imagine sitting in a warehouse and seeing an automated system driving the equipment for the first time, he said. “The first trip, wherever you’re going, it’s going to be nerve-wracking.

After a while people start to get comfortable,” Moore said. Overall, he sees the latest advances in technology as a positive step forward. “All of these shifts in artificial intelligence and normalization of communication with machines is fantastic,” he said, pointing to the targeted areas where the technology can be employed. “It helps us,” Moore said.

Battery Handling Safety Talk

We use batteries to power our cars, trucks, tractors, forklifts, construction equipment, and power tools. There are different types of batteries. For example, a lead-acid battery usually uses sulfuric acid to create the intended reaction. Zincair batteries rely on oxidizing zinc with oxygen for the reaction. Potassium hydroxide is the electrolyte in common household alkaline batteries. The most common electrolyte in lithium batteries is a lithium salt solution.

Because of these chemical reactions, if you handle and recharge batteries, you should use caution and follow safe work practices.

Four Main Battery Hazards

These are the four main hazards associated with batteries:

1. Acid. The electrolyte in a battery is corrosive and can burn skin or eyes, eat holes in clothing, or even scratch a concrete floor.

2. Flammable gas. Batteries emit hydrogen gas, which is flammable. It ignites easily and can cause a fire or explosion if allowed to build up in a small area.

3. Electrical shock. Many of us are aware of this danger because we may have seen sparks fly when jumper cables are attached to a car battery. Some battery systems are capable of discharging at extremely high rates of current. Accidental shorting of terminals or cables can result in severe electrical arcing, causing you to get burned and shocked.

4. Weight. Batteries, like those used in forklifts, are heavy and require proper material handling equipment to lift them safely.

Safe Battery Handling

A primary safeguard when handling batteries is utilizing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Examples include:

• Safety glasses or goggles and a face shield to protect your eyes and face from chemical splashes.

• Rubber gloves provide both acid protection and electrical resistance to prevent shocks.

• Chemical apron—your clothes and body need protection as well.

• Safety shoes or boots to protect your feet from a spill.

Be sure to know where the eyewash and shower facilities are located—within 25 feet of battery handling areas. An eyewash facility should be capable of flushing both eyes simultaneously for 15 minutes, and a safety shower that is capable of drenching the body.

Follow these best practices for charging batteries safely:

• Only complete this work task if you have been trained to do so.

• Charge batteries in designated areas to avoid open flames and sparks.

• Use appropriate equipment to load/unload batteries from equipment.

• Keep tools and other metallic objects away from uncovered batteries.

• Be sure the proper charger is being used for the particular kind of battery.

• Check that vent caps are in place to prevent overflow and spilling of electrolyte.

• Shut off the charger when connecting or disconnecting the battery.

• Use baking soda or an approved cleaning agent to neutralize spilled acid.

Summary: Many accidents with batteries happen because workers do not know about safe handling procedures. Make sure you attend training sessions. Understanding battery safety is the way to protect yourself and your coworkers from serious injury.

Jeremy Stiehl, CSP ARM is a safety expert and owner of the safety site, Safety Talk Ideas. To learn more, go to www.safetytalkideas.com or email him at jeremy@safetytalkideas.com

Chain Reaction

Key questions to ask about Warehouse Automation Technology

ProMat 2023, the largest supply chain and material handling show of the year, took place in Chicago in late March. With a record number of exhibitors and attendees, it was an interesting and busy four days. And just like at MODEX last year, MHI’s sister show in Atlanta, warehouse automation was the hot topic of the show.

Trending Topics

Whether you were a first-time visitor or are a perennial attendee, you likely heard conversations about automation and the issues surrounding it. Here are five questions automation vendors, software providers, and system integrators were asked and some tips about what should happen next:

1. What is the warehouse automation technology that is the fastest and simplest to adopt?

With so much pressure on achieving more with less, many warehouse managers want to test out automation in a simpler way to see if it works for them before diving into a large warehouse automation technology project. A tour of the various automation vendors at ProMat revealed some quick automation wins that solve simple problems like automated tugs to shuttle goods from place to place around the warehouse.

2. What is the lead time for the automation vendor or project I might be interested in?

This high demand for automation, and the major supply chain disruptions affecting automation vendors’ ability to service existing projects, have led to ballooning lead times for the implementation of certain types of automation. The larger and more complex the warehouse automation technology project is, the longer you will likely have to wait before you can kick off the project with some of the larger automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) vendors reporting 18-24 month wait

times. Be sure to follow up with the automation vendor contacts you made at ProMat to understand their lead times and ability to deliver as part of your broader strategy.

3. How will this automation integrate into my existing systems and environment?

Most warehouse managers already have warehouse technology in place. Whether it’s a warehouse management system (WMS), a carousel, or some traditional conveyor-based technology like a diverter, figuring out how any new warehouse automation technology will affect and be affected by those systems is vital to your success. Older WMS simply lack the capabilities to consider automation in their workflows and others make getting the data needed to run the automation a nightmare. If you already have material handling technology in place, the question to ask is, “Will it play nicely with the new automation?” The last thing you need is your new system being slowed down or not operating due to existing systems.

4. What happens if I want to implement a second type of automation later?

Gartner predicts that most warehouses will have at least one type of warehouse automation technology by the end of the decade. The key to that sentence is “at least one type” since it’s clear that there are many forms of automation, and each is especially good at solving one type of warehouse process for one type of order. If you are going to need several types of automation that work together, has your choice of automation been considered for future implementations or was it developed in silos with little consciousness of the rest of the warehouse infrastructure?

5. What is the data I need to prepare before we go deep into the ROI conversation?

Regardless of your warehouse technology or automation, there will need to be a return on

investment (ROI) to make it make sense and an evaluation of the ROI. If this serves you, you will need to produce data around the volume, cube, and velocity of your orders. If any of this data is a ‘guesstimate’, then so will the likelihood of your project’s success. The most critical part of any automation project is having solid data from the very start; ask and understand what those critical data elements are and make sure they are 100% accurate.

Consider a Vendor-agnostic Technology Partner

With hundreds of automation vendors entering the market, it may be challenging to separate the wheat from the chaff. It may be useful to confer with a technology partner that understands this evolving landscape. For example, Tecsys is a warehouse management system solution vendor that drives automation through platform-agnostic software. Their industry experts led automation tours for ProMat attendees to introduce warehouse automation technology and present a general 'lay of the land' of modern automation solutions. Each of the major types of automation was exhibited (e.g., AS/RS, cobots, etc.) while indicating their strengths and what to look out for when considering each specific warehouse automation technology.

Whether you caught up with them on their Automation Tour at ProMat or want to strengthen your automation strategy with The Ultimate Guide to Warehouse Automation e-book, it is valuable to understand the landscape so that the steps you take are in support of a well-considered plan.

Bill Denbigh serves as the vice president of product marketing at Tecsys. Bill started working in supply chain software some 30 years ago; his entire career has been laser-focused on designing and building pragmatic supply chain solutions that address the real problems that customers are facing in their supply chain operations. Bill has worked on virtually every aspect of the software in the supply chain, gaining insight into the inner workings of some of the industry’s most complex challenges; Bill, however, tackles those challenges with a no-nonsense levelheadedness that has earned him great repute both internally and among customers.

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Business Management

150k Picking Robots to be installed by 2030… and we’re only scratching the surface

Substantial and accelerating growth is predicted for the robotic picking sector over the coming years, as labor costs rise, and the cost of robots fall. At Interact Analysis, we forecast there will be just over 150,000 picking robots installed by 2030, with annual shipments jumping from less than 2,000 in 2022 to just above 50,000 by the end of the decade.

Demand for robotic picking is expected to pick up pace towards the end of the forecast period.

However, this is just the beginning and we’re going to see a large increase in adoption over the coming years, which will speed up as the benefits of robotic picking become more apparent. The uptake will be driven by rising wage costs in warehouses, labor shortages, and the rapid development of AI and machine vision technology.

The information in this insight provides a toplevel summary of key industry trends and is taken from our upcoming Robotic Picking Report, which provides an in-depth look at the robotic picking market as a whole.

Falling robot costs, rising wage bills

Over time, the cost of warehouse labor is increasing, while the cost of robotic picking is gradually coming down. Picking tasks in warehouses is extremely repetitive, and companies across the world have struggled to recruit and retain warehouse operators for several years, driving up the cost of labor. At the same time, we expect the price of robotic picking to come down significantly over the coming years, largely driven by pricing pressures for robotic arms and machine vision software. By 2030, we expect the average price of picking robots will drop by 40%, while the cost of warehouse labor will increase by approximately 30% over the same period.

Changing roles for warehouse employees

The types of roles carried out within a warehouse are changing over time. Historically, most employees have been very mobile due to the nature of person-to-goods picking. However, the rise of automation is leading to the growth of static manipulation roles within warehouses. We estimate there will be around 7.5 million global full-time equivalents (FTE) employees performing static manipulation tasks by 2030, which is more than double that of 2022. The growth of static manipulation roles is expected to be a large driver for the adoption of robotic picking.

AI technology improvements driving the market

Improvements to AI machine vision technology increase the range of items that can be manipulated by robots and boost the success rate of each pick. We currently assume that for every 3-5 robots, there will be a full-time equivalent (FTE) employee supervising them. However, we expect this will increase to one FTE per 7-10 robots by 2030, improving the unit economics. What’s more, improved AI machine vision and path-planning increase the speed of robotic picking, further improving ROI. For example, we spoke with a representative of one of the leading robotic picking vendors at ProMat 2023, who mentioned the pick rate of their robotic picking system has increased by 17% year-on-year.

Barriers to Entry

There are, however, several barriers that the industry must first overcome. Firstly, the cost of robotic picking is still prohibitively high in many scenarios, particularly for one-shift operations. It’s often mentioned that the industrial robots on the market today – which are designed for the automotive industry – are largely over-spec for logistics applications. They include expensive

proprietary path-planning motion control software (which is often overwritten by the robotic picking vendors), along with extreme precision capabilities that are not required for warehouse picking operations. As a result, there’s significant demand for cheaper industrial robots that don’t include all the ‘bells and whistles’ found in robots currently on the market.

Furthermore, we hear that the programming of robots is still a challenge and requires the expertise of robotic engineers. There are currently 132k robotic engineers in the US and this will need to increase significantly to avoid labor becoming a major bottleneck to market growth. Increasing the labor pool of robotic engineers and reducing the complexity associated with programming industrial robots will be key to widespread adoption.

Looking to the future of robotic picking

Despite more than 150k picking robots expected to be installed by 2030, this represents just 2% of the number of FTEs forecast to be performing static manipulation tasks that year. As we’ve

discussed, there is a convergence of factors that we believe will lead to widespread growth in the robotic picking segment over the next decade.

Irene joined Interact Analysis in 2022 as one of the warehouse automation industry analysts. She has seven years of experience in industry research and international M&A. Before joining Interact Analysis, Irene worked for a PE firm focusing on investing in global semiconductor companies. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Economics. Irene is based in the UK office. Email: irene.zhang@ interactanalysis.com

Industry News

CLARK Material Handling Company recognizes the 2023 Dealer of Excellence winners

CLARK Material Handling Company announced the winners of the 2023 Dealer of Excellence and 2023 Dealer of Excellence Advantage award. The CLARK Dealer of Excellence awards are presented annually to dealers in the CLARK dealer network that achieve high performance within their assigned regions. The six Dealer of Excellence Advantage winners represent the “Best of the Best” of the CLARK Dealer Network, providing high-quality customer service and solving their customers’ needs.

Based on 2022 performance, the following six dealers have earned the Dealer of Excellence Advantage award for 2023:

• Sunbelt Material Handling – Dallas, Texas

• Forklifts of Minnesota – Bloomington, Minnesota

• Brandt Tractor – Regina, Saskatchewan

• C&B Material Handling – Shreveport, Louisiana

• The Lilly Company – Birmingham, Alabama

• Ardent Industrial Equipment – Savannah, Georgia

Additionally, CLARK announced the following dealers who exceeded expectations in all categories, achieving Dealer of Excellence distinction for their 2022 performance.

• The Lilly Company - Knoxville

• C&B Material Handling LLC

• Valley Industrial Trucks, Inc.

• Buffalo Lift Trucks

• B&H Industrial Service

• Mid Atlantic Industrial Equipment

• Alliance Material Handling - Jessup

• Alliance Material Handling - Richmond

• Materials Handling Equipment

• Cal-Lift, Inc

• Frontier Forklifts and Service, Inc.

• Holt of California

• Lift Atlanta

• Electro Mechanical Services Ltd

• MS Equipment, Inc.

• JM Equipment

• Lift Truck Sales and Service

• National Lift Truck

• Green Diamond Equipment

• Tri Lift – Greensboro

• Tri Lift – Charlotte

www.clarkmhc.com

Crowley invests in REPOWR to accelerate sustainability in supply chains

Crowley announced a venture investment in REPOWR, a logisticstechnology start-up, bringing a technology platform for equipment and asset usage and sharing to the supply chain industry. The platform enables companies to seamlessly share logistics equipment, increasing performance while reducing the environmental impact of ownership. Through the partnership, the companies will advance sustainable solutions for supply chain management for a wider market. REPOWR has developed a collaborative asset-sharing platform, connecting logistics companies with more data and analytics to reduce underutilized assets.

www.crowley.com

FHI, LLC launches FHI NOW to tackle supply chain staffing challenges

FHI Inc.is introducing FHI NOW, an on-demand labor solution, to help companies address the shortage of qualified supply chain workers. The service provides staffing solutions that augment an existing workforce with personnel based on each customer's specific needs, delivering measurable results at a predictable cost, while enhancing ergonomics and safety measures. All FHI NOW associates are trained in 'The FHI Way,' which includes a comprehensive range of standard procedures to ensure workplace safety and improved productivity.

www.fhiworks.com

$4.5 Million STEM Talent Challenge funding opportunity launched to Build a Robust STEM Workforce

The U.S. Economic Development Administration or EDA is now accepting applications for its FY23 STEM Talent Challenge to support programs to train science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) talent and fuel regional innovation economies across the nation. The $4.5 million competition will provide funding for programs that help build a robust STEM workforce in emerging and transformative sectors such as aerospace, aeronautics, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and cybersecurity, among others. Competition applicants may request up to $500,000 for the implementation of a 24-month workforce program that complements their region’s innovation economy. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. EDT on June 12, 2023

www.doc-eda.my.site.com/EDAGrants/s/ funding-program/a2j3d0000000tz0/2023-stemtalent-challenge

ProMat 2023 returns as biggest supply chain event in its history

The manufacturing and supply chain community came together in a big way after four years for a record-setting ProMat event, according to show producer MHI. With an overall registration count of 50,924 and 1,051 exhibitors, the event featured 562,700 net square feet of exhibit solutions and over 150 educational sessions encompassing 1.2 million square feet at Chicago’s McCormick Place.This was the largest ProMat event to date for MHI, with 12% more registered attendees than the last pre-pandemic show – ProMat 2019. The event also saw a rebound in international attendance with attendees representing 178 countries. The next major material show will be March 11 - 13, 2024 with MHI's MODEX show in Atlanta, GA.

www.promatshow.com

TVH hit by cyber attack

On Sunday, March 19, parts specialist TVH determined that it was the target of an organized cybersecurity attack. The attack allowed hackers to partially encrypt the company's systems. As a result, TVH experienced problems accepting, processing, and sending orders via its web platform. In a statement, TVH said they are very serious about the confidentiality of its employees and their business partners’ data and understand that this might be of concern to them. "We continue to work hard on the recovery of our systems to be operational as soon as possible. We're also taking in the meantime many preventive measures to reinforce our IT environment to the maximum" the statement continued. "We are confident that we will come back stronger than ever."

www.tvh.com

Irion named CEO of TNT Crane & Rigging

TNT Crane & Rigging LLC

(TNT) has announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Mark Irion as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Irion succeeds Mike Appling, who has served as TNT's CEO since 2007. Appling will remain at the Company until April 30, 2023, to ensure a smooth transition and will step down from the Board of Directors at that time. Irion served as Chief Financial Officer for Herc Holdings since June 2018. The company operates through Herc Rentals Inc.

www.tntcrane.com

Flynn bids farwell to the “Iron Business” after 50 years

Mike Flynn, Felling Trailers’ Northeastern Regional Sales Manager, bids farewell to life as a trailer sales rep after 22 years with the company. Mike decided to retire from the "iron business" in January of 2023. A relationship that started in late 1999 when Mike met with Merle Felling (founder and COB of Felling Trailers), having their first conversations on Flynn representing the Felling Trailers brand in the Northeast. In 2000 Mike signed on with Felling Trailers as an independent trailer sales rep for the Northeast region.

www.felling.com

TVH promotes new Sales Manager for Latin America

TVH Americas has announced that Adolfo Gutierrez has been promoted to the position of Sales Manager for Latin America.

Adolfo began his career at TVH as the Sales Manager for TVH

Mexico, where he distinguished himself with his dedication to providing excellent customer service to our customers. In his new position, Adolfo will oversee the Latin America Sales Team.

www.tvh.com

Tompkins Solutions names Steven Nickel Senior Director of Operations

Tompkins Solutions announced that Steven Nickel has joined the company as senior director of operations. In addition to leading the implementation team, Nickel will be responsible for developing policies and procedures that improve performance and drive productivity. Nickel brings over 30 years of project management experience to Tompkins. Prior to joining Tompkins, Nickel was senior project manager for Material Handling Systems, Inc.

www.tompkinsinc.com

Markus Schmidt named CEO of BEUMER Corporation

BEUMER Corporation has named Markus Schmidt as president and chief executive officer. Schmidt joins the company effective immediately. BEUMER Group is pleased to welcome a seasoned leader with a proven track record of collaborative partnerships. With more than 30 years of industry experience and 18 years of executive experience, Schmidt brings to BEUMER decades of expertise in intralogistics automation, market segment-oriented strategy, an understanding of the unique challenges facing operations throughout North America, and a dedication to collaboration with both internal and external partners.

www.beumer.com

Distribution and Supply Chain Project Report

Data provided by SalesLeads

198 New Distribution and Supply Chain Planned Industrial Projects in March 2023 with Texas and New York Leading with Capital Projects

IMI SalesLeads announced today the March 2023 results for the new planned capital project spending report for the Distribution and Supply Chain industry. The Firm tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity; including facility expansions, new plant construction and significant equipment modernization projects. Research confirms 198 new projects in March as compared to 166 in February in the Distribution and Supply Chain sector.

ILLINOIS: Pharmaceutical company is planning to invest $320 million for the construction of a warehouse, laboratory, and office complex in DES PLAINES IL. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

NEW YORK: Global online retailer is planning to invest $204 million for the construction of a 925,000 sf distribution center at 22 McBride Rd. in WAWAYANDA, NY. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in late Spring 2023, with completion slated for late 2025.

The following are selected highlights on new Distribution Center and Warehouse construction news.

Distribution and Supply Chain - By Project Type

• Distribution/Fulfillment Centers - 26 New Projects

• Industrial Warehouse - 172 New Projects

Distribution and Supply Chain - By Project Scope/Activity

• New Construction - 116 New Projects

• Expansion - 42 New Projects

• Renovations/Equipment Upgrades - 45 New Projects

• Closings - 2 New Projects

Distribution and Supply Chain - By Project Location (Top 5 States)

• Texas - 22

• Florida - 13

• Ohio - 11

Largest Planned Project

• New York - 18

• California - 12

During the month of March, our research team identified 10 new Distribution and Supply Chain facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more.

The largest project is owned by Radford Studio Center, who is planning to invest $1 billion for a million sf expansion, renovations, and equipment upgrades on their warehouse, soundstage, and broadcast facility at 4024 Radford Ave. in STUDIO CITY, CA. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

Top 10 Tracked Distribution and Supply Chain Project Opportunities

GEORGIA: Production studio is planning to invest $700 million for the construction of a 3 million sf studio complex in CHATTAHOOCHEE HILLS, GA. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

RHODE ISLAND: Federal agency is planning to invest $150 million for the construction of a warehouse, storage, research, and office facility in NEWPORT, RI. They have recently received approval for the project. They will relocate their operations upon completion.

GEORGIA: Membership-only grocery and retail chain is planning to invest $142 million for the construction of a distribution center at 1000 Douglas Hill Rd. in LITHIA SPRINGS, GA. They have recently received approval for the project.

TEXAS: Global electronics mfr. is planning to invest $107 million for the construction of multiple warehouses totaling 230,000 sf at 1530 FM 973 in TAYLOR, TX. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for Spring 2024.

TENNESSEE: Online restaurant supply retailer is planning to invest $104 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a 980,000 sf distribution center in LEBANON, TN. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for late 2023.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Beverage distribution company is planning to invest $80 million for the construction of a distribution center in WEST COLUMBIA, SC. They are currently seeking approval for the project and will relocate their operations upon completion.

INDIANA: Beverage distributor is planning to invest $73 million for the construction of a 450,000 sf distribution facility at 6900 English Ave. in INDIANAPOLIS, IN. They have recently received approval for the project. They will relocate operations upon completion in late 2024.

FLORIDA: Logistics service provider is planning to invest $50 million for the construction of a 500,000 sf distribution center in TAMPA, FL. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

Since 1959, SalesLeads, based in Jacksonville, FL is a leader in delivering industrial capital project intelligence and prospecting services for sales and marketing teams to ensure a predictable and scalable pipeline.

Industrial Manufacturing planned Project Report

Data provided by SalesLeads

New planned Industrial Projects spikes up 82% in March 2023 from previous month

IMI SalesLeads announced the March 2023 results for the new planned capital project spending report for the Industrial Manufacturing industry. The Firm tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity; including facility expansions, new plant construction, and significant equipment modernization projects. Research confirms IMI SalesLeads in the Industrial Manufacturing sector.

MICHIGAN: Automotive mfr. is considering investing $4 billion in the construction of an EV battery manufacturing facility and currently seeking a site in MICHIGAN.

INDIANA: A pharmaceutical company is planning to invest $2.1 billion in the construction of a processing and research complex in LEBANON, IN. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

The following are selected highlights on new Industrial Manufacturing industry construction news.

Industrial Manufacturing - By Project Type

• Manufacturing/Production Facilities - 171 New Projects

• Distribution and Industrial Warehouse - 77 New Projects

Industrial Manufacturing - By Project Scope/Activity

• New Construction - 61 New Projects

• Expansion - 56 New Projects

• Renovations/Equipment Upgrades - 76 New Projects

• Plant Closings - 18 New Projects

Industrial Manufacturing - By Project Location (Top 10 States)

• North Carolina - 15

• Ohio - 14

• Michigan - 10

• Texas - 9

• Alabama - 7

Largest Planned Project

• Indiana - 14

• South Carolina - 11

• Tennessee - 9

• Ontario - 8

• California - 7

During the month of March, our research team identified 20 new Industrial Manufacturing facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more.

The largest project is owned by LG Energy Solution, which is planning to invest $5.5 billion in the construction of a manufacturing facility in QUEEN CREEK, AZ. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2025.

Top 10 Tracked Industrial Manufacturing Projects

ONTARIO: Automotive mfr. is planning to invest $5 billion in the construction of a manufacturing facility in ST. THOMAS, ON. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Automotive mfr. is planning to invest $2 billion in the construction of a manufacturing facility in BLYTHEWOOD, SC. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in the Summer of 2023.

INDIANA: Battery component mfr. is planning to invest $1.5 billion for the construction of a 1.4 million SF manufacturing facility in TERRE HAUTE, IN. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for late 2027.

NOVA SCOTIA: Tire mfr. is planning to invest $303 million for the expansion of its manufacturing facility in BRIDGEWATER, NS. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

ALABAMA: Ammunition mfr. is planning to invest $250 million in the construction of a manufacturing facility in VALLEY, AL. They have recently received approval for the project.

NORTH CAROLINA: Railroad car mfr. is planning to invest $220 million for the construction of a manufacturing facility in LEXINGTON, NC. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for early 2024.

OHIO: An energy company is planning to invest $220 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a 1.1 million SF solar panel manufacturing facility at 3600 Etna Pkwy in PATASKALA, OH. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for late 2023.

TENNESSEE: Automobile parts mfr. is planning to invest $147 million for a 55,000 SF expansion and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility in MORRISTOWN, TN. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

Since 1959, IMI SalesLeads, based in Jacksonville, FL is a leader in delivering industrial capital project intelligence and prospecting services for sales and marketing teams to ensure a predictable and scalable pipeline. Our Industrial Market Intelligence, IMI identifies timely insights on companies planning significant capital investments such as new construction, expansion, relocation, equipment modernization, and plant closings in industrial facilities. The Outsourced Prospecting Services, an extension to your sales team, is designed to drive growth with qualified meetings and appointments for your internal sales team. Visit us at salesleadsinc.com.

Product Showcase

New improved Vacuum Grippers from COVAL with communications interface

COVAL offers manufacturers a range of vacuum grippers suitable for handling of parts of various sizes, weights, and materials. This gripper range has been extended with the latest CMS HD series multistage vacuum pumps, developed by COVAL. With this enhancement, the new generation of grippers meets the demands of Industry 4.0 with greater robustness, communication, and modularity. The new COVAL vacuum grippers offer a choice of three multistage vacuum pump configurations, depending on the needs of the integrator or end user. www.coval-inc.com

Seeq announces the Seeq Solution for Microsoft Sustainability Manager

Seeq Corporationhas announced the Seeq Solution for Microsoft Sustainability Manager. The solution enables sustainability teams to extend the power of Microsoft Sustainability Manager, a Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability solution, to integrate time series process data preparation, analysis, and continuous improvement, reducing the environmental impact of process industry operations. Analyzing time series data from equipment sensors is critical for measuring sustainability impact.

www.seeq.com

EnerSys® debuts NexSys® AIR Wireless Charger at ProMat® 2023

EnerSys® unveiled its NexSys® AIR wireless charger at ProMat 2023. As the latest solution in the Company’s line of virtually maintenance-free motive power products, the NexSys® AIR wireless charger will help customers drive productivity with a safe, convenient, handsfree charging solution. Suitable for a variety of applications, the NexSys® AIR wireless charger is chemistry independent and capable of charging flooded lead acid, Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL), and Lithium-ion batteries.

www.enersys.com

Trelleborg’s new XP900 tire ideal for handling high intensity applications

Trelleborg launches its newest tire, the XP900, made for high-intensity material handling applications. The new tire increases efficiency and performs well above average in cornering, cycle length, average speed, and working time during high-intensity applications. As the newest tire in the XP range, XP900 guarantees long-lasting wear and provides exceptional stability in heavy load operations and long workdays. It is designed to perform across a variety of conditions, including warehouses, shop floors, and other material-handling ground services.

www.trelleborg.com

Toyota Material Handling introduces new Electric Walkie Stacker

Toyota Material Handling has recently launched a new electric walkie-stacker under the brand Tora-Max, adding to the company’s growing portfolio of material handling products and solutions. The Tora-Max Walkie Stacker offers supreme versatility, accessibility, and load stability.The new walkie-stacker adds to Toyota’s industryleading lineup of electric products and is an ideal solution for customers in the warehousing, manufacturing, beverage, retail, and distribution industries. The new model is available for order online, on the MyToyota Store, and at TMH dealers across North America. www.toyotalift.com

Product Showcase

Pettibone hits 15,000-pound-capacity benchmark with new Extendo 1544X Telehandler

Pettibone brings its X-Series telehandler lineup to the 15,000-pound lifting class for the first time with the introduction of the Extendo 1544X telehandler. The added load capacity is ideal for material handling tasks in highway construction, and extended load requirements on traditional building sites. The 1544X is powered by a 117-horsepower Cummins QSF 3.8 Tier 4 Final turbo diesel engine. www.gopettibone.com

Raymond expands energy solutions portfolio with new 48V drop-in lithium battery

The Raymond Corporation has expanded its line of advanced energy solutions with the launch of the Energy Essentials Distributed by Raymond® 48-volt drop-in lithium-ion battery (48V LIB), which is available in multiple configurations to meet a variety of customer demands. Designed as a direct, plugand-play replacement for conventional lead acid batteries, the new 48V LIB fits lift trucks with battery compartments of 13 inches and larger and requires no additional modifications.

www.raymondcorp.com

Kivnon to introduce its latest edition of K55 forklift AGV at Advanced Factories 2023

At Advanced Factories this year, which runs from April 18-20th in Barcelona, Kivnon will highlight one of the latest additions to its AGV portfolio, the K55 Pallet Stacker. Kivon’s range of AGVs is renowned for robustness, safety, and accuracy, and this new addition to the portfolio provides customers with a vehicle that can automatically transport stack pallets. Equipped with lifting forks, the K55 Pallet Stacker will automatically transport palletized loads of up to 1200 kg and can lift to a height of up to 1500 mm. www.kivnon.com

KEEN Utility’s Fort Wayne is a Wedge Boot for the next generation

With the introduction of the Fort Wayne, KEEN Utility reinvents the job site-classic moc toe wedge work boot with 21st-century materials and construction methods. Featuring a wrap-over rubber cap, the Fort Wayne offers flexibility, protection, and traction that blends proven grit with modern design. Other standout features include a direct-attached Luftcell airinfused, PU midsole for weightless comfort, a Barnyard Resistant leather upper, and KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane.

www.keenfootwear.com

New Roly®-Safety Gate design provides protection for personnel injury, product and equipment damage

Mezzanine Safeti-Gates, Inc. announced from the 2023 ProMat Show, a new design of the Roly® safety gate that protects both people and products. The Roly® Product Containment design includes a high strength, high visibility netting system on the ledge side gate that prevents products from falling from elevated storage systems. In addition, the netting on the safety gates prevents employees from getting their hands into the loading zone, away from the machines that are increasingly loading and unloading pallets in drop areas.

www.MezzGate.com