Used HK4000 Stacker System For Sale

I just received a call from Kip in Nebraska that he has a used HK4000 stack system for sale. I am not interested in buying it but I thought I would pass the word around. He tells me it is a late 90’s model that had its electric upgraded in 2009. He says it sold … Continue reading Used HK4000 Stacker System For Sale

HK Systems Automated Guided Vehicles

Is this the future of warehousing? Driverless forklifts are being introduced in some of the nation’s largest warehouses. HK systems seems to be at the forefront of manufacturing these automated guided vehicles (AGV’s) and stacker systems. This doesn’t bode well for forklift drivers in the future. Drivers of forklifts and over the road trucks seem … Continue reading HK Systems Automated Guided Vehicles

JIT = Just In Time Manufacturing

Just in time (JIT) is a production strategy that strives to improve a business’s return on investment by reducing in-process inventory and associated carrying costs. The philosophy originated in Japan in the 1950’s and was first adopted by Toyota. Often JIT has factories relying on suppliers to ship smaller quantities of inventory more often. The … Continue reading JIT = Just In Time Manufacturing

Lean Manufacturing Principles Saves Money & Eliminates Waste

Lean Manufacturing is a systematic method of trying to eliminate waste in the manufacturing process. It was originated in the Japanese manufacturing industry, specifically the Toyota Production System. The idea is to identify and steadily eliminate waste by redesigning work cells and improving the flow of work through the production process. The goal is cost … Continue reading Lean Manufacturing Principles Saves Money & Eliminates Waste

What is the difference between a Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier?

Tier 1 & Tier 2 suppliers refer primarily to suppliers of the automotive industry. A Tier 1 supplier supplies products (usually parts) directly to an OEM (What is an OEM?). The difference, then, is that a Tier 2 supplier supplies products to a Tier 1 supplier (who then supplies the parts to an OEM). In … Continue reading What is the difference between a Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier?

What is an OEM?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. An OEM is a company that originally manufactures and sells product directly to the consumer market. Chevrolet and Apple would be two examples of large OEM’s that manufacture OEM parts. In the automotive industry an OEM would be a term used for replacement parts manufactured by the original manufacturer. … Continue reading What is an OEM?

6.0 Earthquake Exposes Faulty Pallet Rack Design

The 6.0 earthquake in the San Francisco Bay area left many engineers contemplating how to better reinforce pallet racks to help prevent future catastrophes. For many years now local building officials throughout the United States have had seismic requirements on pallet rack and shelving in warehouses. Some customers thought it was an inconvenience or a … Continue reading 6.0 Earthquake Exposes Faulty Pallet Rack Design