Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), AS/RS and AGVS Product Sections Issue Updated Application Trends
(Charlotte, NC | February 24, 2005) The Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVS) and the Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) Product Sections of MHIA announce the release of updated new installation data for the period 1994 to 2004. "This data is evidence of a strong resurgence in end-user confidence in material handling automation solutions," according to Dr. Richard Ward, AGVS and AS/RS Managing Executive and Executive Vice President of Development for MHIA.
While the data suggests that 2004 was a good year in general for the material handling industry, the up tick for automation solutions represents a maturing of both AGVS and AS/RS technologies when it comes to more robust designs, greater flexibility and capabilities, and extremely high reliability.
The statistics just released can be found at www.asrssolutions.org and www.agvssolutions.org where trend data and results for 2004 are posted under the option 'Industry Statistics'. Inquiries about the two groups can be directed to Richard Ward at or at 704/676-1190.
The Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems (AGVS) Product Section of MHIA was formed in 1979 by a nucleus of six member companies. Since that time, the AGVS product section has grown to its present membership representing the leading suppliers of Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems in the United States. Many are supplying systems worldwide and in virtually every major manufacturing sector. Member companies of AGVS meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and proper operation of automatic guided vehicle systems. AGVS member companies have committed to the development, maintenance and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. For more information, visit www.agvssolutions.org.
Member companies of the Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems Product Section (AS/RS) of MHIA are industry leaders in the business of supplying automated storage/retrieval and systems technology applications in North America and abroad. AS/RS technology represents a variety of computer-controlled methods for automatically depositing and retrieving loads from defined storage locations. AS/RS includes the following technologies: Horizontal Carousels, Vertical Carousels, Vertical Lift Modules (VLM) and/or the traditional Crane-in-Aisle Storage & Retrieval systems that utilize a storage retrieval (SR) crane. Member companies of AS/RS meet regularly to review, discuss and revise the standards for design, performance and proper operation of AS/RS. AS/RS member companies have committed to the development, maintenance and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. For more information, visit www.asrssolutions.org.
Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) is an international trade association that has represented this industry since 1945. MHIA members include material handling equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. Member companies come from all areas of material handling and various parts of the world, making MHIA a strong national and international representative for the material handling industry. Much of the work of the industry is done within its product-specific sections, councils and affiliates. The association also sponsors trade events, such as ProMat and NA 2006 to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate industry professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics. For more information visit www.mhia.org.
Contact: Carol Miller - Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) (704) 616-1190/800-345-1815 /