Ultimation Industries Recommends Material Handling Solutions for a Safer New Year

Suggestions include five products that offer better ergonomics, product safety or injury prevention

 

ROSEVILLE, Mich. (Jan. 13, 2025) – Manufacturers, distributors and warehouses can ring in a safer new year with material handling solutions that offer product protection, minimize injuries and improve ergonomics, according to Ultimation Industries. Ultimation is an MCE company that solves productivity challenges with special purpose machinery and industrial automation equipment systems as well as direct-to-consumer solutions for a broad range of end-markets, including energy, automotive, logistics and vertical farming.

 

“The new year is a great time to take stock of potential material handling safety concerns and explore options for making improvements,” said Carl Milodrowski, operations manager for Ultimation. “A well-designed conveyor system can help companies keep personnel, packages and products safe throughout the year and well into the future.”

 

Milodrowski provides five product suggestions companies can use to keep workers and products safe in their facilities:

  • Injury prevention. Safety light curtains are often used within manufacturing and industrial settings to protect personnel from injury and hazards from dangerous equipment or devices. When the light curtain is interrupted, photoelectric sensors send a signal to stop the connected machine before an injury can occur. They can also be used to safeguard machines and robots from damage. Installation of light screens is quick and easy, thanks to their compact design and the variety of mounting brackets for multiple applications.

SG4-30-030-OO-E Light Curtain Screen Set

  • Ergonomics. Eliminating repetitive bending and stretching in the workplace could be as simple as making sure the facility’s gravity conveyors are at the appropriate height. Ultimation offers stationary floor support legs in a wide range of widths and heights, with each style offering adjustable height ranges. They are available in light, medium and heavy duty versions depending upon the load weight.

Gravity Roller Conveyor Polyurethane 24in W x 6ft L with Legs

    • Another way to improve ergonomics in a warehouse or distribution center is through the use of Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) to carry loads that would be too heavy for humans. When fitted with an appropriate top module, AMRs can move their loads safely alongside production workers without the need for pre-programmed paths or routes. When obstacles appear in front of them, they quickly find alternate safe paths to the destination just like a self-driving car. The speed of the AMR will change according to its safety conditions. Speeds are generally in the range of 3 – 6 mph (5-10 km/h) which matches typical warehouse walking speeds.
  • Product safety. Recent news reports have been filled with stories about food recalls. While the sources of contamination vary, food manufacturers and distributors can make sure their material handling systems aren’t one of them. Food-grade conveyors are one of the most important parts of the food and beverage industry because they transport raw ingredients, organic materials and other consumable goods within the facility and ultimately out to the consumer. Unlike regular industrial conveyors, food and washdown material handling solutions must be constructed of sanitary and hygienic materials to meet rigorous safety standards. Belt conveyors are often used in food applications because they offer a smooth, continuous surface and are easy to clean.
    • Keeping products safe during their movement through a manufacturing or distribution facility can depend on the type of conveyor system in use. Motor-driven roller conveyors (MDR) are a mainstay due to their fast, smooth package movement and sensors that ensure packages don’t get damaged by crushing against each other. Various lengths, widths, zones and roller spacing configurations, including curved sections, provide the ability to customize a solution without specialized engineering expertise. Gravity conveyors can easily be converted to a motorized roller system for faster, smoother package movement.

For more ideas on how to improve material handling safety, visit the Ultimation website at https://www.ultimationinc.com/ for more information.

Ultimation Industries Forecasts Five Material Handling Trends for 2025

Artificial intelligence and other smart technologies are expected to help boost operational efficiency

 ROSEVILLE, Mich. (Dec. 13th, 2024) – Smart technologies such as robotics, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in material handling operations are expected to be among the top trends in 2025 for manufacturers, distributors and warehouses in their quest to improve operational efficiency, according to Ultimation Industries. Ultimation is an MCE company that solves productivity challenges with special purpose machinery and industrial automation equipment systems as well as direct-to-consumer solutions for a broad range of end-markets, including energy, automotive, logistics and vertical farming.

 

“Companies of all sizes in the manufacturing, warehouse and distribution sectors are realizing that they need new technologies and sustainable options to remain competitive in an increasingly demanding marketplace,” said Kali Wahrman, General Manager, E-Commerce for Ultimation.

 

Based on interactions with its customers, Ultimation forecasts these five material handling trends for the upcoming year:

 

  1. Enhancing human labor capacity with automation and robotics. In the new year, companies will continue to automate some material handling tasks to address the ongoing skilled labor shortage in the manufacturing, distribution and warehouse sectors. Automated processes offer improved efficiency and accuracy of material movement and fulfillment processes. For example, robots are being used to move material through a facility, retrieve products or take items on or off a conveyor belt. It’s also becoming more common for robots and employees to work side by side, with the robots handling tasks that are repetitive, involve heavy lifting or are otherwise unsafe for humans.

 

  1. Harnessing data for operational efficiencies. Companies are becoming more aware that the data produced by machines and equipment can help them resolve their biggest material handling challenges. Internet of Things (IoT) technology brings together the data and information locked inside sensors, radio frequency identification (RFID) chips and other sources and gives supply chain managers new insights into their operations. For example, real-time collection of product and material data such as condition, load capacity, temperature and other metrics can be used for better decision-making to improves process flows, minimizes idle times and reduces cost. “Smart” systems such as barcoding technologies that integrate with existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and inventory systems are also being used to streamline processes and gain efficiencies.

 

  1. Working smarter with machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). Artificial Intelligence was all over the news in 2024, with a dizzying array of possibilities for supply chains. In 2025, companies with robust digitalization strategies are looking to AI and machine learning to further improve their productivity. Both AI and machine learning automate a variety of manual processes involving data and decision making. For example, they can monitor equipment data to determine the optimal time to perform maintenance or study a facility’s energy use patterns to maximize efficiency. In the new year, expect material handling leaders to prioritize technologies that increase fulfillment accuracy, streamline inventory management, monitor equipment performance and optimize warehouse space.

 

  1. Moving toward electrification and sustainability. Electrification isn’t just happening in the auto industry. It’s also a growing trend in material handling as companies look to convert older conveyor technology into more sustainable electronic options. For example, legacy conveyor systems that run constantly are being replaced with alternatives that only use electricity when they are actively moving cargo. Lightweighting is another trend rooted in sustainability, which involves swapping out heavier materials for lighter alternatives that enhance system efficiency. Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, can also play a role in sustainable operations. It can reduce waste and reduce energy usage when compared to traditional manufacturing.

 

  1. Maximizing facility footprints. In 2025, companies are expected to continue their efforts to optimize their facility footprints to improve the process flow, operational efficiency and flexibility. Conveyor systems with modular designs make planning simple if changes or expansions are required. Mix-and-match solutions across several different conveyor types, such as roller conveyors, belted conveyors and key sorting elements can easily be combined for a customized solution. Lifters and overhead conveyor systems are an affordable, effective solution that can be deployed to take advantage of otherwise unused vertical space.

 

Ultimation Industries offers a number of products and services that can help industrial companies improve the productivity and efficiency of their material handling operations. Visit the Ultimation website at https://www.ultimationinc.com/ for more information.

Ultimation Industries Introduces New Controls Package to Optimize Heavy-Duty Chain-Driven Live Roller Conveyors

Integration can be done without specialized engineering or customization when using Ultimation HD CDLR conveyors

ROSEVILLE, Mich. (Oct. 22, 2024) – Ultimation Industries’ new controls package for Chain-Driven Live Roller (CDLR) conveyors helps manufacturers, distribution centers and others move heavy materials such as pallets, racks or industrial containers without the need for customization. Controls packages manage the speed, direction and buffering of items on a conveyor to optimize productivity.

 

“In the past, integrating controls into heavy-duty conveyor systems required specialized engineering expertise,” said Kali Wahrman, general manager for Ultimation. “We’ve developed our new controls package to work seamlessly with our CDLRs without the need for customization. It is also available online for quick delivery.”

Chain Driven Live Roller Conveyor Controls Package with VFD

Ultimation is an MCE company that solves productivity challenges with special purpose machinery and industrial automation equipment systems as well as direct-to-consumer solutions for a broad range of end-markets, including energy, automotive, logistics and vertical farming.

Ultimation’s new CDLR controls package offers both 120V and 480V AC input power options. It includes a gear motor controlled by a Lenze Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) for speed adjustment and frequency inversion. The E-STOP is hardwired to the safe torque off (STO) component on the VFD for immediate emergency shutdown.

CDLR Control Package with VFD

Here’s how the new CDLR controls package works:

  • Dual photoeyes detect parts entering the system, and check for any parts positioned at the end of the conveyor.
  • If there are no parts detected at the end of the conveyor when a part enters the system, it will advance the part to the end of the conveyor.
  • If there are additional conveyor segments connected downstream, the controls check for parts in the following position.
  • The parts will follow the same process for any remaining conveyor segments, until reaching the final conveyor zone.
  • The system will wait for the push button or additional photoeye signal to advance parts from the final conveyor zone.

 

The controls package can be added as an option to an Ultimation CDLR conveyor system or purchased separately.

For more information about Ultimation Industries’ automation equipment systems as well as direct-to-consumer quick-ship conveyor solutions, visit https://www.ultimationinc.com.

How We Helped: Stories from Our Customers

Some of the best ideas for using Ultimation products come from our customers. Check out the latest stories that offer creative ways to get products, raw materials—and even toolboxes!—from Point A to Point B.

Light-duty conveyor makes DIY projects easier

Light-Duty Gravity Conveyor Infeed DIY Woodworking

Ultimation’s Light-Duty Gravity Conveyor is a hit with DIY woodworkers. One customer who gives it five out of five stars says:

“Great help in feeding my table saw. Great value for the money. Highly recommended.” Another customer writes: “Great set of rollers! Smooth rolling action, very easy to set up…I am using them on a bandsaw and rolling steel into place is super easy.”

Despite its heavy-duty construction, Ultimation’s Light-Duty Conveyor weighs in at just 30 pounds. It has a length of 3 feet and an overall width of 12″ (measured from outside of frame to outside of frame) and 10″ between frames to accommodate a wide range of projects. The 1.5″ diameter steel rollers are constructed of galvanized steel withstanding loads of up to 540 lbs. when the conveyor is fully supported.

“Wish I’d found this Roller Stand Conveyor Set earlier!”

Gravity Conveyor with Legs 24"W x 3'L 6" centers galvanized steel rollers

Ultimation’s Roller Stand Conveyor Set may be the ultimate in workshop support.

“Boy, I wish I’d found them earlier,” says one customer, who uses the conveyor for outfeed tables for a drum sander, planer and table saw.

The set includes a gravity roller conveyor and two H-Style Support Legs, with a substantial 210-pound capacity and adjustable height from 23″ to 38-1/4″. The top of the legs are equipped with pivot plates that allow one end of the conveyor to be set higher than the other.

Another customer says: “I’m using them to support plywood as I push it through a table saw.”

“Very high quality,” writes another reviewer. “Rollers and hardware and excellent. This was produced for production use. Not just home owner do it yourself workshops.”

Keep tool cases (and everything else!) rolling

SKW-001 Top view group Skate Wheel

Ultimation’s quick-ship store carries replacement parts as well as conveyor systems. One example is our line of Conveyor Skate Wheels, which are available in packs of 10, 50, 100, or 1,000, and cater to a variety of needs. One customer writes: “Great purchase! I used them to replace the wheels on my rolling tool case.”

Made of heavy-duty, zinc-plated steel, these durable wheels can support up to 50 pounds each. The pre-lubricated, sealed bearings block dust and dirt from entering. Designed for one million revolutions at full load, the wheels offer exceptional performance and longevity.

“These were absolutely perfect for my attic hoist project,” writes another customer. “The materials seem excellent. Ten out of 10 wheels were flawless, so quality control is good. I’m very pleased with my purchase.”

 

These are just a few examples of the many products available as part of Ultimation’s Quick-Ship product line! Visit our online store for more information.

Jorge Giordanelli Promoted in Ultimation’s Leadership Transition

Jorge Giordanelli will take over from Richard Canny who is retiring

ROSEVILLE, Mich. (May 30, 2024) – Ultimation’s leadership transition as part of the MCE group of companies has entered its next phase with the recent promotion of Jorge Giordanelli, who will succeed Richard Canny. The leadership transition process has been underway since MCE’s acquisition of Ultimation in 2023.

“I am delighted to announce that Jorge Giordanelli has been appointed General Manager of Ultimation” said Patrick Dunn, VP/GM of Automation Products at MCE. “Jorge brings with him a wealth of experience, having had a successful career at General Motors in Latin America before joining Ultimation. Since joining our team, Jorge has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of our industry. I have full confidence that he will continue to lead Ultimation to even greater heights.”

Jorge succeeds Richard Canny, who will be retiring on May 31st after dedicating 12 years to the company’s development.

“Richard and his wife Jackie have played pivotal roles in shaping Ultimation into the successful organization it is today, and we are immensely grateful for their contributions. Even as Richard embarks on this new chapter, he will continue to support Ultimation as a consultant and MCE shareholder, ensuring a smooth transition for the leadership team. We extend our warmest wishes to Richard for a fulfilling retirement.”

 

Richard Canny (on left) with Jorge Giordanelli

 

Please join us in congratulating Jorge on his well-deserved promotion and in wishing Richard all the best for his retirement. The team at Ultimation is immensely grateful for the loyalty and support of our valued customers, suppliers, employees and business partners.