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By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 1/1/2001

50 years ago

Widespread use of powered fork trucks, pallets, and platform lift trucks and similar equipment has revolutionized materials handling and storage methods. This equipment used with pallets or other unit loads devices makes it possible to lift, transport, and stack large unit loads at a great savings, in less time, and with increased safety. From a feature on adjustable docks

Rapid expansion of the television industry has placed particular strain on the materials field in keeping pace with production and sales demands for sets. Engineers are continually reducing production costs through the use of specialized conveyors and thus put the television set within the reach of many more people. From a feature on conveyors

25 years ago

Increased productivity is the one common thrust of materials handling. It is the goal and a long-stated promise–the target of both user and supplier. But when you look back over the past 40 yr–at the revolution in materials handling–you can see that we are not now where we intended to be. From a feature on what to do to meet the challenges ahead

OSHA begins its new national-emphasis program in April, in which it will concentrate inspections in a specific area for at least one year. Chosen for the prototype program are foundries, and casting and metal stamping industries where OSHA will zero-in on improperly grounded equipment, overhead cranes causing electrical shock, falling loads, and noise. OSHA is coordinating for the first time, enforcement with education. From briefing the field

10 years ago

The International Material Management Society takes a bold step forward this month with the adoption of a new name. The board of directors of the society voted unanimously to change the name of the organization to the Materials Handling & Management Society. The name represents the new, dual role industry professionals are playing in today's competitive business environment. From professional activities

Microsoft Corp. went out on a limb. The company not only reached out to a new technology for themselves, but they entered uncharted territory for the entire field of automatic identification–they implemented spread spectrum. Microsoft is the first company in the world to use this technology and they have experienced both labor savings and increased data accuracy. From a feature on RF technology