Upfront: February 2008 News
Excel Storage Products, the manufacturer of United Steel Products brand pallet rack, has acquired rack manufacturer Prest Rack.
By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 2/1/2008
Don't store it, donate it
If you have slow movers gathering dust in your warehouse, consider donating that stagnant inventory to charity. You'll free up valuable space and earn a tax deduction.
The following organizations can help you navigate the donation process:
Go green at NA
Speakers and exhibitors at NA2008—the materials handling conference and trade show opening April 21 in Cleveland—are emphasizing the importance of being good to the environment.
Here are some of the ways you can “go green” at the show:
- Listen to keynote speaker Andrew Winston describe how smart companies turn green into gold
- Attend seminars on green topics presented by Manhattan Associates, CHEP, Norseman Plastics, the U.S. Postal Service and others
- Visit the Zap booth and check out the company's electric truck
Crown to distribute Komatsu's IC lift trucks
Electric lift truck manufacturer Crown Equipment Corp. recently signed a branding agreement with Komatsu Forklift U.S.A. to distribute internal combustion (IC) lift trucks.
The new brand of IC trucks will be marketed under the name Hamech (pronounced Hay-meck). The products will be based upon Komatsu's current model range.
The move will allow Crown-owned dealers to offer a single brand of IC lift trucks and a consistent level of aftermarket support. All parts orders, service support and warranty for Hamech will be managed by the Crown distribution network, just as they are now for Crown-manufactured products.
Excel acquires Prest Rack
Excel Storage Products, the manufacturer of United Steel Products (USP) brand pallet rack, has acquired rack manufacturer Prest Rack.
The acquisition expands Excel's product line to include cantilever rack and mezzanine systems. It also gives the company a wider geographic reach. Pennsylvania-based Excel has been primarily an Eastern company; adding South Dakota-based Prest Rack will expand Excel's business in the Midwest and Great Plains regions.
Consolidation appears to be a trend in the rack industry: Unarco Materials Handling acquired competitor Kingway last spring, Mecalux has announced plans to buy Interlake Material Handling, and a spokesperson says Excel is likely to make further acquisitions.
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