ProMat 2011 and Automate 2011 open for business

“You honor us with your attendance and we are fully committed to being your resource for future success. Let’s cut the ribbon.” And, with those words from Larry Strayhorn, chairman of Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), the red ribbon fluttered to the floor and ProMat 2011 opened for business.

MHIA is expecting more than 30,000 attendees and exhibitors to the show this week, making it one of the best attended ProMat shows ever.

For the first time, North America’s largest showcase for the materials handling industry is being joined by Automate 2011, a biannual event for the industrial robotics industry. In fact, 2011 marks the 50th anniversary of the first installation of an industrial robot at a GM factory. “At Automate, you will see the past, present and the future of the robotics industry,” said Dean Elkins, chairman of the Robotic Industries Association. One special exhibit is an Emerging Markets booth that will highlight the robotics technologies now in development for applications outside of the shop floor.

Among the highlights, Strayhorn urged attendees to visit The Hub, an interactive resource center and social media site.

Also this year at the show, the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN, Booth 2876) will be packing relief kits for victims of natural disasters.

Strayhorn and Elkins were joined at the podium by Don Welsh, the president and CEO of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, and David Cost, the general manager of McCormick Place. Both welcomed the expected 35,000 visitors at this year’s show to Chicago.

ProMat 2011 will be held March 21 - 24, 2011 at McCormick Place South in Chicago. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry.

Read all of Modern’s ProMat 2011 coverage