The 7 best material-handling companies for modern supply chains

Even if your throughput return on investment and lead times are great, there is always room for improvement. Material-handling systems suppliers can help companies optimise, regardless of whether they need spare parts or a system rebuild.

If you want the best results, not just any business will do. The best material-handling companies will use their extensive expertise, cutting-edge technologies and in-depth knowledge to meet a company’s facility-specific needs.

1. Solutions in Action LLC

Solutions in Action is among the best material-handling companies. It specialises in tailored material handling and automation solutions for manufacturing and distribution facilities. A company’s project manager oversees everything from conceptualisation to installation. They even visit sites to tailor products more effectively and ensure a seamless transition.

Its optional multi-phased approach can make the implementation investment more digestible and reduce disruption to daily operations.

Whether you need spare parts, preventive maintenance or a multimillion-dollar machine, SIA can help. It can integrate new equipment into existing systems or refurbish old machines, even if other vendors made them. Even though every solution is custom-built, it combines in-depth industry knowledge and experienced technicians to minimise downtime.

2. Material Handling & Storage Inc.

The family-owned and operated firm Material Handling & Storage primarily serves the West and Southwest United States, with branches in California and Arizona. Its core services include facility design, consulting and equipment installation for warehouses, manufacturers and distributors.

It can provide high-density shelving, structural mezzanines, in-plant modular offices and automated storage solutions. Its turnkey process involves permit submission and structural engineering, freeing up your time. The team analyses a company’s operations before implementation to address business-specific material-handling inefficiencies.

3. Daifuku Co.

Japan-based Daifuku is a global material-handling equipment supplier with over 11,000 employees. Its core services include consulting, engineering, design, production, installation and post-sales support for automated storage, transport, sorting, picking and control systems. It primarily serves automakers, warehouses, electronics manufacturers and distributors.

Like its competitors, it offers custom solutions. For instance, it can tailor its sorting and picking systems for your load profile and shipping frequency. In addition to hardware, it can create, integrate, and service information and communications technology and warehouse management software.

4. Dematic

Dematic can replace, rebuild or modernise existing machinery to increase uptime. It specialises in transport, storage, picking and shipping hardware. Its services can extend to training and troubleshooting technical issues if additional help is required — its life cycle support framework provides long-term assistance.

Since it has over 100,000 replacement parts from original equipment manufacturers, one does not have to worry about products being on back order.

There are three service tiers. The first includes 24/7 remote support, basic training and discounted field assistance at a fixed price. Tier 2 offers a guaranteed 98% uptime, on-site maintenance, and continuous diagnostics and mitigation. The third and final one has all of those features, plus parts discounts and an extended warranty at a fixed cost based on throughput.

5. U.S. Materials Handling Corp.

In around seven decades, U.S. Materials Handling grew from a two-person office into a multimillion-dollar corporation. Its large selection of new and used equipment includes scissor lifts, cranes, floor scrubbers, people movers and forklift trucks for purchase and rent. Since it is an authorized HELI dealer, it carries models in all classes.

Its spare parts inventory covers material-handling equipment of all makes and models, ranging from attachments to filters. The team will help customers locate specific components quickly, minimising downtime. If a more hands-on approach is preferred, the service department provides on-site repairs, planned maintenance and technical assistance.  

6. Swisslog

Established in 1900, Swisslog has amassed over 3,000 employees who have completed 2,500 projects worldwide. It provides comprehensive project support from conceptualisation to realisation, developing a strategy based on a client’s needs. Its material handling services cover consulting, implementation and ongoing technical support.

Its retail industry expertise covers apparel, general merchandise, e-commerce, grocery, and food and beverage.

In addition to an inventory of 120,000 replacement parts, it offers custom design services for transport, storage and picking. This includes pallets, palletizers, shuttles, robots and software. Whether you need to modernize a machine or enhance equipment efficiency, you can rely on its range of managed services.

7. Bastian solutions

Bastian Solutions has grown from a small Midwest business into a global corporation with 20 offices in the U.S. and multiple abroad. Its specialty is material-handling equipment — both simple and highly automated systems. However, it also offers warehouse design, hands-on training and dedicated support services.

The material handling and software customer support teams are available around the clock. Prompt feedback helps decrease unplanned downtime.

Independent consultants and engineers will guide customers through the consultation, design and implementation processes to make sure their voice is heard. They travel to one’s facility to ensure their plan aligns with their operations, optimising where they can. Material-handling support includes spare parts, warranty replacements and preventive maintenance.

Why are these material-handling companies the best?

Modern supply chains must move fast to outpace demand fluctuations and delays. These seven companies were selected because they can match your pace. They have extensive parts inventories and vast manufacturing facilities, providing unparalleled lead times. Several on this list have a global reach, enabling them to maintain sourcing flexibility in unprecedented times.

Any business in this industry can provide spare parts and sell storage automation solutions, but only a handful have impressive portfolios and are equipped to meet one’s every need.

Those who conduct on-site visits to tailor their products to your floor plan and budget constraints are forward thinkers. The more their material-handling machines align with your facility-specific needs, the faster one’s supply chain moves. They reduce downtime further by troubleshooting technical issues, conducting preventive maintenance and supplying replacement parts.

Choosing between material-handling systems suppliers

Selecting the best material-handling companies comes down to service offerings. Pick the firm that aligns best with your needs — those providing tailored solutions are ideal. One should also consider pricing and location, which can impact budgets and lead times. Article provided by Solutions in Action