Midwest Material Handling, LLC

Material Handling, Loading Dock and Storage Equipment Specialists

Old-Fashioned Service. Honesty. Integrity. Valued Products... Since 1995

Material Handling, Loading Dock Parts & Storage Equipment Specialists

Old-Fashioned Service. Honesty. Integrity... Since 1995

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Pallet Rack Post Protectors

Post Protectors-They Work!

We visited a Customer facility last week as they wanted to add additional Pallet Racking sections to their current layout. This customer is a large national wholesale retailer and a long time customer of ours. As we toured the facility, we noticed Steel Post Protectors that we installed several years ago absolutely doing their job! The whole concept behind the Post Protector is to protect the Upright columns from forklift or fork truck damage. We want the Post Protector to absorb the contact, protecting the Upright columns from structural damage. As you can see here, this is exactly what is occuring.

We are often asked… “what is the best method to protect my Pallet Rack Upright columns from damage”? Fortunately, the answer is also the least expensive method, the $50 Post Protectors. Post Protectors require simply 4-5 concrete wedge anchors to install. These units come in a range of different heights, 12″H, 18″H and 24″H.

For additional information on a wide range of Pallet Rack and Building protection products, check out… https://mmhonline.com/building-pallet-rack-and-equipment-protection-guardrail-machinery/

Or, click for more information on Pallet Rack Post Protectors, End-of Aisle Rack Protectors and Steel Flue Guards from Savety Yellow Products

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Canvas Laundry Cart, Fabric Baskets and Totes by Dandux

Canvas Laundry Cart, Fabric Baskets and Totes

Contact the experts at Midwest Material Handling, LLC for information on a range of high-quality containers are used in laundries, hospitals, textile mills, garment plants, and through out the hospitality industry. Founded in 1913, Dandux is THE leading manufacturer of quality canvas and fabric carts, baskets, hampers and trucks designed to increase your productivity and make your operation more efficient.

Styles include extra duty (sewn on liner), frame trucks (lace on liner), net and bag holder storing system, wood top shipping hampers, extra heavy postal specification trucks, and a variety of shapes and sizes to meet your needs. Available in plain white canvas or yellow glosstex, lace on liners available in six optional colors.  ​

The quality of workmanship of our fabric hand truck starts without frame construction. We use high tensile spring steel electroweld to give additional strength and rigidity.  Selected kiln-dried hardwood runners are attached to the steel frame. Heavy duty canvas or GLOSSTEX​ fabric ( in six standard stock colors ) is added to complete the rugged, cost effective basket or truck you demand.

Canvas Baskets & Trucks

We offer an extensive line of carvas basket, hampers and trucks. Styles include Extra Duty (sewn on liner), Frame Trucks (lace on liner), Net & Bag Holder sorting system, Wood Top Shipping Hampers, Extra Heavy Postal Specification Trucks and a variety of shapes and sizes to meet specific needs.

Skid Boxes

Skid Boxes feature interlocking legs for secure stacking. Available in a many sizes and styles (double or single wall). Easily fork truck liftable for transporting.

Poly Box Trucks

Box Trucks are the strongest unit of its type available. The unique Double Wall Flange provides superior strength when handling heavy loads. (Available in 12, 16, 18, 19 & 24 bu.)

Refuse Carts

Mobil Refuse Carts safely and conveniently transport materials to collection areas. Choose from three sizes 24, 32 and 64 gallon and three colors (gray, blue, green, gray standard colors).

Dividable Tote Boxes

Dividable Tote Boxes are the largest selection available. Choose from over 100 sizes for the one that best meets your needs. Selection consists of stackable or nestable styles.

Stack and Nest Totes

Stack & Nest Totes are available in an extensive selection of sizes. The 180 degree stacking feature allows for stacking when in use or nesting when stored.

Tilt Trucks

Tilt Trucks are ideal for collecting, moving and dumping materials. Available in six optional colors. Available sizes: 1/2, 1, 1 1/2, & 2 cubic yard capacities.

Palletubs

Palletubs are ideal for in plant or over the road transport. Features are: fork truck liftable, stackable on lids and nestable for return trip.

Poly Bulk Trucks

Poly Bulk Trucks are ideal for handling large loads. They are designed to handle large loads while maximizing space. Available in six colors (blue standard) and many different sizes.

Nesting Totes

Nesting Totes provide an efficient means for carrying an assortment of items. Choose from over 100 sizes and shapes to meet your needs. (Some sizes available with lids).

All of these items are proudly manufactured in the USA and are available for quick ship! Call us today.

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Post Protector-Pallet Rack Upright Protection

Steel Post Protectors

We are often asked “what is the most effective method of protecting my Pallet Rack Uprights from damage?” The answer is relatively simple.. the most effective solution to protect front column Uprights from Forklift or Fork Truck damage is a simple 12″-24″ high Steel Post Protector. Standard inside dimension (ID) width sizes from 4.5″-8.5″.

How are Post Protectors installed?

Protecting your rack fixtures is protecting a large investment. A Post Protector is designed to prevent damage to pallet rack upright columns during loading and removal of pallets. Post protectors are typically anchored into the flooring directly in front of the upright. Bolt-on pallet rack post protectors are typically attached directly to the rack column and are available in either steel or hardened plastic.

These simple Post Protectors have been around as long as Pallet racking has been on the market. They are the least expensive (generally less than $50 each) but are the most effective protection method around!

Concrete Wedge Anchors

These Post Protectors are simply positioned around the front of the Upright column and 4-5 (the exact number of required anchors is dependent on the manufacturer) concrete wedge anchors installed. Generally, we use a commercially available 3.75″-4″ x 0.5″ wedge anchor. We are happy to supply the anchors or you can purchase yourself. A simple “Screw Anchor” can also be used, reducing the install time (not a big deal for a few anchors but a significant time savings when several hundred are being installed!).

  • These heavy duty steel Post Protectors provide a low cost method of reducing damage to expensive equipment, product and materials as well as protecting personnel from falling rack structures hit by moving vehicles.
  • These heavy duty 5 gauge steel protectors are easily mounted by securing to the concrete floor.
  • Post Protectors are painted in safety yellow hard glossy finish for a durable attractive appearance.

For additional details on our wide range of Post Protectors and Protection equipment, please see… https://mmhonline.com/pallet-rack-accessories-post-aisle-column-protectors-cross-bars-steel-decking-columbus-ohio/

https://huskyrackandwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Product-Line-Brochure.pdf

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USED PALLET RACK BEAMS

Pallet Racking-New vs. Used Advantages and Disadvantages

From a buyer’s perspective this has always been a difficult and often times confusing decision. Let’s first briefly discuss the advantages of purchasing USED Pallet Racking.

Advantages

Obviously, the overriding thought when considering purchasing USED Pallet Racks is cost. A secondary, but equally important benefit is the USED equipment is on-site and available immediately, saving time and freight costs.

Now for the reality… Many buyers wrongly think that purchasing USED Pallet Racking and Wire Decking is similar to that of purchasing a used car (for example), that there is a 50% or 60% savings over the cost of NEW. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case.

Let’s discuss why

When we are contacted by a seller who has USED equipment available, the vast majority of the time, the racking is still standing and needs to be disassembled. Once we send a crew into disassemble the Rack, we then need to stack, band and prep it for shipment. Once complete, the USED Pallet Rack needs to be shipped, via flatbed to our location. Due to its size and length, USED Rack/Wire Decks are generally stored outside, allowing the powder coated finish to begin rusting and oxidizing. One item of note, many buyers have little regard for the discoloration or aesthetic appearance of the USED Racking, they simply want it to work! Add all of that up and the NEW vs. USED savings is somewhere in the vicinity of 15%-20%.

Damage

One other very important consideration… historically, we have rarely sold USED Pallet Rack Uprights as they generally have some sort of column damage (probably 4 out of 5 Uprights sustain damage from forklift forks or skids) usually located at the lower 12”-24” of the two front Upright columns. * NOTE: If there is ever a ding or dent in an Upright… BUYER BEWARE! The structural integrity of the Upright has been compromised and the Upright should be discarded. There are disreputable companies and social media sellers out there that will sell them, but we won’t (and you should not buy them)!

Condition

While we stock and sell a significant amount of USED equipment (primarily Pallet Rack and Wire Mesh Decks), the quality and condition of the USED equipment we sell is exceptional. We only sell USED material that has an overall condition rating of 8-9 out of 10, we do not sell anything with any lower condition rating. All of our USED Racking has a condition rating applied to it at arrival and is always furnished and noted on our proposals. Of course, pictures are always available when the Racking cannot be viewed in person or we are shipping it out of area. You can always trust our condition ratings to be accurate and thorough.

Modern manufacturing techniques have improved to the point that, many times, purchasing NEW can actually be less expensive than buying USED. Even more so, the same holds true for USED Pallet Rack purchased at auctions or auction settings, but that’s a conversation for another day. Additionally, another great geographical advantage he have is the majority of our NEW Wire Mesh Deck Panels are manufactured (ITC Manufacturing) right here in Columbus, Ohio! Pick them up and save the freight!

For more information on New and Used Pallet Racking, check out… https://mmhonline.com/pallet-rack-teardrop-keystone-shelving-warehouse-new-used-racking-columbus-ohio/

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Storage Racking-Specialized Pallet Racking Systems & Improved Warehouse Efficiency-2024

Storage Racking and Specialized Pallet Racking Systems & Improved Warehouse Efficiency in 2024

Warehouse efficiency, including a range of specialized types of storage racking systems in 2024 is influenced by several emerging trends and technologies. Here are some key factors shaping warehouse operations and their Staffs:

  1. Automation and Robotics: Advanced robots and automated systems are increasingly used for tasks like picking, packing, sorting, and inventory management. These technologies can significantly speed up processes and reduce errors.
  2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning are helping optimize warehouse operations by predicting demand, managing inventory more effectively, and improving route planning for both robots and human workers.
  3. Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices, such as sensors and smart shelves, provide real-time data on inventory levels, equipment status, and environmental conditions. This data helps in making informed decisions and maintaining operational efficiency.
  4. Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): Modern WMS platforms offer advanced features like real-time tracking, advanced analytics, and integration with other systems, which enhance overall warehouse management and efficiency.
  5. Drones: Drones are being used for inventory management and scanning large areas quickly. They can perform tasks like stocktaking and checking the condition of goods, which speeds up operations and reduces labor costs.
  6. Sustainability Initiatives: There’s a growing focus on making warehouses more eco-friendly. This includes optimizing energy use, reducing waste, and incorporating sustainable materials and practices.
  7. Flexible Space Utilization: With the rise of e-commerce, warehouses are adapting to handle various types of products and varying order volumes. This flexibility often involves reconfigurable racking systems and modular layouts.
  8. Omnichannel Fulfillment: As customers expect faster delivery and seamless shopping experiences, warehouses are increasingly set up to handle both B2B and B2C orders efficiently, often with separate processes and spaces for each.
  9. Augmented Reality (AR): AR is used to enhance picking accuracy and efficiency by providing visual instructions and real-time information to warehouse workers through wearable devices.
  10. Advanced Data Analytics: Leveraging big data analytics helps in optimizing routes, predicting demand, and managing inventory levels more accurately, leading to better decision-making and efficiency.
  11. High Density Storage: Including Drive-In Rack and Pushback Racking. These customized storage solutions are designed, built and installed to maximize storage in defined areas. No pallet racking system that exists can store more pallet positions in confined spaces than these two systems. For more detailed information on the various types of high density storage and racking systems, kindly check out… https://mmhonline.com/pallet-rack-storage-systems-columbus-ohio/

These advancements are helping warehouses handle increasing volumes of goods with greater speed and accuracy, ultimately leading to better service and cost savings.

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Pallet Rack Safety Rack Guarding-Husky Rack and Wire

We were recently contacted by the Safety Manager of an existing Customer in the Cleveland Ohio area for a safety solution relating to their existing Pallet Rack. The goal was to protect employees and guests in their manufacturing facility from the potential safety risk of improperly stored and placed skids falling from Pallet Rack shelves. We suggested Husky Rack & Wire (https://huskyrackandwire.com/products/rack-guard/) Rack Guarding as the simple solution.

These standard sized wire panels, are available for 24-hour shipping (for total order of 2,500 lbs. or less) and come in nine different in-stock sizes The panels accommodate standard Beams lengths of 96”L, 108”L, 120”L and 144”L and come in 3’, 4’ and 5’ heights (to accommodate multiple size rack openings). These Rack Guards simply bolt directly to the Pallet Rack Upright columns to provide a safe, reliable working environment. They also allow for significant light to penetrate, making upper shelves easily visible.

Why might you want Pallet Rack Safety Guarding? A few examples might be…

  • I want to prevent workplace injuries.
  • My workplace has no pedestrian walkway protection along pallet rack systems.
  • I have exposed workstations along pallet rack areas.
  • I have had pallets pushed through our pallet rack systems.
  • I presently have pallet damage against my existing walls.
  • My netting is torn or frayed and not providing adequate protection.
  • Need something stronger than netting.
  • We have frequent visitors and guests who tour our plant or facility.

These unique Rack Guards come in two different styles… flush mount (the Wire Guarding is bolted directly to the Upright) or off-set mount (4”, 5” or 6” setback). One item of note… to prevent freight damage, these Rack Guards require a crate to ship. There is one crating price for 1-23 panels.

Allow the professionals at Midwest Material Handling, LLC to create an OSHA, ANSI and RMI compliant work environment which ensures the safety of you, your employees and guests!

For more information on a wide range of Pallet Rack and Machinery Guarding products, check out… https://mmhonline.com/pallet-rack-guard-rack-back-wire-security-enclosures-safety-netting-columbus-ohio/

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Pallet Rack Supported Pick Module

Pallet Rack Supported Pick Module-Interlake

We recently completed a design/install project for a large international replacement auto glass
manufacturer in Mobile, Alabama. We were tasked with creating a more efficient system to store and
pull replacement windshields at their regional service centers. We, along with the Engineers at Interlake-
Mecalux designed a pallet rack supported mezzanine pick module to efficiently store over 9,100 SKU’s in
a relatively small footprint. One unique element of this system was the utilization of standard roll
formed pallet rack under the mezzanine to support the structure and wide span shelving on top to store
the lighter but larger truck windows. For more information on our wide range of Pallet Rack Systems, kindly check out: https://mmhonline.com/pallet-rack-storage-systems-columbus-ohio/

For more detail on Interlake-Mecalux’s innovative storage solutions, see: https://www.interlakemecalux.com/storage-racks?_gl=1*1megntl*_up*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwufq2BhAmEiwAnZqw8k6UzjXA3ZBiYK7dogSwXd0jyclPoDqcWRApd2n06oRm8uYPTC2QWhoCtrgQAvD_BwE

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Mezzanine Loading Dock

Structural Mezzanine Loading Dock

We were contacted by an Architect who was designing and creating a Loading Dock system for a Community College in Dayton, Ohio in a shipping area where no loading dock had previously existed. One unique design element of this system is it combined a custom designed, high-capacity (high enough for Forklift traffic) Structural Mezzanine, Safety Barrier Rail and Steel Pipe Bollards (all standard material handling equipment products) with a Blue Giant Stationary Elevating Dock, Mechanical Vehicle Restraint and Laminated Dock Bumpers (all standard Loading Dock products). For more information on a wide range of Mezzanine products and associated options, please see: https://mmhonline.com/mezzanines-work-platforms-stairways-boca-osha-installation-columbus-ohio/

For more information on our Loading Dock products, please see: https://mmhonline.com/loading-dock-equipment

For more information on Blue Giant Equipment innovative Loading Dock systems, see: https://www.bluegiant.com/Docks.aspx

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Military Grade Lockers

Military Grade Lockers

We were contacted by the Department of Defense (U.S. Navy) to furnish and install military grade wire lockers for their Naval Special Operations Unit (SEAL). We designed, furnished and installed a heavy duty Wirecrafter’s TA-50 Military Storage Lockers system. These lockers had to be extremely durable and able to withstand severe wear and tear. This Steel Locker was designed and is manufactured by Wirecrafters specifically with the US Military in mind. This locker system was an integral part of an update and enhancement of their Naval Operations Center. All of our Lockers are proudly built in the United States.

For more information on our innovative Steel Locker systems, kindly check out: https://mmhonline.com/lockers-steel-metal-employee-school-military-storage-installation-columbus-ohio/

For information on Wirecrafters line of heavy duty, durable TA-50 Military Storage Lockers, see: https://www.wirecrafters.com/products/storage-lockers/ta-50-military-storage-lockers/

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