P A C K A G I N G
Vacuum handling systems
stress safety and speed Ergonomic and versatile vacuum lifters address today’s logistic bottlenecks.
Grant Welch • Manager, Handling Systems • Schmalz Inc. • Raleigh, N.C.
Online shopping has been growing at a rapid clip in recent years and, with the Covid-19 pandemic, that trend is further accelerating. Web sales are up significantly year over year as the widespread coronavirus keeps many shoppers at home and away from physical stores. Total U.S. online sales reached $73.2 billion in June, up 76.2% compared with $41.5 billion a year earlier, according to research from Adobe Analytics. Manufacturers, distribution centers and transporters are facing added pressure to move more goods quickly and safely. That holds for both the logistical flow of wares in fulfillment and distribution centers, as well as for producers that must handle, transfer and package products within individual plants. The often-manual tasks mostly involve lifting, rotating and carrying. For instance, products are typically loaded into cardboard boxes or crates, which
44
FLUID POWER WORLD
8 • 2020
www.fluidpowerworld.com
