AK Material Handling Blog | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Material Handling Specialists

How To Order Pallet Rack Wire Decks

2010-08-26T10:21:00.022-05:00

Ordering the wrong size pallet rack wire decking can cost your company a lot of money and also be a very frustrating process. To help our clients order the right wire decking the first time around, we have created this checklist titled:

"Important Questions and Dimensions for Ordering Pallet Rack Wire Mesh Decking"

1) What is the pallet rack style, brand or manufacturer?

2) Beam Style (box or step)?

3) Flush (drop in style) or waterfall fit?

4) Type of Finish: (Powder Coat) or (Galvanized)?

5) Capacity rating of your rack ( per pair of your beams)?

6) How are the wire decks going to be loaded?
(Uniformly Distributed Load) (Concentrated Load) (Point Load)

7) Other options?

8) Channel Options:
(Inverted) (no channel flat screen)

9) What type of product is being stored?

10) Important Dimension:

A. Outside to outside of beam:
B. Inside to inside of beam:
C. Top of beam:
D. Vertical height of the step:
E. Width across bottom of beam:
F. Length of beam inside of frame to inside of frame.

If you are looking to buy pallet rack wire decking visit our online catalog http://www.palletracknow.com or Call 800-722-5908
Or if you are interested in learning more about our pallet rack wire mesh decks visit our:
http://www.akequipment.com/palletrackdeck.html

Stop Falling Products; Rack Guard To The Rescue!

2010-08-18T09:44:00.015-05:00

As budget tightening continues, warehouse managers are often told to make due with what they have and rack systems often become maxed out and over loaded. Incorrectly loaded and over sized pallets increase the risk of product damage and also increase the risk of injury. That is, if the rack systems are not equipped with a Rack Guard safety protection system, which is a polypropylene mesh netting that attaches to the back of a pallet rack system creating a durable barrier to contain loose boxes, palletized goods and stacked material. With multiple configurations and tensile strengths it can be is easily customized to fit your rack system and can be easily installed with heavy duty zip ties. Our Rack Guards ship standard LTL and can ship across the nation for a very affordable price. Rack Guard not only protects products from falling onto employees but it also protects products from falling in-between rack systems. Rack Guards polypropylene mesh netting offers a more economical solution to warehouse safety than traditional warehouse woven nets. Not only is this product great for fall protection but it can also be used as: shelf dividers, security fences, conveyor guarding, machine guards and safety end barriers.
For more information visit our website:
http://www.akequipment.com/safetynetting.html
or call 800-722-5908.

Or for quote request use out request form.

AK Celebrates 5 & 10 Year Anniversaries

2010-08-12T06:47:00.019-05:00

Congratulations to Controller Rita G. for 5 Years of Excellent Service!

How did you become a member of the AK Material Handling team?
I became a member of A&K when I was told of a potential opening through my oldest brother, Greg, the IT guru. I had just left a position in public accounting and was ready for a change from 17+ years of "tax seasons". I had only heard good things about "Al" from Greg and the opportunity to come here could not have happened at a better time for me.

Looking back how quick has the 5 years gone by?
The last 5 years have gone too quick but but I love coming into an office where I always have work to do and people I genuinely care about.

What has been the biggest change you have seen at AK over the 5 years you have been here?
The biggest change I have seen over the past 5 years at A&K is the determination of the sales and staff to only look forward when economic changes have threatened our business; our livelihood. As a small business we have had to tighten up early and faster than some larger companies but in doing so we never stopped providing first rate services to our clients. The knowledge of product and professionalism possessed by my co-workers is outstanding - it has allowed us to work with large and small companies that challenge us to be our best. We will always change and adapt but we will never stop the excellence we provide.

What do you enjoy most about being the Controller at AK?
I enjoy the work atmosphere: the people, the surroundings, the attitudes. I also enjoy my job; it can range from ordering lunch to preparing financial statements and everything in between. Never a dull moment and that's what makes it easy to come to work. I'm grateful to be here with these people.

Also... Congratulations to Account Manager Pete B. for 10 Years of Excellent Service!

10 years ago when you joined the AK Material Handling team what were your goals and intentions?
I started out running the warehouse, ordering inventory and managing the service crew, so really just learning the ropes! Over the years my goals have changed. After being promoted into sales my my focus was really to build relationships with new and existing customers and try to help them find solutions for their individual needs. I have never stopped learning.

How have you seen AK grow over the last 10 years?
Dramatically. We have a core group of key people working here that have grown with the company and have changed when needed and stuck with it through changes in the economy and the company. We've put ourselves at the front of the pack as far as marketing, technology and education in our field. Everyone works hard, but still manages to have fun!

How have you changed over the last 10 years?
I've become a better listener and have become more patient.

What is the most rewarding part of your position at AK?
Building relationships with a client is the most rewarding. After that would be following a project from start to finish and ending in success for both my client and myself.

What recommendations or advice do you have for any new hires?
Stick with it, learn as much as you can and have fun doing it!

Are you tired of looking at your ugly warehouse pallet rack?

2010-08-12T06:33:00.011-05:00

Are you tired of looking at your ugly pallet rack and can't afford to have employees scrape old labels off?

We have have the SOLUTION!

We are now featuring a line of placard identification products that solve these very issues. Our spotlight item for this line is our pallet rack placard which simply rolls onto a pallet rack beam and then your labels can be removed or replaced with out leaving behind a mess. These rack placards prevent mislabeled and misidentified racks which also saves you time and money. It is proven that order time and inaccuracy are lowered in pick environments when the racks are clean and labels can be clearly identified. Say good bye to all of your old labeling systems and step into the new style of warehouse labeling, these placards are made to last. The ability to adhere through the most demanding temperatures and conditions show the durability of these placards. Another great feature of these labels are that they can be colored to match your racking offering a new look to your old "ugly" rack system. We are now also featuring this line with our layout and design CAD drawings for clients that are in need of a bar code systems for their products.

To learn more about our pallet rack placard or to have a FREE SAMPLE shipped to you call 800-722-5908.

We are now featuring a full line of industrial labeling products including: Container labels, magnetic labels, container labels, and shelf labeling systems.

Top 10 Mistakes When Ordering New & Used Pallet Rack:

2009-10-22T08:33:00.004-05:00

As a complete material handling outfitter we very aware of the current competitive market going on with in the new and used pallet rack sector of the industry. So in an effort to help out future pallet rack buyers, our pallet rack system experts came up with a Top 10 list of the most common mistakes people make when they purchase new or used pallet rack.

Not seeking professional advice with layout and design
Purchasing the cheapest rack system believing that all pallet rack is the same
Buying racking that is not universal for future expansion and growth
Wrong height racking for the forklift and wrong depth for your pallet size
Guesstimating weight and capacities
Buying from a non stocking distributor
Buying rack from an auction website where you are not getting exactly what you need
Not considering freight when comparing quotes
Paying too much for freight
Believing that a used rack system is just as good a new system

For more information and helpful tips on ordering pallet rack, visit our selective pallet rack homepage. Our pallet rack homepage offers a rack diagram that explains how to correctly order the right size pallet rack. Also if you would like to speak directly to a pallet rack expert call us @ 800-722-5908.

Next up...NEW PALLET RACK vs USED PALLET RACK

Also a NEW Press Release Page has been added to our website to keep our clients up to date on whats happening in the world of AK Material Handling.

Moving Or Expanding Your Warehouse? Top 10 Reasons Why You Need Us!

2010-08-09T14:01:00.005-05:00

Top 10 reasons why we are needed during warehouse moves and expansions.

1. We can help you determine how much space you need before you start looking.

2. We can provide unbiased opinions on your storage rack and forklifts options working with multiple manufacturers.

3. We provide detailed building CAD drawings offering multiple layout and design options.

4. We can offer high density rack options that can reduce your square footage requirements saving you greatly.

5. With close to a Million dollars of new & used pallet rack products in stock, we can rack your warehouse property in days if needed.

6. We can offer our recommendations on your real estate options.

7. We know typical building code requirements.

8. Think up!- Modular Offices, mezzanines.

9. Trade-in- We can work with you on your existing equipment.

10. We know rack!- Cantilever, structural, pushback, pallet flow, selective and we help you determine which style is right for your operations.

For more information on how we can help you call 800-722-5908 or visit our home page @ http://www.akequipment.com.

Tennsco Q Line Steel Shelving Video

2010-07-23T08:07:00.004-05:00

Strong, Versatile, & Cost effective !

-Load capacities of up to 100 lbs per steel shelf.

- Accessories like bin dividers, shelf drawers, side & back panel kits, lockable doors, label holders, and much more to customize your storage system.

- 1" on center adjustable shelf levels.

- Great for storing containers, tools , and packaged items.
800-722-5908
For more information check out our Q line page @:
http://www.akequipment.com/qlinetennscoshelving.html
or visit our industrial shelving page @:
http://www.akequipment.com/steelshelving.html

Can I Lease Pallet Rack and Other Storage Equipment?

2010-07-22T07:37:00.006-05:00

The answer is... Yes you can! There are several options out there to help you rack out your warehouse space while still managing your cash flow.
Here are a few options:
* Strike a deal directly with your pallet rack supplier. If you know that you will only use the rack for a short period of time, it may be possible to come up with an agreement that works for everyone.
** 3rd Party leasing- AK Material Handling offers several options through 3rd party organizations that handle equipment leases. Most end up with you owning the pallet rack.
*** Landlord Financing: In some cases your landlord will be willing and able to incorporate your storage equipment needs into the building lease.

In summary, don’t let your project die due to cash issues. Let us know your situation so we can find the best financing option for you.

Do you want more information on financing? Contact Us. or Call 800-722-5908

Planning a project? Visit our warehouse layout & design page.

AK Donates Used Pallet Racks to Non Profit Org. PCs For People.

2010-07-16T15:06:00.007-05:00

Recently we received a call from Casey Sorenson who was in search of some used pallet racks for

their new facility in Saint Paul, MN. Casey works for PCs for People a non profit organization that gives refurbished computers to low income families located in the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota. Not only does PC's for People offer low income families computers but they also offer training at their facility to other individuals looking to begin a career of their own in fixing computers. They take donated computers 8 years old or newer, clean them up, and install them with windows XP. At times they have had waiting lists of up to 1000 people long in need of their computers. As Casey was explaining PC's for People he also shared that they are a non profit organization and had a very little budget to buy the shelving he was searching for. Casey also asked if a donation was an option and we told him that if he was flexible we would love to help. So we looked around our inventory and found a used rack systems that was perfect for their needs. It would total 13 upright frames and 50 cross beams offering them close to 100' of pallet rack shelving with 2 to 3 levels per section. The shelving will be used to store computer monitors and also to hold their misc parts.

If you have a computer that you would like to donate to
PC's for People visit their website @http://www.pcsforpeople.com/
or
call 651-354-2552 or
email: donate@pcsforpeople.com.

New Lug Style vs Old Teardrop Style Interlake Pallet Racks

2010-07-14T14:19:00.007-05:00

As a distributor of both new & used industrial pallet racking, we are often asked to help our clients identify their warehouse rack systems. Often times we direct our clients to use our online pallet rack guide although sometimes they still need more help. So we decided to create a helpful material handling video. The video below was created to help our clients who have the Interlake manufacturer pallet storage rack systems. This video helps identify the differences between the two systems of new style and old but, also spotlights the compatibility between the two systems. So grab yourself some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy this masterful 1:19 production video and improve your knowledge of Interlake Mecalux industrial pallet racks and let us know what you think.

If you are looking for used Interlake Mecalux Style Pallet Rack contact us @ 800-722-5908 or use our online quote form: http://www.akequipment.com/used_pallet_rack_quote.html

How to Video: Using a Universal Safety Drop Pin for Pallet Rack

2010-07-12T09:14:00.004-05:00

Are you looking for safety clips for your industrial warehouse pallet racking? We can help. The video below displays how to use our universal pallet rack safety clip. We sell these clips online in packs of 50 @ http://www.palletracknow.com/handleit.html or call 800-722-5908.
Also check out our pallet rack safety clip identifier on our pallet rack guide web page: http://www.akequipment.com/pallet_rack_guide.html

Choosing The Right Tennsco Z Line Steel Shelving

2010-07-07T09:39:00.005-05:00

Wondering what Tennsco Z Line Steel Shelving best fits your application?
We can help...

Helpful Links:

Our Industrial Steel Shelving Page: http://www.akequipment.com/steelshelving.html

Our Industrial Steel Shelving Quote: http://www.akequipment.com/request.html

Or call one of our Steel Shelving Experts @ 952-927-4016

More Shelving Videos on our Youtube Channel

10 Things to Consider Before You Buy Industrial Pallet Racks

2010-07-02T10:00:00.005-05:00

1. All cities and states have different building codes when it comes to warehouse pallet rack and storage equipment. So we recommend to get in touch with your city office and learn about your local codes and regulations about warehouse storage and pallet racking before you start looking.

2. When creating a warehouse layout always think about future expansion.

3. Be Prepared, Know the following: your max forklift lift height? The overall dimensions of your pallets, your max pallet weight? ceiling clearance and lead time.

4. Many manufacturer warranties such as ESP Excel Storage Products do not cover resold or transferred products: ex:"All Products manufactured by Excel Storage Products that are still the property of the original Buyer"

5. Not all teardrop pallet racking is compatible.

6. Here is a list of all the RMI Rack Manufactures Institute Certified Pallet Rack manufactures:

Advanced Storage Products, Bulldog Rack, Elite Storage Solutions, Engineered Products, Equipment Boni, Excel Storage Products, Frazier Industrial, Hannibal Industries, Interlake Mecalux Inc, Necochea, Nedcon USA Inc., Ridg-U-Rak Inc, Spacerak - Division of Heartland Steel Products, Speedrack Products Group, Steel King Industries, Twinlode Corporation, Unarco Material Handling, and Wireway Husky Corporation.

7. Pallet Rack Capacities have many variables such as: beam spacing and frame column size so make sure to know the manufacture specs before rating your rack capacity.

8. Take caution at auctions: not all warehouse racking comes with original safety clips and replacements may not be available. Research the brand and style of racking so that you know you can find replacement parts if needed.

9. Many foreign made pallet rack products are sold in the used market.

10. If purchasing USED know that rack manufacturers Paltier and Prest (webb style) are no longer manufacturing pallet racking.

** To learn more about new or used warehouse pallet racking contact us @ 800-722-5908 or email questions to answers@akequipment.com.

Helpful Web pages: New Pallet Rack | Used Pallet Rack | Pallet Rack Systems

Meet the Team!

2010-06-22T16:20:00.009-05:00

Meet some of our AK Material Handling team members:

Minneapolis, MN Warehouse

150+ years of combined material handling service!

Success Story: How CAD Layout & Redesign Helped Maximize a Warehouse

2010-06-23T08:49:00.023-05:00

Recently one of our clients were looking to create a more efficient and effective storage facility by maximizing their current industrial warehouse space.

Details: With the help of one of our warehouse layout and designers and pallet rack specialist they analyzed their entire warehouse operations including their sku's and their three areas of storage: freezer, cooler, and dry storage to find the solution that offers them the most storage in each application.

Concern # 1: They needed to maximize their space by narrowing their aisles.
Solution: They purchased new Crown Lift Trucks so that they could maximize their space starting with narrower forklift aisles.

Concern # 2: : There existing freezer was using standard selective teardrop pallet rack and 2 deep pallet racking.
Solution: They eliminated selective pallet rack from the freezer and placed a three deep push back pallet rack system in to maximize their pallet storage.

Concern # 3: They needed to better utilize their cooler space.
Solution: Two and three deep push back pallet rack was designed to maximize valuable unused cooler space.

Concern # 4: In the dry storage area they needed to best utilize their pallet storage space while meeting the specific needs to certain sku's.
Solution: After designing multiple layout options for the client, they chose to go with many different rack storage systems each specific for different areas of their dry storage area. Standard selective pallet racking was utilized for quick easy access and selectivity to certain sku's while two, three, and four deep push back pallet rack systems were designed to maximize pallet storage in other areas.

Concern # 5: How to best utilize unused space in dock area and above dock doors.
Solution: Three and four deep push back pallet rack systems were designed to run along the walls of the dock area utilizing every available storage area. We also designed a two deep push back system to function over the docks and doors creating a safe and effective way to maximize previously unused space.

Summary: Our client did a excellent job looking at and analyzing all of their data and pallet movement to finalize a complete warehouse redesign to meet their increase demand from their clients. Many layout and designs ideas were created and provided by AK through this process although in the end the client decided which options worked best for their applications and the project was a success!

If you are looking to maximize your current warehouse space give us a call @ 800-722-5908 or email answers@akequipment.com and set up a warehouse maximizer walk through.

Double Up with Double Deep Pallet Rack

2010-06-10T14:05:00.010-05:00

Double deep pallet rack is a basic variation of selective pallet rack storage systems. This is done by doubling up the rows of standard selective pallet racking and using a double deep reach lift truck. The forklift operator places the back pallet into the system first, then placing another pallet in front of it. While selectivity has been reduced to 50%, twice as many pallets are stored. Also, double deep reach trucks require just a minimally wider aisle (10’). Therefore, if your warehouse has SKU’s with multiple pallets, it mat be a good fit.

Double deep storage rack has become a very popular choice in high volume operations since pallets can be stored and retrieved at a fairly quick pace. Double deep systems are growing in popularity due to higher building costs and the more economical cost of high reach double deep narrow aisle trucks. Another reason for its’ growth is that it offers high productivity, good selectivity, reduced equipment damage at a relatively low cost.

Applications: Printing, Food, Manufacturing, Distribution, Staging, Cold Storage

Advantages: High Density Storage, Cost, Selectivity

Disadvantages: Specialized Forklift (Double deep reach truck)

Summary:

50% Selectivity
Up to 40% more storage capacity than selective rack
Same low cost per pallet as selective rack
Less expensive than 2 deep pushback
Same density as 2 deep pushback
Minimal increased lift truck costs
Increased storage capacity
Standard Rack Components can be used
Easily relocated
Easily converted to/from single deep

Protect Your Warehouse Modular In-plant Office Building

2010-06-03T10:52:00.004-05:00

Warehouse modular (in-plant) office buildings have become a popular choice for companies that want to create separation between their warehouse and office space by using a portable structure that has the mobile ﬂexibility and the quick depreciation schedule in comparison to standard hard construction. With this investment many clients forget an important and affordable way to safeguard their newest piece of equipment.
Guard Rail or Barrier Protection.
Not only does this protect and help protect equipment from an actual impact from a fork truck, but this highly visual barrier helps the fork truck operator deﬁne trafﬁc patterns in the facility. Besides your investment and other equipment, these barriers protect your employees who may be working inside the modular office building. We always recommend our clients purchase these barriers when they invest into a modular office because they can save on freight and installation when ordered together. This guarding comes in a wide variety of styles and sizes with both ﬁxed rails and lift-out styles. Custom sizes are available and can be easily field cut to size.

Some Beneﬁts:
•Reduces downtime for equipment and manpower
•Cuts worker compensation claims
•Protects sensitive computer stations and CNC machinery
•Shields personnel in adjacent ofﬁces and break rooms from wall impacts
•Available in a wide variety of sizes
•Directs pedestrian trafﬁc ﬂow
•All products come with necessary anchors and connectors.

Want to learn more about our modular in-plant office protection products? Call 800-722-5908 and keep this in mind on your next safety walk-through! Interested in Modular Office Buildings? visit http://www.akequipment.com/modularoffice.html

AK Welcomes Back a Team Member from Australia

2010-06-02T14:49:00.005-05:00

AK welcomes back inside sales representative Jacob Koski from his trip to Australia. Jake is a valuable eight year veteran the AK Material Handling team who is forklift certified, a pallet rack specialist, and also a Tennsco steel shelving expert.

Below is Jakes welcome back interview.

What were you doing in Australia for a month? I was on vacation of a lifetime visiting family.

What was the most interesting part of the trip? I would have to say the most interesting part of the trip was snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef with wild animals surrounding me. I had to wear a special wet suit to avoid being stung while swimming with the jelly fish.

Did you notice any material handling related things while you were there? While traveling through the city Adelaide it was fascinating to see how other parts of the world incorporate material handling in everyday life from conveyors to distribution. I had the opportunity to see it in action.

What were some things you did while in Australia and what was the most valuable part of your trip to Australia? We went Fishing, Hunting, and Snorkeling but spending quality time with my family tops the list.

Do you feel that your body has completely adjusted to being back in America? No, it's been a few days now and I'm still having trouble falling asleep and I am still waking up at unusual times.

What are the pictures of? The top picture is a waterfall in the Daintree Rain Forest and the bottom photo is the coastline of Port Douglas in the northern part of Australia.

Thanks for sharing about your trip Jake. We are glad to have you back on our team!

AK Helps Second Harvest Heartland Increase Storage Capacity by 60%

2010-05-25T06:31:00.008-05:00

Serving 59 counties in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, Second Harvest Heartland needed to meet the rising demand from food shelves and began with ambitious goals to increase their annual shipments of food from their distribution facility in Maplewood, Minnesota by 10 million pounds. To do this they needed to increase their pallet storage area dramatically. AK worked closely with their management team to maximize their storage capabilities in their freezers, cooler, and dry storage areas. AK also designed a push back pallet rack system over all their dock doors to gain every possible square foot of storage space in their facility. By doing this AK helped them maximize the total number of pallets being stored. Another way they maximized their space was by purchasing a fleet of stand up reach trucks which allowed them to minimize their aisle widths and expand their pallet storage systems using 2, 3, and 4 deep, push back racking. They also utilized standard single deep selective pallet rack where necessary. In summary the project was a huge success and has helped them meet their distribution goal and the growing need of food shelves, soup kitchens, and shelters.

To learn more about Second Harvest Heartland visit their website:
http://www.2harvest.org or their facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/2harvest

To Learn more about Push Back Pallet Rack:
http://www.akequipment.com/palletrackpushback.html

* The above picture is not of Second Harvest

AK Joins the Facebooking Community

2010-05-19T06:37:00.003-05:00

AK has now officially joined the Facebook community. At AK, we understand that if we want to continue becoming an industry leader in the material handling sector we need to utilize all tools available including social media websites. Please visit the links below and connect with us as we join the excitement of social media.

View and connect with our new Facebook Page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Maple-Grove-MN/AK-Material-Handling-Systems/122677401084771?ref=ts

More Ways to Connect:
Twitter http://twitter.com/MN_Pallet_Rack
Linkedin http://www.linkedin.com/companies/ak-material-handling-systems
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/45166080@N05/

Need more pallet positions without sacrificing FIFO? Get your warehouse flowing.

2010-05-06T07:51:00.009-05:00

Typical Pallet Flow Lane (Looking into entry end)

Pallet Flow Rack can be used in a wide variety of applications. Most pallet types can be used in pallet flow racking with the correct design. Therefore, if you need FIFO (First In First Out), high density storage, you may want to consider pallet flow rack. Systems can be designed for pallet storage of over 50 pallets deep, although 2 to 12 deep is more typical.

One word of caution!!! Be wary of improperly designed or used systems. Although pallet flow is robust, it requires a good design, a good installation, and decent pallets for proper flow of the pallets. We have seen failures because of improper design of the type of rollers, brakes, entry guides, and/or the supporting pallet rack. In addition, the rack installer must be experienced in installing pallet flow to avoid the dreaded pallet hang-up. Don’t worry, there millions of pallet positions out there that work flawlessly. Lastly, the pallet type must match the design of the pallet flow. In other words, you may not be able to mix and match pallet types and pallet flow styles. Successful installations are designed for a specific type of pallet and weight range.

Manufacturers of pallet flow roller have unique designs which have their strengths and weaknesses. We use our experience to choose and design the best approach for your type of pallet and your operation. Then, a competent rack manufacturer is chosen to provide the supporting structure.

In summary, if you have valuable floor space and need more pallet positions without sacrificing FIFO, pallet flow rack may be the right choice.

Applications: Printing, Food, Manufacturing, Distribution, Staging, Cold Storage

Advantages: FIFO, High Density Storage

Disadvantages: Cost

For more information on pallet flow pallet racking visit:
http://www.akequipment.com/palletrackpalletflow.html

To learn more about other pallet rack storage systems visit:
http://www.akequipment.com/engineeredsystem.html

20 Years of Service... Where does the time go?

2010-04-22T14:20:00.010-05:00

This Weeks "Friendly Friday" post features a twenty year veteran of AK Material Handling: Brenda Harrison.

Brenda is a Senior Project Account Coordinator for AK Material Handling Systems.

Brenda how long have you been an employee of AK Material Handling Systems? Hard to believe it's been over 20 years. Where does the time go?

What is the biggest change you have seen in the material handling industry over that time period? Technology, technology, technology! All communication and correspondence was accomplished by using a simple 3-line phone system. If you couldn't reach someone by phone, you hopped in the car to make a personal visit. All documentation; invoices, BOL's (Bill of Ladings), faxes, (you get the idea) all created on a electric typewriter! Warehouse drawings were "sketched" out on grid paper, the list goes on and on. Looking back, I'm not sure how we ever got the job done, but with hard work and long hours, we always did!

How has AK as a company changed over that time period? We have always changed with the times to provide our customers with the quality service they deserve. Upgrading our phone system, incorporating the top of the line computer systems, involving our employees in sales training, etc. Not to just keep current with the times, but AHEAD of the times. The Internet, email, sophisticated drawing programs, are just examples of the tools which have allowed us the communication and efficiency to provide our customers with quality products, competitive pricing and first class service in this demanding Material Handling world.

What has been your most memorable material handling project? I really can't pick just one. Any project I can incorporate my own ideas and design to provide a creative solution for the customer is most rewarding to me. From the very beginning, Al, the owner of A&K has always said "be creative". Although this seems almost to simple to mention, I truly believe, thinking "out of the box" has proven to be our edge over the competition time and time again.

What do you find most rewarding about your position at AK? My dad once told me "enjoy what you do for a living because you will spend most of your life doing so". I can honestly say, the people I work with, the customers and vendors I come in contact with on a daily basis, have allowed me to do exactly that...enjoy life.

When your not performing your Senior Project Account Coordinator responsibilities what do you do in your spare time? Spending time with family and friends has always been important to me. Especially this time year... Golfing, BBQ's, boating, anything to be outside enjoying the summer!

Take advantage of the height in your warehouse without a forklift. A blog forklift dealers dont want you to read...

2010-04-27T14:29:00.005-05:00

Get rid of My forklift? Well, maybe not entirely. Although this does seem like an intriguing idea. What if you could take advantage of the height in your warehouse or plant and not have to use a forklift. You could eliminate the expense, safety issues, maintenance and training of adding another forklift your fleet. But, how can you store heavy product into a pallet rack system without a forklift or spending the money for an ASRS system?

Two companies have developed low cost alternatives to this question. The both use an integrated crane that accesses the pallet rack. Therefore, a production person who needs their tooling for example, can grab the crane and retrieve their item. No need to locate a forklift.
First, Stanley Vidmar’s Stak Systems offers capacities up to 5,000# and adjustable racks to maximize your storage space. The other is offered by Rig-U-Rak. Their Stacker System utilizes and integrated pallet that engages the upright at whatever height you require. Again, this maximizes your cube! These systems are great for tool, dies, and fixture storage. Also, drums and other items can be stored in these systems in their own designated area, thus eliminating potential safety or damage issues caused by forklifts.

In summary, who wants to hop on a forklift and go 16’ in the air and pick out a wood pallet with a $75,000 die on it? Not me! Don’t make your employees do it either. Consider a stacker system so they can do it quickly and safely. To learn more about stak systems or to speak with one of our stak system designers call 800-722-5908 or visit our Stanley Vidmar page @ http://www.akequipment.com/stanleyvidmar.html

AK Welcomes New Team Member

2010-04-12T12:00:00.010-05:00

Position: Warehouse/ Forklift Operator

How did you find out about AK Material Handling and the position available?
From Bill Koski, Our family has been friends for years.
What intrigues you about your new warehouse position at A&K?
Doing different stuff everyday.
Where did the nickname "James" come from?
James is my middle name, we use it to keep things simple with another Josh working here.
Do you have any children?
Yes, My wife and I have a 2 year old son Carson.
Rumor has it that you are an experienced photographer and actually have a couple of your pictures published. Is that True?
Yes that is true. I have done a wedding, senior pictures, been published in three books, and love taking wild life photos. I have also been to Germany and Honduras, and many other states for photography opportunities.
Besides photography do you have any other hobbies or passions?
Yeah I like to go fishing, mudding, watch movies, go camping, and enjoy working on vehicles.
Do you have a life motto?
GO out GO BIG and have a good time doing it!

We are very proud to have James join our team.

What is Cantilever Racking?

2010-04-21T16:32:00.009-05:00

Cantilever Racking is a storage system designed to store long, awkward, or bulky materials of virtually any length. Unlike any other rack systems cantilever racks offer no vertical obstructions in the storage area. It is made up of the following components:
Bases which anchor the rack system to the floor and also connect to the units upright acting as the main stabilizing component.
Upright Columns which connect to the base and have holes in which the cantilever arms are connected to creating the storage levels. Uprights can be used for single and double sided units.
Arms connect to the upright column and are used to store the product on.
Braces which are used to stabilize the upright columns offering horizontal and diagonal support.
Decking is an option available for certain applications offering a solid shelf level to the cantilever storage arms.

With decking, Cantilever is also used in the storage of odd sized and/or awkward loads such as furniture.

Types of Cantilever Rack (type of steel)
Roll-Formed-lower cost, light to medium duty applications, easily adjustable.
Structural- is used in Heavy Duty, Tall, High Capacity Cantilever Systems

Cantilever Rack Advantages…
*Can be designed to virtually any length, fifty foot (50’) “plus” load lengths
*Open linear storage – no vertical uprights or breaks in the storage level from uprights
*High Weight Capacities
Cantilever Rack Disadvantages…
*Potential for wasting warehouse floor space, when designed or used with a conventional lift truck.
*Cost. Can easily cost 2 to 3 times more than standard selective pallet rack

Applications include the following:
Aluminum sheets, furniture, lumber, Masonite sheets, building material, variable sized materials, wood crates, carpet and vinyl rolls, appliances, bar stock, flake board, large pallets and boxes, doors, tubing, electrical harness, sheet steel, bars, drywall, and piping.

Cantilever Facts:
- The most efficient way to store long and flat materials.
- Can be used as single and double sided storage
- Customized to the product being stored
- Fast and easy storage system
- Can be designed to meet seismic requirements

If you would like to learn more about cantilever rack or to have a cantilever rack designed for your storage facility please call 800-722-5908 or visit our cantilever web page @
http://www.akequipment.com/cantilever.html