Material Handling/Storage System suits lean manufacturing.
February 4, 2009 -
Combining custom-designed mezzanine with 3-axis enclosed track bridge crane, MezzCrane(TM) offers options for lifting, moving, and storing materials within work cell. System enables localized staging and storage of work-in-process or finished goods above or below mezzanine. Providing mezzanine uniform live load capacity of 125 lb/sq-ft and crane capacities of 250-2,000 lb, MezzCrane is suited for manufacturing, assembly operations, maintenance and repair, and transferring machined parts.
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Original Press release
Wildeck, Inc.
405 Commerce Street, P.O. Box 89
Waukesha, WI, 53187
USA
Wildeck Unveils Breakthrough MezzCrane(TM) System for Lean Manufacturing Applications
Unique hybrid material handling and storage solution optimizes workcell footprint for maximum material flow.
Waukesha, WI - January 12, 2008 - Wildeck, Inc. selected the ProMat 2009 International
Exposition (Booth 1244) to unveil an innovative and new material handling and storage
solution known as the MezzCrane(TM). Working in collaboration with crane manufacturer,
Gorbel in Fishers, NY, Wildeck engineers developed an innovative configuration that can
be customized to meet individual customer needs.
Heralded as an industry first, Wildeck's new MezzCrane(TM) system has been designed to
deliver the ultimate in material handling efficiency and flexibility for lean manufacturers and maintenance operations. "The new MezzCrane(TM)," states Hue Schlegel - Director of Marketing for Wildeck, Inc., "saves valuable space by minimizing the required footprint for manufacturing or assembly operations and it can dramatically increase material flow and efficiency in a fast-paced work environment."
The MezzCrane(TM) system combines all the strength and utility of a custom-designed
WildeckŪ mezzanine with the agility and flexibility of a 3-axis enclosed track bridge crane from Gorbel. Both companies are leaders and innovators in their fields and the new MezzCrane(TM) system brings their quality products and technological expertise together to increase the competitiveness and profitability of U.S. manufacturers.
A myriad of options are available to easily lift, move, and store materials within a work cell. The MezzCrane(TM) system enables localized staging and storage of work-in-process or finished goods above or below the mezzanine. "Combining these operations," says Schlegel, "eliminates unnecessary handling and material movement; which is not only more efficient and safe, but can reduce cycles times and lower manufacturing costs."
Five MezzCrane(TM) configurations are available to satisfy customer requirements:
1 - Crane Above Mezzanine (CA)
2 - Crane Below Mezzanine (CB)
3 - Crane Above and Below Mezzanine (CAB)
4 - Crane Below and Extended Beyond Mezzanine (CBE)
5 - Crane Above and Below and Extended Beyond Mezzanine (CABE)
Depending on customer requirements, the Gorbel crane section will include everything
"above the hook": high strength/smooth-moving enclosed track, crane bridge, rails,
trolleys, etc. The Wildeck mezzanine will also be configured to customer requirements to include the required columns, framing, decking, Wildeck's patented handrail and guard railing, safety gates for mezzanine access, stair systems (either knock-down or welded stairs), stair platforms, safety ladders, etc. The MezzCrane(TM) system complies with applicable safety standards including ANSI B30.11 for under hung bridge cranes; CMAA (Crane Manufacturers Association of America) standards; OSHA, IBC, BOCA, and UBC
code requirements.
A mezzanine uniform live load of 125 psf (pounds per square foot) is standard and higher load capacities are available depending on application requirements. Crane capacities of 250 to 2,000 pounds are standard but higher capacities can be provided. Crane bridge spans can be up to 34 feet, which reduces the possibility of support columns interfering with the work-cell layout (Note: short bridge lengths are better for higher-cycle production areas. Longer bridges are acceptable for lower-production cycles or maintenance areas).
Typical MezzCrane(TM) applications include: manufacturing, kitting and packaging;
assembly operations; maintenance and repair; printing and paper roll handling; moving
dies, molds or patterns; transferring machined parts, castings, engines, motors, and more.
According to Wildeck, 42% of manufacturers today have "lean" manufacturing initiatives
and the trend continues to grow. They are faced with doing more in less space and
working smarter and more efficiently to remain competitive. According to Schlegel, "the
MezzCrane(TM) is a "lean" solution whose time has definitely arrived."
By working together, two of the leading material handling equipment manufacturers in the U.S. may have developed a solution that could change the face of manufacturing for years to come.
Wildeck, Inc. - based in Waukesha, WI - is the largest manufacturer of mezzanines,
vertical lifts and safety guarding products in North America. Wildeck products are used
for the safe and efficient handling, storage, and protection of materials. For more than 30 years, the company has grown through a dedicated and experienced network of
customer-service-oriented dealers and systems integrators, nationwide.
Since 1977, Gorbel has been dedicated to providing high-quality overhead material
handling solutions backed by a commitment to on-time delivery, a focus on customer
service, and the industry's best warranty. GorbelŪ products are manufactured at state-of-the- art facilities in New York and Alabama and sold through an extensive dealer network.
For more information on the new MezzCrane(TM) System and the complete line of Wildeck
products and services, visit www.wildeck.com or e-mail info@wildeck.com.
For more information, contact Wildeck, Inc. at 1-800-325-6939, or visit www.wildeck.com.
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