3 Popular Material Handling Carts for Lean Manufacturing

In our fast-moving world, boosting efficiency in facilities is non-negotiable for businesses looking to improve warehouse operations. However, to achieve that goal, facility managers and floor workers need the right lean manufacturing tools. That’s where custom material handling carts and equipment from FlexMation start to make a lot of sense.

According to research by Persistence Market Research, the market for material handling carts is expected to grow to $1.29 billion by 2033. The demand for these carts and equipment is increasing due to the need for enhanced operational efficiency and safety in manufacturing and production environments, especially as automation and robotics are increasingly adopted.

But which material handling carts should you consider for your operations? Let’s take a closer look at why material-handling equipment is so great for lean manufacturing, as well as three of the most popular material-handling products available.

How Does Material Handling Equipment Improve Lean Manufacturing?

Material handling carts and equipment improve efficiency, safety, flexibility, time management, and space use. These carts help move different materials at the same time, allowing operators to focus on other tasks instead of transporting items separately. They also reduce the need for manual work and lower the risk of injuries from moving heavy materials.

Additionally, material handling equipment is built to maximize capacity and flexibility by carrying a range of materials into tight spaces. In such situations, operators can adjust the carts using customizable tops and scalable bases to meet their changing needs.

Popular Material Handling Equipment to Consider

Material movement is key to an efficient process, no matter your industry. Customized carts can help eliminate muscle strain for your employees while making your processes more productive. At FlexMation, our material handling carts and other equipment are custom-designed to suit your products and your needs.

Plus, our team can enhance your material handling equipment so that it’s ESD-safe. We can even integrate them into workstation systems for docking and material presentation.

Here are three of the most popular types of material handling equipment offered at FlexMation:

1. Tugger Carts

If workers on your warehouse floor or facility have to push heavy carts by hand or run forklifts back and forth, a compact push-pull assist – or tugger cart – may be the tool you need to improve lean manufacturing.  Tuggers are great for a variety of applications, from medical to industrial to high-tech.

Some of the benefits of having tugger carts in your manufacturing workspace include:

• Ergonomics
• Efficiency
• Ease of Operation
• Versatility
• Safety

2. Flow Racks

Whether you call them FIFO racks, flow racks, or something else, one thing is for sure: These lean manufacturing tools can free up floor space and make your products more accessible in the warehouse. Here’s how a typical flow rack process works: Items are placed on the loading side of the flow rack. When the front item is picked, the next item moves to the front. Gravity helps pull each item forward in order, making the process efficient and easy to handle.

Benefits of having flow racks for lean manufacturing needs include:

• Low Cost of Operation
• Modular Integration Opportunities
• More Space on Facility Floors
• Improved Inventory Tracking
• Ease of Use

3. Ergonomic Lifting Carts

Ergonomic lifting carts give users both powerful lifting capability as well as unmatched ease of movement. These strong lifting carts can carry loads starting at 150 lbs. They boost your worker’s lifting ability, reduce strain on your team, and help keep your team members happy, healthy, and productive. Each cart is battery-operated, meaning you also benefit from a quiet, fume-free operation.

Optimize Your Operations with UNEX Material Handling Equipment from FlexMation

At FlexMation, we aim to be trusted partners – allies who advance your manufacturing performance and help you do your job better, safer, faster, and smarter. Looking to introduce lean manufacturing tools and principles into your operations? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. For those needing material handling equipment like a UNEX FIFO rack quickly, we now offer Roller Rack Quick Ship. These pre-engineered 8’x8′ flow racks are perfect for lineside storage, warehousing, or kitting and ship out in just a week!