ProMat, one of the leading logistics events around the World, wrapped up last month. We were excited to be part of the action by working with our suppliers to bring the features, advantages and benefits to the potential customers that stopped by each respective booth. With over 45,000 participants from over 115 countries, we sure got a good taste of what is going on globally with regards to logistics and distribution. 

The ProMAT 2019 has proven once again that robotics will play a key role in the automation of logistics in the future. Although not a lot of completely new robotic technology has been introduced, the ProMAT participants could see that the robots exhibited are getting more mature and present in the field of logistics.  To maintain its competitive advantage in the automation field of logistics, UniCarriers announced its partnership with Rocla that brings Rocla’s advanced automated guided vehicle (AGV) solutions to the Americas. The partnership falls under UCA’s new initiative, UniCarriers System Solutions, offering the UCA dealer network access to an expanded set of material handling services and solutions to meet customers’ evolving needs. 

We are always pleased to spend time with our friends at Combilift. They showed off the combilift advantage of having three machines in one; sideloader, counterbalance forklift and narrow aisle truck. Combilift forklifts feature a robust design and super elastic tires enable it to work both inside and out, on semi-rough terrain and in all weather conditions. Capacities range from 3,200 lbs. to 180,000 lbs. with a variety of attachments to cater for individual customer requirements.

Our partner Big Joe certainly impressed with its new line-up of access and move equipment like the Joey Zero, the eStep and PDX50 Straddle Stacker. Big Joe has always been on the front lines of innovation in the class II and class III forklift marketplace. And their progress with Li-Ion batteries was on full display during the event. See Big Joe's ProMat wrap-up video.

It can be quite overwhelming seeing all the great products and innovations from around the globe in one location. But this year's event certainly proved that products are progressing quite quickly when it comes to logistics, storage and retrieval. We're excited to be partners with brands that are constantly innovating and reinventing and moving us, and our customers forward.