Palletization Can Increase Fill Plant Efficiency

July 19, 2010 - PRLog -- Dewitt, NY – July 19, 2010: Think of the time it takes to load and unload a 40-foot trailer full of gas cylinders: two people rolling cylinders two at a time for three hours. Now think of that trailer being loaded and unloaded by one person on a forklift moving pallets containing 12-18 cylinders secured inside a pallet for 30 minutes. The first scenario is inefficient, potentially hazardous and time-consuming.

The summer issue of Welding & Gases Today features an article entitled “Fill Plant Palletization.”  In the article, Jim Herring, vice president of marketing & procurement at SafTCart (Clarksdale, MS), explains some of the advantages—and disadvantages—of using palletization in fill plants.

For gases and welding distributors, a large part of cylinder handling takes between branches, fill plants and outside suppliers. Palletization can reduce man hours and limit workplace accidents. “With fewer workers and fewer moving cylinders, Workers’ Compensation claims are reduced,” says Herring.

If you are considering palletization as an option, it is also important to know the disadvantages. For many small companies, palletization may not be economically feasible. Also, many plants simply do not have the space to accommodate forklifts.

To get the full scope of the benefits and drawbacks to palletization, visit Welding & Gases Today Online, the leading journal for the welding equipment and industrial, medical and specialty gases industry.

For more information, contact Carole Jesiolowski, Editor of Welding & Gases Today, at editor@weldingandgasestoday.org or 315-445-2347.

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About GAWDA
Founded in 1945, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its member journals (http://www.WeldingAndGasesToday.org), e-magazines, newsletters and industry wiki (http://www.gawdawiki.org), GAWDA connects suppliers of gases and manufacturers of related equipment as well as manufacturers of welding equipment and distribution leaders, for the purpose of safely delivering optimal solutions to the users of those products. GAWDA publications are the industry’s voice for all matters related to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning welding equipment and products and services related to industrial, medical, specialty and cryogenic gases. A 501(c)3 organization, GAWDA members are located throughout North America.