First-Ever Material Handling & Logistics Research Grant Funded By MHIA

The Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) announced its first-ever direct funding of material handling and logistics research. The $50,000 grant will support Ohio State University (OSU) researchers towards the creation of a research center focused on distribution ergonomics. The research grant is provided by MHIA through its College Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE).

Dr. Carolyn Sommerich and Dr. Stephen Lavender of OSU were awarded the grant for their research proposal titled, "Developing a Distribution Ergonomics Research Center." The specific aims of the proposal are:

• To create a research center that develops and evaluates ergonomic methods, tools and processes that will allow distribution center (DC) workers to work more safely and efficiently
• To develop partnerships between regional DCs and material handling equipment manufacturers to assist the DCs in becoming "workplaces of excellence" via the proper utilization of ergonomics and lean engineering.

"MHIA is proud to support this important research which will contribute significantly to the body of knowledge on ways to improve the safety and productivity of warehouses and distribution centers," says Daniel Quinn, Material Handling Industry Vice Chairman - Education Planning & Professional Development. "Going forward MHIA is anxious to support research such as this which will benefit the safety and productivity of factories and warehouses in the United States."

MHIA Anticipates Increased Research Funding in 2009
MHIA is committed to the support of material handling and facility logistics research and teaching. As a result, increased funding will be available for funding material handling and logistics research proposals during the 2009-2010 academic year. A call for those proposals will go out in late 2008.

For questions regarding this and future research funding, contact the MHIA Vice President of Educational & Technical Services, and CICMHE Managing Director, Mike Ogle.

MHIA is an international trade association that has represented the material handling & logistics industry since 1945. MHIA members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. Member companies come from all areas of material handling and various parts of the world, making MHIA a strong national and international representative for the material handling industry. Much of the work of the industry is done within its product-specific sections, councils and affiliates. The association also sponsors trade events, such as ProMat and NA 2010 to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate industry professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics.

CICMHE is an independent organization that prepares and provides information, teaching materials and various events in support of material handling education and research. Founded in 1952, the main body of CICMHE is composed of thirteen college and university educators. Additional members are drawn from material handling equipment manufacturers, distributors, users and consultants, representatives of the business press, and professional staff members of organizations concerned with material handling education. CICMHE encourages research and sponsors educational seminars and training courses. Through its various programs and diverse representation of membership, CICMHE facilitates the interchange of information among concerned individuals in industry, academia and in the user community to aid in improving and implementing material handling education.

SOURCE: MHIA