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What is Material Handling?
Every product you have ever used, from televisions to tennis shoes, has been manufactured, stored and shipped to you with the help of the material handling industry.
Material handling involves an array of equipment, systems and services such as:
- information technology
- automatic identification tools
- storage devices
- lift trucks
- conveying equipment
- ergonomic and safety equipment
Conservative estimates show $125 billion in material handling and logistics equipment system consumption in the U.S. alone, employing more than 700,000 people. Companies that embrace best of breed material handling systems have a competitive edge and are leading the marketplace in supply chain management and execution.
Every product you purchase, every item you see on a shelf, in a store, in your home, was brought to you by the material handling industry. The material handling industry touches each and every product in our global economy. We encourage you to learn more about the exciting world of Material Handling and the impact this industry has on the supply chain. Take the time to view this 12 minute video An Introduction to the Material Handling Industry.
Looking for specific product application information? Access an interactive Multi-Media Bank with hundreds of photos and videos showing various types of material handling equipment, systems and interfaces. This database of images and information is organized by CICMHE, the College Industry Council on Material Handling Education.
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Career Opportunities
The material handling industry offers a lifetime of opportunities! Consider being part of an industry that improves:
- Speed of delivery and operations
- Productivity
- Safety and ergonomics
- Quality and visibility of goods and information
- Flow of goods across corporate and country boundaries
Are you interested in applying for an internship, a cooperative work opportunity or a permanent employment position in the material handling industry? Access the Resume Bank to indicate your preferences and to upload your resume. When you post on the Resume Bank, your listing is being exposed to hundreds of companies throughout the material handling industry. And the posting is FREE! To access the companies that belong to MHEDA, click here for the Member Directory.
Search for industry members who are currently offering full time/part time, cooperative education opportunities, internships by clicking on the link to Find/Post Jobs. Send an email directly to a member in an area and industry segment that interests you.
Hundreds of career opportunities are available in this exciting industry from information technology, sales and marketing, engineering and systems integration to management and administration. Competitive compensation and rewarding incentives make this an attractive option. Best of all, ownership opportunities are always an option for the talented entrepreneur. To learn more about the types of job opportunities and the compensation and benefit practices of material handling equipment distributors that exist, click here.
Student Resources
Learn about real life sales success stories, real life experiences and learn from others who are newly employed in this industry by accessing MHEDA's Industry Publications.
- MHEDA Edge - an online webzine designed for the young executive just starting out in the material handling industry.
- The MHEDA Journal - MHEDA’s quarterly trade magazine, with articles, best practices, management advice and interviews from material handling industry professionals involved in distribution and manufacturing.
- The MHEDA Connection - the association’s semi-monthly e-newsletter highlighting information on current events and trends within the industry.
Industry Trade Associations are a great resource for students as well as industry professionals. Take advantage of the resources available through these trade associations to learn more about the promising opportunities available in material handling industry.
MHEDA
Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association
201 US Highway 45
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
P: 847-680-3500
F: 847-362-6989
www.mheda.org
Represents distributors of material handling equipment.
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MHIA
Material Handling Industry of America
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Ste. 201
Charlotte, NC 28217
P: 704-676-1190
F: 704-676-1199
www.mhia.org
Represents manufacturers of material handling equipment.
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CICHME
College-Industry Council on Material Handling Education
8720 Red Oak Blvd., Ste 201
Charlotte, NC 28217
P: 704-676-1190
F: 704-676-1199
www.cicmhe.org
Represents academics involved in Material Handling Education
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There is much to learn by attending industry trade shows and events, gaining valuable experience and exposure. Scholarships are often available to students seeking experiential learning through industry events. To learn more about upcoming events and trade shows, use the links below to access more information. If you are interested in being considered for a scholarship to these events, contact Liz Richards, MHEDA's Executive Vice President, for more information.