HOUSTON – Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA), the provider of Jungheinrich® lift trucks and narrow-aisle products in the United States, Canada and Mexico, announced today that it has expanded its full range of forklifts and warehouse products to include a new generation of automation capabilities to meet customers’ growing demands.
Today’s release includes the launch of two new Jungheinrich Automated Guided Vehicle Solutions, which includes the EZS 350a NA, an automated guided electric tow tractor, and the EKS 215a, an automated guided medium-to-high-level stacker.
According to new research from the Manufacturing Institute, more than 2 million jobs will go unfilled in the manufacturing industry due to a current skills gap. The new Jungheinrich Automated Guided Vehicles can help customers address this labor challenge by efficiently tackling redundant tasks or reallocating resources for greater efficiency. The EZS350a NA and EKS 215a are poised to help businesses increase productivity and safety, while reducing costs and product and facility damage.
While today marks the debut of the AGV solutions for the North American market, Jungheinrich’s full-automation technology has been available in Europe for more than 55 years.
“We are proud to unveil the latest in Jungheinrich® innovation with the EZS 350a NA and the EKS 215a Automated Guided Vehicle Solutions,” said Perry Ardito, general manager for Jungheinrich Warehouse & Automation Products at MCFA. “Our Jungheinrich Automated Guided Vehicles combine proven technology with cutting-edge automation, including accurate navigation technology designed to help increase warehouse and operator efficiency.”
New Automated Guided Vehicles Solutions:
The EZS 350a NA Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) System, Electric Tow Tractor (11,000 lb.) is based on Jungheinrich’s standard tow tractor and uses laser navigation. The automated handling of repeatable transport processes to production or assembly lines reduces the delivery time to these lines, thereby allowing focus on their other tasks. This model can be used in an automated mode and a manual mode. This provides added flexibility for operator usage when and if required.
The EKS 215a Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Medium/High Level Order Picker / Stacker (3,300 lb.) is an automated guided vehicle system based on Jungheinrich’s proven vertical order picker design. The EKS 215a AGV can be used in mixed operations mode alongside other manual lift trucks and pedestrians. The EKS 215a model also features adjustable forks for the transport of special load carriers and closed pallets.
Unique features of the Jungheinrich® AGV System:
Seamless or Integrated Options
The AGV can easily be integrated into a business’ existing IT and software landscape or can be used as a stand-alone system.
- Seamless System Integration– This Jungheinrich Logistics Interface facilitates a smooth connection to any customer’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The benefit to customers is seamless integration and an accurate picture of their application.
- Standalone System– Allows the AGVS to operate as an autonomous system without a host connection. The modular system structure makes it possible to represent individual customer processes as well as reacting flexibly and quickly to process changes. This creates a solid basis for the use of the AGV system according to a customer’s specific requirements.
Optimal Configuration
Jungheinrich Automated Guided Vehicles can help customer’s reduce product and facility damage in addition to streamlining resource allocations. The AGVs use “smart” technology to define and direct the vehicle’s path. The path is also configured to improve internal transportation processes, saving transit time and reducing potential damage.
Precise Navigation
Jungheinrich AGVs can operate around-the-clock to increase the throughput of each warehouse. The precise navigation provides consistent transport of materials.
Comprehensive Safety System
Intelligent automation components are used to automate tried-and-tested narrow aisle products and adapt them to individual requirements. The Jungheinrich comprehensive vehicle safety system provides a high level of safety to work in unison with existing workflows.
“Customers are continuing to seek new ways to streamline and improve their operation’s efficiency, productivity and cost of doing business,” said Ardito. “Jungheinrich has a longstanding reputation for delivering efficient and advanced lift truck technology for more than 60 years, and we’re excited to partner with them to bring this latest automation technology to our customers in North America.”
To learn more about the Jungheinrich Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Systems, the EKS 215a, EZS 350a NA or the complete Jungheinrich North American product line, visit https://www.mcfa.com/en/jungheinrich/customer-focused-solutions/agvs%20solutions.
About Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA)
Manufacturer of High-Quality Material Handling Equipment
Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality forklifts and warehouse products in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Based in Houston, Texas, the company distributes three distinct brands – Mitsubishi forklift trucks, Cat® lift trucks and Jungheinrich® warehouse products – through its extensive dealer network. All products are backed by industry-leading customer service and superior product support. For more information about MCFA or any of its brands, visit Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America, Cat Lift Trucks, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks or Jungheinrich Forklifts.
About Jungheinrich
Leading provider of warehouse products for more than 60 years
Jungheinrich ranks among the world’s leading brands of material handling equipment and warehousing technology, offering a broad range of technologically-advanced forklifts and very narrow aisle lift trucks. With more than 60 years of electric lift truck design and manufacturing expertise, Jungheinrich is known for developing energy-efficient warehouse products – many of which operate up to two shifts on one charge in various applications.
In North America, Jungheinrich forklifts are distributed through Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc.’s (MCFA’s) extensive dealer network located throughout North America and a number of these trucks are manufactured by MCFA. Based in Houston, MCFA has more than 340 dealer locations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico and is backed by five local parts distribution centers in Texas, California, Indiana, Michigan and Pennsylvania and a 24-hour parts delivery guarantee. For more information on Jungheinrich, please visit Jungheinrich Forklift Trucks, Jungheinrich Forklifts on Facebook, Jungheinrich Forklifts on Twitter, Jungheinrich Forklifts on YouTube and Jungheinrich Forklifts on LinkedIn.
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