VRCs, or vertical reciprocating conveyors, are excellent for efficiently and safely transporting stuff from one level to the next. Material Lifts do exactly what their name implies. They can efficiently move things between floors, floors to mezzanines, balconies, rooftops, basements, etc. And, based on some of the situations on that list, they are obviously quite adaptable to a wide range of work environments.
It’s not surprising that more and more businesses are opting to upgrade their facilities with material lifts? Here’s a short list of some key reasons why businesses install VRCs.
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More Efficient Utilization of Space
Construction and building costs continue to rise, forcing businesses to find new ways of improving efficiency without physically expanding their facility. VRCs take up little space and can be strategically positioned near where materials must be moved. If there’s no place inside the facility, VRCs can also be placed on an exterior wall.
The smallest material lifts are modular and take up only 3×3 feet of space. Although small in size, they can carry loads up to 500 pounds. So, with a minimal investment, businesses can increase the capacity of their existing factory, warehouse or distribution center.
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Increased Productivity
To be more productive, businesses need to get their employees to work more efficiently. Usually this is achieved through some level of automation. One of the first big leaps in factory automation came with the advent of conveyor belts to move materials horizontally through an automated workflow. What a VRC does is facilitate moving materials in an automated way vertically in a workflow. Depending upon your needs, you can even use features from pusher assemblies and turntables to customize automation systems to your specific needs.
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Improved Employee Safety
The use of ramps or stairs to move materials, although common in some workplaces, can lead to slips and falls. Going up and down stairs is inherently more dangerous while carrying heavy items. Hands that are busy holding heavy objects can’t also hold safety rails. A VRC or material lift completely eliminates this risk.
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Lower Business Cost
As stated above, a VRC makes your workplace safer. Of course we all want a safer work environment. But, we also want to lower our costs. Due to the reduction of workplace accidents associated with the transport of materials up and down stairs, most companies see significant decreases in workman comp claims, as well as injury liability insurance premiums.
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Increased Storage Capacity
When it comes right down to it, many businesses just don’t have enough storage space to keep their inventory and supplies out of their employees’ way. When a VRC is utilized in conjunction with a mezzanine, you can significantly increase your overall capacity or declutter your work areas.
This is true even outside of traditional warehouses and distribution centers. Automotive dealerships, for example, can use VRCs to move parts up and down in their service center or parts department, while some dealerships even opt to move entire cars.
If you have an idea for a new application and would want to talk to a CIP sales rep, get in touch with us right now.