MHL Update
The evolution of warehousing practices at MHL 2009
MHL, the materials handling, warehousing and logistics trade show, will be an interactive showcase of the evolution of warehousing practices in New Zealand thanks to a partnership with Interlogic and Kerrect Logistics.
MHL will take place at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland on 22 and 23 July 2009 and will bring together over 100 exhibitors and around 2000 key decision-makers and buyers from throughout New Zealand.
MHL will host the Interlogic Kerrect Interactive Theatre – a series of interactive demonstrations unique to MHL.
The theatre was first held at the inaugural MHL show in 2007, where it concentrated on end-to-end warehouse operations, putting current practices into perspective and providing an overarching perspective. Feedback from MHL 2007 indicated attendees wanted to see more about order fulfilment and an opportunity to try some of the technologies and ideas themselves. As a result, the emphasis of the Interlogic Kerrect Interactive Theatre in 2009 will be on order fulfilment and generating an interactive experience for visitors to the show.
The theatre is the work of Scott Kerr of Kerrect Logistics and Les Wootton of Interlogic. In 2007, they set out to make the interactive demonstrations as engaging and interactive as possible and the result was a success. Rachel Hobbs, the show’s organiser, says: “We are more than delighted to have Scott and Les on board once again as they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. The Interlogic Kerrect Interactive Theatre is an innovative and valuable addition to the show that will provide visitors with first-hand experience rarely found elsewhere.”
Current activities in the market are concentrating on order fulfilment as it provides the best area of opportunity for cost reduction and continuous improvement as well as preparing business for anticipated growth curves. “Current investment within Australasia is confirming a strong motivation to invest in effective distribution platforms as technology costs reduce and labour costs increase,” says Mr Kerr, “and therefore the return on investment is far more attractive and achievable than in years gone by. This is not confined only to large organisations seeking best practice, but there is intense and increased activity within the SME environment as the cost of poor efficiency and service levels within these businesses has a much more dramatic and faster consequence.”
The theme of the 2009 interactive theatre is to present the evolution of warehousing practices – from the ‘60s and ‘70s to the present day, but also to provide an interactive environment where visitors can use some of the solutions demonstrated in a live warehousing environment.
Physical order fulfilment solutions will also be complemented with some sound reasoning and demonstration around the need and opportunity of utilising effective warehouse management systems and technology in general.
In addition to the Interlogic Kerrect Interactive Theatre, MHL 2009 will include a forklift test-drive area where exhibitors will be able to demonstrate forklift capabilities in a dedicated space. Testing the product will give visitors the best idea of how it will match their specific requirements.
MHL sales manager Alan Reid says: “Personal preferences about the controls and ergonomics are a vital aspect in purchasing forklift trucks, and having this area accessible at the show allows the forklift drivers to be included in the decision-making process.”
MHL’s marketing executive Kelly Peters says: “Trade visitors are extremely interested in trialling what the market has to offer, especially those involved with health and safety who will be attending The National Safety Show in the hall next door. Increasingly, health and safety professionals are being included in the buying process when in comes to investing in a new lift truck, and the interactive experiences at MHL 2009 will provide them with the opportunity to do so. It increases the show’s worth to visitors, which of course benefits exhibitors too.”
MHL has been joined by FTD which will be the official publication and media partner of the show.
For more information on exhibiting at MHL or participating in the Interlogic Kerrect Interactive Theatre, contact: Alan Reid, Tel: 0800 944248 (XHIBIT), Website: www.mhlshow.co.nz