Industry Supplier Q&A | Roll Handling with Material Handling Sales Associates

Published: September 24, 2018

Discussing Rolls & Roll Handling

Christine Pietryla Wetzler, editor of Converting Solutions interviews Ray Cornell, president of Material Handling Sales Associates

Q: What has been your most popular solution over the last year? Is this different from prior years?

Ray Cornell: Material Handling Sales Associates (MHSA), an experienced, highly skilled team, has served the printing and packaging industries for over 40 years. To say that our solutions are popular is a bit misleading. With the continued advancement toward higher speed printing and converting equipment, customers are looking at our material handling solutions more as a necessity, than an option. By applying the combined resources of Harmax Rollcon and Specialty Machine Company, MHSA continues to be the leading provider of motorized and manual roll handling systems. We are dedicated to creating methods for smoother, safer handling of heavy rolls of raw materials. Beginning with a core line of material handling solutions, each project is uniquely engineered, manufactured and installed for the customers’ specific project requirements.

Many Installations, over that last year, in highest demand have been geared toward replacing old, inadequate roll handling systems with newer, more advanced systems, designed to assure a seamless flow of material for high-speed machinery. The difference from previous years is the introduction of a unique new approach to the process of delivering raw materials. Such a new concept can only be developed by a company that focuses solely on one aspect of our customers’ manufacturing process.

Q: When it comes to roll handling, maintenance and storage, what are some things converters should keep in mind?

Cornell: Raw materials, whether in roll or sheet form, represent the most considerable portion of production costs. Press manufacturers are constantly improving efficiency and process speeds. Most customers realize that without a continuous, reliable system to move materials through the process, money spent on new press technology is wasted. The importance of minimizing waste of materials continues to grow as competitors become more efficient in every aspect of their operations. Handling, maintaining and storage of costly raw materials is the best way to cut expensive material waste. Also, operator safety and reduced material waste is key to lowering production costs. Proper roll handling, provided by MHSA, is vital to a reduction in waste and downtime.

Q: What is the best way, in your opinion, to protect rolls – especially during transit? Is protection a significant concern?

Cornell: Forklifts and clamp truck operations, commonly used to transport materials between stages, are costly and create unnecessary waste. Any material motion required, that can be accomplished with a minimum of operator intervention, becomes safer and much more cost effective. A simple calculation of ROI for an initial capital outlay for a well-designed roll handling system, shows the value of a one-time investment, as compared to the continuous costs of manpower, equipment and waste created by not making such an investment.

Q: Are there things converters should know about roll handling but don’t? What are they?

Cornell: The obvious answer is that converters know the best way to protect materials. However, the investment is not always considered into the high cost of investing in new equipment for on-going operations. Time spent in thorough evaluation of every segment of the operation, including the handling of raw materials, often pays huge continuous benefits. MHSA understands this and the operating requirements of our customers. With this in mind, we offer to assist in evaluating the process and suggesting areas of improvement, through consultation and audits during the development of any project.