Mechanical Handling

Abstract

The authors of this paper were members of the team appointed by the Anglo-American Council on Productivity to study and report on materials handling in industry in the United States of America. The purpose of the paper is to focus attention on certain aspects of the report, “Materials Handling in Industry”, which contains the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the team, with particular reference to the application of mechanical handling inside factories. The importance and advantages of applying modern techniques in materials handling and also the need for more extensive use of known methods and equipment already available in Britain, are points particularly stressed by the authors. The opinion is expressed that better materials handling offers a greater opportunity to cut production costs and to increase productivity than any other single factor. The paper enlarges on some of the conclusions listed in the report, such as those relating to applications of methods and newer techniques, periodic reviews, layout and design, team work, and use of small power tools.