MHIA’s MODEX links material handling to supply chain

“MODEX will incorporate a broader array of technology, services and educational offerings that serve the overall supply chain—hence the event’s tagline Solutions That Move Supply Chains,” said John Nofsinger, Chief Executive Officer for MHIA. He adds that broader also applies to geography. Atlanta is now seen as an emerging gateway to American supply chains.

“Over 40% of North American manufacturing and distribution locations are now within a 500 mile radius of Atlanta,” Nofsinger added. “Georgia and the Southeast are also home to extensive intermodal and logistics hubs that drive supply chains now and will continue to in the future. Currently 90% of the global top 25 third party logistics providers (3PLs) have operations in Georgia and more than 48 of the largest retailers have distribution centers in Georgia.”

MHIA has been acclimating its markets to a broader context for material handling for the last few years, but it has also seen the change reflected via the name badges of its ProMat attendees.

“Their titles have changed over the years to more supply chain, distribution and manufacturing,” according to Carol Miller, MHIA’s vice president of marketing and communications. “Years ago there would be a lot of material handling in the titles. Today they’re still doing the same functions but the words have changed. Attitudes are also changing with younger people coming in. We’re looking at where the industry will be so we can get ahead of the curve.”

MHIA anticipates 500 exhibitors and tens of thousands of manufacturing, distribution and supply chain professionals from more than 80 countries will attend MODEX 2012. MHIA will expand its plans to partner with other industry groups via collocation at MODEX to add more exhibition, educational and networking value for attendees.