Material Handling Equipment Case Study: Driving Productivity Gains

Introduction

It encompasses the movement, protection, storage, and control of goods throughout the supply chain. As one of the leading material handling companies, Aardwolf Industries delivers end-to-end solutions—from lifting equipment and automated trolleys to bespoke stone fabrication tooling—that unlock productivity, drive down costs, and elevate safety standards across the material handling industry.

This case study dives deep into how Aardwolf partnered with a mid-sized countertop installation company to overhaul its workflows. By integrating advanced lifting clamps, conveyor robotics, suction cup systems, and gantry cranes, the operation achieved a dramatic uptick in throughput—validating why Aardwolf remains a trusted name in material-handling equipment.

The Aardwolf Approach to Material Handling

Aardwolf specializes in designing turnkey solutions that address every facet of handling material. Whether it’s transporting delicate granite slabs or installing heavy kerb stones, Aardwolf tailors equipment to meet the specific challenges of stone fabrication, countertop installation, and beyond.

Strategic Equipment Selection

Selecting the right tools can make or break operational efficiency. Successful deployment starts with aligning equipment capabilities to your site’s footprint, load profiles, and throughput targets. To guide customers, Aardwolf authored Material Handling Equipment Selection: 6 Key Factors to Consider, covering:

1. Load capacity vs. equipment rating

2. Footprint and mobility requirements

3. Integration with existing workflows

4. Ergonomics and operator safety

5. Scalability for seasonal peaks

6. Total cost of ownership

Integrated Solutions for Stone Fabrication

In the stone fabrication sector, precision and product protection are paramount. Aardwolf delivers tailored workflows that streamline every step of the countertop lifecycle:

• Design consultation with a dedicated Countertop Installation Company partner

• Equipment layout optimized for flow—cutting, edging, polishing, and assembly

• Specialized lifting: From vacuum lifters and slab lifters for large panels to compact scissor lifter clamps for small insets

• Surface-safe gripping using advanced suction cups for material-handling equipment

• Finishing workflows that eliminate rework

Read more about Aardwolf’s role in stone fabrication and installation and the latest advancements in stone fabrication.

Key Equipment Categories

Lifting Solutions for Heavy Loads

Aardwolf offers a comprehensive lineup of lifting equipment designed for both safety and throughput:

• Lifting clamp systems: engineered for slab-to-plate handling and available in multiple configurations

• Selecting Types of Lifting Clamps guidance for choosing the correct clamp based on material type and shape

• Vacuum lifter slab lifter units: provide zero-mark gripping for polished stone

• Scissor lifter clamps: compact, high-torque solutions for narrow profiles

• Ratchet tie down traps: secure heavy cargo on transport frames

These lifting tools eliminate manual strain, reduce breakage risk, and accelerate cycle times.

Gantry and Jib Cranes

Gantry cranes deliver unmatched versatility for in-plant handling material tasks:

• Utilize mobile gantry cranes to move heavy loads along flexible tracks

• Gantry crane material handling ensures consistent lifting capacity across your workspace

• Use Floor-Mounted Jib Crane for localized loading and unloading in tight areas

Combined, these cranes form the aerial backbone of material handling, seamlessly bridging storage and workstations.

Material Handling Trolleys and Carts

Nothing beats a smooth-rolling trolley for internal transport:

• The Aardwolf Material Handling Trolley is engineered for ergonomic pushing and precise maneuverability.

• Integrated load-securing features accommodate Kerb Stones and other bulky landscaping materials.

• Heavy-duty frames resist tipping, ensuring stability on uneven floors.

Case Study: Driving Productivity Gains

Client Profile

A leading countertop installation company in Melbourne faced escalating labor costs, high damage rates on granite surfaces, and throughput constraints. Their existing workflows relied heavily on manual picking, pallet jacks, and rodent conveyors—limiting daily installations to just eight countertops.

Challenges

• Frequent stone chipping during manual handling

• Employee fatigue from repetitive lifting

• Underutilized overhead space, leading to congested floors

• Lack of real-time inventory control

Aardwolf Solution Package

1. Automated slab lifter installation reduced two-person lifts to a single-operator task.

2. Mobile gantry crane tracked on rail improved overhead lifting flexibility. Users could utilize mobile gantry cranes to shift 300 kg slabs effortlessly.

3. Vacuum lifter slab lifter units integrated with suction cups to protect polished surfaces.

4. Scissor lifter clamps enabled precise edge installation in tight kitchen islands.

5. Material Handling Equipment Selection: 6 Key Factors to Consider best practices ensured the right crane, clamp, and trolley combos.

6. Stone fabrication cells reorganized per Aardwolf’s “assembly-line” model, reducing travel distances by 40%.

Benefits and ROI of Automated Material Handling

Implementing Aardwolf’s suite of equipment delivered:

• Labor cost savings: Automated lifts slashed man-hours by over 60%.

• Enhanced safety: Injuries related to manual carrying dropped by 83%.

• Higher throughput: Doubling installations led to a rapid payback—under 9 months.

• Scalability: The modular design accommodates future expansions and seasonal peaks.

This mirrors industry data showing that deploying ASRS, conveyors, and robotics can boost warehouse throughput by up to 200% while reducing picking errors to under 0.1%.

Best Practices for Implementation

1. Perform a material flow audit: Map current handling paths and identify chokepoints.

2. Engage operators early: Solicit feedback on tool ergonomics and workflow sequences.

3. Phase rollout in zones: Validate ROI in one cell before scaling facility-wide.

4. Train rigorously: Offer hands-on sessions for cranes, lifting clamps, and vacuum systems.

5. Maintain proactively: Establish service schedules for suction cups, motors, and bearings.

For detailed insights on countertop work, consult Aardwolf guides such as Choosing the Right Granite Countertop, Use Countertop Fabricators, and Granite Countertop Maintenance.

Conclusion

By aligning pioneering lifting equipment, gantry cranes, suction cup elevators, and ergonomic trolleys, material handling workflows can be transformed from labor-intensive chores into high-throughput, safe operations. Aardwolf’s comprehensive case study illustrates how a strategic deployment of material-handling equipment delivered staggering productivity gains, rapid ROI, and a more motivated workforce.

To explore how Aardwolf can elevate your material handling strategy, visit our resources on a backbone of material handling or learn about our signature Aardwolf Kerb Stones.

Reference
 Improve Efficiency With Material Handling