HK Systems Provides Material Handling Solution for the Founding Documents of Our Democracy

Oct. 1, 2003
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, --- HK Systems, Inc., a leading North American automated material handling and supply chain software total solutions provider, announced

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, --- HK Systems, Inc., a leading North American automated material handling and supply chain software total solutions provider, announced their contribution to the renovation of The National Archives, permanent home of our country's Charters of Freedom - the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights.

Applying the foundation technology of their Unit Load Storage and Retrieval Machines and unsurpassed experience in high security material handling automation, HK Systems provided the system design, manufacturing, and installation for three precision shuttles, door lifting hoists, and carts for the shuttle transfer system responsible for moving the documents at The National Archives located in Washington, D.C.

The HK Systems' display transfer system will transport the Charters of Freedom at the beginning of each archive's viewing day from secure storage vaults to display windows located in the Rotunda. At the conclusion of each day, the transfer system will transport the documents back into the vaults.

John W. Splude, HK Systems' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The HK solution addresses the need for heightened security during the transfer of these important documents." Splude continued, "We are honored to have provided the state-of-the-art system that not only provides enhanced security, but expedites the movement of the documents without requiring human interface."

The National Archives has been closed for extensive renovation since July, 2001. On September 17, 2003, the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom will be rededicated and these newly restored and re-encased documents will again be on view. The Charters of Freedom display is the centerpiece of the new National Archives Experience, which makes its debut with the opening of the renovated Rotunda.

Addressing the synchronized flow of material and information throughout a company's network, HK Systems develops, deploys, and maintains innovative solutions that improve customer service, reduce inventory and delivery time, and lower overall costs of manufacturing, distribution, and transportation.

The company's comprehensive product and service offerings include automated storage and retrieval systems, automated guided vehicles, conveyance, sortation, palletizers, customer services, warehouse management, transportation management and event management systems.

For more information regarding HK Systems, its products, services and/or The National Archives project, call 1-800-HKSYSTEMS or visit www.hksystems.com.