JERVIS B. WEBB COMPANY LAUNCHES NEW “SMARTLOADER” AUTOMATIC TRAILER LOADING TECHNOLOGY Unmanned Automatic Guided Vehicle Innovation Reduces Operating Costs and Increases Productivity for Manufacturers FARMINGTON HILLS, MICH, (March 27, 2006) — Today, at the NA 2006 Material Handling & Logistics Show & Conference, Jervis B. Webb Company – a world leader in material handling solutions – launched the latest innovation in its line of unmanned Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV) technology – SmartLoader™. An around-the-clock trailer loading and warehousing AGV, SmartLoader helps reduce operating costs and increase overall productivity. “The introduction of SmartLoader is going to change the face of warehousing and distribution. This is the next generation of warehouse innovation,” said Brian Stewart, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “The benefit for end users is in the ability to enhance inventory control and increase productivity, while lowering costs.” The first-of-its-kind on the market, the unmanned and adaptable SmartLoader moves loads around a warehouse using a high-tech, inertial guidance system similar to the technology found in military guided missiles. SmartLoader delivers palletized loads in multiple configurations from palletizer output, rack or staging areas into any conventional over-the-road trailer without guidance wires, lasers or magnets. It also has the ability to stack loads and remove items from Webb’s SmartCart®, an automatic guided cart. A leading beverage company is already using more than a dozen SmartLoaders three shifts a day, five to seven days a week to reduce operating costs – particularly the costs associated with continuous trailer loading operations, downtime, equipment maintenance and damaged product. “As the material handling needs of our clients have evolved, so has our development of innovative, customized solutions to meet those needs,” said Susan Webb, President and CEO. “SmartLoader is the answer for companies that want to fully automate their warehouses and distribution centers.” The SmartLoader’s Vehicle Control Computer accurately maintains the intended path and performs required tasks. Transponders embedded in the floor are sensed by the vehicle to identify its exact location. The vehicle integrates with Warehouse Management Systems to provide real-time control. SmartLoader runs on an eight-hour battery, which the vehicle recharges itself without manual intervention. Other key features of SmartLoader include moving dual or single loads, adapting to various trailer sizes and skew angles, and packing loads loosely or tightly. Various safety features also are integrated into SmartLoader, including laser scanners that detect items in the vehicle’s path, causing the vehicle to stop immediately. SmartLoader is on display year round in Jervis B. Webb Company’s product demonstration facility in Pellston, Michigan. Prospective customers can schedule a visit to see live demonstrations of SmartLoader delivering a variety of loads from a floor staging area and Twinlode® drive-in and flowracks into a trailer. Jervis B. Webb Company is a world leader in developing innovative material handling technology and systems. The privately owned corporation specializes in the design, engineering, installation and support of integrated systems used in the automotive, airport, beverage, warehousing and manufacturing industries. Webb is headquartered in Farmington Hills, Mich., with manufacturing locations in Harbor Springs and Boyne City, Mich.; Carlisle, S.C.; Canada; India; and China. The company was founded in 1919 by Jervis B. Webb who invented the forged rivetless chain conveyor that helped revolutionize mass production.
