MHI launches first-ever U.S. industry "roadmap" for material handling and logistics

MHI—The Industry That Makes the Supply Chain Work has announced an initiative to develop what the organization says will be the first-ever U.S. industry "roadmap" for material handling and logistics (MHL). MHI describes its MHL Roadmap as an effort to create a "blueprint of market, technological, and developmental priorities that will be needed to accomplish long-term industry goals." MHI, formerly known as Material Handling Industry of America, represents manufacturers and providers of material handling equipment and logistics and supply chain services.

The initiative will begin with four workshops designed to bring together market and technology experts in material handling and logistics from industry, academia, and government. The meetings will be held April 16–17 in Atlanta; May 7–8 in Washington, D.C.; June 4–5 in Los Angeles; and June 26–27 in Chicago.

According to MHI, the information gathered at each event will be consolidated into a single "U.S. Roadmap for Material Handling and Logistics" report and an action plan the group expects to release by the end of 2013.

The MHL Roadmap is seeking thought leaders to participate in the workshops. Participants will help to influence the future direction of the industry, raise awareness of the importance of material handling and logistics to the U.S. economy, and give new perspectives on the industry and how it should work in the future, MHI says.

MHI said it would provide administrative and financial support for the development of the Roadmap. For more information, visit www.MHLroadmap.org or send an e-mail to info@MHLroadmap.org.

A number of organizations have signed on as partners in support of the initiative, including the Center for Excellence in Logistics and Distribution (CELDi), the College Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE), and the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC). DC VELOCITY and its sister publication, CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly, are among the MHL Roadmap's media partners.