Joseph Sedlak, material handing pioneer, dies at 90

Joseph A. Sedlak, founder of one of the first material handling and warehousing consulting companies, Sedlak Management Consultants Inc., died earlier this month at age 90.

Sedlak founded the company—originally known as Joseph A. Sedlak Management Consultants Inc.—in 1958 based on his design of warehouse garment handling systems a for apparel manufacturer Bobbie Brooks.

Sedlak's close collaboration with conveyor company Rapistan Conveyor led him to develop high-speed unit sortation systems that would be required by cataloguers and specialty retailers. Sedlak's firm found early success by focusing on efficiencies within warehouse material handling systems. Over the years, it expanded into supply chain strategy, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture, and information systems.

The company continues to plan, design, and implement automated fulfillment facilities. It has completed over 2,000 projects for more than 1,000 clients.

In its 55th year, Sedlak Management Consultants is privately owned by the second generation of the family. Sedlak's son-in-law, Jeffrey Graves, serves as president. Sedlak's sons, Ned and Patrick, are principals.