Tag Archives: MHI Anniversary

In 2025, MHI celebrates 80 years of leadership, innovation and connection in the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry. Founded in 1945 in the wake of World War II, the association has grown into a global leader in supply chain innovation, with more than 1,000 member companies shaping the equipment, systems and technologies that keep supply chains moving. From ...

1850—Sir William Fairbairn patents the Fairbairn steam crane. 1908—Hymie Goddard patents the first roller conveyor, allowing for the smooth transport of goods by means of internal ball bearings. 1913—Henry Ford introduces the moving assembly line. 1919—The automotive industry begins using free and powered conveyor lines, introduced by Jervis B. Webb, to handle mass production in factories. 1920s—Conveyors become the primary ...