Cross-continental collaboration bridges US and European Pallet Technologies.
Pallet technology partnerships between US and European companies are becoming increasingly frequent. Recently we reported on the transatlantic cooperation announced between Ivisys and Alliance Automation.
Now, in a significant development in the pallet repair equipment industry, Automated Machine Systems (AMS) in the United States and Pallet Sorting Systems (PSS) from Europe have announced a new partnership. This collaboration, as reported in the January issue of Pallet Enterprise Magazine, aims to leverage each company’s strengths to offer innovative equipment solutions across both continents.
Kris Chayer, President of AMS, and Roel de Vries, Owner of PSS, initiated this alliance at the Interpal meeting in Montreal. This partnership allows AMS to represent PSS equipment in North America while PSS will sell AMS equipment in Europe, providing both companies access to each other’s unique markets and solutions. Chayer expressed enthusiasm for PSS’s equipment and software, particularly its multi-sort line that offers functions not currently available in North American products.
PSS Multi Pallet Sorting Line Can Handle 20 Sorts of Non-standard Sizes
A highlight of this collaboration is the PSS Multi Pallet Sorting Line, which can handle up to 20 sorts of non-standard sizes and is ideal for sorting a range of odd-sized pallets. This system, which can sort pallet sizes from 39 to 52 inches without restriction, features robotic arms on a gantry moving along the line to stack pallets on the floor. The system’s design is adaptable, with configurations including line, T-shape, or L-shape setups to fit various facility layouts. PSS claims the system can process up to 400 pallets per hour.
Another innovative solution is the In-line Stacker System, which is unique in its ability to handle varying widths without adjustments and track processes without the need for barcodes. Chayer highlighted this system’s flexibility and the significant advantage its tracking software brings to the industry.
De Vries shared that AMS would be producing and servicing the PSS systems in America, including the Multi Pallet Sort Line and Inline Stackers. AMS anticipates offering these systems with standard lead times of three to six months, depending on workload and design specifics. PSS, in turn, will incorporate some of AMS’s equipment and software into its offerings, such as the AMS single paint booth and the PalMate ERP software.
The partnership also aims to enhance manufacturing processes, with Chayer acknowledging that PSS’s approach to system design — prefabricated, modular, and interchangeable components — is more advanced than typical U.S. manufacturing processes. This modularity not only caters to a broader customer base but also reduces overall system costs. Additionally, PSS’s fabrication methods, which involve welding with bolting, allow for easy replacement of parts or sections, setting a new standard in equipment design and maintenance.
Safety is another area where this partnership excels. European stringent safety standards are integrated into every PSS line, bringing enhanced safety features to the American market.
Highlighting the versatility and resale value of PSS systems, de Vries recounted an instance where a client’s machine was repurposed for multiple sorts, demonstrating the adaptability of their systems.
For more information, interested parties in North America can contact AMS at solutions@automatedmachinesystems.com or visit their website.
Automated Machine Systems (AMS)
Automated Machine Systems (AMS) is a leading U.S.-based company specializing in the design and manufacture of pallet repair and recycling equipment. Known for its innovative approach, AMS offers a comprehensive range of products tailored to the needs of the pallet recycling industry. Its product lineup includes various pallet repair and handling systems, distinguished by their efficiency, durability, and technological advancement. AMS focuses on creating solutions that optimize productivity and cost-effectiveness for their clients. Its commitment to quality and customer service has established it as a key player in the North American market.
Pallet Sorting Systems B.V. (PSS)
Pallet Sorting Systems B.V. (PSS) is a European company renowned for its advanced and highly efficient pallet sorting and handling systems. Based in the Netherlands, PSS is a leader in developing innovative solutions for the pallet industry. Their equipment, known for its robustness and high-speed operation, includes state-of-the-art pallet sorting lines with automated robotic arms and intelligent software systems. These systems are designed to handle various pallet sizes and types, making them versatile for various industrial applications. PSS’s focus on innovation, quality, and customization has made it a favored choice in the European pallet sorting market.
Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
