The invention traces back to the 1940s, when a grocery industry consultant highlighted the inefficiency of wide-aisle warehousing. Founder George Raymond Sr. tasked engineer Christian D. Gibson with creating a machine capable of operating in aisles narrower than 7 feet. The resulting design allowed companies to stack pallets multiple tiers high, effectively reclaiming floor space and transforming how goods move through distribution centers.
Modern iterations of the Reach-Fork have moved far beyond the original mechanical design, integrating telematics and operator-assist systems. According to Shannon Curtis, director of product marketing, the company now focuses on smart trucks that utilize the iWAREHOUSE suite to track fleet performance, battery health, and operator efficiency. As material handling demands grow more complex, these connected tools serve as the current foundation for the company's approach to warehouse optimization.
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