Since its inception in 1988, Mainway Handling Systems has been at the forefront of creating innovative solutions through designing and installing conveyor systems and automated warehouse solutions. Located in Burlington, Ontario, the company offers comprehensive services, including systems design, installation, and integration for a diverse range of logistics customers. These customers span multiple industries, including warehousing, distribution, freight, parcel, 3PL, grocery, and manufacturing.
After speaking in 2023, Manufacturing in Focus sat back down with Marketing Manager Matthew Pereira to gain more insights into how Mainway Handling Systems optimizes its customers’ operations, highlighting the company’s commitment to excellence and adaptability in a rapidly changing market.
One of Mainway Handling Systems’ key strengths is its extensive industry knowledge and experience, particularly within the Canadian market. As Pereira explains, “We have years of experience—decades of experience in the Canadian market specifically. This is crucial because there’s a lot of nuance within the Canadian market, even between provinces, such as building codes and the weights and measures regulations, to name a couple.” Understanding these nuances is essential, especially in today’s world, where e-commerce and online orders are more prevalent than ever.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift toward e-commerce, fundamentally changing consumer shopping habits. “The pandemic really exploded the market,” Pereira notes. “Consumers have developed a habit of online ordering for everything from groceries to pharmaceuticals.” This surge in online activity has added significant complexity to shipping and distribution processes.
The increase in online orders has made automation more complex. “It is becoming a much more varied context for automation now,” Pereira says. “Previously, automation was mostly about warehouses, conveyors, and moving your product. But now, there are so many variables to consider, such as temperature control, overnight delivery, and handling different types and sizes of items.” The demand for customized solutions has never been higher, as warehouse operators strive to meet growing expectations while maintaining efficiency.
Pereira emphasizes the importance of flawless operations in maintaining customer satisfaction. “All of this leads to tighter margins,” he explains. “A single error in warehouse and systems design or automation can cause a domino effect, resulting in unhappy customers and increased returns.” Mainway Handling Systems addresses these challenges by positioning itself as a one-stop shop, providing customers with a seamless experience from start to finish.
One of Mainway Handling Systems’ primary goals is to minimize physical handling of products. “We aim to take the handling out of material handling,” Pereira states. “The less physical contact with the product, the safer and more secure it is, reducing the risk of damage. This increases accuracy and ensures customers receive their packages promptly.”
Automation also enhances safety and efficiency, reducing the likelihood of human error and minimizing labor costs. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology, Mainway Handling Systems ensures that its solutions align with the highest industry standards, making the company a preferred partner for companies looking to streamline their operations.
A critical component of Mainway Handling Systems’ offerings is the controls of the system or the warehouse management system, which acts as the “brain” of the operation. This system coordinates the internal functions of the system, manages internal inventory, labels the package, and provides many more functions, in many instances ensuring everything runs smoothly. “Our warehouse management system is crucial for customers utilizing a systems integrator like Mainway Handling,” Pereira explains.
The company’s expertise in creating customized solutions sets it apart. “No two warehouses are alike, even within the same company,” Pereira notes. “Our approach starts with collaboration, treating our clients as partners rather than just customers.” This collaborative approach ensures that Mainway Handling Systems understands each client’s unique requirements and designs tailored solutions to meet those needs.
Mainway Handling Systems excels at delivering customized solutions that enhance efficiency and accuracy while supporting business growth. “We design systems that can be adapted as our clients’ throughput grows, without disrupting their current operations,” Pereira explains. This ability to scale and adapt is a significant advantage, ensuring that clients can continue to evolve without facing major operational hurdles.
The company’s one-stop shop approach extends to designing and manufacturing its conveyor systems. Its 24-volt motor-driven roller conveyor features run-on-demand zones, plug-and-play options, and ergonomic designs. Most of the components are sourced and manufactured in Ontario, allowing Mainway Handling Systems to proudly display the Ontario Made seal. This local manufacturing ensures superior quality and gives the company control over lead times and supply chain reliability.
Mainway Handling Systems’ success is also attributed to its strategic partnerships with industry leaders. These collaborations enhance the company’s ability to provide comprehensive solutions for various spaces, including warehouses up to a million square feet. Notable partners include Modula, Packsize, Intralox, FMH, Ryson, and URBX. These relationships enable Mainway Handling to offer diverse solutions, ensuring the best possible outcomes for each client’s unique needs.
Mainway Handling Systems’ commitment to flexibility and openness is a cornerstone of its approach. By considering various options and maintaining an open mind, the company consistently delivers targeted solutions that meet individual customer requirements. This approach has garnered trust from a wide range of prestigious clients, including FedEx, DHL, Longo’s, Shoppers Drug Mart, Decathlon, BookDepot, Canpar/Loomis Express, Carquest, Walmart, Yusen Logistic, and IKEA.
The company’s dedication to customer satisfaction extends beyond installation, providing value-added follow-up services including preventative maintenance, parts supply, service, retrofits, mechanical and electrical work, installations, relocation, and emergency repairs. This comprehensive support ensures that clients can rely on Mainway Handling Systems for all their automation needs throughout the duration of the project and well after installation.
Looking ahead, Pereira is optimistic about the company’s future. “I would say the future is still very bright,” he shares. “We are focusing on the parcel, e-commerce, final mile, and 3PL logistics sectors, which are experiencing exponential growth in North America.”
Mainway Handling Systems is well-positioned to become an industry leader in larger, more sophisticated sortation systems. “The systems we are seeing are more sophisticated from control, operations, software, and technology standpoints,” Pereira explains. This expertise sets the company apart, allowing it to address the complex demands of modern logistics and e-commerce.
After building a strong foundation in these areas, Mainway Handling Systems is poised to become “a leader of warehouse automation in Canada when it comes to sortation and e-commerce.” As the company continues to innovate and expand, it remains a key player to watch in the evolving world of logistics and automation.
With its unwavering commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and industry leadership, Mainway Handling Systems is set to redefine warehouse automation and logistics solutions. As e-commerce and online sales continue to surge, the company’s expertise and adaptability position it for continued success and growth in the years to come.
