Built For Motion connects manufacturers with the right material handling equipment designers and fabricators for their operations. Through our network of specialized designers, manufacturers, and suppliers, we match your project to the best-fit solution, whether you need a single piece of equipment or a full system overhaul.
From automotive racks and lean manufacturing carts to bulk containers and autonomous mobile robots, we work across the full spectrum of industrial material handling.
What Is Material Handling Equipment?
Material handling equipment is any tool, machine, or system used to move, store, protect, or control materials and products throughout a facility or supply chain.
In a manufacturing plant, this ranges from the containers parts ship in, to the carts that bring those parts to the assembly line, to the automated vehicles that keep materials moving between departments. For automotive and industrial manufacturers, the right material handling setup directly affects throughput, part quality, ergonomics, and cost.
Material Handling Equipment Categories
Automotive Racks
Automotive racks are the returnable steel containers used to ship and store parts between suppliers, manufacturers, and assembly plants. They protect high-value body panels, structural components, and assemblies through the supply chain.
Our network of rack fabricators specializes in custom design and manufacturing, repair and retrofit services, and component supply for every major rack type. Whether you need new racks for a program launch, repairs to extend the life of an existing fleet, or replacement dunnage and components, we can help.
Common rack types we work with:
- Body side panel racks
- Door and door assembly racks
- Hood, roof panel, and fender racks
- Bumper, fascia, and front end racks
- Engine, transmission, exhaust, and shock racks
- Belt racks and radiator racks
- Custom designs for unique part geometries
Learn more about Automotive Rack Manufacturing | Submit an RFQ
Lean Manufacturing Equipment
Lean manufacturing equipment supports efficient in-plant material movement. Built with tube-and-joint construction, these modular systems can be configured, reconfigured, and repurposed without welding or expensive tooling costs.
Our network builds:
- Flow racks for FIFO inventory management and ergonomic parts presentation at the line
- Kitting carts that organize component kits for specific assembly sequences, reducing walk time and search time
- Workstations configurable with integrated lighting, shadow boards, tool organization, and adjustable working heights
- Mother-daughter carts for efficient line replenishment that cuts forklift dependence and keeps production moving
- Team boards for visual management, production tracking, and shift communication
Properly designed lean equipment systems have produced productivity improvements of 30% or more in client facilities.
Learn more about Lean Manufacturing Equipment | Submit an RFQ
Bulk Bins and Containers
Bulk bins and containers handle high-volume material storage and transport throughout a facility or between facilities. We source new and used containers in multiple configurations depending on your parts, environment, and throughput needs.
Container types we source:
- Flat-sided steel containers for heavy industrial use, stackable with a long service life
- Wire mesh containers for visibility and airflow where part inspection or lighter-duty handling is needed
- Plastic bulk containers for cleaner environments, lighter weights, or automated handling systems
Whether you need a small fleet for a new part program or a large-scale rollout across multiple facilities, we can connect you with the right container supplier at a competitive price.
Submit an RFQ for Bulk Bins and Containers
AGVs and AMRs
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) represent the automation end of material handling. Both replace manual or forklift-driven movement on predictable routes. They differ primarily in how they navigate.
- AGVs follow fixed paths using magnetic tape, painted lines, inductive wires, or QR codes. Best suited to high-volume, repetitive routes in structured environments.
- AMRs use onboard sensors and AI to navigate dynamically and adapt to changing environments in real time. Better suited to operations where routes or obstacles vary.
We assess your operation, identify where automation provides a clear ROI, and connect you with the right AGV or AMR vendor. We also support integration with your existing ERP and MES systems, and help your team work through the IT and security compliance requirements that come with implementation.
Learn more about AGVs and AMRs | Schedule a Consultation
Returnable Packaging and Containers
Returnable packaging solutions protect parts during shipping and handling between facilities. These include plastic totes, collapsible bulk containers, and specialty racks designed for repeated use across the supply chain.
Returnable systems reduce long-term packaging spend compared to expendable options. They also reduce line-side waste and support sustainability commitments that are increasingly required by OEM customers.
If you are weighing returnable vs. expendable packaging, we have a detailed breakdown to help you make the right call. Read: Expendable vs. Returnable Packaging
Learn more about Returnable Packaging Solutions
How Material Handling Equipment Fits Into a Broader Material Flow System
Individual equipment pieces are part of a larger system. Material flow is the discipline of designing how materials move through a facility, from receiving dock to line side to shipping. The right equipment is only as effective as the system it operates within.
Built For Motion supports full material flow system projects, including layout analysis, Plan For Every Part (PFEP) development, lean methodology implementation, and equipment selection. If you are planning a new line, launching a new program, or transforming an existing facility, we can support the full scope.
Learn more about Material Flow Systems
Industries We Serve
Our material handling equipment solutions serve manufacturers and operators across multiple industries:
- Automotive: Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, OEM assembly plant support, new program launches
- Aerospace: Specialized component handling with strict inventory control and documentation requirements
- Appliance Manufacturing: High-volume assembly with rapid changeover demands
- Agriculture: Large component handling for complex assemblies and seasonal production shifts
- Heavy Truck: Heavy-duty handling systems for large parts and specialized tooling
- eCommerce and Warehousing: Efficient picking, storage, and shipping operations
- Electronics and Medical Devices: Controlled handling for sensitive or high-value components
How Built For Motion Works
We are not a single manufacturer. We are a solutions company with a curated network of specialized vendors.
When you bring a project to us, we assess your requirements, identify the right manufacturer or supplier for your specific need, and manage that relationship on your behalf. You get access to experts in each equipment type without managing a half-dozen vendor relationships yourself.
Greg Wilson and Tony Wilson bring a combined 40-plus years of hands-on experience in material handling, fabrication, and supply chain. That experience is how we know which vendor fits which project, and how we stay useful to you through every phase of a job.
Our commitment to value | Project facilitation services
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of material handling equipment does Built For Motion supply?
We source and supply automotive racks, lean manufacturing equipment (flow racks, kitting carts, workstations, mother-daughter carts), bulk bins and containers, AGVs and AMRs, and returnable packaging solutions. If you have a need we have not listed here, contact us. We likely have a vendor in our network who can help.
Do you only serve automotive manufacturers?
No. While our roots are in the automotive supply chain, we serve manufacturers across automotive, aerospace, appliance, agriculture, heavy truck, eCommerce, electronics, and medical device industries.
Can you help with a single piece of equipment, or do you only take on large projects?
Both. We work on single replacement orders as well as full-scale program launches and facility transformations. Whether you need one kitting cart or a complete rack fleet for a new part launch, we can help.
How do I get a quote?
Submit an RFQ through our quote request form or schedule a consultation to talk through your project first. For complex projects, a conversation upfront saves time for everyone.
What is the difference between material handling equipment and material flow?
Material handling equipment refers to the physical tools, including racks, carts, containers, and robots, used to move and store materials. Material flow is the system-level discipline of designing how those materials move through a facility. Good material flow planning determines which equipment you need, where it goes, and how it connects to your production process. We support both the equipment and the system design.
Does Built For Motion sell used material handling equipment?
For used and surplus returnable containers, our sister network Reclaim Returnables specializes in buying, selling, and repairing used returnable containers. It is a good resource if you are looking to acquire used bulk containers or sell surplus packaging equipment.