An Erlanger-based company announced the opening of its newly renovated facility on Wednesday.
Advanced Handling Systems LLC (AHS) is a Hy-Tek Material Handling company involved in the full-service integration of automated fulfillment and distribution products.
The newly renovated space is an innovation lab that is expected to add 35 new jobs to the market, and AHS has announced plans for further growth, according to an announcement from the company.
“This investment by AHS and Hy-Tek is creating quality jobs in Northern Kentucky and supporting distribution and logistics growth, which is one of our state’s thriving key industries,” Gov. Andy Beshear said.
The 20,000-square-foot AHS Innovation Lab on 351 Kenton Lands Road in Erlanger features robotic technology for distribution and fulfillment centers in its demonstration facility. Together, Hy-Tek and AHS integrate warehouse robotic systems like autonomous mobile robots and collaborative robotic arms.
To date, the company has filled 35 positions with plans to continue hiring efforts throughout the remainder of 2022. Yesterday’s event was held in tandem with the Package Fulfillment, Logistics and Delivery Expo being hosted in Cincinnati.
“With Hy-Tek’s acquisition of AHS, we are thrilled to be a part of Kentucky’s techno-focused growth,” said Dave Tavel Sr., vice president of sales at AHS. “We’ve observed the increased activity of robotic training in the easternmost part of the state. The environment in Northern Kentucky and the growth in logistics led us to locate our innovation lab near our corporate office. The future of our industry will rely on the emerging technologies that we integrate, test and evaluate within our lab. We will continuously review new and better ways to solve our customers’ challenges. It’s an exciting time for our industry, and we are thrilled to call Kentucky home.”
Established in 1967, AHS works with customers within the material handling sector to assess needs for and implement automated technology across industries such as e-commerce, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, retail, food and beverage and wholesale operations. Earlier this year, AHS was acquired by Hy-Tek Holdings, a material handling automation integrator that maintains a separate facility in Hebron. Hy-Tek, founded in 1963, is based in Columbus, Ohio, and employs 550 people across 10 U.S. locations. Hy-Tek has acquired Johnson Stephens Consulting, World Source, Fascor, BP Controls and, most recently, AHS.
“Hy-Tek/AHS is the only systems integrator in North America to integrate robotics offerings from Exotec and Caja robotics systems,” said Donnie Johnson, president of integrated systems at Hy-Tek. “Robotics are growing rapidly in the e-commerce and distribution areas in our business sector. Hy-Tek can offer end-to-end solutions for our valued customer base. Our clients prefer working with Hy-Tek/AHS due to our broad product offering and comprehensive design-build capabilities.”
Kenton County Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann thanked AHS for locating in Northern Kentucky.
“AHS is an excellent addition to the growing supply chain cluster in Northern Kentucky,” Judge Knochelmann said. “Congratulations to the company on the grand opening of its innovation lab. We’re thrilled they have a space to demonstrate their high-tech material handling and robotic systems.”
Erlanger Mayor Jessica Fette noted that AHS will bring customers to Northern Kentucky to build on the region’s integrated fulfillment and distribution presence.
“AHS designs extremely technical, automated solutions for customers in a variety of industries that are developed by systems and software engineers,” said Mayor Fette. “We’re excited to have AHS and its employees in Erlanger and look forward to the company’s continued growth and success.”
Lee Crume, president and CEO of Northern Kentucky Tri-ED, said the systems AHS builds and its employees are integral to the logistics technology subcluster in the region.
“The AHS innovation lab is a unique asset in Northern Kentucky,” said Crume. “We welcome AHS and are enthusiastic about their relationships with Northern Kentucky University and Cincinnati State Technical and Community College to provide student interns exposure and experience with their sophisticated systems.”