More than 180 companies spent the week exhibiting at their first NA show, and some made quite an impression.

"We are absolutely delighted by the number of new companies choosing to exhibit their solutions at NA 2008," said John Nofsinger, CEO of show host the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA).

In Booth 1223, envirOpak Inc. is exhibiting a new slip tray pallet and easy-fold slip sheets used for the hand-loading of small and large bags and boxes in automatic palletizers, said Ben Trickett, sales and marketing director.

"The products are a direct replacement for pallets, including wood, metal and plastic," Trickett explained. "They're similar to a slip sheet but eliminate problems associated with slip sheets, such as push-pulls that can cause leaking hydraulic lines."

A first-time exhibitor, envirOpak decided to invest in a booth at NA for the opportunity to expose the benefits of their product lines to the maximum number of businesses possible—particularly those seeking to reduce their environmental impact.

"With the troubled economy, our products' lightweight design allows a savings on fuel, and they're made from 100% recyclable material, generating cost savings and reducing the consumption of wood to make new pallets," added Trickett.

Fuel-cell maker Plug Power Inc. (Booth 2647) acquired General Hydrogen and its booth last year, said Warren Brower, product marketing manager. The company's GenDrive hydrogen fuel cell power units replace lead-acid batteries in lift trucks used in high-throughput warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing operations.

"We work very closely with lift truck OEMs and anyone within material handling that are looking for an alternative to a lead-acid battery, which is why we target shows like NA—the largest show in 2008 for material handling," said Brower. "We're working to build our brand identity and to make the proper contacts within material handling at the show."

Brower sees NA as chance to demonstrate in person the green value offered by his company's products. "With a lot of companies moving toward sustainability programs, they may not be educated on some of the alternatives that are out there," he added. "Exhibiting here is an easy way to get potential connections in one place, ask the right questions and start educating people."