MODEX 2026 brings together the latest advancements in supply chain, logistics, and material handling under one roof. As one of North America’s largest trade shows for manufacturing and distribution, it offers a unique opportunity to explore emerging technologies, connect with industry leaders, and evaluate solutions that drive efficiency.

Ryson is proud to be part of this year’s event at Booth B16137.

We designed our presence around one goal: helping operations move more product in less space. Our live demo loop highlights how Ryson Spiral Conveyor systems optimize vertical movement while maintaining a compact footprint. Visitors can experience smooth product flow, continuous operation, and the reliability that defines our equipment.

Why does this matter?

Facilities continue to face space constraints and rising throughput demands. Traditional conveying often consumes valuable floor space and creates inefficiencies. In contrast, a Ryson Spiral Conveyor elevates product flow vertically, unlocking new layout possibilities and improving operational performance.

At our booth, you will see how this approach translates into real-world advantages. Our team will walk through system design considerations, integration strategies, and performance benefits tailored to your application. Whether you operate in e-commerce, food and beverage, or general manufacturing, these insights can help you rethink your material flow.

What can you expect when you visit Ryson at MODEX?

You will see a working system that demonstrates continuous vertical conveying in action.
You will gain practical insight into how Spiral Conveyor solutions reduce footprint and improve efficiency.

If you have not made it to the show yet, now is the time. MODEX 2026 continues to deliver valuable connections and forward-thinking solutions that shape the future of material handling.

Talking to the next generation on Student Day

On day 3 of the show our East Coast Sales Rep, Bill Keane, spent a rewarding Student Day sharing industry insights with the next generation of engineers and logistics leaders. Talking about his experience, Bill noted:

“It was a privilege to help bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world automation with these young people. It’s inspiring to see such talent preparing to lead the industry forward.”

The post Ryson at Modex in Atlanta This Week appeared first on Ryson International.

Retrofit or Rebuild?

Most operations achieve faster ROI by upgrading existing facilities with Ryson Spiral Conveyors, not building new ones.

Facility leaders face a constant question: retrofit or rebuild? The answer depends on space, uptime, and capital efficiency. When you factor in Ryson Spiral Conveyors, the ROI gap becomes clear.

Brownfield vs. Greenfield: What’s the Difference?

When planning a new operation or facility upgrade, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether you’re working with what already exists, or starting from scratch.

Brownfield refers to existing facilities and equipment being repurposed, upgraded, or expanded. In manufacturing terms, this might mean retrofitting an older production line with new automation or integrating modern machinery into a legacy plant. The infrastructure is already there and the challenge is working within its constraints.

Greenfield means building from the ground up on a blank slate, giving engineers complete freedom to design a facility and select equipment without the limitations of legacy systems. It requires greater investment but can deliver superior long-term efficiency and scalability.

Why Brownfield Retrofits Often Deliver Faster ROI

Brownfield projects unlock value inside your existing footprint. They avoid relocation while improving flow and capacity.

Ryson Spiral Conveyors drive this advantage. They reduce floor space by up to 80–90% compared to incline conveyors. They also deliver continuous flow, which removes bottlenecks and improves throughput.

Even more importantly, they are built for real-world retrofits. Their modular design allows partial disassembly for tight installs. Crews can navigate mezzanine penetrations and restricted access areas with minimal disruption. Many operations see payback within 12–24 months after upgrading legacy systems.

How ROI Plays Out by Industry

E-commerce & Fulfillment: Speed and Space Drive Returns

E-commerce operations operate under constant volume pressure. Facilities often run near peak capacity, leaving little room for expansion. In these environments, Ryson Spiral Conveyors reclaim floor space and maintain continuous flow between pick modules, sortation, and packing. That means faster order processing without expanding the building.

Brownfield retrofits work especially well here because downtime carries high service penalties. Installing modular spirals in tight layouts allows upgrades without shutting down operations. Greenfield may make sense only when automation strategies require a full redesign.

Food & Beverage: Gentle Handling and Sanitary Design Matter

Food and beverage facilities must balance throughput with product integrity and cleanliness. Ryson Spiral Conveyors support gentle product handling while maintaining consistent vertical flow. This reduces product damage and minimizes waste.

In brownfield environments, space constraints often limit expansion. Spirals solve this by using vertical space efficiently while fitting into existing washdown zones and process layouts. Their modular installation also simplifies integration into facilities with strict sanitation requirements. Greenfield projects may be necessary when compliance or process separation cannot be achieved in the current building.

Pharma & Packaging: Reliability and Compliance Are Critical

Pharmaceutical and packaging environments demand precision, traceability, and uptime. Unplanned downtime can disrupt validation processes and impact regulatory compliance. Ryson Spiral Conveyors improve reliability by eliminating stop-and-go vertical transport. Their continuous motion reduces mechanical stress and maintenance needs.

For brownfield sites, modular installation becomes a major advantage. Facilities can upgrade vertical conveying without extensive reconstruction or compliance risk. Greenfield projects may be justified when cleanroom requirements or regulatory constraints exceed retrofit capabilities.

The Hidden Cost of “Doing Nothing”

Downtime often outweighs energy or labor in ROI calculations. A single failure in vertical conveying can stop entire production lines. That ripple effect creates costly delays. By replacing legacy equipment with Ryson Spiral Conveyors, facilities stabilize flow and reduce maintenance exposure.

When a New Facility Makes Sense

Greenfield wins when incremental improvements cannot meet demand.

Choose new construction when you need:

• A step-change in capacity

• A full automation redesign

However, new builds take years to deliver ROI and require significantly higher capital investment.

Energy Efficiency Strengthens the ROI Case

Modern spirals also improve operating efficiency. When paired with IE5 motors, energy losses can be reduced by up to 50%. This lowers operating costs while supporting sustainability goals.

Q: Brownfield or Greenfield – Which option delivers better ROI?

A: Brownfield retrofits typically deliver faster ROI due to lower cost and immediate performance gains.

Q: When should you choose Greenfield?

A: Choose greenfield when your current facility cannot support future capacity, compliance, or automation needs.

The Bottom Line

Start with a retrofit if your location still works. Ryson Spiral Conveyors unlock space, reduce downtime, and install where other systems cannot. Then scale your operation when growth demands it.

The post Brownfield vs. Greenfield ROI: Which Delivers Faster Payback? appeared first on Ryson International.

A delayed container ship, a sudden labor shortage, or an unexpected geopolitical conflict can halt global supply chains overnight. We’ve seen this countless times in the past years. The pandemic, wars, natural disasters, the Suez Canal block, etc. These events continue to happen.

Decision-makers cannot control those events. However, they can control how resilient their operations become when disruption arrives.

One thing is for certain: Resilient facilities rely on efficient, automated systems that keep material moving even when the external supply chain becomes unpredictable.

Recent years proved how fragile global logistics can be. Many operations struggled because they depended on fragile systems or manual processes that failed under pressure.

The facilities that maintained throughput shared a common trait. They built systems capable of absorbing disruption without shutting down.

Why Is Operational Resilience So Important?

Supply chain disruptions rarely affect only inbound logistics. They cascade into production schedules, warehouse throughput, and order fulfillment. A single interruption often forces facilities to adapt quickly to new volumes, temporary shortages, or sudden demand spikes.

Operations designed for flexibility respond faster. Systems that maintain steady throughput allow companies to stabilize production while competitors scramble to react.

Automation and efficient intralogistics play a critical role here. Automated conveying reduces reliance on manual labor and minimizes operational bottlenecks. Facilities can continue running even when staffing levels fluctuate or conditions change.

The Role of Vertical Conveying in Resilient Facilities

Material handling efficiency becomes even more important during supply chain instability. Facilities often need to move product faster, store temporary buffers, or reconfigure workflows quickly.

Ryson Spiral Conveyors support these needs by moving products vertically in a continuous and space-efficient flow. Instead of relying on forklifts or complex lift systems, facilities can maintain automated throughput between floors, mezzanines, and process lines.

Automated vertical conveying also reduces exposure to operational bottlenecks. Systems that depend heavily on manual handling introduce additional risk during disruptions. Automated Spirals maintain consistent product flow regardless of shift coverage or workforce availability.

Designing Facilities That Absorb Disruption

Organizations that navigated recent supply chain crises successfully invested in resilient facility design. Several operational strategies consistently proved effective:

• Automate material movement wherever possible to reduce labor dependency.

• Separate storage from production throughput so inbound delays do not immediately halt operations.

Facilities that follow these principles create valuable operational buffers. Even a few hours of additional throughput stability can dramatically improve response during supply interruptions.

A Strategic Advantage During Uncertainty

Supply chain disruptions will continue. Political instability, climate events, and economic shifts guarantee it.

The difference between operational disruption and operational resilience often lies inside the facility itself. Companies that invest in efficient intralogistics infrastructure gain the ability to adapt when conditions change.

Ryson Spiral Conveyors provide a proven way to strengthen that resilience. By maintaining reliable vertical throughput in demanding environments, they help facilities stay productive even when global supply chains face turbulence.

Global Flexibility

When disruption hits, the ability to source equipment and parts without being tied to a single geography can be the difference between a project that moves forward and one that stalls.

As Ryson’s parent company and European manufacturing and distribution partner, Royal Apollo adds exactly that layer of flexibility. If US supply is constrained (whether due to shipping bottlenecks, capacity pressures, or shifting trade conditions) European sourcing is available without compromising on product quality or engineering standards.

Would you like to dive deeper? Check out these additional resources, our blog articles or connect with our team directly!

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When Alignment Drives Performance: Inside the Ryson Sales Team Meeting

Strong companies do not just build great equipment. They build strong teams behind it.

This week, the Ryson Sales Team gathered at our headquarters. While it may look like a routine meeting, the impact runs much deeper. Face-to-face collaboration builds alignment that no virtual call can replace. It strengthens relationships, sharpens communication, and creates a shared focus on serving our customers.

At Ryson, customer service is not a department. It is a core mission.

“This week isn’t about training; it’s about raising the standard. As we lock in our strategy and sharpen how we close, we’re not preparing for MODEX, we’re preparing to dominate it. The market is uncertain, the economy is slow, and geopolitics are noisy, but none of that closes deals, certainty does.
If we can’t create certainty for our customers, someone else will.  So, this week, we get sharper, faster, and more decisive. That’s the difference between quoting… and winning.”  – Taoufik “TK” Haddadi – Ryson’s Sales Manager

By bringing the Ryson Sales Team together, we ensure every sales engineer stays aligned. That consistency matters. It allows us to respond faster, provide clearer solutions, and anticipate challenges before they arise. As a result, we become a more reliable partner for every customer. We will also be making the final plans for our booth at Modex 2026 next month, and are very exited to discuss our SMART Spiral system with attendees.

Why does this alignment matter to you?
Because stronger internal communication leads to better external results.

When the Ryson Sales Team aligns on best practices, product knowledge, and service strategies, customers benefit immediately. Projects move forward faster. Questions receive quicker answers. Solutions become more precise and effective. This level of responsiveness does not happen by chance. It is built through intentional collaboration.

We also use this time to advocate for our customers. Every discussion centers on improving resources, strengthening service, and delivering greater value. Whether refining support processes or enhancing system recommendations, the focus remains clear. We work to make our customers more successful.

What does this mean for your operation?
It means you work with a team that stays connected, informed, and ready to act.

The Ryson Sales Team plays a critical role in delivering that experience. When our team grows stronger, our customers gain a partner who responds faster and supports better. That commitment defines how we operate every day.

At the end of the day, better teamwork leads to better service. And better service drives better performance across your operation.

The post Inside the Ryson Sales Team: Building Alignment for Better Service appeared first on Ryson International.

Better yet, Ryson can provide complimentary registration to MODEX 2026. Contact our team to receive your FREE pass and experience the show firsthand.

Why MODEX Matters for Warehousing and Logistics

MODEX brings together leaders in automation, material handling, and supply chain technology. For warehouse operators and system integrators, the event offers a rare opportunity to evaluate solutions that improve throughput, reliability, and space utilization.

Vertical conveying remains a critical part of modern facility design. Distribution centers continue to build upward, not outward. As a result, companies need equipment that moves product efficiently between levels without sacrificing valuable floor space.

That is where Ryson comes in.

See the Ryson Demo Loop Running Live

At our booth, visitors can experience our fully operational demo loop, designed to illustrate the real-world performance of Ryson Spiral Conveyors in automated environments. The demo highlights multi-tier high-capacity conveying, smooth product transfers, and controlled product orientation during diversion.

For example, our High Capacity Spirals feature overlapping slats and a heavy-duty chain that can handle up to 75 pounds per linear foot and 3,600 pounds fully loaded, while achieving speeds up to 200 feet per minute.

You will also see several design features that improve system reliability and product handling:

• MDR induction conveyors with friction-coated rollers ensure smooth product transfers into the spiral.

• Powered divert arms and low-friction divert conveyors maintain product orientation during discharge.

These elements demonstrate how Ryson integrates Spiral Conveyors into larger multi-level warehouse automation systems.

Built for Real Distribution Environments

The demo loop also showcases several engineering advantages that matter in daily operations.

Ryson Spiral Conveyors feature modular construction, which simplifies customization and makes field modifications easier during installation or expansion. The systems also deliver high uptime, energy efficiency, and long operational life.

These capabilities make Ryson equipment a strong fit for:

• E-commerce fulfillment centers

• 3PL distribution operations

• high-speed sortation systems

• cold storage environments

Because the design uses rolling friction instead of sliding contact, the equipment handles heavy loads while reducing wear and maintenance demands.

Meet the Ryson Team at MODEX

MODEX also provides an opportunity to talk directly with the Ryson team. Our engineers and application specialists will be available to discuss facility layouts, retrofit opportunities, and vertical conveying strategies for complex warehouse environments. Also present will be members from our service team, to answer any installation, integration and maintenance issues for you.

Whether you are planning a new facility or optimizing an existing operation, a conversation with our team can help uncover new ways to improve throughput and system reliability.

Join Us in Atlanta

MODEX 2026 takes place next month in Atlanta, and we look forward to seeing you there. Stop by the Ryson booth

B16137, watch the demo loop in action, and learn how our Spiral Conveyors help warehouses move products faster, safer, and more efficiently.

And remember—Ryson can provide free registration to the show. Reach out to our team today to claim your pass.

The post Check out Ryson at Modex 2026! appeared first on Ryson International.

Vertical conveying systems operate continuously in demanding environments. That reality makes proactive maintenance essential. Fortunately, Ryson Spiral Conveyors are designed for durability and straightforward service access. With the  right routines, maintenance teams can keep Spirals running smoothly for years.

Prefer talking to someone from the Ryson Service Team?

Get in touch with our service team right away!
service@ryson.com | 757.898.1530

Why Preventive Maintenance Matters

Preventive maintenance protects throughput and reduces unexpected downtime. Crucial for any operation.

Regular inspections help technicians identify wear, misalignment, or debris before they cause system failures. Early detection often prevents costly repairs and production interruptions.

Routine checks also improve safety. Maintenance programs verify that guards, sensors, and emergency stops function properly. A structured maintenance approach protects both equipment and personnel.

Additional resources:

  Read the Ryson Preventative Maintenance Sheet

  Ryson Spare Parts & Service Page

Practical Cleaning Practices

Clean equipment operates more efficiently and avoids unnecessary wear. Product debris or dust accumulation can affect moving components or create sanitation concerns in sensitive environments.

For Ryson Spirals, cleaning routines should focus on three areas:

• Infeed and discharge zones: Remove product debris or packaging fragments that could interfere with smooth product flow.

• Slats and tracks: Inspect surfaces for buildup and wipe them clean during scheduled shutdowns.

• Drive and motor area: Ensure ventilation openings remain free from dust or obstruction.

Modern drive technology can further reduce maintenance demands. For example, efficient motors used in Ryson Spirals deliver reliable operation while lowering energy losses and improving long-term performance.

Routine Inspection Checklist

A consistent inspection schedule allows maintenance teams to detect small problems before they escalate.

Daily checks

• Confirm no slats are missing or damaged.
• Look for unusual noise or vibration.
• Verify smooth product flow at infeed and discharge.

Weekly checks

• Inspect chain tension and adjust if necessary.
• Confirm proper speed matching with surrounding conveyors.
• Examine sensors and safety circuits.

Monthly checks

• Inspect sprockets and chain for wear.
• Check mounting bolts and fasteners.
• Review motor performance and temperature.

Proper chain tension remains one of the most critical factors in Spiral performance. Incorrect tension can accelerate wear and reduce system reliability.

Design Features That Simplify Maintenance

Well-designed vertical conveyors reduce maintenance effort from the start. Ryson Spirals emphasize accessibility, durable components, and long service life. These features allow technicians to inspect key components quickly and safely. There are for example visual cues that upon quick inspection can let you know if the chain needs tightening.

Efficient motors, robust chain systems, and compact drive designs also contribute to dependable operation. Combined with consistent maintenance routines, these features deliver lower lifecycle costs and predictable performance.

The Takeaway

Cleaning, inspection, and preventive maintenance should remain simple and consistent. A clear maintenance schedule keeps Ryson Spiral Conveyors running reliably while protecting productivity.

Facilities that adopt proactive maintenance rarely face unexpected downtime. Instead, they gain dependable vertical conveying and a system that performs efficiently year after year.

Which additional Ryson Services are there?

Ryson offers Tailored Maintenance Contracts for your Spiral and Spare Parts Kits. Both can prevent unforeseen downtime and ensure your line is running as it should – reliably and efficient.

The post Preventive Maintenance, Cleaning, and Inspection for Spiral Conveyors appeared first on Ryson International.

Most distribution centers are sitting on more usable space than they think. And much of it can be unlocked with better vertical design.

What’s the hidden cost of “normal” warehouse layouts?

It’s wasted space. Let’s look at it:

Walk through a typical American distribution center (DC) and you’ll see what looks like a busy, full building: racks to the ceiling, forklifts moving constantly, docks humming. But when you look at how the space is actually used, a different picture appears.

On average, a DC’s floor space breaks down roughly like this:

• Storage (racking, pallet positions, bin shelving) 45-55%

• Aisles and travel lanes 20-25%

• Docks and staging (shipping/receiving buffer zones) 10-15%

• Value‑add areas (kitting, packing, QC, returns) 5-10%

• Offices, break rooms, utilities, maintenance 5-10%

Individually, all of these are necessary. The problem is the balance between them and especially how much of the building’s volume is consumed by horizontal movement rather than actual storage or value‑add work.

Industry benchmarks often show: Many warehouses operating around 40–70% overall space utilization. Good performance in the 70–85% range. That 10 to 25% gap points of potential capacity. That’s where a lot of money is being wasted, or where a lot of savings could be made, depending on what you decide to do.

Where do DC’s waste the most space?

When operations teams look for more capacity, they often jump straight to “we need a bigger building” or “we need more racks.” Yet a lot of the underutilized space isn’t empty shelves; it’s layout‑driven waste.

Common culprits:

• Over‑wide aisles sized for convenience, not throughput requirements.

• Long horizontal conveyor runs and travel paths cutting through prime floor space.

• Underused vertical cube above low mezzanines or short rack lines.

• Fragmented flows that force product to snake across the building multiple times.

As a result, it’s not unusual for a DC to have 15–30% of its footprint functionally wasted—space that can’t be used for storage because it’s tied up in traffic lanes, conveyor spurs, or inefficient routing.

Thinking vertically: What does that mean for Warehousing?

Instead of having a traditional horizontal mindset when it comes to your warehouse or distribution center, start thinking about how the vertical space can be utilized. This gives you a lot of flexibility and expansion can happen within the current building. This saves a lot of money.

One of the most effective ways to reclaim that waste is to rethink how you move product between levels and processes.

Traditional horizontal conveyors and long forklift routes tend to consume large strips of floor space. They lock in a “flat” layout that’s hard to densify later. Using too many forklift solutions also force compromises on where you can place racks and workcells.

How vertical conveying — especially with Spiral Conveyors — flips that equation:

• You trade long horizontal runs for tight vertical footprints.

• Product moves up or down in a small, controlled area.

• The aisles and zones that were once dedicated to travel can be converted into storage, value‑add, or staging.

In practice, that can help unlock part of that 15–30% wasted area by:

• Shortening travel distances between mezzanines and ground level.

• Allowing denser racking where conveyors used to run.

• Freeing up clean, contiguous zones for packing, returns, or kitting.

Why this matters now

For most operators, adding new square footage is expensive and slow. Optimizing existing space, on the other hand defers or avoids building expansions and relocations. It also increases capacity without adding headcount at the same pace. Moreover it improves safety by reducing traffic conflicts and cluttered aisles.

If you can increase effective capacity by even 10–15% inside the four walls you already pay for, simply by redesigning flows and going vertical. That’s a major ROI lever!

A low‑risk, high‑impact approach

The key is to treat space as a strategic asset, not a fixed constraint:

• Map where your current square footage goes: storage, travel, docks, offices.

• Identify long horizontal moves and “dead zones” around conveyors and ramps.

• Ask, “What could this space be if vertical movement was compressed into a smaller footprint?”

Ryson Spiral conveyors are one of the tools that make that shift possible, especially in retrofit or expansion‑by‑optimization projects. Instead of redesigning the entire building, you can surgically convert wasted horizontal space into vertical capacity and give that floor back to storage and value‑add operations.

If you’re ready to get more out of your space, feel free to connect to our team!

The post Average DCs Are Wasting Space. Here’s Why… appeared first on Ryson International.

Every transfer point, bucket fill, and discharge creates an opportunity for spillage. Traditional vertical systems often amplify the problem. Open bucket elevators leak dust through gaps and poorly sealed doors. Improvised chutes create turbulence that throws fines into the air. Steep belts and vertical screws overflow at the inlet can generate chronic dust clouds. Adding a dust collector to a leaky system rarely solves the root issue.

As a result, operators fight constant cleanup, product loss, and compliance concerns. ATEX and NFPA standards demand more than surface fixes. They require a fundamentally contained design.

A containment-first approach starts with a fully enclosed product path. It reduces transfer points and controls how product enters and leaves the system. Just as important, it handles material gently to prevent breakage in the first place.

Where Do Traditional Designs For Vertical Bulk Conveying Fall Short?

A lot of legacy equipment was never designed with modern dust and explosion standards in mind. Typical weak points include:

• Open or partially enclosed bucket elevators
  Wide gaps at infeed and discharge, poorly sealed inspection doors and unsealed casings allow dust to escape and settle on surrounding structures.

• Improvised transfer chutes
  “Homemade” chutes between horizontal and vertical sections often lack proper sealing, skirting or stilling zones. Impact and turbulence throw fines into the air rather than containing them.

• Vertical screw or belt conveyors with open inlets
  When bulk solids are fed aggressively into a vertical screw or steep belt, material can overflow, leading to chronic spillage and dust plumes at the feed point.

• Aging equipment upgraded only with external dust collectors
  Adding a dust collector to a fundamentally leaky, poorly sealed elevator casing may reduce airborne dust, but product loss and build‑up often remain.

These solutions may move the product, but they typically make it harder to keep floors clean, comply with ATEX/NFPA, and maintain a safe working environment.

A containment‑first approach to vertical conveying focuses on a fully enclosed product path, controlled filling and discharge, and reduced transfer points. Well‑sealed casings, guided product flow and compact vertical footprints help minimize both dust generation and escape paths. Service‑friendly access is critical, too: if doors and panels are difficult to use, cleaning and inspection get skipped, and build‑up turns into a safety and reliability issue.

This is where modern enclosed bucket elevator designs, like Ryson’s, come into play.

How Do Enclosed Bucket Elevators Help?

A continuous, well‑sealed casing around the material stream keeps dust and fines where they belong: inside the system. Gentle bucket filling and discharge reduce product degradation and the creation of fines. By combining true vertical conveying with a compact footprint, these elevators often eliminate multiple transfer points and long inclined runs that would otherwise generate spills and dust at each change of direction. And because the system is enclosed by design, integrating ATEX/NFPA measures such as explosion vents and isolation devices becomes more straightforward.

Enclosed bucket elevator designs, like the Ryson Bucket Elevator become a containment system themselves, instead of treating dust as an unavoidable side effect. Here’s a breakdown of how they support your operation:

• Fully enclosed casings
  Continuous casings with tight flanges, properly gasketed panels and well‑designed inspection doors drastically limit the escape paths for dust and fines.

• Gentle product handling

  Carefully engineered bucket filling and discharge reduces product breakage as seen in scooping buckets and screw transfers: Whereas our  Gentle handling pendant buckets in turn reduce the generation of dust and unusable product.

• Compact, vertical footprint
  With a true vertical conveying path, you can often eliminate multiple transfer points and long inclined runs that otherwise create spills and dust at each change of direction.

• The Ryson Bucket Design features a pendant traveling system, where the buckets travel while maintaining orientation preventing accidental spillage

•  A closed design makes it easier to implement ATEX/NFPA measures such as explosion vents, sensors and isolation devices where required.

The result is not only a cleaner installation, but also less product on the floor, fewer cleanup hours and a safer working environment around the elevator.

What sets the Ryson Bucket Elevator apart?

The Ryson Bucket Elevator is designed from the ground up with containment, gentle handling and safety in mind. Its fully enclosed housing, tightly sealed inspection doors and guided bucket path help keep dust and fines inside the system instead of in the surrounding area, which directly supports cleaner operation and easier compliance with ATEX and NFPA requirements.

The gentle filling and discharge of the buckets reduce product breakage, lowering the amount of fines generated in the first place and protecting sensitive or high‑value bulk materials. It also aids in avoiding dust, spillage and contaminants.

Because the elevator conveys vertically in a compact footprint, it can replace long inclined runs and extra transfer points that typically cause spillage and dust at every change in direction. Together, these design choices help operators reduce maintenance, minimize product loss and create a safer environment around their vertical conveying equipment.

Enclosed bucket elevators are not a one‑size‑fits‑all solution, but they sit in a sweet spot for many dusty, combustible or high‑value bulk products where dust control, product loss and safety are non‑negotiable. For your next project, asking simple questions—How many transfer points can we eliminate? Is the product path truly enclosed? How does this help us meet ATEX/NFPA obligations over the long term?—will quickly show whether your vertical conveying concept is ready for today’s demands.

The post Conveying of Bulk Materials: Avoiding Dust, Spillage and Contaminants appeared first on Ryson International.

For  Ryson, Pack Expo East 2026 centered on meaningful conversations. We connected with professionals ready to elevate their vertical conveying strategy. Instead of chasing volume, we focused on quality conversations. As a result, every discussion delivered insight and opportunity.

Compelling Conversations with Integrators and End Users

This year, quality clearly outweighed quantity at our booth. Integrators and end users came prepared with focused questions. They wanted to improve system optimization, boost efficiency, simplify maintenance, and maximize ROI.

Because Pack Expo East is a regional show, we spent more time with each visitor. Many attendees don’t typically travel to the larger Pack Expo events. Therefore, the setting allowed deeper technical discussions and stronger relationship building. Our local integrator partners also brought customers directly to our booth. That direct collaboration created real momentum on active projects.

Throughout the show, our team explored how Ryson Spiral Conveyors support larger turnkey systems. We demonstrated how Spirals streamline layouts and free up valuable floor space. We explained how our single motor design reduces complexity. Most importantly, we showed how reduced maintenance demands help lower operating costs over time.

Partner Spotlight: CHC at Pack Expo East

Another highlight came from our integrator partner, Conveyor Handling Company (CHC). CHC featured a Ryson Spiral in their booth, which reinforced the strength of our partnership. Their display allowed attendees to see our technology integrated within a broader system solution.

We take pride in supporting our integrators with more than brochures. We provide demo Spirals for showrooms and trade shows. Additionally we help partners present real equipment that proves performance and reliability. That hands-on approach builds confidence and drives project success.

Looking Ahead

Pack Expo East 2026 delivered strong engagement and valuable connections. Each conversation strengthened the collaborative foundation that moves us forward. From engineers and maintenance teams to plant managers and system designers, we left inspired by the shared focus on efficiency and innovation.

Now, we turn our attention to MODEX in April in Atlanta, GA. We look forward to continuing the conversation and helping more facilities optimize their vertical conveying systems with Ryson Spiral Conveyors.

The post Update From Pack Expo East appeared first on Ryson International.

This is the core of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

In an industrial setting, focusing solely on the initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) is like looking at the tip of an iceberg while ignoring the massive, submerged mass that can sink your operational budget. A truly successful investment isn’t just about what you pay today; it’s about what you keep paying over the next ten to twenty years.

The True Cost of Industrial Assets

Understanding TCO requires looking at the full lifecycle of a machine. Generally, these costs fall into two distinct categories:

• Acquisition Costs: This is the visible “tip.” It includes the purchase price, of course, but also the logistical hurdles like shipping, customs duties, and the complex process of installation and setup.

• The “Hidden” Long-Tail Costs: This is where the budget often bleeds. It encompasses:

  • Operating Costs: The daily “rent” you pay to run the machine, from energy consumption and fuel to the personnel costs required for operation.

  • Training Costs: The specialized expenses for getting your workforce up to speed on new technology.

  • Maintenance & Support: The inevitable need for spare parts, routine servicing, and expert technical support.

  • Downtime and Poor Quality Costs: Perhaps the most painful of all. The lost productivity during maintenance or the financial drain caused by inefficiencies, breakdowns, and sub-par output.

What’s an example for TCO comparison?

As an example we can look at two vehicles, one with a low purchase price but that gets poor fuel mileage and requires frequent costly maintenance vs. another that has a higher purchase price but that gets good mileage and requires infrequent maintenance with reasonably priced components. Obviously the first will require less initial investment but with time it will cost more to “own” especially if used frequently and for long distances. If you include other less tangible costs like loss of use, or substitution costs, when the resource is unavailable because of repair and incidental costs like towing when the vehicle unexpectedly breaks down, the total cost of the initially less expensive option becomes rapidly more expensive to own than the other option. 

TCO in Vertical Conveyance: The Ryson Spiral

When we apply this lens to vertical conveyance, the Ryson Spiral stands out as a prime example of why TCO matters more than the initial quote.

Ryson’s spirals are designed and manufactured to provide a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) when considering all costs associated with owning and operating equipment for vertical transportation of goods; initial price, shipping, installation, operation, maintenance, consumables, and reconfiguration.

Let’s break it down…

How Do Ryson Spirals Lower Your Cost of Ownership?

When evaluating total cost of ownership, vertical conveying becomes a long-term business decision, not a simple purchase. This is where the Ryson Spiral clearly stands apart.

Space efficiency

Space savings delivers an immediate return. A Ryson Spiral can reduce floor space requirements by up to 75 percent compared to traditional incline conveyors. That reclaimed space can delay building expansions or free room for new production lines. In facilities where floor space can cost more than $100 per square foot, those savings add up quickly.

Energy efficiency

Low energy consumption further reduces lifetime operating costs. Ryson Spirals use a low-friction conveying surface that moves product vertically with just one low horsepower motor. Traditional incline systems often require multiple conveyors and drives to achieve the same elevation change. In facilities operating dozens, or even hundreds, of conveyors, reducing the total number of motors can significantly lower annual energy use. Those savings appear directly on utility bills while also reducing heat and electrical load across the facility.

Durability

Durability also plays a critical role in total cost of ownership. Ryson Spirals use a single, continuous belt with fewer moving parts than modular conveyor systems. As a result, maintenance requirements can drop by 30-40 %. Fewer wear components reduce unplanned downtime, limit spare parts inventory, and extend service intervals. In high-throughput operations, avoiding even a few hours of downtime each year can protect substantial revenue.

Flexibility

Future-proofing further protects long-term capital investment. Ryson Spirals can be reconfigured, repurposed, or relocated as operational needs change. Instead of replacing equipment, operators extend its useful life. At the end of service, major components remain recyclable, reducing disposal costs and supporting sustainability goals.

Taken together, these advantages change the cost conversation. Ryson Spirals may not always carry the lowest initial price. However, when space savings, energy efficiency, reliability, and adaptability are considered, the Ryson Spiral consistently delivers a lower total cost of ownership.

You can find more information on our Spiral product page or by contacting Ryson at sales@ryson.com.

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Production timelines can shift quickly, and when equipment arrives late, entire systems feel the impact. To help mitigate those risks, Ryson is offering a rare opportunity to secure pre-built Ryson Spirals with no build lead time.

Ryson currently has two fully assembled Spirals available for immediate shipment. Pre-built units like these are uncommon, making this a unique chance to keep projects moving without the typical production wait.

These Pre-Built Ryson Spirals meet the same engineering and quality standards as every Ryson Spiral Conveyor. They are not test units. They are not prototypes. These Spirals are production-ready machines designed for continuous operation in demanding environments.

What are they Suited For?

These Spirals were specified to handle sealed cases, roughly 24″ X 16″ with a weight of up to 65 lbs. So these spirals could be used at end-of-line in a packaging line, or conveying from one level to the next in a warehouse.

These Spirals may not fit your layout perfectly. But That’s ok. Because of thier modular design, we can modify these to fit the specifics of you application very cost effectively.

Detailed specifications for each unit are also available for download. Reviewing elevations, dimensions, and load ratings will help confirm application fit. Availability is limited, and once these Spirals are sold, the opportunity ends.

We recommend contacting your Ryson sales representative as soon as possible. Acting quickly improves your chances of securing one of these Pre-Built Ryson Spirals.

For facilities facing tight schedules, these Spirals can help keep projects moving. Faster delivery reduces installation delays and helps support expansions, retrofits, or unexpected capacity needs. In addition, because these Spirals are already built, they may be available at a deep discount compared to a new custom order. Speed and cost savings rarely align this well.

As a reminder, Ryson will exhibit at Pack Expo East in a few weeks. If you plan to attend, you can discuss these Spirals directly with our team at the show. It is an ideal setting to review specs, timelines, and next steps in person.

When speed matters, having a Spiral ready now can keep your operation on track.

The post Two Pre-Built Ryson Spirals Available for Immediate Sale appeared first on Ryson International.

Unplanned downtime remains one of the most expensive risks in modern production environments. Every minute a line sits idle affects output, labor efficiency, and delivery commitments. That reality makes preparation just as important as performance. One of the simplest ways to reduce downtime starts with having the right spare parts on hand.

Industry studies estimate that unplanned downtime costs manufacturers between $5,000 and $50,000 per hour, depending on the operation. Additionally, in high-speed food, beverage, or packaging environments, that number often climbs higher. Lost production, idle labor, product waste, and recovery time all compound the cost. Against those figures, the price of a spare parts kit becomes almost negligible.

What is a Spare Parts Kit?

A Spare Parts Kit includes a small set of components most likely needed if an issue occurs with a Spiral in the field or at an end user facility. The list stays intentionally short, and the cost remains minimal when compared to lost production from downtime. Ryson builds Spirals to the highest quality standards worldwide. However, even the best equipment cannot prevent every unforeseen issue. A small investment today can return value many times over the life of the Spiral.

Why are they important?

Keeping spare parts on site allows maintenance teams to respond quickly when an unexpected issue occurs. Instead of waiting for deliveries, teams can restore the line and resume production sooner. While Ryson can ship most parts the same day, parts already on hand reduce downtime even further. In an industry where time directly affects cost, preparation makes a measurable difference. It also supports peace of mind, giving Operations Managers and Maintenance teams confidence in today’s fast-moving workplace.

“The cost is very low compared to the cost of lost production due to downtime.”

Ryson customers often echo the same point. Even the most reliable equipment operates in real-world conditions. Wear, unexpected impacts, and environmental factors remain outside of any design control. Planning for those moments supports uptime without compromising long-term reliability.

Having spare parts on hand shortens the repair window. Beyond cost savings, preparedness improves confidence across the plant floor. Maintenance teams respond faster. Operations managers also reduce stress during peak production periods. Consistency replaces uncertainty, even when challenges arise.

Ryson takes pride in building Spirals that perform reliably for years. Still,  A spare parts kit protects that investment and often pays for itself many times over the life of the Spiral Conveyor.

Below is a general guide for what is included in a spare parts kit. Naturally, the actual parts and quantities would depend on the size and model of your Spiral. The exact list of suggested spare parts will be detailed in your Spiral Manual. If you don’t have the manual to your machine, you can request one here.

To support that commitment, the Ryson Parts and Service team remains available to assist with part selection, maintenance planning, and long-term system care. Their goal stays simple. Keep your Spiral running. Keep downtime low. Protect the performance you invested in. 

The post Reduce Unplanned Downtime with a Ryson Spare Parts Kit appeared first on Ryson International.