30 years of safety in logistics and intralogistics

With its pioneering work and innovative product developments, Rite-Hite had already established itself as a supplier of door and loading technology on the American market in the 1970s. As part of its international orientation, the first European branch was opened in Holland in 1992. Right from the start, the focus for the European market was also on products that would make the logistical flow of materials and goods within companies safer, more productive and more energy-efficient. A hydraulic dock leveller with an integrated safety function to prevent forklift truck falls at the loading ramp was the first Rite-Hite product to be sold in Europe. It is still in operation today in a Dutch company and is still doing its job reliably.

From the USA to North Hesse

After just a few years, the decision was made to invest in its own production sites on the European continent. After initial exploratory talks at an industrial trade fair in the early 2000s, Rite-Hite was finally able to take over the dock leveller manufacturer Caema in Volkmarsen, North Hesse. The site in Volkmarsen thus became the European company headquarters and has been trading as Rite-Hite GmbH since 2013.

Rite-Hite offers material handling and in-plant product solutions at the loading dock and within the industrial plant. The focus is on safety, productivity, environmental separation and control as well as energy savings. © Rite-Hite

The high demand on the European market prompted the company to rapidly expand its sales network within Europe. In addition to a dense dealer and service network, Rite-Hite in Europe currently also has branches in Austria, France, Italy, the UK and the Netherlands. There is also another production site in Poland. In addition, there are showrooms where customers can test products intensively, as well as an in-house training center where practical expert knowledge is imparted.

Networked solutions on the rise

On the road to the future, Rite-Hite is intensively involved in the ongoing digitalization of logistics and intralogistics and is developing networked product solutions for the requirements of tomorrow. The company's solutions for improving the_{carbon footprint} of logistics properties are also attracting growing interest. A dedicated team of experts shows companies ways in which these buildings can be planned or modernized in a sustainable and energy-saving manner.

Rite-Hite has now embarked on a new strategic and organizational path in Europe. Numerous processes in production and administration have been successfully improved with the help of modern lean management methods that focus on employees. Among other things, the company received the Lean Base "Newcomer" Award 2022 for this. Another key factor was the creation of a European corporate culture with a solid value system that every employee can follow and that is based on respect, trust and team spirit. In addition, various measures and investments were made to improve the company's attractiveness as an employer. To this end, Rite-Hite was officially certified as an "Attractive Employer" or "Great Place to Work" by the German Great Place to Work Institute.

Safe on the road

Rite-Hite offers products and systems for the loading dock and within the industrial plant or production facility. The focus is on the safety of people and machines as well as the productivity of operations. Specifically, these are protective devices for people, guidance devices for internal traffic, protective devices for work areas as well as safety equipment and barriers. The company also has energy-saving measures in its portfolio - for example, energy losses at inefficient external doors, hinge gaps in trailer doors and loading bridge gaps can be eliminated. Inefficient floor and ceiling fans, for example, are also taken into consideration.