ROLES OF MATERIALS HANDLING IN ACHIEVING EFFICIENT STORAGE AND WAREHOUSING IN A MANUFACTURING COMPANY (A STUDY OF NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC, ALAKIA, IBADAN)

This study investigates the role of material handling in enhancing storage and warehousing efficiency in a manufacturing company, focusing on Nigerian Breweries Plc, Alakia, Ibadan. Efficient material handling is crucial for optimizing storage and warehousing functions, which directly impacts operational costs, productivity, and customer satisfaction. A quantitative approach, underpinned by a descriptive survey design, was employed to evaluate the relationship between material handling practices and storage and warehousing outcomes within the organization. A structured questionnaire was administered to 70 selected employees involved in logistics, storage, and warehousing operations. Data collected through the questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency distributions, percentages, and correlation analysis to understand the associations among material handling, storage efficiency, warehousing efficiency, operational costs, and customer satisfaction. Findings indicate a strong positive correlation between material handling practices and both storage and warehousing efficiency, suggesting that improved material handling directly contributes to streamlined storage processes and better-organized warehouse operations. Additionally, the study reveals that efficient material handling reduces operational costs and enhances customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and accurate order fulfillment. Comparisons with previous studies confirm that efficient material handling practices align with industry standards, supporting the notion that material handling investments yield significant benefits in manufacturing settings. The implications of these findings underscore the need for manufacturing companies to prioritize material handling improvements as a strategic approach to enhancing overall operational efficiency. Recommendations include adopting advanced material handling equipment and technology, conducting regular training for employees on handling best practices, and continuously monitoring storage and warehousing metrics to maintain high efficiency. Future research is suggested to explore the role of technology-driven material handling solutions in dynamic manufacturing environments.