Alta Equipment Group announces First Quarter 2024 financial results
First Quarter Financial Highlights: Total revenues increased $20.9 million year over year to $441.6 million Construction and Material Handling revenues of $255.6 million and $174.3 million, respectively Product support revenues increased 6.5% year over year with Parts sales rising to $72.9 million and Service revenues increasing to $64.0 million New and used equipment sales grew 4.1% year over year to $228.6 million Net loss available to common stockholders of $(12.7) million Basic and diluted net loss per share of $(0.38) Adjusted basic and diluted net loss per share* of $(0.22) Adjusted EBITDA* of $34.1 million Alta Equipment Group Inc., a provider of premium material handling, construction, and environmental processing equipment and related services, has announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. CEO Comment: Ryan Greenawalt, Chief Executive Officer of Alta, said “Our first quarter results, in line with history and expectations, once again reflected the seasonal nature of our business as the winter weather impacted the Construction Equipment segment in our northern regions. Despite the seasonality, we were able to achieve $441.6 million of revenues for the quarter, up $20.9 million from the same period last year. Additionally, activity-related key performance indicators presented well for the quarter and our combined product support and rental revenues grew $6.3 million, or 3.7%, on an organic basis when compared to Q1 2023, reflecting the resilience of our end markets and continued elevated levels of activity and equipment utilization in our customer base. While new and used equipment sales in our core lift truck and construction segments increased $29.3 million from a year ago, equipment revenue mix negatively impacted equipment sales margins overall. Specifically, Ecoverse’s high-margin equipment sales were down $14.4 million versus the first quarter of last year on a record sales comparison, as Ecoverse was replenishing its sub-dealers’ inventories in the first quarter of 2023 amidst OEM equipment supply chain normalization. Additionally, within our Material Handling segment, our Peaklogix subsidiary, which sells high-margin automated warehouse system solutions, was down $8.7 million when compared to last year as its customer base has been impacted by the elevated level of interest rates leading to elongated capex decision making. While we believe the Peaklogix business will continue to be impacted by ‘higher for longer’ interest rates, we are confident that the Ecoverse variance in the first quarter is isolated as its customer base, which is focused on waste management, organics processing and composting, continues to realize solid annualized growth and equipment utilization remains strong.” Mr. Greenawalt added, “As we emerge from the weather-impacted first quarter and into construction season in the north, we remain bullish about the backlog of work and general activity levels at our customers for the remainder of 2024, which we believe will bode well for our product support and rental business lines, both of which experienced their natural seasonal increase in April. That said, we believe new equipment sales and sales profit margins, which have ebbed and flowed quarter to quarter historically, could be impacted over the remainder of the year by the increase of new equipment supply on the market and competitive pricing pressures. Nevertheless, we intend to continue to win our share of equipment deals by selling our overall dealership capabilities and what we believe to be an industry-leading value proposition.” In conclusion, Mr. Greenawalt commented, “Despite the potential for choppiness in new equipment sales, we remain positive regarding our opportunities this year and will continue to focus on customer equipment ‘uptime’ relative to our product support business lines as well as our absorption ratio and cost optimization. Industry indicators continue to be supportive of medium and long-term growth in our end-user markets. We have a solid equipment backlog in our Material Handing segment and our Construction Equipment business will benefit from strong non-residential construction activity, increased state DOT budgets and accelerated spending on federal infrastructure programs for years to come. I sincerely want to thank all of our employees for their hard work in the first quarter. I am grateful for their dedication to our Guiding Principles and for providing best-in-class service to our customers.” Full Year 2024 Financial Guidance and Other Financial Notes: The Company adjusted the top end of our 2024 guidance range and now expects to report Adjusted EBITDA between $207.5 million and $212.5 million for the 2024 fiscal year. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (amounts in millions unless otherwise noted) Three Months Ended March 31, Increase (Decrease) 2024 2023 2024 versus 2023 Revenues: New and used equipment sales $ 228.6 $ 219.6 $ 9.0 4.1 % Parts sales 72.9 68.4 4.5 6.6 % Service revenues 64.0 60.2 3.8 6.3 % Rental revenues 48.5 43.5 5.0 11.5 % Rental equipment sales 27.6 29.0 (1.4 ) (4.8 )% Total revenues 441.6 420.7 20.9 5.0 % Cost of revenues: New and used equipment sales 192.4 179.0 13.4 7.5 % Parts sales 48.3 45.4 2.9 6.4 % Service revenues 27.0 25.1 1.9 7.6 % Rental revenues 6.7 6.1 0.6 9.8 % Rental depreciation 27.1 22.9 4.2 18.3 % Rental equipment sales 19.5 20.9 (1.4 ) (6.7 )% Total cost of revenues 321.0 299.4 21.6 7.2 % Gross profit 120.6 121.3 (0.7 ) (0.6 )% General and administrative expenses 114.6 104.0 10.6 10.2 % Non-rental depreciation and amortization 6.9 5.2 1.7 32.7 % Total operating expenses 121.5 109.2 12.3 11.3 % (Loss) income from operations (0.9 ) 12.1 (13.0 ) (107.4 )% Other (expense) income: Interest expense, floor plan payable – new equipment (2.8 ) (1.5 ) (1.3 ) 86.7 % Interest expense – other (13.3 ) (10.5 ) (2.8 ) 26.7 % Other income 0.9 1.0 (0.1 ) (10.0 )% Total other expense, net (15.2 ) (11.0 ) (4.2 ) 38.2 % (Loss) income before taxes (16.1 ) 1.1 (17.2 ) NM Income tax (benefit) provision (4.2 ) 0.1 (4.3 ) NM Net (loss) income (11.9 ) 1.0 (12.9 ) NM Preferred stock dividends (0.8 ) (0.8 ) — — Net (loss) income available to common stockholders $ (12.7 ) $ 0.2 $ (12.9
Comau new Hollow Wrist industrial robots
Comaus S-Family robots are expressly designed for arc welding, e-mobility, food & beverage, and handling applications where accuracy, repeatability, and speed are non-negotiable. They combine flexibility, repeatability, and accuracy with smaller footprints and multiple mounting positions to increase robot density without sacrificing performance. With an element-resistant hollow wrist design and fully integrated arc and gigabit dressings, the compact red robots grant improved access to small spaces. The easy-to-use, easy-to-install, and energy-efficient design combines better performance with reduced energy consumption and costs. The first two high-speed robots, with payloads of 13 kg and up to 18 kg, are expressly indicated for assembly, arc welding and handling applications where accuracy, repeatability, and speed are non-negotiable. Characterized by their exacting performance and historical red robot design, they also reflect Comau’s dedication to making automation more accessible to diverse and non-automotive industries. The compact, robust and versatile robots can easily access small spaces and tight areas that are difficult to reach with other robots. And because they are highly energy efficient, as certified in accordance with Fraunhofer procedure instruction, the S-Family of 6-axis articulated robots help companies achieve higher production quality and better performance with reduced energy consumption and costs. S-Family robots are perfect for applications requiring extreme accuracy and speed while ensuring full protection from elements including water, dust and other contaminants. With their best-in-class protective IP68 hollow-wrist design, the electrical and auxiliary cabling runs inside the wrist which allows the robots to enjoy greater agility while minimizing the risk of damage. Furthermore, they are the only robots to feature fully integrated arc and gigabit dressings, which help remove layout constraints, make assembly and installation easy, ensure faster response times and significantly reduce cable kinking, breakage and subsequent maintenance costs. So, in addition to automating welding, handling, foundry, automotive, and battery manufacturing processes, the S-Family can be easily used for food & beverage and general assembly applications. Finally, the robots can be mounted on the floor, wall or ceiling to optimize space without sacrificing performance. “Comau’s new S-Family of small, high-speed robots combines efficiency and technical excellence with the features and functionality required for effective deployment within new markets and dedicated application areas,” explains Nicole Clement, Chief Business Unit Leader for Advanced Automation Solutions. “Our commitment to making automation easier to install and use, especially within non-automotive markets where automation is growing fast, is yet another way Comau is bringing the power of automation to an increasingly diverse sector of industries and applications.” S-Family robots have been tested and certified for energy efficiency in accordance with Fraunhofer procedures and are available in two different payload configurations (13 and 18 kg) with a 1700 mm reach and a repeatability of ±0,03mm.
Seeq Announces Industrial Enterprise Monitoring Capabilities with Seeq Vantage
The new Seeq Vantage app scales subject matter expert-driven insights for accelerated value across the enterprise Seeq has announced the launch of the Seeq Industrial Enterprise Monitoring Suite with the release of Seeq Vantage, the company’s first industrial enterprise monitoring app. Today’s industrial operations face numerous enterprise-level reliability, performance, and sustainability challenges, which are difficult to systematically identify, prioritize and correct to maximize operational potential. With siloed teams and information, and limited visibility to historical knowledge and insights from previous operations and events, it can be challenging for organizations to achieve measurable impact. The Seeq Industrial Enterprise Monitoring Suite provides a comprehensive, automated view of operational performance—past and present. This broader view enables better decision-making and continuous improvement across today’s complex, industrial ecosystems. The Seeq Industrial Enterprise Monitoring Suite leverages the combined power of the Seeq Industrial Analytics and AI Suite and the context that only teams of experts can provide—all at the scale needed to drive truly impactful results across the operational footprint. The Seeq Industrial Enterprise Monitoring Suite provides the flexibility, speed, and robust capabilities needed to operationalize a condition-based prioritization and decision strategy. Grounded in frontline expertise and insights, Seeq Industrial Enterprise Monitoring helps ensure decision-makers have key insights at their fingertips, allowing for faster, better decisions and actions. “Industrial Enterprise Monitoring builds upon and elevates the Seeq mission to enable the creation of the insights that empower decisions and actions that increase operational excellence, drive sustainable manufacturing, and, ultimately, the customer’s bottom line,” said Mark Derbecker, Chief Product Officer of Seeq. “We’ve always known that the people across the organization are the secret ingredient, and Industrial Enterprise Monitoring enables a company to turn local insights and expertise into a powerful system-wide advantage.” Through the Seeq Vantage app, industrial organizations can tailor, deploy and automate enterprise-level use cases, such as asset and process monitoring, condition-based maintenance, reliability and downtime tracking and more. Coupled with the Seeq Industrial Analytics and AI Suite, customers now have an integrated ecosystem to capture, analyze, aggregate, monitor, triage, investigate, and document insights and actions at the local level and the enterprise level. The app provides proactive and automated enterprise surveillance for daily operational decisions, and a comprehensive assembly of operational effectiveness and utilization understanding to prioritize longer-term investment decisions.
The Plastics Show exceeds 50k registrants
The largest plastics trade show in the Americas embraces learning & networking opportunities all week long NPE2024: The Plastics Show received an incredible turnout with more than 50,000 attendees. The event, which runs from May 6-10th in Orlando, Florida, attracts thousands of attendees across the globe, displaying the continued strength and innovation of the plastics industry. “The energy and excitement at NPE2024 are truly palpable,” said Matt Seaholm, PLASTICS’ Chief Executive Officer. “From established industry giants to groundbreaking startups, this show is a testament to the unwavering spirit and ingenuity of the plastics community. We can’t wait to see how this next generation of the plastics workforce will use these resources and connections to foster the future of the industry.” NPE2024 features an expansive show floor, highlighting the latest advancements in plastic materials, machinery, and technology. Attendees can network with industry leaders, attend educational sessions, and explore new solutions to meet the growing demand for sustainable and innovative plastic applications.
WERC 2024: Register now to advance warehousing knowledge
Gain warehousing insights from experienced industry leaders WERC 2024 speakers are trail blazers who bring their real-world experiences with the latest technology and trends from the frontlines of logistics. Join WERC 2024 to learn from their expertise and take home the tools you need to improve your warehouse and distribution center operations. Annual Conference June 2-5 2024, Dallas, TX Register and join today
Wauseon Machine Joe Gemma awarded Joseph Engelberger Robotics Award
Recognizing Exceptional Leadership in the Automation Industry Wauseon Machine announced that Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Joe Gemma, was awarded the prestigious Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Award for 2024, recognizing his exceptional leadership and contributions to the automation industry. The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) recognized Joe Gemma alongside two other industry pioneers for their significant impact within the field. This award, named after the late Joseph F. Engelberger, who is widely regarded as the father of industrial robotics, celebrates excellence in technology development, application, education, and leadership in robotics. Established in 1977, the award has been presented to 139 leaders globally and is often referred to as the “Hall of Fame” for the robotics and automation sector. The award will be presented at the Automate conference in Chicago on May 8, 2024. Joe Gemma’s recognition in leadership underscores his profound impact on the automation sector throughout his distinguished career. His tenure includes pivotal roles as a board member of the Robotics Industries Association (RIA), currently known as A3, and as the president of the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). Jeff Burnstein, president of A3, commended this year’s Engelberger Robotics Awards honorees, stating, “Joe Gemma’s valuable leadership and contributions over the last 35+ years have been instrumental as we bring greater innovations to users worldwide.” At Wauseon Machine, Joe Gemma has been a pivotal figure since joining in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his time working for both system integrators and robotics OEMs. His responsibilities as CRO focus on leading the front end of the business, building on his extensive background in engineering, project management, business development, and sales management. Upon receiving the award, Joe Gemma expressed his gratitude, saying, “This recognition goes out to all the people I have worked with through the years. It is an honor to accept this award on their behalf. I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to share the passion that many of us have for what automation means and what it does for manufacturing, for people, and for the world in general.” Wauseon Machine is proud to have Joe Gemma on our team. His expertise continues to drive our mission of providing leading automation solutions, precision machining, fabrication, and tube forming technologies to manufacturing organizations across North America.
AutoScheduler introduces centralized warehouse orchestration
AutoPilot Central provides aggregated, bird’s eye view across multiple sites AutoScheduler.AI has introduced Centralized Warehouse Orchestration, which gives companies a centralized view of multi-site data. Called AutoPilot Central, the solution enables supply chain executives to get an aggregated bird’s eye view across multiple sites and, more importantly, rank them and take corrective action for areas out of service to mitigate risk across the network. “With the pace at which warehouses introduce new technology and dynamically change, managing an operation has become overwhelming, especially since leading shippers with multiple sites often have different Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) at each location,” says Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI. “AutoPilot Central provides a birds-eye view of multi-site data for centralized command and control of an entire distributed warehouse network. At the network level, the history and result of these plans can then be bubbled up to Directors and VPs of distribution to identify the potential flow issues that are going to occur inside of a network, which customers/shipments are at risk, and where action can be taken to avoid service failures.” AutoPilot Central aggregates multi-site AutoScheduler data. Using predictive analytics, it enables top supply chain officers to rank the sites, quickly see which areas across the network are out-of-tolerance or at risk and take corrective action to mitigate risk before chaos happens. With AutoPilot and AutoPilot Central, leaders can: Reduce planning time by 97% Increase productivity per headcount by 16% Reduce inventory waste by 13% Reduce intra-campus transportation costs by 31% Double cross-docking utilization Optimize labor planning Aggregate multi-site data for centralized warehouse optimization and risk mitigation
KION North America and Fox Robotics announced non-exclusive strategic partnership
KION North America (KION NA), manufacturer of Linde Material Handling equipment, and Fox Robotics have entered into a non-exclusive partnership wherein KION NA will manufacture and assemble FoxBot autonomous trailer loader/unloaders (ATLs) at its facilities in Summerville, South Carolina. “We are at a pivotal moment in the logistics and transportation industry, where innovation is key to addressing some of the most pressing challenges we face. Specifically, in the realm of automated trailer loading and unloading, the last remaining piece of the end-to-end warehouse automation puzzle, Fox Robotics stands out by far as the dominant leader with the most robust AI/ML algorithms, tech stack, and deployed robot fleet we’ve ever seen,” comments Jonathan Dawley, President and CEO at KION North America. “We are delighted to announce our collaboration with Fox Robotics to launch this groundbreaking product in the U.S. market. This partnership signifies a major leap forward in our commitment to enhancing efficiency, safety, and reliability in our customers’ operations.” “Fox Robotics is scaling and expanding its supply chain capabilities significantly via the partnership with KION North America,” said Marin Tchakarov, CEO and President at Fox Robotics. “Our traction in the marketplace is tremendous, and Fox Robotics is at an inflection point in its growth arc. We are experiencing unprecedented demand and have a massive list of bookings for Fox Robotics products and solutions. The partnership with KION NA will most certainly pave the way to capture all this commercial growth.” The FoxBot autonomous forklift is the world’s first Class 1 electric, stand-up autonomous forklift designed for load/unload operations on warehouse loading docks. Classified as an autonomous mobile robot (AMR), the FoxBot robotic forklift automates various operator tasks to improve workplace safety, increase productivity, and enhance employee satisfaction. The company started selling ATLs commercially in 2019 and is the first mover in the category. Recently, Fox Robotics announced that its installed base of FoxBot ATLs has processed nearly 3 million pallet pulls to date. “The logistics space is the single biggest market for automation for the next ten years. Converting the shipping and receiving dock, the gateway to the warehouse, from a manual operation to an automated one will drive the greatest growth and change,” said Till Reuter, Board Director for Fox Robotics and former CEO of Kuka Robotics. “Fox Robotics is poised to capture this growth in automation as the dominant leader in this space and the first one to deliver on the promise of true end-to-end automation of the warehouse of the future.”
Episode 483: Customer-Centric delivery experiences with Veho
Welcome to The New Warehouse Podcast! In this episode, we are thrilled to host Itamar Zur, co-founder and CEO of Veho, a company at the forefront of revolutionizing e-commerce delivery services. We will explore Veho’s innovative approach to logistics, focusing on enhancing customer experience and solving prevalent delivery challenges. Veho’s story is particularly compelling, given their unique model that integrates advanced technology with flexible gig economy logistics, aiming to redefine the speed and quality of delivery. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of modern e-commerce logistics, customer expectations, and the visionary leadership driving Veho. Empowering E-Commerce Through Enhanced Delivery Experiences Itamar explains his “moment of truth” was a failed meal delivery experience that left him hungry for the night. Hunger is a powerful motivator, and so is a glaring problem like a lack of a quality delivery experience. “We designed our company completely around customer experience… It means that when the customer receives the box, it’s not only about visibility but having full control.” This customer-centric approach to delivery experiences contrasts sharply with traditional models, which prioritize efficiency over user engagement. Veho leverages technology to create what Zur describes as “delivery on remote control,” enabling consumers to tailor the delivery experiences to their specific needs, thus enhancing satisfaction and loyalty. Overcoming Logistics Barriers with Innovative Technology Addressing the economic challenges in traditional logistics, Itamar Zur points out, “The package usually needs to be on the road for 8 hours a day. With the gig economy, most of our routes are 4-6 hours. You can reroute within the route, allowing us to start routes at various times and adjust on the fly.” This flexibility is crucial for handling the dynamic nature of e-commerce demands. Veho’s approach not only improves delivery efficiency but also addresses significant pain points like missed deliveries and package theft, which Zur himself experienced. “We can reroute, reschedule, or even facilitate returns with ease, unlike traditional fixed-route models,” Zur adds, highlighting the transformative impact of Veho’s solutions. Shaping Delivery Experiences with Customer-Centric Strategies Looking ahead, Itamar Zur is optimistic about Veho’s role in the evolving e-commerce landscape. “Consumer expectations are always climbing. They want faster, more reliable services,” he states. Veho’s platform is well-positioned to meet these demands by delivering most packages within one day and exceptional service reliability north of 99%, which are becoming the new benchmarks in the industry. “Our technology and flexible model prepare us to scale and adapt quickly, not just to meet but exceed these expectations,” Zur predicts. This forward-thinking approach indicates Veho’s potential to significantly influence future e-commerce logistics practices. Key Takeaways Veho’s model emphasizes customer control and experience, enhancing satisfaction and brand loyalty. Utilizing gig economy strategies allows Veho to offer adaptable and efficient delivery options. Leveraging ratings and reviews motivate drivers to want to keep their scores high. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 483: Customer-Centric Delivery Experiences with Veho
Yale announces expanded dealer territory for LiftOne
Hyster-Yale Group, Inc., Yale Lift Truck Technologies has announced LiftOne® will be appointed the authorized Yale® dealer for all territory served by WMH Solutions, formerly known as Wheeler Material Handling. The territory change becomes effective June 1, 2024, expanding LiftOne’s existing Yale territory across portions of North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia, served by 20 locations. Yale Lift Truck Technologies is committed to solving customers’ toughest labor, safety, and productivity challenges through innovation in the warehouse and technology space. LiftOne has been integral in progressing Hyster-Yale’s distribution strategy, and this territory expansion will accelerate the realization of Yale’s commitment to excellence in delivering warehouse solutions. “LiftOne has a proven record of customer satisfaction as a Yale dealer, regularly recognized as Dealer of Excellence for extraordinary customer sales and service support in a dynamic material handling industry,” says Bob Sattler, Vice President of Dealer Business Development and Financial Services, Yale. “It is imperative that we have the right dealer partners who are willing to invest with us to ensure the best customer experience and outcomes. Since 2012, LiftOne has demonstrated its ability to grow with us, while never losing sight of its strong, family-owned values.” “Our sales and support teams are eager to welcome customers and facilitate a smooth transition,” says Mark Drummond, President, LiftOne. “As Yale works to bring the most advanced, technology-driven lift truck solutions to market, our commitment is to be the trusted resource for all aspects of material handling operations and help our customers get the most out of robotics, telematics, electric power, and more. To meet the needs of this expansion, we are bolstering parts stock, increasing equipment inventory, enhancing rental investment, and expanding our team of factory-trained technicians from 650 to over 700.”
Softeon named a visionary in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™
Softeon’s recognition as a Visionary in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems for the 13th consecutive time is based on our ability to execute and completeness of vision Softeon has announced that it has been named a Visionary in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Warehouse Management Systems for the 13th time in a row. A Gartner Magic Quadrant is a culmination of research in a specific market, giving you a wide-angle view of the relative positions of the market’s competitors. According to Gartner, “Depth and breadth of WMS functionality remain very important factors in choosing a new WMS, especially for companies replacing aging legacy systems. Increasingly, the technical architecture of the WMS is an important consideration for new WMS customers where adaptability, extensibility, user experience and cloud are priorities.” Softeon’s robust WMS solution empowers supply chain executives to oversee extensive and intricate integrations within a unified platform, encompassing material handling equipment, robotics, and additional enterprise software. It streamlines warehouse operations by facilitating the rapid integration of robots from multiple vendors, thus fostering efficient decision-making and task coordination. Designed to meet unique operational and workflow demands, the system boasts adaptability to evolving operational needs and the seamless incorporation of new technologies. This positions Softeon at the forefront of managing some of the world’s most complex, highly automated warehouses effectively. “We are honored to once again be named a Magic Quadrant Visionary in Warehouse Management Systems by Gartner,” said Jim Hoefflin, CEO of Softeon. “We believe this recognition is a nod at our commitment to serve and prepare our customers to grow through the ebbs and flows of the ever-changing warehousing market. Furthermore, it is a validation of our innovative capabilities and solutions road map.” Supported by a committed tech support team and the industry’s top experts, Softeon’s WMS revolutionizes operations for businesses in complex, high-demand, and unpredictable sectors aiming to enhance growth and efficiency. The proof of Softeon’s capacity to assist clients in scaling their operations is clearly reflected in its own significant growth, demonstrating the system’s effectiveness and the value it brings to every customer. For Softeon, recognition of its forward-looking and innovative WMS by Gartner for a second year in a row is the latest in callouts pertaining to the company’s significant growth. In addition to being named a leader by G2, Softeon recently announced office expansions in India and Atlanta, a rebrand, and updated WMS and WES solutions. The WMS provider also introduced a new executive leadership team, and hosted a customer-focused leadership forum – all in commitment to delivering limitless customer-centric solutions for propelling businesses through the ever-changing warehousing challenges.
Toyota Industries Corporation launches Toyota Automated Logistics Group to house acquired companies
Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) has launched Toyota Automated Logistics Group (TALG) to house its existing subsidiary, Toyota L&F, alongside the companies it acquired in 2017 (Bastian Solutions and Vanderlande) and 2022 (viastore). As a result, it has increased its presence in all integrated and automated projects worldwide and capitalized on the synergies between the respective organizations and the added value they offer to the market. TALG’s company name has been created to reinforce the added value of the reliability, stability, commitment and security of TICO as the group’s parent company. In addition, customers will benefit from the wide portfolio which ranges from the integration of automated solution projects to end-to end automated solutions offered by the four group companies to the global logistics market. As a global partner for integrated logistic process automation, TALG is committed to helping customers meet the challenges specific to their industries by incorporating its integrated portfolio of scalable systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services. With a full range of automated logistic solutions – from receiving to shipping – TALG supports all aspects of its customers’ manufacturing facilities, distribution centres and airports. It also complements the worldwide logistic solutions and high-quality products, such as forklift trucks and warehouse equipment, offered by the Toyota Material Handling Group. While Toyota L&F focuses on the development of reliable and efficient systems to improve customers’ logistic processes, Bastian Solutions provides added value to companies of all sizes through leading technology resources and strong system integration capabilities. Furthermore, Vanderlande meets the complex challenges faced by businesses with the provision of sustainable and future-proof logistic process automation, while viastore provides customers with guaranteed success through customised warehouse and material flow logistic solutions. “As a group, TALG is not only trusted to improve the competitive position of our customers, but also confirm our status as a leading global player in integrated logistic process automation,” says Nerio Wakabayashi, Senior Executive Officer of TICO. “Wherever we operate in the world – and whatever the industry – through a combination of innovation, integration and automation, the Toyota Automated Logistics Group stays true to its guiding principle: for every challenge, a reliable solution.”
Magri Group Strengthens Market Presence with GRI
GRI and the Magri Group strengthened its position in Italy with a new strategic partnership that emphasizes its continued commitment to excellence in tire distribution as the leading distributor of Agriculture Tires in the region. The Magri Group announced a significant partnership with GRI and the recent acquisition of DONATI GOMME, a historic player in the Agricultural Tire sector. These collaborations confirm the group’s commitment to the key sectors of its history and align with the objectives of exclusive national distribution, enhancing the entire product portfolio. By combining its expertise and resources, the partnership aims to enhance market coverage, improve customer service, and strengthen both companies’ positions in the competitive Italian tire market. The partnership with GRI represents an opportunity that is perfectly aligned with market demands. With a strategic focus on differentiated approaches and expanding the customer base through exclusive domestic distribution agreements, the Magri Group aims to further enhance the positive perception of its products in retail outlets. With a commitment to excellence and strategic partnerships, the group continues to offer GRI tire solutions to its diverse customer base. At the heart of Magri Group’s business model is the national distribution of tires for cars, trucks, and agriculture. Operating in the competitive landscape of multi-brand distribution, the group has found success through collaborative projects within organized networks such as CDG and KWIKFIT. GRI is a leading specialty tire producer renowned for its innovative products and sustainable practices. With a global presence spanning over 50 countries, GRI is committed to providing high-grade tires for agriculture, construction, and material handling vehicles. Known for its modern manufacturing facilities and advanced R&D capabilities, GRI is constantly pushing the boundaries of specialty tire technology to meet the changing needs of its customers around the world. In addition, GRI strongly emphasizes environmental responsibility, seeking to minimize its carbon footprint through eco-friendly manufacturing processes and new tire development. As a reliable partner in the tire industry, GRI remains dedicated to excellence, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
Presence: A key to effective leadership and an emergent culture
The world is transforming faster than ever. Many employees and leaders are feeling overwhelmed by rapidly evolving markets, a new generation entering the workforce, and the impact of the digital age. To adapt to these changes and continue to enable your organization to grow, you first need to look within. It all begins with presence. What does presence mean to you and do you know how to experience what it is to be present in this moment right now? What is Presence? Presence is about relearning how to be in the world and fully engaging in all of life’s unique moments. Many people are unproductive and unhappy because they haven’t learned to slow down and maximize their effectiveness or optimize their innate intelligence. The impact of this extends beyond just the individual; the people around you, the people you lead, and the culture of the organization are all impacted by someone who isn’t clear and grounded (not present). There are four main areas of development to consider when it comes to equipping yourself to be present. Focus on Full Presence The working world is full of things that can take you out of the present moment. Multitasking, keeping your cell phone on, constantly checking your emails, and having many open windows on your computer are all things that distract people. Cognitive overload is the result of these distractions, leading people to experience an inability to focus and stay on track, bouts of agitation, and increased distress, culminating in decreases in productivity and strained work relationships. No matter the skill or competence level, when a human being has too many things to keep track of, it’s difficult to focus and complete tasks. The impacts of distractions and cognitive load are not limited to productivity and relationships with others either. A Harvard study found that mind wandering is also an indicator of a person’s happiness. The more present someone was, the happier they reported themselves to be. One of the most important things to do to get present is to remove yourself from the world of distraction. Attempt to implement some liberating constraints, such as turning your cellphone off during periods of focus, signing out of your email account and only logging in during scheduled email sessions, keeping only 1 or 2 windows open on your computer, and blocking out time to focus on specific tasks or projects. Another way to keep yourself on track and in a present state of mind is to know, understand, and experience what your ultimate purpose is and define what it looks like to operate in alignment with that purpose. When you do that, you give yourself the opportunity to tune in to what is important and how to work in service of that purpose. Embrace Childlike Wonder Childlike wonder is being completely immersed in the world around you. It’s about coming from an open/neutral perspective, getting curious, asking questions, and being aware of when you are judging and evaluating. Many people become entrenched in their perspectives, beliefs, preferences, points of view, etc. as they grow up. To be fully present with others, you have to let go of your inherent or historical biases. Otherwise, it’s as if you are viewing the world with orange-tinted glasses. Everything you experience is tinted orange because that’s how you see and perceive. In this mindset, you won’t be able to accept new and different ideas or engage with others you speak to. When it comes to childlike wonder, it’s about setting aside all biases, agendas, perceptions, and beliefs about how things are going to go and being curious so you can truly connect and interact with others as an “empty vessel”. When you are empty of perceptions, preferences, judgments, biases, and beliefs, you are truly able to meet people where they are and enable them to not only feel like they are contributing but to actually contribute. Master Sensory Acuity Sensory acuity is using all our senses to observe the world around us to gather detailed information about the present moment. This is especially important for communication because there are other factors that contribute more to understanding someone than just their words. In fact, words make up only about 7% of communication. Mastering sensory acuity requires using your other keen senses to expand how you see, perceive, understand, and communicate with others. Things like tonality, where their eyes are looking, what color their face is (i.e. blushing), the shape of their mouth, and how they are standing or sitting are all indicators of the way someone feels that is not communicated through their words. Developing this skill requires you to focus entirely on the person with whom you are communicating with. Mastering this not only allows you to read people at a higher level, but to also understand and relate to them in a deeper manner, which is directly related to the fourth category. Develop Rapport Developing rapport is essential to cultivating healthy and harmonious relationships with those you work with and those in your personal life. Rapport is about understanding and respecting the feelings of others and in doing so, strengthening your ability to work together. Developing rapport requires you to establish trust. To do that you need to be able to offer support, communicate effectively, and follow through with what you say. The number one way to break trust is to make promises you can’t or don’t keep. When you can’t keep a commitment, make sure to alert people affected by it as soon as you know. Life gets in the way sometimes. People will understand that a lot better when they are notified in advance of you breaking your agreement. Be Present to the World Around You and Elevate Your Leadership and Culture Presence at work is about being attuned to the task, function, or project you’re working and the people around you. To be a high-performance leader and to cultivate an emergent culture, it’s crucial that you make developing presence a core tenet of
AFORMIC showcases innovative low-profile AMR for flexible manufacturing at Automate 2024
AFORMIC, a provider of Autonomous Intralogistics Solutions, will open its showroom of cutting-edge autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for flexible manufacturing and warehousing during the Automate Show 2024, the largest exhibition of automation in North America, taking place from May 6 to 9 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The AFORMIC’s smart robotics solution is a proven choice for real-time intralogistics management, by providing automation in material handling to reduce operational expenses and increase efficiency in manufacturing and warehouse processes. The solution includes an AI-powered integrated software management system called Qursor and customized AFORMIC F-series AMRs. The company will showcase its solution, including its latest NextGen AMR models, at Booth 1019 during Automate 2024. “AFORMIC offers end-to-end solutions that include robotics, innovative technology, and software from a single source. We are one of North America’s leading providers in the material handling automation industry with one of the world’s most comprehensive fleets of AMRs and intralogistics software suites. Understanding the potential of Industry 4.0, we have designed a solution that not only automates the flow of materials within the company but also allows for changing the logic of the production process itself”, says Tim Meyer, Vice President of AFORMIC. Customizing AMRs unlocks new possibilities for production During Automate 2024, the company will showcase the latest models of AFORMIC AMRs from the F series, including the AMR F12, a super-safe, low-profile autonomous mobile robot designed for automating transportation operations within manufacturing plants. With a maximum payload of 800 kg and a speed of 1.5 m/s, the robot offers ergonomic and efficient handling of complex logistics processes. “Aformic’s unique business strategy aims to perfectly tailor the solution to the individual needs of each company. Customization applies to both the software system and the mobile robots from the AFORMIC AMRs family, as well as other devices and equipment that are part of the vehicle’s setup”, adds Tim Meyer, Vice President of AFORMIC. AFORMIC’s robots are implemented using process simulation to test and optimize their behavior in virtual environments. AFORMIC’s AMRs move materials and products around a factory floor, adapting to changing production needs and minimizing human intervention. “It’s not just about automating point-to-point deliveries. For example, AFORMIC AMRs are implemented as product carriers and automate the flow of goods within the facility and warehouse. However, this type of AMR can also be an integral part of the production process, ensuring the transport of the manufactured product or interacting directly with automation and information systems. Such use of autonomous mobile robots allows for creating of flexible production scenarios, improving the manufacturing process and its handling”, explains an AFORMIC expert. Thanks to artificial intelligence and machine learning methods, AFORMIC AMR vehicles can be autonomously managed, without operator supervision, by the Qursor Fleet Management System. This software solution ensures smooth communication with any production and warehouse management systems, as well as real-time process monitoring (RTLS). “We can indeed integrate our solution with the entire factory and warehouse environment, including MES/WMS systems, the traffic control system, access management to special zones, and many other processes. This unique solution opens up entirely new possibilities for automatic management of material flow and logistics at large,” says the Vice President of AFORMIC.
NRF statement on proposed Warehouse Safety Bill
The National Retail Federation today issued the following statement from Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French after members of Congress announced plans to introduce the “Warehouse Worker Protection Act.” “Data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have consistently shown that warehouse workplaces are safe workplaces. NRF member companies are continually investing in better practices, more modern equipment, and innovative employee engagement efforts to make these workspaces as safe as possible. “Despite that, this legislation would overturn decades of employment and labor law, erode employers’ private property rights and unjustifiably expand the federal government’s intrusion into American workplaces. “The bill mandates that OSHA promulgate an ergonomics standard, despite a 2001 law passed by bipartisan majorities in both houses of Congress that permanently barred OSHA from regulating ergonomics for numerous reasons, including the impossibility of separating workers’ pain from away-from-work life activities, a lack of clear scientific evidence to support such a standard and the massive costs. There is no new rationale for undoing Congress’ prohibition, and NRF strongly opposes this bill.” As the leading authority and voice for retail, NRF will continue to advocate for workplace rules that promote workplace flexibility and economic growth.
NORD introduced gear motor QR codes
NORD’s new gear motor QR codes link to convenient digital services for unit documentation, service and sales contact requests, and order information. If you’ve recently purchased a NORD DRIVESYSTEMS gear motor, you may have noticed a new sticker with a QR code located on the unit. Quick Response (QR) codes can store a wide range of data and enable the user to access information almost instantly. These stickers are a new development in NORD’s expansive digital services and provide users quick access to product specifications, documentation, and service requests on-the-spot via their mobile device. The codes can be scanned using a photo app or QR code app and will bring the user to NORD’s digital service webpage with their respective country’s language and contacts. NORD’s existing digital services include the Documentation Center, a resource for product-specific manuals and literature, the Spare Parts Shop for fast online ordering of stock components and replacement parts, and the myNORD Customer Portal, a comprehensive tool that allows users to select and configure their NORD drive systems online. The QR codes extend these services with a defined service request contact form, as well as the ability to easily contact local sales and service departments. When a unit’s code is scanned, the form will automatically populate with the specified unit’s equipment/serial number and the proper documentation including spare parts list, manuals, Declaration of Conformity (DoC), 2D/3D drawings. Order details can also be accessed, saving time and ensuring the correct unit information is being referenced. QR code stickers are now in use at NORD USA’s four facilities in Waunakee, Wisconsin, Corona, California, Charlotte, North Carolina, and McKinney, Texas. On all gear motors and solo motors, the sticker is located on the motor cooling fin near the nameplate or on the terminal box if the motor is smaller than case Size 80. For gear units only, the sticker is located under the nameplate and for units with variable frequency drives, the sticker is located underneath the nameplate.
Longtime safety expert honored as ASSP Fellow
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has bestowed the honor of Fellow on Daniel G. Hopwood, who has made significant contributions to the occupational safety and health profession for decades. He is the 2024 recipient of the Society’s highest honor, becoming the 147th Fellow since the world’s oldest professional safety organization was founded in 1911. “ASSP Fellows are an elite group of influential safety leaders who have played key roles in improving workplace environments as well as the safety and health profession overall,” said ASSP President Jim Thornton, CSP, CIH, FASSP, FAIHA. “Dan is a highly respected expert who has broadly helped prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities on the job.” Hopwood, M.P.H., CSP, SMS, ARM, CBCP, FASSP, is vice president and director of risk control field services at Sompo, North America. An ASSP member since 1978, Hopwood has worked throughout his distinguished career as a risk manager, instructor, keynote speaker, author, technical expert and occupational safety and health advocate. He is an expert at developing methodologies for crisis management and business continuity planning. He also serves on the board of directors for the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. “As a senior member of our team, Dan develops safety programs, conducts incident investigations and provides extensive safety and health training,” said Christine Sullivan, CSP, ARM, former ASSP president and current executive vice president and head of risk control at Sompo. “He is a true collaborator who is always willing to share his expertise with colleagues and mentor industry newcomers.” Hopwood has taught undergraduate and graduate safety courses for 25 years, including time at Cuyamaca Community College, San Diego City College and San Diego State University, all in California. As a result, he has advanced the workplace safety and health profession and has profoundly impacted the careers of many students. Hopwood has guided thousands of professionals through his many writings and by leading dozens of educational and training sessions at national conferences and seminars. He authored the book “Safety & Health Management: Essential Considerations for Human Resources and Allied Professionals” and co-authored “Workplace Safety: A Guide for Small and Midsized Companies.” He also has written chapters in several other books and has been published in more than 25 journals, magazines and professional publications. As an ASSP volunteer leader, Hopwood has served at the local, regional and Society levels. He is past president of the San Diego Chapter and former Region I vice president. He was the San Diego Chapter Safety Professional of the Year in 2012 and earned ASSP’s Charles V. Culbertson Outstanding Volunteer Service Award in 2017. “Dan is a constant advocate who serves our profession with impartiality and a moral compass that makes the world a better place,” said Jose Perez, CSHM, CIT, SMS, OHST, CHST, an area director in ASSP Region I. “Many have experienced the value he brings to the humanity of our profession through his equitable and inclusive leadership. His exemplary approach and positive influence make others feel welcome, visible and heard.”
OZ Lifting launches stainless steel lever hoist
OZ Lifting Products LLC has launched North America’s first stainless steel lever hoist, in 0.25- to 3-ton capacities. The hoist is available in 0.25-, 0.75-, 1.5-, and 3-ton versions; and each one can be provided with 5 ft., 10 ft., 15 ft., and 20 ft. lengths of lift, but custom rigging is available. It joins three other products — chain hoist, push beam trolley, and beam clamp — in the company’s Type 304 stainless steel range. It is also the fourth lever hoist, in addition to an industrial model, in 0.25- to 9-ton capacities; a premium version, in 0.75 to 9-ton; and, in the same capacity range, the dynamometer-equipped Dyno-Hoist. The stainless steel version closely mirrors the industrial product but is designed for more demanding sectors. The benefits of Type 304 are many and varied. It is widely accepted as the most versatile stainless steel, which is why it is commonly the manufacturing product of choice for use in demanding markets. The smooth, non-porous surface makes it easier to clean and maintain, which is especially important in environments where hygiene is a concern. Most notable however for excellent corrosion resistance, Type 304 stainless steel is lauded by many end-user sectors, including water treatment; pharmaceutical and food production; and mining. It is suited though to any environment that has corrosion issues, such as those around saltwater, rain, snow, or high humidity. Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting, said: “Our stainless manual hoists have been very successful, so it was a natural next step to extend the line to include lever hoists. The hoist offers increased resistance to wear and tear, meaning it has a longer lifespan, reducing replacement costs, even when subject to repeated use. “This capacity range will likely suit most applications but, as always, we will listen to the supply chain, and if we get inquiries for larger sizes, we will certainly add them.” The hoists are lightweight and easy to operate; they are ideal for use in confined and enclosed spaces, while the effort required on the lever to lift a full load is 20.20 lbs., 28.10 lbs., 41.50 lbs., and 42.70 lbs. respectively. Lever hoists can be used for lifting or pulling but, like the standard line, they will most commonly be found in tensioning applications. Similar to OZ Lifting’s stainless steel trolleys and manual chain hoist, the lever hoist features food-grade grease, that meets NSF H1 standards, for end users looking for tensioning or lifting in areas that cannot have any contamination around food. The way the hoist is configured means that the brake is not near where the gearing is located. The owner’s manual outlines proper maintenance procedures. Other key features include a freewheel for quick adjustment; 360-degree handle rotation; and a Weston-style brake system. They will be supplied with forged hooks and stainless steel riveted identification tags. Napieralski also pointed to the twin-pawl design; sealed roller bearing; and rubber grip. He added: “We anticipate interest in individual units and multiples thereof. We do a fair amount of custom rigging on many of our products so we will be prepared to quickly meet requests for custom lengths. We will continue to bring innovative products to the market; we have several on the horizon.” The stainless steel lever hoist will be available for delivery to OZ Lifting’s network of regional dealers in June.
Hyster-Yale Group provides students with real-world AI experience in 2024 Kellogg Design Challenge
Representatives from HYG and Northwestern University judged submissions from 16 teams of MBA and engineering students in multi-stage innovation competition Representatives from Hyster-Yale Group joined Northwestern faculty from the Kellogg School of Management and Segal Institute for Design Innovation and industry leaders like IDEO, PwC and IA Collaborative to facilitate the 2024 Kellogg Design Challenge. As the platinum sponsor, Hyster-Yale provided the theme for this year’s competition, AI x Design, which emphasizes the use of artificial intelligence to enhance the design and development process of new products, potentially reducing the time and effort involved by up to 50%. “Our focus is fostering innovation to push forward how materials are moved and help address the most pressing challenges facing supply chain operations,” says Ed Stilwell, Chief Technologist of Innovation, Hyster-Yale. “As we pursue that mission, the Kellogg Design Challenge is an outstanding opportunity to tap into some of the brightest young minds. Not only is this an important step to harnessing the power of leading-edge technology to drive change, it supports our approach of hiring the best talent and developing them into the future leaders of tomorrow.” Approximately 90 graduate students from Northwestern, Parsons, Carnegie Mellon, University of Chicago, Imperial College London, Cornell, UCLA and Dartmouth competed in the multi-stage event. Throughout the month of April, the competition included a Q&A with Hyster-Yale innovation representatives, workshops with innovation partners and the main Kellogg Design Challenge Day, featuring presentations from all competitors, speaker sessions and networking opportunities. Students from Cornell University Johnson School of Business won first place for their exceptional “EZ Requirement Assistant,” showcasing a deep understanding of user needs and innovative problem-solving, while also demonstrating the potential for real time and cost savings. In addition to awarding cash prizes to the first, second and third place teams, this year’s edition included a bonus prize for the most human-centric and inclusive design, which was awarded to students from Northwestern Kellogg. Members of the Hyster-Yale innovation team, together with the other competition judges, evaluated the semi-finalists on their design research, solution design, business impact and innovation pitch. “We want to thank the Kellogg Design Challenge team, and the graduate students from reputed universities for their outstanding engagement in making the Kellogg Design Challenge an incredible success,” says Dr. Gopi Samayajula, Senior Vice President of Global Product Development, Hyster-Yale. “This year’s competition pushed them to build around the challenges of tomorrow’s technology-driven solutions and make a real impact on the design and development process of new products by leveraging emerging AI technologies – potentially reducing the effort involved by up to 50%.” The Hyster-Yale innovation team focuses on developing advanced technologies for materials handling operations and accelerating the adoption of these technologies in commercial applications. Between the Yale® and Hyster® lift truck brands, the company’s deployed emerging technology base includes over 500 automated lift truck units and more than 6,000 lift trucks with the company’s patented operator assistance technology. In addition to the Kellogg Design Challenge, Hyster-Yale has several longstanding collaborations with academic and career development programs across the country. The company’s Innovation Lab operates at the Shiley-Marcos Center for Design and Innovation at the University of Portland, and is a model for other industry-university cooperation, immersing students in real-world engineering and product development projects. The company also works with colleges in communities where it operates, such as East Carolina University, Berea College, Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky, to sponsor senior capstone projects and provide mentorship and internship opportunities. Hyster-Yale also serves alongside companies such as Lockheed Martin and Lexmark on the Eastern Kentucky University engineering advisory council.