LUCID showcases its latest 3D time-of-flight cameras at MODEX 2024
LUCID Vision Labs, Inc. is set to showcase its latest advancements at MODEX 2024, the nation’s premier material handling, logistics, and supply chain event taking place in Atlanta from March 11 to 14, 2024. Show Highlight: Helios2 Wide and Helios2+ 3D ToF Camera Family. One of the highlights of LUCID’s exhibit will include variants of the popular 3D Time-of-Flight camera family. The Helios2 Wide ToF camera integrates Sony’s DepthSense™ IMX556PLR back-illuminated image sensor paired with a wide-angle lens, providing an expansive 108º angle of view. Specifically designed for applications with a close working distance and large operational area, such as full-size palettizing applications, the camera delivers a depth resolution of 640 x 480 at up to an 8.3-meter working distance and operates at a frame rate of 30 fps. LUCID will demonstrate the Helios2+ Time-of-Flight camera, offering two on-camera depth processing modes: High Dynamic Range Mode (HDR) and High-Speed Mode. The HDR Mode combines multiple exposures in the phase domain, ensuring accurate depth information in high-contrast, complex scenes. The High-Speed Mode enables depth perception using a single-phase measurement, allowing for faster acquisition speed and higher frame rates suitable for moving object perception. More Industrial Cameras at Display. LUCID offers a wide range of industrial GigE Vision cameras tailored for applications in automation, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and emerging technologies. LUCID will showcase the flexible Phoenix GigE PoE camera module designed for easy OEM integration. Due to its small form factor and unique transformable design, the Phoenix camera can be easily configured for the ultimate custom fit. Visit us at MODEX 2024 from March 11 to 14, 2024, in Atlanta, at booth #C4771, and explore the latest in industrial vision technology.
National Fleet Products’ FuelScoop has an aerodynamic design that reduces fuel consumption by more than 15 percent
National Fleet Products’ FuelScoop cab fairing immediately saves fuel, improves vehicle stability, enhances vehicle handling, reduces driveline wear, significantly decreases CO2 emissions, and requires no drilling to install. National Fleet Products has announced that its FuelScoop aerodynamic rooftop and air-deflecting cab fairing will now be available for virtually all makes and models of medium-duty dry-freight box trucks. FuelScoop is lightweight yet strong uses factory mounting points when available, and is otherwise adhesively bonded, precisely matching a vehicle’s unique roof contours, so no drilling is required for installation. FuelScoop will be displayed to the industry during NTEA Work Truck Week 2024, March 5–8, 2024, in the National Fleet Products booth 6333. Many OEM cab fairings for medium-duty dry-freight box trucks require drilling through roof skins and the application of welded brackets to secure metal frames for structural support. Putting holes in cab roofs frequently causes leaks and corrosion. While the more primitive fairings’ rudimentary shapes help direct air up and over the cab, they do little or nothing to prevent turbulence and aerodynamic drag on either side of the vehicle. FuelScoop pairs with its intended roof contours exactly and is bonded with structural-grade adhesives often used in trailer body construction and in other heavy-duty applications worldwide. The design equally distributes FuelScoop’s weight across the entire roof surface, and the combination of precision fit and high-strength adhesion eliminates the need for drilling and is considered 100 percent reliable. “FuelScoop’s aerodynamic profile is superior to other fairings and addresses the side turbulence and drag associated with other styles,” Steven Peterson, president of National Fleet Products, said. “Its design includes a unique, signature configuration that not only directs airflow over the vehicle, but outward and around both sides. The resulting smooth, streamlined laminar airflow minimizes turbulence and drag, reducing driveline stress, while allowing the vehicle to move far more fuel efficiently.” Peterson said that FuelScoop can reduce a vehicle’s fuel consumption by more than 15 percent, while dramatically improving vehicle handling and stability. Users can typically expect to recoup the entire cost of the product within 12 months or less. “We see tires that advertise a few percentage points of fuel savings, and aerodynamic mudflaps and other devices that save one percent,” said Peterson. “With its more than 15 percent average fuel savings, FuelScoop offers users instant value that is both significant and easily measurable.” Peterson described what users can expect. “A vehicle driving 40,000 miles at 10 miles per gallon will use approximately 4,000 gallons of fuel. That 4,000 gallons will cost approximately $3.70 per gallon of diesel or roughly $14,800 of fuel per year,” he said, “With 15 percent savings from FuelScoop, users save $2,222 or 600 gallons of fuel per vehicle, so a fleet of 100 vehicles would save 60,000 gallons of fuel, netting it approximately $220,000 per year in savings. That’s $220,000 directly to a fleet’s bottom line,” said Peterson. Peterson also suggested that in an increasingly environmentally conscious and greening commercial vehicle landscape, FuelScoop can make a vehicle and a fleet greener overnight. He explained that every saved gallon of fuel prevents 20 pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. So the 600 gallons of fuel saved by just one vehicle means a reduction of 12,000 pounds of CO2 and an overall reduction of 600 tons of CO2 for a fleet of 100. FuelScoop comes in a compact, palletized kit consisting of one base, one center panel, and two side panels. Assembling the lightweight FuelScoop takes just 30 minutes, and no special tools are required. Whether using factory roof mounts with Japanese model trucks, or an adhesive system for U.S. domestic model trucks, FuelScoop takes just 30 minutes to install. For those with refrigerated box trucks, National Fleet Products also offers its FridgeScoop, an aerodynamic fairing designed exclusively to accommodate vehicles with refrigeration units that overhang their cabs. The smaller-profile FridgeScoop offers many of the same advantages of FuelScoop, while still enabling easy access to refrigeration units. It also deflects insects away from refrigeration unit air intake manifolds. “With FuelScoop, we have had fuel reductions as high as 27 percent reported, so the opportunity for monumental savings is there for fleets and independent operators alike,” said Peterson. “FuelScoop is ideal for any vehicle that regularly travels at speeds over 30 to 35 mph, and as the speed increases so do the fuel savings, with trucks traveling at freeway speeds often saving more than 20 percent. It also provides a very large and visible surface for brand graphics.”
KION Group ends FY 2023 strong
Strong financial year 2023: KION more than doubles adjusted EBIT and margin with outstanding free cash flow Record level revenue of € 11.434 billion (2022: € 11.136 billion) Adj. EBIT more than doubled to € 790.5 million (2022: € 292.4 million) Adj. EBIT margin of 6.9 percent (2022: 2.6 percent) Outstanding free cash flow of € 715.2 million (2022: € -715.6 million) Dividend proposal of € 0.70 per share (2022: € 0.19) KION Group significantly increased its profitability and free cash flow in 2023, closing the financial year with very good results in earnings – despite a decline in global demand for industrial trucks and supply chain solutions. The strong momentum was mainly driven by supply chain improvement measures in both segments, commercial actions in the Industrial Trucks & Services segment and project management process improvements in the Supply Chain Solutions segment. ”In 2023, the KION Group benefited from a year of delivering on our strategy as we took further significant steps along our path to sustainable and profitable growth,“ says Rob Smith, CEO of KION GROUP AG. ”We significantly improved profitability in both our business segments and for KION. The substantial progress in our results, the commercial and operational agility measures, and the changes of our organizational and leadership setup form a strong basis for our future business success.“ At € 11.434 billion, Group revenue grew slightly by 2.7 percent (2022: € 11.136 billion) and reached a record level. Revenue development differed across both operating segments. The Industrial Trucks & Services segment grew significantly by 15.3 percent to € 8.480 billion (2022: € 7.356 billion), mainly driven by higher production levels as well as price increases implemented in the previous year. The service business also grew. Revenue in the Supply Chain Solutions segment declined by 21.3 percent to € 2.997 billion (2022: € 3.807 billion), mainly driven by subdued customer demand in the project business (Business Solutions) over the previous quarters. The increased cost of capital had a negative impact on customers’ investment decisions for the construction of new warehouse space and therefore also on investments in warehouse automation. The stable and higher-margin service business (Customer Services) grew in the reporting period. Adjusted EBIT at Group level increased significantly and more than doubled to € 790.5 million (2022: € 292.4 million). The adjusted EBIT margin thus improved significantly to 6.9% (2022: 2.6 percent). The Industrial Trucks & Services segment again achieved a double-digit adjusted EBIT margin of 10.0 percent, corresponding to an adjusted EBIT of € 848.5 million (2022: € 420.5 million). Following a loss in the previous financial year, the Supply Chain Solutions segment achieved a positive adjusted EBIT margin of 1.5 percent with an adjusted EBIT of € 44.3 million (2022: € -45.6 million). Net income tripled to € 314.4 million (2022: € 105.8 million). Free cash flow reached a strong € 715.2 million (2022: € -715.6 million), due to overall good earnings and improved working capital management during the end of the year. KION shareholders will benefit from the strong financial year 2023: The Executive Board and Supervisory Board of KION GROUP AG will propose a dividend of € 0.70 (2022: € 0.19) per share for the 2023 financial year at the Annual General Meeting on May 29, 2024. This corresponds to a total dividend payout of € 91.8 million. The payout ratio amounts to around 30 percent with earnings per share of € 2.33 for the 2023 financial year. It is within the targeted payout corridor of 25 percent to 40 percent. Sustainability remains in the focus In July 2023, the KION Group committed to the goals of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to make the measures and successes on the way to climate neutrality transparent. As of 2023, the KION Group received an MSCI ESG Rating of AAA. This is the first time that the KION Group has achieved the top score and ranks among the top 10 per cent in its industry (Construction & Farm Machinery & Heavy Trucks). As at December 22, 2023, the KION Group ranked 94th percentile in its industry (“IEQ Machinery and Electrical Equipment”) in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023. With the “A-” award in the CDP Climate Change Rating 2023, which was awarded in February 2024, the KION Group underpins its leading position in sustainability. Detailed information can be found in the Non-financial Report 2023 of KION GROUP AG, which will be published today. (https://www.kiongroup.com/en/About-us/Sustainability/) Outlook The KION Group predicts slight growth in the market for new industrial trucks in 2024 based on order numbers. This will be driven mainly by an anticipated upturn in the APAC and EMEA regions, whereas demand is expected to decrease in the Americas region. The size of the supply chain solutions market, as measured by revenue, will slightly increase in 2024 according to the KION Group and backed up by research from Interact Analysis. The continuing trend toward automation and the anticipated fall in the cost of capital over the course of the year are expected to make companies more likely to invest in warehouse automation. Meanwhile, the predicted sustained demand for mobile automation is set to boost the market for supply chain solutions. The KION Group believes that the positive medium- and long-term trends in the supply chain solutions market remain intact. For 2024, reflecting the midpoint of the performance range that has been projected, the Executive Board of KION GROUP AG expects the Group’s revenue to increase slightly and its adjusted EBIT to rise significantly compared with 2023. Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) is expected to be slightly higher than in the previous year. Free cash flow in 2024 will be in positive territory in line with the expected healthy financial performance but will be below the high free cash flow of the previous year. In the Industrial Trucks & Services segment, a slight increase in revenue to between € 8.5 billion and € 9.0 billion is expected for the 2024 financial year. This is based on the good order backlog, an expected modest increase in order numbers in new business due to
Workhound’s annual feedback trends report highlights State of Trucking in 2024
WorkHound, an employee feedback management for frontline workforce industries, unveiled its eagerly anticipated Annual Trends Report focused on top feedback trends in trucking for 2024. Based on nearly 100,000 anonymous frontline worker comments across 100+ logistics and trucking companies, the latest trends report dives deep into the workforce’s sentiments, concerns, and praises, spotlighting the most pressing issues and emerging trends across the industry. “2023 was a year with significant challenges in the trucking sector,” said Max Farrell, co-founder and CEO of WorkHound. “Despite facing a freight recession and new NLRB guidance, the industry demonstrated remarkable resilience. Federal initiatives began addressing the truck parking shortage, and the sector saw considerable mergers and acquisitions activity. Our latest workforce trend report leverages real-world feedback to illuminate the current state of the transportation industry, enabling employers to enhance the worker experience through a deeper understanding of their needs and concerns.” The report categorized driver comments into themes to simplify the data before measuring sentiment. The top theme of worker comments in 2023 was People, underscoring the crucial role of interpersonal connections in enhancing the work experience, particularly in roles where day-to-day interactions are not guaranteed. WorkHound’s sentiment analysis reveals positive relationships significantly boost morale and operational resilience. However, the breakdown of these connections leads to a ripple effect of dissatisfaction and challenges, emphasizing the profound impact of interpersonal dynamics on worker experiences. Key insights from the report: The top five feedback themes identified were People, Logistics, Equipment, Pay, and Praise, Some additional keywords identified were Raise, Weather, Sleep, Payroll, Breakdown, Planning, Lost, and Feeling. Praise theme aside, the majority of the themes featured comments with negative sentiments, and the report unveils some of the driving factors behind their dissatisfaction. Increased average comments per worker suggest a willingness – or need – among frontline employees to share their thoughts or concerns with employers. A 17% increase in mentions of “unions” from 2022 to 2023 and increased concerns about “pay” and “equipment reliability” reflect the evolving priorities and challenges faced by drivers. WorkHound’s commitment to leveraging AI for sentiment analysis and theme identification provides actionable insights for companies looking to improve retention, address employee concerns, and build a culture of trust and transparency. The findings serve as a roadmap for industry leaders to build a culture of trust and improvement, offering a clear view of the workforce’s evolving needs and priorities in real-time. “WorkHound remains dedicated to empowering companies to actively listen to their employees,” added Farrell. “Listening and communication are the keys to fostering better workplace environments and driving frontline industries toward a more inclusive, proactive, and positive future.” Click here to access the full WorkHound Annual Trends Report.
CVG presents “Contract Manufacturing Benefits to Your Process” Seminar at MODEX 2024
Join CVG at MODEX 2024 for an insightful seminar on “Contract Manufacturing Benefits to Your Process.” Hosted by Terry Shaw and Chris Quaglia, Senior Program Managers at CVG, this seminar will explore the transformative advantages of contract manufacturing for businesses seeking to optimize their processes. Seminar Details: Title: Contract Manufacturing Benefits to Your Process Presenters: Terry Shaw and Chris Quaglia, Senior Program Managers at CVG Date: Monday, March 11 Time: 1:30 – 2:15 PM Location: Theater G Commercial Vehicle Group (CVG) is a global leader in innovative solutions for the supply chain and material handling industries. With a focus on supply chain automation systems, CVG’s team of experts brings decades of experience in material handling equipment, operations management, sales, industrial engineering, and management. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the advantages of contract manufacturing, including significant cost savings, increased technical expertise, enhanced flexibility, scalability, end-to-end solutions, accurate cost estimates and deadlines, and faster time to market. With a focus on key takeaways such as highly experienced management, dedicated program management, emphasis on quality, flexible models, capacity for growth, highly trained personnel, and state-of-the-art facilities, this seminar promises to equip businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Terry Shaw and Chris Quaglia bring a wealth of experience in supply chain automation systems, with strong backgrounds in material handling equipment, operations management, sales, industrial engineering, and management. As presenters of this seminar, Terry and Chris are dedicated to sharing their expertise and insights to help businesses unlock the full potential of contract manufacturing. For further inquiries, media requests, and live demonstrations regarding both the “Contract Manufacturing Benefits to Your Process” seminar and the new product launch of STACC to witness the Future of micro fulfillment, please contact CVG directly or visit in person at MODEX 2024 in booth C4489.
Fairchild Equipment and IEWC Partner to support Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin with forklift donation
Fairchild Equipment, a provider of material handling equipment in the Upper Midwest, has announced its recent partnership with IEWC, a wire, cable, and wire management products, donate a Hyster forklift to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin to help the organization fight hunger through its nationwide network of food banks. “As a company, we believe in being active in our communities and making a positive impact wherever we can. Donating this forklift to Feeding America is just one example of how we strive to live out our core values every day,” said Fairchild Equipment President Van Clarkson. “By donating this forklift, along with a collection of food items donated by our employees, to Feeding America, we hope to not only assist in their day-to-day operations but also contribute to their overall mission of fighting hunger in our community. We are proud to be able to support such a vital organization and hope that our donation will make a meaningful impact in their operations and the lives of those they serve,” Clarkson added. The initiative stemmed from a volunteer-day experience led by IEWC’s Chief Information and Digital Officer, Scot Stein, and his team. While volunteering at Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, they identified a pressing need for a forklift to handle and distribute food donations efficiently. Moved by the organization’s mission and the immediate need, Stein connected with IEWC CEO Mike Veum and they reached out to Fairchild Equipment to partner on the initiative to find a solution. “When we witnessed the remarkable efforts of Feeding America firsthand and understood the logistical hurdles they overcome daily, we were inspired to lend a hand. Joining forces with Fairchild Equipment to refurbish and gift a forklift felt like a natural step in supporting this heartfelt mission,” Stein shared. “This gesture extends beyond a mere donation; it’s a commitment to helping countless individuals and families in our communities who depend on the vital support provided by Feeding America.” This donation is a powerful example of Fairchild Equipment’s and IEWC’s unwavering commitment to social responsibility and the betterment of their communities. By joining forces and utilizing their industry connections and resources, these two companies have significantly impacted Feeding America’s operations, underscoring the importance of private businesses working together to effect positive change in the communities where they operate. “We are thankful for the efforts of IEWC and Fairchild for making this forklift donation happen,” Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin Vice President of Development and Communications Scott Marshall said. “So much of what we do at Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is affected by our logistics and machinery, and a forklift has been a very expensive need for us. This forklift will help to put thousands of meals on the table for Wisconsinites facing food insecurity. This is a prime example of the huge impact community partners can have on organizations like ours,” Marshall added.
PFlow Industries showcases its vertical material lifting solutions at MODEX 2024
Visit Booth #B1019 to see how the Versatile VRCs Improve Efficiency and Worker Safety Join PFlow Industries, the founders of the vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC) industry, at MODEX 2024, March 11-14, where they will be showcasing their vertical material lifting solution capabilities. Learn more about the versatility of PFlow VRCs, including the M Series 2-Post Mechanical Material Lifts that are ideal for almost any material lifting application. The PFlow M Series moves materials faster and more safely than forklifts, with a standard travel speed of 25 feet per minute (FPM), and up to 400 FPM available. With its ability to lift to 10,000 pounds, reach an unlimited number of floor levels, and perform under even the most demanding continuous-use applications, the M Series is a perfect lifting solution for high-speed / high-cycle and automated material handling applications. With quality construction, backed by a lifetime structural warranty, the M Series provides reliable, long-term performance, resulting in minimal downtime. Each M Series VRC conforms to ASME B20.1 and is equipped with advanced safety features, including limit switches that control carriage travel, shutting off the motor, and engaging the brake when tripped or power is lost. Additionally, chain sensors, certified safety cams, chain tensioners, and guides ensure safe operation by detecting chain tension loss and chain failure and preventing uncontrolled carriage descent. PFlow specializes in designing customized lifting solutions tailored to the specific requirements of each application, ranging from simple, two-level material lifting to complex integrations with automated systems. The versatile M Series VRC is available in both straddle and cantilever designs, each with its unique advantages. Straddle configurations provide increased lifting capacity and larger carriage platform sizes, making them ideal for applications with ample space. Conversely, cantilever configurations offer access to the carriage platform from three sides and can accommodate taller payloads, making them suitable for areas with limited space. Visit PFlow in booth B1019 where product experts will be available to discuss vertical material handling needs and provide customized solutions and best practices for accelerating business goals, including improving efficiency, increasing facility velocity/throughput, and enhancing worker safety.
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS will attend MODEX with dynamic solutions for intralogistics
NORD’s drive solutions provide intralogistics systems with reliable operation, dynamic control, and long service life to effectively operate with greater system availability. NORD’s versatile modular product system offers highly configurable, energy-efficient, and reliable solutions to meet specific supply chain application requirements. The MODEX 2024 exhibition will be open March 11th – 14th at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. Global drive solutions manufacturer, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, will be in attendance to showcase their latest innovations for intralogistics applications. NORD has thousands of drives installed across the world and offers complete drive solutions specialized for intralogistics handling such as simple commissioning, Plug-and-Play capabilities, standardization, energy savings, and more. NORD DRIVESYSTEMS will be exhibiting at Booth C8066 with these industry-focused products: NORDAC ON/ON+ variable frequency drives were designed with the special requirements of horizontal conveyor technology in mind and have been optimized for use with IE3 motors (NORDAC ON) as well as IE5+ synchronous motors (NORDAC ON+). The electronic drives deliver a compact, dynamic solution for IIoT environments with their full Plug-and-Play capabilities, integrated multi-protocol Ethernet interface, and when operated with the NORDCON software tool, the drive can be controlled and programmed via PC. The drives offer additional flexibility with motor or wall mounting possible depending on installation space. NORD’s IE5+ synchronous motors help reduce system variants and operating costs thanks to their high efficiency and constant torque over a wide speed range. The ventilated design effectively dissipates heat to support high overload capacity in intralogistics. The motors are manufactured in-house for quick delivery times and fully match NORD’s modular system of gear units and variable frequency drives. When IE5+ motors are included in a drive system, there is a significant reduction in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and a faster return on investment. The LogiDrive® solution from NORD is a complete drive solution that reduces planning and commissioning efforts through a cost-effective, standardized design. LogiDrive is ideal for post and parcel, warehouse, and airport systems and for each area, there are advanced versions utilizing IE5+ synchronous motors and a basic version with IE3 asynchronous motors. The advanced versions provide a solution focused on issues such as energy efficiency, version reduction, and TCO while the basic version’s main concentration is reduction of operational costs. NORDBLOC.1 two-stage helical bevel gear units are designed to optimize system performance, and efficiency, and reduce variants. The single-piece, UNICASE housing ensures an accurate alignment of all bearings, internal shafts, and gears for long service life with easy maintenance. Flexible installation options including various input and output options, solid and hollow shafts, and versatile mounting make the drives highly adaptable to a wide range of applications. For hygienic environments, a closed housing with a smooth surface is available. NORDBLOC.1 helical inline gear units offer high versatility for intralogistics applications with 16 compact case sizes to choose from and single, double, or triple gear reductions. They deliver quiet operation and reliable performance in a smooth, easy-to-clean design. These units also do not have installation openings, increasing the stability of the product and preventing material accumulation. NORDBLOC.1 helical inline gear units additionally offer a variety of options including keyless shaft designs with shrink disc and GRIPMAXXTM, foot or flange mounting, reinforced bearings, and more. Condition Monitoring for Predictive Maintenance, drive, and status data are recorded periodically or continuously to proactively maintain machines and optimize the efficiency of the entire plant. This status based maintenance in place of time-based maintenance enables early detection of undesired operating conditions, allowing for planned downtimes for maintenance – saving operating, service, and material costs as well as extending the operating life of components. Data collected from Condition Monitoring can even determine the optimal time to change oil, ensuring systems are always operating at their highest capacity.
Alta Equipment Group appoints Sidhartha Nair as Director
Alta Equipment Group Inc. has increased the size of the Board of Directors from five to six directors and subsequently appointed Sidhartha Nair to the Board, effective immediately. Sidhartha Nair is the Head of Strategy, Americas Region, for Mercedes-Benz Mobility and has led Strategic and Transformation activities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico since December 2021. Mr. Nair first joined Daimler Financial Services in 2003 and has held roles of increasing responsibility during his tenure of more than 20 years in the U.S., Caribbean, and India business units. Before 2003, he held a previous role with McKinsey & Company as a consultant working on developing strategic solutions addressing growth, turnaround, and new market entry. Nair holds an MBA from the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business, and a Masters in Engineering from Purdue University. Nair brings global experience and knowledge of startups, new market entry, growth, and digital transformation of businesses at different periods in their life cycle. “Sid brings extensive business leadership experience as well as in-depth knowledge in digital transformation and business transformation in the automotive industry,” said Ryan Greenawalt, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. “His expertise will be a significant boost to our ongoing initiatives. I look forward to the contributions he will make as part of the Alta family.” I am excited to join the Board of Alta and be part of its rapidly expanding growth and position in the market,” said Nair. “My experience should be beneficial to Alta’s diversified strategy to capitalize on the growth opportunities and cost-efficiency initiatives.”
Herc Rentals acquire MAC Equipment
Herc Rentals has acquired MAC Equipment in Albany, NY from Rob and Janice Miller. MAC Equipment was founded in 2001 by Rob Miller who rented aerial, forklifts, and telehandlers. Janice Miller joined the business in 2005. Janice Miller, Owner and Managing Member of MAC Equipment, LLC was elected President of the Northeastern Subcontractors Association (NESCA) for the 2021-2022 term. As of July 1, Janice has been serving as the 49th president of the association. Following several years of service on NESCA’s Board of Directors, she previously served as NESCA’s vice president and treasurer. In 2012 Janice became the majority owner of MAC Equipment, a certified WBE and DBE in New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont as well as a WBE in New York City, the Port Authority, and the City of Albany.
Episode 465: Global E-Commerce Experts on taking your brand international
Get ready to dive into the intricacies of international e-commerce expansion with guest Riki Hooker, General Manager at Global E-commerce Experts. Global E-commerce Experts specializes in facilitating e-commerce through their portfolio of strategically placed 3PL warehouses. Offering insights on how brands can navigate and succeed in global markets, Hooker shares valuable strategies for brands looking to expand from the European market to the United States and vice versa. The Intricacies of Taking Your Brand International Navigating the journey of taking your brand international, particularly for e-commerce sellers, involves a blend of strategic planning and understanding the complexities of new markets. Hooker highlights the multifaceted approach required for American sellers, who are accustomed to platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Shopify, to enter the European market successfully. From assessing the feasibility of your product’s success to navigating the complexities of compliance and logistics, each step is crucial for a smooth transition. Here’s a brief overview of the key steps involved: Feasibility Check – Assessing the product’s market potential, considering Europe’s vast e-commerce consumer base. Compliance Phase – Adhering to stringent European standards, including product labeling, ingredient regulations, and tax compliance. Logistics and Shipping – Overcoming the challenges of shipping to Europe for the first time and the importance of prior international selling experience. Omnichannel Presence – Adapting your online presence beyond Amazon, targeting regional platforms, and optimizing product listings for the European audience. Product Selection Strategy – Starting with a core product range to gradually build a presence as they adapt to the market. Hooker outlines the comprehensive services provided by Global E-commerce Experts, including compliance, logistics, and omnichannel growth. He emphasizes the importance of understanding market-specific regulations and consumer behaviors. “We handle the whole thing end-to-end…making them ready to sell in those markets,” explains Hooker, highlighting the necessity of a tailored approach for each new market. Navigating New Markets with Global E-commerce Experts Hooker reveals that European consumers, much like their American counterparts, demand swift delivery services, expecting prime next-day arrivals facilitated by Amazon’s extensive European distribution. The landscape in Europe offers a similar urgency, with platforms like Shopify achieving deliveries across the continent in just two to three days. This comparison underscores a universal e-commerce truth: speed reigns supreme in consumer expectations regardless of geography. For businesses venturing into new territories, navigating these expectations alongside stringent compliance requirements becomes a pivotal challenge. Hooker’s insights into the European e-commerce ecosystem, from the necessity of dual inventory for UK and EU markets to the strategic use of various shipping methods, highlight the complex yet rewarding journey of international expansion. As companies adapt to these global demands, the agility to balance swift delivery with operational compliance emerges as a key driver of e-commerce success. Key Takeaways: Global expansion requires a deep understanding of market-specific regulations and consumer preferences. Global e-commerce is pivotal in helping brands expand internationally by offering a platform to reach new markets with relative ease and efficiency. Strategic compliance and logistics planning are essential for entering new markets. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 465: Global E-Commerce Experts on Taking Your Brand International
Trew unveils new technology and education center
Trew, LLC has introduced its Technology and Education Center (TEC). Located in the company’s Fairfield facility, the TEC serves as a proving ground for research, development, and application testing as well as a training and collaboration space. It enables the company to showcase technologies and engage in discussions with clients and other organizations interested in warehouse and fulfillment automation solutions. Trew’s TEC started limited operations in July of 2023 and has already proven a valuable addition to the company’s portfolio. “The TEC enables us to engage in conversations about the challenges our clients face, opportunities to improve and rethink solutions, and the approaches we can take to win together with clients,” said Trew CEO, Alfred Rebello. The TEC is part of the outcomes of the previously announced R&D Grant from the state of Ohio’s private economic development corporation, JobsOhio: Trew (2023, January 4). Trew Investing in New Technology Center at Southwest Ohio Headquarters [Press release] “Our clients need innovations that fit their business and bring together process, technology, software, and people in a way that helps them thrive. The market is evolving quickly, and we are grateful for the state of Ohio’s economic assistance to accelerate our plans for this center,” continued Rebello. During the first six months of operation, the TEC has been used for application and accelerated product life cycle testing, with millions stress testing cycles. “In addition to collaborating on solutions, the TEC gives us the ability to harden technology and explore innovation ideas,” added Rebello. The TEC is open for client and industry visits. The company plans to continue expanding the TEC with emerging software and partner technologies.
U.S. Rail Traffic for the week ending February 24, 2024
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending February 24, 2024. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 483,656 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.7 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending February 24 were 224,251 carloads, up 2.6 percent compared with the same week in 2023, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 259,405 containers and trailers, up 12.6 percent compared to 2023. Seven of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2023. They included chemicals, up 2,776 carloads, to 33,454; grain, up 2,470 carloads, to 21,698; and motor vehicles and parts, up 2,196 carloads, to 15,931. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2023 were coal, down 2,561 carloads, to 61,556; nonmetallic minerals, down 1,968 carloads, to 27,533; and forest products, down 150 carloads, to 8,460. For the first eight weeks of 2024, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 1,690,310 carloads, down 4.6 percent from the same point last year; and 1,983,594 intermodal units, up 7.4 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first eight weeks of 2024 was 3,673,904 carloads and intermodal units, an increase of 1.5 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending February 24, 2024, on 12 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 336,833 carloads, up 3.5 percent compared with the same week last year, and 341,906 intermodal units, up 10.8 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 678,739 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.1 percent. North American rail volume for the first eight weeks of 2024 was 5,122,636 carloads and intermodal units, up 0.7 percent compared with 2023. Canadian railroads reported 94,066 carloads for the week, up 5.8 percent, and 69,511 intermodal units, up 4.3 percent compared with the same week in 2023. For the first eight weeks of 2024, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 1,233,049 carloads, containers and trailers, down 2.8 percent. Mexican railroads reported 18,516 carloads for the week, up 3.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 12,990 intermodal units, up 14.0 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first eight weeks of 2024 was 215,683 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 6.8 percent from the same point last year. To view the weekly rail charts, click here.
New Age Industrial promotes Scott Schrum to Assistant National Sales Manager
New Age Industrial has announced the promotion of Scott Schrum to Assistant National Sales Manager of the Material Handling Division. Scott is a driven business leader with over 30 years of success driving growth through effective sales and management strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a minor in Economics obtained from the University of Kansas. “With his deep commitment to customer focus, workplace safety, and efficiency, Scott truly embodies the core values of New Age Industrial,” said Tom Sharp, Vice President at New Age Industrial. “His ability to build strong, meaningful relationships will be crucial as we continue to expand our national presence. We’re thrilled to have him on the leadership team; his expertise in supply chain optimization and problem-solving skills will drive improvements throughout our operations and benefit our customers as well.” In his new position, Scott will collaborate with the New Age Industrial Sales and Marketing Teams, along with the manufacturer’s representatives, to secure existing business and generate new opportunities. Additionally, he will represent the company at key national trade shows alongside the Material Handling Team. Scott is eager to share his expertise in custom aluminum solutions and collaborate with manufacturers’ representatives, dealers, and consultants to optimize operations for their customers. Scott shared, “We have a unique opportunity to empower businesses by improving efficiency, safety, and overall operations through customized solutions.” Vice President, Tom Sharp said, “We congratulate Scott Schrum on his recent promotion to Assistant National Sales Manager. He will be instrumental in driving continued growth and success. We are confident that he will make significant contributions to the company and look forward to the future with him on board.”
Liberty Reach Inc. announces rebranding to Liberty Robotics Inc.
Liberty Reach Inc. rebrands as Liberty Robotics Inc. and adopts a new tagline, signaling a strategic shift towards advanced machine vision and robotic guidance technologies, with a continued commitment to automotive excellence and new ventures in warehousing and logistics. Liberty Reach Inc., a supplier of 3D volumetric vision guidance systems for robot applications, has announced the company has officially rebranded to Liberty Robotics Inc. This change aims to better represent the company’s increased focus on advancements in machine vision and robotic guidance technologies. Accompanied by a new tagline, ‘Machine Vision AI,’ the new name marks a strategic shift towards broader applications in robotics, beyond the company’s established base in the automotive sector. Liberty Robotics is a key player in providing robotic guidance solutions utilizing 3D vision volumetric sensors and proprietary software within the automotive industry, offering technologies for applications such as body sealing and material handling. With the rebranding, Liberty Robotics intends to maintain its presence in the automotive market while expanding into warehousing and logistics. “Our commitment to the automotive arena remains strong, yet we see significant opportunities in the warehouse and logistics sector,” says Bob Berry, President and CEO of Liberty Robotics Inc. “Our technologies are designed to advance automation across various fields and while our current focus is on optimizing goods packing and mixed-case pallet retrieval, this is just the beginning. We are setting our sights on extending applications to include container loading in the near future.” Liberty Robotics has adopted its new tagline and name to more accurately represent the company’s expertise, aligning with its core mission and highlighting its capabilities in machine vision and robotics. The company is nearing completion on the development of applications that aim to enhance robotic functionality, enabling more efficient task execution in warehousing and logistics environments, including palletizing and depalletizing operations.
Schreiner ProTech Supplies ESD-compatible, traceability-enabled labels for logistics robots at ifm
DistaFerr ESD long-range labels allow ifm’s team of driverless Automated Mobile Robots to find, deliver and digitally track all warehoused items. Schreiner ProTech has collaborated with electronics logistics provider ifm to develop a functional product marking system compatible with ifm’s team of retrieval robots. Schreiner ProTech’s ((rfid))-DistaFerr ESD LongRange Labels allow ifm’s crew of driverless Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) to quickly and accurately find, deliver and digitally track products at its cavernous facility in Tettnang, Germany. For ifm, its Automated Mobile Robots must work efficiently when locating an item or finding its intended intra-facility destination. Each AMR travels approximately 30 kilometers per day, placing emphasis not only on finding and transporting the correct item, but doing so with the least possible lag time. At each stop, an AMR passes a special rack system – a type of gate – where the scheduled container can be dropped off and a new one picked up. Information on where and when to deliver an item is conveyed digitally, lending to optimal capacity utilization. Among the common challenges in such a setting are electrostatic discharge (ESD) containers, which have antistatic elements that adversely affect RFID functionality. Schreiner ProTech’s ((rfid))-DistaFerr ESD LongRange Labels are specially adapted to thrive even on ESD surfaces. For ifm, the result has been seamless interaction between marking, identification, and digitalization. The company is enjoying 99% delivery accuracy – especially impressive considering that its 155,000 customers worldwide generate around 1.3 million purchase orders per year. “It was crucial for all containers to be uniquely marked and automatically identifiable,” explains Ulrich Beller, Lean Manager for ifm. “The RFID labels were the key to this use case. As a result of now having combined two steps in one process we benefit from massive time savings and increase in efficiency.” “((rfid))-DistaFerr ESD LongRange is not exactly a niche product,” says Katharina Totev, Product Manager RFID at Schreiner ProTech, “but has been developed for a specific use case—that is for application to ESD materials. However, what makes this all-in-one solution unique is the combination of our marking and the Automated Mobile Robots from ifm.”
KION North America launches new electric forklift
The Linde series 1293 KION North America makes another addition to its product portfolio of powered industrial lift trucks. The Linde Series 1293 includes models E20BHP and E25BHP, electric counterbalance forklifts with 4,000 – 5,000 lb. capacity, and both powered by Linde Li-ION batteries. The next generation of material handling equipment across the world includes power sources such as this, proving an important balance between sustainable energy and energy efficiency. That means businesses don’t skip a beat when adopting more environmentally conscious practices. Developing trucks for the future means more than equipping the truck with an electric energy source. Linde Material Handling takes it a step further by engineering these models to compete where electric counterbalance forklifts typically cannot. After rigorous international standards testing, the Linde Series 1293 stands together with traditional internal combustion forklifts in day-to-day outdoor applications. The water-resistant design opens the door to outdoor stacking, storage, and transport. Like other Linde counterbalance trucks, the E20BHP and E25BHP have an ultra-durable, one-piece steer axle which greatly improves durability while driving over bumpy and uneven terrain. “The Linde 1293 is adaptable to a wide range of applications and customer types,” said Jena-Christine Lawrence, Director of Product Management & Product Strategy. “The E20BHP and E25BHP are powered by Linde lithium-ion batteries, and combine sustainable power with exceptional performance, making these models the ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. We are proud to deliver another solution to North America that not only meets the evolving needs of our customers but also contributes to a greener and more efficient future.” In addition to the benefits that the E20BHP and E25BHP provide to applications switching to electric, there are also important features that lend to an easier, more comfortable operator experience. These models are outfitted with our standard full suspension seat and easy-to-reach seat-side mast control levers to assist operators in comfortably and accurately maneuvering throughout their shift. The dashboard features a 4.5-inch color display which keeps the operator informed of truck functions such as speed, state of charge, and many more. Lastly, the 1293’s easy-to-access Li-ION battery charging port encourages the operator to make use of opportunity charging, which extends the battery life over longer or several shifts.
EnerSys® to premier latest NexSys® charger innovations at MODEX 2024
EnerSys® will premier its latest NexSys® charging innovations at MODEX 2024 – the NexSys® AIR wireless charger and the NexSys®+ Outdoor charger. Engineered for a wide range of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), the new NexSys® AIR wireless charger offers a space-saving design to provide integration flexibility while eliminating mechanical charging connections and related maintenance. It also provides advanced safety features that help protect workers and equipment – giving facility operators and AGV Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) an integrated, safe charging solution to optimize both efficiency and equipment autonomy. Designed to withstand the elements, the new NexSys®+ Outdoor charger provides the advanced performance and features of the NexSys®+ charger, protected by an IP54 rated enclosure for protection against dust, water, and seasonal temperatures. The NexSys®+ Outdoor charger is ideal for use at farms, airports, building material yards, rental facilities, ports, cargo terminals and other working environments exposed to the weather. Both the NexSys® AIR wireless charger and NexSys®+ Outdoor charger are compatible with all EnerSys® battery technologies, including traditional flooded lead-acid, Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) and lithium-ion (Li-ion). “As material handling applications continue to migrate towards automation and electrification, EnerSys is committed to offering customers advanced charging systems, like the NexSys®AIR wireless charger and the NexSys®+ Outdoor charger to complement our proven battery technologies – including our advanced NexSys® line of maintenance-free batteries,” said Harold Vanasse, Senior Director of Marketing, Motive Power Global at EnerSys. “Our goal is to ensure fleet managers and OEMs have the broadest possible selection of motive power technologies to support their operations – including those that are automated or outdoors.” These next-generation chargers will be showcased at MODEX 2024 in EnerSys booth B8032 from March 11-14, 2024, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. Both chargers will also be displayed in EnerSys trade show stands at Intermodal (booth M010) in Sao Paulo, Brazil from March 5-7, 2024, and LogiMat (booth 10B09) in Stuttgart, Germany from March 19-21, 2024.
Mid America Paper Recycling will be at MODEX 2024
Mid America Paper Recycling, an independent brokers, processors, and exporters of recovered paper in the Central United Sates, will exhibit at MODEX 2024, March 11-14, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, in booth B7054. Mid America will highlight its first-of-its-kind Waste Audit, an initiative focused on tracking and increasing the value of the recycling waste streams generated by logistics firms, commercial printers and paperboard converters. Hosted by The Material Handling Industry of America, the MODEX show/conference will feature advancements in supply chain solutions, materials handling equipment, services, technology and logistics and smart systems. “MODEX 2024 will allow us to educate our customers and attendees about the hidden benefits of their recyclable waste,” explains Don Gaines, CEO of Mid America Paper Recycling. “We plan to do the same with visitors to our booth and explain the tremendous value in adopting a continuous improvement plan for their waste streams.” Mid America works closely with many operations creating a customized, continuous improvement process that identifies where their waste is generated, establishes key collection procedures, and sets objectives that continually improve their waste stream’s revenue contribution to their business. “No other company offers as comprehensive and value-added a solution,” Gaines said. Mid America exhibit staff will be available to fully describe the recycling program, explain its many benefits, how it works, and illustrate why it is a key component for all types of companies, from small and newer businesses to the well-established Fortune 500. The innovative recycling management program helps producers build a scorecard process by benchmarking, monitoring, and continuously upgrading their recycling operations to help them achieve their sustainability goals and grow the financial worth of their waste. “Recyclable materials can be wasted, which doesn’t meet anyone’s environmental goals,” Gaines notes. “But we show companies how their waste can be a significant, value-added contributor to their profitability if professionally managed. We target hidden savings opportunities in an operation’s indirect costs using our innovative Waste Audit process. When we introduce and outline the Audit with plant operations personnel, it gets them thinking, triggering discussion and raising questions.” Mid America shows producers how they can grow the worth of the recyclable waste produced. Gaines says it is an important and detailed process that begins with how the waste is generated and where it flows through a plant, to how loads of the recyclable waste materials are shipped and how all of the steps within the recycling process can be improved to accrue more revenue per ton. Taking Mid America’s free Waste Audit Survey is the first step on the path to recycling improvement. Easy to use, the survey takes only 10 minutes to fill out, but is comprehensive in scope. Because manufacturing operations often create tons of waste each year, – ranging from pre-consumer, high-grade recyclable paper to production trim and paperboard – Mid America’s Audit Process can help these operations realize significant revenues. “Continuous Improvement is so important today in many areas of an operation,” Gaines said. “We designed the Audit to bring this same strategic process to a recycler’s current waste handling practices and build a smart program that continuously improves the worth of their waste.”
Big Lift LLC acquires ePicker LLC
ePicker relaunched as EP to bring additional resources to growing dealer network Big Lift LLC has announced that it completed the acquisition of ePicker LLC, a fast-growing material handling equipment provider based in Fort Worth, Texas. Since its launch in 2021, ePicker has built an impressive network of industry-leading material handling distributors that market its portfolio of electric pallet jacks, stackers, access vehicles, and lithium-ion-powered forklifts to customers across North America. Big Lift is the North American subsidiary of EP Equipment, one of the fastest-growing and most innovative material handling equipment companies in the world. EP Equipment specializes in designing and manufacturing lithium-powered forklifts, warehouse equipment, and autonomous material handling solutions. Big Lift currently distributes Big Joe Forklifts, a North American material handling brand founded in 1951, which is well known for its innovative products and exemplary aftermarket support. Big Joe pioneered the Class III “walk-behind” lift truck market segment and continues to have the broadest portfolio of powered walk-behind lift trucks in North America. Following its acquisition of ePicker, Big Lift will re-brand ePicker as EP to capitalize on its parent company’s strong global brand reputation. The North American EP brand will utilize the former ePicker leadership team that joined the company through the acquisition. The Big Joe and EP brands will be distributed through their current sales channels while focusing on different product segments. The Big Joe channel will continue to focus on innovative niche products and in-between-handling applications while the EP channel will primarily focus on “purpose-built” lithium-ion forklifts. Both brands will offer market-leading autonomous solutions. “This acquisition is an important part of Big Lift’s strategy to become the market leader in lithium-powered material handling solutions and, specifically, the industry leader in lithium forklifts in North America. The addition of the ePicker team and ePicker forklift distributors will benefit both channels as it will enable Big Lift to dramatically increase our resource base, significantly strengthen our aftermarket support capabilities, and ensure we continue to launch high-quality, innovative products,” said Dan Rosskamm, President of Big Lift. “Building off the success of ePicker, EP North America will hit the ground running, bringing best-in-class lithium-powered forklifts to retailers, warehouses and DCs,” said Jason Bratton, General Manager for EP North America. “As demand for new energy forklifts is increasing, I am excited to be part of a larger global team that shares the vision of what North America needs for material handling solutions.” EP North America is based in Fort Worth, Texas and offers a range of material handling solutions from lithium-ion Class 1 forklifts to lithium battery solutions, stackers, pallet jacks and access vehicles. EP brings specialized products to the North American market to maximize efficiency in various applications and environments. As part of Big Lift, EP North America will have additional resources available to its dealer network as well as the end-user, including increased engineering capabilities, marketing support, customer service, aftermarket parts and warranty support.