Kadant acquires KWS Manufacturing Company
Kadant Inc. (KAI) announced it has completed the acquisition of KWS Manufacturing Company, Ltd. (KWS) for approximately $84 million in cash, subject to certain customary adjustments. The acquisition was financed primarily through borrowings under Kadant’s revolving credit facility. KWS is a manufacturer of conveying equipment for the bulk material handling industry. The company manufactures screw conveyors, screw feeders, slide gates, and bucket elevators for process industries, including the food, chemicals, and wood industries. Located in Burleson, Texas, with approximately 165 employees, KWS had revenue of $45 million for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2023. KWS will become part of Kadant’s Material Handling reporting segment. “We are pleased to welcome our colleagues from KWS to the Kadant family,” said Jeffrey L. Powell, president and chief executive officer of Kadant. “Our acquisition of KWS expands our respective product portfolios and enhances our internal capabilities. With our shared focus on bringing highly engineered customer solutions to process industries and our past successes working together, we believe KWS is an excellent fit with Kadant.” William C. Mecke, president of KWS, commented, “We are proud of the leading position KWS has established in the screw conveyor market. Our reputation for quality products and excellent service fits well with Kadant’s culture and values. We look forward to being a part of Kadant and leveraging opportunities to increase value for our customers and other stakeholders.” Conference Call Kadant will hold a conference call and webcast on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. eastern time to discuss the acquisition. To listen to the call and view the webcast, go to the “Investors” section of the Company’s website at www.kadant.com. Participants interested in joining the call’s live question and answer session are required to register by clicking here or selecting the Q&A link on our website to receive a dial-in number and unique pin. It is recommended that you join the call 10 minutes prior to the start of the event. A replay of the webcast presentation will be available on the Company’s website through March 1, 2024.
RightHand Robotics introduces the RightPick™ 4 System
The next-generation autonomous robotic piece-picking system for warehouse order fulfillment. Building on its industry-leading predecessor, the RightPick 4 system can handle items up to 25% larger and 50% heavier, significantly reducing the need for human intervention. RightHand Robotics, a data-driven, autonomous robotic picking solution for order fulfillment, announced the launch of its next-generation solution, the RightPick™ 4 system. The picking system revolutionizes the level of autonomy and reliability of robotic order fulfillment in modern warehouse operations and distribution centers. The RightPick 4 system showcases enhanced AI-based software algorithms, an upgraded sensor suite, and newly designed hardware that enables a larger picking range of item SKUs, advanced item handling capacity, and increased system autonomy. With improved picking and grasping techniques, the RightPick 4 system maximizes reliability and enables faster integration through novel approaches in both software and hardware. “Retailers continue to have challenges with growing demand for faster and more accurate order fulfillment, in part due to ongoing labor challenges. With the launch of the RightPick 4 system, we have created a new piece-picking solution that delivers increased autonomy, reliability, and serviceability,” said Brendon Bielat, VP of Product & Marketing. “We have trained our system by leveraging more than a petabyte of operational data, gathered for over eight years from picking tens of millions of items around the globe. This massive amount of data has helped us create a smarter, more robust solution for real-world fulfillment challenges.” The RightPick 4 system is reducing the need for human intervention by deploying advanced gripping strategies to pick and place more items, even those it has never seen before. With improved smart grasp and suction seal quality detection, RightHand Robotics can enable autonomous piece-picking for market verticals such as general merchandise, office supplies, apparel, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, and 3PLs. Powered by RightPick™ AI, the RightPick 4 system is continuously learning and improving on the overall range of items that can be picked successfully. “We are thrilled to unveil RightPick 4, a product realized through collaboration with customers and partners. We have hardened our product with a focus on reliability and autonomy so that our customers can increase their operational capacity without being hindered by labor volatility,” said Brian Owen, President & CEO. “The total market potential for the RightPick 4 system is staggering, especially in global, post-pandemic logistics. It’s no longer just early adopters approaching our technology. The general awareness of robotic piece-picking has increased, and omnichannel retailers are realizing it’s a necessity. The RightPick 4 system is a competitive advantage with a quick time-to-value for stakeholders within the supply chain.”To learn more about the RightPick 4 piece-picking system and how it exceeds demand with best-in-class features and capabilities, visit RightHand Robotics at MODEX 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia, at booth #C6479. You can also visit the RightHand Robotics website to learn more.
Doosan Material Handling Solutions moves operations to a new facility
Doosan Material Handling Solutions, a forklift dealership in Southern California, announced that it has moved its business to a larger and more accessible location in Orange County. The new building will allow the company to expand its operations and provide enhanced customer service support. The modern complex, located at 650 W Freedom Ave, has more than twice the space, featuring 31,000 square feet to showcase its comprehensive inventory of new and used forklift and warehouse vehicles available for purchase, rent, and lease during business hours of 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST. Expert mechanics are available to provide onsite equipment support for all makes and models within the Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside County areas. Shop service is available for large jobs, painting, rebuilds, and more. “We are thrilled to announce our move in efforts to expand business operations and attract top talent to reach our goal of becoming the top dealership in Southern California,” said General Manager Jaime Gomez. “Our focus is to create long-lasting partnerships by providing top-quality service and products that drive profitability for those we serve.”
Thomson Prestress adds a Shuttlelift gantry crane to operation
Thomson Prestress, formerly Concrete Products of Tennessee, has added a Shuttlelift DB70 gantry crane to their equipment fleet to enhance the production of their precast and prestressed concrete products. The new double-beam rubber tired gantry crane joins a Shuttlelift SB50 (Single Beam) already onsite and in use since 2011. Thomson Prestress is a family-owned operation located in Jackson, TN and has been in high-quality precast and prestressed concrete products since 1961. They specialize in products for use in bridges, commercial buildings, railroads, and marina construction. They rely heavily on their rubber-tired gantry cranes to move, store, and load out products on their 50-acre facility. With a continued backlog of business, there was a need for another gantry crane onsite to efficiently cast and deliver products on time to customers. The decision to go with Shuttlelift was easy after experiencing the quality and customer service provided with their SB50 gantry crane. “After purchasing our single beam 50 ton from Shuttlelift in 2011, we had decided that our next gantry crane purchase would also be from Shuttlelift”, said Tory Boston, Production Manager at Thomson Prestress. At Thomson Prestress they produce concrete infrastructure products in many shapes and sizes to meet the specific needs of their customers. Due to the many different configurations, there was a need for a custom spreader bar to ensure all products could be lifted. Shuttlelift specializes in customization, including the design and fabrication of spreader beams, and designed a 75’ long beam with sliding lift points to accommodate varying pick points along the product. The new Shuttlelift DB70 is also equipped with a wireless remote control, AVT fuel saver, and work & drive lights for operating at night or early hours of the morning. “With increased technological advancement, there has been a variety of benefits in using this machine compared to what our operators have used in the past”, said Boston of the machine features and options. The wireless remote control comes standard on all Shuttlelift DB and SB series gantry cranes allowing the operator free movement for better line of site and allows the operator to also assist in the rigging process. The Automatic Variable Throttle (AVT) is a built-in engine program that automatically adjusts the engine RPM to draw only the power you need to complete the task at hand, significantly reducing fuel consumption and increasing component life. Shuttlelift and Thomson Prestress have shared a great business relationship for over a decade so the order and delivery process was simple. “It has been a stress-free experience and the process was speedy and effortless”, said Boston. He added, “Our operators are thoroughly satisfied with the quality and functionality of the equipment.”
U.S. Rail Traffic for the week ending January 20, 2024
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending January 20, 2024. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 397,553 carloads and intermodal units, down 13.2 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending January 20 were 173,371 carloads, down 22.4 percent compared with the same week in 2023, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 224,182 containers and trailers, down 4.5 percent compared to 2023. None of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2023. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2023 included coal, down 21,055 carloads, to 47,731; nonmetallic minerals, down 11,953 carloads, to 18,628; and grain, down 5,246 carloads, to 15,752. For the first three weeks of 2024, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 594,824 carloads, down 10.8 percent from the same point last year; and 677,439 intermodal units, up 0.2 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first three weeks of 2024 was 1,272,263 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 5.3 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending January 20, 2024, on 12 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 265,838 carloads, down 20.3 percent compared with the same week last year, and 289,982 intermodal units, down 6.0 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 555,820 carloads and intermodal units, down 13.5 percent. North American rail volume for the first three weeks of 2024 was 1,778,528 carloads and intermodal units, down 5.6 percent compared with 2023. Canadian railroads reported 74,967 carloads for the week, down 21.5 percent, and 54,327 intermodal units, down 15.6 percent compared with the same week in 2023. For the first three weeks of 2024, Canadian railroads reported a cumulative rail traffic volume of 424,647 carloads, containers, and trailers, down 9.8 percent. Mexican railroads reported 17,500 carloads for the week, up 18.1 percent compared with the same week last year, and 11,473 intermodal units, up 24.0 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first three weeks of 2024 was 81,618 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 17.7 percent from the same point last year. To view the Rail Traffic charts, click here.
Raymond implements energy storage and solar energy generating system
New behind-the-meter storage practice demonstrates potential benefits, including lower costs The Raymond Corporation has finalized its deployment of a full-scale battery energy storage system, solar microgrid array, and warehouse energy management system at its distribution warehouse in Greene, New York. The goal is to demonstrate continuous system benefits of lower energy costs, peak demand management, and resiliency for warehouses. “With the implementation of behind-the-meter storage at our distribution center, we have gained insights into the benefits of the system in material handling applications specifically related to alleviating increased demand associated with charging of advanced power solutions including lithium,” said Jennifer de Souza, vice president, energy solutions, procurement and leasing, The Raymond Corporation. “We are excited to continue to demonstrate a new energy storage process and solution for warehouse energy management that will reduce utility costs for warehouse owners.” This energy storage program began as a joint project in March 2019 with Binghamton University and was partially funded by a $1 million award from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The first phase included the installation of a 200kW Photovoltaic (solar) system and a 250kW/420kWh Battery Energy Storage System at Raymond’s distribution warehouse. The second and third stages of the project developed and demonstrated the installation of advanced lithium-ion battery chargers utilizing proprietary software to balance grid and microgrid charging for power optimization with a priority on renewable energy as the primary goal. The microgrid installation has demonstrated the benefits of behind-the-meter energy generation and storage combined with forklift-to-grid charging systems. “The energy storage solution can help transform warehouses into controllable energy hubs or Virtual Power Plants (VPP), which can be optimized to support the power grid during normal and peak grid conditions while improving sustainability and carbon neutrality,” de Souza said. With insights from this project, Raymond is now deploying the installation of a front-of-the-meter rooftop system at its Syracuse, New York, parts distribution facility. See Raymond Corporation at MODEX 2024 Booth #B5406
Smart Vision Lights introduces RHI200-DO Lightgistics machine vision light
With hidden strobe technology Smart Vision Lights (SVL), a design and manufacture of innovative LED illumination solutions, has introduced the RHI200-DO Lightgistics series light, which features 64 LEDs in a 205 mm x 205 mm ring light for intense uniform lighting at long working distances of up to 2000 mm. Equipped with Hidden Strobe technology, the light delivers all the advantages of strobing without the disturbance and disorientation often linked to LED strobe lights. Hidden Strobe technology allows LEDs to automatically trigger thousands of times per second, pulsating at speeds imperceptible to the human eye and generating the appearance of uninterrupted illumination. The innovative technology helps maximize the abilities of machine vision systems while safeguarding employees from the disorienting effects commonly associated with flashing lights. “Today’s high-speed machine vision systems use LEDs that frequently pulse to capture images of rapidly moving objects, but this strobing effect can generate unpleasant and potentially hazardous work environment conditions,” according to Steve Kinney, director of training, compliance, and technical solutions at Smart Vision Lights. “The RHI200-DO minimizes these drawbacks by utilizing Hidden Strobe technology, which enables high-speed machine vision systems to leverage the power of strobed LEDs without inadvertently creating safety risks or requiring shielding.” Boost Logistics Operations Through Lighting Lightgistics lights specifically address the challenges of accurate high-speed barcode reading and optical character recognition (OCR) on highly reflective plastic wraps and shipping bags. Dual OverDrive™ technology utilizes SVL’s new Deca OverDrive™ and standard OverDrive™ engines, which together allow end users to easily attach polarizers that maximize light output in high-speed conveyor systems. “Logistics and warehousing businesses today cannot afford to sacrifice speed and throughput, which means any machine vision system deployed on the floor must be capable of accurate code reading, even when reading through plastic,” said Kinney. “Lightgistics LEDs help improve logistics operations by delivering lighting that is 10 times brighter than standard continuous mode, which helps improve track-and-trace while maintaining the speeds needed for today.” The RHI200-DO is an OverDrive™–only light source with a high-intensity ring light. Its integrated camera mount fits most common machine vision cameras and can be directly connected and controlled through a camera’s trigger output. The RHI200-DO’s onboard charging capacitors ensure powerful bursts of energy while maintaining a low consistent electrical draw. The IP65-rated bright field operates at working distances between 500 mm and 2000 mm with 10-, 14-, and 30-degree lens options.
Episode 455: NetLogistik connects the dots for more efficient supply chain operations
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Jagan Reddy, the Managing Partner at NetLogistik US, joins the episode to discuss how NetLogistik is tackling the industry’s current challenges. NetLogistik specializes in creating innovative solutions for Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). Tune in as Kevin and Jagan discuss NetLogistik’s recent Innovation Day and nearshoring, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of supply chain technologies and what the future holds in this dynamic field. Innovation Day: A Forum for Future Supply Chain Trends Reddy highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering a neutral and objective platform for discussing the future of supply chain management. Unlike typical events run by software companies, NetLogistik’s Innovation Day aims to provide a broad perspective on industry trends and necessary investments. The event focused on three key areas: Understanding near-term supply chain trends Innovating at the intersection of traditional software boundaries Exploring automation advancements Reddy elaborates on the changing landscape, noting the overlap of systems like WMS, TMS, and OMS and the increasing need for cohesive solutions. “There’s a lot of need for innovation so that the supply chain can function like a single organism,” he says, underlining the significance of companies like NetLogistik in connecting these dots for more efficient operations. A significant takeaway from the event was the shift towards mobile automation in warehouses, such as mobile robots for picking and other tasks, offering more flexible and scalable solutions than traditional fixed infrastructure. Reddy also touched on the growing trend of process automation through software bots, transforming routine tasks and streamlining transportation processes. He concludes, “We’re seeing a lot of interest in process automation and mobile goods-to-person systems.” Leveraging Data Insights for Smarter Warehouse Management The emerging trend now focuses on enhancing WMS features with additional layers of intelligence. Reddy emphasizes the importance of utilizing the data within a WMS to extract actionable insights. He states, “It’s about how you take the data within a WMS and draw insights from it, then layer it with intelligence so that WMS can sense and adapt to changes in operations.” This layer of intelligence in WMS enables the system to recommend changes in configurations or processes, adapting to day-to-day variations or long-term shifts within warehouse environments. The integration of such intelligence layers doesn’t necessarily require substantial investments. Reddy describes these as microservices, allowing for cost-effective and swift implementation. Reddy also discusses the evolving landscape of inventory management, noting the rise of micro fulfillment centers and smaller footprint operations. These newer operations have distinct requirements that differ from larger, national, or regional distribution centers. “There’s a proliferation of micro fulfillment centers… and they need a different footprint of a solution,” says Reddy. These smaller operations require tailored solutions that work hand in hand with the core WMS, sharing data and insights without competing with the primary system. This approach signifies a shift towards more versatile and responsive WMS solutions capable of catering to the diverse needs of modern warehouse operations. Navigating the Complexities of WMS Implementation Reddy explains, “A successful WMS deployment is less about quick implementation and more about getting it done right.” He outlines several vital strategies for successful implementation: Prioritize Effective Change Management: Emphasize guiding the organization through the transition rather than rushing the implementation process. Establish Clear Objectives: Clearly define the goals of the WMS deployment, whether for technology upgrade, labor efficiency, or inventory accuracy. Realistic Planning and Communication: Focus on thoroughly capturing requirements and ensuring clear communication with the implementation team. Prepare for the Unexpected: Plan for unforeseen challenges and approach them calmly and collaboratively. Support Employee Transition: Provide employees with the necessary support and space to adapt to the new system, recognizing its long-term role in business operations. Reddy’s approach highlights the importance of a strategic and thoughtful implementation process to ensure the successful integration of a WMS into an organization’s operations. Key Takeaways Trends show a shift towards a unified supply chain ecosystem, emphasizing solutions for the overlap between WMS, TMS, and OMS for seamless operations. WMS data intelligence is pivotal for operational adaptability, enabling systems to anticipate changes and optimize processes in real time. WMS implementation success hinges on meticulous planning, clear objectives, and robust change management, ensuring a seamless transition and operational efficiency. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 455: NetLogistik Connects the Dots for More Efficient Supply Chain Operations
Tranzonic names Joe Vitale Chief Corporate Development Officer
Newly created position to pilot strategic growth via M&A The Tranzonic Companies, a manufacturer of personal care and protection, contamination control, and cleaning products, has named Joe Vitale to the newly created role of chief corporate development officer. Vitale will provide strategic direction and leadership as the business expands through acquisitions, investments, and partnerships, and will collaborate with executive leadership on company strategy. M&A is central to the growth strategy of Tranzonic, which has increased sales five-fold in the past decade via acquisitions of diverse companies including Monarch Brands, Acute Care, Adenna, Chemcor, NILodor, Innocore, High-Tech Conversions, and others. Each investment has strengthened Tranzonic’s position as a leader in helping businesses protect, clean, and care for shared spaces where we work, stay, and gather — businesses across manufacturing, food service, healthcare, retail, transportation, hospitality, and other target industries. Vitale’s mission is to optimize Tranzonic’s origination, acquisition, and integration processes to more efficiently identify and partner with new companies to achieve greater growth. He is well-suited to lead the company’s growth efforts, with more than 25 years of professional experience in corporate banking, large and mid-cap industrial, and sponsor-backed portfolio companies. Vitale most recently led M&A and Treasury for Brook + Whittle, before which he spent over a decade with Ferro Corporation, where he helped transform the company through M&A to outperform peer group public companies. He has successfully completed acquisition, partnership, and carve-out transactions in the U.S. and across the world, and his collaborative approach allows for efficient transactions that minimize disruption to the business and preserve value for all stakeholders. “Joe’s values and the engaged culture he creates are well-aligned with Tranzonic and what we plan to achieve as we grow,” said Tom Friedl, CEO of The Tranzonic Companies. “We already have exciting new investments planned for 2024, and Joe’s energy and focus will further our goals as we look to the next decade and beyond.” Vitale earned his MBA in finance from UCLA Anderson and his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University.
CLARK Material Handling Company announces leadership appointments
CLARK Material Handling Company has announced its plans for upcoming leadership appointments in the North American company. 2023 was a record sales and revenue year for CLARK Material Handling since the purchase of the company by the Young An company in 2003. Dennis Lawrence, President and CEO of CLARK commented on the business’s success, “Our team has worked tirelessly for the past 20 years to rebuild a brand that we can all be proud of. We have endured many challenges with the downturn in the market between 2009 to 2011 and COVID-19 in 2020. Through it all, we have been successful in building a strong team with dedicated employees, dealers, and customers.” Additionally, Mr. S.S. Baik, Chairman of CLARK Material Handling Board remarked, “We had a vision for this business when we acquired the company, and we could not be more pleased with its growth. As we look to the future, we are now making plans to welcome the third generation of the family into this business. They will begin to shape the vision of the business for future generations.” To prepare for this growth, Mr. Dennis Lawrence, President and C.E.O. of CLARK Material Handling Company, has been appointed to the Board of Directors for CLARK Material Handling and will step down as President and C.E.O. on July 1, 2024. He has made strong contributions as a key figure to YoungAn and the Baik Family for over 40 years. In this new role, he will work with the owners on various new strategic projects within the business. Mr. S.S. Baik commented, “We are excited to have Dennis as part of this new team and look forward to growing the business together.” With the above changes, CLARK Material Handling Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Michael (Mike) Binnie as C.E.O. effective July 1, 2024. Mr. Binnie is currently serving as C.O.O. of CLARK Material Handling and comes to CLARK with decades of experience leading dynamic teams. Mr. S.S. Baik commented, “Mr. Binnie brings a wealth of business experience to the team, and we are looking forward to the continued growth of the brand.” Mr. Lawrence commented, “Mr. Binnie has proven his business acumen and leadership strength as C.O.O. of CLARK. As the business continues to grow, we have full confidence in Mr. Binnie’s ability to build on the success of the company.”
Staffing employment begins to rise in January
Almost half of all staffing firms report gains in new assignments After the seasonal end-of-year dip in December, staffing employment rose in the week of Jan. 8-14, with the ASA Staffing Index increasing by 4.0% to a rounded value of 88. Some staffing companies mentioned a holiday and inclement weather as primary factors that limited further growth. Despite two straight weeks of growth, staffing jobs were 12.5% below the same week last year. New starts in the second week of the year were up 19.2% from the prior week. Almost half of all staffing companies (48%) reported gains in new assignments week to week. The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average decreased from the prior week to a rounded value of 86, and temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending Jan. 14 was 9.6% lower than the same period in 2023. “Staffing employment is rising in line with seasonal patterns of expansion, but its momentum is lagging behind prior years due to accelerated economic headwinds within the broader labor market,” said Noah Yosif, chief economist at ASA. This week will be used in the January monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Feb. 2. The ASA Staffing Index is reported nine days after each workweek, making it a near real-time measure of staffing employment trends. ASA Staffing Starts are the number of temporary and contract employees placed in new assignments during the reporting week. ASA research shows that staffing employment has historically been a coincident economic indicator.
New Mobile APP for risk and safety professionals launched by Origami Risk
New solution helps engage operations and reinforce safety culture by streamlining safety inspections, audits, incident reporting and analytics, corrective actions Origami Risk, a risk, safety, and insurance Software as a Service technology firm, today announced the launch of a new mobile application with enhanced user experience to support the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) and risk management functions. The new app, Origami Mobile, empowers safety and risk professionals, employees, and contractors to quickly conduct audits and inspections; make observations; and report incidents from anywhere in the field via mobile phone or tablet – even when Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity is unavailable. Used in conjunction with Origami’s integrated platform for risk, safety, and compliance, the new app helps risk and safety professionals drive visibility into their data and initiatives through a single, centralized system. “As risk and EHS professionals look to be both more proactive and efficient in their efforts to drive safety, reduce risks, improve productivity, and achieve operational excellence, new technology-driven solutions are helping them raise the bar on their performance and results,” said Sean Salvas, senior market strategy lead-EHS at Origami Risk. “Working closely with our risk and safety clients, we designed the new mobile app to give those professionals an easy way to engage operations in the safety process, share in the success, and strengthen the safety culture across the enterprise.” “Mobile applications are an essential technology adopted by the vast majority of EHS leaders, with real-time data and offline functionality key to proactively identifying risks and hazards before incidents occur and ultimately sending workers home safe,” noted Bill Pennington, VP of Research, EHS and Risk Management at Verdantix, “Origami Risk continues to solidify its role in the EHS marketplace as an innovator with the introduction of its next-generation mobile app with modern performance and consumer-like navigation, filtering, and searching capabilities.” Origami Mobile enables risk and safety team members, operations managers, supervisors, and other users to perform multiple safety-related tasks, including: Complete standard checklists based on best practices or forms designed by risk and safety team members for specific departments, functions, operations, or locations. Detect and report workplace and operational hazards and behavior trends, including photo uploads to illustrate issues. Trigger the development of corrective actions and monitor their effectiveness. Gather real-time incident and near-miss data from specific operations or worksites, enabling risk and safety teams to instantaneously assess risk and hazards. Leverage data to create opportunities for early intervention and quicker resolution, preventing injuries and claims before they occur. Identify, report, and analyze safe/unsafe employee behaviors and conditions. Provide timely coaching to encourage and reinforce safe behaviors. Among its many features, the app includes offline capabilities that enable remote workers with limited internet access to input data offline and submit it when Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity becomes available. An autofill capability instantly matches employee and location data, streamlining the reporting process and eliminating the need for manual and repetitive data entry. Furthermore, with voice-to-text functionality, the app can be operated hands-free, promoting active note-taking and reporting. All input from the mobile app is automatically captured in a single web-based repository, giving risk and safety team members ready access to incident and claims data, dashboards, checklists, and metrics, while facilitating easy reporting and analytics.
Creform picking cart provides a versatile solution for wholesale distribution workflow
Creform Corporation, a manufacturer of unique products, has designed and built a picking cart for a healthcare services company that specializes in wholesale pharmaceutical distribution. The cart provides an innovative and versatile solution for in-process workflow. The engineering team at Creform collaborated with the healthcare services company and provided several prototypes to arrive at the best possible form, fit, and function, as well as the optimum shelf height and space utilization. The warehouse picking cart features three horizontal picking shelves for totes. Each shelf features a low-weight, high-stability polypropylene surface which is 50% lighter than wood. Each shelf can hold up to seven standard-sized boxes and the cart is well suited for E-commerce order fulfillment, as each shelf can be used to hold full boxes of parts or open boxes/totes that can be filled through piece picking. The shelves are flat for easy load/unload access as well as visibility from all sides. Should the need arise, each of the cart’s shelves can be repositioned or the whole cart can be customized with only simple tools. The modular construction of a Creform structure means easy customization and scalability. The cart’s dimensions are 91″ W x 22″ L x 51″ T and features six 5″ diameter bolt-on casters with urethane wheels for easy, stable, and safe rolling. The cart is designed to hold up to 600 lb. It also features two fixed casters in the center for easy directional control along with four corner swivel casters. The bolt-on casters are a durable solution for the high number of “miles” that the carts travel. As the cart will be pushed all day every day, it is important to keep the cart’s weight as low as possible while maintaining the necessary strength and durability. Creform’s 28mm plastic-coated steel tubing and clamping metal joints provide the necessary strength and durability yet retain flexibility. As with all Creform carts, higher capacity and custom cart sizes and configurations are possible with the Creform system of 28 mm and 42 mm plastic-coated steel pipes and metal joints. When needed, they can be configured for ESD (anti-static) applications. Further, Creform carts provide minimal maintenance requirements for prolonged durability. The surfaces are easy to clean to help maintain a hygienic environment. The color of the pictured cart shown is black, but a wide variety of pipe color options are available and upgrade hitches are available for AGV or tugger delivery. Accessories include hooks, label holders for shelf levels or even shelf positions, pockets for paperwork, and a writing surface with clipboards just to name a few. Creform carts are available as a kit, assembled structure or in component form for a complete DIY solution. Adaptability is a fundamental principle of Creform. The long-term, component nature of Creform ensures that if there are any damaged or worn components replacement parts are readily available. The Creform System is used to create an array of material handling and efficiency-enhancing devices and is a proven component in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing programs. The company partners with customers in developing and enhancing these programs.
Compact IDEC XA/XW emergency stop switches enable improved safety
Expanding robotic and industrial equipment applications call for small form factor emergency stop switches. IDEC Corporation has expanded its line of emergency stop (E-stop) switches with new XA/XW series short-body models. These industrial-grade and outdoor-rated models are designed in the space-saving size essential for robotic and industrial equipment applications, with innovative features to meet the increased requirements of international safety standards. Modern E-stop challenges While E-stop switches have been a fundamental design and safety element of automated systems for decades, two factors have prompted an update of these devices. The first factor relates to the proliferation of smaller-scale automated equipment with increasingly limited onboard space but a need for E-stop functionality. Examples are robot teach pendants, mobile robotics, production machines, and industrial vehicles. The second-factor concerns revisions to safety standards. Safety standard ISO3691-4 (2020) requires E-stops to be accessible from both ends and both sides of industrial vehicles, which can be difficult or impossible to achieve without compact devices. In addition, any detachable or cableless control stations—such as pluggable portable teaching pendants or wireless controllers—are now required by ISO13850 (2015) to incorporate measures for avoiding user confusion regarding whether the E-stop is active or inactive. While there are various ways to achieve this, the XA/XW E-stops change color through illumination to indicate if they are active or inactive, which is a leading way to comply with the standard. Addressing new E-stop requirements IDEC has designed the XA/XW series to minimize the installation depth behind the mounting surface. Available in industry-standard diameters of 16mm for the XA and 22mm for the XW, these new E-stops now require only an industry-leading 12.6mm of space behind the mounting surface for solder terminal styles and just 18.0mm for tab terminal styles. All devices are rated IP67/69K and UL Type 4X for outdoor installation, and they can be specified with or without illumination. Operating temperatures range from -25 to +55 or +70 °C, depending on the model. When users select the active/inactive version for compliance with ISO13850, the E-stop cap color is opaque white when the device is inactive and red when the device is active. This unique feature is designed so that users will recognize the device is plugged into equipment and usable only when the E-stop is red. If the device is white, then the E-stop is not connected. The E-stops follow a standard push-lock and pull or turn to reset action, and the top cap uses cap-color direction arrows to comply with ISO13850. The body base is high visibility yellow with an angled “escape structure” design so debris will not hinder operation, and a green ring acts as a secondary visual indication of the E-stop pressed or not-pressed status. The E-stop physical mechanism uses IDEC’s unique and patented “reverse energy structure” for an additional degree of safety, with a spring arranged to operate the E-stop if it is physically damaged in certain ways. Competitive devices can fail to drive equipment to a safe state under these conditions. Even though the XA/XW series features a compact body, the non-illuminated version offers two NC contacts for integration with safety circuits and one NO contact for illumination and/or monitoring. Contacts are rated for an industry-leading 250,000 operations at 24V and 100mA, ensuring exceptional durability. Improved safety for any application The IDEC XA/XW series is designed to meet the latest safety standards in an industry-leading small form factor rated for challenging environmental conditions. Space-saving E-stops are needed for robotics, AGV/AMR, medical devices, tabletop machines, and other industrial applications. EV chargers, power generators, outdoor conveyors, and specialty industrial vehicles all need robust E-stops that are easily installed in limited spaces. As designers are increasingly using wireless controllers and detachable pendants for these applications, the active/inactive capability of associated E-stops is a key requirement.
Coast Guard Captain named Port Security Director
Manning to assume role following March retirement The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the appointment of U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Ryan Manning to lead the Security Division at the nation’s second-busiest seaport. Manning, currently Captain of the Port of Los Angeles-Long Beach and Commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, will join the Port of Long Beach following his retirement at the end of March. In his present role, Manning leads a team of 550 active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel and a 750-member volunteer auxiliary workforce. This team facilitates regional partnerships and conducts federal maritime safety, security, law enforcement, and environmental protection operations along the coast from Orange to San Luis Obispo County and within the United States’ largest container port complex. Before his current assignment, Manning most recently served as the Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Activities Europe, located in Brunssum, the Netherlands. In this position, he directed U.S. Coast Guard vessel inspection and port security assessments throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Manning received his commission from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1994 and has served in a variety of port safety and security-related positions throughout his career. He has earned master’s degrees in mechanical engineering, joint campaign planning, and strategy. He is also a registered professional engineer in mechanical engineering. The Port of Long Beach Security Division’s top priority is to provide safety and security throughout the Port of Long Beach. The Port takes a leadership role in the development of strategies to mitigate security risks in the port complex, working closely with multiple partner agencies to plan and coordinate security measures.
Alta Equipment Group appoints Jeff Hoover as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel
Alta Equipment Group Inc., a provider of premium material handling, construction, and environmental processing equipment, appointed Jeff Hoover as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel effective immediately. Hoover came to Alta via Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, a national law firm, and before that Howard & Howard Attorneys, PLLC where he was a Partner at both firms and specialized in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, commercial lending, and real estate transactions. Hoover holds a Master’s of Business Administration in Finance from Eastern Michigan University and a Doctorate of Law from Cooley Law School. As Chief Legal Officer, Hoover will report to Alta’s Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Greenawalt, and take on the role of leading and coordinating Alta’s legal affairs, corporate governance, and Board relations, as well as being a business partner to our operational leaders from an administrative and compliance perspective day to day. “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Hoover as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel. In Jeff’s previous roles, he was an integral partner to Alta where he supported our growth and development since 2016 as external legal counsel. Jeff has tremendous knowledge of Alta, our history, how we do business, and most importantly our culture,” said Ryan Greenawalt, Chief Executive Officer. “I look forward to the contributions he will make as part of the Alta family.” “I am excited to step into my new role as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel and look forward to using my experience to continue to support the growth and success of Alta. I am thrilled to be joining the Alta family,” said Hoover.
Dorner appoints new Business Development Manager
Dorner has hired Dave Giffels as Business Development Manager. Giffels will be working with the sales team to grow Dorner’s industrial and automation conveyor business into new markets and customer bases. Giffels joins Dorner after spending most of his career in automation sales, including 12 years with Bosch selling palletized conveyor systems. His experience spans across the material handling industry including work with manufacturers, integrators, channel partners, and customers. “Dorner has a long, distinguished history and has developed a reputation as a company that knows how to make conveyor systems the right way,” Giffels said. “I look forward to getting to work with this well-established brand on the manufacturer side again and get out into the field with customers and salespeople.” One of the first initiatives Giffels will be working on is incorporating a solutions-based sales approach in which salespeople will work with customers and channel partners to understand their operations before making recommendations based on each user’s specific goals.
Episode 454: Innovating Asset Management in Warehousing with Traka
In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Brian Davidson, Regional Sales Manager at Traka Americas, joins the show to discuss asset management in Warehousing. Traka Americas, a part of the Assa Abloy Group, specializes in asset storage and management solutions, mainly focusing on key and equipment management in various industries. This episode delves into how Traka’s innovative solutions address common pain points in warehouse operations and asset management. The Growing Need for Asset Management in Warehousing Davidson outlines the journey of Traka Americas, beginning with a software solution for a major airline in the early ’90s and evolving into a key and asset management company. Their initial focus on key management for fleet vehicles expanded over time, introducing locker management in 2007 to accommodate growing demands for diverse asset control, like managing radios. Davidson emphasizes, “The product continuously evolved, and as devices became more and more prevalent, now device management. Facilities are growing larger and larger, placing these scanners and keys in a place easily accessible within a facility has proven very valuable for many organizations.” Asset Management Accountability in Warehousing Davidson discusses Traka’s significant impact in the warehouse sector, especially in managing forklift keys and device management. He highlights the importance of placing devices and keys strategically within facilities for accessibility and efficiency. Davidson explains, “Our system enforces the process that employees need to follow, ensuring instant accountability and efficiency.” Curfew Feature and Fault Logging for Improved Management Traka’s system includes a ‘curfew feature’ for timely asset return and a ‘fault logging’ feature allowing users to report issues with equipment. Davidson explains, “If someone hasn’t returned their device, an email alert is sent out to their manager within a minute of the item going past curfew.” Access schedules in Traka’s system offer a critical feature for enhancing security and compliance within warehouse operations. They enable administrators to restrict vehicle or equipment use outside business hours, ensuring assets are only accessed during designated times. Traka’s fault logging feature offers a practical solution for recording and managing equipment issues. Upon returning an item, users can log any faults they encounter, such as a flat tire on a vehicle or a cracked screen on a scanner. These features prevent loss of productivity and ensure timely repair and maintenance of equipment. Davidson notes, “It helps ensure that these items are being returned within a designated timeframe.” Key Takeaways Traka Americas has evolved from software solutions to comprehensive key and asset management in warehousing. Their systems improve efficiency and accountability in warehouse operations. Innovative features like curfew alerts and fault logging enhance equipment management. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 454: Innovating Asset Management in Warehousing with Traka
Zion Solutions Group secures 2024 MHEDA Most Valuable Partner Award
Zion Solutions Group has been awarded with the 2024 Most Valuable Partner (MVP) Award by the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA). The MHEDA MVP Award recognizes companies that stand out for their industry excellence, commitment to education and community, and innovation. “Receiving the MVP Award for another year is more than just an honor for us; it’s a reflection of our unwavering commitment to excellence and the tireless efforts of our team. This award celebrates our 2023 focus on innovative strategies and strong relationship-building,” remarked Jim Shaw, President of Zion Solutions Group. The company has intensified its commitment to social responsibility in the past year, particularly in enhancing environmental sustainability and expanding educational outreach. These initiatives are part of its ongoing mission to enact positive change within the material handling sector and beyond. Looking ahead, Zion Solutions Group is set to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation, with plans to expand its technological capabilities and further solidify its position as a market leader. This award catalyzes our future endeavors, inspiring us to set new benchmarks in the industry.
H&E opens a new branch in SanAngelo,TX
H&E Rentals (H&E) announces the opening of its San Angelo branch, the 26th rental equipment location in the state of Texas. Since this time last year, H&E has opened 15 new branches across the country, five of which are in the Lone Star State. The facility is located at 6728 Highway 853, San Angelo, TX 76901-9745, phone 325-222-1100. It includes a fully fenced yard area, offices, and a repair shop and carries a variety of construction and general industrial equipment. “The location of our San Angelo branch complements our existing facility in Midland and now provides even greater coverage to West Texas. Our territory reaches above I-20 and down to I-10, and we’re excited to serve customers in San Angelo as well as Abilene, Sterling City, Barnhart, Ozona, Brady, Brownwood, and points in between,” says Branch Manager Jason Blackman. “By having several H&E branches to our east within reach as well, we can source equipment from an expanded fleet and provide the specific unit that is needed. We’re just off Highway 67 and near other major roadways, so we’re able to get equipment to customer job sites quickly.” The San Angelo branch specializes in the rental of aerial lifts, earthmoving equipment, telescopic forklifts, compaction equipment, generators, light towers, compressors, and more and represents the following manufacturers: Allmand, Atlas Copco, Bomag, Case, Club Car, Cushman, Doosan, Gehl, Generac Mobile, Genie, Hamm, Hilti, Husqvarna, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Kobelco, Kubota, LayMor, Ledwell, Lincoln Electric, Link-Belt Excavators, MEC, Miller, Multiquip, Polaris, Sany, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Sullivan-Palatek, Tag, Towmaster, Unicarriers, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar, and others. Founded in 1961, H&E Rentals is one of the largest equipment rental companies in the nation, providing a higher standard in equipment rentals, sales, parts, and service. Branches are located throughout the Pacific Northwest, West Coast, Intermountain, Southwest, Gulf Coast, Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions.