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A Veteran’s Story: Toyota Material Handling dealer delivers loaded container handler to U.S. Army

In recognition of Veteran’s Day, Toyota Material Handling is highlighting a special story involving one of its dealers – Toyota Material Handling Northern California – and a U.S. military base in Hawaii. Read the full story about a Vietnam veteran who is still finding new ways to support American troops. Rich Andres knows from experience how important it is for our troops to have the most reliable equipment on the market. Andres, the founder and chairman of Toyota Material Handling Northern California, served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War in the late 1960s. Recently, Andres and Toyota Material Handling Northern California delivered a Loaded Container Handler to a U.S. military base in Oahu, Hawaii, to support contingency operations, local training and deployments for the Army. “This truck will help our operations tremendously and ensure we can make all of our large movements much more efficiently, including fully-loaded shipping containers,” said Melvin Wright of U.S. Army Field Support Brigade LRC 402 Hawaii. “This truck will move all of those important containers, place them on the flatbed truck, and then they’ll be transported down to the port at Pearl Harbor. It’s going to make a big difference for us and save a significant amount of time.” Andres’ story is one centered on family and driven by discipline and sacrifice. His father served in the U.S. Navy before him, and his two sons – Mark and Stephen – now run the successful material handling business he started more than 25 years ago. That’s what made this deal so special. By providing a quality piece of equipment to support the soldiers at Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield in Hawaii, Andres says he still wants to do whatever he can to support American troops. “It makes me proud to participate in something with the military,” Andres said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to represent Toyota with the U.S. government. If I was still in the service and I was operating something like this container handler, I would have a high level of confidence in it because of its quality.” Getting the Loaded Container Handler to the Army base in Hawaii wasn’t easy. The product weighs over 175,000 pounds and features a lift capacity up to 90,000 pounds, so it had to be built, disassembled for shipment, and then reassembled once in Hawaii. Several members of the Toyota Material Handling Northern California team traveled to East Chicago, Indiana, where Toyota Heavy Duty forklifts are built, to study, learn, and practice everything needed to know about properly taking the product apart and putting it back together again. Those same professionals traveled to Hawaii to not only reassemble the equipment upon arrival, but fully train the customer on how to use the massive unit. It’s that level of commitment and attention to detail Andres learned during his time in the military and carried with him throughout his material handling career. Andres and his sons instill those same principles into every person that comes to work for them at Toyota Material Handling Northern California. In many ways, those principles connect the military way with the Toyota Way. “There’s definitely an interesting parallel between the two,” Andres said. “They are both driven by processes that have been proven to be successful over a long period of time. In my career, the former military people I’ve hired have had those same values and have been the most successful in the company. The things they brought with them – the things they helped lead with – made the company successful.” Andres joined the Marine Corps with his three best friends in 1967, initially serving as a motor pool mechanic after completing boot camp. But Andres thought he could do even more to serve his country. He tried multiple times to join the troops in Vietnam, and just four months after joining the Marine Corps, Andres succeeded in that effort. After completing his infantry training, Andres was a member of a motor transport unit in Vietnam. His unit joined what is known as the ‘Siege of Khe Sanh’ in early 1968, a 77-day battle in Kasan, Vietnam, that claimed the life of Andres’ unit chief. Andres was thrust into a leadership role as the Motor Transport Chief and successfully led his soldiers until he left the Marine Corps in 1969. Andres initially planned to take some time off after returning from war, but says he wanted to get to work. So Andres started sweeping floors and delivering parts for a local forklift company where he spent five years and worked his way up to a parts manager position. Andres would end up working for two more forklift companies after that, the second beginning in 1985 for the then-called Perin Company, which was founded in 1921 and was the second-oldest Toyota dealer in the country at the time. In 1997, Andres partnered with Toyota Material Handling to buy Perin Company and renamed it Toyota Material Handling Northern California. The Andres family has successfully grown the business in the 26 years since with existing locations in Livermore, Fresno, West Sacramento and Salinas, California. “The whole experience of being in the Marine Corps helped me to get where I am,” Andres said. “It taught me about the determination you need to succeed and showed me what it’s like when somebody always has your back. I wasn’t satisfied just working – I wanted to do something bigger. “I like to lead by example. From being thrust into being the chief of my unit in Vietnam and all throughout my career, I’ve set my sights on specific things and had the determination required to follow through and reach them.” One example Andres leads by is how he treats days of remembrance, like Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. He doesn’t want the sacrifice of so many men and women to go unnoticed by anyone. “Every year, I send out messages on these special days to let people know the importance of our troops

American Staffing Association celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

The American Staffing Association celebrates the start of National Apprenticeship Week. “Apprenticeships are a commonsense, cost-effective way for job seekers to learn the skills they need to fill the most in-demand jobs in the labor market,” said Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer at ASA. “Apprenticeships provide job seekers with unique opportunities to earn while they learn skills that can lead to good-paying careers. “Every year, staffing firms around the country connect job seekers with unique apprenticeship opportunities in sectors all across the labor market. “Our country continues to face a skills gap crisis. Right now, there are 1.5 job openings for every unemployed person in this country. If our nation wants to successfully train the workforces of today and tomorrow, it is imperative that we expand access to apprenticeships.”

H&E opens new branch in Conroe, Texas

Effective November 13, 2023, H&E Equipment Services Inc. (H&E) announces the opening of its Conroe branch, its fifth rental location in the greater Houston market and the 25th in the state of Texas.  Since the beginning of the second quarter of 2023, H&E has opened 14 new branches across the country, with four of those in the Lone Star State. The facility is located at 530 Frazier Commerce Drive, Conroe, TX 77303-5380, phone 936-286-3900. 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 Conroe branch gives H&E total coverage of the Houston area, especially the growing market north of the Woodlands. The new facility covers the territory between our Houston, Katy, and Bryan branches, so customers in outlying areas have more convenient service” says Branch Manager Tesha McGruder. “Our close proximity to I-45, state highways 105 and 75, and other major roadways is ideal for getting our new fleet to job sites quickly.” The Conroe 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.

September 2023 Manufacturing Technology Orders down and still above historical averages

New orders of manufacturing technology totaled $398.9 million in September 2023, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. September orders declined 2.8% from August 2023 and 23.4% from September 2022. Year-to-date orders reached $3.64 billion, 13.8% lower than the first three quarters of 2022. “Though 2023 orders are down, activity is still above long-term historical averages, indicating relative health overall,”said Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT. “We are still seeing strength in key industries, with contract machine shops, medical, and automotive continuing to invest heavily in manufacturing technology.” Contract machine shops increased order value by nearly a third while units ordered grew by a much smaller degree. Similarly, manufacturers of medical supplies dramatically increased their overall spending. The automotive sector also continued to increase orders. Because of the longer production horizon as well as a sustained increase in demand for new vehicles, automotive manufacturers made capital spending investments despite labor challenges. “The disparity in manufacturing technology investment across industries indicates that not all are paring back capital spending at once,” said Woods. “Industries that are spending healthily on manufacturing tech appear to be shifting expenditures toward highly automated machinery as evidenced by rising per-unit values.” Though year-to-date orders have declined compared to a strong 2022, order levels are above historical averages, and there are pockets of strength in several industries. “Industries supported by high consumer demand and benefiting from long production timelines continued to be reliable customers of manufacturing technology,” said Woods. “We are detecting a shift in capital goods investment toward improving productivity through adoption of manufacturing technology automation.”

OZ Lifting Launches Davit Crane Wheelbase

Winona, Minnesota-based OZ Lifting Products LLC has launched a wheelbase that can be used with its full range of davit cranes up to 1,200 lbs. capacity. The USA-made wheelbase is adjustable and has four different length positions: it measures from 56.57” to 77.57” long; 32.44” wide; and 36.87” high. It weighs 140 lbs. when fully assembled, without a crane’s pedestal base, so total weight will depend on the davit being used. Wheelbases will be shipped on a pallet and require assembly at the point of use. Offering durable steel construction with powder-coat finish, oversized casters make rolling the base and moving the crane easy. The wheel base features a patented floor anchoring system, which allows the davit to rotate 360 degrees, even when under load. The manufacturer will part-number and sell the wheelbases with the pedestal base to match the davit crane the user wants. This will make the process straightforward for the customer. Mobile crane Richard Miller, sales manager at OZ Lifting, said: “Demand for such a solution has steadily increased over the last few years. Our customers try to leverage the benefits of our lightweight davit cranes with the ability to use them in different ways and locations. The [wheel] base allows them to move the crane to various points within a facility; the applications are limitless. The main benefit is that users do not have to permanently mount a base at the pick location.” The base will be compatible with the majority of the company’s cranes, including the 500 lbs. and 1,200 lbs. capacity versions of the Tele-Pro, which allows users to leverage the benefits of other lifting technologies in its range while telescoping the boom in and out under load. (This line also features a 2,500 lbs. model, not suitable for use with the wheelbase.) It will also be widely utilized with the Alumi-Lite series of ultra-portable davit cranes, an aluminum series targeted specifically at applications where portability is beneficial; the XR Series; and the steel davit crane. In each of these cases, 500 lbs. and 1,000 lbs. models are available. The CompOZite and CompOZite Elite carbon fiber models, meanwhile, are both offered in 1,200 lbs. capacities. Safe use OZ Lifting will ship the wheelbase with a detailed operator’s manual, which highlights the dos and don’ts when using it. For example, the user must have the legs adjusted to the appropriate length, depending on the crane, so that the end of the boom is in line with the front wheels. The davit crane must also be locked in place using a special locking collar, so the boom doesn’t go outside the width of the legs, causing it to tip over. Miller said: “Only when the wheelbase is anchored using our patented system, can they rotate the davit crane when under load.” New wheels Having previewed the wheelbase at the recent Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition & Conference (WEFTEC) in Chicago, OZ Lifting will show it at the AHR Expo (Booth S10534), which takes place January 22-24, 2024, also at McCormick Place. The wheelbase will be showcased alongside the full range of davits at an expo that attracts a delegation of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) professionals.

61 New Food and Beverage Industry Planned Projects Continue Downward Slide

Industrial SalesLeads announced the October 2023 results for the new planned capital project spending report for the Food and Beverage industry. The Firm tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity; including facility expansions, new plant construction, and significant equipment modernization projects. Research confirms 61 new projects in the Food and Beverage sector. The following are selected highlights on new Food and Beverage industry construction news. Food and Beverage Project Type Processing Facilities – 33 New Projects Distribution and Industrial Warehouse – 34 New Projects Food and Beverage Project Scope/Activity New Construction – 27 New Projects Expansion – 25 New Projects Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 17 New Projects Plant Closing – 1 New Project Food and Beverage Project Location (Top 10 States) California – 7 New York – 6 Texas – 5 Kentucky – 4 South Carolina – 4 Michigan – 3 North Carolina – 3 Wisconsin – 3 Arizona – 2 Florida – 2 Largest Planned Project During the month of October, our research team identified 5 new Food and Beverage facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more. The largest project is owned by Louis Dreyfus Company, who is planning to invest $500 million for the construction of a soybean processing plant in UPPER SANDUSKY, OH. Construction is expected to start in early 2024. Top 10 Tracked Food and Beverage Projects FLORIDA: Specialty food product MFR. is planning to invest $200 million for the construction of a 400,000 SF processing and distribution facility in ZEPHYRHILLS, FL. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction will occur in two phases, with completion slated for late 2024 and 2028 respectively. KENTUCKY: Snack food MFR. is planning to invest $137 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a 434,000 SF processing and distribution facility at 1391 Dixie Hwy. in LOUISVILLE, KY. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for Fall 2024. NEW YORK: Produce company is planning to invest $95 million for the construction of a 1.3 million SF warehouse and greenhouse facility at 5222 Junction Rd. in LOCKPORT, NY. They are currently seeking approval for the project. INDIANA: Restaurant chain is planning to invest $74 million for the construction of a processing and warehouse facility on Miami Trail in CHARLESTOWN, IN. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2025. NEW JERSEY: Foodservice distributor is planning to invest $29 million for the expansion of their distribution center at 301 Heron Dr Swedesboro in SWEDESBORO, NJ by 141,000 SF. Construction is expected to start in late 2023, with completion slated for late 2024. CALIFORNIA: Global retail chain is planning for the construction of a 900,000 SF distribution center in STOCKTON, CA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2026. PENNSYLVANIA: Snack food MFR. has recently agreed to pre-lease a 650,000 SF distribution center in HANOVER, PA. They will relocate a portion of their operations upon completion in early 2025. TEXAS: Specialty food product MFR. is planning to invest $15 million for the construction of a 77,000 SF processing facility at 696 E. Owassa Rd. in SAN JUAN, TX. Construction is expected to start in late 2023, with completion slated for Summer 2025. MISSISSIPPI: Beverage development company is planning to invest $10 million for the construction of a 50,000 SF processing, warehouse, and laboratory facility in COLUMBUS, MS. Construction is expected to start in early 2024, with completion slated for early 2025. CALIFORNIA: Agricultural co-operative is planning for the expansion of their processing facility at 1300 N Washington Rd. in TURLOCK, CA by 100,000 SF. They have recently received approval for the project.  About Industrial SalesLeads, Inc. Since 1959, Industrial SalesLeads, based in Jacksonville, FL is a leader in delivering industrial capital project intelligence and prospecting services for sales and marketing teams to ensure a predictable and scalable pipeline. Our Industrial Market Intelligence identifies timely insights on companies planning significant capital investments such as new construction, expansion, relocation, equipment modernization and plant closings in industrial facilities. The Outsourced Prospecting Services, an extension to your sales team, is designed to drive growth with qualified meetings and appointments for your internal sales team. Visit us at salesleadsinc.com.

NORD DRIVESYSTEMS Product Manager for MAXXDRIVE Industrial Drives receives AGMA Award

This Fall, the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) presented various awards during the 2023 Fall Technical Meeting (FTM) Awards Luncheon in Detroit, Michigan. Along with the Chairperson’s Award, awards were presented to AGMA technical committee members who have published a document within the last year. Hani Almoghrabi, Product Manager for MAXXDRIVE Industrial Gear Units at NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, was recognized for his contribution toward publishing AGMA 947-A23, Gear Reducers –Thermal Capacity. Ten other members of the AGMA Drives for Industrial Applications Committee also accepted awards for their work on the piece. “It was a pleasure working alongside my colleagues on the AGMA Enclosed Gear Committee to publish the AGMA 947-A23 Gear Reducers-Thermal Capacity information sheet,” Almoghrabi stated “we hope it will become an informative resource for the gear industry.” The published document utilizes an analytical heat balance model as a means of calculating the thermal transmittable power of a gear unit lubricated with mineral oil. The calculation is based on the standard conditions of 25°C (77°F) maximum ambient temperature and 95°C (203°F) maximum oil sump temperature in a large indoor space but also includes modifiers for calculation in other conditions. The first draft of AGMA 947-A23 was created in April 2019 and approved by the Technical Division Executive Committee in June 2023.

210 New Distribution and Supply Chain Planned Industrial Projects Start Q4 2023 with Familiar Q3 Results

Industrial SalesLeads announced the October 2023 results for the new planned capital project spending report for the Distribution and Supply Chain industry. The Firm tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity; including facility expansions, new plant construction and significant equipment modernization projects. Research confirms 210 new projects in October, as compared to 212 in September. The following are selected highlights on new Distribution Center and Warehouse construction news. Distribution and Supply Chain – By Project Type Distribution/Fulfillment Centers – 24 New Projects Industrial Warehouse – 188 New Projects Distribution and Supply Chain- By Project Scope/Activity New Construction – 106 New Projects Expansion – 51 New Projects Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 52 New Projects Closing – 8 New Projects Distribution and Supply Chain – By Project Location (Top 5 States) Texas – 17 California – 14 Florida – 14 New York – 14 Illinois – 13 Largest Planned Project During the month of October, our research team identified 6 new Distribution and Supply Chain facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more. The largest project is owned by Bauducco Foods, Inc., who is planning to invest $200 million for the construction of a 400,000 SF processing and distribution facility in ZEPHYRHILLS, FL. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction will occur in two phases, with completion slated for late 2024 and 2028 respectively. Top 10 Tracked Distribution and Supply Chain Project Opportunities OHIO: Battery recycling company is planning to invest $200 million for the expansion and equipment upgrades at their processing and warehouse facility in LANCASTER, OH. They have recently received approval for the project. ILLINOIS: Plastic resin MFR. is planning to invest $180 million for the construction of a 1.3 million SF warehouse complex on Orchard Road in MONTGOMERY, IL. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction will occur in 3 phases. KENTUCKY: Snack food MFR. is planning to invest $137 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a 434,000 SF processing and distribution facility at 1391 Dixie Hwy. in LOUISVILLE, KY. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for Fall 2024. ARKANSAS: Discount retail chain is planning to invest $100 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on their 850,000 SF distribution center in WEST MEMPHIS, AR. Completion is slated for Fall 2024. SOUTH CAROLINA: Beverage distributor is planning to invest $100 million for the expansion of their processing and distribution facility in MOORE, SC. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2027. NEW YORK: Produce company is planning to invest $95 million for the construction of a 1.3 million sf warehouse and greenhouse facility at 5222 Junction Rd. in LOCKPORT, NY. They are currently seeking approval for the project. WISCONSIN: Biotechnology company is planning to invest $85 million for the expansion of their processing, warehouse, and office facility at 8402 Excelsior Dr. in MADISON, WI. They are currently seeking approval for the project and will relocate a portion of their operations upon completion. INDIANA: Restaurant chain is planning to invest $74 million for the construction of a processing and warehouse facility on Miami Trail in CHARLESTOWN, IN. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2025. TENNESSEE: Biotechnology company is planning to invest $65 million for the expansion and equipment upgrades of their processing and warehouse facility in NASHVILLE, TN. They have recently received approval for the project. ILLINOIS: Industrial components mfr. is planning to invest $50 million for a 200,000 SF expansion and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing, warehouse, and office facility in LAKE ZURICH, IL. They are currently seeking approval for the project. About Industrial SalesLeads, Inc. Since 1959, Industrial SalesLeads, based in Jacksonville, FL is a leader in delivering industrial capital project intelligence and prospecting services for sales and marketing teams to ensure a predictable and scalable pipeline. Our Industrial Market Intelligence identifies timely insights on companies planning significant capital investments such as new construction, expansion, relocation, equipment modernization and plant closings in industrial facilities. The Outsourced Prospecting Services, an extension to your sales team, is designed to drive growth with qualified meetings and appointments for your internal sales team. Visit us at salesleadsinc.com.

Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to make $60 Million available for Zero-Emissions Trucks

Partnership forged with California Air Resources Board, California Climate Investments and CALSTART incentive program The Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles will make $60 million in Clean Truck Fund Rate funding available through the California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) for vouchers toward the purchase of zero-emission, Class 8 drayage trucks that operate at the San Pedro Bay ports complex. The funds will be available to applicants starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, at californiahvip.org. Each port is providing $30 million through the Clean Truck Fund (CTF) Rate, which collects $10 per twenty-foot equivalent unit from cargo owners on loaded containers entering and exiting the port complex. The CTF Rate is a key component of the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan goal of 100% zero-emissions drayage trucks by 2035. The voucher program utilizes the existing HVIP funding application process to provide incentive funding toward eligible zero-emissions truck purchases servicing the port complex. Launched by the California Air Resources Board, HVIP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities similar to those adjacent to the ports. Funding is administered by CALSTART, the current HVIP administrator, on a first-come, first-served basis. Voucher enhancements funded by the ports are $100,000 per truck for fleets with 10 or fewer trucks, and $75,000 for fleets with more than 10 trucks — additional to the HVIP drayage voucher amount of $150,000 per truck and any other applicable HVIP voucher enhancements. The highest potential voucher amount is $250,000 per truck. This funding will support the purchase and deployment of up to 800 new zero-emissions trucks. For a complete list of HVIP funding requirements, including the eligible trucks and dealers, visit californiahvip.org. For drayage purchasers who don’t meet the HVIP requirements for this specific funding – and for other types of vehicles – funds are still available through standard HVIP and other HVIP categories, including over $100 million in other drayage truck funds.

Industrial Construction News: Labs, and Power, Energy and Oil & Gas with Noticeable Increases in October 2023

Research by Industrial SalesLeads experienced industrial market research team, shows 419 new planned industrial projects tracked during the month of November. Planned industrial project activity decreased by 4% from the previous month, however, there were noticeable increases in laboratory, Power / Energy / Oil & Gas. The following are selected highlights of new industrial construction news and project opportunities throughout North America. Planned Industrial Construction – By Project Type: Manufacturing Facilities – 146 New Projects Processing Facilities – 97 New Projects Distribution and Industrial Warehouse – 210 New Projects Power/Energy/Oil and Gas – 3 New Projects Laboratory Facilities – 13 New Projects Mine – 1 New Projects Terminal – 0 New Projects Pipeline – 0 New Projects Planned Industrial Construction – By Scope/Activity New Construction – 181 New Projects Expansion – 116 New Projects Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 125 New Projects Plant Closing – 27 New Projects Planned Industrial Construction – By Location (Top 10 States) Texas – 28 New York – 26 Ohio – 21 Florida – 20 Indiana – 20 North Carolina – 20 Michigan – 19 Illinois – 17 Georgia – 13 Pennsylvania – 13 Largest Planned Industrial Construction Project During the month of November, our research team identified 31 new General Industrial facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more. The largest project is owned by Northvolt AB, which is planning to invest $5 billion in the construction of a manufacturing facility in MCMASTERVILLE, QC. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for late 2026. Top 10 Tracked Industrial Construction Projects ARKANSAS: Specialty gas company is planning to invest $3.5 billion for the construction of a gas-to-liquid processing plant in PINE BLUFF, AR. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction will occur in multiple phases, with completion slated for 2029. INDIANA: Automotive MFR. is planning to invest $3.2 billion for the construction of an EV battery manufacturing facility in KOKOMO, IN. Completion is slated for early 2027. MICHIGAN: Battery MFR. is planning to invest an additional $3 billion for the expansion of its manufacturing facility in HOLLAND, MI. They are currently seeking approval for the project. CALIFORNIA: University is planning to invest $2 billion for the construction of a 1.4 million SF space research and development center in MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2027. LOUISIANA: Fertilizer MFR. is planning to invest $2 billion for the construction of a processing facility in ASCENSION PARISH, LA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. QUEBEC: Specialty steel MFR. is planning to invest $1.7 billion for the construction of a manufacturing facility in SEPT-ILES, QC. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in 2026, with completion slated for 2029. MASSACHUSETTS: Consumer goods mfr. is planning to invest $1 billion for the expansion, renovation, and equipment upgrades at its manufacturing facility in ANDOVER, MA. They will relocate their manufacturing operations from BOSTON, MA upon completion. The project includes the renovation of their corporate campus in BOSTON, MA. INDIANA: Solar panel MFR. is planning to invest $800 million for the construction of a manufacturing facility in JEFFERSONVILLE, IN. Completion is slated for late 2025.  OHIO: Agricultural processing company is planning to invest $500 million in the construction of a soybean processing plant in UPPER SANDUSKY, OH. Construction is expected to start in early 2024. MICHIGAN: Hydrogen technology company is planning to invest $400 million for the construction of a 510,000 sf manufacturing facility in PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, MI. They are currently seeking approval for the project. About Industrial SalesLeads, Inc. Since 1959, Industrial SalesLeads, based in Jacksonville, FL is a leader in delivering industrial capital project intelligence and prospecting services for sales and marketing teams to ensure a predictable and scalable pipeline. Our Industrial Market Intelligence identifies timely insights on companies planning significant capital investments such as new construction, expansion, relocation, equipment modernization, and plant closings in industrial facilities. The Outsourced Prospecting Services, an extension to your sales team, is designed to drive growth with qualified meetings and appointments for your internal sales team. Visit us at salesleadsinc.com.

Emerson’s new edge solution for faster digital transformation

DeltaV Edge Environment provides a sandbox to deploy and run applications with easy, secure, contextualized data access Global technology and software provider Emerson has launched the DeltaV™ Edge Environment, a first-of-its-kind integrated software solution that expands the capabilities of the evolving DeltaV automation platform to provide an operational technology (OT) sandbox for data manipulation, analysis, organization, and more. Teams can deploy and execute applications to run key artificial intelligence (AI) engines and analytics close to the data source with seamless, secure connectivity to contextualized OT data across the cloud and enterprise. The DeltaV Edge Environment empowers teams to deliver operational improvements tied to productivity, sustainability, and other business objectives. Valuable data in intelligent devices, machines, and systems helps enable enterprise-wide analytics, expands operational insight, and feeds the AI engines catalyzing innovation. However, OT data is often trapped beneath layers of systems and networks, adding complexity and removing meaningful context. The DeltaV Edge Environment expands the horizons of the distributed control system (DCS), creating a secure data superhighway where users can seamlessly socialize contextualized data directly with cloud and enterprise applications while also leveraging a built-in execution sandbox—a testing environment for critical innovation tasks such as generating dashboards, running applications and training AI tools. “Operations and IT increasingly rely on data from the control system to optimize production and increase intelligence for OT improvements, sustainability, and other digital transformation initiatives,” said Claudio Fayad, vice president of technology for Emerson’s process systems and solutions business. “The DeltaV Edge Environment is the first step in defining the control system of the future, extending the DeltaV DCS with the capability to move data and configuration easily and securely while simultaneously empowering users to drive innovation as they safely run applications and scripts inside the DCS.” The DeltaV Edge Environment helps production teams meet their need to more easily and securely engage with automation data and manipulate it into actionable information to steer digital transformation. A single, encrypted, outbound-only flow of data helps authorized users ensure they have constant access to near real-time data without the risk of users accessing the control system—a common risk with traditional custom-engineered solutions. Users can run applications for visualization, analytics, alarm management, digital twin simulations, and other needs with the contextualized data available on the DeltaV Edge Environment. OT teams will know the rich data they use is a precise replica, always up to date and fully reflective of the current operating condition. The DeltaV Edge Environment leverages open, common protocols such as OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) to provide contextualized data while standard application programming interfaces like representational state transfer architectural style (REST API) and scripting tools like Python provide the sandbox environment in which users can design and run applications.

Kassow Robots establishes U.S. Sales and Support team

Kassow Robots, a developer of 7-axis industrial cobot solutions for machine tending, material handling, dispensing, and various other applications, has established a U.S.-based team focused on sales and support. Regional Channel Partner Managers Jim Adamski and Collin Ayres and Technical Support Engineer Chris Hapsias will support Kassow Robots’ sales partners, system integrators, and distributors in the U.S. Kassow Robots is part of Bosch Rexroth, which has been its majority owner since 2022. “This team will allow us to work closely with our system integrators and distributors in the United States. They will also extend our reach to new sales partners and markets,” said Dieter Pletscher, Global Sales Manager at Kassow Robots. Jim Adamski is focused on working with the U.S. partner network east of the Mississippi River and in Iowa. He joined the Kassow Robots team earlier this year and has previous experience with Bosch Rexroth. He’s worked in the factory automation industry for more than 30 years. Adamski looks forward to helping U.S. companies automate their operations efficiently and manage labor challenges. “Kassow Robots has a great lineup of 7-axis robots that are easy to set up and program,” Adamski said. “There is vast array of potential applications, such as machine tending, welding, dispensing, and palletizing, that these cobots are equipped to handle because of their flexibility.” Collin Ayres recently joined the Kassow Robots team after receiving his mechanical engineering degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. As Regional Channel Partner Manager, he focuses on helping Kassow Robots expand its presence in North America and supporting sales partners in the western part of the U.S. “It’s an exciting time to be working in automation, and I’ve enjoyed seeing users’ response to interacting with the Kassow Robots cobots at events over the past several months,” Ayres said. “The 7-axis lightweight robots were made for industrial use and enable automation for operations even in the most confined spaces.” The latest addition to the U.S. team is technical support engineer Chris Hapsias. He is responsible for providing technical support and training for Kassow Robots’ U.S. distributor network. He brings four years of factory automation experience, specifically in the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) space. “The added range of motion the seventh axis provides for the KR Series robots is impressive,” Hapsias said. “They are user-friendly, with an intuitive tablet-based user interface that allows beginners to program these cobots with little training and robotics pros to dive deeper to program complex operations.” Kassow Robots’ 7-axis lightweight cobots offer small footprints and increased maneuverability. The unique seventh axis, or “wrist joint,” enables continuous dispensing, welding, and material removal applications, regardless of access angle, without the need to reorient the arm. The cobots are easy to program and operate after a short introduction, allowing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) without robotics specialists to implement automation cost-effectively and independently.

PLASTICS Industry Association releases Global Trends Report, underscores strong global demand for plastics

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) released its annual Global Trends report today during a press briefing and keynote address at PLASTIMAGEN ® MÉXICO. “According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), global trade volume expanded by 2.7% in 2022. The remarkable 9.7% growth in the U.S. plastics industry’s trade volume for 2022, surpassing global merchandise trade, underscores the strong global demand for plastics,” said Dr. Perc Pineda, PhD, PLASTICS’ Chief Economist. “As we look ahead to 2023, the WTO anticipates a 0.8% increase in world merchandise trade volume. Data from the first half of this year indicates a decline in plastics trade volume compared to the same period last year. However, during this time, the U.S. trade balance shifted from a deficit (-$5.2 billion) to a surplus ($1.0 billion). It would not be surprising to see the U.S. plastics industry’s trade volume in 2023 once again outpacing the growth in total global merchandise volume,” Pineda added. “The decelerating economic growth in China may pose a challenge for the U.S. plastics industry, given that China ranks as the third-largest export market for U.S. plastics. Although the U.S. maintains an overall trade deficit with China in the plastics sector, it’s worth noting that the U.S. enjoys a $3.1 billion trade surplus in resin, making it the second-largest country in terms of resin trade surplus, trailing only Mexico,” said Pineda. “The U.S. plastics industry remaining a key player in the global plastics trade shows the importance of our industry and the essential nature of plastics,” said PLASTICS President and CEO, Matt Seaholm. “Our members continue to innovate and invest in new ways to make products even better and more sustainable, while continuing to provide essential materials that improve lives across the globe.” Among the highlights found in the Global Trends report: U.S. plastics industry exports rose 11.8% and imports rose 7.2%. The overall plastics trade deficit fell to $7.4 billion in 2022 from $10.0 billion in 2021 as the global economy continued to recover from the pandemic in 2020. According to the Global Trends, the apparent consumption of plastics industry goods in the U.S., an indicator of demand, increased 13.7% to $393.3 billion, up from $345.9 billion in 2021, which underscores the benefits that plastics and plastics products on the economy. Global plastics trade volume is estimated to have reached $1.7 trillion with China, the United States, and Germany ranked the top three players in the global plastics trade, based on PLASTICS’ annual Global Plastics Ranking®. The U.S. plastics industry had its largest trade surplus with Mexico of $11.0 billion, followed by Belgium ($2.9 billion), Brazil ($2.4 billion), the Netherlands ($881 million), and Singapore ($854 million). “The trade connections among the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are robust and deeply embedded, largely owing to the United States-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement. These three nations stand out as key trade partners across the entire spectrum of the plastics industry, evident from the substantial $258.8 billion trade volume in resin and plastics products in 2022,” concluded Pineda. Interested parties worldwide will find the Global Trends report and its accompanying dataset provide a comprehensive account of U.S. plastics exports and imports worldwide in each of the four categories of the plastics industry – resin, products, machinery and molds. The report is also the only plastics trade report that includes trade analysis outlining the movement of resins and plastics that are embedded in goods that the U.S. both exports and imports. An executive summary and the full PLASTICS’ Global Trends report is available to Plastics Industry Association members online at: https://www.plasticsindustry.org/data-report/global-trends-2023/

Kinetic Technologies unveils HT Headstock-Tailstock Positioners to Revolutionize Cobot Welding Automation

Kinetic Technologies, an innovator of positioners, fixtures, and tooling for industrial automation cells, has announced the launch of their newest positioning system for cobot welding, the HTheadstock-tailstock positioner family, a transformational addition to their product portfolio. The positioners will disrupt the world of cobot welding and offer performance, quality, and efficiency improvements for welding operators and production managers. The HT product family delivers a remarkable level of versatility to welding automation. Unlike traditional flat tables, the servo-driven headstock rotating positioners with a fixed tailstock allow for part positioning accuracy down to 0.01 degrees, offering nearly infinite jog table locations and the ability to rotate during welding. This flexibility maximizes arc-on time and ensures superior part quality at the same time. The industry needs for the HT Positioners are clear. Mark Barglof, Owner of Kinetic Technologies, said, “Industrial robot cells have employed positioning systems for decades, and very few industrial welding cells out on manufacturing floors today do not include a positioner, however, very few cobot welding cells utilize positioning systems today.” With the HT1, manufacturing leaders can realize the full potential of cobot welding, providing more consistent, higher-quality welds. This approach provides a distinct competitive advantage over companies using industrial automation, but not positioning. Mr. Barglof said, “We are excited to release the HT product family to our customers. We have heard from many customers that their parts would be best handled using a headstock-tailstock configuration. We have found that our ability to provide customers with turn-key welding automation cells has increased tenfold by adopting the HT configuration.” Moreover, Kinetic Technologies is launching its new RT Lite rotary welding table in addition to the HT positioners. The RT Lite is a modified version of their RT1 turntable, which was launched back in November 2022 at FABTECH. The RT Lite features the same load capacity as the RT1 at a lower price point for those who don’t need the cobot fixed to the table. Kinetic’s RT rotary positioners are specially designed cobot-controlled rotary tables that help to optimize welding capacity for cobots. With a range of advanced features and the ability to optimize part positioning, Kinetic Technologies’ positioners ensure high weld quality, consistency, and production efficiency, making them an invaluable addition to their cobot welding operation.

Hy-Brid Lifts announces Director of Sales for Southeast United States

Hy-Brid Lifts announces David Price as director of sales covering the southeast United States. Price’s responsibilities include providing customer support as well as continuing the growth and channel development of the Hy-Brid Lifts line of low-level scissor lifts. “I am excited to join this team and look forward to the opportunity to work with our customers. Coming from the rental industry, I understand the importance of quality equipment and customer service backed by a solid service department,” said Price. “After touring the production facility and meeting the Hy-Brid Lifts family, it’s no surprise that this company is continuing to grow, and I look forward to being a part of that growth.” Price brings 12 years of industry experience to his new role, largely derived from his time in the rental equipment industry with United Rentals, Blueline Rentals and Equipmentshare. He spent a majority of his time in sales management with a strong emphasis on customer service and going above and beyond for every customer. “The entire Hy-Brid Lifts team is excited to have David on board to serve the southeast United States. David has a wealth of sales and rental industry knowledge that will strengthen our ability to serve our customers,” said Dave Wanta, Custom Equipment LLC vice president of sales. “David is a valuable addition to the team, and we look forward to the contributions that he will provide for our company’s continued growth.”

U.S. Rail Traffic for the week ending November 4, 2023

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending November 4, 2023. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 484,757 carloads and intermodal units, down 1.7 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending November 4 were 224,415 carloads, down 5.2 percent compared with the same week in 2022, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 260,342 containers and trailers, up 1.5 percent compared to 2022. Three of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2022. They were motor vehicles and parts, up 357 carloads, to 14,841; farm products excl. grain, and food, up 274 carloads, to 17,101; and petroleum and petroleum products, up 267 carloads, to 9,527. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2022 included grain, down 3,655 carloads, to 21,395; coal, down 3,017 carloads, to 65,298; and nonmetallic minerals, down 2,562 carloads, to 31,218. For the first 44 weeks of 2023, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 9,920,836 carloads, up 0.1 percent from the same point last year; and 10,665,407 intermodal units, down 7.0 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 44 weeks of 2023 was 20,586,243 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 3.7 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending November 4, 2023, on 12 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 337,189 carloads, down 2.0 percent compared with the same week last year, and 339,433 intermodal units, down 0.5 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 676,622 carloads and intermodal units, down 1.2 percent. North American rail volume for the first 44 weeks of 2023 was 28,833,863 carloads and intermodal units, down 3.4 percent compared with 2022. Canadian railroads reported 97,307 carloads for the week, up 2.5 percent, and 67,421 intermodal units, down 10.7 percent compared with the same week in 2022. For the first 44 weeks of 2023, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 7,008,124 carloads, containers and trailers, down 3.4 percent. Mexican railroads reported 15,467 carloads for the week, up 24.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 11,670 intermodal units, up 29.6 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 44 weeks of 2023 was 1,239,496 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 3.4 percent from the same point last year. To view the rail traffic charts, click here.

Episode 435: Velostics – Streamlining warehouse scheduling with AI

In the latest episode of The New Warehouse podcast, Kevin sits down with Gaurav Khandelwal, CEO and founder of Velostics, to shed light on the revolutionary strides his company is making in the industry. Velostics has been carving its niche by creating custom logistics software for heavyweight industries, ranging from oil and gas to e-commerce, delivering solutions that transcend the typical boundaries of operational efficiency. Whether it’s the lines of trucks waiting outside plants, driver fatigue, detention frustrations, or rigorous compliance with ELD mandates, Velostics provides a novel approach to automate the traditionally manual scheduling processes, a solution poised to transform how plants and warehouses operate. But Velostics is more than just about automation; it’s a story of delayed disruption in the critical relationship between shippers and brokers and the intricate check-in and check-out operations. Please tune in to uncover how Velostics drives the warehousing industry forward and the potential impacts of its AI-powered solutions on your operations. Streamlining Warehouse Scheduling: Lessons from the Digital World The traditional approach to warehouse scheduling, as Khandelwal analogizes, resembles “the old school Craigslist” – a one-size-fits-all solution buried within warehouse management systems (WMS), yard management systems (YMS), or transportation management systems (TMS) that treated scheduling as an afterthought. This has led to a cumbersome process, with “20 clicks to get an appointment or change an appointment,” hardly aligning with the agility needed in modern logistics. Khandelwal’s company leaps forward, offering a “branded website” for shippers, where appointments for pickups and deliveries can be automated based on various factors, streamlining what was once a labyrinthine task. This digitization of scheduling extends beyond mere convenience. As Khandelwal underlines, it’s also about optimizing dock usage and labor management, reducing detention times, and, ultimately, cost savings. “It’s all set around optimization,” he stresses, ensuring that “the truck in and out as fast and as safely as possible” is the norm, not the exception. Harnessing AI for Enhanced Warehouse Scheduling Khandelwal captures the essence of this advancement, “Where our customers want it, we can integrate with their visibility provider… we can let the customer know… Do you want me to move this appointment automatically?” Warehouses are no longer static spaces but intelligent hubs that react and adapt in real time. Khandelwal’s insight into the power of predictive analytics in anticipating delays is a testament to the evolving landscape, “We started to notice…certain lanes, certain brokers, certain type of shippers, those trucks are like, you know, 10 percent late, 20 percent late.” Such data-driven foresight enables warehouses to mitigate the domino effect of delayed shipments, which can ripple through the supply chain, causing significant operational disruption. It’s this level of detail that AI captures and analyzes, providing recommendations to ensure warehouses stay a step ahead. For instance, he elucidates the benefits of this intelligent system, “…70 percent of the time, this truck’s not shown up when it said it would. Do you want to keep an opening for later in the day?” The potential of AI to actively suggest operational changes ensures warehouses aren’t just receivers of goods but proactive players in a larger, interconnected supply chain. Key Takeaways Innovation Through Customization: Velostics is setting a new standard in logistics software by offering tailored solutions that cater to the unique demands of industries as varied as oil and gas to e-commerce. Their innovative approach redefines the efficiency of check-in and check-out operations in warehouses and plants. Digital Transformation of Scheduling: By creating an automated, customizable “branded website” for shippers, Velostics is revolutionizing the appointment setting process. This leap forward not only enhances dock utilization and labor management but also significantly cuts down on detention times, leading to substantial cost savings. Predictive Power of AI: Integrating AI with real-time data provides unprecedented predictive analytics, enabling warehouses to adjust to delays and maintain smooth operations proactively. This shift from reactive to proactive management positions warehouses as pivotal players in a responsive and integrated supply chain. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 435: Velostics – Streamlining Warehouse Scheduling with AI

Hyster-Yale Group recognizes National STEM Day with manufacturing engineering and innovation programs

Major manufacturer of forklifts and related technologies collaborates with non-profit, universities across the country to foster opportunity and innovation among students pursuing careers in engineering Coinciding with National STEM Day, Hyster-Yale Group announces several milestones and opportunities for engineering students through its longstanding collaborations with academic and career development programs from coast to coast. The company is sponsoring dozens of senior capstone projects, providing mentorship and internship opportunities, opening a new innovation lab and lending industry perspective to new university engineering programs. Innovation Lab at the University of Portland The Hyster-Yale Group Innovation Lab will resume in January 2024 at the new Shiley-Marcos Center for Design and Innovation at the University of Portland. The lab was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic and construction of the new facility. The lab, which has been a model for other industry-university cooperation, immerses student interns in real engineering and product development projects. Four interns have already been hired into development and innovation roles with the company. The lab is led by Chief Technologist of Innovation for Hyster-Yale Group, Ed Stilwell, who created and taught an innovation course for several years at the university. Internships and advisory councils The company works with other colleges in the communities where it operates to provide internship opportunities, including East Carolina University, Berea College, Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky. Hyster-Yale Group also serves alongside companies such as Lockheed Martin and Lexmark on the Eastern Kentucky University engineering advisory council. Anthony Wasson, Value Stream Manager, and Ken Deters, Director of Service Operations, are active on the council, which was established to provide industry perspective to the development and operation of the school’s new degree program in manufacturing engineering. At East Carolina University, the Warranty and Quality Improvement Manager for Hyster-Yale Group, John Roberson, also serves on an engineering advisory council. Hyster-Yale Group’s Counterbalanced Development Center (CBDC) in Oregon is in the planning process for 2024 internships with the Multiple Engineering Co-Operative Program (MECOP), a non-profit that works with member companies and universities in the Pacific Northwest to cultivate the highest level of engineering and business graduates by bridging academic theory with industry reality. Since 2000, more than 95 interns across mechanical, electrical, computer engineering and computer science disciplines have worked at the CBDC supporting various product development projects. At least 15 former MECOP interns are employed across the development team, working in design, validation, program management, software and simulation or virtual testing. Hyster-Yale Group posts internship opportunities for fall, spring and summer semesters at several locations. To learn more about all available internship opportunities or to apply, visit https://hyster-yalecareers.com/. University capstone projects Each year, the CBDC sponsors capstone projects for 35 to 40 seniors from local universities. The students work in teams on eight to 10 real-world and often multi-discipline engineering problems provided by Hyster-Yale Group. In Greenville, North Carolina, the company’s Warehouse Product Development Center and manufacturing facility also host engineering students from East Carolina University completing their capstone projects. In both cases, students are guided through the process of developing viable solutions by mentors from the company, accessing valuable experience and insight to the field and developing relationships in the industry as they progress. Student teams have created specialized test equipment, innovative human-machine interfaces, improvements to forklift operator comfort, new sensing methods and other innovations at the leading edge of the materials handling industry.

Gebrüder Weiss announces strategic partnership with PartsCloud

Gebrüder Weiss, an international transport and logistics company with a 500-year history, announced a new strategic partnership with PartsCloud, a LaaS (Logistics-as-a-Service) start-up that digitizes spare parts logistics for engineering and plant construction. PartsCloud is based in Stuttgart, Germany, and the grand opening of its new Chicago warehouse represents its first entry point into the U.S. market. “Spare parts logistics in engineering and plant construction is very complex, and Gebrüder Weiss can provide support based on our many years of logistics know-how,” says Lothar Thoma, Managing Director Air & Sea at Gebrüder Weiss. Moreover, we believe in the business model of PartsCloud, and there is still immense potential for standardization and digitization in industrial spare parts logistics.” PartsCloud co-founders Benjamin Reichenecker and Fabian Gemmecke founded the company in 2021 with the mission to create a global logistics network that people can use through a simple interface. Engineering and plant construction is one of their native Germany’s leading export and innovation sectors, but lack of digitization has created procurement challenges. Machine downtime in production plants costs these businesses an average of 13.5 million euros per month. The cooperation with Gebrüder Weiss enables PartsCloud to smoothly transfer its established standard operating model and its fulfillment processes in Germany to the U.S. “Our LaaS platform puts our customers in full control and offers standardized interfaces for efficient logistics,” says Reichenecker, CEO of PartsCloud. “We are proud to work with a logistics provider as experienced and reputable as Gebrüder Weiss as we partner to bring this interface to customers in North, Central, and South America.” In addition to its US expansion, PartsCloud plans to open markets in Asia, Mexico, the UK and the Middle East.

Bobcat expands in new facility in Monterrey, Mexico

$300 million investment aims to boost production capacity to support customer demand and company growth Bobcat Company  has announced their intentions to expand its footprint with a new manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, anticipated to begin production in early 2026. The investment, planned for approximately $300 million, will expand Bobcat’s existing global footprint to create additional production capacity and manufacturing capabilities for select compact track and skid-steer loader models. The new facility is expected to create an additional 600 to 800 jobs in the region. “As a global company with manufacturing facilities, offices, dealerships and customers across the globe, we have seen tremendous growth and increased demand for our products,” said Scott Park, Doosan Bobcat CEO and vice chairman. “We are excited to continue growing our footprint to meet demand for Bobcat solutions worldwide.” The 700,000-square-foot manufacturing facility is expected to increase Bobcat’s North American compact loader production capacity by 20%. The facility will feature areas for welding, painting and assembly, as well as an on-site warehouse and office space. Bobcat will implement state-of-the-art technology with an emphasis on quality, precision and energy efficiency. The Monterrey location will manufacture Bobcat M-Series compact loaders for North American distribution. This strategic manufacturing capacity alignment will allow Bobcat to focus its industry-leading R-Series compact loader production at its Gwinner, N.D. facility, and its Dobris, Czech Republic facility will continue to manufacture M-Series loaders for the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions. Bobcat will continue to focus on talent retention and hiring at all locations in support of continued expansion and growth. “This new facility allows us to design a manufacturing space for maximum efficiency, quality and production output,” said Mike Ballweber, Doosan Bobcat North America president. “By growing our manufacturing footprint, we can also further optimize our other global facilities to improve our operational efficiency and enhance employees’ workspaces.” This new location was selected after extensive review and consideration of expansions at existing Bobcat locations, along with the potential for new developments at locations across the globe. Monterrey was selected for its well-established industrial sector, skilled workforce, proximity to the U.S., cost competitiveness and strong business environment, among other factors.