Crowley invests in REPOWR to accelerate sustainability in supply chains
Asset-Sharing Platform and Network Optimization Solution Will Aid Logistics Providers Crowley, a global transportation and logistics provider, announced a venture investment in REPOWR, a logistics-technology start-up, bringing a technology platform for equipment and asset usage and sharing to the supply chain industry. The platform enables companies to seamlessly share logistics equipment, increasing performance while reducing the environmental impact of ownership. Through the partnership, the companies will advance sustainable solutions for supply chain management for a wider market. REPOWR has developed a collaborative asset-sharing platform, connecting logistics companies with more data and analytics to reduce underutilized assets. The platform and its Universal Trailer Network have gained significant traction in domestic trucking, and under REPOWR’s strategy, even greater network effects will be achieved as the platform is applied across other transportation modes. Through this partnership, Crowley will enable REPOWR to accelerate the diversification and expansion of its asset-sharing model, empowering international logistics businesses to share assets with the same ease and security as their domestic counterparts. The partnership also enables Crowley to explore new network opportunities by leveraging REPOWR’s platform and expertise. “We are excited to partner with REPOWR to integrate our asset network with others on the platform to create sustainable solutions for our customers, said Tom Crowley, company Chairman and CEO. “Our investment in REPOWR advances Crowley’s commitment to sustainability and further solidifies innovation as part of our strategic growth. This collaboration is a significant step towards the future of sustainable and efficient logistics.” The two companies recently completed a successful pilot where Crowley leveraged the REPOWR platform to rebalance chassis pools across its network while generating revenue and strengthening relationships with existing carrier partners. Crowley increased network efficiencies and asset utilization, highlighting the opportunity this partnership affords for supply chains globally. “As a young company, we are thrilled to partner with a company that has led our industry with such impressive class and innovation for well over a century,” said Patrick Visintainer, CEO of REPOWR. “Our early success with Crowley is a wonderful springboard to further network optimization, and we look forward to helping them and other companies with whom they network on the REPOWR platform to realize maximum asset utilization.”
150k Picking Robots to be installed by 2030… and we’re only scratching the surface
Substantial and accelerating growth is predicted for the robotic picking sector over the coming years, as labor costs rise, and the cost of robots fall. At Interact Analysis, we forecast there will be just over 150,000 picking robots installed by 2030, with annual shipments jumping from less than 2,000 in 2022 to just above 50,000 by the end of the decade. Demand for robotic picking is expected to pick up pace towards the end of the forecast period. However, this is just the beginning and we’re going to see a large increase in adoption over the coming years, which will speed up as the benefits of robotic picking become more apparent. The uptake will be driven by rising wage costs in warehouses, labor shortages, and the rapid development of AI and machine vision technology. The information in this insight provides a top-level summary of key industry trends and is taken from our upcoming Robotic Picking Report, which provides an in-depth look at the robotic picking market as a whole. Falling robot costs, rising wage bills Over time, the cost of warehouse labor is increasing, while the cost of robotic picking is gradually coming down. Picking tasks in warehouses is extremely repetitive, and companies across the world have struggled to recruit and retain warehouse operators for several years, driving up the cost of labor. At the same time, we expect the price of robotic picking to come down significantly over the coming years, largely driven by pricing pressures for robotic arms and machine vision software. By 2030, we expect the average price of picking robots will drop by 40%, while the cost of warehouse labor will increase by approximately 30% over the same period. Changing roles for warehouse employees The types of roles carried out within a warehouse are changing over time. Historically, most employees have been very mobile due to the nature of person-to-goods picking. However, the rise of automation is leading to the growth of static manipulation roles within warehouses. We estimate there will be around 7.5 million global full-time equivalents (FTE) employees performing static manipulation tasks by 2030, which is more than double that of 2022. The growth of static manipulation roles is expected to be a large driver for the adoption of robotic picking. AI technology improvements driving the market Improvements to AI machine vision technology increase the range of items that can be manipulated by robots and boost the success rate of each pick. We currently assume that for every 3-5 robots, there will be a full-time equivalent (FTE) employee supervising them. However, we expect this will increase to one FTE per 7-10 robots by 2030, improving the unit economics. What’s more, improved AI machine vision and path-planning increase the speed of robotic picking, further improving ROI. For example, we spoke with a representative of one of the leading robotic picking vendors at ProMat 2023, who mentioned the pick rate of their robotic picking system has increased by 17% year-on-year. Barriers to Entry There are, however, several barriers that the industry must first overcome. Firstly, the cost of robotic picking is still prohibitively high in many scenarios, particularly for one-shift operations. It’s often mentioned that the industrial robots on the market today – which are designed for the automotive industry – are largely over-spec for logistics applications. They include expensive proprietary path-planning motion control software (which is often overwritten by the robotic picking vendors), along with extreme precision capabilities that are not required for warehouse picking operations. As a result, there’s significant demand for cheaper industrial robots that don’t include all the ‘bells and whistles’ found in robots currently on the market. Furthermore, we hear that the programming of robots is still a challenge and requires the expertise of robotic engineers. There are currently 132k robotic engineers in the US and this will need to increase significantly to avoid labor becoming a major bottleneck to market growth. Increasing the labor pool of robotic engineers and reducing the complexity associated with programming industrial robots will be key to widespread adoption. Looking to the future of robotic picking Despite more than 150k picking robots expected to be installed by 2030, this represents just 2% of the number of FTEs forecast to be performing static manipulation tasks that year. As we’ve discussed, there is a convergence of factors that we believe will lead to widespread growth in the robotic picking segment over the next decade. About the Author: Irene joined Interact Analysis in 2022 as one of the warehouse automation industry analysts. She has seven years of experience in industry research and international M&A. Before joining Interact Analysis, Irene worked for a PE firm focusing on investing in global semiconductor companies. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Economics. Irene is based in the UK office. Email: [email protected]
FHI, LLC launches FHI NOW to tackle supply chain staffing challenges
FHI Inc., a supply chain labor workforce services provider, is introducing FHI NOW, an on-demand labor solution, to help companies address the shortage of qualified supply chain workers. The service provides staffing solutions that augment an existing workforce with personnel based on each customer’s specific needs, delivering measurable results at a predictable cost, while enhancing ergonomics and safety measures. All FHI NOW associates are trained in ‘The FHI Way,’ which includes a comprehensive range of standard procedures to ensure workplace safety and improved productivity. Because of their experience, the onboarding and learning curve for FHI NOW team members is extremely short, so they are highly productive from day one. “If your company is facing a labor crisis or there are significant seasonal swings in your volume, FHI NOW is a perfect solution because we provide the trained and reliable workers you need to quickly stabilize the operation and get back to running efficient facilities. Our team members are focused on safety and acclimate to client warehouse environments almost immediately, saving you time and money,” said Ryan Wall, CEO of FHI. FHI NOW is available for most consumer product supply chains, including grocery, food service, apparel, furniture, beverage, healthcare, automotive, construction, and manufacturing. There are more than 1,600 qualified associates in the FHI NOW network, with expertise in selecting, unloading, loading, receiving, order consolidation, replenishment, put-away, shipping, and more. Each FHI NOW team consists of at least 10 associates with onsite leaders who have both warehouse operations and people management experience. FHI can provide 150 associates or more for clients’ locations and has the capacity to deploy teams for several months and even years. To learn more about FHI NOW, visit https://www.fhiworks.com/services/fhinow or contact FHI directly to schedule a consultation.
$4.5 Million STEM Talent Challenge funding opportunity launched to Build a Robust STEM Workforce
The U.S. Economic Development Administration or EDA is now accepting applications for its FY23 STEM Talent Challenge to support programs to train science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) talent and fuel regional innovation economies across the nation. The $4.5 million competition will provide funding for programs that help build a robust STEM workforce in emerging and transformative sectors such as aerospace, aeronautics, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and cybersecurity, among others. Click here for the Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF) Competition applicants may request up to $500,000 for the implementation of a 24-month workforce program that complements their region’s innovation economy. Click here to apply. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. EDT on June 12, 2023. Competitive applications will demonstrate how the program will develop or expand regional STEM workforce capacity to support entrepreneurial ventures, industries of the future, and other innovation-driven businesses. Click here to learn more about past STEM Talent Challenge awardees Eligible applicants include cities, counties, states, other political subdivisions of states, and Tribal Nations; as well as non-profit organizations, public-private partnerships, federal laboratories or science/research parks, institutions of higher education, Economic Development Organizations, and consortia of the aforementioned with government support. For more information including full details on eligibility, visit EDA’s STEM Talent Challenge webpage. EDA’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE) administers the STEM Talent Challenge, which is authorized under Section 30 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Act of 1980. This challenge builds on the momentum of OIE’s Build to Scale Program, which builds regional economies through scalable startups.
Monarch Brands joins Hospeco Brands Group
The move creates a multi-market juggernaut; adds whole product lines, expands microfiber and wiping product offering Two powerful market leaders are joining together to form one powerhouse partnership. Hospeco Brands Group, a United States-based, full-line manufacturer of personal care, cleaning, and protection products to serve the janitorial, industrial supply, automotive, foodservice, healthcare, and hospitality markets, is announcing a merger with Monarch Brands, wholesalers and manufacturers of microfiber, commercial laundry linen, institutional textiles, and wiping products. The move dramatically expands Hospeco Brands Group’s offering of wiping solutions and microfiber and adds complementary new lines to an already robust product mix. With roots established in 1947, Monarch Brands is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and delivers high-quality and value-priced textiles from manufacturers located in 10 nations around the world in Asia, Europe, and Central America. Monarch Brands’ products serve diverse markets, including environmental services, hospitality, institutional, food service, industrial, and janitorial/sanitary, with deep penetration in the whole of North America. Unlike other Hospeco Brands Group brands, Monarch Brands has a solid retail presence with trademarked lines, from opening price points to luxury textiles, in the Americas and around the world. The move adds complementary product lines to Hospeco Brands Group, with some strategic overlap that further deepens the microfiber and wiping product offering. It also creates opportunities for mutual growth as both entities gain new products to offer existing customers. “Joining forces with Monarch Brands exponentially strengthens the position of Hospeco Brands Group in the microfiber and wiper segments — gaining us a near leadership share,” said Bill Hemann, executive vice president of Hospeco Brands Group. “Similarly, Monarch gains the ability to sell Hospeco Brands Group’s complementary products. We are perfect partner brands with aligned goals —providing meaningful product solutions and services through the commercial distribution community that help ensure clean, safe, and productive environments and provide care and comfort to millions around the globe. Our now-shared customer base will immediately recognize the value of our combined resources.” Said Hal Kanefsky, president of Monarch Brands, “This merger is the natural evolution for the growth of Monarch Brands and Hospeco Brands Group. Together, we bring complementing products and talents into a single focus point to benefit all stakeholders. The collective product bundle positions us as an industry leader throughout North America. We are proud to be the newest member of the Hospeco Brands Group and we look forward to growing together in the future.” All key management and sales staff will remain with Monarch Brands. Existing shared distribution in certain key markets is expected to accelerate market penetration. There are no changes to existing customer relationships at this time. To learn more about Hospeco Brands Group’s full line of personal care, cleaning, and protection products to serve the janitorial, industrial supply, food service, healthcare, and hospitality markets—visit www.hospecobrands.com/home.
Toyota Material Handling introduces new Electric Walkie Stacker
Fast charging capability maximizes uptime and productivity; Available for order online at the MyToyota Store Toyota Material Handling has recently launched a new electric walkie-stacker under the brand Tora-Max, adding to the company’s growing portfolio of material handling products and solutions. The Tora-Max Walkie Stacker offers supreme versatility, accessibility, and load stability. The new walkie-stacker adds to Toyota’s industry-leading lineup of electric products and is an ideal solution for customers in the warehousing, manufacturing, beverage, retail, and distribution industries. The new model is available for order online, on the MyToyota Store, and at TMH dealers across North America. “The Tora-Max Walkie Stacker is perfect for customers who need a fast, turnkey solution for their material handling needs,” said Tony Miller, Toyota Material Handling Senior Vice President of Engineering, Operations, and Strategic Planning. “This product launch is the latest example of Toyota’s mission to provide versatile and valuable solutions for any type of customer.” The Tora-Max Walkie Stacker is designed with the versatility to handle light-duty loads and includes pinwheel capability to easily navigate tight aisles and compact spaces with optimal comfort and control. The six different mast options and adjustable base legs provide additional stability and allow operators to fine-tune the equipment to stack a variety of load sizes within the model’s 2,600-pound capacity. The ergonomic hand grips, fingertip controls and directional thumb wheels sustain productivity levels while ensuring operator comfort. The Tora-Max Walking Stacker also includes a 24V lithium-ion battery and a built-in charger for faster charging times. The charger works with standard wall outlets, and regenerative braking keeps any operation running efficiently. Additional features available with this model include an LCD battery indicator screen, which shows battery usage and fault codes, and a PIN code access or RFID access panel to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized use.
Plus One Robotics appoints Ben Gines as Senior Project Manager
Plus One Robotics, a provider of advanced robot vision perception software and solutions for parcel handling systems performing over one million picks per day, has announced the hiring of Ben Gines as senior project manager. Gines is responsible for leading projects from initial customer engagement to robotic solution delivery. “Ben’s deep experience within the robotics industry has provided him an exceptional combination of automation and system integration expertise,” said Crystal Parrott, Chief Operating Officer at Plus One. “We know that he will energize our system engineering team and help us strengthen customer relationships by delivering solutions that exceed expectations.” Gines specializes in turnkey control system integration and has experience working with notable organizations like Fanuc America Corporation, ABB Robotics, and Yaskawa Motoman. Other areas of expertise include OEM product design, capital project management, vendor oversight, and end-user relationship management. Prior to joining Plus One Robotics, Gines was the innovation director at Automated and the robotics execution project manager at Dematic. Gines has a Bachelor of Science in electrical automation and robotic engineering from Utah Valley University and a Master of Engineering in engineering management from Ohio State University.
Toshiba promotes Steven Sauer to Chief Revenue Officer
Toshiba America Business Solutions has promoted its president of Toshiba Business Solutions Steven Sauer to the role of Chief Revenue Officer. The 28-year industry veteran and 19-year Toshiba executive is now primarily responsible for increasing the company’s revenue and profitability via its United States direct and indirect sales channels. With a background in corporate banking, Sauer began his career in the industry as the chief operating officer of Business Methods, Inc., a reseller of multifunction printers, commercial audio-visual systems, and IT solutions in Rochester, N.Y. He soon after became president and owner, during which time he more than doubled revenues to $30 million and grew the business to a highly profitable and reputable local dealership. Upon selling the business to Toshiba in 2004, Sauer became president of TBS New York. Sauer has held a variety of sales positions regionally and nationally at Toshiba. For the past three years, Sauer oversaw sales, professional services, and operational management of TBS’ four regions with nearly 100 locations across the United States. In this role, he successfully navigated Toshiba’s direct sales channel through the pandemic while also dramatically increasing the company’s managed print as a service, software solutions, and major account businesses. “Steven’s impact spanning his time with us at Toshiba is immeasurable,” states Toshiba America Business Solutions President and Chief Executive Officer Larry White. “Steven brought the best practices he learned as a dealer to our own offices and business. He and his teams consistently expanded our sales operations while elevating our profitability. I’m thrilled by the greater impact he can make since he understands how to drive success both at the independent dealer level and at the national level.” “Truly looking forward to engaging with our entire reseller community while ultimately providing Toshiba’s clients with premium technology that enables them to operate as efficiently as possible,” says Sauer. “I’m here to collaboratively lead our sales organizations while providing the best possible support to these teams.” Toshiba’s newly minted CRO has received recognition as a Rochester, New York Chamber of Commerce ‘Small Businessperson of the Year,’ Rochester Business Journal Forty Under 40 recipient, Mental Health Association of Rochester/Monroe County ‘Volunteer of the Year,’ and ENX Magazine Difference Maker. Sauer is also highly involved in elevating Rochester by serving on the community board of Genesee Regional Bank. He has additionally served as vice chairman of Unity Health System, president of the Mental Health Association of Rochester/Monroe County, chairperson of the Young Entrepreneur Organization, and spent a decade coaching a Rochester youth hockey team. Sauer holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York College at Geneseo. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School Executive Education Owner/President Management Program.
Bally Ribbon Mills announces 100th Anniversary
Family lead business celebrates a century of textile innovation Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM), an industry provider in the design, development, and manufacture of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics, announces its 100th Anniversary. Since BRM’s founding in 1923 as a custom textile manufacturer in Bally, PA, the company has provided products for aerospace, defense, medical, safety, automotive, commercial, and industrial applications used around the world. A small representation of BRM’s accomplishments over the past century includes the production of goods for the war effort in World War II, maintaining a continuous ISO quality program for close to 30 years, and numerous contracts, including with the U.S. Military, Department of Defense, and NASA. BRM’s work with NASA includes using composite material in the construction of the heat shield used on NASA’s Orion spacecraft. BRM has been praised by NASA for its ability to answer every specification and challenge. “As a family business, Bally Ribbon Mills is extremely proud to be a trusted partner by some of the largest, well-known companies and agencies from around the world,” said Mark Harries, Vice President, at Bally Ribbon Mills. “Our success has been based on a long-term vision of growth, built around our high-quality engineered fabrics manufactured in America, our skilled employees, and our reputation as a trusted advisor to customers. We will continue to stay at the forefront of technology for all of the industries we serve, just as we have over the past 100 years.” BRM continues to expand and innovate at its Bally, PA facility through the addition of new equipment, departments, and employees.
Women In Trucking Association Awards Truck to Female Owner-Operator
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) announced the winner of its second truck giveaway in the last five years. WIT gave away a 2018 Volvo VNL670 truck, which includes a Volvo VED13 engine and a double-bunk sleeper, to Angelique Temple, owner-operator of Virginia-based Tornado Transport LLC during WIT’s Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event on March 31 at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Ky. The truck was donated by Kansas City-based Arrow Truck Sales, which is a source of used heavy- and medium-duty trucks with locations across the U.S. and Canada. Temple has more than 20 years of experience in the trucking industry. She began her career in the industry in 1999 as a HAZMAT driver and trainer for Oil Transport and became a HAZMAT driver and certified trainer for Atlantic Bulk Carrier. In 2021 she started her own company, Tornado Transport LLC, through which she hauls dry foods, medical supplies, and most anything that doesn’t need to be refrigerated. This additional truck she was awarded will enable Temple to expand her capabilities in her business as well as actively introduce professional truck driving opportunities to young girls during high school career days. Temple has been an active member of the WIT Image Team since 2015, through which she regularly grants interviews, speaks at events, and does ride-alongs when needed. She was recently inducted into the Howes Hall of Fame and has been selected to be one of the new voices of safety for FMCSA’s Our Roads, Our Safety Program. She also is active in her community feeding the homeless and securing Christmas gifts for local families. “I’m still in shock that I won this truck,” says Temple. “Having this truck will expand my capabilities in my business and also will give me the ability to regularly talk with women about getting into the industry through events, my social media accounts, radio interviews, and conversations about new opportunities in trucking,” said Temple. WIT received more than 30 applications for the 2023 Truck Giveaway last fall. Qualified applicants were at least 23 years old, hold a valid commercial driver’s license, and are a member of WIT. Applicants completed an application form and submitted a short essay on why it is important to attract more women into the trucking industry.
Johnson Controls appoints Julie Brandt as Vice President and President, Building Solutions North America
Johnson Controls, the global provider of smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has named Julie Brandt as vice president and president, Building Solutions North America (BSNA), effective today. As the leader of BSNA, Brandt will be responsible for strategy and execution for the $9B North American direct-channel business. She will focus on capturing market leadership, driving operational excellence, and accelerating growth by delivering a diverse portfolio of solutions for a variety of industries – from schools to office buildings, arenas to hospitals – to create healthier, more secure, and more enriching environments for BSNA customers. “Julie brings a wealth of knowledge to this role, with more than 27 years of proven experience leading profitable businesses, building diverse winning teams, and improving customer satisfaction to ensure consistent growth and service excellence,” said George Oliver, chairman and CEO, Johnson Controls. “Her vision for the future, coupled with her motivation to build a world-class, highly engaged team will be instrumental as we help more than 3 million North America customers create spaces that improve well-being, achieve climate goals and deliver greater efficiency and productivity through smart, autonomous buildings.” Brandt joins Johnson Controls from Otis Elevator Company, where she most recently held the role of executive vice president and general manager, U.S. Western Region with full P&L responsibility across 28 states. Brandt has lived and worked in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. She spent most of her career with Otis, holding roles of increasing responsibility within the branch and general management, operations, field execution, sales, marketing, communications, and business development. “Johnson Controls is on an incredible journey with a rich history of innovation and an unwavering focus on customer excellence,” said Brandt. “I am excited to be joining such a strong team and industry leader in the building’s space that is truly transforming the world around us.” Brandt earned an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Marketing from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business as well as leadership certifications from Harvard Business School. Brandt will be based at Johnson Controls’ U.S. headquarters in Milwaukee.
ASSP elections highlighted by Thornton’s upcoming move to president
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the world’s oldest professional safety organization, has announced its new leaders from the 2023 Society elections. All terms begin July 1. James Thornton will serve as ASSP president for 2023-24. “Our Society’s strength is rooted in our dedicated volunteers and their desire to take on key leadership positions,” said ASSP President Christine Sullivan, CSP, ARM, whose term ends June 30. “Engaged safety professionals have always defined ASSP, keeping it vibrant and advancing worker safety and health everywhere.” ASSP’s top elected positions – all part of its Board of Directors – are president, president-elect, senior vice president, vice president of finance and directors-at-large. Each is a one-year term, except for the three-year terms of the vice president of finance and directors-at-large. The annual succession of leaders from senior vice president to president-elect, and from president-elect to president, is automatic. Following are snapshots of ASSP’s newly elected leaders, whose influence and contributions will help shape the Society and the profession while sustaining the organization as a global leader for workplace safety and health. • President James Thornton, CSP, CIH, FASSP, FAIHA, is president of consulting firm Alpha Industries LLC and previously directed safety and health for 40 years at Huntington Ingalls Industries, the nation’s largest military shipbuilder. He is an ASSP Fellow with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and master’s degree in industrial hygiene. An ASSP member since 1998, Thornton resides in Hampton, VA. • President-Elect Pam Walaski, CSP, FASSP, is a senior program director with Specialty Technical Consultants Inc. and teaches occupational safety and health courses at several universities across the country. She is an ASSP Fellow with 30 years of experience. Her honors include ASSP’s Charles V. Culbertson Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. A member since 2003, Walaski will be president in 2024-25. She resides in Templeton, PA. • Senior Vice President Linda Tapp, CSP, ALCM, CPTD, is president of SafetyFUNdamentals, an occupational safety training and consulting firm. She currently serves on the Board of Directors as vice president of finance. Tapp was ASSP’s Safety Professional of the Year in 2007. She has a master’s degree in environmental health. An ASSP member since 1989, Tapp will be president in 2025-26. She resides in Madison, NJ. • Vice President of Finance Thomas Kramer, P.E., CSP, is the managing principal for LJB Inc. He returns to the Board of Directors after serving as a director-at-large from 2019-22. He was ASSP’s Safety Professional of the Year in 2016. He holds an MBA from Miami University in Ohio and a master’s degree in structural engineering from the University of Cincinnati. An ASSP member since 2000, Kramer resides in Springboro, OH. • Director-at-Large Stephanie Johnson, CSP, CHMM, is the area manager of Global Real Estate, EHS, at AT&T, leading the EHS tank program nationwide. She has nearly 20 years of occupational safety and health experience. Johnson served as Southwest Chapter president and Region 3 North Area director. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Texas at Austin. A member since 2007, Johnson resides in Duncanville, TX. Joining these five leaders on ASSP’s 2023-24 Board of Directors are Directors-at-Large Steven Gray, CSP, CHST; Tim Page-Bottorff, CSP, CIT; and Daniel Snyder, Ed.D., CSP, CHST, OHST, CIT. Jennifer McNelly, CAE, has served as the Society’s CEO since 2018. Candidates for the board must be professional members who possess specific qualifications. The criteria include involvement in an ASSP committee or task force, a record of positive contributions to the occupational safety and health profession, support and understanding of the Society’s vision, and being an effective motivator who is results-driven. Find a complete list of the Society’s 2023 election results on the ASSP website.
Episode 374: Sustainable Power Solutions – EnerSys
In this episode of The New Warehouse, Harold Vanasse, Senior Director of Marketing at EnerSys, joins Kevin at ProMat 2023. Harold talks about the new EnerSys products and how they are helping warehouses with efficiency and sustainability. He also discusses some of the challenges warehouse managers face today and how they provide solutions to them. Be sure to tune in for this episode and learn about EnerSys and its innovative approach to powering the warehouse! ProMat 2023 – Trends and Challenges Harold and Kevin discuss their perspectives on ProMat 2023 and what they are hearing from attendees. Labor shortage continues to be an issue in the industry, and it remains a pressing challenge for companies to overcome. Equipment procurement also presents a challenge since it takes a lot of time, which affects productivity and operations. Sustainable power solutions have also been a big topic this year, with many companies looking for innovative solutions to minimize their carbon footprint and boost energy efficiency. At EnerSys, they have been receiving a lot of inquiries about how to achieve the goal of reducing emissions while improving operational efficiency. One way to reduce labor costs is through automation, with many companies looking for ways to automate some jobs and critical processes. This approach results from the difficulty in finding workers to fill roles, which is only getting more urgent. To stay competitive, companies are also prioritizing investment in the latest technology solutions and getting up-to-date on the total cost of ownership. Companies are looking for cost-effective strategies to maintain and operate their equipment. Overview of Automation, Electrification, and No Maintenance Some exciting trends in the industry include automation, electrification, and reduced maintenance. Electrification is a driving force for many industries in general, and with automation, this is becoming increasingly necessary, as reflected in power needs. The desire to minimize maintenance is another crucial factor contributing to this trend. At the EnerSys booth this year, they showcased a live wireless charger with an AGV from JBT. The highlight of this demonstration is using maintenance-free lithium batteries. This approach reflects the growing importance of automation, and you can see how automated-powered vehicles like the AGV lend themselves well to using maintenance-free products. For EnerSys, thin plate pure lead and lithium-ion batteries are ideal options since they have rapid recharge, high power, and require no maintenance. This is cost-effective and reduces downtime in the long run since a wireless charger has no wear and tear. These trends are exciting to watch as they point towards a future where automation, electrification, and no maintenance will become the norm in many industries, including material handling and logistics. Sustainable Power Solutions Lithium batteries’ reliability, longevity, and versatility make them particularly attractive for this market. EnerSys has just introduced a new 80-volt lithium-ion product in response to the growing demand in Europe and North America. By analyzing each customer’s power requirements and usage carefully, EnerSys can recommend a lithium, lead, or hybrid solution that will deliver the best results for the customer. Harold shares that EnerSys always considers the complete picture to ensure they can offer the most sustainable options while achieving optimal performance. Enersys believes in assisting customers with a comprehensive system approach, where the battery and charger work together seamlessly, monitoring the system’s performance to maximize its efficiency. This approach ensures the customer experiences a maintenance-free experience while delivering savings and sustainability across the vehicle’s lifecycle. Key Takeaways At ProMat 2023, automation was a major topic, with over 45% of seminars focusing on it. Going to a maintenance-free battery option can improve water conservation goals due to not needing to water the batteries. Only ~20% of S&P 500 companies issued sustainability reports a decade ago. Today, that number stands at an impressive ~95%. Similarly, ~80% of the Russell 1000 publicly traded companies now publish sustainability reports. It’s clear that this is not just a fad but an integral part of doing business in today’s world. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 374: Sustainable Power Solutions – EnerSys
Women In Trucking Association announces Gold Partnership with Navistar
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has welcomed Navistar Inc. as its newest Gold Level Partner, forming an industry alliance to further its mission to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize the obstacles they face. Jennifer Macalaguin, VP of Engineering at Navistar, will serve on the Board of Directors. Since joining in 2014, Navistar has actively participated in the association. In 2022, the company, which manufactures International® brand commercial trucks, was a Platinum Sponsor of WIT’s Accelerate! Conference & Expo held in Dallas, TX Nov. 13-16 and virtually Dec. 6-7. Additionally, Navistar participated in the event’s Truck & Technology Tour which featured an International® eMV™ Series Class 6 607 SBA 4×2 box trucks. “Navistar is deeply involved with the efforts to support inclusion in the trucking industry, and this partnership with WIT further solidifies that commitment,” said Macalaguin. “It is an honor to represent Navistar on the Women in Trucking Association’s Board of Directors and I look forward to contributing more directly on this board as we build awareness and foster support to demonstrate the integral role women play in the trucking industry.” “WIT is pleased to welcome Navistar as a Gold Level Partner,” said Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of WIT. “Their avid support of the WIT mission and commitment to increasing gender diversity within the trucking industry makes this an exciting opportunity to expand the relationship between Navistar and the Women In Trucking Association.” Founded in 2007, the Women In Trucking Association was established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize the obstacles they face. Currently, the organization is a resource for nearly 8,000 corporate and individual members located in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as Japan, Australia, Sweden, South Africa, and New Zealand. Recent accomplishments include: releasing the 2022 WIT Index, the official barometer to benchmark and measure the percentage of women who make up critical roles in transportation each year, finding professional female drivers increased to 13.7%; participating in White House and FMCSA roundtables and events; launching its Professional Driver Hub, an online resource to encourage driver success; and more than 1,700 registered attendees at the 2022 Accelerate! Conference and Exhibition.
March 2023 Logistics Manager’s Index Report®
LMI® at 51.1 Growth is INCREASING AT AN INCREASING RATE for Warehousing Capacity and Transportation Capacity Growth is INCREASING AT AN DECREASING RATE for Inventory Levels, Inventory Costs, Warehousing Utilization, and Warehousing Prices NO MOVEMENT FOR Transportation Utilization Transportation Prices ARE DECREASING The Logistics Managers’ Index reads at 51.1 in March, this is down (-3.6) from February’s reading of 54.7 in February. This is the lowest reading for the overall index in the 6.5-year history of the LMI. This is being driven by an all-time low in Transportation Prices, which are down (-5.0) to 31.1, reaching a nadir for the second consecutive month. Relatedly, Transportation Utilization reads in at 50.0, indicating no upward movement for the first time in 2023. Inventory Levels (55.6) continue to grow, though at a decreasing (-6.8) rate. And both Transportation (71.4) and Warehousing Capacity (58.2) continue their upward climb. Interestingly, Inventory Costs (66.0) read in below 70.0 – which we consider being the threshold of significant levels of expansion – for the first time since September 2020. Transportation and Warehousing both contribute to the costs of holding inventory. This metric moving to a more moderate rate of growth is a strong indicator that the high supply costs that have been the primary source of overall inflation in the U.S. for much of the last year are beginning to subside; something that will hopefully be taken into account by the Federal Reserve as they consider their course of action throughout the rest of 2023. Researchers at Arizona State University, Colorado State University, Florida Atlantic University, Rutgers University, and the University of Nevada, Reno, in conjunction with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) issued this report today. Results Overview The LMI score is a combination of eight unique components that make up the logistics industry, including inventory levels and costs, warehousing capacity, utilization, and prices, and transportation capacity, utilization, and prices. The LMI is calculated using a diffusion index, in which any reading above 50.0 indicates that logistics is expanding; a reading below 50.0 is indicative of a shrinking logistics industry. The latest results of the LMI summarize the responses of supply chain professionals collected in March 2023. The overall economy continues to be somewhat mixed. Things are clearly slower than they have been, but it does not seem that we are in an official recession. The U.S. economy grew at a pace of 2.6% in Q4 2022, which is slightly lower than what was expected[1]. This is partial because seasonally adjusted consumer spending grew by 0.2% in February, down significantly from the 2% growth observed in January. Inflation was up 5% year-over-year, but at a slower pace than what we saw in January’s 5.3%. Increased interest rates have led to the U.S. money supply falling year-over-year in every month since December – reaching its fasted rate of decline since the 1930s (which economically speaking, is never a decade you’d like to be compared to)[2]. However, the slowing rates of inflation, combined with the recent troubles in the banking system have led Jerome Powell to suggest the Fed’s program of interest rate increases may be slowing down in the near future[3]. This all led to some optimism on Wall Street, leading the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to expand by 7.3% and 16.77% in Q1 – which was the best quarter for the Nasdaq since 2020[4]. These mixed economic messages are epitomized by the LMI’s overall index score of 51.1 (-3.6). This is the slowest rate of growth we have ever tracked in the 6.5 years of the index, but it is still growth. Things have clearly been slowing down, but the macroeconomy has not yet come to a halt. Volumes moving through the Port of Los Angeles have been slowly climbing since reaching their nadir in February, with volume creeping back up over 100,000 TEUs in the second week of April[5]. This is likely an echo of the increase in Chinese manufacturing volumes we observed last month, as completed goods are now making their way to the U.S. The Chinese manufacturing PMI was down slightly in February but still expanding[6]. When combined with the robust expansion in Chinese services, it certainly seems the world’s second-largest economy is coming back to life, with some of the byproduct likely to be inventory trickling into the U.S. Inventory Levels are growing at a rate of 55.6, which is lower than what we’ve seen (-6.8) in 2023 but similar to November and December. This growth is likely focused more on retail and consumables as goods that are tied to housing and other areas that are most impacted by interest rates have piled up over the last year. Consumers are still spending though, and some new inventory coming into the U.S. will be necessary as some large retailers such as Nike report significant progress in whittling down inventories. Although for some firms, moving inventory so quickly required many goods to be sold at a discount which bumped up topline sales in 2022 – something that is likely to fall in 2023[7]. The slowdown in spending and a glut of inventory has led some firms to put additional pressure on their suppliers. The shortages that plague supply chains have long since ended and large firms are attempting to reestablish dominance over their suppliers, canceling orders and pushing for cost-cutting measures[8]. While Inventory Level expansion has slowed, we still see fairly robust growth in Inventory Costs, which read in at 66.0 (-4.8). It is interesting that Inventory Costs have fallen below 70.0 – which we define as the cutoff for significant rates of growth – for the first time since September 2020. Respondents predict that the expansion of this metric will continue to slow down over the next year. If this were to come true, it could signal significant relief for consumers and firms at every level of the supply chain. After 30 months of expansion, Warehousing Capacity is up (+1.6) for the second consecutive month to 58.2. Industrial property sales
Trelleborg sprints ahead as official partner for Giro d’Italia 2023
Trelleborg just announced that it has once again joined Italy’s prestigious Giro d’Italia 2023 cycling race as an official partner for the world-renowned event, attracting the attention of cycling enthusiasts and thousands of spectators each May for over 100 years. Roberta D’Agnano, EMEA Marketing Director at Trelleborg Wheel Systems remarked: “Last year proved to be a terrific opportunity to reconnect with our customers and end users in local communities across Italy. We are proud to renew our partnership with such an iconic and prestigious event. As tire experts, everyone at Trelleborg is committed to tackling new challenges and giving their best for achieving outstanding sustainable performance. Endurance, excellence, innovation, and team spirit proved to be the perfect fit, as Giro d’Italia and Trelleborg embrace the same values.” The Giro d’Italia is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year, with riders taking on the challenge of traversing the entire length of Italy, from the plains up through its rough, mountainous terrain. This year’s race starts May 6th on the Adriatic sea’s Costa dei Trabocchi and features a total of 21 stages with riders coming into the final stretch on May 28th in Rome. As an official partner, Trelleborg will be stationed at each start village along the 3500-kilometer route across Italy, where visitors of all ages can win prizes in interactive challenges, view Trelleborg tire solutions up close, and meet cycling enthusiasts as racers set off on each leg of their journey. Find out where Trelleborg stands are set up and see each of the stages of the Giro d’Italia at www.trelleborg.com/it-it/wheels/media-e-eventi/pneumatici-agricoli-e-forestali/giro-di-italia-2023
Sevensense Robotics to showcase industry-proven Visual SLAM Solutions at LogiMAT 2023
Swiss 3D Visual Autonomy provider announced its participation in this year’s edition of the renowned logistics event in Stuttgart, Germany Sevensense Robotics is committed to innovation and excellence in the field of Visual SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology and hardware. Its participation in LogiMAT 2023 is a testament to its leadership and expertise in the industry. As a trusted partner to some of the world’s most innovative robotics manufacturers, Sevensense will showcase its cutting-edge Visual SLAM solutions, which enable precise positioning and navigation of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), and other service robots. With its unique market-proven Visual SLAM technology, Sevensense enables manufacturers of mobile robots to upgrade the navigation technology of their products and deliver best-in-class performance. “We are thrilled to be exhibiting at LogiMAT 2023 and to have the opportunity to demonstrate our Visual SLAM solution at a key event for the intralogistics industry. Our products have been designed to meet the needs of logistics businesses, providing a solution that can help AMR users to increase efficiency, and flexibility while reducing their operating costs. We are excited to work with our partners and their customers to reinvent how mobile robots are used to automate processes”, said Gianluca Cesari, Chief Business Development Officer at Sevensense Robotics. Product demos at LogiMAT 2023 The LogiMAT 2023 exhibition is the perfect platform for Sevensense to demonstrate its industry-leading technology and expertise. Visitors will be able to experience first-hand how 3D Visual Autonomy can enhance the capabilities of automated vehicles, enabling them to navigate and operate in complex environments with greater precision and efficiency. Sevensense Robotics will showcase its products: Alphasense Autonomy, is a multi-camera Edge AI solution that provides vehicles with advanced navigation capabilities. Alphasense Position, which leverages the same hardware bundle to provide precise localization. The Sevensense Robotics team will be offering live demos from Tuesday, April 25th to Thursday, April 27th at booth 6D09 in hall 6 at the LogiMAT 2023 show in Stuttgart, Germany. The first vehicles with embedded Sevensense Visual SLAM technology For the first time, Sevensense will display a number of series vehicles produced by its OEM partners and equipped with its Visual SLAM solutions. These mobile robots – spanning from intralogistics vehicles to service robots – state the maturity of the Sevensense technology and demonstrate only a few of the use cases that greatly benefit from it.
New DENIOS poster outlines 10-Step Emergency Leak Plan
DENIOS-US has produced a new full-color poster that outlines the 10 steps users should take when a leak is detected, based on ISO 14001. This informative resource walks users through the process of assessing the danger, stopping, and containing the leak, through clean-up, decontamination, and disposal of all materials. Additional steps include identification of appropriate personal protective equipment, marking the incident site, evaluating, and documenting the situation, and refilling emergency kits to be prepared for the next incident. Posters also include space for users to insert emergency contact information – name/departments and telephone number. Posters are free and available by request at https://bit.ly/10-step-leak-plan . In addition to this new poster, DENIOS-US maintains a document gallery of educational, safety, and environmental content, as well as other articles, for free download. DENIOS-US manufactures a full line of proven spill containment products including the DENSORB family of absorbents in rolls, socks, pillows, and pads. DENSORB Universal quickly absorbs oil, coolants, solvents, and water, as well as non-aggressive acids and alkalis. DENSORB Oil absorbs oils, diesel fuel, solvents, and petroleum (hydrocarbon-based liquids) without absorbing water. DENSORB HazMat should be used with acids, alkalis, and aggressive or unidentified liquids. Regardless of the DESORB product’s use, appropriate Personal Protective Equipment should be worn.
Crowley cultivates next generation ideas with inaugural Innovation Expo to support successful ventures
Crowley will kick off its first Innovation Expo on April 12, hosted in partnership with the business accelerator Plug and Play at the University of North Florida. The Expo will feature 20 startup ventures pitching their innovations for the advanced energy, sustainability, supply chain, and technology sectors. In addition, firms already working in partnership with Crowley in supply chain and sustainability technology will present their products. The event will include a panel discussion with Crowley and UNF experts on opportunities for innovation, venture investments, and technology advancement in the logistics industry. During the panel, attendees will hear from experts on how innovations and investment can be leveraged to advance solutions that make the industry better as well as help reach sustainability goals such as decarbonization. “This Expo is an excellent opportunity for Crowley, Plug and Play, and UNF to showcase partnership opportunities and drive a culture of innovation in our industry,” said Crowley’s Chief Strategy Officer, Deepak Arora. “Our goal is to create a signature event in Jacksonville, bringing corporate decision-makers, innovators together and sparking successful ventures that advance the industry and our communities.” Crowley’s partner Plug and Play is a global platform for innovation that connects startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Through its corporate innovation programs, it assists corporate partners in all stages of their innovation process, from learning to implementation of technology and connections with start-up innovators. The Expo will take place from noon to 5:30 p.m. at UNF’s Adam W. Herbert University Center. The event is an outgrowth of Crowley’s deepening ties to the university, which is home to the Crowley Center for Transportation and Logistics, endowed by the corporation to be a world leader in industry research, education, and engagement.
Motion AI opens new facility in Massachusetts
Motion Industries, Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts and premier provider of industrial technology solutions, has announced the newest Motion Ai facility, located at 71 Cherry Hill Drive, Beverly, Massachusetts, 01915. The new facility officially opened on December 1, 2022. Motion Ai was in need of additional manufacturing and inventory space to better meet overall customer demand and to strategically grow the business. With 33,000 sq. ft., the new facility complements two existing Motion Ai facilities nearby in Danvers (19,000 sq. ft.) and Woburn (10,000 sq. ft.), providing the company a total of 62,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space in the Boston area. Most of the production and quality operations among the three locations are housed in the new facility in Beverly, with features including manufacturing lab benches and a quality control testing area. Systems engineering and production solutions focus on motion control, robotics, and machine vision, with additional specialty areas of precision components, electro-mechanical assemblies, and fully engineered automation systems. “The expanded manufacturing space will allow us to meet growing customer needs while adding future opportunities across our entire automation and robotic platforms,” said Aurelio Banda, Motion’s Senior Vice President, Automation Intelligence. “This includes additional OEM business and the ability to accept larger orders in quantity and physical size. We expect this new facility to fuel economic growth for the region, contributing beneficial, long-term impact.” Randy Breaux, President of Motion, said, “We are excited about this investment and anticipate that it will enhance the customer experience even more. We believe it will also increase the employee experience—there is a lot of talent within Motion Ai, and this expansion will offer excellent opportunities for our employees.” Currently, Motion Ai has opportunities for experienced automation engineers, electromechanical assemblers, and quality technicians to join the team, and the company will continue to hire as the business grows.