Episode 341: Berkshire Grey at MODEX 2022
Live from the booth at MODEX, Berkshire Grey joins this episode of The New Warehouse to discuss some of their new products. Berkshire Gray provides robotic automation for supply chain and warehouse applications, including e-commerce fulfillment, store replenishment, and back-of-store tasks. The company designs solutions to help customers solve labor challenges by increasing efficiency and reducing the need for manual labor. Key Takeaways Berkshire Grey works primarily with labor-intensive eCommerce fulfillment centers and warehouses. Their mobile robotic sortation technology can basically turn any floor space into a flexible unit sorting station. Peter shares how Berkshire Grey’s solutions fit into existing processes so customers can easily replace outdated technology so the customers can quickly gain efficiencies. Berkshire Grey also announced its autonomous robotic picking solution on display at the show. The system is designed to identify, orient, and pack items into an auto-bagging machine. The technology uses vision and software to identify items in real-time and figure out how to manipulate them so they can be correctly placed into a bag. This allows for increased productivity and fewer errors in the warehouse. One of the products Berkshire Grey showcased at MODEX 2022 was their automated put wall. The operator at this put wall doesn’t leave. They just take items, scan them and place them into the machine. Inside the put wall, items are sorted, picked, and shipped out as orders. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 341: Berkshire Grey at MODEX 2022
PTDA welcomes three new members
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), an association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel, welcomes three new member companies. Distributor Members Belt Power (Marietta, Ga.) Belt Power is an independent distributor and fabricator of conveyor system components including conveyor belts, equipment, accessories, power transmission products, rubber hose, and gasket products. Belt Power supplies manufacturing, distribution, and OEMs with a large variety of conveyor belting, conveyor components, custom conveyors, and more. “The Belt Power Team believes in the strength of relationships and networking with industry peers,” says Director of Marketing, Craig Lemonds. “We joined PTDA to build those relationships.” Learn more at beltpower.com. Servibandas (Mexico City, Mexico) Servibandas de México, S.A. de C.V. was founded in 1989 as a supplier of bands, hoses, and seals. Learn more at servibandas.com.mx Associate Members Tribute, Inc. (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio) Since 1983, Tribute, Inc. has been providing niche-focused and high-quality integrated ERP software solutions. Through its signature software solution, TrulinX, Tribute helps industrial and engineered product distributors & fabricators bolster profits and gain an edge over competitors. Learn more at tribute.com. The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is the leading global association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel. Headquartered in Chicago, PTDA represents power transmission/motion control distribution firms that generate more than $19 billion in sales and span over 2,700 locations. PTDA members also include manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry.
Women In Trucking Association announces Silver Partnership with Suburban Propane
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) welcomes its newest Silver Level Partner, Suburban Propane, a nationwide distributor of propane, renewable propane, fuel oil, and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity and investor in low carbon fuel alternatives. Since joining in 2021, Suburban Propane has actively participated in the association. This year, the company was a Diamond Sponsor of WIT’s Accelerate! Conference & Expo held in Dallas, TX Nov. 13-16 and virtually Dec. 6-7, and was a participant in the event’s Truck & Technology Tour. “We’ve made great strides in driving positive change around dialogue and action for women in the transportation industry,” said Ellen Voie, president and CEO of WIT. “The support from a leading company like Suburban Propane further propels our mission forward.” 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.
Raymond gives back to North American communities in 2022
In 2022, The Raymond Corporation and its network of Solutions and Support Centers have been continuing to support communities across North America. For 100 years, Raymond’s recipe for success has included prioritizing fundamental company values — including respect for people and innovation — which fuel the company and its associates to go above and beyond for local communities. “Supporting our community has always been an important part of Raymond’s pledge to giving back,” said Steve VanNostrand, executive vice president at The Raymond Corporation. “A momentous example of that began in 1965 when George Raymond Sr. and George Raymond Jr. began the Raymond Foundation to help support the local community surrounding Raymond’s headquarters. The Raymond Corporation continues that tradition and funds numerous projects annually to support the greater community.” Every year, The Raymond Corporation’s locations in Greene and Syracuse, New York, Lebanon, Indiana, and Muscatine, Iowa, support over 100 nonprofit and educational organizations with monetary contributions, forklift donations, and voluntary participation. In addition, Raymond strongly supports education by collaborating with high schools, trade schools, colleges, and universities on a number of programs, as well as providing students with facility tours, mentoring, and a cooperative program. Raymond was able to continue its virtual National Manufacturing Day event, inviting students from across North America to attend the event remotely. The event celebrated Raymond’s 100-year history of innovation and helped to encourage attendees to build skills for a future in the innovative manufacturing industry through a virtual facility tour, technology showcases, associate testimonials, and technician spotlights. “At Raymond, giving back is at the core of our company values, and we thank our employees, who are an integral part in helping us live out this mission,” said Michael Field, president and CEO at The Raymond Corporation. “As we continue to celebrate our 100th anniversary, we are grateful for the members of our network across the country, who continually work to give back to local organizations to strengthen our communities.” Here are some distinctive examples of ways Raymond’s authorized Solutions and Support Centers gave to communities across North America in 2022: Abel Womack, Inc. — Lawrence, Massachusetts Through a donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, Abel Womack helped to carry out the Boys and Girls Club mission, which aims to enable all young people, especially those who need help most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Associated and Stoffel Equipment Company — Addison, Illinois Associated and Stoffel Equipment Company donated 16 pallet jacks to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a nonprofit organization. The pallet jacks will be distributed to parishes throughout the archdiocese to replace or augment old equipment, enabling the schools and parishes to perform their ministries more effectively. Brauer Material Handling Systems, Inc. — Hendersonville, Tennessee Continuing the yearly tradition, Brauer donated 1,500 turkeys to several food pantries and nonprofits in the Nashville, Tennessee, area. Through its employee donation program, Brauer offers each team member $200 to donate to a charity or nonprofit of choice. These donations are put toward organizations like St. Jude, the local animal shelter, school sports teams, and rescue missions. Carolina Handling — Charlotte, North Carolina The Patriotic Pallet Project set the record for the world’s largest pallet painting to honor veterans. The project featured 2,500 wooden pallets painted 16 different colors and placed in a gridlike pattern to reveal the iconic likeness of Lady Liberty. Carolina Handling is a military-minded organization where 13% of associates have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and where veterans services are a focus area of the company’s philanthropic giving. Heubel Shaw — Kansas City, Missouri Through various events and internal fundraising, Heubel Shaw donated over $35,000 in 2022 to the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Over the past decade, Heubel Shaw has raised and donated over $300,000 to this same effort. Johnston Equipment — Mississauga, Ontario Johnston Equipment has donated funds to multiple hospitals across Canada to help purchase masks, gowns, gloves, goggles, respirators, and other critical protective equipment. Additionally, Johnston Equipment has continued its long-standing support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel, including the sponsorship of the annual general meeting, charity golf tournament, Sylvie Hyndman scholarship, and annual gala dinner. Malin — Addison, Texas To celebrate Veterans Day, Malin worked with a local radio station to support U.S. troops by sending personalized holiday cards. Malin aimed to collect 1,000-holiday cards, letters, notes, and drawings from associates and their family members. Raymond Storage Concepts, Inc. — Cincinnati To help those in need, Raymond Storage Concepts, Inc., partnered with local businesses to donate nonperishable food and personal care items to InterfaithCincy. Additionally, throughout the year, employees participated in the St. Vincent de Paul Angel Toy Program, St. Vincent de Paul winter clothing drive, and Crayons to Computers. Raymond West — Santa Fe Springs, California Through two charity golf outings, Raymond West raised $52,000 to donate to the Thurston County Food Bank, Emergency Food Network, and Giving Children Hope. Raymond West then matched the donations. The ninth annual Pink Pallet Jack auction brought support to The Tina Fund, Northwest Hope & Healing, and Breast Cancer Angels. Raymond’s Pink Pallet Jack Project has raised over $150,000 for breast cancer over the past eight years. Created Operation Santa Supply Chain in which they donated 185 bikes to Marine’s Toys for Tots that Raymond West employees bought and built. As total intralogistics solutions providers, Raymond Solutions and Support Centers offer a broad range of consulting, connected solutions, technologies, services, material handling equipment and more to support the ever-growing needs of their customers across North America.
Nucor promotes Noah Hanners to Executive Vice President
Nucor Corporation announced today that Noah Hanners will be promoted to Executive Vice President effective January 1, 2023. Mr. Hanners began his career with Nucor in 2011 as Melt Shop Engineer at Nucor Steel South Carolina. He next served as Shift Supervisor and was then promoted to Melt Shop Manager of Nucor Steel Auburn, Inc. Mr. Hanners later served as General Manager of Nucor Tubular Products and General Manager of Nucor Steel Kankakee, Inc. and was promoted to Vice President in 2019. He currently serves as Vice President and General Manager of The David J. Joseph Company. Prior to joining Nucor, Mr. Hanners served as a major in the United States Army. “Noah has proven his abilities in the many leadership roles he has held at Nucor and throughout his career. I am excited to have him join our executive management team and look forward to his contributions and perspectives,” said Leon Topalian, Nucor’s Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Plastics Industry Association names Anthony DiGrado Manager of Digital Affairs
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has announced that Anthony DiGrado has been named Manager of Digital Affairs, effective immediately. In this role, DiGrado will be responsible for maintaining, managing, and developing PLASTICS’ digital strategy and online presence. DiGrado joins PLASTICS after working for IMGE, a full-service digital agency, where he developed and executed holistic digital strategies for Fortune 500 companies, political campaigns, issue advocacy groups, and non-profits. Prior to his work at IMGE, Anthony worked in the offices of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and for the ClearPath Foundation. “We are so pleased to have Anthony join our communications team,” shared Stephanie Polis, Vice President of Communications at PLASTICS. “Anthony’s expertise will truly add to PLASTICS’ work in amplifying the voice of our industry and the good work that our members are doing. Anthony rounds out a terrific group of communications professionals here at PLASTICS and we are excited to have him on board.” DiGrado is a lifelong native of Virginia and holds a B.A. in Economics from the Catholic University of America.
Millwood acquires Red Express Pallet
Millwood, Inc. acquired its second Texas and 36th location nationwide. Millwood Co-owners and Partners Chip Trebilcock and Steve Miller finalized the acquisition on October 3 when they and other sales, operations, and HR management traveled to Red Express Pallet Company in Waco, TX to meet with management and team members who have transitioned to the Millwood family. Upon arrival Trebilcock, Miller, and the other Millwood team members spoke to nearly 20 new Millwood family members and explained who Millwood is and what they can expect now that Millwood owns the business. “Welcome to Millwood. I want to tell you what Millwood stands for, and what we do,” Trebilcock told the group of new family members. “Millwood has a mission statement. That statement is that all who come in contact with Millwood would clearly see the love of Jesus Christ in all we do. That means our customers, our suppliers, and especially our team members.” “Millwood wants to be an organization of opportunities,” Miller told the group of new family members. “We don’t want our team members to come to work and feel like they have to leave their problems at home. We encourage them to bring their problems to work, so we can walk through life together.” Afterward, Millwood provided lunch, passed out T-shirts, backpacks, and other handouts, and then went on a plant tour with James Scherer, Millwood regional operations manager, and two other supervisors. Scherer, who was the previous owner of Austin Pallet – another Texas pallet operation Millwood acquired in August – will act as the plant manager at the Austin and Waco, TX locations for the time being. “Red Express Pallet was an operation my wife and I were looking to acquire prior to Millwood buying Austin Pallet,” Scherer said. “Once we sold Austin Pallet to Millwood and joined the Millwood family, I talked to Chip and Steve about this opportunity, and as a team, we were able to make it happen.” Red Express Pallet is in a prime location on about 11 acres. Over the next six months to one year, the plan is to get the new family there trained and equip them with the necessary resources to become a successful Millwood operation. “We’re very excited about the potential for this operation,” Millwood General Manager Lionel Trebilcock said. “Once we have it up and running at full capacity, we think it could be one of our most productive whitewood locations.” Each new Millwood family member is eligible for all benefits Millwood offers including 401K, medical and life insurance, and much more. “Located only 80 miles from our recent acquisition of Austin Pallet, this new location in Waco will allow us to better serve both our current customers and new opportunities in the Central Texas market,” Executive Director of Sales Lee Evans III said. “We are very excited to see not only the changes that James and the team will make to the facility but also for the opportunities our new team members will have as they integrate into the Millwood family.” Updated signage and other branding will soon don the location at 7314 Bagby Avenue in Waco, TX to help communicate the new name: “Millwood, Inc. Waco Operations.” Millwood has a regional sales manager and customer support manager who live and work in the region. They will work together to increase business at both Texas locations. Millwood is also in the process of hiring a chaplain who will be available for team members at each Texas locations.
ETEL’s new Magnetic Tracks for Linear Motors enable more force with no redesign
Offering a track with stronger magnets for their linear motors than previously available, ETEL introduces the new MWD+. This magnet-track family is compatible with any existing LMG and LMS linear motor from ETEL, enabling up to 15% higher continuous and peak forces compared to the existing MWD product. With the option of more powerful magnets, ETEL is providing a way for customers to give a performance boost to their LMG or LMS linear motors without needing to do any redesigns. All MWD+ magnetic tracks share the exact same physical profile as their MWD counterparts. Because of this, a user can easily increase performance by either upgrading to MWD+ or going from the LMG to an LMS motor that has extra height but otherwise shares the same mechanical profile and magnet tracks. Both of these options allow ETEL component users to increase the performance of a system with minimum mechanical changes. As part of the HEIDENHAIN Group, ETEL now offers this MWD+ with benefits that translate into higher force density per unit volume, allowing either to improve the overall duty cycle or to run a given duty cycle at lower temperatures.
The Crosby Group raises $50,000 to support educational opportunities for US military children
The Crosby Group, a manufacturer of rigging, lifting, and material handling hardware and equipment, has concluded its 2022 Rigging for the Troops campaign supporting the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. Through the combined support of its loyal channel partners, end users, and employees throughout the United States, Crosby once again surpassed its original fundraising goal of $25,000 and raised a total of $50,000 for the Fallen Patriots. Fallen Patriots provide college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. After government programs, the average shortfall in college funding is $25,000 for an individual student. This is the third year Crosby and its partners have come together to support the Fallen Patriots. In total, $125,000 has been raised to date for this worthy cause. From September 1 through October 31, The Crosby Group committed to donating $500 for every Crosby and ACCO in-person training event it hosted in the US. In addition, proceeds from the popular User’s Guide for Lifting online training course during this time went toward the goal. Crosby’s channel partners and end users also contributed by sponsoring the campaign by way of direct donations to Fallen Patriots. This year’s sponsors are Bishop Lifting Products, Inc.; Central States Crane & Hoist; CERTEX USA; Core Lifting Products; Crane Training & Safety Consultants; Dakota Riggers; Fluor Corporation; Fulcrum Lifting; Global Rigging & Synthetics; Hanes Supply, Inc.; Heco Slings; Holloway Houston, Inc.; Industrial Training International; International Union of Operating Engineers; Industrial Scale Company; John Sakach Co.; Mazzella Companies; Metro Wire Rope Corporation; Peak Trading Corporation; The Carpenter Group; US Cargo Control; West Coast Wire Rope & Rigging, Inc.; and media sponsors Crane Hot Line and Lift & Access. Robert Desel, CEO of The Crosby Group, said: “We sincerely appreciate our channel partners, end users, and employees who, once again, made this year’s campaign a tremendous success. We are honored to make this donation to further support the Foundation’s important mission and help meet the educational needs of Gold Star children.” Cynthia Kim, Co-Founder and Co-Chief of Staff of the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation said: “Fallen Patriots is truly honored to partner with The Crosby Group. Not every patriot wears the uniform, and it’s patriots like Crosby who make our mission possible. Your generosity sends a message to the children left behind, that they are not forgotten, and their fellow Americans honor the service and sacrifice of their parents. Thank you for ensuring these children have the bright future their parents would have wanted for them. You’re giving them hope and resilience.” Approximately 25,000 children have lost an active-duty parent in the military over the last 35 years. Of those, 97% of casualties are men, leaving behind single mothers to care for their families, and 60% report having trouble making ends meet. The foundation said that $625 million is needed nationwide to cover the gap between government assistance and the actual cost of a degree. Since 2002, Fallen Patriots has provided more than $ 61 million in total assistance to more than 2,700 military children with more than 900 graduates. The Crosby Group has trained more than 500,000 rigging professionals since launching its training program in 1991. With a US manufacturing footprint that includes plants in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Alabama, The Crosby Group’s involvement with the country’s military stretches back to its earliest days, supplying shackles and other hardware for military equipment. Today, more than 40 US Veterans work in the company’s facilities designing, manufacturing, and distributing the best rigging hardware and material handling equipment in the world.
Moxa Gateways optimize data transfer from ModBus Edge devices to Azure and AWS Cloud Platforms
Bringing the cloud closer to the edge, Moxa announced its new AIG-100 Series of industrial-grade gateways supporting data conversion and reliable transfer from Modbus TCP/RTU/ASCII devices to Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and MQTT cloud platforms. Adding to its value, AIG-100 Series gateways support Modbus TCP slave mode, enabling simultaneous transmission of data to a cloud platform and local SCADA system to help accelerate the deployment of the Industrial IoT (IIoT). With Moxa AIG-100 gateways, the benefits of the cloud — lower costs, increased agility, ability to scale up and down, and faster innovation — can be extended from the plant floor to remote field sites where sensors, meters, and inverters collect data critical to the IIoT’s convergence of operational technology (OT) with information technology (IT). To bridge the IT/OT gap, the gateways have built-in traffic monitoring and diagnosis tools for troubleshooting communication issues for both IT (Azure, AWS, MQTT) and OT (Modbus) protocols. These tools let engineers remotely access the gateway, identify the root cause, and quickly bring operations back online. As the number of field sites increases, the AIG-100 gateway’s provisioning tool reduces downtime associated with initial deployments and provides remote administration of devices. The gateway’s intuitive software wizard configures Moxa ioLogik remote I/Os and Moxa UPorts hubs with a few clicks, eliminating complex driver installation and device setup so network administrators can realize plug-and-play ease for I/O and serial interfaces. Most edge systems require additional programming to process data. Moxa AIG-100 Series gateways will pre-process edge data and directly transfer meaningful data back to the application, such as on-site conditions, operational trends, and energy usage. It will also support store-and-forward and datalogger functions to prevent data loss. For more information, visit the AIG-100 product page.
EnerSys® receives the Richmond Chamber of Commerce’s Industry Award for 2022
EnerSys®, the global provider of stored energy solutions for industrial applications, has received the 2022 Industry Award from the Richmond Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented on November 3, 2022, during the 38th Annual Richmond Chamber Awards Banquet, held at the Keene Johnson Building on the Eastern Kentucky University campus. The Industry Award recognizes an industrial business that has enjoyed success in its market and constructive engagement with the local community. Nominated by their peers from the greater Richmond, Kentucky area, Industry Award recipients typically demonstrate ongoing business growth and a positive impact on the Madison County, Kentucky economy. The EnerSys manufacturing campus in Richmond employs more than 500 people and produces traditional lead-acid and Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) motive power batteries and chargers for material handling, floor care, mining, and other applications. In early 2022, EnerSys opened an expanded, 195,000-square-foot Regional Distribution Center (RDC) that serves customers across the United States and North America including industry leaders in manufacturing, retail, and distribution segments. “We are extremely proud to be receiving this honor from the Richmond Chamber of Commerce,” said Chad Uplinger, Vice President of Sales, Motive Power Americas at EnerSys. “With the expansion of our Richmond-based RDC in July of 2022, we are equally proud to be able to play an even greater positive economic role for the Madison County community.”
Adina Starke joins Baldwin Technology as West Coast Regional Sales Manager
Baldwin Technology Co. Inc. has appointed Adina Starke, a seasoned print and packaging professional with wide-ranging expertise, as Regional Sales Leader for the West Coast. Baldwin Technology Company Inc. is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of innovative process-automation equipment, parts, service, and consumables for the printing, packaging, textile, plastic film extrusion, and corrugated industries. Starke will be responsible for all product sales to print and packaging professionals in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Alaska, and western Canada. Starke has spent the past 15 years in various technical and sales roles in the print and packaging industry. Most recently, she spent four years with All Printing Resources (formerly JVI Solutions), as a Territory Manager and a Technical Sales and Business Development Representative. Prior to that, she spent several years with Lohmann Specialty Coating and Sun Chemical. Starke graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Communications. “It’s exciting to have Adina join Baldwin and strengthen the team. Being based out of Los Angeles will give us a strong presence in a key market for us where we are looking to drive growth,” said Craig Black, Baldwin’s Vice President of Sales, Americas. “Her blend of technical and sales experience will be a great benefit coming into the role, as well as her experience in the flexo print industry. With Adina’s enthusiasm, drive, and passion for delivering results, I look forward to seeing her contribute to Baldwin’s future growth across our print and packaging customer base out West.” “I am excited to join such a dynamic and innovative organization,” Starke commented. “I look forward to meeting customers in the region, building new relationships as I settle into the role, and driving success for Baldwin Technology.” You can reach Adina at [email protected] and 213-563-9596.
SupplyOne Packaging Management Program promises savings guaranteed in writing
SupplyOne’s Packaging Management Program provides a roadmap to enhanced efficiency, sustainability, and cash flow SupplyOne, Inc., the largest independent supplier of custom corrugated and other value-added packaging products, equipment, and services in the U.S., highlights its Packaging Management Program. The Packaging Management Program, or PMP, simplifies the complexities associated with packaging ownership to reduce the total cost of packaging and contribute to more sustainable operations. The PMP has the unique distinction of guaranteeing the customer’s savings in writing. Every Packaging Management Program begins with an assessment. Packaging Specialists employ a proprietary process to analyze spend, evaluate opportunities to optimize existing packaging, and assess the full scope of the customer’s packaging-related operations. The findings from the assessment provide customers with a 360-degree view of their packaging expenses and plan to realize direct, indirect, and inventory-related cost savings. The approach successfully uncovers hidden costs, waste, and non-value-adding activities that consume valuable resources and inflate the total cost of packaging ownership. End-to-End Solutions for a Streamlined Supply Chain SupplyOne’s operating platform includes custom manufacturing capabilities, relationships with over 3000 suppliers, best-in-class packaging equipment and automation, and a suite of complementary services spanning every aspect of packaging ownership. These capabilities allow Packaging Specialists to provide objective guidance and a comprehensive program PMP tailored to the unique needs and objectives of each customer. Savings Guaranteed in Writing and Path to Additional Improvements The PMP approach is unlike anything in the industry because SupplyOne guarantees savings in writing. SupplyOne provides customers with a plan to optimize their packaging operations. The recommendations align with each customer’s unique objectives and result in direct, indirect, and inventory-related savings. Then, working in close partnership, SupplyOne implements the plan while the customer stays in control through quarterly reviews detailing savings, enhanced efficiencies, and working capital improvements. The customer will receive a check for the difference if anticipated savings aren’t achieved. In addition to the savings guarantee, customers benefit from enhanced efficiencies and resource utilization, improved operational sustainability, and cash flow.
Emerson reinvents Pressure Relief Valves to improve performance and reduce emissions
New Crosby Balanced Diaphragm and Bellows leak detection pressure relief valve solutions improve performance, safety, and reliability while reducing emissions Emerson has announced the release of two new-to-the-world technologies for the Crosby™ J-Series pressure relief valve (PRV) product line. The first is a Balanced Diaphragm, which eliminates the need for bellows in PRVs, while providing balanced operation against backpressure to lower the cost of ownership and enhance performance. The second technology is Bellows Leak Detection, enabling remote detection of bellows ruptures in PRVs, with the capability to reduce and accurately calculate volumetric emissions in real time. Where backpressure is present, spring-loaded PRVs often utilize bellows to ensure balanced operation. Data analysis from 30,000 PRV service records across different industries and valve brands shows a bellows failure rate between 2% to 6%. In other words, a plant with 1,000 bellows PRVs may have between 20 to 60 PRVs continuously operating with damaged bellows. The most common causes of bellows failures are excessive backpressure and rapid cycling. Ruptured bellows will cause fugitive emissions and may prevent valve operation at the designed set pressure, with the risk of catastrophic overpressure events. The Crosby Balanced Diaphragm can replace bellows in PRV applications to address these and other issues. Its innovative design extends the backpressure limits from 60% to 80% and increases the Kb backpressure correction factor by up to 15%, expanding the application range of spring-loaded PRVs. The Kb factor is used to size PRVs when they are installed in closed systems subject to backpressure. Extending the backpressure limit and increasing the Kb factor often permits the use of smaller valves. In addition, diaphragms are inherently more resilient than bellows for higher backpressures and rapid cycling applications. Upgrading to a Balanced Diaphragm, therefore, lowers maintenance costs, improves reliability, and increases stability. The second technology, Bellows Leak Detection, addresses the problem of bellows failures, which are challenging to detect and often remain unnoticed for years until the removal of the valve for periodic service. Leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs may include PRVs, but their target sources for leakage detection are flanges or valve seats, so bellows ruptures will generate fugitive emissions through the PRV bonnet vent that may not be in the LDAR scope. In addition, PRV installations are often difficult to access and in hazardous locations, making leak detection difficult. The Bellows Leak Detection solution is a safer and more efficient method for detecting bellows failures and emissions. It consists of a backup piston and a Rosemount™ wireless or wired pressure transmitter. The backup piston can reduce emissions by over 90% in the event of a bellows rupture because it has a much smaller clearance than a standard bonnet vent, and it ensures balanced operation. The pressure transmitter provides instant timestamped notification of bellows failure and emissions volume data in real-time. Upgrade kits for existing Crosby J-Series PRVs are available for both new technologies, and new PRVs can be purchased with these features pre-installed. “With the growing global emphasis on sustainability, an increasing number of PRVs that currently vent to the atmosphere will require connections to flare systems to curb emissions. The resulting higher backpressures will push the limits of existing PRV designs, and the Balanced Diaphragm and Bellows Leak Detection breakthrough innovations will help our customers address this need,” said Judson Duncan, president of Emerson’s pressure management business.
H&E Equipment Services signs definitive agreement to sell Komatsu Earthmoving distributorship
H&E Equipment Services Inc. has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to sell its Komatsu earthmoving distribution business to Houston, Texas-based Waukesha-Pearce Industries, LLC (“WPI”). The transaction includes rights to the distribution of earthmoving equipment in the state of Louisiana and counties located in southwestern Arkansas, along with a distribution facility in Kenner, Louisiana, and certain other equipment, parts, and supplies. Also, H&E will assign to WPI the outstanding lease on its distribution facility in Bossier City, Louisiana. H&E will retain ownership of its rental assets located at the remaining seven rental branches in Louisiana. The transaction is expected to close by December 31, 2022, subject to customary closing conditions. Brad Barber, chief executive officer of H&E, stated, “Just over a year ago, we completed the divestitures of our crane business and Arkansas earthmoving distribution business, significantly reducing our exposure to distribution activities. With the sale of our Komatsu earthmoving distributorship in the state of Louisiana, we are effectively completing our transformation to a pure-play rental business. This final step will allow us to sharpen our focus on the higher margin rental business as we continue our evaluation of strategic-growth opportunities in the equipment rental industry.”
Manufacturing Technology orders through October 2022 on pace with best year ever
New orders of manufacturing technology totaled $457.7 million in October 2022, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology New orders of manufacturing technology totaled $457.7 million in October 2022, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. October 2022 orders were 20% below October 2021 and 12% lower than September 2022, the smallest decline in orders from an IMTS September ever recorded. Orders are nearly even with this point in 2021, roughly $4 million above the YTD total in October 2021. “Although we are reporting a down month and near-flat year-to-date sales, orders for manufacturing technology continue to come in at a near-record pace,” said Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT. “October 2022 was the third-highest October on record. Typically, orders in October after an IMTS are down 23% from the previous month. Orders are returning to normal seasonal trends but at an elevated level.” Through most of 2020, all industries were reducing machinery orders, and in 2021, they seemed to be increasing orders in unison. However, for the last several months, customer industries returned to a more independent order pattern. For example, job shops are placing fewer orders for machinery as they return to their core customers such as aerospace and automotive. “While machinery orders from job shops are slowing, that trend could reverse if the economy tumbles into a mild recession,” said Woods. “In uncertain economic times, manufacturers tend to contract out any excess capacity needs instead of investing in additional machinery. This, in turn, leads job shops to require the additional capacity of their own.” Construction machinery manufacturers dramatically increased orders in October, likely in anticipation of government-funded infrastructure projects coming online. In line with infrastructure projects accounting for the increase in construction machinery, HVAC and appliance manufacturers decreased orders significantly at that same time. The decline in HVAC and appliances is likely the result of stalled new home construction projects as interest rates rise and development becomes more costly. “While it will be difficult to match the amazing end to 2021, we are optimistic the orders through the remainder of 2022 will result in only a modest decrease from our best year on record,” said Woods. “The bonus depreciation passed in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will begin to sunset in 2023, likely accelerating orders that would have otherwise been placed in the following year. The impact of these additional orders may be offset by rising interest rates and slowing delivery times. Even anticipating a modest decline, it seems there is still steam behind this historic run of investment in manufacturing technology.”
Bryan Gauger promoted to president of Cisco-Eagle
Bryan Gauger will become president of Cisco-Eagle on January 1, 2023, according to CEO and Chairman Darein Gandall. Gauger was previously Vice President of Systems Integration, where he was instrumental in Cisco-Eagle’s growth and reach into automated projects and large-scale material handling systems. He joined the company in 1996. During his career, Gauger has managed many large and complex projects for customers across the United States. Gauger is Cisco-Eagle’s representative for CEMA, the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association. Gandall remains with Cisco-Eagle but has shifted his focus toward the company’s strategic vision, particularly toward growth. He will shift to the role of CEO and Chairman of the Board as Gauger moves into the president role.
New ABB SWIFTI industrial cobot delivers class-leading speed, accuracy and safety
SWIFTI™ CRB 1300 industrial collaborative robot is six times faster and five times more precise than other robots in its class The combination of high payload capability – up to 11kg – and speed improves production efficiency by up to 44% Features ensure safe deployment alongside workers and ease of use for non-robotics specialists ABB has launched the SWIFTI™ CRB 1300 industrial collaborative robot, bridging the gap between industrial and collaborative robots. Combining class-leading speed and accuracy with expanded load handling capability of up to 11kg, the SWIFTI CRB 1300 can be used in a wide variety of production and product handling applications – from machine tending and palletizing to pick-and-place and screw driving. “Our customers are looking to robotic automation to make their processes more flexible, efficient, and resilient, helping to counter labor shortages by enabling their employees to perform more value-added work,” said Andrea Cassoni, Managing Director for Global General Industry Robotics at ABB. “The latest addition to our SWIFTI family is a highly accurate, high payload cobot that’s up to six times faster than other robots in its class. This means it can be used by both SMEs and large manufacturers looking for collaborative automated solutions to achieve new levels of flexibility and productivity.” Featuring a high-quality design, backed by expert support, the SWIFTI CRB 1300 incorporates several features that can improve production efficiency by up to 44 percent compared to other cobots in its class. In a typical palletizing application, SWIFTI’s speed and performance enable it to handle up to 13 boxes per minute compared to the nine boxes possible with other cobots in its class. Powered by ABB’s OmniCore™ C90XT controller, the SWIFTI CRB 1300 is up to five times more precise than any cobot in its class, making it ideal for tasks requiring consistent accuracy and repeatability. This, combined with a top speed of 6.2m/s, and payload options from 7 kg to 11 kg and reaches from 0.9 to 1.4, enables the SWIFTI CRB 1300 to perform a range of higher payload tasks including screw driving, assembly, pick-and-place and palletizing. With protection against dust and moisture (up to IP67), it can also be used in demanding environments, making it ideal for machine-tending applications. If the laser scanner detects a worker within SWIFTI’s operating area, ABB’s SafeMove software will automatically slow the robot or stop it completely. As the worker moves away, movement will be restored, returning to full speed for full productivity only once the working area is completely clear. As a further protective measure, a built-in interaction status light provides a visual indication of the cobot’s status when a worker is within the workspace area. Integrating the scanner and software is simple, with SafeMove’s software add-ins enabling workers to quickly set up a safe working zone and other safety features using their handheld FlexPendant operating unit. The same simplicity applies to programming the SWIFT CRB 1300. Users can set up the robot by either physically guiding it through a process (lead-through programming), or through ABB’s new Wizard Easy Programming software. Based on simple graphical blocks, Wizard Easy Programming makes programming accessible for non-specialists in robotics. The SWIFTI CRB 1300 is part of a wider cobot portfolio covering payloads from 0.5 to 11kg, with options including the YuMi® single and dual-arm robots, the GoFa™ CRB 15000, and the SWIFTI CRB 1100 industrial collaborative robot for payloads up to 4kg.
Why your strategy isn’t working
Executives often spend months (sometimes years) putting together a strategy to grow their organization. However, these strategies are often abandoned, changed, or lose momentum within a year or less. Why? How is it that we spend so much time, money, resources, and effort in creating a strategy, which becomes proverbially obsolete once the rubber actually meets the road? Here are the top six reasons why it happens: Your strategy isn’t a strategy – Strategies that are comprised of only goals does not a strategy make. Without having a clear understanding of what audience you’re pursuing, what that audience wants, how you’re going to differentiate from the competition, and how you’ll execute all of it, you basically have a wish list of things you want without a way to achieve them. Wishes aren’t a strategic approach. You haven’t translated the strategy to a department level – Even if you have a clear strategy, each and every department must understand how they can contribute to support it. More often than not, a “corporate strategy” is announced and departments are left to their own devices to figure out what they should do – and usually, that’s the same things they were doing the day before. You don’t have the discipline – A strategy is a long-term endeavor, not something you change up on a whim. Many companies treat strategy like a campaign – when it doesn’t deliver results in a few weeks or months, it’s scrapped for the next new idea. Your strategy is how you’ll compete in a way that your competitors won’t or can’t. This isn’t just a promotion – it’s how you operate as a business – and aligning those operations takes time. You don’t have a clear, singular focus – Companies who are new to strategy often have a hard time eliminating the things that don’t align with the strategy. Even worse, they frequently re-label internal, continuous improvement initiatives as strategic ones, and call it a day. While there are always activities and investments which are operational in nature to keep the business humming, these things are not part of the strategy. You’re in love with planning – Strategy isn’t planning (thank you, Roger Martin!) and many organizations are way more experienced in planning than strategy. Strategy is about making tough choices and harnessing efforts and investments to compete more effectively. Planning is about creating initiatives and projects, with timelines, tactics, and budgets. Plans are how you implement the choices made by the strategy, not the strategy itself. Your strategy isn’t about your target audience – Organizations who develop a strategy centered around their own internal needs and desires aren’t creating a strategy – they are serving the wrong audience. Customers (and potential customers) are what you’re in business for – and they determine whether you stay in business. While employees are an integral part, many initiatives focus on what makes things easier for the organization, not the customer, and don’t deliver more revenue or less costs. If your organization is doing any or all of these things, it’s highly likely any strategy you develop won’t gain traction or generate a significant positive impact. Take the time to reconsider your organizational mindset around strategy and start addressing these inhibiting behaviors which thwart success. About the Author: Andrea Belk Olson is a keynote speaker, author, differentiation strategist, behavioral scientist, and customer-centricity expert. As the CEO of Pragmadik, she helps organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to Fortune 500, and has served as an outside consultant for EY and McKinsey. Andrea is the author of three books, including her most recent, What To Ask: How To Learn What Customers Need but Don’t Tell You, released in June 2022. She is a 4-time ADDY® award winner and host of the popular Customer Mission podcast. Her thoughts have been continually featured in news sources such as Chief Executive Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, Harvard Business Review, Rotman Magazine, World Economic Forum, and more. Andrea is a sought-after speaker at conferences and corporate events throughout the world. She is a visiting lecturer and startup coach at the University of Iowa, a TEDx presenter, and TEDx speaker coach. She is also an instructor at the University of Iowa Venture School. More information is also available on www.pragmadik.com and www.andreabelkolson.com.
New rail report calls for more data before new rules
The Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure (Aii) published its latest report Monday, The Safety Impact of Technology and Crew Size: An analysis of accident data, incorporation of technology, and train crew staff levels on rail safety trends. This report will also be submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration during the open comment period. Evaluating the potential benefit of a crew size mandate, the report finds that the proposed rule would address approximately one percent of train accidents nationwide – those arising from human error on mainline track by freight operations that require personnel to correct for human error. This report examines trends relating to train accidents, identifies applicable classes of technology able to fulfill operational tasks, analyzes the effect of crew sizes on both accident prevention and accident mitigation, and concludes by providing eight recommendations. The report strongly emphasizes the importance of collective bargaining and the risk of disrupting the status quo – meaning swift departure from two-person crews or strict rules imposing them could have negative consequences. Among the key recommendations are: Withdraw the current Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) unless or until better data is available Institute a single-crew pilot program on Positive Train Control (PTC)-governed track to collect data and compare measurable data against two-member crews FRA should consider setting requirements for performance regulation rather than prescriptive regulation to help encourage innovation while achieving the aimed objective FRA should consider alternative regulations like rules for ground-based conductors within certain limited geographic regions and hours of operation FRA should consider penalties for remaining issues to make accidents more costly and promote efficient investment by railroads FRA should work with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to promote the use of drones in the rail sector “The back and forth of this rule being proposed and withdrawn by the FRA is bad for public policy. Updated accident reporting forms and pilot programs need to be instituted to collect meaningful data before advancing new rules,” says author and Aii Director of Public Policy Benjamin Dierker. “We recommend that the agency withdraw the proposed rule, and consider a crew-size pilot program to settle the question in a controlled and robust data collection exercise. Ultimately, data demonstrates both that the FRA should not mandate train crew sizes and that rail companies should not quickly move to reduce crew sizes without a long ramp of proven technology integration.” Read the report. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Benjamin Dierker is the Director of Public Policy at Aii, specializing in economic, administrative, and legal aspects of American energy, transportation, infrastructure, and innovation. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a bachelor of economics, the Bush School of Government and Public Service with a master of public administration, and the Scalia Law School at George Mason University with a juris doctor.