WIKA Mobile Control launches new CTL-S700 series of safety controllers
WIKA Mobile Control has introduced the new CTL-S700 series of safety controllers. These controllers offer many interfaces and I/Os for safety-relevant machine control tasks and can be used in safety-critical applications according to: IEC/EN 61508 Parts 1-7:2015 SIL 2 EN ISO 13849:2015 PL d EN 62061:2005 + AC:2010 + A1:2013 + A2:2015 SILCL 2 Available in four different configurations, the CTL-S700 series offers up to 64 inputs and 56 outputs providing versatility for a variety of applications. These cost-effective controllers feature CODESYS 3.5 SIL 2 programming and a data logger that collects all relevant operating data. Multiple CANopen safety and Ethernet interfaces are also available. Controllers from the CTL-S700 series are equipped with a 300 MHz Aurix TC299TX processor, up to 64 MB flash, 2.7 MB SRAM, and 32 kB FRAM. With an IP66/67 protection rating, a robust cast aluminum housing, and high shock and vibration resistance, these controllers are designed for use in harsh environments making them a perfect fit for mobile cranes, telehandlers, MEWPs, forestry equipment, and other mobile machine applications.
The time to start is now
Our topic this month deals with tax planning and an organized approach to minimizing your tax bite as part of your CASH IS KING business practice. The is no doubt about it, the uncertain nature of our economy, inflation, and a lack of qualified personnel justify a tax avoidance policy to pay as little as possible. Being that your 2022 book results and therefore your tax results are somewhat in the “can” already, I plan to suggest methods to minimize the 2023 tax bill due 16 months from now. The tax code is EXTREMELY complex, and for equipment dealers, it is even more complex because rental transactions add to the complexity to the point where your normal an IRS agent without a lot of rental experience can drive you up the wall with the potential adjustments they come up with. Consequently, it pays for dealers to work with industry-specific professionals to suggest, explain, execute and deliver a tax avoidance plan as soon as possible for 2023 and beyond based on the current tax code. As far as 2022 is concerned you should have met with your industry tax expect at least four times before December 31, 2022. At the beginning of 2022 discuss how the 2021 return is going to look. How much you have paid in and what you will have to pay for ’21 results as well as estimated payments for ’22? The dealer, of course, has input into the estimated payments if certain events or transactions will change business operations in any way. When the ’21 return is delivered ready to be sent to the IRS. There should be a discussion that compares the ’21 returns against the ’20 returns and the previous discussion estimating the tax payments discussed in #1 above. What changed? Why? If changes are negative, how do you avoid them in ’22? And I expect the return to be delivered and processed before the first due date meaning no extensions are required. It does nobody any good to file the ’21 returns in Oct of ’22 because if there were tax reductions to be had you now do not have the time to take full advantage of them. At this same meeting potential changes to the tax code for the current year should be discussed to determine both positive and negative impacts and any steps that can be taken in ’22 to minimize any negative impact they may have. This second meeting also provides input to pass on to customers if your products and services are part of their tax equation. A July or August meeting to see how the company is progressing and whether the remaining estimated tax payments are necessary at the level they are set at. If the company’s taxable income is expected to be less than projected perhaps the final two payments can be reduced. This is also a good time to explore any other code changes anticipated for ’23, and how to take advantage of them if time is available. In December see how the year is working out and identify any issues or questions about specific transactions that may impact revenue or expenses. This is also a good time to provide a data request to provide the information necessary to prepare the annual return. I do not believe this is overkill. It is a program to make your tax person’s job easier to produce a plan of attack for your finance department to avoid both unnecessary cash outflows and delays in receiving refunds. This approach should also apply to the business owners of the C-Corp, S-Corp, or LLC. And to add to the complexity I have to include a State & Local (SALT) review in the process. As I have mentioned in the past State and Local tax issues are in many cases more complex than the Federal requirements. If you buy, sell, and rent over state lines you have tax requirements. And if you have work-from-home employees you may have a state issue to deal with. And since some states do not allow bonus depreciation, the tax liabilities we are talking about can become substantial. The SALT initial review will cover your nexus status in the states you do business in, along with the sales and use tax requirements required for goods sold in each state involved. There are ways to mitigate these SALT taxes if you change how you process transactions. A good SALT advisor can help with this process (I know a couple of you need assistance). Once the initial SALT review is performed you may only require a “touch base” interaction once a year to stay on track. One other issue that is sure to surface is how you cost out your goods and services for tax purposes during an inflationary period. For equipment, the price paid is the tax basis of the equipment. The same goes for service work. But how about parts sales? How are you costing your current sales? This may be a good discussion point to ask your tax person about. And what if you decide at some point that the costs you incurred for new and used equipment and parts are no longer recoverable in the then-current market? Can you adjust your cost and take a tax deduction? What process do you have to follow to warrant a deduction? Speaking of deductions, your CAP-X purchases allow for Bonus and Sec 179 deductions. If you are having a good year and have the ability to purchase equipment or other fixed assets it may pay to complete those transactions in ’23 as opposed to waiting to buy in ’24. That is assuming, of course, that what you need is available. The acquisitions bring additional value because they reduce the 23-tax burden as well as any estimated tax payments due in ’24 based on the ’23 tax due. As a reminder, the units purchased have to be “placed in service” in ’23 to make this work. Knowing that skilled labor
Yale empowers operations to set their own standard with highly configurable new lift trucks
Yale Materials Handling Corporation rolls out the first lift trucks in its new Series N lineup with the introduction of counterbalanced models available in the 4,000-to-7,000-pound capacity range. Built on a scalable platform, not only does the Yale® Series N offer strong productivity, operator ergonomics, and a low total cost of ownership, it allows material handling operations to option up based on their unique needs. “Cost pressures and labor shortages are testing the ability of operations to balance profitability with productivity,” says Brad Long, Brand Manager, Yale Materials Handling Corporation. “Equipment can be part of the solution, but the one-size-fits-all forklift approach of yesteryear won’t cut it. The Series N gives warehouses and retail operations the freedom to dial the trucks to their own standards to meet the needs of their operators, application, and business challenges.” The configurability of the GP40-70N models does not come at the expense of comprehensive standard features: Operator-centric design – A large, strategically located step, generous grab handle, and contoured hood make it easy for the operator to get on and off the truck. A spacious compartment with easily adjustable controls helps operators stay comfortable and productive all shift. Enhanced visibility – The low dash and wide mast help enhance the visibility of the fork tips and load when picking, placing, or traveling forward, helping support operator awareness, confidence and efficiency. Safety and productivity – Standard on all Series N trucks, the innovative Dynamic Stability System (DSS) provides automated alerts and assistance to operators by implementing truck performance limitations in real-time to help minimize forward and sideways tip-overs*. Low total cost of operation – Start with custom configuring the right truck at the right price, then durable components and extended service intervals to help minimize downtime and reduce maintenance costs over the life of the equipment. The GP40-70N can be ordered with optional operator assistance systems designed to further support operator and pedestrian awareness, and help prevent facility and product damage in specific applications. These technologies include a rear-facing camera and rear-view display, spotlights and pedestrian awareness lights, and pre-set lift height selector.
Texas First Rentals, a Division of HOLT, acquires Rental One
Texas First Rentals®, a division of HOLT, announced that it has acquired Rental One, a full-service equipment and storage container rental company offering a complete line of construction equipment and supplies in 15 locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Central Texas regions. Texas First Rentals, a construction equipment rental company, offers rental solutions through its full line of aerial, dirt, and portable power equipment. The equipment Texas First Rentals provides includes boom lifts, scissor lifts, excavators, generators, pumps, and trench safety equipment. “Rental One is an excellent strategic and cultural fit that complements our existing products and services,” said CEO and General Manager of HOLT, Peter J. Holt. “More importantly, Rental One is a multi-generational, family-owned Texas company. As a family-owned business ourselves, we know the value of such an organization and what that means to our customers.” Rental One, founded in 2004 in Colleyville, Texas, with equipment rental roots going back to the 1950s, is a family-owned, full-service equipment and storage container rental company offering a full line of well-maintained, quality construction equipment and concrete, safety, erosion control, and construction supplies throughout its locations. “Our team has worked to build a successful business with meaningful relationships that span three generations,” said Rental One President Mike O’Neal. “Our customers will benefit from a broader range of products and combined expertise as we join the Texas First Rentals team. We continue to be committed to providing customers with the best equipment and reliable service they have grown to know.” With this acquisition, the 300 current Rental One employees, including the leadership team, will become employees of Texas First Rentals and will continue to operate from current Rental One locations. “I’m confident joining a values-based organization is a positive move for us all,” said O’Neal. “We look forward to collaborating with the Texas First Rentals team to build upon our mutual success.” This acquisition will allow Texas First Rentals to expand its presence to a total of 40 locations in highly attractive regions poised for future growth.
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas opens applications for the 19th annual Cat® Lift Trucks Scholarship Program to support the next generation of industry leaders
Houston-based Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and providers of material handling, automation and fleet solutions, announced today the call for applications for its 199th Annual Cat® Lift Trucks Scholarship Program. Each year, the scholarship program honors an outstanding Houston-area high-school senior interested in pursuing a four-year degree related to the material handling industry. This year’s winner will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship to go towards their higher education. “We’re proud to announce this year’s Cat Lift Trucks scholarship program,” said Ken Barina, president of Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. “Each year, we are continuously impressed by the academic achievements and dedication to community service of our scholarship applicants. We hope this program will continue to drive new opportunities for students pursuing higher education, and also help support and inspire the next generation of future leaders.” Since its launch in 2005, the Cat Lift Trucks scholarship program has awarded $135,000 in educational assistance to 26 Houston-area students. Past scholarship recipients have enrolled at Texas Universities and colleges, including Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Austin, and Texas State Technical College, pursuing degrees in various fields such as mechanical and chemical engineering, welding technology, and entrepreneurship. Recipients are selected based on their academic performance, commitment to community service, demonstration of leadership abilities, and financial need. As the Official Lift Truck Provider of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ (HLSR), Cat Lift Trucks will announce the winner of the 2023 scholarship during the annual HLSR event, taking place February 28 – March 19, 2023, in Houston. “We’re honored to serve as a sponsor for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and to be a part of its 90-year commitment to Texas youth and education,” said John Sneddon, executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, at Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. “Initiatives such as the Cat Lift Trucks scholarship program are vital to helping inspire the future of manufacturing and business.” Applications for the 2023 Cat Lift Trucks scholarship must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. CST on January 31, 2023. Finalists will be notified by February 10, 2023, and a winner will be selected by February 24, 2023. Applicants must be from a Houston-area school district and plan to enroll in a college, university, or technical school in Texas with a focus on engineering or a business-oriented or technical trade field related to the material handling industry. For more information on this year’s scholarship program and requirements, or to apply, visit https://www.logisnextamericas.com/en/cat/cat-lift-trucks-scholarship.
Steel King names Rona Rossier-Abel as Vice President-Finance
Steel King Industries, a manufacturer of storage rack and material handling products has announced that Rona Rossier-Abel has been named Vice President-Finance of the company. In this role, she will oversee all financial strategies and actions for the company. Prior to joining Steel King, Rossier-Abel was Controller and Purchasing Manager with Domtar and has held several positions of increasing responsibility in finance over the last 20+ years. “With more than two decades of experience in finance and operations, Rona brings a wide breadth of expertise in accounting and strategic planning to the CFO role,” said Brian Pfannes, Steel King’s incoming president. “Adding her to our senior management team is an important step in Steel King’s growth plan.” Rossier-Abel has a BS in Managerial Accounting and Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. A native of Plover, WI, Rossier-Abel has been active in the United Way and with Junior Achievement. “I’m excited to join Steel King, a company with a long history of strong customer partnerships,” Rossier-Abel said. “I’m eager to apply my breadth of experiences in finance to help drive the business forward for continued growth.”
Staffing employment holds steady in third quarter
2.1% year-to-year job growth in Q3 Staffing jobs rose 2.1% year-to-year in the third quarter of 2022, and U.S. staffing companies employed an average of 2.8 million temporary and contract workers per week, according to data released today by the American Staffing Association. Temporary and contract staffing sales totaled $39.0 billion in the third quarter, an increase of 7.9% from the third quarter of 2021. Staffing employment and sales have historically seen quarter-to-quarter gains following first-quarter declines. Third-quarter data have shown a slight deviation from this trend—staffing jobs edged down by 0.3% (about 9,000 jobs) quarter-to-quarter, but temporary and contract staffing sales grew by 1.4%. “Demand for staffing services remains healthy amid a tight labor market and continued economic uncertainty,” said Richard Wahlquist, ASA president and chief executive officer. “U.S. businesses recognize that staffing companies are uniquely equipped to meet the hiring challenges of today and provide them with the workers and the workforce agility they need to compete, grow, and thrive in the coming year” Looking ahead, staffing firms are optimistic about the first quarter of 2023, projecting their revenue to grow 10.0% year-to-year. They further expect full-year revenue for 2022 to increase by 10.5% from 2021. To learn more about the quarterly ASA Staffing Employment and Sales Survey, visit americanstaffing.net/quarterly-survey, or follow ASA research on Twitter.
Big Joe returns to the Canadian market
Big Joe Forklifts will re-enter the Canadian market effective Jan. 1, 2023 Big Joe Forklifts has announced its plan to return to the Canadian market for the first time since 2009 through the newly formed Big Joe Canada. The initial launch will ensure Big Joe equipment is readily available through a network of material handling dealerships across most Canadian provinces with whom Big Joe Canada has already partnered. This network will continue to grow to ensure that support for the Big Joe product line is second to none as it continues to expand into new market segments including lithium-powered sit-down forklifts and autonomous vehicles over the years to come. Big Joe is one of the fastest-growing companies in the lift truck industry globally, having grown by more than 1200% since 2009. Big Joe’s success has been driven by rapid product development resulting in a robust portfolio of innovative purpose-built machines that better address contemporary material handling needs than its competitors. As supply chains have adapted and evolved to support changes in consumer behaviors, Big Joe has been able to use this speed to market to enhance productivity, safety, and efficiency in operations as far ranging from heavy manufacturing to retail. The company’s electric forklifts, pallet trucks, walkie stackers, and access vehicles use the latest in human factors, lithium batteries, and motor technology to propel its simple philosophy – move more, hurt less. Big Joe is excited to team up with the newly formed Big Joe Canada to re-enter the Canadian market. Big Joe Canada will launch by onboarding dealers from its existing network across Canada before expanding this network. The expansion plan will include ensuring that dealers can expertly deploy products, services, parts, and warranties to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction across Canada. “The Canadian market is very important to Big Joe, and we have been working hard to find the right partner that shares our growth vision and can help us re-enter the market at the right time. On that point, we couldn’t be more pleased or excited to partner with Big Joe Canada to make that happen,” said Bill Pedriana, Big Joe’s CMO. “With an industry that continues to rapidly evolve due to emerging technologies and economic uncertainty, companies are looking to keep their operations moving by partnering with organizations that can be nimble and responsive to meet their changing needs. For us, the timing couldn’t be better to rejoin the Canadian market and offer our unique equipment solutions to help keep commerce moving forward during this dynamic time.” “Big Joe Canada is excited to expand with Big Joe to offer exceptional material handling solutions to our existing and future network of dealers across Canada,” said Ace Coustol, Regional Vice President, of Big Joe Canada. “Both entities are driven to provide products specific to our customer’s needs, reducing costs and downtime, and boosting efficiency. Joining forces in the Canadian market will allow us to streamline products and services to our valued customers and we look forward to expanding our tailor-made offerings.”
2023 Economic Outlook forecasts 4.2% expansion in Equipment and Software Investment and 0.9% GDP growth next year amid mild U.S. Recession
In what is likely to be a more challenging year for both the economy and the equipment finance industry, the 2023 forecast for equipment and software investment growth is 4.2%, according to the 2023 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook. The report released today by the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation also forecasts sluggish U.S. GDP growth of 0.9% (annualized) due to a mild recession that is expected to begin midway through the year. The Foundation’s report is focused on the $1.16 trillion equipment leasing and finance industry and highlights key trends in equipment investment, placing them in the context of the broader U.S. economic climate. Nancy Pistorio, Foundation Chair and President of Madison Capital LLC, said, “Equipment investment, the lifeblood of the equipment finance industry, has maintained steady growth since the onset of the pandemic. Despite higher interest rates, inflation, and expectations of a downturn in 2023, the report indicates that a ‘soft landing’ in which the economy avoids recession is still possible. In addition, there are several factors that may make the looming downturn less severe for our industry than previous recessions, including pro-industrial legislation, equipment order backlogs, and reshoring trends.” Highlights from the 2023 Outlook include: Equipment and software investment growth boomed in the second half of 2022 with nearly 12% annualized growth in Q3, providing a solid jumping-off point for 2023. However, rising interest rates are expected to weigh on investment growth next year. The U.S. economy also saw GDP growth bounce back during the second half of 2022, although underlying conditions remain troubling. The housing market is struggling, financial markets are highly volatile, and the global economy is slowing. The manufacturing sector continues to outperform expectations given rising interest rates and the global economic slowdown. Although activity appears likely to slow in 2023 given expectations for a recession, recent pro-industrial legislation and a push for supply chain re-shoring should give the manufacturing sector a boost. For Main Street businesses, the combined effects of high inflation and tightening financial conditions are likely to contribute to turbulent operating conditions in 2023. Fortunately, financial stress is still quite low, and small business lending activity remains positive for now. Monetary policy is among the biggest questions facing the equipment finance industry in 2023. The Fed has hinted at the possibility of slowing down interest rate hikes while stressing it is committed to reining in inflation at the risk of higher unemployment or a recession. Interest rate levels are expected to rise above 5% next year, and potentially higher. The Foundation-Keybridge U.S. Equipment & Software Investment Momentum Monitor, which is released in conjunction with the Economic Outlook, tracks 12 equipment and software investment verticals. In addition, the Momentum Monitor Sector Matrix provides a customized data visualization of the current values of each of the 12 verticals based on recent momentum and historical strength. This month one vertical is expanding, six are peaking, two are recovering, and three are weakening. Over the next three to six months, year over year: Agriculture machinery investment growth is likely to sidewind. Construction machinery investment growth is likely to ease. Materials handling equipment investment growth may improve slightly. All other industrial equipment investment growth may continue to decelerate. Medical equipment investment growth will likely sidewind. Mining and oilfield machinery investment growth may decelerate. Aircraft investment growth may continue to pick up. Ships and boats investment growth are unlikely to accelerate. Railroad equipment investment growth may have peaked and could decelerate. Trucks investment growth is unlikely to improve. Computers investment growth is unlikely to accelerate further. Software investment growth is unlikely to improve. Download the full report at https://www.leasefoundation.org/industry-resources/u-s-economic-outlook/.
US Cutting Tool Orders totaled $200.6 Million in October 2022, bringing Year-Over-Year total to 11.7%
October 2022 U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $200.6 million, according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the Cutting Tool Market Report collaboration, was up 3.4% from September’s $194.0 million and up 11.7% when compared with the $179.6 million reported for October 2021. This has been the highest monthly total since October 2019. With a year-to-date total of $1.8 billion, 2022 is up 9.4% when compared to the same time period in 2021. These numbers and all data in this report are based on the totals reported by the companies participating in the CTMR program. The totals here represent the majority of the U.S. market for cutting tools. “Market conditions for the cutting tool industry remain positive,” commented Jeff Major, president of USCTI. “Overall year-to-date sales versus 2021 are up 9.4%. Cutting tool sales for 2023 are expected to remain positive, led by the automotive and aerospace market segments. Shipping costs have stabilized somewhat, which helps our overall business, while there still remains some uncertainty with raw material costs.” Steve Stokey, executive vice president and owner of Allied Machine and Engineering, also had a positive attitude toward the direction of the cutting tool industry, stating, “Cutting tool orders continue to climb even through rocky waters. Certainly, we are all bracing for the impact of the interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve.” Stokey continued on, discussing how the durable goods industry influences the cutting tool industry. “The real key for our industry will be how durable goods perform in the months ahead. If durable goods production continues to grow, our industry may be able to stay in positive territory through an overall slowing economy.” The Cutting Tool Market Report is jointly compiled by AMT and USCTI, two trade associations representing the development, production, and distribution of cutting tool technology and products. It provides a monthly statement on U.S. manufacturers’ consumption of the primary consumable in the manufacturing process – the cutting tool. Analysis of cutting tool consumption is a leading indicator of both upturns and downturns in U.S. manufacturing activity, as it is a true measure of actual production levels. Historical data for the Cutting Tool Market Report is available dating back to January 2012. This collaboration of AMT and USCTI is the first step in the two associations working together to promote and support U.S.-based manufacturers of cutting tool technology. The graph below includes the 12-month moving average for the durable goods shipments and cutting tool orders. These values are calculated by taking the average of the most recent 12 months and plotting them over time.
Port of Long Beach Cargo volume eases in November
Shifting shipment patterns, full warehouses factor into a decline in imports while exports increase to maintain its status as the nation’s leading export port Trade moving through the Port of Long Beach softened in November amid reduced orders from retailers, full warehouses, vessel transfers between the San Pedro Bay ports and goods shifted toward seaports along the East and Gulf coasts. Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 588,742 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month, down 21% from November 2021. Imports slid 28.4% to 259,442 TEUs, while exports increased 13.8% to 124,988 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the Port decreased by 25.2% to 204,313 TEUs. “While some import volume has shifted to other gateways, we are confident that a good portion of it will return to the San Pedro Bay,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “As we move toward normalization of the supply chain, it’s time to refocus our efforts on engaging in sustainable and transformative operations that will secure our place as a leader in trans-Pacific trade.” “We appreciate the exceptional work of the dockworkers who moved containers off the docks and helped us speed the flow of cargo during an unprecedented surge over the last two years,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Sharon L. Weissman. “Their hard work ensures shelves are stocked and consumers can purchase gifts during the holiday season.” Long-dwelling containers at the San Pedro Bay port complex have been reduced by more than 90% since the end of October 2021, when the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles initiated a Congestion Dwell Fee. Although the fee has not been assessed, it has incentivized shippers to remove long-dwelling import containers from terminals. Economists say spending is stronger heading into the end of the year as consumers pivot away from dining out, live entertainment, and other services toward purchasing goods for the holiday season. The Port of Long Beach has moved 8,589,553 TEUs during the first 11 months of 2022, down 0.5% from the same period in 2021, which was the Port’s strongest year on record. The Port of Long Beach is the nation’s leading export port, with 1.44 million TEUs of loaded exports in 2021, and nearly 1.3 million TEUs through the first 11 months of 2022. For complete cargo numbers, visit polb.com/statistics.
ORBIS® receives a readers’ choice award
Material Handling Product News (MHPN) has named ORBIS® Corporation — an international provider in reusable packaging — a 2022 Readers’ Choice Product of the Year award winner for its StakPak Plus™ in the Containers, Totes & Bins category. This award honors the achievements of companies for advancements in material handling systems and equipment within manufacturing, distribution centers, and warehouses. “We are honored to be recognized by Material Handling Product News and its readers,” said Breanna Herbert, product manager and sustainability lead at ORBIS. “For more than 20 years, the StakPak container has helped automotive and industrial companies protect parts and optimize line-side assembly operations. Thank you to MHPN and its readers for recognizing the new StakPak Plus collar system and the unique benefits it can bring to supply chains by increasing container capacity.” The StakPak Plus takes all the best attributes of the traditional StakPak container, including reusability and cost savings, and combines them with customized heights to increase container capacity, providing transportation efficiencies, cost savings, sustainable advantages, and more. A customizable solution, the StakPak Plus system combines traditional totes with various collar sizes to increase a container’s height to accommodate the unique-shaped parts commonly found in the automotive supply chain. Available in popular 32” x 15” and 24” x 15” footprints, StakPak Plus totes feature a permanent collar that adds height and internal volume, allowing for more parts to be transported per container. All StakPak Plus totes are fully compatible with existing totes in the industry and offer maximum durability with a vertical corner rib structure. What’s more, the StakPak Plus is a lightweight solution that provides easy manual handling and can be combined with ORBIShield® foam, fabric, and rigid dunnage to provide better pack density and part presentation. In implementing this solution, companies can reduce the environmental waste associated with single-use corrugated boxes, and, at the end of its long service life, the StakPak Plus collar is 100% recyclable and can be reprocessed right back into supply chain packaging.
H&E opens new branch in Ocala Florida
Effective December 13, 2022, H&E Equipment Services Inc. (H&E) announces the opening of its Ocala rental branch, its 11th in the state of Florida. The branch is located at 1800 NW 58th Lane, Ocala, FL 34475-3042, phone 352-644-9700. It includes a fully fenced yard area, offices, and a separate repair shop and is capable of handling a variety of construction and general industrial equipment for customers in Central Florida. “Our new Ocala branch fills a geographic gap in the central and northern parts of the state for us. We can now better reach our customer base between our existing Jacksonville and Orlando locations, and having a facility along the I-75 corridor gets us on the job site quickly. Steady population trends and other favorable economic conditions in the area point to a strong, long-term nonresidential construction forecast, and we have the equipment to effectively serve those projects,” says Branch Manager Jim Sill, who has worked in the area and in the industry for more than 30 years. “H&E has been in the Sunshine State for 20 years now and has one of the youngest fleets in the industry. That is a great combination to show our customers—new and existing—that we are here to stay and ready to grow with them.” The Ocala branch specializes in the rental of aerial lifts, telescopic forklifts, earthmoving machinery, compaction equipment, generators, compressors, and more and represents the following manufacturers: Allmand, Atlas Copco, Bomag, Case, Club Car, Cushman, Doosan, Gehl, Generac Mobile, Genie, Hilti, Husqvarna, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Kubota, LayMor, Ledwell, Lincoln Electric, Link-Belt Excavators, MEC, Miller, Multiquip, Polaris, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Sullivan-Palatek, TAG, Taylor, Towmaster Trailers, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar, and others.
U.S. Rail Traffic for the week ending December 10, 2022
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending December 10, 2022. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 500,310 carloads and intermodal units, down 2.5 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending December 10 were 242,007 carloads, up 1.3 percent compared with the same week in 2021, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 258,303 containers and trailers, down 5.8 percent compared to 2021. Six of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2021. They included coal, up 5,921 carloads, to 72,541; nonmetallic minerals, up 1,514 carloads, to 32,575; and motor vehicles and parts, up 1,107 carloads, to 15,051. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2021 included chemicals, down 5,042 carloads, to 30,258; grain, down 1,067 carloads, to 23,806; and forest products, down 607 carloads, to 9,296. For the first 49 weeks of 2022, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 11,376,119 carloads, up 0.1 percent from the same point last year; and 12,810,570 intermodal units, down 4.9 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 49 weeks of 2022 was 24,186,689 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 2.6 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending December 10, 2022, on 12 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 345,288 carloads, up 4.3 percent compared with the same week last year, and 338,311 intermodal units, down 4.4 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 683,599 carloads and intermodal units, down 0.2 percent. North American rail volume for the first 49 weeks of 2022 was 33,189,175 carloads and intermodal units, down 1.8 percent compared with 2021. Canadian railroads reported 80,453 carloads for the week, up 11.5 percent, and 63,300 intermodal units, down 1.9 percent compared with the same week in 2021. For the first 49 weeks of 2022, Canadian railroads reported a cumulative rail traffic volume of 7,153,334 carloads, containers, and trailers, down 0.5 percent. Mexican railroads reported 22,828 carloads for the week, up 13.4 percent compared with the same week last year, and 16,708 intermodal units, up 11.8 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 49 weeks of 2022 was 1,849,152 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 3.8 percent from the same point last year. To view the rail charts, click here.
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.