ASA, NIOSH announce new Safety Resource for temporary workers
The new guide builds upon the 2013 Temporary Worker Initiative The American Staffing Association, in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and a coalition of safety organizations, has announced the publication of a new resource document outlining ways host employers can keep temporary workers safe on the job. Entitled Protecting Temporary Workers: Best Practices for Host Employers, the resource guide includes best practices for evaluating and addressing workplace safety and health in contracts; training for temporary workers and supervisors; and recommended practices for injury and illness reporting, responses, and recordkeeping. “Nothing is more important than the safety and health of temporary employees in their workplaces,” said Richard Wahlquist, ASA president and chief executive officer. “This resource guide provides host employers with the information they need to create and maintain a healthy and safe working environment for temporary employees.” In addition to ASA and NIOSH, the co-authors of the guide include the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Services Sector Council, the American Society of Safety Professionals, and the Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention program out of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. The resource guide marks the latest effort by ASA to protect the health and safety of temporary and contract workers. Beginning in 2014, ASA has taken part in a formal alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to promote awareness of health and safety measures in the workplace, including the Temporary Worker Initiative and Safety Matters webpage. ASA’s Safely Back to Work campaign also provides employers with resources and guidance regarding Covid-19 prevention in the workplace.
$125M in incentives for Off-Road Zero-Emission Equipment available through California’s CORE Project
Vouchers for Tractors, Forklifts, Construction Equipment, and more to help reduce emissions and improve air quality The California Air Resources Board (CARB) opens the second round of its Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) today, providing point-of-sale discounts on off-road zero-emission equipment. The project is administered by CALSTART and has $125M in funding available, more than double the amount allocated to the project when it first launched in January 2020. Originally only for freight, in 2022, CORE is expanding to include funding for the commercial harbor craft and agriculture and construction sectors. Participation in the project has been streamlined for ease of use, and key elements include: Qualified participants will receive vouchers for point-of-sale discounts on off-road zero-emission equipment, up to a maximum of $500,000 per voucher There is no requirement to “scrap,” sell, or retire existing equipment Additional funding may be available for charging/refueling infrastructure, equipment operated in disadvantaged communities, and small businesses “California is backing up its commitment to clean the air in overburdened communities and carry out the direction of the Governor’s Executive Order with a significant investment in zero-emission vehicles and sustainable transportation,” CARB Deputy Executive Officer Craig Segall said. “CORE is specifically designed to assist industry sectors that currently use off-road equipment and can help clean up the communities hardest hit by air pollution.” “The streamlined process incorporates feedback from program participants and we are anticipating significant interest in this second round,” said Niki Okuk, deputy director at CALSTART. “The industry is continuing its transition to zero-emissions and CORE provides a clear market signal that helps bring new products to the market.” CORE supports the following nine equipment categories: On- and off-road terminal tractors Truck- and trailer-mounted transport refrigeration units (TRUs) Large forklifts and cargo-handling equipment Airport ground support equipment Railcar movers and switcher locomotives Mobile power units (MPUs) and mobile shore-power cable management systems Construction equipment Agricultural equipment Commercial harbor craft The first round of CORE resulted in over 460 vouchers for vehicles and electric vehicle supply equipment totaling over $62 million, with terminal tractors being the most requested equipment type. CORE is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, improving public health and the environment, and providing meaningful benefits to the most disadvantaged communities, low-income communities, and low-income households.
YPN Awards: Call for Nominations
Every year MHI powers the MHI Young Professional Network Awards to recognize an outstanding job by MHI member company employees. There are two different categories for the awards: Outstanding Young Professional and Mentor. Outstanding Young Professional Do you know someone within the industry under the age of 40, who has an impressive list of professional accomplishments, demonstrated effective leadership skills and has made a difference in their company? Nominate them today for the Outstanding Young Professional Award to recognize their hard work and dedication. Mentor Are you fortunate to have a mentor who is an inspiring role model, has offered professional guidance, and advocates for and supports employee professional development? Show your mentor how much they have had a positive impact on you by nominating them for the Mentor Award. The winners for both awards will be announced during the MHI Annual Conference in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, Oct. 4 during the Recognition Celebration. What are you waiting for? Submit your nominations today. The deadline to enter is August 31, 2022, at 5:00 pm ET.
PTDA 2022 Industry Summit to deliver “Amped Up” programming and networking
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) will convene for the PTDA 2022 Industry Summit in Nashville, Tenn. on October 27-29, 2022. With more than 500 delegates in the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry expected to attend, representing over 200 PTDA distributors and manufacturer companies, the Industry Summit—themed “Amp Up”—will offer cross-channel networking, shared learning, and collaborative experiences. “Nashville is a city radiating with energy and I’m excited for PTDA to capitalize on its momentum during the 2022 Industry Summit.” says PTDA President JP Bouchard, vice president, General Bearing Service Inc. “This year’s program has been ‘amped up’ to provide even greater value to attendees, offering more opportunities for business engagement and growth. With dynamic presentations delivering key insights on our challenges like workforce recruitment and the ever-changing economy, the industry’s top PT/MC executive will walk away with not just information, but actionable takeaways.” New for 2022, the signature event of the PTDA Industry Summit–the Manufacturer-Distributor Idea Exchange (MD-IDEX)–has been increased to two days. MD-IDEX is a time- and cost-effective forum bringing together distributor and manufacturer executives for high-level discussions on market strategies and issues. Distributor and manufacturer members alike laud MD-IDEX as one of the best face-to-face cross-channel business programs with a measurable ROI for participants. Well-respected industry thought leaders will offer keynote presentations, beginning with economist Dr. Alan Beaulieu, an Industry Summit favorite. Founder and President of ITR Economics, Beaulieu will address the ever-evolving post-pandemic business landscape and highlight opportunities for PT/MC companies to seize and challenges to avert. Two sessions presented by PT WORK Force®, an initiative of the PTDA Foundation, will address ways employers can circumvent forces hindering their efforts to attract and retain top talent. Risha Grant, Founder & CEO of Risha Grant, LLC, will share unconventional methods to tap into a rich market of dynamic and diverse candidates to foster an energized workforce-focused program and environment. In the second session, a panel discussion featuring career services directors from local schools and technical programs will offer guidance on how to engage young, ambitious students before they hit the marketplace as job seekers. As the closing keynote, former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann will relay how his individuals and organizations committing to a positive mental outlook and vision can tackle any obstacles blocking their success. Additional networking opportunities abound at the PTDA 2022 Industry Summit. From gatherings of the PTDA Women in the Industry (WITI) and Next Gen groups to receptions and networking lunches to an exclusive Closing Event hosted at Nashville’s iconic Wildhorse Saloon, participants will reap content and connections. For more information, visit ptda.org/IndustrySummit. Those registering before August 25, 2022, will receive a $100 discount.
EP 298: Vanderlande at MODEX 2022
Joining me this week from the booth at MODEX 2022 is Jake Heldenberg from Vanderlande. Jake is the senior manager of Warehouse Solutions at Vanderlande, where he works with customers to develop innovative warehousing solutions. Based out of the Netherlands, Vanderlande has a strong presence in North America with three primary markets: parcel, airports, and warehouses. We focus on the warehouse side and what they are hearing from the MODEX floor. Key Takeaways Jake shares some of the more popular warehouse solutions Vanderlande’s customers are implementing as the industry shifts to high automation solutions. Jake provides insights on the optimum picking solution for various industries. We discuss the partnership between Vanderlande and RightHand Robotics to provide innovative item-picking solutions for their customers. One of the key benefits of this partnership is the technology that allows for quicker and more precise picking. While everyone at the show seemed to be looking for automation, Jake and I discussed the importance of flexibility of automated solutions such as Vanderlande’s Fastpick and building pallets to any configuration that fits the customer’s needs using Vanderlande’s load forming logic software. By providing flexibility through different solutions, many of the problems for customers can be solved. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 298: Vanderlande at MODEX 2022
Abel Womack celebrates 100 Years in Business, continues Legacy of Innovation
The Northeast US premier material handling company marks a major business milestone, building on one hundred years of dedication, professionalism, and integrity Abel Womack, a Northeast, US full-service lift truck, automation, and intralogistics company, has announced that it is reaching its key milestone of 100 years in business in 2022. This latest achievement is underscored by the company’s culture of teamwork, expertise, customer support, and a focus on forward-thinking client solutions. “We are thrilled to have reached this momentous milestone in our company’s history,” said John Croce, Chief Executive Officer of Abel Womack. “What’s truly impressive, even after 100 years, is that our mission, vision, and exceptional standards to “be the difference” remain intact; which is why we continue to attract the best sales, service, and business professionals in the industry. I am both humbled and proud to have spent nearly 50 years with this company and witness firsthand the integrity, professionalism, and customer care that takes place here every day”. Founded in Brookline, Massachusetts in 1922 as Robert Abel & Co., Inc., Abel Womack originally dealt primarily with hoists and cranes before representing the innovative Raymond® forklifts in 1958. Womack Material Handling was founded in 1978 in Wallingford, CT, and merged with Robert Abel & Co. in 1996 to become Abel Womack. Milestones include building a new corporate headquarters in Lawrence, MA in 1999 and a new Wallingford, CT facility in 2013. In order to also accommodate their considerable growth in NY, the branch moved from Farmingdale to a larger facility in Edgewood. Over 100 years, the equipment, technology, and solutions that help meet the needs of our customers have changed drastically, and Abel Womack has consistently stayed ahead of the curve with automation and technology such as robotics, goods to picker solutions, conveyors, fleet management services and the exceptionally engineered Raymond® forklifts. Abel Womack has continued to add products and solutions to its portfolio to ensure it can offer its clients unbiased, optimal solutions. In 1999, Abel Womack foresaw that automation and integrated systems were the wave of the future and began investing in the people and resources to grow that aspect of the business. It has certainly paid off as automation continues to grow in demand. With more than 230 employees in NY, MA, CT, ME, RI, VT, and NH, including 100+ mobile technicians, Abel Woman is better able to provide unparalleled service and unbiased, tailored solutions.
Railroads welcome appointment of Presidential Emergency Board
Today, President Biden signed an executive order creating a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) to help railroads and their workers settle ongoing national labor negotiations and ultimately agree to a new contract. “On average, railroaders earn $135,000 annually in total pay and benefits, which is higher than the average compensation of industries that employ 94% of the U.S. workforce,” said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “Railroads remain committed to reaching an agreement that provides their employees well-deserved compensation increases that keep them among the best paid in the nation.” The Railway Labor Act governs collective bargaining for the rail industry, which aims to help parties reach an agreement without work stoppages or disruptions to U.S. freight rail movements. Among other things, the statute includes provisions to encourage successful negotiations and, when necessary, provide outside assistance, such as forming a PEB to facilitate a resolution. “We are pleased that President Biden has taken an important step by creating a PEB to help all parties find a reasonable path forward,” continued Jefferies. “An agreement that allows both our hardworking employees and the industry to thrive into the future remains possible.” Now, the PEB will review the parties’ proposals and hold hearings in the coming weeks before issuing settlement recommendations. Historically, these recommendations can serve as a roadmap for a voluntary agreement. The National Carriers’ Conference Committee represents the carriers in national bargaining, including in upcoming PEB proceedings. For additional information about the status of these negotiations, please visit RailLaborFacts.org.
OZ Lifting expands Industrial Lever Hoist range
OZ Lifting has expanded its industrial lever hoist range with 6- and 9-ton capacity versions Previously, the Winona, Minnesota-based manufacturer offered 0.25- to 3-ton capacity models, but the relaunched range will include 0.25-, 0.75, 1.5-, 3-, 6-, and 9-ton capacity versions. This closely matches the company’s premium (overload protected) and dynamometer-equipped (Dyno-Hoist) lever hoist lines. While the premium line of lever hoists is, and will likely remain, the most popular of these manual hoist options, it is important to cover the breadth of applications that place specific demands on this type of product. The industrial line of lever hoists will always be a good choice if users already know the weight of the load. The premium line, meanwhile, is based on the same hoist but has overload protection. This has proved useful if the load weight is unknown, as the overload protection will activate at approximately 50% above the load rating. Dyno-Hoist, which eliminates the need for a separate shackle, dynamometer, and hoist, is the most technologically advanced of the range. Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting, said: “We are confident that expanding the industrial line to match the other two products will give distributors and their end customers all the capacities and technology options they need. As such, we do not anticipate expanding the range in the foreseeable future.” The new industrial lever hoist range retains the features for which it has become renowned, including all-steel construction; 100% load-tested Grade 80 alloy chain; fully-enclosed gearing; long-lasting powder-coat finish; load sheave bearings; and more. Napieralski also pointed to the steel handle with rubber grip; forged alloy steel hooks; minimal load lifting effort; and heavy-duty latches. Custom options remain available. Napieralski added: “There is still a big market for manual lifting products that don’t include overload devices or dynamometers. An end user might make a purchasing decision based on budget or application nuances—or maybe a little bit of both—but they will likely already know the weight of their load, meaning a dyno[mometer] is a completely redundant addition.” The new 6-, and 9-ton capacity versions are already in stock and available for delivery. “Business is excellent,” added Napieralski. “We have seen significant growth in all our product offerings.
EnerSys® celebrates grand opening of its expanded Richmond, Kentucky Distribution Center
The event marks the expansion of the Company’s industrial supply chain footprint EnerSys®, the global provider of stored energy solutions for industrial applications, is proud to announce the grand opening of the Company’s expanded Richmond, Kentucky Distribution Center (DC). On Friday, July 15, 2022, local officials, including Richmond Mayor, Robert Blythe, and City Manager, Rob Minerich, joined EnerSys® for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark this special milestone. The new 195,000 square-foot DC will create new jobs in the community and improve the Company’s customer service through enhanced delivery capabilities and faster order fulfillment, helping to address recent supply chain challenges impacting the industry. “The larger Richmond DC will allow us to store more inventory at one centralized location and in turn, will enable us to offer more stock keeping units (SKU’s) in our ‘Quick Ship’ program –facilitating shipment of a customer’s order within 24-hours,” said Troy Baxter, Richmond, KY, Plant Manager at EnerSys®. “Furthermore, the new facility will not only help us lower lead times and meet customer demand, but it will also help improve our local economy through the creation of jobs in the Richmond vicinity.” The products that will be fulfilled at the new Richmond DC will be specific to the EnerSys® Motive Power portfolio, including the Company’s variety of traditional flooded lead acid and Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) battery solutions and modular chargers. “With these products housed in a centrally-located US facility, our fulfillment capabilities are streamlined to a single point for order processing and shipping thus improving our responsiveness to our customers,” says Chad Uplinger, Vice President of Sales, Motive Power Americas at EnerSys. “These Motive Power solutions provide customers with recyclable energy storage options to reduce environmental impact and support a sustainable future – powered by electrification.”
Achieving Zero Emissions in Construction and Agricultural equipment
Each segment of the transportation industry carries its own challenges in electrification, and some are easier to overcome than others. Personal automobiles, for example, have relatively few remaining challenges. Perhaps the biggest remaining issue for automobiles is the improvement of charging infrastructure to eliminate “range anxiety,” but there is no major technological barrier to solving this problem. Likewise, there are strong initiatives underway to address many of the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle segment challenges. Off-road equipment, such as bulldozers and agricultural tractors, come with their own distinctive and more complex challenges to solve. These can include the technological issue of big machines needing a great deal of power to fulfill their tasks; the logistical challenge of charging off-road equipment in remote working locations; and the perception – the idea held by many that electrified off-road equipment is incapable of handling the work. These challenges may not be easy to solve, but they are not insurmountable. With forward-looking and unique applications of technology, legislation, and education, these problems can be assessed and eliminated. CALSTART – a non-profit working to build a prosperous, efficient, and clean high-tech transportation industry – has commissioned a research project on zero-emission off-road equipment and the challenges faced in deploying it. A preliminary look into the report’s findings related to construction and agricultural off-road equipment is presented here, prior to the report’s full release. Electrification of Construction Equipment is Moving Forward According to CALSTART’s report, construction equipment electrification is both more achievable and desirable than agricultural equipment electrification. The reason is that it is simply easier to electrify construction equipment compared to other types of off-road vehicles. This is because most construction happens in cities, so there is less of a challenge in accessing infrastructure than with more remote off-road applications. Additionally, construction equipment is often compact compared to other off-road categories, and so the possibilities for immediate electrification using current technology are strong. There is also the added benefit of noise reduction – a significant issue in urban areas, where most construction equipment is used. In contrast, agricultural vehicles typically operate in more rural areas, where noise pollution is not always a major concern. Construction equipment market projections There is already clear evidence of progress in some areas of the construction equipment market. In the U.S.-centric example below, small excavators have made significant inroads, and have the largest market increase of all clean engine types. Fully electric small excavators made up 5% of the U.S. market in 2021, and this is expected to rise to 15% by 2029. However, while encouraging, the U.S. market penetration of this equipment is limited compared to that of other countries. Unique Challenges Facing Electrification of Agricultural Equipment Although agricultural off-road equipment accounts for only a small percentage of the harmful emissions created by the industry overall, reduction of GHG emissions wherever possible can only help to reduce air pollution and climate change effects. Internal combustion of agricultural equipment not only releases emissions harmful to humans but to the surrounding plant and wildlife in the areas in which agricultural equipment is used. (Noise pollution reduction is also appreciated by wildlife.) There are significant and multiple benefits to electrifying agricultural equipment, and there is some success already. The CALSTART report indicates that two-wheel-drive tractor sales are growing fast, with 2,726 new units projected to hit the market in 2029. Hybrid electric is also doing well (see table below). Additionally, in California, there are several electric tractor manufacturers (such as Solectrac and Monarch) producing electrified agricultural equipment to meet the needs of some of the state’s specialized agrarian pursuits, among them California’s famous vineyards and orchards. Forklifts – Early Adopters Forklift manufacturers and operators were early adopters of electrified equipment; this was largely due to the fact that forklifts often operate indoors, where workers are constantly exposed to diesel fuel emissions. Even with forklift operators embracing electric vehicles early on, internal combustion forklifts still represent a significant portion of forklift sales (33% in 2021). As regulations become more stringent, this is changing; in California, for example, a ban on the sale of all new internal combustion forklifts is expected beginning in 2025. Regulations and legislation are not the only drivers of increasing electric forklift sales. The rapidly increasing efficiency of the batteries used to power them is having a growing positive effect on sales. Lithium-ion batteries charge quickly and are very efficient, especially when compared to the less-desirable lead-acid battery. Current projections show that lithium-ion batteries will make up more than 60% of the total electrified forklift market by 2029. Electrified forklifts are also proving the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cell technology, with over 10,000 units expected to ship in 2029. The Challenges Facing Construction and Agricultural Equipment Of course, forklifts are only one example of off-road equipment; there are still serious challenges to achieving this same success with agricultural and construction equipment. One of these challenges is perception. Many stakeholders across these industries assume that an electrically powered machine will not be able to perform to the level of their internal combustion counterparts – even when it has been shown that those electric vehicles can indeed do so. There is also the concern that charging these vehicles out in the remote regions in which they operate will be a problem. This concern is not limited to agricultural equipment; construction equipment, usually located in urban or suburban locales, can also face charging challenges since construction sites are often cramped and difficult to navigate. Finally, although battery technology is, as pointed out above, continually and rapidly improving, the problem of duty cycles is a big consideration. Both agricultural and construction equipment often sit idle for long periods and then can be suddenly called upon to operate intensively for many hours. The batteries that power these vehicles must be able to endure these long downtimes and still have sufficient charge left to accomplish the work their internal combustion counterparts are called upon to do, without needing to recharge during the workday. Solving These Challenges With the Beachhead
The Propane Education & Training Council introduces the new Cylinder Delivery training program
The Propane Education & Research Council has introduced new training for cylinder delivery drivers which is now available in The Learning Center on propane.com. This series of programs and modules provide the basic material employees need to be cylinder delivery truck drivers. Starting with Introduction to the Propane Industry and ending with Exchanging DOT Cylinders, this learning path guides employees through basic safety as well as task-oriented training such as conducting a customer site assessment. The program offers flexibility to allow employees to focus on just the training they need to perform specific tasks. This allows for a much shorter training time and reduces the redundant training material the learner has previously taken. Click here and take the training.
OSHA Safe + Sound Week registration is now open
Safe + Sound Week registration is open! Join thousands of businesses who are recognizing their commitment to workplace safety and health. Organizations of all sizes and industries are welcome to participate. Visit the Safe + Sound Week webpage to sign up to participate, and for ideas on planning and promoting your event. Register Now! The Safe + Sound Week is August 15 – 21, 2022. At the core of every effective safety and health program is a systematic process for finding and fixing workplace hazards, which includes conducting inspections to identify new or emerging hazards that could lead to injury or illness. Looking for an activity to complete during Safe + Sound Week? Consider taking the Eyes on Safety challenge: Plan your safety walkaround. Conduct your safety walkaround. Prioritize the hazards you found. Download your challenge coin and use the hashtags #EyesOnSafetyand #SafeAndSoundAtWorkon social media to show you participated in the challenge.
Container Dwell Fee on hold through July 22
The San Pedro Bay ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles will once again delay consideration of the “Container Dwell Fee” for another week, this time until July 22. Since the program was announced on Oct. 25, the two ports have seen a combined decline of 25% in aging cargo on the docks. The executive directors of both ports will reassess fee implementation after monitoring data over the next week. Fee implementation has been postponed by both ports since the start of the program. The Long Beach and Los Angeles Boards of Harbor Commissioners have both extended the fee program through Oct. 26. Under the temporary policy, ocean carriers can be charged for each import container dwelling nine days or more at the terminal. Currently, no date has been set to start the count with respect to container dwell time. The ports plan to charge ocean carriers $100 per container, increasing in $100 increments per container per day until the container leaves the terminal. Any fees collected from dwelling cargo will be reinvested for programs designed to enhance efficiency, accelerate cargo velocity and address congestion impacts. The policy was developed in coordination with the Biden-Harris Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and multiple supply chain stakeholders.
Bomag Americas announces the passing of Bert DeJong
Bomag Americas announced the passing of Bert DeJong, a company leader and industry veteran for more than 30 years. DeJong is well remembered for being smart, honest, fair, and an industry pioneer, who helped drive success for both rental customers and Bomag. DeJong passed away on May 26, 2022, at the age of 68. “Throughout his 32-year career with Bomag, Bert was a consummate professional and team player, always willing to put forth the dedication and effort required to support his fellow colleagues and customers,” said Rob Mueckler, president of Bomag Americas Inc. “Today, Bomag commands a large presence in the rental market, mainly due to Bert’s leadership and valuable commitments to this customer segment, which is a true success story. More importantly, he was one of the most genuine and respectful colleagues that I’ve had the privilege to work with, and he will be deeply missed by the Bomag family and our rental customers. Bert’s contributions and compassion for others will be long remembered by us all, and his family will remain a part of the Bomag family.” DeJong began his long career with Bomag in 1986, when he joined the sales team at Bomag Canada in Mississauga, Ontario. Displaying a true passion for building the Bomag brand and integrity when working with customers, DeJong worked his way up to general manager of Bomag Canada. Bomag’s acquisition of the Stow Manufacturing equipment line in the mid-1990s afforded DeJong the opportunity to lead the North American rental equipment business for the company. He worked with internal sales, dealers, and manufacturer representatives to successfully expand the Bomag brand and increase sales for the broad light equipment range throughout the United States and Canada. One of his signature accomplishments, DeJong was instrumental in Bomag’s development of the articulated trench roller and its introduction to North America. The Bomag BMP 8500 quickly became a preferred trench roller among contractors and enjoyed a dominant market share throughout North America. “My father took great satisfaction in bringing the highly successful BMP 8500 trench roller to market, and he represented the Bomag brand with integrity and a calm demeanor,” said Wayne DeJong, Bomag rental sales manager for Canada, who is following in his father’s footsteps with the company. “Even with his many sales accomplishments, he took the most pride in being a mentor and friend to many in the rental business. He spurred many careers in the industry simply by helping when asked.”
BEUMER launches Next-Gen Line Sorter and Pouch systems
Born out of an 80-year history and the design and manufacture of 1500+ intralogistics systems, BEUMER just introduced the BG Line Sorter and BG Pouch System, which utilize next-generation technology to respectively deliver unparalleled flexibility and scalability for mid-size-volume operations, to mitigate rising demand for e-commerce organizations, to the North American region. The BG Line Sorter solution extends the handling mix of the parcel and material handling operations by allowing them to sort the widest possible range of items while utilizing a modular design to ensure flexibility to optimize the use of space. With the ability to be reconfigured or upgraded throughout its lifetime with minimal system downtime, BEUMER provides the scalability to respond to future business growth with the ease of a plug-and-play operation. In addition to lower maintenance costs than conventional line sorters, the BG Line Sorter makes use of low-friction components to ensure endurance and high system availability. “We are pleased to lead a paradigm shift in line sorting by using active slat-belt technology and linear synchronous motors to deliver a line sorter that combines the simplicity of a line sorter with the handling capabilities of a high-speed, cross-belt sorter. Based on proven technology, the solution features highly durable belts and maintenance-free motor technologies to keep energy consumption and maintenance costs at a necessary low,” said Terry Brown, BEUMER Group’s Logistic Systems Sales Director. BEUMER Group’s other launch, the BG Pouch System, delivers less touch, low-cost, multiuse sortation for fulfillment centers and distribution centers by utilizing unused overhead space to achieve omnichannel fulfillment and increased operational flexibility. The BG Pouch System, also known as the pocket technology, can buffer, sort and sequence single items to automate the order handling and returns processes with an industry-new capacity of over 10,000 items/hour per sortation module. By utilizing Warehouse Management System (WMS) data, the BG Pouch System can serve as an intermediate buffer for items most likely to be resold and optimize the supply chain from warehouse to B2C and B2B recipients with less manual handling. “The power of the BG Pouch System transforms your unused overhead space into a powerful omnichannel sort-and-return solution while also increasing operational flexibility,” said Brown. “BG Pouch System benefits can be realized for partners throughout e-commerce, including fashion, pharmaceuticals, electric and express services.” The BG Line Sorter solution and BG Pouch System, along with all products and technologies with the BEUMER label, are characterized by enhanced sustainability in terms of lower energy consumption and OPEX savings
SupplyOne highlights comprehensive Packaging Automation Equipment program
End-to-End Packaging Solutions for mitigating labor, efficiency, and waste-reduction challenges SupplyOne, Inc., the largest independent supplier of custom corrugated and other value-added packaging products, equipment, and services in the U.S., highlights its comprehensive packaging automation equipment program, covering a full array of secondary, end-of-line solutions ranging from case erectors to shrink wrapping equipment and stretch wrappers, to thermoforming equipment and vacuum chamber sealers, or even an entire fully-automated packaging system. SupplyOne delivers the right packaging equipment for the right application, from a broad range of recognized best-in-class manufacturers, supported by the SupplyOne network of locally available, factory-trained technicians with a track record of providing installation, on-site training, and maintenance services that keep production lines running at peak efficiency. Line Layout and Design SupplyOne Equipment Specialists consult on the overall line layout and design, bringing strategic knowledge to make application-specific recommendations that enhance productivity, reduce downtime, extend equipment life, accelerate speed to market, and increase cash flow. Automating the retooling processes, for example, can dramatically improve the agility and throughput of packaging lines. The specialists will identify industrial robots and autonomous solutions from leaders in the field that can help mitigate labor challenges, eliminate repetitive tasks, enhance product safety, increase the speed and accuracy of packaging processes and warehouse operations, and deliver a fast return on investment. End-to-End Packaging Solution SupplyOne’s goal is to serve as a total packaging supplier that partners with customers to keep costs down, improve efficiency and enhance throughput and sustainability? SupplyOne offers deep and broad packaging industry expertise, top equipment from trusted, best-in-class suppliers, and consumables optimized for the specific equipment and application, as well as exceptional locally available technical service.
Perc Pineda, Ph.D., returns to Plastics Industry Association as Chief Economist
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has announced that Dr. Perc Pineda has returned to fulfill the role of Chief Economist, effective immediately. A member of PLASTICS’ Senior team, Pineda will be an integral part of the association’s ability to continue generating original, scientific and data-driven research for, and on behalf of, the members of PLASTICS. As PLASTICS’ primary expert on economics, statistics, and industry research, Pineda will provide regular updates on the impact of national and global economies to PLASTICS members and the public. Pineda will produce various publications, including PLASTICS’ highly lauded annual Size & Impact report, analyzing the contributions of the plastics industry to the U.S. economy. Pineda will also be PLASTICS’ voice in the public, thought leadership, and conference arenas, addressing industry issues pertaining to the economy. “We are excited to have Perc return to the PLASTICS team,” said Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of the Plastics Industry Association. “He brings significant expertise that is unparalleled in our industry. Perc’s invaluable ability to identify economic trends and forecast the state of the marketplace is highly regarded and regularly anticipated by our members.” Prior to returning to PLASTICS, Pineda served as Senior Economist of the Credit Union National Association, where he tracked macroeconomic trends, conducted economic research, wrote articles for industry publications, and interfaced with the media. Pineda’s career experience also includes teaching Macroeconomics at St. Francis College in New York, and Microeconomics, Finance, and Economics of Regulations and the Law at City University of New York. Prior to his academic endeavors, Pineda served as an analyst for the International Monetary Fund. He holds both a Ph.D. and a Master of Philosophy degree in Economics from The New School (formerly The New School for Social Research), a master’s degree in Economics from American University, and a master’s degree in International Management from the University of Maryland. “The plastics industry’s value-add—its contribution to the economy—is a major force within all manufacturing sectors,” said Pineda upon his return. “I welcome the opportunity to, once again, provide economic, industry and market intel to the hundreds of PLASTICS member companies throughout the supply chain and to the industry at large.”
DHS S&T awards funds to Kansas City Startup Developing Wearable Tech, Mitigating heat-related injuries
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announced a Phase 1 Other Transaction award of $161,600 to Kenzen, Inc., a Kansas City, Missouri, based company to develop wearable technology that helps prevent heat-related injuries for DHS personnel who work in extreme weather conditions. Under its Human Performance and Resiliency solicitation, S&T’s Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP) sought groundbreaking solutions to identify and resolve issues before reaching crisis levels and to promote resilience and wellness tools that could serve the mission needs of DHS components and programs, including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). “Heat illness remains a real problem for DHS employees who routinely work in extreme environments, including along the southern border,” said Melissa Oh, managing director of SVIP. “Technologies that will help our agents know when they are approaching critical conditions by accurately monitoring important physiological metrics like core body temperature levels will have a huge impact in reducing the number of heat-related injuries and keeping our staff safe, even in extreme conditions.” As part of the first applicants to receive an award under this topic call, Kenzen, Inc., a women-founded and led company, developed a heat illness prevention solution that uses a combination of a wearable sensor and advanced analytics to identify and alert users to changes in core body temperature and other specific factors. This information identifies heat stress so wearers can take preventative measures sooner, reducing the risk of serious illness. “Kenzen’s technology will safeguard the wellness of our agents who often find themselves in unpredictable environments throughout their workdays,” said Jeremy Ocheltree, deputy director of the Customs and Border Protection Innovation Team. “This type of innovative tech could protect our employees and save lives.” This solicitation complements current DHS employee wellness programs by including innovative technologies with a high degree of usability to support real-time wellness monitoring. Kenzen’s heat-stress mitigation solution could deliver important information to DHS users working in extreme heat environments, addressing a critical health challenge that impacts the DHS mission.
Rental Revenue jumps 14.3 percent in Q2, Baird/RER Survey respondents say
Sixty-one percent of respondents said second-quarter revenue exceeded expectations, while 34 percent reported revenue in line with their initial expectations. Average rental revenue increased 14.3 percent year over year in the second quarter, according to respondents to the 2Q Baird/RER rental equipment industry survey. The increase was mostly in line with last quarter’s 14.8-percent hike. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. Sixty-one percent of respondents said second-quarter revenue exceeded expectations, while 34 percent reported revenue in line with their initial expectations. Overall commentary on rental revenue was more cautious compared to recent surveys. “Our web inquiries have seen a dramatic decrease over the last two weeks, so we think the interest rate hikes have slowed some markets on new equipment purchases already,” said one respondent. “The next rate hike in July may tip the scales and have us revisit our stock sales inventory forecasting for 2023.” “Unless energy costs stabilize, inflation will persist,” said another. “Workforce is a much more severe problem to the growth of the industry and will significantly negatively impact value of infrastructure bill,” added another respondent. “Bit of a slowdown, not sure if it is weather or slowdowns caused by labor shortages,” said a third respondent. Another respondent said this spring was slower than 2021, and that his company’s revenue increase is from rate and price increases rather than organic growth. Fleet utilization was 62.3 percent for the second quarter, up from 61.8 percent in the first quarter and a full percentage point from the second quarter of 2021 when it was 61.3 percent. The utilization was better for earthmoving equipment than it was for access machinery. Earthmoving utilization increased to 65 percent in the second quarter compared to 63.5 percent in the second quarter of 2021. However, access utilization declined year over year from 64.5 percent a year ago to 62.1 percent this year. Small iron improved from 52.2 percent a year ago to 53.3 percent this year. Average rental rates were up 4.5 percent year over year, basically the same as last quarter when they rose 4.4 percent. Improvement in rental demand helped provide pricing flexibility. There was, relatively speaking, little commentary regarding rental rate pressure from larger competitors. Rental rates still to rise in 2022 Respondents said they expect rental rates to be up 5 percent for the year, which is similar to last quarter’s forecast when respondents predicted a 5.1 percent for the year. However, rental companies did express concerns. “Competitors are not raising their rental rates in line with the price increases we are having to pay for new machines,” said one. “Expenses are superseding income increases,” added another. “The cost of doing business is rising dramatically, and rental rates do not seem to be keeping up with the pace.” Respondents are expecting a 9.7-percent revenue hike in 3Q22 with 27 percent expecting a 1 to 5 percent increase year over year. 25 percent expected 5 to 10 percent and 24 percent expected a 10 to 15 percent leap. Respondents still expect an 11.7 percent increase in 2022, up from an expected 9.2 percent increase last quarter. Steady demand from end markets is still expected to continue but is partially offset by equipment and labor shortages. However, respondent optimism is not as high for 2023. “An economic slowdown in 2023 seems more likely all the time,” said one. “A modest slowdown would seem to be an appropriate tonic that might improve the labor market, manufacturing lead times, and improve supply chain restraints.” “With all the uncertainty in the economy we have major concerns for 2023,” said another. “Extremely busy today but not sure if things will slow down creating a glut of equipment.” Growth in the cost of new equipment continues to be high. Respondents placed the increase at 6.6 percent, down a bit from the previous two quarters, which were increases of 7.2 percent and 6.8 percent. OEMs are still aggressively raising prices to offset their own costs, including elevated steel prices. The May Construction Machinery Manufacturing PPI hit a record high (back to 2004) of 11.4 percent year over year. Extended lead times, or uncertainty over lead times, remain a major concern because of the difficulty of fleet planning. Fleet sizes still increasing Respondents’ average fleet size in a number of units increased 6.6 percent year over year in 2Q22, which was the strongest growth since 1Q18. Respondents expect to increase fleet purchases by 9.7 percent year over year compared to 8.5 percent last quarter. Access equipment spending is expected to rise 7.5 percent over the next six months, with earthmoving expected to up 10.2 percent, small iron at 4.6 percent, and “other” 20.3 percent. Thirty-nine percent of respondents expect labor costs to increase 5 to 10 percent in 2022, versus 52 percent last quarter, while 35 percent expect labor costs to top 10 percent. Respondents also expressed concern regarding higher interest rates impacting the housing market and equipment financing rates, with 28 percent expecting a potential residential construction slowdown. With six months remaining in 2022, respondents expect 6.3 percent revenue growth in 2023, compared to 11.7 percent growth in 2022, and 6 percent fleet spending growth compared to 9.7 percent growth in the second half of 2022.
Hy-Tek and AHS host grand opening of Innovation Lab in Erlanger, KY
Hy-Tek Material Handling and Advanced Handling Systems (AHS), a Hy-Tek Material handling company, full-service integrators of automated fulfillment and distribution solutions, announced on July 13th at the grand opening of their newly updated 20,000 square-foot Innovation Lab. Among the audience were Mayor Jessica Fette, customers, prospects, and other local government officials. Located in Erlanger, KY, the event was held in tandem with the Package Fulfillment, Logistics, and Delivery Expo being hosted yesterday and today in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear congratulated Hy-Tek | AHS and thanked the company leaders for their commitment to the Commonwealth. “As we work toward building an economy that works for all Kentuckians, high-tech job opportunities will play an increased role in those efforts,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said. “This investment by AHS and Hy-Tek is creating quality jobs in Northern Kentucky and supporting distribution and logistics growth, which is one of our state’s thriving key industries. Thank you to the company leaders for their commitment to the Commonwealth. I look forward to seeing what’s next for AHS and Hy-Tek in Kentucky.” “With Hy-Tek’s unveiling of the Innovation Lab comes a new evolution in how we serve our customers,” said Dave Tavel, Sr. Vice President of Sales at AHS. “The future of our industry will rely on the emerging technologies that we integrate, test, and evaluate within our lab. We are continuously reviewing new and better ways to solve our customers’ challenges. It is an exciting time for our industry as the demands for quality and speed increase; the need to utilize robotics will be commonplace. Our focus will be on supplementing the existing labor force, reducing the physical demands of the jobs, and driving quality for the industry. The next 50 years begin today!” Hosting over 25 customers and prospects throughout the last six months, the lab features warehouse robotics systems that solve many pain-points companies are facing today. These technologies include autonomous mobile robots, collaborative robotic arms, robotic sortation solutions, full-scale Goods-to-Person systems, and more to come in the future as the companies’ partnerships and innovations continue to expand. “Our strategic journey to focus on innovative technology started over four years ago,” said Zac Boehm, Vice President of Innovation and Technology at AHS. “Throughout those years, we have researched many different robotics manufacturers and aligned ourselves with technologies that make a difference to our current and future customers. By building a focus around Exotec, Caja, and Tompkins Robotics, we can work through proving and pairing solutions together in our innovation lab to show the value to the industry.” Earlier this year, AHS was acquired by Hy-Tek Holdings, a material handling automation integrator that maintains a separate facility in Hebron. Having acquired Johnson Stephens Consulting, World Source, Fascor, BP Controls, and most recently, AHS, Hy-Tek now offers a comprehensive suite of solutions for its customers. “Hy-Tek /AHS is the only Systems Integrator in North America to integrate robotics offerings from Exotec and Caja robotics systems,” said Donnie Johnson, President of Integrated Systems at Hy-Tek. “Robotics are growing rapidly in the e-commerce and distribution areas in our business sector. Hy-Tek can offer end-to-end solutions for our valued customer base. Our clients prefer working with Hy-Tek/AHS due to our broad product offering and comprehensive design-build capabilities.” Having a universal location with all technologies, Hy-Tek | AHS provides an opportunity for customers to personally experience and test solutions that will optimize their supply chain process.