Don’t tolerate fog and UV rays – Spike Them!
Brass Knuckle®’s new Spike (BKADJ-5060AFP) eye protection combines a two-pronged strategy for vision protection with a legion of comfort features for the ultimate in customizable, long-wear glasses. Check out this abundance of leading features: the best anti-fog protection in the world, the highest UV protection available, and custom comfort at the temples, nose, and brow. As part of Brass Knuckle’s new anti-fog collection, of course, Spike has BK-Anti-Fog+. It’s a groundbreaking technology that’s fused directly to the lens, not simply sprayed on, to deliver better and longer-lasting fog-free protection than that of competitive anti-fog coated products. The toughest anti-fog standard in the world is the EN 166/168 standard, and this crushes it. Add to that ANSI Z87.1/U6 ultraviolet protection, the highest standard in the world, to eliminate 99.99% of damaging UV rays. This is one Spike that’s great for the eyes! Finally, loads of extra features create an easily customizable fit for virtually any face. The star of the show is a five-step angle-adjustable temple. Earpieces ratchet up and down with a five-click adjustable temple joint for the ultimate in a custom fit. It has to be seen to be believed. Also, floating, reinforced-rubber nosepieces conform to the bridge of the nose, an integrated soft brow guard brings greater fit, and soft rubber at the ends of earpieces adds extra flexibility and all-day wearability. Plus, the rimless lenses and green/black zebra striping look plain cool. With Spike, workers never have to sacrifice style for the ultimate in custom comfort and protection.
Johnson Controls and Accenture join forces on new AI-enabled OpenBlue Innovation Centers
Johnson Controls and Accenture will deliver two new Johnson Controls OpenBlue Innovation Centers seeding further development of AI-enabled building control system products and services. The focus will be on developing new hardware and software built around 5G and IoT, adding greater system connectivity, control, and visualization for building environments. The new solutions will accelerate carbon reduction in buildings as part of ongoing investment by Johnson Controls in net-zero buildings to promote better occupant health, safety and security. Accenture and Johnson Controls, the global provider of smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, are collaborating to deliver and operate two new OpenBlue Innovation Centers. The centers will drive Johnson Controls’ rollout of building control system products and services using technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins, Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and the cloud. The goal is to accelerate advanced automation in building operations to achieve greater sustainability, safety, security, and user experiences. Johnson Controls OpenBlue is an AI-enabled suite of connected solutions and services that integrates with customers’ operational technology. The system collects and primes data from buildings and applies machine learning at the edge and in the cloud—comparing the data against optimized AI performance models. The result is the ability to micro-manage real-time building performance, saving cost and energy as well as enhancing environments. “We have a fantastic opportunity to accelerate carbon reduction in buildings by weaving in new features built on advanced technology into OpenBlue, further enabling our customers to achieve their sustainability targets,” says Vijay Sankaran, Johnson Controls chief technology officer. “Accenture’s expertise in platform engineering, integration, and sustainability will help us to deliver these enhanced capabilities faster—accelerating how quickly we can cut emissions, energy, and cost out of projects and helping our customers to reduce their operational costs sooner.” Accenture will assist Johnson Controls by implementing leading-edge technologies on the OpenBlue platform. This includes AI-driven analytics to optimize space utilization, O2 vs. CO2 saturation in airflows, as well as infectious disease risks and other environmental information. Digital twins will be used to enable Johnson Controls to model, analyze, and make decisions on maintenance, upgrades, and sustainability—replacing physical prototypes to help reduce resource use, carbon emissions, cost, and time to market. 5G and IoT will also be used for faster and higher capacity data transmission, with remote management and control of connected devices. “The better and more sustainable we can make buildings—the smarter, more attractive, healthier and efficient they will become—and the better they will be for people and our planet,” said Peter Lacy, Accenture’s global Sustainability Services lead and chief responsibility officer. “It’s about creating environments focused on well-being and productivity of occupants while protecting the environment of our planet. Digitizing building operations is an essential first step toward these goals.” With around 40 percent of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions globally generated by the building sector, research from Accenture found that technology such as digital twins, digital replicas of physical assets or processes, can cut energy use and carbon emissions in half. Further evidence from Accenture research found that companies with a higher sustainability performance—across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) indicators—perform better financially. “Companies should not have to make trade-offs between their business and sustainability goals, and an effective technology strategy can address this,” said Paul Daugherty, Accenture’s group chief executive—Technology and chief technology officer. “Together with Johnson Controls, we will harness technology in new ways, use effective ESG measurement tools and engage the power of ecosystems to solve environmental problems within the building environment.” The new OpenBlue Innovation Centers, opening in Bangalore and Hyderabad, are aligned with Johnson Controls’ innovation in building technology and the strong Johnson Controls network of OpenBlue Innovation Centers across the globe.
Tranzonic hires Chris Adams as VP of Supply Chain
The Tranzonic Companies, a respected manufacturer of cleaning, maintenance, and personal protection products, has named Chris Adams its new vice president of the supply chain. Adams brings a quarter-century of experience in business-to-business distribution to the role. He has successfully led cross-functional teams in sales, marketing, supply chain, cost-to-serve analytics, and operations to consistently achieve breakthrough performance in profit and revenue. At Tranzonic, Adams will lead the inventory management and logistics teams while also imparting his expertise to operations and system integration. “The global supply chain has experienced a seismic shift the likes of which we’ve never seen,” said Tom Friedl, CEO. “With his history of innovation, I know Chris is the leader to build on Tranzonic’s successes and keep us thriving in this changing landscape.” In his 25-year career, Adams has held senior executive positions with Fortune 500, global, and multi-billion dollar companies. He has been recognized for breakthrough work in distribution, measurement systems, value chain mapping, data analytics, and innovative collaborative strategies. His work has been recognized by Harvard Business Press Balanced Scorecard Report and Harvard Business Review. An early success came with his role on the innovative marketing team that helped develop the retail market for the now gold-standard PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitizer brand. “Navigating today’s supply chain challenges demands creative thinking, solid strategy, and collaboration,” said Adams. “Working with the foundation already in place, I look forward to working with my new Tranzonic team to develop and implement profitable new strategies.” Adams is an advisor to the State of Georgia’s Center of Innovation and Logistics. He also serves as chairman of Marquette University’s Center of Supply Chain Management executive board. He was a summa cum laude graduate of Benedictine University and leads strategy development on their alumni board. Adams is a sought-after speaker at national and international programs including McDonald’s Hamburger University, Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, Palladium’s International Balanced Scorecard Symposium, and multiple international seminars on business forecasting. He has pioneered unique collaborative business planning and modeling processes for manufacturers and distributors including the use of strategy mapping and lean six sigma.
Building a Top-Tier Automation Controls Team, AMT promotes Arthur J. Kahler to Director – Controls Engineering
Applied Manufacturing Technologies promotes Engineering Manager Arthur J. Kahler to Director – Controls Engineering, citing his contributions and hands-on leadership approach Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), North America’s largest independent automation engineering company supporting warehousing and logistics, robot companies, system integrators, line builders, and users of robotic automation worldwide, has announced the promotion of Arthur J. Kahler to Director – Controls Engineering. “Arthur Kahler has demonstrated a hands-on leadership approach to help AMT continue building the industry’s top talent in Controls. His recent promotion to Director – Controls Engineering brings significant strength to our team by providing a highly interactive leadership style to both our customers and teammates,” said Chief Operating Officer Craig Salvalaggio. “Arthur strives to build AMT’s team to be the top in the industry, all with a humble approach to leading people.” In response to his contributions to AMT and its strategic growth plan, Engineering Manager Arthur J. Kaher has been promoted to Director – Controls Engineering. In his new role, Kahler will continue to advance the sales and execution teams as the company transitions to a new generation of leadership. Kahler joined AMT as Senior Engineer – Controls Leader in 2020, bringing more than ten years of experience to the position. In his two and a half years at AMT, Kahler has had a positive influence on the staff of 70 engineers he works with. Kahler commented, “My favorite thing about AMT is the team culture. Everyone is willing to jump in and help and I always feel very supported by my co-workers.” A FANUC Authorized System Integrator and three-time winner of the FANUC Sales Growth Award, AMT offers full-service systems integration, specializing in end-of-line solutions, complex material handling systems, and engineering support such as turnkey industrial controls, robotic programming, and automation consulting. Bringing together best-in-class technologies and custom automation, AMT provides high-quality, cost-effective automation solutions. The company’s solutions have benefited manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, medical, alternative energy, fabricated metal, industrial machinery, rubber and plastics, food and beverage, and many other industries.
NAW Partners with Juncos Hollinger Racing
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) is excited to announce a new partnership with Juncos Hollinger Racing (JHR). NAW will be on board the No. 77 JHR Chevrolet driven by NTT INDYCAR SERIES rookie Callum Ilott for the remainder of the 2022 season. “It’s an honor to be part of the first-of-its-kind association partnership with Juncos Hollinger Racing,” said Eric Hoplin, NAW CEO. “As a Washington, DC-based association with members across the country, we look forward to delivering valuable membership engagement outside the beltway through this immersive racing program. Our members will network and witness first-hand the speed of execution excellence demonstrated by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.” NAW members will receive unique access to the JHR team during race events this year to showcase the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and build business relationships through motorsports. JHR will participate in the association’s events to engage members and build awareness about the team and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. “We are excited to partner with NAW and showcase the incredible business value of motorsports partnerships,” said Ricardo Juncos, Co-owner and Team Principal of JHR. “Our team benefits from great distributors. I want to thank NAW for coming on board the No. 77 JHR Chevrolet, and look to building a great relationship throughout this season and onward.”
MasterMover enhances SmartMover Electric Tugger Range with SM200+ launch & SM100+ upgrade
MasterMover Inc, the world manufacturer of electric tugger solutions, has unveiled a major investment in its industrial product range with the launch of the SmartMover SM200+, offering a pull and push movement for loads of up to 4,400 lbs. In addition, the company has released a new version of its SM100+ model, offering a capacity of up to 2,600 lbs. The release of both products represents an increase in capability, features, and functionality within the SmartMover product suite, which forms part of the MasterMover Compact range of machines. Both the SM100+ and SM200+ feature hydraulic coupling for maximizing load security, with MasterMover’s standard array of safety features included, such as an easily accessible anti-crush button and intuitive user controls. Slow and faster speed selector options give operators additional control of loads when operating in enclosed spaces. Both products feature 180-degree steering for precision movement, while the interchangeable sealed battery pack gives operators a simple method of ensuring near-zero downtime. The SM100+ and SM200+ are designed to work in challenging environments, with anti-puncture, non-marking tires designed to maximize traction and both products feature the capability to operate in sloping and uneven floor environments. “MasterMover is committed to supporting our global customer base, and we have done just that with the launch of the SM200+ and SM100+ upgrade,” said Hugh Freer, President, MasterMover Inc. “Our SmartMover machines are used around the world, and the introduction of the SM200+ now gives our customers a fantastic option when needing a compact, easy-to-use and highly maneuverable solution, capable of moving up to 4,400 lbs. “We’re also pleased to release the latest SM100+, which enhances a product that has played a crucial role in driving safe and efficient material handling around the world for many years.” MasterMover works with companies across manufacturing, retail, and logistics, offering a complete range of pedestrian-operated, remote-controlled, and fully autonomous (AGV) electric tugger solutions. The company’s products are used across many applications in industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, by world-leading brands. The company operates globally, with customers across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
Emerging Brands Summit launches at PACK EXPO International
The brand-new Emerging Brands Summit, produced by PMMI Media Group, will launch at PACK EXPO International 2022 (Oct. 23-26; McCormick Place, Chicago). This one-day event will feature educational content and tabletop exhibits aimed to assist startup manufacturing companies to grow their operations. Taking place October 23, 2022, at Chicago’s McCormick Place, this new program is for founders and leaders of startup manufacturing companies looking to scale their brand to larger production through either in-house facility build-out or outsourced relationships with contract manufacturers and packagers. Exhibitors will include suppliers of packaging machinery, packaging materials, processing equipment, and contract manufacturing and packaging services. The agenda and speakers will be announced soon. Attendees can sign up for event updates and be notified as speakers are added. Event content is specifically designed for: Companies evaluating in-house and outsourced manufacturing and packaging solutions Founders of high-growth emerging brands looking to scale operations Leaders of product development, operations, or finance “With so much change in the industry over the last few years and the increase in e-commerce and consumer demand in every industry vertical, we felt that it was important to launch a program that can serve as a roadmap to help companies take their operations to the next level,” says Kim Overstreet, director, Emerging Brands Community. “Now more than ever, brands need support and adequate resources to keep up with the rapidly growing demands they are facing.” Emerging Brands Summit registrants will enjoy full access to PACK EXPO International 2022, produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging & Processing Technologies; the largest packaging and processing show of the year featuring 2,000+ exhibitors across 40+ verticals, including: Packaging and processing Automation and robotics Materials and containers Digital printing and labeling Supply chain solutions “The Emerging Brands Summit could not have come at a better time for our industry and PACK EXPO International offers the perfect platform to launch this critical program,” says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, of PMMI. “We are excited to reunite the industry in Chicago for the first time in four years and the Emerging Brands Summit is a great value-add as we continue to provide as many resources to the industry as possible.” The Emerging Brands Marketplace will consist of tabletop exhibits and will be open to attendees throughout the program and during the networking reception. By participating in the Emerging Brands Summit, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with preferred vendors across processing equipment; packaging machinery; packaging materials and containers; and contract manufacturing and packaging services. Emerging Brands Summit attendees are also invited to display a sample of their product – or a prototype or similar product – at the Product + Solution Showcase located adjacent to the Emerging Brands Summit Marketplace. The Showcase offers a destination for sharing physical product details with peers, solution providers, and experts who can help solve manufacturing and packaging challenges. Additionally, registrants to the Emerging Brands Summit have free access to Braindate – a web-based meeting platform that facilitates knowledge sharing between attendees and/or solution providers. Braindate makes it easy to schedule in-person conversations on specific topics between relevant professionals. “Frain Industries is honored to be a Platinum Sponsor of the new Emerging Brands Summit! With current market trends, there can be some unknowns when investing in machinery,” says Clair Frain, Marketing Manager at Frain Industries. “Frain’s rental program for packaging and processing machinery makes us an ideal partner for emerging brands and growing CPG companies. The Emerging Brands Summit promises exceptional educational and networking opportunities for professionals who are ready to take their operations to the next level.” The Emerging Brands Alliance; a year-round resource for the emerging brand’s community will also launch this fall. As part of this initiative, the Emerging Brands Grants program can help growing CPG companies scale their operations by providing funds for operational expenses. Grants can be used to enable a variety of projects and resources, such as prototype creation, market research, legal and consultant services, creation of pitch materials for investors, exhibiting fees, custom packaging for e-commerce, and much more. To be eligible for an Emerging Brands Grant, applicants must produce and distribute a packaged consumer product in the U.S. and/or Canada and have annual revenues of at least $100,000 USD but not more than $20 million USD. A total of three $20,000 grants will be awarded, one each in the following categories: Certified minority or women-owned company Self-manufacturing company Any eligible company The grant application, review, and award timeline is as follows: June 15 – Sept. 15, 2022 – Applications accepted Sept. 15 –25, 2022 – Applications reviewed Sept. 25, 2022 – Finalists notified Oct. 23, 2022 – Grants awarded at the Emerging Brands Summit The Emerging Brands Summit will take place in tandem with the PACK EXPO International trade show. Registration for the Emerging Brands Summit is within the PACK EXPO International registration site. By purchasing a registration for the Emerging Brands Summit, attendees will automatically receive a complimentary registration for PACK EXPO International and can attend all four days of the trade show (Oct. 23 -26). To learn more and to register, visit emergingbrandssummit.com. Registration for the Emerging Brands Summit is $195 until Sept. 30, after which it increases to $295. To learn more and to register for PACK EXPO International, visit packexpointernational.com. Registration for the show is $30 until Sept. 30, after which it increases to $130.
Orbis and Milwaukee Festival Inc. continue partnership to increase sustainability efforts at Summerfest
ORBIS® Corporation, an international reusable supply chain packaging provider, is continuing as the Official Sustainability Partner of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF), the producer of Summerfest, “The World’s Largest Music Festival.” For the second year of this partnership, ORBIS will supply an additional 130 recycling bins to be used all season at ethnic and cultural festivals, public gatherings, concerts, and private corporate events at Henry Maier Festival Park. With this addition, ORBIS has supplied 260 recycling bins for use across the grounds. “Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. is proud to continue this partnership with ORBIS and increase recycling efforts throughout the 75 acres of Henry Maier Festival Park,” said Don Smiley, CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. MWF maintains and improves Henry Maier Festival Park, located along the shores of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Each year, the park has an average of 1.3 million visitors. Commencing last year, the initial sponsorship represented the start of a partnership with MWF focused on sustainability and recycling. In year one, the partnership placed 130 recycling bins for cups, silverware, and other single-use plastic waste throughout the festival grounds. This year, ORBIS and MWF added another 130 recycling bins and plan to continue expanding educational programming around recycling in years to come. “As a steward of sustainability, ORBIS is committed to helping customers reduce their overall environmental impact,” said Breanna Herbert, product manager and sustainability lead at ORBIS. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. and look forward to seeing the sustained positive environmental impact this project will have on our community.” Beyond this partnership, ORBIS has a strong focus on recyclability. For example, 100% of ORBIS’ core products are made with recycled content and, at the end of their service life, reusable pallets, totes, and bins can be fully recycled into other useful products. Its Recycle with ORBIS program is designed to efficiently recover, recycle and reprocess packaging products at the end of their service life, preventing them from entering the solid waste stream.
Staffing employment bounces back after Memorial Day
Staffing employment increased in the week of June 6–12, returning to a rounded value of 106 after dipping over the Memorial Day holiday. Increasing 1.7% from the previous week, the ASA Staffing Index set a new record for the month of June. Several staffing companies cited temporary-to-hire conversions or a shortage of available candidates as factors preventing further growth. Staffing jobs were up 9.6% from the same week last year. New starts grew in the 23rd week of the year, rising 19.4% from the prior week. About two in three staffing companies reported gains in new assignments week-to-week. The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average inched down from the prior week but held at a rounded value of 106, as temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending June 12 was 10.4% higher than the same period in 2021. “Staffing employment remains at historic levels,” said Tim Hulley, ASA assistant director of research. “Fierce competition for talent has translated to sustained demand for staffing and recruiting services.” This week, containing the 12th day of the month will be used in the June monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on July 8. The ASA Staffing Index is reported nine days after each workweek, making it a near real-time measure of staffing employment trends. ASA Staffing Starts is the number of temporary and contract employees placed in new assignments during the reporting week. ASA research shows that staffing employment has historically been a coincident economic indicator. For more information, visit americanstaffing.net/index. Or follow ASA research on Twitter.
Why non-recruiters are the best recruiters you have
Not every recruiter can be an engineer, or hair stylist, or accountant. They know how to hire these roles, but not how to become them. On the flip side, it’s not as hard for every employee to act as a recruiter. In fact, recruiting power in each employee is often unrealized because we’re so busy relying on recruiters to be the only ones recruiting. There was an incredible program once developed for the service industry. Every manager in this company went through training to both spot and learn how to engage with potential candidates. A calling card was available to hand out to potential superstars and managers could facilitate an introduction to a recruiter. The candidate would always get a call and the managers received a referral bonus if there was a connection with the candidate – even if they were not hired. The company paid managers for this time, and with a 20% success rate, a fruitful pipeline of high-quality candidates emerged. What they learned was that just giving out the cards wasn’t enough – managers needed the training to know what to look for! They needed a little of that magical recruiter eye. If a 20% success rate using resources you already have isn’t convincing enough, here are six more reasons why non-recruiters are the best recruiters you have: They far surpass your post and pray method. We know a lot of recruiters do this – get the generic job ad posted everywhere, then wait. You may get hundreds of applications, but most of them are not the right fit or don’t have the right experience. You end up spending heaps of time reading resumes that are not the right fit. This is not a strategic approach (or an effective one!). You need to do more than passively wait for people to come to you and investing in your untapped recruiting potential is a fantastic way to build your pipeline of better candidates. Your employees, hiring managers, and top performers have a very clear idea of who they want to work beside and what it takes to be successful at your company. Once they know what roles you’re hiring for, give them tools to help you – train them on how to be a recruiter so everyone is looking for talent that makes the workday, the product, and the customer experience better. Everyone wins when you do this and you become less fixated on referral rewards, and more excited about the benefit of the team. Don’t lose sight of that recognition for their efforts to help with recruiting – it is important too. It may not be as motivating to get the right talent if you’re offering a bonus for the volume of resumes over spotted potential talent. You can motivate and inspire your own team helping find key talent in personal and visible ways. Who wouldn’t want to be celebrated for their part in building a great workplace for themselves and their peers? One way to do this is to share broadly the talent each employee has brought into the team and thank them for it. Thank them in front of the company and through gestures that don’t come with strings – this means you shouldn’t hold referral bonuses for months on end to see if the new person works out. Their job was to bring someone amazing into the organization and they did that! If you can work fast to meet these candidates the non-recruiters bring you, they will want to do it more and feel more credible wearing their recruiting hat. You may need to update your processes to be able to move faster to connect with this spotted talent. Don’t make them go through a long process or wonder if you’re going to get back to someone. This will not encourage them to bring you more superstars. Be ready to follow up with every single person the non-recruiters spot and refer! If they have the time, they can be very effective. Think about the value of giving them one hour away from their day job to find you two more top performers like them. Giving the non-recruiters time to act as recruiters means paid time, or extra time paid to do this work that is so valuable. Asking people to do work that is not in scope is a terrible experience and does not entice them to say nice things about your brand or the culture. It suggests you don’t value their time! Think about a few hours per week that they can be compensated to call people, go on LinkedIn to ask people if they are interested, or follow up with their professional associations. It will go a long way and help them feel good about helping in this effort. They don’t need a lot to feel appreciated. Make sure you have a planned approach to show them that you value their effort and that you are happy to have them helping bring the best people to join you. Beyond the splashy recognition that you can get into, take notice of the simple things in being thankful for their effort. They are giving their time and expertise to the process and learning how to be a non-recruiter does take a little bit of investment. Spend your money on a solid program that is easy to work with, give time and resources to the training, and help your employees develop the skills to look for what you need – it’s an easy way to show appreciation for the huge scale you can get in your recruiting efforts. As with all programs, you need every stakeholder to be on board for it to be successful. While you’re investing in great programs and recognition for this stretch role outside of the recruiting team, make sure your recruiters are on board with the plans. They are the best teachers and advocates to help make this a success, but they can also derail your efforts mightily. Don’t
KEEN Utility Women’s San Jose Waterproof work boot
New for Summer 2022, KEEN Utility updates the brand’s fan-favorite women’s San Jose work boot, built for the unique fit needs of today’s tradeswoman. Now available in a waterproof option, this all-leather work boot works hard from clock-in to clock-out and beyond and offers the safety, performance, and comfort features the brand is known for. A KEEN.LUFT cell comfort midsole provides air-infused comfort with nearly 100,000 air bubbles per cubic centimeter providing all-day comfort and helping to reduce foot fatigue over time. The boot features an EH-rated, slip-resistant outsole that disperses liquids underfoot quickly for better surface area contact satisfying ASTM and SATRA non-slip testing standards. The San Jose also features a roomier toe box and unobtrusive, asymmetrical aluminum safety toe caps that are 35% lighter than steel. Leveraging the insights and real work experience from women across multiple trades and backgrounds, the San Jose is part of the KEEN Utility Tradeswomen Tested program that puts women’s safety styles through their paces from initial concept to production, in the field and on the feet of tradeswomen. The women’s San Jose waterproof work boot is ideal for a variety of indoor and outdoor work environments including warehouses, transportation, light manufacturing, and carpentry
U.S. Rail Traffic for the week ending June 18, 2022
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending June 18, 2022. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 501,207 carloads and intermodal units, down 2.5 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending June 18 were 232,921 carloads, up 0.4 percent compared with the same week in 2021, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 268,286 containers and trailers, down 4.9 percent compared to 2021. Six of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2021. They included grain, up 2,411 carloads, to 22,012; nonmetallic minerals, up 860 carloads, to 32,505; and motor vehicles and parts, up 833 carloads, to 13,366. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2021 included metallic ores and metals, down 2,707 carloads, to 20,915; coal, down 1,539 carloads, to 66,281; and miscellaneous carloads, down 382 carloads, to 8,908. For the first 24 weeks of 2022, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 5,529,499 carloads, up 0.02 percent from the same point last year; and 6,349,485 intermodal units, down 6.3 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 24 weeks of 2022 was 11,878,984 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 3.5 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending June 18, 2022, on 12 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 328,846 carloads, down 0.8 percent compared with the same week last year, and 353,209 intermodal units, down 4.6 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 682,055 carloads and intermodal units, down 2.8 percent. North American rail volume for the first 24 weeks of 2022 was 16,198,883 carloads and intermodal units, down 3.6 percent compared with 2021. Canadian railroads reported 76,443 carloads for the week, down 0.2 percent, and 70,088 intermodal units, down 2.6 percent compared with the same week in 2021. For the first 24 weeks of 2022, Canadian railroads reported a cumulative rail traffic volume of 3,431,630 carloads, containers, and trailers, down 5.6 percent. Mexican railroads reported 19,482 carloads for the week, down 15.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 14,835 intermodal units, down 8.2 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 24 weeks of 2022 was 888,269 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 2.1 percent from the same point last year. To view the rail traffic charts, click here.
EP 291: Vecna Robotics at MODEX 2022
This week’s podcast is another interesting discussion from MODEX 2022, where I sat down with Daniel Theobald of Vecna Robotics. Vecna offers end-to-end automated pallet handling solutions. We discuss some fascinating solutions Vecna is bringing to the industry, including fully automated pallet jacks and how information sharing and collaboration are critical for industry growth and making purchasing easier for the customer. Key Takeaways The Vecna Omni, while still in concept, is a high-reach, fully automated forklift that goes into any aisle 8 feet or wider. The Vecna Omni’s double deep reach capability can turn existing racking in a warehouse into an Automated Storage & Retrieval System (ASRS) without the significant infrastructure costs. The fully functioning OMNI concept met with over-the-top praise at Modex. Another exciting product from Vecna is the CPJ co-bot pallet jack. The Vecna CPJ co-bot is a fully autonomous pallet jack designed to boost the productivity of your existing staff by allowing them to use touch-and-go automation. The employee will “spear” the pallet and then touch a button to send the pallet jack to its destination without having to ride along with it. For the industry to move forward, information sharing and collaboration are essential. As co-founder and president of MassRobotics, Daniel discusses his views on industry collaboration, standards, and how working together will help solve challenges across the industry. Their interoperability standards are paving the way for a more cohesive industry. Listen to or watch the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 291: Vecna Robotics at MODEX 2022
Automate 2022 exceeds expectations with largest attendance and exhibitor count ever
Association for Advancing Automation expands floor space for Automate 2023 after this year’s show ends with 24,000 registrants, 600 exhibitors, and 75% of booths already sold for next year The Automate 2022 Show and Conference celebrated the most successful event in its history, setting new records for registrants, exhibit booths, and online engagement during its four-day run June 6-9, 2022, in Detroit, Michigan. The show organizer, the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), expects next year to be even bigger with nearly three-quarters of an expanded show floor already booked for Automate’s return to Detroit, May 22-25, 2023. “Automate 2022 exceeded our most optimistic expectations,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. “The excitement in the hall was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. People loved being back in person and seeing all of the latest advances in robotics, machine vision, AI, motion control, and more. This was the largest and best-attended trade show we’ve ever had.” Automate, North America’s largest robotics and automation tradeshow, featured more than 24,000 registrants, 600 exhibitor booths, over 250,000 square feet of exhibit space, and two million virtual views of its digital content. Exhibitors showcased the latest innovations in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine vision, motion control, and smart automation, and nearly 200 expert speakers from many of the biggest names in the industry offered insights on the trends and best practices behind the emerging technology in keynotes and conference sessions. According to exhibitors, attendees at Automate came armed with a list of automation projects in need of solutions. “Exhibitors told us that virtually everyone they met at the show has plans to automate, and some exhibitors reported selling robots right off the floor,” Burnstein added. Automate 2023 Returns Next May, Exhibitor Booths Filling Fast Automate 2023 will be hosted in the same location, at the Huntington Place Convention Center in Detroit May 22-25. Exhibitor spots are filling fast, so interested companies should contact James Hamilton, A3’s VP of sales, here to book a booth or explore sponsorship opportunities. Virtual Content, Including Automate LIVE, Success with 2 Million Views A3’s virtual content for Automate—both leading up to the show and through Automate LIVE, produced in partnership with Jake Hall of The Manufacturing Millennial, Chris Luecke of the Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast, Tech B2B Marketing, and other leading voices in the automation industry—has already been viewed two million times, with nearly half coming directly from A3’s own social media. In the months ahead, A3 will feature this content in addition to important presentations from Automate 2022 to continue the remarkable engagement from the automation community leading up to the 2023 show. Visual Inspection Software Company Takes Home $10,000 Startup Prize Highlights at Automate, which returned to Detroit after nearly two decades in Chicago, included Covision Quality taking home a $10,000 grand prize as the Cowen Startup Challenge: Automate to Outperform winner for its software that automates and scales visual inspection with unsupervised machine learning technology. “We enjoyed our participation at Automate 2022,” said Franz Tschimben, CEO, Covision Quality. “The show fulfilled all of our expectations and goals. We got a chance to introduce our company Covision Quality to the US market and to manufacturing companies who want to automate and scale their visual inspection systems. We connected with potential partners – system integrators and hardware manufacturers – and we got a chance to see competitive products. Winning the Cowen Startup Challenge is yet another signal that our AI-based visual inspection product is appealing to the manufacturing industry and holds strong growth potential. We will be back at Automate.” Prestigious Engelberger Honorees Celebrated Other awards presented at Automate 2022 include the Engelberger Foundation giving Labrador Systems a $25,000 grant for its pioneering work on a new generation of human assistive robots. Three of the six recipients of the 2022 Engelberger Awards were honored at the Joseph F. Engelberger Awards Dinner and Ceremony: Michael P. Jacobs of Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) for leadership in automation; Oussama Khatib of Stanford University for education; and Marc Raibert of Boston Dynamics for technology. Keynote Highlights Keynotes such as SharkTank’s Daymond John and his 5 Shark points on the fundamentals for success in business and life; General Motor’s Douglas Stanguini on smart manufacturing excellence; and Raibert’s discussion of legged robots drew big numbers as did future work strategist, Rachelle Focardi, who talked about the future of work in the multigenerational post-Covid workplace. A keynote, “How Artificial Intelligence is Powering the Next Wave of Manufacturing,” featured Joe Lui of Accenture, Jorge Arinez of General Motors, Irene J. Petrick of Intel, Dieter Fox of NVIDIA, and Andrew NG of Landing AI, all helping set the record straight on the current status of AI in manufacturing and where it is headed. An executive roundtable, co-sponsored by the International Federation of Robotics, brought valuable insights on how robotics and automation are transforming the North American economy from robotics industry leaders Mike Cicco of FANUC America, Greg Smith of Teradyne (parent company of Mobile Industrial Robots, Universal Robots and AutoGuide), Greg Brown of UPS, Melonee Wise of Zebra Technologies, and Deepu Talla of NVIDIA.
AutoScheduler named Top 50 Logistics Tech provider by AJOT
AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Management System (WMS) accelerator, has been named to the American Journal of Transportation (AJOT) Top 50 Logistics Tech Provider award. This AJOT annual list offers a glimpse into the future of the supply chain. AutoScheduler was chosen because its WMS Accelerator provides a technology solution that looks forward to a different supply chain than the one that exists today. “AutoScheduler works with a company’s WMS or ERP to accelerate productivity, balance inventory, and improve on-time, in-full fulfillment,” said Keith Moore, Chief Product Officer at AutoScheduler. “AutoScheduler visualizes all operations at a distribution center and optimizes labor, robotics, touches, and inventory to drive efficiencies. We are very thrilled to be named to this prestigious list because of the value we bring to our clients.” AJOT says in its June 2022 issue, “Perhaps the key to understanding the digital transformation that the supply chain is undergoing begins with rethinking the supply chain itself. While the popular conception of the supply chain is one of connecting links – which plays well into the concept that the supply chain is only as strong as the weakest link – in reality, it is more akin to a transatlantic cable with thousands of wires enabling interconnecting activities, both physical and electronic, working collectively to the goal of moving product.” The AJOT Top 50 Logistics Tech Provider lists companies that offer WMSs, TMSs, Trucking and Freight Matching Platforms, Digital Freight Marketplaces, Supply Chain Visibility Platforms, Telematics, Freight Management Systems, and more. AutoScheduler is a WMS Accelerator that sits on top of a WMS that provides optimized plans for better inventory turns and greater efficiencies. It uses advanced technology to help companies automate all operational decision-making in a capacity-considerate way leading to an autopilot planning system that increases fill rate and generates productivity and efficiency improvements.
Next generation of the JLG® Augmented Reality App now available
JLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company and a global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers, announces updates to the JLG® Augmented Reality (AR) app, giving the innovative digital tool a facelift and expanding its capabilities to be even more useful to users on a day-to-day basis. The next-generation upgrades include an all-new interface and experience, new content, cloud-based and offline use, expanded machine inspections functionality, and a new “Fleet” feature. “This new, expanded version of the JLG AR app not only has a more modern look and feel, but it also operates more effectively and efficiently,” says Ara Eckel, director of product management for connected solutions, JLG. “Taking a machine-first approach, we have evolved this tool with very targeted enhancements and additional features that will improve users’ productivity. Its’ customer-centric design makes the app easier to navigate and more quickly connects our customers to the information they are looking for.” The JLG AR app continues to provide five important functions that increase safety, productivity, and efficiency on job sites: 1) Machine Visualization, 2) Accessory Visualization, 3) Operation Guidance, 4) Decal Viewer, and 5) Inspection Assistant. Upgrades to the app include several performance-enhancing capabilities to these functions, such as a refreshed mobile application interface and experience that starts at the machine level, allowing users to select a product and go directly into its content module from either the easy-to-use menu guide or through the app’s improved search functionality. New machines and content have also been added to the equipment modules offering users today more than 60 models to view and manipulate in 3-D. Content is now cloud-based, rather than native, to reduce the application’s size from 1.3 GB to 227 MB and enhance accessibility to new and updated content. And, the inspection assistance functionality has expanded to cover annual machine inspections, daily machine inspections, and pre-delivery inspections. The new “Fleet” feature helps JLG customers optimize their fleet management right from the app. Users can now add and store multiple assets for easy tracking by serial number/asset ID. And, users can save data on machines and access it instantly, regardless of connectivity. “Using the JLG AR app, users can get on-demand, digital access to information specific to a machine without ever leaving the job site,” says Eckel. Examples of this are: Project managers using the app’s machine visualization can make sure the equipment they’re ordering will fit in their workspace and reach the required areas without looking up dimensions in a manual or online. Rental companies using the app’s accessory visualization can be confident that they’re ordering the right accessories to fit the models they carry without referencing a parts manual to verify fit. Before machine use, operators using the app’s operation guidance can see an overlay of a machine’s control panel with explanations of control functions. And, using the decal viewer, operators can scan decals and read them in their native language. Technicians using their phones can walk through the inspection assistant to ensure they are following proper protocols and efficiently documenting every step. “There are a lot of added benefits and value for users in the updated JLG AR app,” finishes Eckel, “and the best part is that it is 100-percent free to download and does not require a login to use (some limitations may apply in select global markets).” The new JLG Augmented Reality app is now live in the Apple App Store and available for download. Current app users can easily update to the new version from the same download. The upgraded app will soon be available for download in the Google Play Store.
nVENIA announces new SVP of Sales
nVenia, LLC, a packaging solutions company within the Duravant family, has announced the appointment of Paul Ferrandino as the Senior Vice President of Sales for nVenia. In this role, Ferrandino will be responsible for evolving nVenia’s capabilities in the development of Key Accounts and promoting the selling of the complete nVenia portfolio across all served end markets. In addition to leading the field sales teams for the CPG and Industrial business, the newly created Customer Experience Organization which brings together two legacy departments, Inside Sales & Project Management, under one unified structure, will report to Ferrandino. “Paul brings over 30 years of Sales experience and 15 years of executive leadership to the business. His proven success leading large complex organizations makes him the ideal choice to drive the nVenia sales organization and deliver world-class products and services to our customers.” said Thurman Melson, President of nVenia. “Having Paul guide our Customer Experience organization will ensure that we maintain a laser focus on the customer experience from order to installation; improving our ability to provide an exceptional experience to all customers in both the CPG and Industrial markets.” Ferrandino will be based at nVenia’s headquarters in Wood Dale, IL. “I am thrilled to be leading such a strong team of sales professionals and to have the opportunity to build and expand distributor relationships across our customer base. Our world-class portfolio of Arpac, Ohlson, Hamer, and Fischbein brands allow us to, not only, supply primary, secondary, and end-of-line packaging equipment but to design custom-engineered integration systems that fit our customers’ individual needs,” said Ferrandino. “Through our consultative approach of design, manufacturing, integration, and installation, we will strive to provide superior packaging solutions to increase efficiency and performance while delivering an unprecedented customer experience.” Prior to joining nVenia, Ferrandino was the Chief Commercial Officer for Brake Parts Inc. in Chicago, IL. Ferrandino was responsible for multiple sales channels, such as Wholesale, Retail, National Accounts, and eCommerce.
Nano One announces closing of Rio Tinto Strategic Investment and collaboration agreement
Nano One® Materials Corp. (“Nano One” or the “Company”), a clean technology company with patented processes for the low-cost, low-environmental footprint production of high-performance cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries, is pleased to announce the closing of the strategic equity investment and collaboration with Rio Tinto, a global mining and metals group, announced on June 9, 2022 (the “Transaction”). Rio Tinto made an equity investment of US$10M and the two companies entered into a collaboration agreement (the “CA”) under which they will work together to explore and evaluate opportunities to further drive the localization of the lithium-ion battery value chain, particularly in Québec, and will support the acceleration of the commercialization of Nano One’s patented cathode technology. Investment and Collaboration Rio Tinto Western Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, purchased by way of the private placement, 4,643,148 common shares (“Shares”) of Nano One at a price of C$2.70 per share for a total investment into Nano One of US$10M, equivalent to approximately C$12,536,500. The Shares issued under the private placement equate to approximately 4.9% of the current issued and outstanding Shares of Nano One. The CA extends to matters that include a study of Rio Tinto’s battery metal products, including iron powders from the Rio Tinto Fer et Titane facility in Sorel-Tracy, Québec, as feedstock for the production of Nano One’s cathode materials. Rio Tinto will contribute know-how from its Critical Minerals and Technology Centre, which has developed unique expertise in the extraction and processing of critical minerals such as lithium and scandium, as well as minerals from Canada, the United States, and other international sources. Rio Tinto will also collaborate on technical and business matters as may be required in developing, designing, constructing, and operating cathode production facilities. Nano One has issued to Rio Tinto 1,000,000 non-transferable Share purchase warrants (a “Warrant”) as consideration for their technical and support services per the CA. Each Warrant shall entitle Rio Tinto to purchase one Share at an exercise price of C$4.00, exercisable until June 16, 2023. The Company intends to use this investment for technology and supply chain development, commercialization, Nano One’s acquisition of the Candiac facility in Québec (announced 25 May 2022 pending completion), its conversion to One-Pot lithium iron phosphate (LFP), and industrial scale piloting of other Nano One CAM technologies, and for working capital purposes. All securities issued pursuant to the CA are subject to a restricted hold period of four months and a day, under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Together with the closing of the Private Placement and the CA, the Company entered into an Investor Rights Agreement with Rio Tinto whereby the Company granted Rio Tinto a participation right in any future equity financings to maintain its pro-rata ownership interest until no later than June 16, 2027; and Rio Tinto agreed to a lock-up on securities dispositions and a standstill for a period of 12 months from the date of closing, subject to certain exemptions.
Orbis sponsors second annual golf outing to benefit Children’s Wisconsin
The event raised over $230,000 to support practitioners and patients in the Pediatric Resuscitation and Critical Care Program ORBIS® Corporation, an international provider of reusable packaging, sponsored the second annual Good Days for Kids golf outing that raised over $230,000 for the Children’s Wisconsin Pediatric Resuscitation and Critical Care Program, the region’s only independent health care system dedicated to the health and well-being of children. The event was held at The Legend at Brandybrook golf course in Waukesha, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. “For over 125 years, Children’s Wisconsin has led the way in providing essential services to help keep children across our community healthy,” said Bill Ash, president at ORBIS Corporation. “At ORBIS, we are proud to support our community and see the lifelong impact Children’s Wisconsin will make on families in our area. To our generous suppliers, thank you for coming together to help us raise these important funds.” Last year, the golf outing raised a staggering $191,300 for the Pediatric Resuscitation and Critical Care Program, which provides multidisciplinary training and high-fidelity simulations for future intensive care unit doctors and nurses from across the nation. Since 1985, this program has helped to train over 100 pediatric intensive care doctors that are now serving in hospitals across 25 states. “We are beyond grateful for the support of local companies like ORBIS that enable our programs to do what they do best – provide cutting-edge training and technology to the doctors, nurses, and health care professionals who fulfill the critical need of keeping children healthy,” said Dr. Tara Petersen, Medical Director of the Children’s Wisconsin Simulation Center and Vice-Chair of Education at the Medical College of Wisconsin/Children’s Wisconsin. “As our efforts grow to meet the needs of the community, we are thankful to have a partner in ORBIS that cares about our mission at the local level.” To learn more about ORBIS’ efforts in the community, please visit: https://www.orbiscorporation.com/en-us/about-orbis/giving-back
Wolff named Felling Trailers’ Inside Sales – National Accounts Coordinator
Felling Trailers Inc., a national provider of industrial and commercial trailers, recently appointed Mike Wolff to Inside Sales – National Accounts Coordinator. Wolff will manage the day-to-day account activity for the company’s top national rental partners and inside sales calls. He will be responsible for sales development, activity, and account support. Before accepting the Inside Sales – National Accounts Coordinator position, Wolff held the role of Sales Coordinator. “For close to two years, I worked with the sales team assisting with customized trailers and options. Before that, I had worked in our (Felling Trailers) parts & service department for about four years. Starting there and working my way through the Parts & Service department has given me a better understanding of our products and more in-depth knowledge of how they work,” said Wolff. “Mike is a great addition to our sales team. The knowledge he brings from working in various capacities with Felling Trailers makes for a stronger sales team. I too transitioned from Parts & Service to the Sales team. That experience builds a strong foundation of product knowledge and customer/dealer support,” said Nathan Uphus Felling Trailers sales manager. “Mike brings a great amount of experience and enthusiasm to the position, and I am excited that he is a part of our Felling Trailers Sales team,” said Pat Jennissen Felling Trailers, SVP of sales and marketing. Before his time with Felling Trailers, Wolff worked in an AG-based business as a Parts Manager and Route Specialist. He worked with business owners to implement system upgrades and repairs and maintain their parts and supply needs. “It’s been six years since I joined the Felling Trailers team,” said Wolff. “Felling is the kind of company that is willing to listen to my (employee) suggestions and finds ways to improve the company and improve myself. I feel that is part of what makes a great company. I look forward to my new adventure with Felling Trailers!”