Kassow Robots expands its reach in the Eastern U.S. with BlueBay Automation partnership
Kassow Robots, a developer of 7-axis cobots for machine tending, material handling, and related applications, has partnered with BlueBay Automation (Nashville, Tenn.), an industrial automation solutions provider. In applications with extremely tight spaces, robotic solutions are seldomly feasible. However, the Kassow Robots KR series of 7-axis lightweight collaborative robots enable BlueBay Automation customers to efficiently navigate light manufacturing operations in a wide variety of industries and applications including machine tending, palletizing, welding, automotive, packaging, and electronics. “Our broad product portfolio of 7-axis cobots and BlueBay Automation’s integration capabilities and extensive robot experience will help customers combat common industrial challenges, such as difficult retrofits, labor shortages, and continuous improvement efforts,” says Dieter Pletscher, the head of global sales at Kassow Robots. The KR series of 7-axis lightweight cobots provides a reach of about 3–6 feet (850–1800 mm) and payloads around 11–40 pounds (5–18 kg) to automate a variety of physically demanding and/or repetitive tasks. Additionally, each joint offers speed (225 degrees per second) to keep up with applications such as pick-and-place tasks, quality inspection, and palletizing. “We have been following our collaborative robot competitors closely as the market matures, and Kassow Robots’ 7th axis is a differentiator for overcoming payload and speed limitations,” says Pierre de Giorgio, CEO of BlueBay Automation. “All of Kassow Robots’ significant competitive advantages have set them apart from the rest of the market, so we wanted to get in on the ground level and become part of this story.” Flexible software programming and Kassow’s seventh axis enable continuous dispensing, welding, and material removal applications regardless of access angle, without the need to reorient the arm. The cobots are perfect for limited-space retrofits and a strong addition to BlueBay Automation’s flexible automation, robotics, motion control, and IIoT solutions. Meet Kassow Robots and BlueBay Automation at Booth 1452 at Automate, June 6–9 in Detroit.
Port of Long Beach has record-setting April
Preparations are underway for the anticipated summer surge of cargo The Port of Long Beach achieved its most active April, continuing a streak of single-month records set in 2022. Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 820,718 twenty-foot equivalent units of container cargo last month, up 10% from the previous record set in April 2021. Imports rose 9.2% to 400,803 TEUs, while exports were down 1.8% to 121,876 TEUs. Empty containers moved through the Port increased by 16.9% to 298,039 TEUs. “Cargo continues to move at a record-setting pace and may not slow down anytime soon,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “We are preparing for a likely summertime surge as China recovers from an extended shutdown due to COVID-19. Shippers are quickly moving imports and empties from the docks, terminals are staying open longer and we are working to finalize our new Supply Chain Information Highway data tracking solution.” “We are working closely with our industry stakeholders to quickly move the cargo off our docks and make room for the next wave of containers,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Steven Neal. “As the supply chain continues to catch up, the Port of Long Beach will continue to serve as a reliable partner in trans-Pacific trade.” The Port has withheld the start of a “Container Dwell Fee” that would charge ocean carriers for containers that remain too long on the docks. The San Pedro Bay ports – Long Beach and Los Angeles combined – have seen a 50% decline in aging cargo on the docks since the program was announced on Oct. 25. Shippers are anticipated to be busier than usual when pandemic-induced shutdowns are eventually lifted across China. Additionally, retail activity is leveling out due to inflation, but consumers are reshuffling their household budgets to allow for more spending on entertainment, restaurants, and other in-person services. The Port has moved 3,281,377 TEUs during the first four months of 2022, a 5.1% increase from the same period in 2021. For complete cargo numbers, visit polb.com/statistics.
EP 280: Caster Concepts
In this episode, I was joined by the VP of Sales at Caster Concepts, Doug Backinger. Caster Concepts is focused on all things casters and helping you to improve your workplace. We discuss what Caster Concepts does, how casters help to improve your operation, and some examples of how switching casters have helped companies improve. Key Takeaways Caster Concepts is focused on custom caster applications for your operation whether it is a manufacturing or warehousing operation. They specifically focus on the very heavy movement of materials up to 100,000 lbs. Casters are the wheels that we have on our various carts such as picking carts, material movement carts, or other rolling items. Their engineering team has brought some great innovations to the world of casters that has allowed for operations to take the movement of materials to a more efficient and safer level. The casters are able to displace weight and handle them in a much smoother motion allowing for freer movement of materials in your operation. Doug shares a great example of how Caster Concepts helped an automotive operation improve by allowing their carts to move 8 batteries instead of 4. While this may seem like a simple thing, the weight of the batteries was preventing them from moving their carts in a safe manner so they had to reduce the number of batteries they moved at a time causing more work and more time. With a switch to a different caster, they were able to prevent this and save the company approximately $4 million in upgraded equipment. These simple fixes need to be sought after and Caster Concepts can help you to realize them. In the discussion, you will hear how the right caster can have immense benefits. Not only will it allow for cost savings and efficiency gains as mentioned above but it also allows your workers to be safer and have an easier day. One of the comments from Doug is that oftentimes the feedback after the casters are installed is that they now need brakes on those casters because their equipment rolls so easily compared to the previous setup. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 280: Caster Concepts
The Crosby Group and KITO CORPORATION to combine businesses in 2nd half of 2022
The Crosby Group, a global provider in lifting and rigging, and KITO CORPORATION, a material handling manufacturer with 90 years of experience in the development and production of hoists and cranes, have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine both businesses. The business combination will be effected through a cash tender offer by The Crosby Group to acquire all of the outstanding shares of KITO CORPORATION for JPY 2,725 per share, which represents a premium of 64.3% compared to KITO CORPORATION’s undisturbed closing price on May 13, and a 61.0% premium to KITO CORPORATION’s three-month simple average closing price. The tender offer is expected to be completed in the second half of this year, subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory clearances from relevant authorities. Until close, The Crosby Group and KITO CORPORATION will continue to operate as separate, independent companies. KITO CORPORATION also issued a press release statement of support for the planned transaction. The combined company will be better resourced, and ultimately better positioned to serve customers, team members, and communities globally through additional investment in products, people, and facilities. The combination will further foster innovation and enable customers to benefit from a broader portfolio of products across a global landscape as well as increased levels of service, support, and training. Additionally, the parties’ geographically complementary operations have the potential to accelerate growth through an expanded and diversified geographic footprint. Robert Desel, CEO of The Crosby Group, said: “This is an extraordinary opportunity to bring together two companies with differentiated, industry-leading capabilities, to create exceptional value for all stakeholders: team members, channel partners, end-users, and communities. We have long respected KITO CORPORATION as they exemplify our core values of safety, reliability, and innovation and are thrilled to combine with them to provide best-in-class products, solutions, and services for customers worldwide.” “The strategic wisdom and industrial logic of this combination are compelling. It will pair the highly complementary product portfolios of The Crosby Group and KITO CORPORATION and allow customers access to a broad selection of lifting and material handling solutions from one trusted manufacturer. Together, the companies will be able to accelerate innovation through increased investment in new product development and enable end-users to achieve higher levels of efficiency and safety through a better technical, application, and training support from a combined business.” Yoshio Kito, CEO of KITO CORPORATION said: “We believe this combination delivers tremendous value for all stakeholders. We couldn’t have imagined a better partner and we are confident that this combined business will build upon its great brands to best serve our customers, team members, and communities. We will work together to develop and expand our product offerings, differentiate ourselves based on our customer-first principle, and enhance our presence as a global leader.” SMBC Nikko served as lead financial advisor and Mizuho Securities USA LLC acted as a financial advisor, and Kirkland & Ellis and Mori Hamada & Matsumoto acted as legal advisors for The Crosby Group. Debt financing is being provided by UBS Investment Bank, KKR Capital Markets, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. Nomura acted as financial advisor and Nishimura & Asahi acted as legal advisor for KITO CORPORATION.
BeBop sensors introduces first Roboskin for human-like sensing of objects to any part of robots
BeBop Sensors, Inc., the world provider of smart fabric sensor technologies, has announced the BeBop Sensors RoboSkin line of skin-like coverings for tactile awareness for humanoid robots and prosthetics. A true nervous system for robots at less than 1mm thick, RoboSkin is the only technology that fits all robotic body parts: limbs, fingers, feet, head, and torso, to make robots “feel” better. RoboSkin’s advanced fabric-based sensor skin can be shaped to any surface allowing quick tailoring to fit any robot, with spatial resolution and sensitivity that exceeds human abilities for a true partnership between humans and their robot helpers. The Missing Component to Make Robots More Human – the Sense of Touch Advances in robotics, such as vision and listening, are missing a key element — the sense of touch, essential for practical human/robot interaction. As robots are quickly becoming part of our world, they need to interact and learn by sense of touch and feel. Flexible, reliable, and highly proprietary, BeBop Sensors’ RoboSkin provides this essential touch factor, with technology based on BeBop’s fabric sensors, with millions of sensors in daily use throughout the world and over 30 U.S. and international patents. Humanoid Robots — a World Designed with and for Humans The Census Bureau predicts that for the first time ever, there will be more Americans over the age of 65 than under 18, with Japan having the oldest population with 30% over 65. In addition, “The Great Resignation” shows no sign of slowing down, with record numbers of people leaving the workforce. Human-like robots are stepping up to this urgent need, augmenting humans in the workplace, hospitals, and homes; with roles in healthcare, as domestic help, manufacturing, distribution, biohazards, and even in entertainment and companionship roles. A human shape ensures a robot should be able to perform any human task; fit through any door and use every human tool. Robots do not need to have the environment made around their needs — robots can do jobs humans want to avoid. Founder Keith McMillen said, “I have been working with roboticists refining our RoboSkinfor 10 years. We are pleased we can make this important contribution to the worldwide effort to bring humanoid robots into our lives to help people live longer, healthier, and more enjoyable lives.” RoboSkin is available immediately for a variety of applications in robotics and prosthetics, including biohazard, digital health, IoT, VR/AR, automotive, law enforcement, testing, and more. For more information, see the video: https://youtu.be/BWBUhcbEE50, website: www.bebopsensors.com. BeBop Sensors BeBop uses smart fabrics to create elegant sensor solutions for OEMs. Where things or people interact, BeBop Sensors comprehend force, location, size, weight, shape, and presence across any size, resolution, and geometry. BeBop technology is robust and proven with millions of sensors in daily use. Based in Berkeley, California, BeBop Sensors makes things knowable for product designers and visionaries.
Wreaths Across America and Young Marines enter partnership
Nonprofits agree to work together to help support common missions of teaching the next generation the values of leadership, citizenship, and freedom Yesterday, national nonprofits Wreaths Across America (WAA) and the Young Marines are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organizations. The signing is to build a stronger awareness of each group’s common missions while supporting educational events throughout the nation. These events will help teach lessons of character and patriotism to the next generation. WAA’s Director of Military and Veteran Outreach, Joseph Reagan, and Young Marines National Executive Director Col. William Davis signed the MOU live as part of the Young Marines Adult Leadership Conference held in St. Charles, Missouri. To watch the video of yesterday’s signing, please click here or visit https://vimeo.com/709265876/c5414c677a . The MOU between the two groups outlines key agreements that establish a framework for cooperation between WAA and the Young Marines. This includes collaborative volunteer efforts to provide opportunities for joint community service activities that bring awareness to both groups’ missions throughout the country, and regular feature interviews on Wreaths Across America Radio. The interviews will highlight youth participants’ academic achievement, community service, good citizenship, and other attributes. “As a program whose core mission focuses on teaching the next generation the value of freedom, supporting and working with leadership groups like the Young Marines is critical to the future of this country,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, WAA. “These kids are learning not only what it means to be a productive member of society, but they are also learning that anyone can find a way to serve their community, and what it truly means to be an American.” “The Memorandum of Understanding solidifies the two organizations’ commitments to citizenship, leadership, and memorializing our nation’s veterans,” said Col William P. Davis USMC (Ret), national executive director and CEO of the Young Marines. “We were especially proud to host the signing at the Young Marines’ Adult Leadership Conference at which hundreds of volunteers were witnesses. The Young Marines and WAA are true partners who have analogous values.” Founded in 2007, and headquartered in Columbia Falls, Maine, WAA is best known for its annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and now at more than 3,100 participating locations nationwide. The organization’s yearlong efforts support its mission to Remember our fallen U.S. veterans, Honor those who served, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom. Young Marines has more than 238 units including thousands of youth members, most of whom have been placing veterans’ wreaths throughout the country for many years. The MOU will only heighten awareness of this task of respect and honor. The Young Marines is a youth education and service program for boys and girls, aged eight through high school graduation. The Young Marines promotes the mental, moral, and physical development of its members and focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork, and self-discipline, so its members can live and promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Container Dwell Fee on hold through May 20
San Pedro Bay ports continue to monitor cargo flow 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 May 20. Since the program was announced on Oct. 25, the two ports have seen a combined decline of 50% 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 July 28. 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.
McGuire introduces the UniChock
McGuire’s new UniChock wheel-based truck restraint can help prevent unexpected trailer departure or movement from the loading dock during the loading process, providing an overall safe work environment and reducing the risk of accidents. This universally effective chock is especially beneficial for any docks that service trucks with liftgates. The UniChock’s unique profile and zinc-plated steel teeth provide a secure grip on the ground that is unparalleled in the industry. The chock’s aluminum construction also makes for a lightweight, easily maneuverable restraint, while maintaining its durability. The UniChock is equipped with interior and exterior light communication between the truck driver and dock personnel. Utilizing sensors in both the chock unit and storage bracket, the red/green lights will indicate the position of the chock, as well as a message on the included iDock Controller. If the chock is removed from a safe position during loading, audible alarms will sound until the chock is put back in place. After loading is complete, an audible alarm will also be used if the chock is not returned to the storage bracket, keeping it out of harm’s way. Want to monitor the use of your truck restraints and/or other installed dock equipment? Connect the UniChock’s iDock Controller to the cloud with myQ Dock Management and monitor the real-time status of your docks, or analyze loading activity over time.
Nucor announces Executive Vice President MaryEmily Slate to retire, John Hollatz to be promoted
Nucor Corporation announced that MaryEmily Slate, Executive Vice President of Commercial, plans to retire due to health issues on June 11, 2022, after more than 21 years of service with Nucor. Ms. Slate began her career with Nucor in 2000 as District Sales Manager at Nucor Steel Arkansas. She later served as Sales Manager at Nucor Steel Decatur, LLC, and then as Cold Mill Manager. In 2010, Ms. Slate was promoted to General Manager of Nucor Steel Auburn, Inc. and was elected Vice President in 2012. She was promoted to Vice President of Nucor Steel Arkansas in 2015 and to Executive Vice President in 2019. Leon Topalian, Nucor’s President and CEO, commented, “For more than 21 years, MaryEmily’s dedication, exceptional leadership, and commitment to excellence have contributed greatly to the growth and profitability of Nucor. More importantly, her passion for encouraging and developing teammates will be one of her lasting legacies. On behalf of the Board of Directors and all Nucor teammates, I want to extend our deep appreciation to MaryEmily for her leadership and commitment to making Nucor a better company. We wish the very best for MaryEmily and her family.” Nucor also announced the following additional executive-level changes: Effective May 15, 2022, Dan Needham, Nucor’s Executive Vice President of Bar, Engineered Bar, and Rebar Fabrication Products, will become Executive Vice President of Commercial. In his new role, Mr. Needham will focus on Nucor’s comprehensive enterprise commercial strategy. Mr. Needham joined Nucor in 2000 as Controller at Nucor Steel Hertford County and subsequently served as Controller of Nucor Steel Decatur, LLC, and Nucor Steel Utah. Mr. Needham later served as General Manager of Nucor Steel Connecticut, Inc., Nucor Steel Utah, and Nucor Steel Indiana. He was promoted to Vice President in 2016 and to Executive Vice President in February 2021. Also, effective May 15, 2022, John Hollatz will be promoted to Executive Vice President of Bar, Engineered Bar, and Rebar Fabrication Products. Mr. Hollatz began his career with Nucor in 1999 as Design Engineer at Vulcraft Indiana and then served as Sales Engineer and Sales Manager at Vulcraft Nebraska. Mr. Hollatz later served as General Manager of Nucor Building Systems South Carolina, General Manager of Vulcraft Indiana, and President of the Vulcraft/Verco Group. He was promoted to Vice President in 2016 and currently serves as Vice President and General Manager of Nucor Steel Decatur, LLC. Chad Utermark, Nucor’s Executive Vice President of Fabricated Construction Products, has been appointed to the newly created position of Executive Vice President of New Markets and Innovation effective May 15, 2022. In his new role, Mr. Utermark will focus on Nucor’s continued growth into new markets and the integration of new businesses into the core operations of the Company. Mr. Utermark began his career as a utility operator at Nucor Steel Arkansas in 1992, subsequently serving as shift supervisor and Hot Mill Manager at that division and then Roll Mill Manager at Nucor Steel Texas. He later served as General Manager of Nucor Steel Texas and Nucor-Yamato Steel Company. He was promoted to Vice President in 2009 and to Executive Vice President in 2014. Mr. Utermark’s successor will be named at a later date. “I am very pleased to announce these executive management team changes,” said Mr. Topalian. “John is a talented leader who will be a strong addition to our executive team. These changes, including the addition of Chad’s new role, will enable our team to focus on the significant strategic investments we have made and will continue to make into new markets while also continuing to grow our core steelmaking business.”
LiftWise® introduces high-capacity Hydraulic Lift Table to simplify maintenance, other operational tasks
The new LiftMaster 7000 from LiftWise allows users to lift or lower a variety of parts into position for maintenance or other needs. Featuring a high lift capacity with a compact and maneuverable design, the hydraulic lift table provides easy operation for some of the most demanding operational tasks. The LiftMaster 7000 has a lift-off capacity of 5,500 pounds and a full capacity of 7,000 pounds. A pump handle is used to precisely raise/lower the table with a maximum lift height of 38 inches. For easy maneuverability when moving and positioning heavy components, the LiftMaster 7000 includes 6-inch-diameter swivel wheels and locking casters. An optional bolt-on transfer top can provide additional versatility by allowing 6-degree rotation, 2-inch side-to-side movement, and 3.88-inch front-to-back movement. It has perforated sections that can be used for fine positioning items on the table by using a small pry bar. The transfer top has a 4,000-pound load capacity and can be easily removed when not needed. The LiftMaster 7000 is 32 inches wide and 72 inches long with the handle raised. The handle can be folded for a storage height of only 10.5 inches. LiftWise is the material handling group at Diversified Products. The company offers a wide range of products for material handling in assembly, welding, and servicing of equipment, as well as other various lifting solutions.
Myers Industries expands production with acquisition of Rotational Molding facility in Georgia
Myers Industries, Inc., has announced that it is increasing its production capacities through the acquisition of the Decatur-based rotational molding manufacturing assets of Step2 Co, LLC for an undisclosed sum. This investment comes as Myers continues to expand its rotational molding capabilities across the United States. Myers’ Material Handling Segment utilizes rotational molding to provide high-quality, durable products to a broad range of end markets including outdoor recreation, construction, vehicle, and industrial applications. The 41,000 square foot Georgia facility adds production capacity to support both new and existing customers in the southern United States. “The addition of this Decatur rotational molding location represents another milestone in the execution of our long-term strategy that is unlocking additional growth and expansion opportunities to serve our customers,” said Mike McGaugh, President, and CEO of Myers Industries. “This marks our third meaningful investment in rotational molding in under two years and strengthens our position as a valuable partner for our rotational molding customers within our Material Handling Segment. We look forward to integrating this location into our Myers footprint and accelerating our organic growth efforts.” This expansion demonstrates Myers’ commitment to growing its customer sales and service range while building a presence in new markets. This is the latest action taken as part of Horizon 1 of the Company’s 3-horizon strategy, which is focused on: Self-help, Organic Growth, and Bolt-on M&A. The expansion follows Myers’s acquisitions of Elkhart Plastics and Trilogy Plastics – further increasing Myers’ market-leading reach as a rotational molder serving a variety of niche markets.
Concentric, LLC acquires Mesa Technical Associates, Inc.
Concentric, LLC, a national provider in DC power management and on-site maintenance for the material handling and critical power industries, has announced the acquisition of Mesa Technical Associates, a premier provider of power systems for mission-critical infrastructure. This acquisition supports the continued expansion of Concentric’s geographic footprint as a leading critical power provider in New York and the Northeastern U.S. Joining Concentric, Mesa’s personnel, and their expertise will further enhance Concentric’s capabilities in serving customers across the electric utilities, telecommunications, and energy storage systems space. “We are extraordinarily excited to add the Mesa team to the Concentric family. This acquisition expands our critical power footprint in the northeast region while adding key talent to our team. Mesa brings a talented group of individuals with a long track record of developing unique solutions for utility and telecommunications customers. They are a welcome addition to our business and leadership team,” said Concentric Chief Operating Officer, John Winter. As a provider of turn-key DC power solutions, Mesa Technical Associates design, install and service a wide range of energy & power electronics products, batteries, power plant enclosures, and structures, as well as complementary telecommunications products. “Our utility, telecommunications, and industrial customers are operating in an increasingly complex world. We are thrilled to join the Concentric team to expand our capabilities and footprint, ensuring we can meet customers’ growing needs,” said Mesa Technical Associates President and Principal, Howard Gartland. “The complement of Concentric and Mesa provides clients in the traditional electric utility space and the emerging energy storage space an accomplished team of professionals that can support the complexities of new solutions that solve their evolving needs for cleaner and greener power,” said Mesa Technical Associates Executive Vice President and Principal Carey O’Donnell. Concentric is an OnPoint Group company, the only national material handling, and facility services organization in the United States.
Lincoln Electric names Lisa A. Dietrich as Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer
Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. has announced that Lisa A. Dietrich has been named as Lincoln Electric’s Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective immediately. In this role, Dietrich will oversee the Company’s enterprise information technology (IT) systems, cybersecurity, and global IT initiatives that advance the Company’s Higher Standard 2025 Strategy. Dietrich brings 25-years of IT leadership and strategic change management experience. She most recently served as Senior Vice President, CIO at American Greetings Corporation, where she led enterprise initiatives that accelerated growth leveraging new digital platforms and re-designed processes and IT systems to improve operational efficiency. “Lisa brings extensive strategic IT and infrastructure change management experience, which will expand the impact of our global IT organization and support our Higher Standard 2025 Strategy goals,” said Christopher L. Mapes, Lincoln’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Lisa joins at an exciting time as Lincoln pivots to growth and is focused on generating higher returns from our Lincoln Business System and our investments in enterprise systems and processes.” Dietrich joins Lincoln Electric from American Greetings Corporation, where she served as CIO and Vice President of Business Transformation during her 11-year tenure with the organization. She previously served as Portfolio CIO at Key Community Bank. Dietrich earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and International Business from Ohio University and an MBA from Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University.
CKF design and build Auto Packer cell for bio-bean, the world’s largest recycler of coffee grounds
CKF Systems were contacted by bio-bean – an innovative company that recycles spent coffee grounds into a fuel source – and were asked to design and build a bag packing cell for their Coffee Logs product. Installed in bio-bean’s production facility in Cambridgeshire, the new system has improved health and safety and working conditions as well as increased efficiency and streamlined their operations. BIO-BEAN is a rapidly growing organization that began business in 2013. The company launched the world’s first industrial-scale coffee recycling factory before developing and launching Coffee Logs, which are an environmentally-friendly, sustainable fuel alternative for log burners and multi-fuel stoves. The fully automated packing cell, designed and built by CKF Systems in their state-of-the-art facility in Gloucester, was installed and commissioned in the customer premises in 2021. The cell receives the manufactured, formed logs on the twin infeed Conveyor from the production line. A dual cycle collation, pick, and transfer system provides accurate positioning, orientation, and loading of 8 logs per cycle into the pre-conditioned open paper bag. Using the latest vacuum technology from Piab and a servo-driven vertical axis, the logs are inserted into the waiting bag. The load operation is repeated, completing the filled bag containing sixteen coffee logs. An automated bag delivery system has a magazine holding a stack of 90 flat pack bags, with a manually fed cassette allowing for bag replenishment with the machine running. This ensures the availability of the machine with no interruption to production. The magazine conveyor and a custom-designed vacuum head position the bag ready for packing. The bag is conditioned from its flat-pack format with a combination of precision pneumatic systems prior to being clamped in position. The pre-conditioning of the bag together with the programmed servo-driven axis ensures the integrity of the bag during the insertion of the orientated coffee logs. Once the bag has been packed with the logs it is automatically lowered and transferred from the filling area of the machine and onto the outfeed conveyor. Control is provided to the machine through an Allen Bradley L30 ERMS PLC and 12” PanelView Plus HMI, all mounted within a custom-built control panel. The machine is designed and built to pack 2880 coffee logs per hour. Ben Mills-Lamptey, Chief Technology Officer at bio-bean said: “The design and engineering of the Coffee Logs bag Auto Packer by CKF has successfully delivered for bio-bean. It’s an innovative solution that enables us to scale our production whilst retaining our fully sustainable and unique product packaging. It has also enhanced the productivity and profitability of our business. Throughout the project CKF’s understanding of our manufacturing strategy, and in particular, our packaging requirements, along with our current technical capability ensured key milestones were met. Like with most innovative and technically challenging projects, CKF was able to sufficiently address challenges which included variations in our technical requirements as well as supply chain issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. As a company we’re pleased we chose CKF as a supplier for such a significant piece of equipment. We look forward to partnering with them in the future as we expand our business further.” About the Author: To find out more about CKF Systems and what we could do for your operations please visit www.ckf.co.uk or email [email protected].
Flow-Rite trades workstations for construction site
A team of Flow-Rite employees recently traded their office and manufacturing workstations for a construction site when they volunteered for a Habitat for Humanity project. Together, the group of eight worked to help a local Grand Rapids, Michigan family pursue their dreams of attaining safe, clean, and affordable housing. Flow-Rite is a leading manufacturer of injection-molded battery watering and fluid control components, and related IoT devices. “One of Flow-Rite’s core values is to serve a greater purpose,” said company president Todd Hart. “By volunteering, our team members have done something beyond themselves. Their hard work has the potential to positively impact a family for generations to come.” Flow-Rite has a long history of community involvement throughout the Kent County, Michigan area. Habitat for Humanity of Kent County provides individuals and families with a brighter future. Founded in 1983, it has served more than 600 families and built more than 400 homes. The organization contributes more than $1.5 million in economic impact to the local Grand Rapids economy. Its website is www.habitatkent.org. Flow-Rite is a vertically integrated company that designs and manufactures a wide range of fluid control and IoT devices. The company’s single-point lead-acid battery watering systems are used extensively in golf carts, lifts, floor scrubbers, and industrial applications such as forklifts and locomotives. Its products are made using green production processes and materials.
Smooth as Glass, Strong as Brass
Brass Knuckle® SmartCut™ BKCR404 gloves are Strong and Grippy for tough applications that require a tender touch Glass handling is an application that requires a perfect balance of toughness and tenderness. A glass worker’s tools must be strong enough to repel the potential for cuts, but also well-equipped to prevent product breakage when handling. This includes the protective gloves they wear. Safety Today, a dedicated safety distributor founded in 1946, is a proud distributor of Brass Knuckle® and its SmartCut™ BKCR404 Gloves for glass handling and other applications requiring toughness and a sure grip. Brass Knuckle SmartCut 404 combines ANSI cut level A3 protection and a smooth-grip polyurethane coating. They are available now from Safety Today with special promotional pricing. The toughness of SmartCut 404 begins with high-performance HDPE knit fiber that provides protection without bulk and a strength-to-weight ratio 8 to 15 times higher than steel. Next comes the polyurethane coating on full fingers and palm. Soft and flexible polyurethane coatings are excellent for dry-grip applications, but also perform well in light oil conditions (they are not recommended for heavy liquid environments). The smooth texture enhances the glove’s abrasion resistance — important for handling glass and other heavy-yet-fragile material. In addition to glass handling, ideal applications include construction, electrical assembly, general assembly, HVAC, manufacturing, vehicular construction, receiving areas, and sheet metal. SmartCut 404 has the cut and slip resistance these applications demand, plus a coating that won’t mar product surfaces. Available in five sizes and with color-coded wrists to simplify sizing and re-issuing, these gloves are the total package!
SRSI announces integrator relationship with DEMATIC
SRSI (Slate River Systems, Inc.) and Dematic signed an integrator relationship agreement. SRSI will now be a certified integrator of all Dematic equipment. SRSI is known for its strong customer relationships and quality of work, and with the experience of industry experts at Dematic, looks to further grow its offerings. “We are very excited to be working with Dematic’s team,” Vice President of Sales and Marketing Jovan Bjelobrk states. “This relationship will allow us to offer their wide variety of products to SRSI customers which widens our solution base even further.” Dematic designs, builds, and supports intelligent automated solutions empowering and sustaining the future of commerce for its customers in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. “At Dematic, we want to work with integrators that have a similar drive for innovation, unparalleled customer service, and a sound strategy that contributes to Dematic’s continued growth. We look forward to working with SRSI and their customers,” said Scott Hinke, Director of Integrator Network Sales, Americas, Dematic.
Hope – Jobs – Change
What are the major roadblocks to changing the ways the United States develops its workforce? We recently sought some answers from other workforce development leaders who also seek major improvements in our education-to-employment systems. There is general agreement that there are new education and training programs that improve adult and student learning, but there are significant obstacles to effectively and comprehensively implementing them. Over the past 30 years, regional public-private partnership hubs have been formed that integrate the wide variety of community resources needed to address skills-jobs disconnects and today’s vacant jobs crisis. But these pathways to a better-educated workforce have only been supported by a comparative handful of enlightened community and business leaders. Why haven’t they been widely adopted throughout the United States? Storrs Hall in his book, Where Is My Flying Car, gives several cogent explanations of why people, in general, are very resistant to systemic change. When their money, power, or prestige are at risk, systemic change issues are often turned into personal turf wars. Hall calls this the “Machiavelli Effect.” As Machiavelli stated in his controversial 1532 treatise, The Prince, innovators are often opposed by “all those who have done well under the old conditions.” Hall asserts that bureaucracies today pose major obstacles to implementing systemic change. There are well-entrenched bureaucracies in business, education, unions, and government. He finds that bureaucrats often block changes because of a “failure of imagination.” They believe in their superior expertise. They automatically rule out the potential of untried but worthwhile solutions. Hall also contends that bureaucracies stifle change due to a “failure of nerve.” Solutions to current challenges gain significant support. Only the details of implementing them need to be worked out. But nothing ever happens! Bureaucrats succumb to the fear that the results of their process will be so good that their leadership will be threatened. Bureaucracies are powerful because they are able to use resource starvation and regulations to suppress systemic change. Furthermore, America today is split into warring factions that resist working together to combat threats to our prosperity and way of life. In its history, the United States has faced formidable challenges and forged innovative solutions that moved the nation forward. What can we learn from the past? After traveling across the United States in 1831, Alexis de Tocqueville wrote Democracy in America in which he concluded that civic activism was America’s greatest strength. As the United States expanded in territory and population during the 19th and early 20th centuries, ordinary citizens banded together to form local governments and organizations to solve common problems and meet local needs. Tax-supported public education is among the most prominent advancements resulting from civic activism. By 1918 spurred by the Progressive movement, all the then states in the United States had enacted this reform. The United States became the first nation in history to attempt to offer basic education to everyone. The system was far from perfect, but for most of the 20th century, it worked well for most citizens. But the technological demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution have made this education-to-employment system obsolete. Why do we need a revival of civic activism today? There are at least 1.8 job openings for every unemployed worker. U.S. inflation has reached a 40-year high of 8.5 percent. Companies across all business sectors cannot find workers with the requisite skills to fill up to 13 million vacant jobs, thus threatening significant wage inflation. Unless significant efforts are begun to bridge the talent gap between current educational preparation and the rising skill needs of local/regional businesses, we believe that by 2030 the U.S. labor market will be in an even deeper crisis, perhaps triggering a popular backlash that could destabilize our nation. We contend that America’s participatory democracy offers viable solutions to this grave employment crisis. During the Progressive Era, a broad spectrum of voluntary organizations was formed. Many of them focused on civic improvements, such as Chambers of Commerce and Rotary Clubs. Today they and other groups and agencies such as Workforce Development Boards, regional economic development organizations, sectoral business alliances, community colleges, K-12 educational agencies, parent organizations, and unions are serving as catalysts for initiating broader public-private partnerships to update regional education-to-employment systems. Your advocacy and support for such efforts in your communities are vitally important for their success. For a more comprehensive analysis of the causes and solutions for the current skills-jobs mismatch, see Job Shock: Moving Beyond the COVID-19 Employment Meltdown to a New Skilled Talent Decade About the Author: Edward E. Gordon is the president and founder of Imperial Consulting Corporation.
MiR appoints Mark Joppru VP of Sales for the Americas
Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) has announced that Mark Joppru has joined the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) first mover and global market provider as the vice president of sales for the Americas. The former VP of ABB USA’s Consumer Segments and Service Robotics division started May 2, joining an organization that experienced a 42% increase in sales in 2021 over 2020 and 22% growth in the first quarter of 2022 alone. “The autonomous mobile robot business is exploding, with more companies from even more industries deploying large fleets as they realize the big benefits they can bring to their organizations,” Joppru said. “MiR’s safe, reliable and easy-to-deploy mobile robots improve efficiencies and productivity, especially important as so many continue to struggle with a disrupted supply chain and ongoing labor shortages. The potential is massive as more invest in improving their supply chains and logistics processes, and I look forward to helping MIR continue to lead the way in meeting our customers’ challenges.” Prior to joining MiR, Joppru worked at ABB USA, starting in 2017 as the lead for ABB Motors and Mechanical sales team in the US before being tasked as VP of sales for the Consumer Segments and Service Robotics division in 2020. In his latest role, he was responsible for business leadership, sales, and customer experience. Before ABB, Joppru served for 25 years in multiple sales leadership roles at Rockwell Automation, including industry sales director for China and Latin America and global director of automotive sales. Joppru holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a master’s degree in industrial distribution from Texas A&M University. “Mark’s decades of experience in industrial automation and sales management makes him an invaluable leader for our growing team and customer base here in the Americas,” said Thomas Knudsen, chief commercial officer for MiR. “Not only does he know mobile robots, but he understands the challenges customers from myriad industries continue to face and has already demonstrated creative ways that we, along with our partners, can solve them. The Americas remains in highly capable hands.” Joppru replaces Ed Mullen, who after nearly six years with MiR left to seek new challenges with the software company Dexterity.
Raymond honored by New York State SkillsUSA with distinguished service award
Raymond welding team leaders and technical trainers have facilitated and judged the New York State SkillsUSA welding fabrication competition since 2014 The Raymond Corporation was recently honored by New York State SkillsUSA with a Distinguished Service Award in recognition of its outstanding support and contributions to career and technical education. SkillsUSA established this award to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions made to it by organizations, agencies, businesses, or other groups. Raymond received the award during the NYS SkillsUSA Championships showcase from April 27 to 29, 2022, in Syracuse, New York. “The Raymond Corporation is proud to support New York State SkillsUSA and help elevate the skilled trades that fuel Raymond’s own manufacturing operations with talented welders, technicians, and a variety of other skilled positions,” said Tony Topencik, vice president of operations, quality, and environmental, health and safety for The Raymond Corporation. “The skills developed through SkillsUSA help prepare students for future employment, whether in manufacturing or in a variety of fields that are in urgent need of professional and skilled talent to bring their operations to the next level.” In addition to the company’s overall career and technical education support, Raymond’s welding team leaders and technical trainers have facilitated and judged the welding fabrication competition since 2014 at the NYS SkillsUSA Championships. For this year’s competition, the NYS SkillsUSA Championships Welding Fabrication Technical Committee designed an outdoor fire pit for competitors to fabricate. Participants were required to weld the specified outdoor wood fire pit while using a number of different welding techniques, including shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and metal inert gas (MIG) welding. SkillsUSA works to enhance the lives of youth by providing every member the opportunity for career success. Without the efforts of highly dedicated individuals, thousands of young people would not be able to achieve the success that, in turn, contributes directly to the overall well-being of the nation.