Electrifying Future: KION Battery Systems opens second production line for E-Mobility
The company, a partnership between KION GROUP AG and BMZ Holding GmbH, produces lithium-ion batteries for industrial trucks at its Karlstein plant Product offering and production capacities are being expanded Designed to meet the strong demand for sustainable drive concepts KION Battery Systems GmbH (KBS) is expanding its production facility at the Karlstein site and setting the next milestone in its path of growth and innovation in the process. The company, a partnership between KION GROUP AG and BMZ Holding GmbH, has now officially put into operation a second production line for manufacturing 24-volt batteries, used in mobile warehouse handling equipment. The global intralogistics group and the manufacturer of lithium-ion system solutions set up KION Battery Systems in summer 2019 to produce lithium-ion batteries for industrial trucks. KBS’s objective is to sustainably expand its lithium-ion product offering and production capacities for the EMEA region. This should make it possible to optimally meet the rapidly growing demand for lithium-ion battery systems in the intralogistics and warehouse technology industry. This demand is growing continuously, mainly due to the high efficiency of the lithium-ion drive system. The KION Group’s electric forklift trucks boast a strong performance that enables them to effortlessly compete with internal combustion forklift trucks, thus offering a sustainable alternative for tackling challenging areas of application – both indoors and outdoors. “Our modern lithium-ion trucks provide the basis for resource-saving intralogistics. With the addition of a second production line, we are now taking the next vital step towards a sustainable future in our role as one of the leading suppliers,” said Rob Smith, CEO of KION GROUP AG, at the inauguration of the second production line. Both KION and BMZ have world-leading expertise in the lithium-ion technology sector. In the two-and-a-half years since its foundation, the company has already been manufacturing 48- and 80-volt batteries for counterbalance trucks at its state-of-the-art plant. Now, production is being extended to other industrial trucks. Thanks to the addition of a second production line, the KBS plant now has the capacity to produce 30,000 batteries every year. “KBS gives our brands another important boost to their energy-efficient drive systems and strengthens our position in the area of Li-ion batteries significantly. The partnership with BMZ is paying off,” summarizes Rob Smith. Particularly fascinated by product innovations, he goes on to explain, “The experts at KBS are currently designing a completely new forklift battery that uses cells developed specifically for KION. This is cutting-edge technology made in Germany.” Development Site for the Li-ion Technology of Tomorrow In addition to battery production, the R&D department at KBS is making significant strides forward in developing concepts for reconditioning lithium-ion batteries and transitioning the system into a second or even third life. The development team and other KION experts are looking at the battery’s entire life cycle: from the development of new proprietary battery systems and intelligent load management to reconditioning and ultimately recycling batteries, with the existing possibility to recover up to 95% of the raw materials used. Founder and Managing Director of BMZ Holding, Sven Bauer, highlights the potential the jointly operated company has to offer: “KBS brings together know-how from two different worlds. KBS stands for the combined forces of pioneering spirit and expertise from two of the world’s leading groups in lithium-ion battery development and intralogistics. Based in the growth market of electrification, our jointly operated company has demonstrated its huge potential over the last two-and-a-half years and has thus become a forward-looking anchor in the BMZ Group within a very short space of time.” KION Battery Systems currently employs around 80 members of staff in the areas of research, development, and production. Up to 150 jobs will be created at Karlstein in the medium term. “I’m delighted that the expanded production of sustainable battery systems will create more jobs here in Karlstein,” said Peter Kress, Mayor of the town of Karlstein am Main. “Both KION Battery Systems and BMZ are the leading lithium-ion battery system providers in their sectors, both with an exciting history in the development and enormous potential in that area. I would like to see other cutting-edge technology companies in sustainable segments establish themselves here and create skilled jobs as well. Companies just like KION Battery Systems.” Strategic Focus on Sustainable Drive Concepts As part of its “KION 2027” strategy, the intralogistics group is also shining a spotlight on energy and energy efficiency, which will be decisive in shaping the flow of materials. The drive technology of tomorrow acts as the focal point of the group’s international research and development activities. Today KION already offers the customers in its portfolio a full range of intralogistics drive technologies, from combustion engines to fuel cells, via lead-acid and li-ion batteries. Electromobility plays a particularly important role here, given that the KION Group is ultimately one of the leading providers of electrically operated forklift and warehouse trucks. In the past 10 years, the group has sold more than one million electric trucks through its brands. Approximately 87% of all new industrial trucks manufactured by the KION Group are electrically powered. BMZ was founded 28 years ago by the current managing director and has played a leading role in the further development of lithium-ion technology since its creation. With its extensive supply chain, the BMZ Group is excellently positioned on the international stage and, thanks to long-standing working relationships with cell manufacturers, strives to offer customers sophisticated, high-quality products, including robust logistics concepts. Lithium-Ion Batteries: Highly Efficient Technology With Many Advantages The advanced batteries offer many advantages, making them a more sustainable and cost-efficient alternative drive system. The lithium-ion batteries have a much greater power density and level of efficiency compared to lead-acid batteries, for example. The batteries are not only smaller, but also help cut energy costs by up to 30% while offering the same performance. What’s more, there’s no need to replace the batteries nor do they require servicing. Lithium-ion batteries can be recharged anytime when not in use, making them perfect for
Below Expectations: Employers not meeting Training Expectations of Workers
While 80% of employed U.S. adults consider an employer’s professional development and training offerings an important consideration when accepting a new job, just 39% say their current employer is helping them improve their current skills or gain new skills to do their job better, according to results from the latest American Staffing Association Workforce Monitor® online survey conducted by The Harris Poll in late October and early November 2021. Job training programs put employers at a competitive advantage when recruiting job candidates from all generations. Among those employed, 84% of Millennials view an employer’s professional development and training offerings as important considerations when accepting a new job, along with 79% of Baby Boomers and 79% of Generation X. Seven in 10 of those in Generation Z (70%) share this view. Meanwhile, many employees said they were not receiving from their employers the skills training needed to maintain or grow their careers. Just 31% of Baby Boomers said their employer is helping them improve or expand their skillset, compared with 50% of Millennials, and 33% of those in Generation X. Of Generation Z employees, who comprise the newest members of the workforce, just 37% said their employer was helping them improve or expand their skills to do their job better. “For employers looking for an edge in 2022, investing in training and development could make the difference in competing in the war for talent,” said Richard Wahlquist, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Staffing Association. “Employees are looking to employers to provide the job training they need to elevate their careers. During the Great Resignation, if an employer is not willing to train and upskill its workforce, those employees may begin to look for an employer that will.” The study also found concern among some U.S. workers about the effects of automation on their employability, with 37% worrying that automation will cost them their jobs. Nearly half of Hispanic/Latino employees (49%) worry that automation will eliminate their jobs, compared with 35% of Black/African-American employees and 33% of White/Caucasian employees. In addition, 52% of Millennial workers expressed worry about their job security due to automation, compared with 40% of Generation Z employees, 30% of Generation X employees, and just 20% of Baby Boomer employees. “The acceleration of automation due to the pandemic has only increased the importance of employer investments in workforce training and development,” added Wahlquist. Method This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of ASA between Oct. 28 and Nov. 1, 2021, among a total of 2,042 U.S. adults age 18 and older of whom 1,054 were employed. Results were weighted for age within gender, region, race/ethnicity, household income, education, marital status, and size of the household where necessary to align them with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online. About the American Staffing Association The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its state affiliates advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.
Small stackers satisfy a wide range of lifting and transporting needs
Manual push stackers from Presto Lifts are ideal for a wide variety of light industrial, warehousing, and retail back-room applications. They can be configured with a manual or powered lift. M-Series units have either a foot or hand-actuated pump to raise and lower loads with no electrical power. B-Series models utilize onboard battery power for lifting and lowering. Both styles are lightweight, compact, highly maneuverable, and simple to operate. Proven chain over hydraulic design moves loads smoothly up and down. Customers have the option of specifying adjustable, solid steel forks for use with pallets or skids or a flat steel platform for use with single boxes or other individual items like dies, molds, etc. M-Series manual lift models are available in 1,000 or 2,000-pound capacities with up to an 18” load center and lifting heights up to 76”. B-Series powered lift units can be specified with 1,000, 1,500, or 2,000-pound capacities at a 15” load center with lifting heights up to 78”. All units are equipped with a foot-operated floor lock, a safety shield on the mast, high-impact, floor-saving phenolic wheels, and casters. To further improve the convenience and versatility of these stackers, they can be furnished with several options. Standard forks or platforms can be replaced with modified platforms that are wider, deeper, and have special shapes or custom cutouts. Special load handling attachments can also be supplied including a boom with hook, cylindrical ram, drum grabber, conveyor roller bed or die pulling winch. Powered lift units can also be furnished with a tethered remote lifting and lowering control pendant.
Essentra Tapes appoints new North American sales manager
Global easy-open and close tapes manufacturer Essentra Tapes has announced the appointment of a new sales manager, Mitch Larkin. Larkin, based in Colorado, USA, will be a key member of the team responsible for sales growth strategies for North America. The appointment comes as the Essentra Tapes business continues to expand on a global scale, with its tape solutions used in diverse sectors including paper and board, flexible packaging, tobacco, luxury goods, eCommerce packaging, and more. Christopher Morgan, Global Sales Director at Essentra Tapes, welcomed the appointment, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Mitch on board at a time when we are expanding and upskilling our North American sales team significantly. Mitch brings over 16 years of commercial sales expertise to our team and has had particular success in paperboard, corrugated, plastic bottles, and flexible packaging. “Mitch will be responsible for delivering tear tape and applicator business, primarily in the paper and board and flexible packaging markets but also driving sales in other key markets, too. Our mission is to continue to grow our North American business, and I am sure Mitch’s experience will be invaluable as we introduce even more customers to our market-leading tear tape solutions.” Larkin, a graduate of California State University, has over 25 years of sales and business development experience. His appointment follows that of Morgan, who became global sales director in February, and the appointment of a US-based category sales manager, Evan Mazzoni. On his appointment, Larkin said, “There is never a bad time to join a market leader, but it is an especially exciting time to join Essentra Tapes now as the US-based team is experiencing significant growth. I look forward to getting started and playing my part to drive sales in the region as part of Essentra’s global strategy.”
Asda extends long-term partnership with Vanderlande
One of the UK’s leading supermarket chains, Asda, has renewed its site-based, life-cycle services contract with Vanderlande for the next five years, further cementing the partnership. The extension of the existing agreement will see the two companies continue to collaborate at the retailer’s Warrington distribution center (DC) in the UK until 2026. The Warrington DC is Asda’s automated ambient warehouse in their distribution network – with the highest picking accuracy, consistently leading in terms of the Overall Warehouse Rate (OWR). The efficiency of this site has been improved by Vanderlande’s future-proof automated case picking (ACP) solution and the dedication of colleagues in the operational and support teams responsible for overall system performance and maintenance activities, 24 hours a day. Vanderlande’s ACP solution handles an average of two million cases per week, processing nearly 9,000 SKUs, and helping Asda supply stores across northwest England. “Through our partnership with Vanderlande we’ve been able to drive efficiency that has contributed to an overall increase in volume since 2018. Our relationship with Vanderlande has gone from strength to strength and is helping us to achieve our strategic vision – to serve our customers better than anyone else,” said Jon Parry, Vice President of Asda Logistics Services. “We’re proud about our ongoing partnership and dedication, and we share a combined vision of continuous improvement and synergy in operational and services requirements,” adds Terry Verkuijlen, Vice President Warehouse Solutions at Vanderlande. “Asda is seeing great results, every day, thanks to the motivated individuals in our high-performing teams. Everyone at Vanderlande is delighted that this continued trust has been rewarded by a five-year contract extension.”
LiuGong North America reveals LiuGong Finance
LiuGong North America has announced a new private label program to become a one-stop-shop for equipment and financing. The new LiuGong Finance program will serve customers and dealers with a multitude of benefits. “As we continue to help support, grow and develop our customers and dealer network, we’re delighted to introduce LiuGong Finance,” said LiuGong North America President Andrew Ryan. We’ve built the LiuGong Finance program to include several components that will benefit our customer and dealer network and their businesses.” LiuGong Finance will provide dealers with finance support for both LiuGong North America and non-competing products. Additionally, it will enable dealers to utilize competitive rates and flexible finance structures under a captive finance program. This helps to differentiate LiuGong from its competitors and creates customer loyalty that can lead to future sales. Dealers and end-users will have access to a dedicated finance team. LiuGong Finance offers both retail financing and dealer-owned rental fleet financing under the program. There are three types of retail financing included: FMV lease, equipment loan, and custom structures. There are two types of dealer-owned rental fleet financing offered: rental equipment loans and custom structures.
Columbia PSI, LLC. continues to invest and grow its Denver operations with Control Design and Manufacturing acquisition
Rick Goode, Chairman and CEO of Columbia Machine Inc., announced the acquisition of Control Design & Manufacturing (CD&M) assets on March 31, 2022. Located in Englewood, CO, CD&M is a recognized leader in factory automation solutions, designing, manufacturing, and supporting conventional bag palletizing systems, bag handling equipment, box forming and filling solutions, and controls. CD&M will become part of Columbia PSI, LLC and all employees have been hired, allowing the business to carry on without missing a day of operation or sacrificing customer commitment. Columbia PSI, LLC. will join its extensive bagging product lines with CD&M’s wide range of equipment solutions. The addition of the CD&M palletizing solutions, accessory conveyors, controls, box forming equipment, and years of experience will further grow Columbia PSI as an innovative, industry leader. “Adding Control Design & Manufacturing to Columbia PSI, LLC. is a great opportunity to expand our bagging solutions and allows us to grow our Denver-based team. We have a long-term strategy for our Denver operation and CD&M builds on that vision. In addition, the CD&M employees bring valuable experience and product knowledge,” said Tim Goode, General Manager of PSI, A Columbia Machine, Inc. Company. “CD&M offers new equipment to Columbia PSI, opens new markets, and broadens our potential customer base. Columbia PSI plans to continue the same exceptional service and support that CD&M has been known for over the last 30 years of business and is excited to carry on the company and its employees as we integrate the two companies.” “As I look to retire, I wanted to ensure that CD&M would continue to supply reliable equipment and offer the same customer support that our customers are used to receiving for the last 30 years,” said Dale Kintgen, President/Owner of Control Design & Manufacturing. “Columbia PSI will carry on that vision while keeping the business in Denver and providing ongoing employment opportunities for my staff. I wish I were 20 years younger so I could be part of what the future holds.” “It has been great to get to know Dale and his company over the last nine months. CD&M has been a very head down, highly technical, customer-focused company since its inception. The more we have been exposed to the extensive list of factory automation solutions they have designed, manufactured, integrated, installed, and supported over the years, the more impressed we have become.” said Rick Goode. “We are excited to integrate the CD&M Team into Columbia PSI, our Bagging and Packaging Business Unit, and look forward to offering CD&M solutions to our customers in over 100 countries around the world.” The acquisition of CD&M continues Columbia PSI’s strategic vision to grow its bagging product line and offer industry-leading factory automation solutions. Columbia PSI will operate CD&M out of the existing location at 2624 S. Zuni St., Englewood, CO 80110 until the facilities upgrades are complete at the Columbia PSI headquarters. Merging the two companies in the Denver, CO area gives Columbia PSI increased manufacturing capabilities and additional space dedicated to bagging and packaging equipment. Expanding our Denver facility complements Columbia’s other North American manufacturing, service, and parts centers in Vancouver, WA, Ontario, CA, Orlando, FL, Smithsburg, MA, and Mississauga, Canada.
Westminster Hydraulics is now a Merlo dealer
Westminster Hydraulics in Taneytown, Maryland is now a Merlo dealer. Mid-Atlantic area businesses needing truck-mounted equipment, liftgates, cranes, and attachments know to call upon Westminster Hydraulics. Now, Westminster supplies Merlo telehandlers and Rotos to the Mid Atlantic market. “Bringing on the Merlo product line further expands our ability to adapt to customer needs,” said Michele L. Cooney, Westminster Hydraulics Vice President. “We did our research to find a line that complements our existing offerings. The Merlo Roto is a strong, quality-driven option for material handling equipment, in both the arbor and construction sectors, that will help us serve our expanding market.” “Westminster is a stellar company that understands its market and the customers within that market,” said Brian Hatch, AMS-Merlo Territory Manager. “The Merlo Roto fits well with their market plan.” Over the years, Westminster’s small and nimble team of highly skilled individuals has grown the company to expand its offerings to include everything from fabricating & upfitting, to service, parts, and sales. “Our Team”, Cooney said “is our work family. We aim to create an environment and provide meaningful benefits that show how much we value their dedication.” This caring for the employee carries over to caring for the customer. “We take great pride in providing a level of customization, craftsmanship, and commitment to quality that is distinct in our builds. Cooney added. “Merlo Rotos fit this commitment. We provide honest guidance and reliable support to all our customers.” “With the Merlo Roto, tree care businesses can create a complete package of rotating telehandlers with grapple saw. Hatch said. “And, their construction and utility customers now have another option for safe, material handling at height.”
Wildeck welcomes Shannon Grall as VP of Human resources
Wildeck, Inc, the largest U.S. manufacturer of industrial steel work platforms, material lifts, access solutions, and safety guarding products, has been continually growing its business and workforce. Wildeck is committed to providing an excellent environment for new and existing employees and making the onboarding process as smooth as possible. To fulfill this need, Wildeck is thrilled to welcome Shannon Grall as the new Vice President of Human Resources. Shannon will work to develop a high-performing, people-oriented culture at Wildeck. She will also be responsible for core processes such as payroll, benefits administration, training, compliance, employee data management, and enforcing the company’s core values. In her role, she will collaborate with other departments to improve the organizational design and workforce planning, while creating an exceptional onboarding experience for new employees. “We are very pleased to have Shannon join our team,” said Dan Lorenz, President of Wildeck. “In this market, it is essential to attract and keep top talent. We are confident that, with Shannon’s expertise, Wildeck will receive greater recognition as a Best Place to Work and employer of choice.” Shannon joins Wildeck with an impressive twenty-plus years of human resource leadership experience, ten of which were spent as a human resource business partner in both corporate and operational roles in manufacturing. Prior to Wildeck, Shannon held a variety of HR positions at Molson Coors Beverage Company and most recently was the Sr. Talent Acquisition Manager – where she was responsible for all the North American hourly and salaried recruitment. Shannon has a strong focus on talent management and a passion for attracting, developing, and retaining top talent among client groups and HR teams.
Wildeck hires Chris Horn as VP of Engineering
Wildeck, Inc, one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of industrial steel work platforms and safety guarding products, has been continually growing its business and workforce. Wildeck is committed to ensuring the development and implementation of efficient operations and cost-effective systems to meet the current and future needs of the company. To fulfill this need, Wildeck is thrilled to welcome Chris Horn as the new Vice President of Engineering. Chris will plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee activities in the Engineering Department. He will also identify, recommend, and implement new technologies and systems to improve organizational processes and decision-making, while also keeping up to date on new developments in the field of engineering or product design. “We are so excited to welcome Chris to the team,” said Dan Lorenz, President of Wildeck. “As Wildeck continues to grow and evolve we recognize the importance of ensuring our technologies and systems are up-to-date to increase efficiency and productivity. Chris’ background makes him the perfect fit for the job.” Chris joins Wildeck with an illustrious twenty-plus years of engineering and management experience, starting as a nuclear weapons specialist for the United States Air Force. Chris was most recently the Director of Engineering at Douglas Dynamics. Prior to that role, he spent several years in various engineering roles at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Chris has a strong focus on product development and a passion for design and manufacturing engineering.
Sunbelt Rentals expands fleet with 700 Ford F-150 Lighting trucks
The purchase of the trucks will contribute to the goal Sunbelt Rentals set to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity by 35 percent by 2030 Sunbelt Rentals is expanding its electric on-road fleet with an order of 700 Ford F-150 Lightning trucks. The purchase of the trucks will contribute to the goal Sunbelt Rentals set to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity by 35 percent by 2030. “This investment highlights our strong commitment to reducing our GHG emissions through the adoption of new on-road fleet technology,” said Al Halvorsen, vice president of ESG at Sunbelt Rentals. “Starting the conversion of our truck fleet to electric alternatives, like the Ford Lightning, is critical to our ability to reach our ambitious GHG reduction goals and still continue to serve our customers with availability, reliability, and ease.” Sunbelt Rentals will also purchase and install Level 2 wall-mount chargers at employees’ homes for more efficient charging. With a fully charged battery and 1,000 pounds of payload, the Ford Lightning is expected to cover 230 miles between charging. “The demand in the market already exceeds supply for the next few years for these electric vehicles, so we are incredibly excited to be receiving the first shipment of these groundbreaking trucks this summer,” said Eric Jahnsen, director of transportation management at Sunbelt Rentals. “This initiative aligns with the commitment we make to our customers and team members through The Power of Sunbelt — prioritizing continuous innovation among the key values of doing business.”
EP 274: Verses at MODEX 2022
In this episode, I was joined by the President of Verses, James Hendrickson, at MODEX 2022. James and I reconnected after three years to learn about his new role at Verses which is focused on bringing spatial intelligence into the supply chain. We discuss why digital twins are so important in the supply chain and what they can help us to achieve. Key Takeaways Verses is focused on bringing the spatial web to enterprises through a robust suite of technologies that have been developed with the Spatial Web Foundation. As James breaks it down, it is really focused on the digital twin or the duplication of our physical space into a virtual one. Harnessing these technologies can really help to advance your organization in a sophisticated way and prevent potentially costly mistakes. As we look at the sheer number of innovations and technologies at MODEX this year, there is a need to be able to implement these virtually before we do things physical to ensure operations will still flow properly. What does it mean to duplicate virtually? As James explains, this is the metaverse for the supply chain. With the technology, you are able to create your operation and adjust things with the ability to know where everything is. It’s almost like making an AutoCAD come to life which can allow you to have better visualization into what your operation could potentially look like or where obstructions might be. There is a lot of potential for this technology in our space and James gives a few examples of how they may partner with companies to give them better visibility and capability. One of Verses offerings is Wayfinder which is a spatial picking platform that allows your employees to be navigated throughout the facility. The technology knows where everything is and is essentially guiding the picker as a GPS would. The benefits of this are that the employees are getting the most optimized pick path every time and they are not getting lost or losing track of where the location is. This takes creating an efficient pick path to a whole new level. Listen or watch the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 274: Verses at MODEX 2022
Are your Organization’s capabilities aligned with your strategy?
Imagine you’re faced with creating organizational change. You need to do something big and bold to turn around the organization’s downward trajectory. Or you need to catapult growth. You have some great, innovative ideas that you’ve vetted and know they’ll make a positive impact. You have a budget, resources, and a rollout plan. You’re all ready to go – or are you? One key element to any successful change that many leaders overlook is having an honest understanding of their organization’s capabilities. New ideas come with a bright and alluring sheen that is hard to turn away from. You gain momentum and buy-in to the idea, and it’s incredibly difficult to put the brakes on. Yet the question is, can your organization deliver on the idea? For example, say a company wants to become “the tech leader” in their industry. They’ve identified that consumers are seeking more tech-based, self-serve options, and they know they are woefully behind their competitors. Seems like, on the surface, a straightforward strategy to tackle. However, their current tech stack is incredibly outdated. The development team is comprised of legacy coders, who have never implemented a major transformation before. The organization as a whole isn’t very tech-savvy and isn’t used to processing changes. This is the problem with the strategy – the organization isn’t up to it. This doesn’t mean the strategy is all bad or unreachable. Many would argue that lofty strategic goals are a good thing. But just like deciding to become the best golfer in the world, you should first determine whether you have some basic golf talent in the first place. Unless the leader in this scenario plans to uproot the entire organization, churning new people in until completely overhauled, this lofty strategy implementation will be a long and rough road. In addition, the turmoil caused by such a massive change will be a project in and of itself (the caveat is that sometimes a leader will anyway). So what should be done instead? First, conduct a thorough assessment of your organization’s true capabilities. What are you amazing at? That none of your competitors do or do as well as you. What is something you can capitalize on? What is the thing you can leverage? This is a great litmus test for your strategy. Does your current state – whether skills, culture, infrastructure, and capabilities – realistically has a chance to be able to implement your strategy? If not, is your strategy too far afield or misaligned with the realities of today? Don’t misunderstand me – a strategy should have room for growth. Yet without having a firm grip on your organization’s real-world abilities, you might be stretching too far. No amount of communications or execution planning will be able to bridge the chasm. The smarter approach is to design a strategy that capitalizes on the best organizational attributes you have today and leverage those with a strategy that can create a competitive advantage that can actually be implemented. Otherwise, you may simply have an aspirational strategy without any basis in reality. About the Author: Andrea Belk Olson is a keynote speaker, author, differentiation strategist, behavioral scientist, and customer-centricity expert. As the CEO of Pragmadik, she helps organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to Fortune 500, and has served as an outside consultant for EY and McKinsey. Andrea is the author of The Customer Mission: Why it’s time to cut the $*&% and get back to the business of understanding customers, No Disruptions: The future for mid-market manufacturing, and her upcoming book, What To Ask, coming in June 2022. She is a 4-time ADDY® award winner and host of the popular Customer Mission podcast. Her thoughts have been continually featured in news sources such as Chief Executive Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, The Financial Brand, SMPS Marketer, Rotman Magazine, and more. Andrea is a sought-after speaker at conferences and corporate events throughout the world. She is a visiting lecturer and startup coach at the University of Iowa, a TEDx presenter, and TEDx speaker coach. She is also an instructor at the University of Iowa Venture School. More information is also available on www.pragmadik.com and www.andreabelkolson.com.
On Earth Day, Yellow Corporation reaffirms commitment to reducing carbon footprint
Newly purchased tractors from Volvo Trucks and other new equipment lower CO2 Greenhouse gas emissions Yellow Corporation, one of the largest trucking companies in North America operating the second-largest less-than-truckload (LTL) network, continues to make significant strides in its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Since the fourth quarter of 2020, Yellow has replaced nearly one-third of its older, over-the-road long-haul trucking fleet, which has long served as the backbone of the company’s freight delivery operations. Compared to the tractors that are being replaced, the new units are approximately 30% more fuel-efficient and that is expected to result in a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions. “Trucking is a crucial industry, responsible for delivering 72% of the nation’s freight. We respect the significant role truckers play and, therefore, are proud to do our part to operate sustainably and protect the environment,” said Darren Hawkins, CEO of Yellow Corporation. “Reducing our Greenhouse gas emissions by 30% with our new fleet equipment is just one step,” he continued. Part of the company’s strategy includes the purchase of nearly 1,200 new Volvo VNR tractors and another 200 in the coming months, for a total of 1,400 new tractors. The Volvo VNR model is credited with improved energy efficiency and is equipped with advanced safety features. Yellow’s Interim Vice President of Equipment Services Don Hinkle said, “Safety and sustainability are among our core values. These new engines are not only more energy efficient but the aerodynamic investments we are making in our new trailers lead to even more efficiencies and further reductions in CO2 emissions.” “Safety and sustainability are part of our DNA, and we are proud to partner with companies such as Yellow Corporation that share these virtues,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. Yellow has implemented other strategies to benefit the environment, including operating fully electric yard tractors used to reposition trailers at many of the company’s California terminals and partnering with railroads to move trailers on flatcars over long distances, including through Midwestern and Western states. This intermodal transportation strategy can reduce emissions by up to 65% compared to truck-only transportation. In addition, as part of the One Yellow transformation, company network engineers are designing new city operations dispatch plans that will eliminate overlapping service routes, reducing mileage and related emissions. Finally, as we celebrate Earth Day 2022, Yellow is proud to reinforce its 17-year partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay voluntary emissions reduction program. Yellow is one of 15 original Charter Partners of the SmartWay program, which now counts more than 3,000 leading supply chain companies as signatories.
New Dragonfruit Cloud VMS Screener+ SaaS Solution automatically eliminates false alarms up to 99%
False alarms drain the life out of security operations on so many levels by wasting valuable personnel resources and budget and hampering overall situational awareness and security. Now Dragonfruit Frontier Cloud VMS and video analytics users can automatically eliminate false alarms by as much as 99% with a new Video Verification as a Service called Screener+. Screener+ provides an industry-first and exclusive false alarms reduction solution that guarantees < 1% false dispatches, effectively reducing costly personnel dispatches to investigate alarms. The innovative solution screens all alarms generated through Frontier at scale, including alarms generated by dwell times and any of Frontier’s powerful analytics such as spill detection, LPR, heatmaps, face mask detection, people and vehicle counting, and more. Screener+ also verifies alarms generated by any customized analytics modules developed for Frontier users, as well as from alarms generated by other integrated systems. This powerful automated alarm reduction solution presents a highly cost-effective and accurate alternative to third-party monitoring services. For customers interested in managing their own alarms more efficiently, Dragonfruit Frontier Cloud VMS and video analytics include Screener, which is embedded for free in the solution’s Real-time Alerts Suite.
Nearly $120,000 raised in first stage of PTDA Foundation’s Fundraising Campaign
During the first three months of its 2022 Fund Drive campaign, the PTDA Foundation raised nearly $120,000 of its 2022 fundraising goal. Contributions to the annual PTDA Foundation Fund Drive support PT WORK Force®, an initiative to empower PT/MC (power transmission/motion control) industry employers to be more successful in their recruitment and retention efforts. “The PT/MC industry is vital and full of great opportunities for career growth and advancement,” says PTDA Foundation Vice President and 2022 Fund Drive Chair, Hafeez Hameer, business development manager, KLOZURE Seals for Garlock Sealing Technologies, Inc. “Every contribution to the PTDA Fund Drive directly impacts and assists PT/MC employers in building the talent pipeline. Hiring challenges abound in every industry, yet the work of PT WORK Force–thanks to the support of generous donors–ensures that both employers and talent reap the reward of their involvement in this thriving and exciting workforce.” Early campaign contributions provide for new and vital programs and research for 2022, including: The Cross-Industry Compensation and Benefits Survey are due for release in May. The six-part webinar series, “Winning the War for Talent.” New PTDA Foundation LinkedIn page. Recruitment Agency Checklist “Growth Mindset Recruitment” keynote during the PTDA 2022 Canadian Conference in June. PTWORKForceBlog.org What’s Trending in Recruitment and Retention monthly e-newsletter The webinar “Inclusion in Action: Recruiting and Onboarding Diverse Talent” Thank you to these 2022 PTDA Foundation Vanguard Contributors (October 2021–December 31, 2021): Partner Contributors ($15,000+) Allied Bearing & Supply, Inc. Motion Investor Contributors ($10,000 – $14,999) Applied Industrial Technologies Stakeholder Contributors ($5,000 – $9,999) Bishop-Wisecarver Group NSK Americas WEG Electric Corp. Benefactor Contributors ($2,500 – $4,999) BDI Americas (USA & Canada) (in honor of Rick Copfer) Garlock Sealing Technologies Houston Bearing & Supply Co., Inc. Interlynx Systems–Sales Lead & Rebate/POS Management Systems JIE USA, Inc. Master Power Transmission, Inc. NTN Bearing Corp. of America RBC Bearings, Inc. RBI Bearing Inc. Renold Ringfeder Power Transmission USA Corporation U.S. Tsubaki Power Transmission LLC W.C. DuComb Company Leadership Contributors ($1,000 – $2,499) Freudenberg-NOK FYH Bearing Units USA Inc. Lafert North America Regina USA Inc. The Rowland Company Ruland Manufacturing Co., Inc. Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America Transply, Inc. USA Roller Chain & Sprockets Webster Industries Foundation Sponsor Contributors ($500 – $999) Brewer Machine & Gear Co. ERIKS North America, Inc. KML Bearing USA MPT Drives, Inc. Orthman Conveying Systems Torque Drives, Inc. Colleague Contributors: ($250 – $499) ErieTec, Inc. Individual Contributors Chris & Heidi Bursack Hafeez Hameer (in honor of Zahir Hameer) Alan and Betsy Haveson Pamela & Mark Kan Bill Moore Keith & Sharon Nowak Matthew Pavlinsky Barbara J. Ross (in memory of Bob Callahan) Chuck Schwender Jos Sueters C.C. & Dan Vest The PTDA Foundation Fund Drive is underway with a goal of raising $275,000 in 2022. While we raised $120,000 in the first three months, we are currently at 58 percent of our goal with nearly $160,000 in contributions raised as of today. To join these contributors and get recognized for your generous donation, give online at ptda.org/FoundationGive or download a pledge form at ptda.org/FoundationSupport. The PTDA Foundation, whose work is funded solely by donations, was founded in 1982 to champion education, outreach, and research initiatives relevant to the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry that enhance the knowledge and/or professionalism and productivity for industry stakeholders. The Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation; contributions are tax-deductible to the full amount allowed by law. For a complete list of donors, visit ptda.org/FoundationSupport.
Department of Labor investigates warehouses paying works as little as $2.50 per hour
While dozens of companies along the U.S. border in California hire workers from Mexico to labor as warehouse and logistics workers in scores of non-descript buildings, U.S. Department of Labor investigators and attorneys are also working hard – to prevent the exploitation of these workers and hold employers accountable. Since a landmark investigation of Premar Global Warehouse Logistics in September 2021, Wage and Hour Division investigators have found three more San Diego-area customs warehouses paying workers in Mexican pesos at an equivalent rate of as little as $2.50 per hour in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Based on these investigations, the department’s Office of the Solicitor reached consent judgments against the three employers – Columbia Export Group PDSA, OMG Global Logistics, and Atlas Freight Forwarding – resulting in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California ordering the companies to pay nearly $2 million combined in minimum and overtime back wages to 108 workers. To learn more, read “Working for $2.50 per hour: US Department of Labor’s crackdown on grossly exploitive, abusive pay practices in San Diego continues” from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Dwell fee to remain on hold for Long Beach, Los Angeles
San Pedro Bay ports to consider activation on April 29th The San Pedro Bay ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles announced today they will delay consideration of the “Container Dwell Fee” for another week, until April 29th. Since the program was announced on Oct. 25, the two ports have seen a combined decline of 49% 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. 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. Last week, the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners approved a second temporary order to extend the fee. Meanwhile, the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners on Monday will consider extending the authorization for the fee until July 28. The program otherwise is due to expire on April 29.
Emerson introduces environmentally Robust Control Stations and Tumbler Switches for hazardous locations
The Appleton Contender 4/4X Series factory sealed design significantly reduces maintenance and replacement costs lowering the total cost of ownership compared to traditional market solutions Processing hazardous materials require reliable power distribution and controls to operate efficiently and supply the world with the important commodities it needs, yet these electrical control devices are challenged by exposure to harsh weather, corrosion, moisture, and other foreign materials. To solve this problem, Emerson has announced its Appleton™ Contender™ 4/4X Series control stations and tumbler switches featuring a superior gasket design offering Type 4, 4X, 12, and IP66 ingress protection. This introduction brings more cost-efficiency, performance, and reliability to oil and gas, wastewater, grain milling, and other processing industries operating in harsh environments including Class I, Division 2, Zone 2, Class II, and Class III locations. “Explosionproof, Division 1 rated control stations and tumbler switches lack sufficient ingress protection, leading to device failure, high maintenance costs, and more frequent replacements, especially when exposed to corrosive elements,” said Donald LaCombe, Sr. Product Marketing Specialist for Emerson. “Leveraging a gasketed design and a superior material finish, the Appleton Contender 4/4X Series offers a protective barrier from harmful corrosion and prolonged exposure to the elements, adding value and lowering total cost of ownership.” LONG-LASTING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Unlike Explosionproof, Division 1 rated control stations and tumbler switches, the Appleton Contender 4/4X Series utilizes a gasket cover and devices as well as O-rings supplied on captive stainless steel screws. Additionally, this series comes standard with iron back boxes utilizing the Appleton patented triple-coat finish, in addition to a durable epoxy powder coat finish supplied on device covers and optional aluminum back boxes for Type 4X rating. These design enhancements prevent ingress that leads to device failure and component corrosion over time. Replacing corroded units can be difficult and time-consuming, especially in scenarios when severely corroded cover screws strip during cover replacement or discovering the backbox is compromised resulting in more costly full unit replacement. The Contender 4/4X Series design addresses these issues by reducing future maintenance and replacements so that time can be spent on more vital tasks. The Appleton Contender 4/4X Series also represents a cost-effective alternative to non-metallic control products. Non-metallic enclosures are typically fabricated from fiberglass-reinforced polyester that inhibits corrosion yet costs more than their metallic counterparts. RETROFIT CAPABILITY Device covers are available for facilities looking to upgrade to the Appleton Contender 4/4X Series that have an existing install base of Appleton EDS Series back boxes. Furthermore, Contender 4/4X Series device covers are UL Classified to mount on existing Crouse-HindsTM EDS Series back boxes and don’t require the use of grease or installation of plastic cover accessories for equivalent environmental protection. HIGHLY CUSTOMIZABLE Depending on the application there are a variety of control station devices and device options for a tailormade solution, including momentary and maintained mushroom head pushbuttons, 2 or 3 position selector switches, Vac or Vdc LED pilot lights, 1 or 2 N.O./N.C. contact blocks, and custom legend plates among others.
Forget B2B or B2C–Why digital engagement is actually P2P
The pandemic arrived and brought with it many new and surprising changes in how companies do business. One of the most interesting, and most impactful, changes for organizations has been how consumers engage with brands. There was a recent survey* on this very topic and the results were clear. Consumers are re-thinking how they interact with others and have re-evaluated priorities in life. This includes the types of brands that will get their business in the future. These consumers were much more willing to change brands if they did not feel the brand promise was in alignment with their core values. They also felt that they would spend more money with brands that they felt supported and understood their needs during challenging times. This can translate to a simple construct: the more human the brand, the more business that brand may get. These consumers looked at factors other than just price and quality; trust and brand reputation factored into their decisions. This trust encompassed brands taking responsibility to live by their values and be more relevant in today’s world. No Longer A Nebulous Concept Consumers are looking for companies that represent and reflect their values, their beliefs, and their sense of purpose in the world today. Brands of the PPE (Pre-Pandemic Era) could float out in the ether as a nebulous concept with no real shape or form. Those types of companies may still try to exist on that plane, but companies that do are missing out. They fail to capitalize on retaining customers as well as attracting new customers. And those new customers may be willing to pay more for the relevancy brought to the business exchange. The antiquated constructs of business-to-business or business-to-consumer (B2B or B2C) do not take into account this new shift in consumer beliefs or wishes. Prospects and customers want a deeper focus on building the relationship, having a brand reflect today’s current values, and providing the type of support and alignment that makes the interaction feel more like an investment in a relationship. Instead of looking at organizations as one end of a transaction, companies that wish to grow in the current paradigm must look at the who in the interaction. The focus must now move to people-to-people or people-to-person (P2P). How To Translate Digital Engagement Into P2P Digital engagement and communication are set up to be much more humanistic than many organizations allow. The focus on connection and community is readily available for organizations. By allowing the people behind the brand to emerge out of the shadows, companies can move beyond the products and services they sell and provide engagement with the people who create those products and services. Several recommendations can be quickly applied by any organization to move past B2B and B2C and move into a P2P interaction. Here are three ways to help move in that direction. Many Voices, One Brand There was a time when one person was sharing content on behalf of the organization. Smart organizations, however, have moved to share several different voices and points of view in their digital communications. Not only does this allow different viewpoints from a brand perspective, but it also keeps content fresh, as many voices make the brand what it is today. Providing different styles of content engages more than one type of prospect, which sets up potential growth. Focus On The Individual In Every Interaction It should be obvious that the individual consumer should be a focus. But what about when businesses market to other businesses? There are individuals that each business brings to the table for engagement, and each one is important in bringing a different viewpoint. When creating content, consider the personality of the key players in the receiving organization. What are their individual roadblocks? How does s/he define success? Always consider the individual sending and the one receiving the communication. Because either way, a person is on each end of that communication. Know Where The Power Lies It has been said that consumers are now holding all the cards in the business interaction and have no plans to give them back. When organizations look at who is in control of the communication, the power lies with the consumer, not with the company. Organizations need to understand this fundamental shift in power to the person receiving marketing and communication. This will help move communication to a person-to-person level and allow the consumer to drive the engagement, which is what the consumer not only wants but demands in today’s digital paradigm. Taking the opportunity to bring humanity into any organization’s digital communications can bring accelerated digital growth and engagement. This may feel like a risk to some organizations. However, the new paradigm has shifted this from novelty to necessity. By switching the focus from B2B or B2C to P2P, digital communication can be realigned to meet the current demands of audiences. With this ever-changing shift in consumer behavior, thinking about how one person communicates with another has become a cornerstone in digital engagement. This is no longer a passing trend but a new way of being, and the organization that embraces this way of being will reap the rewards. About the Author: Lisa Apolinski, CMC, is an international speaker, digital strategist, author, and founder of 3 Dog Write. She works with companies to develop and share their message using digital assets. Her latest book, Persuade With A Digital Content Story, was named one of the top content marketing books in the world by Book Authority. For information on her agency’s digital services visit www.3DogWrite.com.