KION North America expands territory with dealer partner Vitan Equipment, a division of Fraza Inc.
KION North America is pleased to announce its decision to expand territory with Vitan Equipment, a division of Fraza Inc., into western Michigan. In addition to this expansion, Vitan Equipment has opened a new dealer location in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to help support this new territory. All Vitan Equipment locations are authorized to sell KION North America’s complete portfolio of Linde Material Handling and Baoli brands. “We are excited about Vitan Equipment’s expansion into western Michigan, including adding another location to support this growth further,” said Director of Dealer Development Rick Schiel. “The Linde Material Handling and Baoli brands are trusted worldwide, and this territory growth will strengthen customer support in western Michigan and beyond.” Fraza Inc. has over 80 years of experience in the material handling industry and is a trusted solutions provider known for providing customers with exceptional material management solutions. Vitan Equipment, a division of Fraza Inc., continues that heritage of superior service throughout western Michigan. All Vitan Equipment locations specialize in new and used forklift trucks and forklift parts, sales, rentals, and service. “We’re thrilled to partner with KION North America to bring Linde Material Handling products to our customers in western Michigan,” said Vitan Equipment CEO Roger Runyan. “From pallet jacks all the way to Autonomous Guided Forklifts (AGFs), the Linde Material Handling product line provides a breadth of equipment to serve any operation’s safety, efficiency, and productivity needs. We’re proud to be representing this stellar brand as part of our end-to-end warehouse solutions.”
Long-Distance Leadership: Managing a remote or Hybrid Workforce the right way
Managing people who work from home is nothing new for many leaders, but getting the mechanics right can be another matter. With a few smart moves, anyone can learn to manage a remote workforce effectively. Move One: Recognize that you may have been thrown into the deep end of the pool without much preparation A lot of leaders who are managing remote or hybrid teams didn’t get much warning about their new normal. People were in the office one day and gone the next. Although everybody did the best they could at the time, fast answers and actions don’t always equal good management. If your remote or hybrid team is running like a well-oiled machine, take a hard look at why, and don’t use location as an excuse. Move Two: Stop trying to make remote work function as in-person work does In much the same way that apples are apples and oranges are oranges, remote work is different from an in-person experience. Accept and embrace the differences. Yes, people working remotely may move laundry from the washer to the dryer in between meetings. Yes, they may answer the doorbell during work hours. No, you’re not going to run into them in the cafeteria. And just because they will answer the email at 9:00 pm doesn’t mean that you should accept that behavior as a given. Remote is remote, and onsite is onsite. Think about how you should adjust your style and behaviors to enable people to give you their best in each environment. Move Three: Plan better Managers without a plan and routines often survive in an onsite environment. Their charm, personalities, and quick thinking save the day. When work goes remote, however, many of those people stumble. Leading at a distance requires deliberate calendaring and regular check-in meetings. Some people check in at the beginning or end of each day, others meet every other day, and some schedule virtual lunches. Regardless of the specifics, what’s consistent is a contact pattern. To keep your remote group in the loop, build routines and stick with them. In uncertain times, this is one area where you can nail it simply by having a plan and executing it. Move Four: Be specific about expectations Strong managers know that clear expectation are an essential element in the equation for getting what they want, and remote work amplifies the requirement. In other words, if you are not clear, don’t be surprised when you are disappointed. Ask yourself a lot of questions. Do you expect people to be available at certain hours? Do you expect them to shut work off at a certain time? Have you told your team what you want in terms of quantity and quality of work? What about milestones and status updates? Move Five: Resist the urge to micromanage “Even though she says she works best late at night and our work doesn’t slow down if she keeps odd hours, I don’t care. I want her focused from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, just as if she were in the office.” While there are plenty of reasons to zero in on how work is done, ask yourself if you’re too deep in the weeds. For instance, if your direct report has a kid’s soccer game at 3:00 in the afternoon but he started working at 6:00 in the morning, does that schedule shift affect the work in any material way? If not, and you can’t flex, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Most people dislike working for control freaks and will get away from them when the opportunity presents itself. Move Six: Spend more time connecting the dots and explaining why “Rebecca, you are in a customer-facing role. Because our clients may need to reach you during our core hours, it’s important that you are available to them between 9:00 and 5:00 each day.” A why explanation communicates not only the expectation but the reason behind it. When a reason is missing, people draw their own conclusions about why, and sometimes they get it wrong. “Rebecca, we need you to be available between 9:00 and 5:00.” In the second example, Rebecca may conclude that her core hours requirement is due to micromanaging instead of a genuine business need – a false conclusion, but nevertheless the one at which she arrived. Move Seven: Help the team make connections with each other Good remote managers have strong relationships with their direct reports. Great remote managers do the same, and they help their people connect with each other. In practical terms, this means scheduling watercooler time and deliberate team building. Move Eight: Ask for feedback Thanks to technological advances and shifting norms, the remote workplace is constantly evolving. What worked two years ago may not work today, and what’s working now probably won’t be the perfect fit in the future. Periodically take stock and ask your team for feedback. Do you get enough guidance? Do you get too much? Do you feel connected with your coworkers? What can we do to improve? What should we stop doing? If you ask good questions, you’ll learn a lot. Leading at a distance is a skill anyone can develop. What’s your next move? About the Author: Kate Zabriskie is the president of Business Training Works, Inc., a Maryland-based talent development firm. She and her team provide onsite, virtual, and online soft-skills training courses and workshops to clients in the United States and internationally. For more information, visit www.businesstrainingworks.com.
Quick clamping shaft collars for packaging applications
Ruland quick clamping shaft collars require no tools for installation, adjustment, or removal, making them a convenient and efficient choice for a variety of packaging equipment and applications. Designers and operators of packaging machines such as wrappers, bundlers, and cartoners benefit from the faster, tool-less adjustment of quick clamping shaft collars. Ruland offers two types of quick clamping shaft collars: collars with cam levers and collars with clamping levers. Quick clamping shaft collars with cam lever have an integral lever that sits flush with the outside diameter and is finger actuated. The design features a tension-adjustment screw that can be adjusted to tailor axial holding power to application needs. These collars are one-piece clamp-style and require shaft end access to be installed properly. They are best suited for light-duty and low rpm applications with frequent change-outs of items like guide rails or other setup fixturing. Quick clamping shaft collars with clamping lever feature a Ruland manufactured shaft collar combined with an adjustable clamping lever that replaces standard hardware. The final assembly is a shaft collar with a ratcheting handle that can be easily installed, removed, or repositioned without tools. They have the benefits of traditional Ruland shaft collars such as not marring the shaft, tight controlled face-to-bore perpendicularity (TIR of ≤ .002 inch or 0.05 mm), and a fine burr-free finish, allowing them to be used in a wide variety of packaging applications. These shaft collars with clamping levers are offered in one- and two-piece clamping styles and with outer diameter flats and holes for easier mounting of other components. Quick clamping shaft collars with cam levers are manufactured from 6061 anodized aluminum bodies and 6063 aluminum handles with bore sizes from ¼ inch to 3 inches and 6 mm to 75 mm. Quick clamping shaft collars with clamping levers are offered in standard materials including 1215 lead-free steel with black oxide or zinc plated finish, 303 and 316 stainless steel, high strength 2024 aluminum, and engineered plastic. The lever is sourced from JW Winco and features a zinc-plated handle with a stainless steel threaded stud and internal components.
CLARK Material Handling Company announces new Regional Sales Managers
CLARK Material Handling Company, a top-ten manufacturer of forklifts and spare parts, announces the appointments of David Lasnek and Justin Richardson as CLARK Regional Sales Managers. David will be responsible for assisting dealers in the Midwest Region, and, Justin will be responsible for assisting dealers in the Northeast Region. Both will report to Rick Dahlke, National Sales Manager for CLARK Material Handling Company. David spent the last seventeen years selling CLARK products for a CLARK dealer in Des Moines, IA. He brings with him extensive industry and brand knowledge, a unique dealer-focused perspective, and a commitment to providing the best customer experience possible. Justin has six years of experience in the material handling industry, ranging from parts to forklift trucks to heavy machinery. With his wealth of industry knowledge and excellent customer service skills, he is committed to creating a smooth experience for end customers and dealers alike. “We are pleased to welcome David and Justin to the CLARK Regional team,” said Dahlke. “Their addition to the team represents our commitment to providing excellent support to the CLARK Dealer Network. With their combined experience, commitment to the brand, and dedication to providing excellent support to our dealers in the Northeast and Midwest regions, David and Justin will bolster the CLARK sales team and help us provide even better sales assistance to our dealer network.” The CLARK Regional Sales team is comprised of six Regional Sales and two Aftermarket Parts Sales personnel, and, by best-in-class customer service, purchasing, parts, and administrative teams in Lexington and Louisville.
Robroy Enclosures® announces three promotions
Robroy Enclosures®, a division of Robroy Industries® announces the promotions of Scott Thompson to National Sales Manager, Dean Brazelle to Channel Manager and Rob Holmes to Senior Accountant. In his new role as National Sales Manager, Scott will be responsible for planning, managing, and leading sales activity for Robroy Enclosures® Robroy Enclosures® President, Craig Mitchell states: “Scott has had great success in his career at Robroy and is a tremendous asset to our sales team. He provides leadership and adds tremendous value for our organization and our customers.” Scott brings to his new responsibilities a wealth of industry and enclosures sales management experience. Since joining Robroy Enclosures® as a Business Development Manager in 2018, Scott has demonstrated leadership, management expertise, and has been a key asset to the organization. Prior to joining Robroy Enclosures®, Scott worked for 14 years as an Enclosure Product Line Manager in Electrical Distribution where he managed and sold Robroy® enclosure products. He has also worked in electronic components distribution. Scott graduated from the University of Iowa. In his new role as Channel Manager, Dean Brazelle will be responsible for planning, managing, and directing sales activity in assigned channels for all Robroy Enclosures® brands. Dean brings extensive industry knowledge and sales experience gained during the past 10 years with Robroy Enclosures®. Dean earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial distribution from Eastern Michigan University. Robroy Enclosures® President, Craig Mitchell states: “Dean has had tremendous success in his career at Robroy®. In this new role, he’ll provide experience, knowledge, and leadership for our organization and add value for our customers.” Robroy Enclosures® –- manufacturers of Stahlin: the world’s most specified fiberglass electrical enclosures; and AttaBox: innovative polycarbonate industrial enclosures – announces the promotion of Rob Holmes to the position of Senior Accountant. In his new role, Rob will be responsible for analyzing and preparing journal entries, costing, general ledger, and leading accounting process improvements for Robroy Enclosures®. Robroy Enclosures® President, Craig Mitchell states: “Rob has proven his ability to support our standards for world-class financial and fiduciary performance. Accountability is the foundation for our ability to function at peak levels and to provide the unparalleled service expected by our customers. Rob’s expertise and leadership will be a benefit to all.” Rob provides knowledge and accounting experience gained during nearly four years as an accountant with Robroy Enclosures®. Rob holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Alma College.
Felling Trailers releases design updates to their signature Air Tilt Product Line
The Felling Trailers’ Air Tilt model has undergone design modifications to increase operator ease of use and safety. One of the more notable updates was the fixed approach ramp, which was extended in length from 14” to 22”. “The new design offers a shallower approach angle to improve loading of compact construction equipment such as skid steers and mini excavators. Equipment designs are ever-changing, so it only makes sense to make modifications to keep in step,” said Nathan Uphus Felling’s Sales Manager. Extending the fixed approach ramp’s length reduced the load angle by approximately 10 degrees, providing a better load angle with a more subtle break-over point. The new design also allows for the option of full-size oval recessed strobe lights. Air Tilt models with the new fixed approach ramp design were put into production in the spring of last year and put into service for customers by mid-year. The Air Tilt product line was first released to the trailer industry in early 2010. Initially, the model line consisted of the FT-40-2 TA and FT-50-3 TA. Over the past ten-plus years, the model line has expanded to offer six models, with payload capacities ranging from 19,700 lbs. to 50,000 lbs. The Air Tilt’s (TA’s) unique design utilizes air, powered from the tow vehicle, to tilt the trailer and optional ramps, eliminating the need for hydraulics. The air power from the tow vehicle fills two airbags (four airbags optional), which then raise the trailer smoothly; the airbag will then keep the deck in the tilted position to allow for loading/unloading of multiple pieces of equipment. Superior towing capability and balance were achieved by placing the axles further back on the Air Tilt model than other tilt trailers on the market.
KION North America announces territory expansion with dealer partner Bravo Montacargas
KION North America has appointed its long-standing and high-performing dealer partner Bravo Montacargas with additional territory in Northern and Southern Mexico. Bravo Montacargas currently covers the Northeast region of Mexico and is authorized to sell Linde Material Handling and Baoli brands. “We are thrilled about Bravo Montacargas’ expansion into additional territories in Northern and Southern Mexico,” said Director of Dealer Development Rick Schiel. “Their commitment to the trusted Linde Material Handling and Baoli brands aligned with their strong resolve for growth will enable Bravo Montacargas to serve a broader customer base.” By continuously focusing on solving the individual needs of its customers since 2002, Bravo Montacargas has earned its reputation as a trusted source for quality sales, rentals, and service in Northeast Mexico. With this expansion, Bravo Montacargas can now provide more customers throughout Mexico with the superior experience the company is known for by representing KION North America’s trusted Linde Material Handling and Baoli brands. “I am very excited about this expansion that will enable us to better support our nationwide customers with increased consumer confidence while growing our market share in Mexico,” said Bravo Montacargas CEO Adrián González. “We are grateful for our partnership with KION North America and the ability to bring the best material handling products to the Mexican market.”
Ports keep ‘Container Dwell Fee’ on hold
Long Beach, Los Angeles to reassess activation on Feb. 4th The Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles announced that consideration of the “Container Dwell Fee” will be held off another week, until Feb. 4. The two ports have seen a combined decline of 67% in aging cargo on the docks since the program was announced on Oct. 25. 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 terminals. 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, U.S. Department of Transportation and multiple supply chain stakeholders.
United Rentals announces record Fourth Quarter results and gives 2022 Outlook
United Rentals posted $2.312 billion in equipment rental revenue in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to $1.854 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020, a 24.7-percent jump. Total revenue climbed 21.8 percent year over year, from $2.279 billion in the fourth quarter of 2020 to $2.776 billion in the same period of 2021. The increase reflects the continuing recovery of activity broadly across the end markets served by the company relative to the impact of COVID-19 in the fourth quarter of 2020. Fleet productivity increased 10.3 percent year over year, in large part because of better fleet absorption. Used equipment sales in the quarter increased 17.8 percent year over year. These sales generated $324 million of proceeds at a GAAP gross margin of 49.4 percent and an adjusted gross margin of 52.2 percent; this compares with $275 million at a GAAP gross margin of 37.1 percent and an adjusted gross margin of 42.5 percent for the same period last year. The gross margin increases were primarily the result of stronger pricing, which rose sequentially for the fifth consecutive quarter. Used equipment proceeds in the quarter were 60.4 percent of original equipment. “Our strong fourth quarter, which included record revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and operating earnings, completes a year of significant achievements and provides solid momentum as we enter the new year,” said Matthew Flannery, CEO of United Rentals. “Our team provided exceptional customer service, which supported better than expected organic growth in 2021, and successfully integrated over $1.4 billion of acquisitions while maintaining their focus on operating safely and managing costs. “Our 2022 guidance reflects the optimism of our customers, as well as our confidence in leveraging our competitive advantages over the longer term. Our larger, more diverse value proposition should both benefit the top line and strengthen our levers for delivering strong margins, cash generation and returns in this new upcycle.” Net income jumps 62 percent in Q4 Net income for the quarter increased 62 percent year over year to $481 million, while net income margin increased 430 basis points to 17.3 percent, primarily reflecting improved gross margins from rental revenue and used equipment sales. The increase also included the impact of lower non-rental depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue, and lower net interest expense, which reflected a reduction in the average cost of debt and the impact of a debt redemption loss recorded in the fourth quarter of 2020. The effect of these items was partially offset by higher income tax expenses. Income tax expense increased $73 million, or 81 percent, and the effective income tax rate of 25.3 percent reflects a year-over-year increase of 200 basis points. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter increased 26.2 percent year-over-year to $1.309 billion, while adjusted EBITDA margin increased 170 basis points to 47.2 percent. The increase in adjusted EBITDA margin primarily reflected improved gross margins from rental revenue and used equipment sales, and a larger proportion of revenue from higher-margin (excluding depreciation) rental revenue, partially offset by higher bonus and travel and entertainment expenses within selling, general and administrative expense. For the full year, equipment rental totaled $8.207 billion compared to $7.140 billion in 2020, a 14.9-percent increase. Total revenue for the full year was $9.716 billion compared to $8.530- billion in 2020, a 13.9-percent hike. United’s general rentals segment had an increase of 18.6 percent year over year in rental revenue to $1.699 billion for the quarter. Rental gross margin increased by 220 basis points to 40.2 percent, primarily because of reductions in depreciation, labor, and repair expenses as a percentage of revenue. Specialty rentals segment rental revenue increased 45.3 percent year-over-year, including the impact of the recent acquisition of General Finance Corp. to $613 million for the quarter. On a pro forma basis, including the standalone, pre-acquisition revenues of General Finance, specialty rental revenue increased 28 percent. Rental gross margin increased by 70 basis points to 45.2 percent, due primarily to reductions in depreciation and labor expenses as a percentage of revenue, partially offset by a higher proportion of revenue from certain lower margin ancillary fees in 2021.
Three Elite Yellow Corporation drivers chosen for America’s Road Team “The Best of the Best”
Yellow Corporation announced that three of its long-time professional truck drivers have been selected as the newest members of the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) America’s Road Team Captains. The drivers will serve as trucking industry ambassadors, traveling the country to spread the message of safe driving, while teaching about the trucking industry, and its many career opportunities. Yellow’s three winning drivers competed against 34 other professional drivers to fill 22 slots on the 2022-2023 Road Team. “America’s Road Team Captains are the best of the best in our industry,” said Darrel Harris, President and Chief Operating Officer of Yellow Corporation. “We are proud that the ATA and its panel of judges selected our drivers who, combined, have nearly nine million miles of safe driving. They will represent our industry and Company well.” Richard Frazer of Rockford, IL has been a professional driver for more than three decades, 23 years with Yellow. Since he was a boy, he dreamed of getting his commercial driver’s license. In addition to driving his regular route, Frazer also serves as a driver trainer and mentor for new drivers joining Yellow. Jeff Rose of Akron, OH has been driving for 29 years, all with Yellow. In addition to teaching safety skills to new drivers, Rose works closely with the Ohio State Highway Patrol to promote truck safety. Oklahoma City’s Mike Buck has also driven professionally for more than three decades, 19 of them with Yellow. Buck frequently participates in the Oklahoma State Truck Driving Championships and has won several honors. Drivers competing for America’s Road Team were judged on their ability to express their knowledge of the industry, their skills in effective communication about safety and transportation, and their overall safe-driving record. The panel of judges included trucking executives and the trade press. “These Captains will spread the message of highway safety across America. They are leaders in their communities, role models in their companies, and are dedicated to and passionate about the industry,” said Elisabeth Barna, ATA Executive Vice President of Industry Affairs. “This new class represents everything we strive to promote about our industry and its professionals, especially as we face a driver shortage and challenges with the supply chain.”
PLASTICS promotes Patrick Krieger to Vice President for Sustainability
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has promoted Patrick Krieger, Senior Director for Materials & Sustainability, to the newly created role of Vice President for Sustainability. “As an industry, we intend to be all-in on sustainability, helping to lead the way toward a truly circular economy. Patrick will play an essential role on that journey,” said Tony Radoszewski, President and CEO of PLASTICS. “Patrick’s stellar performance as Senior Director for Materials and Sustainability, which included important work with our Recycling and other Material Supplier committees, made him the obvious choice to lead our sustainability efforts.” Krieger’s accomplishments to date include significant roles in guiding New End Market Opportunities (NEMO) projects for PLASTICS, as well as contributing to the growth of Operation Clean Sweep, a program in which companies dedicate themselves to measures aimed at preventing the release of resin into the marine environment. He is also responsible for the creation of Bioplastics Week, a successful online event geared toward educating both industry and consumer audiences about biobased plastic materials. Bioplastics Week gave rise to Plastics Recycling Week in 2021, another popular event that PLASTICS intends to grow this year. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity of working with our members to promote and improve the sustainability of the plastics industry,” said Krieger. “Improving recycling and recycling infrastructure, renewable feedstocks, or addressing the problem of marine debris – we are just getting started.” Krieger also organizes PLASTICS’ Re|Focus Recycling and Sustainability Summit, a multi-day conference during which industry professionals hear from expert speakers and their peers on solutions that will improve their sustainability efforts. A key feature of the Summit is the annual Sustainability Innovation Award competition, in which companies from both inside and outside the organization can showcase their efforts to contribute in the areas of recycling and sustainability. Beginning his career at PLASTICS in 2015 as Assistant Director of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, Krieger became Director of Regulatory and Technical Affairs in 2018, and then Senior Director for Materials and Sustainability in 2020. Before joining PLASTICS, Krieger served as Regulatory Affairs Manager for the Animal Health Institute. He is a 2007 graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Leadership and Development.
Cold Creek Solutions breaks ground on new Staff of the Art 300,500 sf cold storage facilty in San Antonio
Dallas-Fort Worth-based developer Cold Creek Solutions (“CCS”) has broken ground on a 300,500 SF cold storage facility in San Antonio, one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. The facility is located at the intersection of I-10 E and loop 410, which puts it in a prime position to service the explosive growth of the area. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on Thursday, January 13th. The cold storage facility will be one of the largest state-of-the-art facilities in San Antonio and surrounding areas. Features include over 294,500 SF of fully convertible temperature-controlled space with temperatures ranging from -20°F to 55°F, as well as 6,000 SF of office space. It will provide storage for 45,000 pallets of frozen or refrigerated products upon completion and will allow for single or multi-tenant use. Additional features include 48 dock positions, 2 drive-in ramps, and 48’ clear height. This is the second cold storage project for CCS in the state of Texas. CCS’ first Texas project, a 374,560 SF cold storage facility in Denton, TX, is scheduled to be completed in August 2022. “The Cold Creek Solutions team is excited to bring our second project to the state of Texas and help meet the need for frozen and refrigerated infrastructure in San Antonio,” said Cold Creek Solutions President and Managing Partner, Matt McWilliams “The facility’s strategic location will allow businesses to take advantage of the growing local market and will offer a high level of flexibility to meet their specific needs.” Cold Creek Solutions is currently developing several additional projects that include a mix of build-to-suit and market-driven solutions across multiple states in the U.S. President Matt McWilliams brings a deep background in the cold storage space with relationships across the industry nationwide. Additionally, the team has many years of experience developing, building, and managing complex greenfield infrastructure projects across the U.S. that were sold to leading private equity firms, including TPG, KKR, and Oaktree. CCS has partnered with ARCO National Construction, a nationwide leader in the construction of warehouse and distribution space, for its design, build, and construction needs. CCS has also partnered with Stream Realty Partners for the leasing of the new facility.
Central Contractors Service completes move to new headquarters
13-acre property houses modern facilities centralizes operations Central Contractors Service, a member of the ALL Family of Companies, has completed the move of its total operations to a new headquarters located on 13 acres in Alsip, Illinois. The Midwest crane powerhouse began the process in 2019, with the purchase of property adjacent to a four-acre satellite location. At the time, the company’s operations were spread over three separate properties. The new, expanded HQ includes a centralized logistics hub and operations department, a six-acre storage yard, and modern offices and maintenance facilities. In fact, the new parcel boasts more than 50,000 square feet of combined maintenance space. The anchor of the property is the new 35,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art maintenance facility, which includes many amenities unmatched in the region. For example, a 40-foot bay with two 20-ton overhead cranes to assist with boom repairs and rebuilds. “This type of work can now all be done indoors,” said John Martello, general manager. An additional 18,000 square feet of maintenance space is housed in another building on the property. Central was founded in Chicago in 1946 and had a headquarters in Crestwood, Illinois, beginning in 1995. The Alsip site was added in 2004 and a location in Gary, Indiana, for tower cranes, followed in 2005. Now, all operations will be housed at the expanded Alsip yard. Consolidating all operations into a centralized headquarters will allow the branch to provide even greater efficiency to its customers. “We made the three separate locations work,” said Martello. “But these centralized facilities and yard will mean even faster, more responsive service for our customers.” Central Contractors has—for generations—maintained a sterling reputation amongst contractors in Chicagoland for maintaining and delivering excellent people and equipment to job sites. Consolidating yards is expected to make the branch stronger at its core while expanding its regional influence. Martello says a grand opening celebration is in the works for the spring, in which customers will be able to tour the new facility.
Caldwell hires in Florida and Mexico
The Caldwell Group Inc. has recruited to strategic roles in Florida and Mexico. Caldwell has hired from channel partners to position the company for continued growth in these two key marketplaces. Ben Blasio and Ryan Chambless, both based in central Florida, near Orlando, have joined as an independent sales agency. The agency—Covering Force Sales—will lead a state-wide sales effort to promote the entire range of Caldwell equipment, including custom lifters, rigging gear, and other material handling products. Darrin Noe, Director of Sales at Caldwell, said: “Ben and Ryan each bring a fresh approach to sales with an emphasis on end-user calls to help support our distributors, as well as conducting some of their own marketing efforts based on the unrivaled experience of delivering solutions to the point of use in one of our target regions. They may be relatively new to the below-the-hook side of the industry, but they bring with them a ton of experience with welding supply distributors as well as with plasma and other plate cutting.” Michael Smetz, meanwhile, of RUD-Mexico, will now represent the Caldwell and J.C. Renfroe businesses throughout all of Mexico. Caldwell and the RUD Group have already united their sales and marketing activities in the U.S. and Canada for material handling and lifting devices within a common organization. Clamp manufacturer J.C. Renfroe, a subsidiary of The Caldwell Group, is renowned for meeting ASME BTH (below-the-hook) Design Category C, Service Class 4. Armando Molina will cover the same geography and report directly to Smetz. Noe said: “Beyond servicing existing distributor accounts in Mexico, Michael’s focus will be on connecting us directly with larger industries, especially in and around Monterrey, with steel and automotive plants a primary focus area. This is a perfect example of how Caldwell and RUD can truly partner to provide superior service and product solutions to the market.” He added: “Business is good—in these regions and others. We have started the year well and are buoyed by a strong order backlog. Now the key is to enhance what we already have.”
New Hikvision Audio and Strobe Light AcuSense Camera helps deter crime and reduces false alarms
Hikvision, a manufacturer and supplier of security products and solutions, continues to build on its popular line of AcuSense surveillance cameras with the introduction of the new AcuSense Audio and Strobe Light Camera Series. The new camera series combines advanced machine learning with integral strobe lighting and audio warnings in a single unit providing an effective autonomous solution for deterring intruders. Unlike conventional security systems that rely on multiple devices for visual surveillance and visual and audible alerts, the new Hikvision AcuSense Audio and Strobe Light Cameras deliver an all-in-one solution. Equipped with Hikvision’s 2nd generation AcuSense intelligence, these new cameras help reduce false alarms by up to 90% by accurately classifying humans and vehicles, and filtering out innocuous motion events caused by animals, inclement weather, or foliage. Users can customize audio responses with pre-recorded audio messages that play at up to 60dB from a built-in speaker. The cameras come equipped with 10 audio sound options, with the ability to easily adjust the pattern and frequency of the strobe light. When an event occurs, Hikvision AcuSense Audio and Strobe Light Cameras also send instant event notifications to system administrators via the Hik-Connect App, available for iOS and Android platforms. This allows security personnel to view surveillance footage in real-time on a smartphone or tablet, and initiate two-way audio communication with trespassers within a radius of 49 feet (15 meters) of the camera, warning them to leave the premises. “With real-time visual and audible alarms and communications, our new AcuSense Audio and Strobe Light Cameras provide a powerful and automatic deterrence to criminal activity, while dramatically reducing false alarms,” said John Xiao, Vice President Marketing, Hikvision USA. “These new security solutions are ideal for protecting private residences, retail shops, warehouses, offices, and so much more.” Hikvision AcuSense Audio and Strobe Light Cameras are available in a fixed turret, fixed bullet, and speed dome configurations with resolutions ranging from 4 MP to 8 MP.
Canaveral Port Authority and Volusia County partner to promote Logistic and Trade advantages to attract new business
Memorandum of Understanding will strengthen global trade efforts to attract more jobs to the region The Canaveral Port Authority (CPA) and Volusia County’s Division of Economic Development have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a working relationship promoting each other’s geographical and business advantages. The agreement aims to attract more global business by bringing more Florida-bound cargo to the region. “This collaborative effort with Volusia County provides an opportunity to attract more global cargo operations to our Port,” stated Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral CEO. “Strategic partnerships like this can attract new business, create jobs and promote economic development for the Central Florida region.” Port Canaveral and Volusia County each maintain a Foreign Trade Zone (“FTZ”) for the benefit of the Central Florida region. Under this MOU, the CPA and Volusia County’s Division of Economic Development will work together to attract new business development initiatives that require the use of a deep-water port and access to the maritime shipping industry which the Port can provide. Such cooperation may involve participating in outreach events with organizations and potential business entities to promote logistics, transportation, and manufacturing benefits. Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. commended Volusia County’s partnership with ports stating, “As we continue to invest in our state’s transportation system, including our ports, roads, and rail, it’s rewarding to see those investments being put to work to benefit communities across the county and regional lines. This type of teamwork helps market Florida’s world-class infrastructure to the world, bringing more jobs and businesses to our state while maximizing the return on the investments we’ve made for the citizens of Florida.” The Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners approved the MOU at the Commission’s regular monthly meeting in January. Representatives of Port Canaveral and Volusia County have agreed to meet regularly to share information about companies looking to expand or locate in Volusia County and how the joint partnership may best serve them. There is no commitment of CPA funds under this MOU. “Volusia County Division of Economic Development is excited to partner with Port Canaveral. The partnership will benefit new and existing Volusia businesses as a conduit to new markets,” said Volusia County Economic Development Director Helga van Eckert. Established in 1987, Port Canaveral’s Foreign Trade Zone #136 offers advantages to businesses dealing in international trade, such as free-trade cost discounts, duty-free storage, and jet fuel for international flights. The foreign trade zone concept was developed to encourage international trade by American companies and to preserve American jobs.
CKF Systems accomplishes one of their best years on record with UK manufacturing investment in Automation
CKF Systems, a robotics and automation solutions provider that has been serving the manufacturing and logistics industries for over 30 years, have achieved their second-best trading year with £7.98 million of orders in 2021. This success paints a positive picture for the growth of UK manufacturing as well as UK businesses’ continuing investment in the latest robotic and automation technology. This success and growth were also reflected industry-wide with the results from the CBI Industrial Trends Survey* showing that the UK manufacturing total order books in November improved to their strongest on record (since 1977). The survey showed that manufacturers expect output growth to accelerate in the next three months. Jamie Quinton, Managing Director of CKF Systems says “CKF have received substantial orders from both large blue-chip companies and smaller up and coming businesses. This just highlights the importance of automating your operations to remain competitive whatever the size of your business. This also shows how positive things are looking for UK Manufacturing with substantial growth on the horizon. CKF has a wealth of experience and knowledge in our team – our people are our greatest asset. We handle the full manufacture and design at our state-of-the-art facility in Gloucester which means we can be cost-effective at the same time as offering a solution that is perfectly suited to your unique operational needs.” This success has meant that CKF Systems now have a number of exciting new roles to fulfill their plans for growth in 2022. If you would like a new start in your career and to play a key role at the forefront of innovation then get in touch with us today. To see all the opportunities available visit www.ckf.co.uk/recruitment
Environmentally friendly Bio-Ultimax™ 1000 Hydraulic Fluid outperforms traditional hydraulic fluids
Renewable Lubricants presents patented Bio-Ultimax™ 1000, readily biodegradable biosynthetic formulas which perform like mineral oil-based hydraulic fluids but are environmentally friendly. With oxidation performance comparable to full synthetics, this is one of the safest hydraulic fluids for the environment. Ideal for stationary or mobile environments, Bo-Ultimax super high Viscosity Index (VI) fluids are proven in systems up to 10,000 psi and in systems with ultra-fine filtration. To ensure performance and long life, Renewable Lubricants developed the stringent IsoGreen filtration standard which meets or exceeds the Rexroth pump guidelines for hydraulic fluids. Non-toxic, zinc-free formulations contain no heavy metals. In addition to enhancing performance, Bio-Ultimax helps companies achieve their sustainability goals. They are ideal for use in all types of hydraulic systems including trash compactors, waste and recycling collection vehicles, hydraulic pumps, pile driving equipment, and more. With a higher VI than synthetics (Energy Conserving Formulas), Bio-Ultimax™ 1000 has improved thermal shear stability and increased load capacity. Their extremely low volatility increases the flash and fire safety features, making them safer to use. A direct replacement for mineral oil-based hydraulic fluids, Bio-Ultimax™ is ideal for hydraulic systems where low toxicity, biodegradability, and non-bioaccumulation properties are required. These patented biobased hydraulic fluids are formulated to perform in high- and low-pressure hydraulic systems that require Anti-Wear (AW), anti-rust, anti-oxidation, anti-foam, and demulisibility properties. With patented antioxidants (Stabilized™*), these biosynthetics provide improved performance in oxidation stability over standard plant/vegetable/HETG and unsaturated HEES-type fluids. They are highly inhibited against moisture and rusting in both fresh and seawater, and pass A and B sequences of the ASTM D-665 Turbine Oil Rust Test. Formulated to provide a longer seal life with reduced oil leakage, this environmentally friendly, the zinc-free product meets or exceeds high-pressure pump requirements. Very little wear was encountered in field studies and in accelerated pump tests using biobased formulations in Denison T-5D, Vickers 20VQ, 35VQ-25 (M-2950-S), and V-104C (ASTM D-2882), Vickers I-286-S pump stand tests and pressures and temperatures ranging from 2000 to 3000 psi and from 150°to 210°F. Anti-wear performance exceeds requirements for US Steel 126, 136, and 127, load stage 10 in the FZG (DIN 51354) and GM (LS-2). Bio-Ultimax™ Hydraulic Fluids meet and exceed Federal Specifications for machine tool hydraulic systems and can replace specification MIL-PRF-17672E for ground support equipment. It meets EPA 21013 Vessel General Permit (VGP) guidelines for Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) and should be used in hydraulic systems where low toxicity, biodegradability, and non-bioaccumulation properties are required. Renewable Lubricants, Inc. began as a research and development company in 1991, developing high-performance products that would directly replace petroleum-based products. Starting from a single corn-based engine oil developed in the inventor’s garage, the company now offers more than 250 products and has over 100 worldwide patents. They manufacture their products as environmentally friendly as possible without sacrificing performance.
U.S. Rail Traffic for the week ending January 22, 2022
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending January 22, 2022. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 477,462 carloads and intermodal units, down 9.8 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending January 22 were 223,395 carloads, down 3.3 percent compared with the same week in 2021, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 254,067 containers and trailers, down 14.8 percent compared to 2021. Three of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2021. They were coal, up 2,727 carloads, to 66,313; chemicals, up 1,907 carloads, to 34,024; and nonmetallic minerals, up 125 carloads, to 25,354. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2021 included grain, down 4,034 carloads, to 23,259; motor vehicles and parts, down 3,284 carloads, to 10,845; and petroleum and petroleum products, down 2,902 carloads, to 9,608. For the first three weeks of 2022, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 667,062 carloads, down 4.5 percent from the same point last year; and 744,778 intermodal units, down 15.7 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first three weeks of 2022 was 1,411,840 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 10.8 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending January 22, 2022, on 12 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 313,395 carloads, down 6.6 percent compared with the same week last year, and 330,983 intermodal units, down 15 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 644,378 carloads and intermodal units, down 11.2 percent. North American rail volume for the first three weeks of 2022 was 1,895,033 carloads and intermodal units, down 12.4 percent compared with 2021. Canadian railroads reported 69,070 carloads for the week, down 16.4 percent, and 61,804 intermodal units, down 16.1 percent compared with the same week in 2021. For the first three weeks of 2022, Canadian railroads reported a cumulative rail traffic volume of 380,441 carloads, containers, and trailers, down 18.9 percent. Mexican railroads reported 20,930 carloads for the week, down 5.1 percent compared with the same week last year, and 15,112 intermodal units, down 15.2 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first three weeks of 2022 was 102,752 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, down 8.9 percent from the same point last year. To view the U.S. Rail Traffic reports, click here.
DHL Supply Chain to invest $15 million to further automate warehousing
DHL is the first commercial customer for Boston Dynamics’ Stretch® robot Multi-year agreement furthers DHL’s commitment to accelerating digitalization of the end-to-end supply chain DHL Supply Chain, the global and North American contract logistics provider within Deutsche Post DHL Group, today announced a $15 million investment in robotics solutions from Boston Dynamics, the global provider in mobile robotics, to further automate warehousing in North America. The companies have signed a multi-year agreement that begins with equipping DHL facilities with Stretch, Boston Dynamics’ newest robot specifically designed to automate the unloading process in distribution centers. This agreement is the culmination of strategic collaboration between the two companies over the past few years as Stretch was being developed and tested. Boston Dynamics will deliver a fleet of Stretch robots to multiple DHL warehouses throughout North America over the next three years. The deal with DHL marks the first commercial purchase of Stretch, which was unveiled in 2021. The investment is part of DHL Supply Chain’s Accelerated Digitalization agenda, a strategy for developing and scaling innovative solutions and new technologies. Stretch will tackle several box-moving tasks in the warehouse, beginning with truck unloading at select DHL facilities. Following the first deployment, the multi-purpose mobile robot will handle additional tasks to support other parts of the warehouse workflow, which will effectively automate warehouse operations. “At DHL Supply Chain, we are committed to continuous innovation and digital transformation to optimize the end-to-end supply chain. Investing in warehouse automation plays an important role in increasing operational efficiency and improving service for our customers,” said Sally Miller, CIO, DHL Supply Chain North America. “We’re excited to partner with Boston Dynamics to deploy its best-in-class robotics in our warehouses. The Stretch robot addresses complex industry challenges through flexible automation, which we’ll be able to replicate and scale regionally and globally.” Stretch’s technology builds upon Boston Dynamics’ decades of advancements in robotics to create a flexible, easily integrated solution that can work in any warehouse to increase the flow of goods and improve associate safety by taking over physically demanding tasks. Stretch is equipped with a compact, Omnidirectional mobile base, custom-designed lightweight arm as well as a smart gripper with advanced sensing and controls that can handle a large variety of box types and sizes. It also includes Boston Dynamics’ computer vision technology, which enables it to identify boxes easily and without any pre-programming. Stretch is capable of working autonomously through complex situations like disordered stacking configurations and recovering fallen boxes. “Stretch is Boston Dynamics’ newest robot, designed specifically to remedy challenges within the warehouse space,” said Robert Playter, Boston Dynamics’ CEO. “We are thrilled to be working with DHL Supply Chain to deliver a fleet of robots that will further automate warehousing and improve safety for its associates. We believe Stretch can make a measurable impact on DHL’s business operations, and we’re excited to see the robot in action at scale.” Deployment of the first Stretch units in DHL warehouses will begin this spring, and DHL plans to gradually scale Boston Dynamics’ robots for additional tasks and across multiple facilities in phases over the next few years. To learn more, listen to the upcoming episode of DHL’s All Business. No Boundaries.™ podcast, which features Boston Dynamics and will be released on January 31. Podcast episodes are available here.