Shifting Gears Archives - Material Handling Wholesaler

Big Joe Forklifts appoints Johann Strauss as Director of Sales, National Accounts & Strategic Partnerships

Thu, 14 May 2026 16:11:16 +0000

Big Joe Forklifts has announced the appointment of Johann Strauss as its new Director of Sales, National Accounts & Strategic Partnerships. Bringing more than a decade of international material handling and key account management experience, Strauss joins Big Joe with a strong track record of driving strategic growth, building customer partnerships, and leading high-performing sales organizations across North America and Europe. Prior to joining Big Joe, Strauss served as Key Account Manager, where he led national account management across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. During his tenure, he helped build the North American key accounts business from the ground up, delivering rapid revenue growth and significant unit volume over three years. Strauss also played a key role in securing and expanding relationships with several Fortune 500 logistics, retail, government, and manufacturing customers. Strauss held multiple leadership and key account management roles across the United States, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Romania. His experience spans sales leadership, international account management, service operations, e-commerce and business development, consistently delivering revenue growth, customer retention, and market expansion initiatives. “Johann’s global perspective, strategic mindset, and customer-first approach make him an outstanding addition to the Big Joe team,” said Jason Dunigan, VP of Sales at Big Joe Forklifts. “His extensive experience managing national accounts and developing strong dealer and customer relationships will be instrumental as we continue expanding our footprint and delivering innovative material handling solutions.” “Big Joe is at the center of one of the most significant shifts in material handling — the move to electric and autonomous solutions — and that’s exactly where I want to be building,” said Strauss. “I’m excited to work with the dealer network and our national account customers to help accelerate that transition and deliver real value on the warehouse floor.” In his new role, Strauss will oversee national account strategy and customer development initiatives while supporting Big Joe’s continued growth in the evolving electric forklift and warehouse solutions market. His leadership and industry expertise will help strengthen partnerships and drive long-term success for both Big Joe and its customers.

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Prima Power appoints Lorenzo Salgado as Regional Sales Manager to Drive Expansion in Mexico

Thu, 14 May 2026 14:53:16 +0000

Veteran operations leader to accelerate Prima Power’s automation-driven growth and customer support in Mexico’s manufacturing sector Prima Power has announced the appointment of Lorenzo Salgado as Regional Sales Manager for California, Arizona, and, most notably, to drive the expansion of its presence in Mexico. With a distinguished 23-year tenure at the company, Salgado brings exceptional operational expertise and a proven track record to spearhead Prima Power’s strategic growth in the rapidly developing Mexican market, including automotive, data centers, construction, and industrial products manufacturing. In his new role, Salgado will focus on growth initiatives that address the needs of Mexico’s expanding base of mid-level manufacturers—companies rapidly turning to automation as they strive to become market leaders. Prima Power is boosting its investment in localized sales, targeted marketing, and a stronger regional service network. To further accelerate success for both mid-sized and global manufacturing clients, the company is launching a specialized parts warehouse in Monterrey. Salgado began his career with Prima Power in warehouse operations and systematically advanced through complex logistics and parts management roles. Most recently, he served as Senior Spare Parts and Logistics Manager – Americas, overseeing a highly successful, multimillion-dollar operation that supported industrial customers across the hemisphere. Known for a relentless, customer-centric approach, Salgado specializes in delivering high-yield automation solutions while maintaining optimal machine uptime. “We always called ourselves the firefighters,” Salgado noted regarding his extensive operations background. “We come in to solve problems.” A native of Guerrero, Mexico, Salgado combines local insight with decades of industry experience to strengthen key partnerships and open new opportunities. “I am from Mexico,” Salgado said. “I understand the language, the culture, and how operations work within the market.” With Mexico’s manufacturing sector on the upswing, Salgado is set to drive exciting new growth for Prima Power.

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Jimmy Shoppa named EY Entrepreneur of the Year® 2026 Southwest finalist

Tue, 12 May 2026 17:52:30 +0000

Jimmy Shoppa, president and Founder of Shoppa’s Material Handling, has been named a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Southwest Award by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US). Now in its 41st year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program recognizes visionary leaders who are transforming industries, driving innovation, and making a lasting impact on their communities. An independent panel of judges selected Shoppa as one of 44 Southwest finalists, evaluating candidates on entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, company growth, and long-term value creation. The recognition comes during a milestone year as Shoppa’s Material Handling celebrates its 45th anniversary. “Being named a finalist by EY is an incredible honor, but more importantly, it reflects the dedication and hard work of our more than 700 team members who have built this company over the past 45 years,” said Shoppa. “What began in 1981 as a commitment to serve our local community has grown into a national intralogistics presence. This recognition reinforces our continued focus on innovation, customer success, and solving the evolving challenges of the modern supply chain.” Founded in 1981, Fort Worth-based Shoppa’s Material Handling has evolved from a Toyota forklift dealership into a premier provider of automated intralogistics and material handling solutions. Headquartered in Alliance, Texas, the company operates 12 locations across North Texas, Missouri, and Kansas and is a 20-time recipient of the Toyota Dealer of Excellence award. Under Shoppa’s leadership, the company has paired sustained growth with deep community involvement. Most recently, he and his wife were named chairpersons for the 2026 Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk in Fort Worth. The Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates founders, CEOs, and business leaders who demonstrate ingenuity, resilience, and entrepreneurial excellence across companies of all sizes, from startups to multigenerational family enterprises. Regional award winners will be announced June 20, 2026, at a gala event in Dallas. Southwest winners will then advance for consideration at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, to be held in November.

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CMC Appoints Joseph Pignataro CFO

Tue, 12 May 2026 14:17:10 +0000

CMC has announced the promotion of Joseph Pignataro, CPA, to Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. This appointment underscores CMC’s continued investment in experienced leadership to drive growth and strengthen its financial strategy. Mr. Pignataro most recently served as Senior Vice President of Finance, where he has been a key member of the organization since September 2022. He oversees all financial operations, including compliance, strategic growth initiatives, and the integration of the ITI Intermodal and Columbia Group merger. Originally brought on to modernize financial reporting, he quickly expanded his role to lead a high-performing finance team supporting both daily operations and long-term planning. A licensed CPA in New York, Mr. Pignataro has advised CMC since 2013. Prior to joining the company, he built a career in audit and tax, serving clients across manufacturing, financial services, and the logistics and intermodal sectors. “Joe has been a part of our business for quite some time, and his long-term contributions have helped shape where we are today,” said Vincent J. Marino, Chief Executive Officer, CMC. “He’s been a steady leader through periods of growth and change, and as we continue to build out our leadership team, we’re confident in our direction and our ability to keep growing together.” This promotion is part of a broader effort to strengthen and develop CMC’s leadership team. It follows the recent promotions of Davey Miller to Chief Operating Officer and Michael Wojnowski to Senior Vice President, South Region, reflecting a deliberate strategy to align experienced leaders across key functions and position the company for continued growth. Mr. Pignataro’s leadership reflects the company’s commitment to its people and values. As the CMC family of brands continues to expand, the organization is well positioned to build on its momentum and drive continued growth.

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Formnext Asia Shenzhen 2026 turns up the heat on additive manufacturing to keep AI cool

Mon, 11 May 2026 16:50:42 +0000

Returning to the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from 26 – 28 August, Formnext Asia Shenzhen 2026 will examine how additive manufacturing (AM) is being applied to one of AI infrastructure’s fastest-growing engineering demands: thermal management. With high-density AI server chips exceeding the thermal limits of traditional air cooling, manufacturers are turning to additive manufacturing to produce liquid cooling components that are too complex for standard machining. The exhibition will feature the equipment and materials behind these applications, set within a wider line-up spanning AM systems, materials, software, post-processing and production services. Confirmed participants include Bambu Lab, CNPC Powder, Creality, Farsoon Technologies, Graphenova, HBD, Intamsys, Kings 3D, Meshy AI, Raise3D, Southern Additive, Tripo AI, UNILASER, UnionTech and Zhongyuan Advanced Materials. Thermal management for next-generation AI computing will be one of the defining application areas of the 2026 edition. A confirmed cluster of exhibitors will cover the industrial 3D printing production chain for liquid cooling components end-to-end, from raw metal powders through to batch component services, supported by a new forum examining AM applications in liquid cooling and heat management. AM’s take on AI’s heat problem The more powerful AI infrastructure becomes, the harder it is to keep cool. As computing workloads increase, next-generation processors are generating more heat than conventional air cooling can reliably handle. Liquid cooling offers a more effective alternative, circulating coolant through internal channels in metal cold plates mounted directly on the chip and carrying heat away before it can build up. It is these internal channels where standard machining runs into trouble. Producing straight passages is easily manageable, but curved, branching and form-fitting channels that follow the contours of the chip are a different matter entirely. Achieving them typically means joining separate metal parts together, with every joint a potential leak path to electronics that are both sensitive – and rarely inexpensive – to replace. This is where additive manufacturing comes in, producing components such as cold plates and heat exchangers as a single, unbroken printed component, with considerably more freedom in how those internal channels are designed. Once a specialist solution, liquid cooling is now moving quickly into the mainstream of AI infrastructure. Goldman Sachs expects liquid-cooled AI servers to climb from 15 percent market penetration in 2024 to 76 percent in 2026[1], while Reuters, citing a JPMorgan report, projects the global market for AI server liquid cooling systems will exceed USD 17 billion this year, up from only USD 8.9 billion last year.[2] To support this fast-growing area of demand, Formnext Asia Shenzhen 2026 will turn up the heat on the global AM supply chain, bringing together key suppliers of the printing systems, metal powders and batch production services required for liquid cooling at scale. Among them, AM equipment suppliers Addireen, AmPro, BCX Laser, Farsoon Technologies, FastForm3D, Han’s Laser, HP Additive, Southern Additive and UNILASER will present laser and SLM systems capable of processing pure copper and copper alloys, materials valued in cooling applications for their ability to dissipate heat but historically difficult to print using metal AM. Grinm Additive and Zhongyuan Advanced Materials will showcase aluminium and copper powders developed for 3D printed cooling components. Binder jetting and powder extrusion will also be represented on the floor. HP 3D Printing will demonstrate binder jetting for the batch production of copper cooling components, while Uprise 3D will exhibit powder extrusion systems for technical ceramics used in thermal insulation and management. New liquid cooling AM forum pairs with PCIM Asia Shenzhen co-location on thermal management for AI Complementing the exhibition floor, additive manufacturing applications in thermal management will be further examined through the new Thermal Management and Liquid Cooling AM Forum. The forum will feature industry experts and representatives from exhibiting companies presenting application cases for 3D printed components in AI server environments, with the wider fringe programme extending to AM applications in other emerging industrial areas, including low-altitude aviation and drones, new energy vehicles, and robotics. The 2026 edition will also be held concurrently with PCIM Asia Shenzhen, the region’s leading exhibition and conference for power electronics, intelligent motion, renewable energy and energy management, which in 2026 will similarly expand its focus on AI and data centre applications. For Formnext Asia Shenzhen participants, the co-location places them in the same venue as the engineers, component suppliers and system specialists working on the power requirements of high-density computing, and in closer contact with the end-use requirements, procurement activity and business relationships shaping demand in this area. Confirmed exhibitors across the AM supply chain This application area sits within a wider 2026 line-up spanning metal and polymer equipment, materials, software, scanning, and post-processing. Leading exhibitors confirmed to date include: Metal AM equipment: Farsoon Technologies, CharmRay Laser, DEW, EASYMFG, Enigma, Haitian Additive, Kings 3D, GLB, Southern Additive, UNILASER and Zengyi Technology Other 3D printing equipment: Blue Core Intelligent, Creality, ELEGOO, Flashforge, INTAMSYS, PollyPolymer, Prismlab, Raise3D, TPM3D, UnionTech and Zrapid Metal materials: Acc Material, CNPC Powder, P7 Materials, Zhongyuan Advanced Materials, Sino-Euro and Sunrise New Materials Other materials: eSUN, Graphenova, KINGFA, LayerCube, Resione and Sunlu Software: BasicSoft, DreamTech, Hitem 3D, Meigou Information, Meshy AI and Tripo AI, Deep-Mesh Scanning, post-processing and related technologies: BCX Laser, Becker, DLyte, Optris, Revopoint and Scantech, Han’s Photonics

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Tyler Rental acquires Interstate Rentals

Fri, 08 May 2026 19:24:11 +0000

Tyler Rental, Ketchikan, Alaska, has acquired Interstate Rentals, Portland, Ore. The location will be Tyler’s seventh overall location and second in the contiguous U.S. “Tyler Rental is a great fit for our business, which was started in 1953 by my dad,” said Joe Dennis, owner of Interstate Rentals. “Our customers and employees are in good hands.” “My wife Cathy and I would like to express our sincere appreciation for Fred and Jay Hageman. We would not have achieved such a successful outcome in the sale of our legacy business without their consistent guidance and counsel throughout the entire process. We are both honored and grateful to see Tyler Rental lead Interstate Rentals into its next chapter,” Dennis added. “Interstate Rentals has a great foundation and base for our growing operations. It was a natural fit with our Chehalis, Wash., branch, and we look forward to expanding into the Portland market. We have great respect for the Dennis family and are proud to pick up the reins and bring the Interstate team into our employee-owned family culture at Tyler Rental,” said Randy Johnson, president of Tyler. “The employee base and the location are very impressive, and we were able to hit the ground running on this smooth transaction,” said Jake Maenpa, vice president of operations for Tyler Rental. Fred Hageman and Jay Hageman of Rental Business Advisors represented Interstate Rentals in the transaction. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

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Hapman announced facility expansion to enhance manufacturing capabilities

Fri, 08 May 2026 10:15:52 +0000

Expansion adds 18,500 square feet, boosts efficiency and customer service Hapman has announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility. As demand for Hapman’s solutions continues to grow, the company is investing in an additional 18,500 square feet of manufacturing space, increasing its total manufacturing area by 35%. By expanding its footprint, Hapman is positioning itself to continue its legacy of excellence and maintain its leadership in the bulk material handling industry for years to come. Once completed, the expanded facility will feature a state-of-the-art, two-person paint booth that will deliver superior finishes and increased throughput. The new space will also include dedicated areas for prewire and assembly operations, improved shipping and receiving capabilities, and additional room for Helix® inventory, finished equipment, and parts staging. All customer equipment runoffs will now be conducted in the expansion area, ensuring these critical processes take place in an environment free from the noise and dust of ongoing manufacturing activities. This facility expansion reflects Hapman’s ongoing commitment to growth and continuous improvement while maintaining the high standards of quality that have defined the company for eight decades. “As we celebrate 80 years of excellence, this facility expansion represents an exciting new chapter for Hapman,” said Randy McBroom, Vice President of Manufacturing. “The additional space and advanced capabilities will allow us to better serve our customers while continuing to deliver the reliable solutions they have come to expect from us.” With this expansion, Hapman is equipped to support increased order volume and deliver greater value to its customers. The new facility enhancements will streamline operations and provide the flexibility needed to address future industry demands. As a trusted name in the industry, Hapman looks forward to leveraging this investment to further strengthen its capabilities and maintain its reputation for excellence in the bulk material handling sector.

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YMX Logistics Receives 2026 ACT Expo Fleet Award for Leadership in Electric Yard Operations

Thu, 07 May 2026 12:54:19 +0000

Recognition highlights YMX’s rapid expansion of electric yard truck operations across the U.S. and tech-enabled approach to sustainable yard logistics YMX Logistics has announced that the company has received the 2026 ACT Expo Fleet Award in the Off-Road Fleet category. The award recognizes organizations advancing sustainable transportation through real-world operational deployment and measurable execution at scale. Former award winners include Amazon, Anheuser-Busch, Pepsico, Unilever, UPS, and other industry leaders. YMX was recognized for rapidly expanding electric yard truck operations across large-scale distribution and manufacturing environments throughout North America. The company has significantly increased its electric yard truck deployments over the past year, with operations active across California, Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, Texas, and Maryland. Since launching its electrification initiatives in 2024, YMX has focused on integrating electric terminal tractors into full production environments rather than isolated pilot programs. The vehicles are deployed in high-throughput yard operations that support continuous trailer movement, demanding duty cycles, and around-the-clock execution requirements. As electric yard truck adoption accelerates across the logistics industry, YMX believes the market is entering a new phase where operational execution is becoming more important than the underlying vehicle itself. While many organizations now have access to similar OEM platforms and vehicle technologies, operational outcomes increasingly depend on how electric assets are integrated into daily workflows. In less structured yard environments, electric assets are often underutilized or constrained by reactive workflows, inconsistent move planning, and poorly coordinated charging schedules. These operational gaps can limit throughput improvements and reduce the expected cost and emissions benefits of electrification programs. YMX’s approach addresses this challenge through its Yard Operating System (YOS), an operational framework that aligns labor planning, yard execution, equipment utilization, and technology into a standardized execution model. The system is designed to improve throughput consistency, reduce idle time, optimize asset utilization, and support more predictable operational and sustainability outcomes across enterprise networks. “Electrification alone does not guarantee operational improvement,” said Matt Yearling. “As electric yard trucks become more common across the market, the real differentiator is how those assets are deployed and managed inside the operation. The organizations seeing the best results are the ones building disciplined execution models that align labor, workflows, charging strategy, and operational visibility into one coordinated system.” Yearling added, “The future of sustainable yard operations will be defined less by the equipment itself and more by the operating model surrounding it. That’s where the biggest long-term gains in utilization, efficiency, and emissions reduction will come from.” The 2026 ACT Expo Fleet Award winners reflect a broader shift occurring across transportation and logistics, where sustainable fleet management is increasingly tied to operational discipline, infrastructure readiness, and measurable execution outcomes rather than standalone technology deployments.

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KEEN Utility’s Flatland Pull-On Work boot

Thu, 07 May 2026 12:48:34 +0000

With the introduction of the Flatland from KEEN Utility, all-day energy return meets unstoppable grit in a true square-toe design. This pull-on boot works heavy but feels light, thanks to energy-returning KEEN.ReGEN cushioning and a featherweight carbon toe. The thick, durable Barnyard-Resistant leather upper keeps you protected on the toughest job sites, while KEEN.DRY waterproofing technology keeps you going in all weather conditions. It’s also easier fitting with built-in flex, plus it features a sturdy heel and underfoot support for all-surface comfort. The Flatland is available for men in carbon and soft-toe options.

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Ryan Pyle Named Vice President of Sales, U.S., at stow Group

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:02:31 +0000

Ryan Pyle joins the stow U.S. leadership team as Vice President of Sales. He brings a wealth of industry experience, having spent the past decade at Hannibal Industries, which was later acquired by Nucor. During his time there, he served as National Sales Director and subsequently as National Accounts Manager following the acquisition. Prior to that, Pyle held the position of Regional Sales Director at Malin. Ryan’s extensive background in sales leadership will be a significant asset to stow’s North American growth objectives as he works to further develop and strengthen the sales structure, including a regional organization, a distributor network, and key accounts. stow recently entered the North American rack market with a manufacturing facility in Georgia, promising speed to market with more than 425,000 square feet of fully automated rack manufacturing — from coil to palletized, ready to ship.

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AutoScheduler.AI CEO Keith Moore Honored with Inaugural Innovative Supply Chain Leadership Award

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:57:39 +0000

Inaugural honor recognizes Moore’s role in revolutionizing warehouse orchestration through AI-driven decision-making AutoScheduler.AI, a leading AI-based Decision Intelligence Platform that unifies and automates warehouse decision-making, announces that CEO Keith Moore has been named the winner of the inaugural Innovative Supply Chain Leadership Award for 2026, presented by Supply Chain Now. The award was announced in conjunction with National Supply Chain Day® 2026. To mark the occasion, Supply Chain Now introduced two premier honors celebrating industry excellence: the Innovative Supply Chain Leadership Award and the “Do Good, Give Forward, Be the Change” Award. Recognizing Visionary Leadership The Innovative Supply Chain Leadership Award is exclusively reserved for individuals who demonstrate forward-thinking strategy, relentless innovation, and a quantifiable impact on global logistics. Under Keith Moore’s leadership, AutoScheduler has pioneered the use of AI to unify and orchestrate complex warehouse environments. “Congratulations to the entire AutoScheduler team for continuing to drive powerful change across the supply chain industry,” says Scott Luton, Founder & CEO, Supply Chain Now. “It’s been one of our favorite ongoing stories to share. In recognition of Keith’s leadership and impact, Supply Chain Now is proud to honor him for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in supply chain by bringing innovation into real-world execution and helping organizations operate more intelligently, efficiently, and proactively.” A Commitment to Innovation “I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from such a respected voice in our industry,” says Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI. “There is no better time than National Supply Chain Day to celebrate the incredible progress our industry has made. Receiving the first Innovative Supply Chain Leadership Award is a massive honor, but it’s also a reminder of our responsibility to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We’re proud to stand alongside Supply Chain Now in elevating the people and technologies that keep our world moving.” Celebrating National Supply Chain Day National Supply Chain Day (NSCD)® is an annual celebration dedicated to elevating the people, processes, and innovations that propel the supply chain industry forward. Visit: https://supplychainnow.com/nscd/.

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Aurélie Doucette Named 2026 Distinguished Woman in Logistics

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:48:06 +0000

The Women In Trucking Association (WIT), Truck Parking Club and Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) has announced Aurélie Doucette, vice president of dedicated contract carriage operations at Penske Logistics, has been named the 2026 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award (DWLA) recipient. Doucette was selected for her contributions to operational excellence and her commitment to mentoring and advancing women in the industry. Finalists for the award included Eileen Dabrowski, founder and CEO, Apex Tide Consulting and Erin Mitchell, chief operating officer, YMX Logistics. “With more than two decades of experience, Aurélie exemplifies the leadership and dedication this award was created to recognize,” said Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, president and CEO of WIT. “Her commitment to developing people, improving operations and advancing opportunities for women makes her an outstanding ambassador for the industry.” Doucette began her career with Transfreight and continued her leadership growth following its acquisition by Penske Logistics. In her current role, she works closely with her team to accelerate supply chain performance for customers spanning several industry verticals. She places great value on the mentorship she provides and the customer relationships she nurtures in this role. In addition to her operational leadership, Doucette serves as executive champion of Penske Logistics’ Women’s Business Resource Group, where she supports mentorship, professional development and inclusion initiatives. She is also a two-time recipient of the company’s President’s Award. “TIA is proud to support recognition of leaders who strengthen and innovate the logistics industry. Aurélie embodies what this award stands for from her operational excellence, a mentor’s mindset, and a clear commitment to opening doors for women across the supply chain. She is a deserving recipient and a powerful example for the entire 3PL community. We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and thank our partners at WIT and Truck Parking Club for helping elevate the voices shaping the future of freight,” said Chris Burroughs, President & CEO of TIA. “Truck Parking Club proudly partners with and recognizes Women in Trucking for its unwavering commitment to advancing and empowering women across the logistics marketplace, exemplified through the Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award,” said Brent Hutto, chief relationship officer at Truck Parking Club. The award was presented during the TIA Capital Ideas Conference and Exhibition. The Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award highlights the growing influence of women in transportation and logistics and recognizes leaders whose impact extends across their organizations and the broader supply chain.

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BCI honors Donna Snyder with its 2026 Distinguished Service Award

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:44:50 +0000

Battery Council International (BCI) is pleased to announce that Donna Snyder, a retired senior leader at East Penn Manufacturing Co., is the 2026 recipient of its Distinguished Service Award. The BCI Distinguished Service Award recognizes exemplary service to the energy storage industry and is the association’s highest individual honor. The award recognizes those who have made a sustained, long-term, and meaningful contribution to the advancement of both the association and the battery industry. “It is not an exaggeration to say that BCI would not be the organization it is today without Donna Snyder’s leadership.” said BCI President and Executive Director Roger Miksad. “She didn’t just fill a spot on BCI’s committees, she led them – and in some cases, built them from scratch. Donna’s volunteer service over many years is exactly the kind of selfless work that the Distinguished Service Award was created to recognize.” Donna will be formally honored as part of Battery Council International’s 2026 BCI Convention + Power Mart Expo on May 5 in Nashville, Tenn.

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Bodine Electric names new President

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:39:09 +0000

Bodine Electric Company has announced the retirement of Jeff Bodine as president, effective April 10, 2026. Jeff has been with the family-owned company for almost 48 years, serving as president since 2017. When announcing his retirement, Jeff stated, “Leadership transitions are significant milestones, particularly in a company like Bodine Electric with a proud family heritage, and I believe this transition will be seamless. I move into this next chapter of my life with tremendous confidence in our team and in the future of Bodine Electric Company.” Jeff Bodine will continue to serve as the company’s Chairman of the Board. During their annual meeting in April, the company’s Board of Directors elected Jeff Stahl as the new president. Jeff Stahl has served as Chief Financial Officer of Bodine Electric Company’s finance department for over 25 years. Jeff Bodine expressed his confidence in his successor: “Jeff brings strong operational insight, steady leadership, and a deep appreciation for Bodine’s culture and values.”

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Larios named Port’s Construction Management Director

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:43:53 +0000

Led construction of the $1.5 billion Middle Harbor Terminal Redevelopment Program The Port of Long Beach has named longtime Port engineer Cesar Larios to lead the Harbor Department’s Construction Management Division. The Construction Management Division, part of the Port’s Engineering Services Bureau, oversees the construction phase of projects from start to finish. Larios joined the Port in August 2006 as a Construction Manager and worked his way up to serve as Deputy Chief Harbor Engineer in 2012 and Manager of Engineering in 2021. For a decade of his career at the Port, Larios led the construction phase of the $1.5 billion Middle Harbor Terminal Redevelopment Program – now known as the Long Beach Container Terminal – and was responsible for managing and overseeing more than $900 million in construction contracts and over $100 million in construction management services contracts. Prior to joining the Port, Larios held various roles for eight years with Traylor Bros. Inc., working on projects in Washington, Arizona, and Southern California. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Southern California and an MBA from California State University, Long Beach. He is a board-certified professional engineer in California and a certified construction manager with the Construction Management Association of America. The appointment of Larios was effective April 4.

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Prima Power appoints Lorenzo Salgado as Regional Sales Manager to drive expansion in Mexico

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:49:41 +0000

Veteran operations leader to accelerate Prima Power’s automation-driven growth and customer support in Mexico’s manufacturing sector Prima Power, a global provider of sheet metal working manufacturing solutions, has announced the appointment of Lorenzo Salgado as Regional Sales Manager for California, Arizona, and, most notably, to drive the expansion of its presence in Mexico. With a distinguished 23-year tenure at the company, Salgado brings exceptional operational expertise and a proven track record to spearhead Prima Power’s strategic growth in the rapidly developing Mexican market, including automotive, data centers, construction, and industrial products manufacturing. In his new role, Salgado will focus on growth initiatives that address the needs of Mexico’s expanding base of mid-level manufacturers—companies rapidly turning to automation as they strive to become market leaders. Prima Power is boosting its investment in localized sales, targeted marketing, and a stronger regional service network. To further accelerate success for both mid-sized and global manufacturing clients, the company is launching a specialized parts warehouse in Monterrey. Salgado began his career with Prima Power in warehouse operations and systematically advanced through complex logistics and parts management roles. Most recently, he served as Senior Spare Parts and Logistics Manager – Americas, overseeing a highly successful, multimillion-dollar operation that supported industrial customers across the hemisphere. Known for a relentless, customer-centric approach, Salgado specializes in delivering high-yield automation solutions while maintaining optimal machine uptime. “We always called ourselves the firefighters,” Salgado noted regarding his extensive operations background. “We come in to solve problems.” A native of Guerrero, Mexico, Salgado combines local insight with decades of industry experience to strengthen key partnerships and open new opportunities. “I am from Mexico,” Salgado said. “I understand the language, the culture, and how operations work within the market.” With Mexico’s manufacturing sector on the upswing, Salgado is set to drive exciting new growth for Prima Power.

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CONEXPO-CON/AGG names Young as Chair of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2029

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:59:26 +0000

Coming off the success of the 2026 show, CONEXPO-CON/AGG has announced Scott Young, Head of Sales Region North America, Volvo Construction Equipment, as the chair of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2029. Young has been an active participant in the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ leadership for many years, serving on the association’s boards and committees. “The 2026 show set new benchmarks for innovation, engagement, and industry collaboration,” said CONEXPO-CON/AGG Show Director Dana Wuesthoff. “We are thrilled to welcome Scott Young as Chair for 2029. His vision and leadership will help us build on that momentum and deliver an even more impactful event for the construction community.” “I’m honored to work with AEM in this role as our industry undergoes a historic transformation,” said Young. “CONEXPO-CON/AGG is one of the world’s largest platforms to showcase innovations that help our customers navigate change, overcome challenges, and improve performance. We’ll build on this year’s success and look ahead to 2029.” Scott Young currently serves as Head of Sales Region North America for Volvo Construction Equipment, a position he has held since September 1, 2023. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with over 25 years in the construction equipment industry at both Ingersoll Rand and Volvo. In his previous role, Scott served as Head of Uptime, where he led teams to implement new technologies and business models focused on services and product support, in partnership with the Volvo CE dealer network. He holds a degree in civil engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, and an Executive MBA from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

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The PTDA Foundation Hits Midpoint Milestone as Workforce Initiatives Expand

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:59:23 +0000

At the halfway point of its annual Fund Drive, the PTDA Foundation is advancing a series of workforce development initiatives designed to strengthen the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) talent pipeline—expanding access to education, increasing career awareness and recognizing emerging and established industry leaders. As demand for skilled talent continues to grow, the Foundation remains focused on supporting PT/MC employers through targeted, high-impact programs, including: Expanded Scholarship Opportunities Building on continued demand and success of the 2025 scholarship program, the Foundation has increased total scholarship funding to $39,000. This includes eight student scholarships and six scholarships for current PT/MC employees pursuing industry-related education. A new partnership with Scholarships360.org is extending the reach of the student program, connecting with a broader pool of prospective talent. Applications for both programs are open through June 1. Career Awareness Through “Start Your Career. Move the World.” The Foundation’s campaign continues to bring PT/MC careers to life through a dynamic recruitment video highlighting real-world pathways, hands-on roles and the impact of working in the industry. Nearly 30 PT/MC companies have already taken advantage of this free resource by having it branded by the Foundation for their recruitment efforts. A second video is currently underway and will showcase the wide range of career opportunities available across the industry, from engineering and sales to maintenance and beyond. Recognizing and Elevating Industry Leaders With a newly streamlined application process, the Foundation’s annual awards program is making it easier to recognize excellence across the PT/MC community. The Robert K. Callahan Advancing Leaders Award honors rising professionals demonstrating leadership and industry impact, while the Wendy B. McDonald Woman of the Year Award celebrates an exceptional woman whose achievements reflect professional excellence, resilience and a commitment to inspiring others. Nominations are open through May 16. These efforts are supported by strong industry engagement. Nearly 200 individuals and companies have contributed to the 2026 Fund Drive through direct contributions or with their PTDA member dues. These contributions bring the PTDA Foundation to more than 50 percent of its fundraising goal and reinforce a shared commitment to building a skilled, sustainable workforce. 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 enhances 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.

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Flux Power Wins Innovation in Sustainability Award at MODEX 2026

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:37:51 +0000

Recognition Highlights Leadership in Clean Energy Solutions for Material Handling Industry Flux Power Holdings, Inc. has announced it has been named the winner of the Innovation in Sustainability Award at MODEX 2026. The award recognizes Flux Power’s continued leadership in delivering clean, efficient, and data-driven energy solutions that help customers reduce emissions, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate their transition to electrification. “We are honored to be recognized with the Innovation in Sustainability Award at MODEX 2026,” said Krishna Vanka, CEO of Flux Power. “This award reflects our team’s commitment to delivering intelligent lithium-ion solutions that not only power operations more efficiently but also help our customers meet their sustainability goals.” This recognition also highlights the tangible value Flux Power delivers to both end-customers and OEM partners. For operators, Flux Power’s lithium-ion solutions reduce total cost of ownership through faster charging, longer battery life, and zero maintenance, while enabling real-time visibility and proactive fleet management through the SkyEMS® platform. For OEMs, Flux Power provides a reliable, fully integrated energy solution that simplifies electrification, supports compliance with evolving emissions standards, and enhances the performance and value of their equipment offerings. The Innovation in Sustainability Award further underscores Flux Power’s role in advancing electrification across material handling fleets, airport ground support equipment, and other industrial sectors. By integrating energy storage with intelligent software, Flux Power empowers organizations to reduce total cost of ownership while supporting broader environmental initiatives.

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Peak Technologies partners with Jacobi Robotics to Deliver Next-Generation Mixed-Case Palletizing Automation

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:05:06 +0000

The OmniPalletizer physical AI platform intelligently adapts to mixed-case variables and eliminates upstream complexities to save time and money Peak Technologies has announced its partnership with Jacobi Robotics. The collaboration brings AI-powered mixed-case palletizing to complex warehouses and distribution centers. Using the Jacobi OmniPalletizer – a physical AI platform – the need for upstream buffering, sorting and sequencing can be eliminated, driving unmatched operational efficiency. Combined with Peak Technologies’ deep expertise in enterprise technology integration, the turnkey solution can be deployed rapidly without disruptions to active workflows. This makes it ideal for a wide range of industries, including retail, grocery, beverage, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), parcel and third-party logistics (3PL) facilities. “Mixed-case palletizing is traditionally one of the most time- and cost-intensive workflows in warehouse environments, often forcing operations teams to trade off between automation and flexibility,” said Tony Rivers, president and CEO at Peak Technologies. “Our partnership with Jacobi Robotics eliminates that constraint by providing a fully packaged solution that adapts to real-world variability without adding upstream complexity.” Leveraging real-time motion planning, computer vision and self-learning AI, the OmniPalletizer continuously adapts to case variables without manual programming. The platform intelligently discerns product mix, packaging dimensions and arrival patterns while honoring operational rules such as heavy-to-light prioritization or crush limits. This flexibility enables it to efficiently build stable, dense and store-ready mixed-case pallets without changing upstream processes. Onboard digital twin technology allows users to validate system performance using their own historical data, providing clear performance insight from day one. Backed by Peak Technologies’ proven systems engineering, on-site integration and lifecycle support, OmniPalletizer can be deployed rapidly within complex brownfield facilities – providing a low-risk path from manual to automated mixed-case palletizing.

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