Schneider Packaging Debuts iP High Speed Robotic Palletizer

Schneider Packaging Equipment recently introduced the iP robotic palletizer for high speed palletizing applications in minimal floor space. Equipped with a FANUC Robotics articulated arm robot, this high-level robotic palletizer is integrated with an automatic pallet lift and product collation system designed to handle products at significant speeds, 24/7, even in harsh environments.

The high level design of the iP robotic palletizer takes significantly less floor space than conventional palletizing solutions while the flexibility of the robot and our tooling design can eliminate or have very fast product changeovers. In many situations this flexibility allows the system to palletize different SKUs, one after the other, taking product from multiple lines into one simple fast small palletizer. The iP robotic palletizer is available as a dual station 1-in-2-out palletizing system or as a single station 1-in-1-out palletizing system which can be fully automated with pallet transport conveyor, pallet dispensing and slip sheet dispensing for a complete solution.  Each system can be fully integrated with palletizing, stretch wrapping, labeling, product and pallet transport conveyor, AGVs, pallet dispensing and slip sheet dispensing for a complete fully automatic solution. 

 

 

Konecranes introduces Boxrunner

The new Boxrunner straddle carrier from Konecranes is the flexible link between ship-to-shore cranes and automated yard cranes. The Konecranes Boxrunner straddle carrier offers unique container handling performance to two distinct container handling operations. The first is represented by large container terminal operators that are adopting automation technology for greater efficiency. The second is represented by a potentially diverse range of companies that do not have container handling as a core competence, and yet handle incoming and outgoing materials in containers – often using trucks and trailers or custom-engineered, stationary gantry cranes. “We listened to our container handling customers and incorporated their feedback resulting in the launch of this special machine, the Boxrunner, a uniquely advanced straddle carrier,” said Jens Andreas, General Manager, Konecranes Straddle Carriers. “It provides the industry’s highest lifecycle value in the role it was designed for.” The Boxrunner gives large container terminal operators a flexible and efficient means of moving containers from ship-to-shore (STS) cranes to the automated stacking cranes (ASCs). Boxrunner can deal with almost any requirement during this phase of the operation e.g. boosting STS unloading speed to maximum or handling containers of different ISO sizes. The Boxrunner is adapted to handle all ISO container sizes, stacking two-high at high speed.

 

 

 

New Casters Haul Heavy Loads Over Uneven Surfaces

The new 7500 Caster Series from Hamilton Caster carries heavy loads over uneven surfaces. Constructed with Hamilton’s trademark premium forged steel design and heavy duty, semi-pneumatic tires, these casters offer twice the load capacity of a traditional pneumatic caster. They deliver a smooth ride—even over rough or broken concrete—that makes them ideal for ground support equipment in the aircraft and aerospace industries, construction, outdoor uses and shock protection for heavy loads. The 7500 Series is available in six wheel sizes ranging from 10”- 21” diameters with load capacities ranging from 1000-4200 lbs. per caster.   The caster is also offered in a dual-wheel version which doubles the caster’s total load capacity. Optional accessories including four-position swivel locks and brakes are also available. The tires are engineered with three tread sections: a firm, stable base compound for strong rim adhesion; a very resilient middle section to dampen the shock of uneven rolling surfaces; and a tough low rolling resistance tread to reduce energy consumption. The result is a soft ride that compares with full pneumatic tires, but with much higher capacities than their air-filled cousins.

 

 

 

 

Winkle Appoints Tim Vargo Regional Sales Manager

Tim Vargo has been appointed Winkle’s Regional Sales Manager in the Midwest, a territory that includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota and part of Nebraska. “Tim is a self-taught, hands-on kind of guy who brings 18 years of experience to his new position,” said Mark Volansky, Director of Sales for Winkle Industries Inc. “Winkle’s broad product line and services are a perfect fit for his past customers and he can now offer them ‘one stop shop’ convenience.” Working out of Indiana, Vargo started his working career at ground level in construction. Making deliveries for a former employer, he developed a personal understanding of crane brake products and his customers in regional steel mills. He is excited to be part of the Winkle team and about the expanded range of new products and services he can now offer to his customers. “In the past, I sometimes had to step over opportunities and walk away from business to get to my product,” Vargo said. “As a Winkle representative, I can provide my customers with everything to meet their needs – a full range of industry-leading end-to-end products, installation and service, plus engineering.”

 

 

 

Bill Knapp Named General Manager at Accellos

Accellos has appointed Bill Knapp as General Manager of its shipping and EDI products, and its Supply Chain Essentials product line. In early 2010, Knapp took on the responsibility of overseeing Accellos’ automated data collection (ADC) sales team, and eventually broadened his leadership to the entire ADC team. He became an Accellos General Manager in fall 2010 and continues to preside over the ADC team and vSync. Knapp brings a wealth of experience and qualifications to Accellos, having held key positions at vSync and other corporations such as Sterling Commerce.

Knapp manages several Accellos One products including Ship, Nexus, Pulse, Schedule, and Collect for GP. He also oversees the vSync Transaction Network, vSync EDI for Microsoft Dynamics® GP and AX, and vShip. He works primarily out of the vSync office in Columbus, Ohio, leading at least 25 people in multiple product teams and geographic locations. “Bill Knapp is a great choice as GM of our new Supply Chain Essentials business unit,” said Ross Elliott, Accellos CTO. “His experience with our channel and with products, like EDI, that improve a company’s competitiveness in their market give him a unique perspective.  Our customers should prepare themselves for great solutions and even greater focus on delivering value.”

 

 

 

 

JLG Realigns Leadership to Meet Global Market Needs

JLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, announced earlier this month it is realigning its sales, market development and customer support leadership roles to enable an increased focus on the unique markets in which it serves. Tim Morris has been appointed senior vice president - Sales, Market Development and Customer Support - Americas, assuming responsibility for North, Central and South America. Tim joined JLG in 1992 and has held multiple management positions in various geographic regions.  Rick Alton has been appointed vice president - Sales, Market Development and Customer Support, International assuming responsibility for EAME, Asia and Australia. Rick began his career in 1997 and has also held multiple management positions in the organization.  “The access business is expanding geographically and in complexity. This new structure will allow JLG to better implement market-appropriate strategies in these regions that are in varying stages of development,” said Wilson Jones, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president of Access Equipment and JLG Industries, Inc.  “Tim and Rick have demonstrated their ability to successfully develop strong customer relationships and drive strategic initiatives globally.”

 

 

Advance Storage Products reveals 10-year warranty

Advance Storage Products will unveil a new 10-Year Product Warranty at ProMat 2011, held March 21-24 in Chicago. Advance’s decision to extend their product guarantee stands as a strong testament to their long-term customer commitment and product durability, said John Krummell, President and Owner of Advance Storage Products. Officially planned to be released on March 21, 2011, the 10-Year Warranty will be effective on all product sold thereafter. “We are very excited to now offer an unprecedented 10-Year Warranty on our racking systems,” Krummell said. “With over 50 years of industry experience and over 20 years building superior Pushback, it is our way of showing customers you can trust your investment in Advance Storage Products.” Advance’s Lo-Pro Pushback system is considered the Pushback industry standard for its low stack-height, innovative safety features and long-term durable operation.

 

 

 

MHIA 2011 Industry Roundtable Leaders Elected

The Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) recently held an election of its 2011 MHIA Roundtable of Industry Leaders. Three new leaders were elected to the Roundtable for 2011. They are Scott Miller, Vice President Operations-Harrington Hoist; Pat Sedlak, Principal & Vice President-Sedlak Management Consulting and Ron Young, President-Wireway Husky. Officers of the Roundtable further serve as the Material Handling Industry Board of Governors and the MHIA Directors At Large.

Colin Wilson, Chief Operating Officer and President - Americas, NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc., was elected to the position of Executive Chairman. E. Larry Strayhorn, President, TGW Systems Inc. was elected to the dual position of Executive Vice Chairman and Chairman--Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA). Dave Young, President EGA Products, Inc. was elected to the position of Vice Chair of MHIA. Brian McNamara, President of Southworth International Group, Inc., will serve as Last Retiring Executive Chairman.

The following Roundtable Officers were elected to serve as Board of Governors Vice Chairmen:

Gregg E. Goodner, President-Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc.

Willard P. Heddles, President-Tiffin Metal Products Co.

John M. Hill, Principal-TransSystems | ESYNC

David Lippert, President-Hamilton Caster

John Paxton, President-Demag Cranes and Components Corporation

Daniel J. Quinn, President-Vertical Systems International, LLC

David D. Reh, Chairman-Gorbel Inc.

James C. Robertson, Executive Vice President-Cattron A Unit of Laird Technologies

Clark Skeen, President-Quantronix

John B. Nofsinger, Chief Executive Officer, Material Handling Industry

 

 

 

MSE-Forks Successfully Challenges Chinese RollerForks

In a joint effort, MSE-Forks and Arnold & Siedsma (a law firm specialized in the legal protection of intellectual property rights) have successfully ensured the withdrawal from the market of a Chinese company copying MSE-Forks RollerForks®. RollerForks has also been patented in China and the product has been marketed there by MSE-Forks importer Vita-Wheel. The Chinese company in question allegedly approached various MSE Forks importers and offered them the RollerForks concept under a different name. The company also allegedly sent photographs that had been taken from a MSE-Forks brochure. In a coordinated effort, the MSE-Forks importers were able to gather the evidence needed for Arnold & Siedsma to deal firmly with the company in question.

 

 

 

Arraignment Scheduled in Schueler's Murder

A Toledo, Ohio man charged in the shooting death of the executive vice president and general manager of Forklifts of Toledo is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday, Feb. 22 on murder charges in Lucas County, Ohio Common Pleas Court. Mark A. Langlois, 50, was indicted by a Lucas County grand jury Feb. 15 on one count of aggravated murder and an alternate count of murder, each with gun specifications. He is being held in the Lucas County jail on a $750,000 bond. Langlois is charged in the death of James Schueler, 65. Schueler was found Jan. 27 shot in the head in his Forklifts of Toledo office. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Katie, and their children, Sara, James III and Michael. Donations may be sent to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio, 3883 Monroe Street, Toledo, OH 43606, or to The Dossin Great Lakes Museum through the Detroit Historical Society, 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202.

 

 

Professional is Spelled With 5 P's!

The difference between successful business people, entrepreneurs, athletes, authors – anyone, and those who are not successful is not talent. The difference is the guts to move forward, to take intelligent risks, to try, to work harder than anyone else to become a true professional.

It is a fact that every industry has its share of immensely successful people, its share of abject failures, and a whole lot of people in between. The individual success of the people in most industries can be plotted on a classic bell curve, where the great percentages fall directly in the middle. Exactly how, then, does someone move from the majority in the middle of the pack to that select group who have reached the top of their profession?

Professional athletes will tell you that the difference between first place and second place or success and “failure” is incredibly small. At the Daytona 500, the premier NASCAR stock car race, between 1995 and 2004, the average margin of victory was only 0.241 seconds! The difference between first place money and second place money – a whopping $452,116. That means the additional prize money for finishing first was an astounding 68%. In the Winter Olympics in 2002, the difference between a gold medal and NO medal in the men’s downhill skiing event was 0.65 seconds. Small improvements can make a huge difference.

So, how can you become a successful professional in your job and your life? It starts with small improvements. You simply need to focus on the five fundamental P’s.

1.      Purpose: Seeking, and recognizing, opportunities to serve others is your starting point. Start by figuring out who you work for. It is your company? No. Is it your manager? No. Is it your boss? No. It’s your spouse, your family, your customer, or your co-workers. Human beings are social animals and have a fundamental need to contribute to something greater than themselves. Your job, whatever it is, is about providing a product or service to other people for their benefit. Your joy and success will come when you know that you have helped someone else out. Sit down and write out your goals. Are they about you or are they the results of serving others?

2.      Preparation: Be the best you can be! Read everything you can. Learn from others. Learn something new every day. Listen, you might learn something. Keep an open mind. The time to prepare is before your opportunity comes. Once that opportunity has presented itself, it’s too late to prepare.

3.      People: Surround yourself with good people. Your performance and your reputation are, most often, determined by the people with whom you have aligned your life. Your bosses, co-workers, subordinates, mentors, coaches, teammates, and friends all have a huge impact on your ultimate success. Choose those people wisely and be fiercely loyal to them. They will be the foundation to your ultimate success. Show them you care about them by asking them about them! Then shut up and listen to the answers. Care about them and they will care about you.

4.      Priorities: Focus on the fundamentals and the results will take care of themselves. Start each day with a simple written list of what you plan to accomplish - today. Make time to do the things that contribute to your purpose and your goals. Remember that if you don’t have time to do it right, what makes you think that you have time to do it over? Learn to adapt to your changing environment. Maintain a controlled sense of urgency. Being prompt, being reliable, and contributing to your team will go a long way to ensure your success.

5.      Persistence: Maintain a positive mental attitude. Your attitude is a choice you make each and every day. Choose to be positive. Don’t get bogged down in negative thinking. The past is just that – passed. The future is always a question mark. What, specifically, can you do TODAY to continue toward your Purpose?

How many people do you know that wake up in the morning and ask themselves, “how can I fail today?” Probably none. People fail because they haven’t focused on their Purpose. Or they haven’t prepared themselves to take advantage of the opportunities. Or they have made poor choices in the People with whom they associate. They may have lost sight of their Priorities. Or, they’ve given up and failed to be Persistent.

So, “professional,” in any endeavor, is spelled with 5 p’s – Purpose, Preparation, People, Priorities, and Persistence. Focus on those 5 p’s and you will find the success you seek.

*****

James S. Bain, MBA, is an author, speaker, consultant, and coach. He is the founder of the Falcon Performance Institute, a consulting and corporate training firm focused on productive performance.  He has been a featured speaker at numerous regional and national conventions.  Look for Jim’s soon to be published book, “Never Pass on a Chance to P- A Roadmap to Success.”  To hire Jim or find out more about the Falcon Performance Institute, please visit www.fpiteam.com or call 352-854-4015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SwapT Offers Protection at Work & Home

Gateway Safety has unveiled Swap™, a protective eyewear solution that comes with both temples and a head strap for dual use. Workers can wear it as a goggle while on the job, then switch to safety glasses for protection at home. Swap is a cost-effective option that can be easily turned from spectacle to goggle by exchanging the temples and head strap with a simple snap.

Sleek and lightweight, Swap eyewear combines all-day comfort with the all-around impact protection of a one-piece polycarbonate lens. The two-color temples are rubberized for all day comfort, and the head strap is fully adjustable to fit any size head. The Swap frame itself is fully lined with soft, smooth foam that blocks dust and debris. Venting channels minimize fogging and help maintain a clear field of vision. These features help increase compliance, reducing the likelihood of injuries that can happen if safety eyewear is removed, even briefly.

The lens meets ANSI Z87.1+ and CSA Z94.3 standards and offers 99.9% UVA, UVB and UVC protection. Swap is available in Clear and Clear Anti-Fog for most indoor applications; Gray Anti-Fog and Blue Mirror Anti-Fog to minimize strong sunlight and glare in outdoor applications; and Clear In/Out Mirror Anti-Fog for varying light conditions.

 

 

Wi-iQT Battery Monitoring System Debuts

The Wi-iQ™ battery monitoring system is now available from EnerSys®. The Wi-iQ™ battery monitoring system collects a range of battery operating data, including amp hours (AH) charged and discharged, temperature voltage and electrolyte level. The Wi-iQ™ battery monitoring system and Wi-iQ™ Reporting Suite software will be featured at EnerSys Booth 1203 at the 2011 ProMat Show next month in Chicago.  

“The Wi-iQ™ battery monitoring system will provide immediate early warning signs of battery abuse, allowing for corrective action to occur before the battery is damaged,” said Steve Spaar, director of marketing for EnerSys. “Additionally, ongoing charge and discharge data enables operators to ensure that the batteries are performing at optimal levels.  This reduces the need to change or replace batteries.”

Among the Wi-iQ™ battery monitoring system’s features are universal DC cable sizing, for all battery types with up to 4/0 cable sizes; a temperature warning, which enables the monitoring of high-temperature risks; and voltage imbalance notification, which indicates possible trouble with cells before battery failure occurs. The device captures and records up to 2,555 cycles of battery data and provides wireless data downloading to a personal computer within a range of 100 feet.

 

 

 

Crown Introduces QuickPickT Remote Advance system

Crown Equipment Corporation has introduced the QuickPick™ Remote Advance system. With the press of a button on a wireless transceiver glove, order selectors can remotely advance the truck to the next pick location without having to return to the operator’s compartment. This allows them to remain in the optimum position for picking. The technology is currently available with the Crown PC 4500 Series center control rider pallet trucks.

The QuickPick Remote Advance uses task automating technologies to simplify workflow and improve the picking process, thereby increasing productivity and reducing operator fatigue. Crown has conducted field studies that show how the technology helps reduce the number of steps order selectors take on and off the platform by up to 70 percent; as well as reduce the number of steps in the picking process. 

"Low-level order picking is a fast-paced, physically demanding job where operator fatigue has a significant impact on productivity. It’s also an area that has experienced limited advancements in the way order picking is performed through the years. In fact, customers tell us that any improvements in the picking process would contribute to noticeable operational gains," said Rod Squires, product manager, Crown Equipment. "QuickPick Remote Advance, the first system of its kind, increases productivity by allowing operators to maintain consistent rhythm and pace, making the most of every second in the picking process."

 

 

 

IPG Photonics Hires Chris Pilcher

IPG Photonics Corporation has appointed Chris Pilcher, an industry veteran with over 25 years in the industrial laser industry, Sales Manager for Canada. Chris has vast experience selling industrial lasers and systems to OEM’s, integrators, and end users most recently with Trumpf Canada, Inc.

“I am very excited to see Chris on-board to lead our efforts in Canada,” said Mike Klos, General Manager of IPG Photonics - Midwest Operations in Novi, Mich. “Chris is a seasoned laser professional who is well known and well liked in the laser industry. He is a perfect fit for our IPG team in Canada and will complement our efforts in the automotive and manufacturing sector in the Midwest.”

“I am happy to be joining such a forward thinking organization as IPG and I believe that our fiber lasers will continue to offer considerable benefits compared to older laser technologies,” Pilcher said. “Fiber lasers have proven themselves in numerous applications in all industries and because of their reliability, high beam quality, high efficiency, small footprint, and lower total cost of ownership, they will continue to gain acceptance and increase market share. “Fiber lasers have already become the tool of choice for many marking, welding, cutting, drilling, and cladding applications and as more companies become aware of their capabilities this will only increase.”

 

 

Guy Walker Joins SightLogix Team

SightLogix®, Inc., has announced the appointment of Guy Walker as its new Director of Sales for the Northeast U.S. and Canada. Walker joins SightLogix with extensive experience as a consultative salesperson in the security industry. For the past eight years, he has managed the same territory for several manufacturers including General Electric (IFS). Most recently, Walker helped customers transition from analog to IP communication technology at Communication Networks (ComNet).

“We are fortunate to have another talented veteran from within our industry join SightLogix during this time of company expansion,” said Dan Hearn, Vice President of Sales, SightLogix. “Guy’s proven record of success and familiarity with the customer base in the security industry prepare him well to develop new and existing SightLogix business in this important geographic region.”

Walker's territory spans the Northeast United States as well as Central and Eastern Canada. “Security systems today offer increasingly intelligent and flexible tools, and SightLogix has an outstanding product line with capabilities no one else can match for critical infrastructure protection,” Walker said.

 

 

 

 

January Freight Rail Traffic Continues Steady Growth

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) recently reported monthly carloads in January 2011 increased 8 percent compared with the same month last year, for a total of 1,142,293 carloads. According to AAR’s monthly Rail Time Indicators report, intermodal traffic in January increased 7.4 percent for a total of 863,099 trailers and containers compared with January 2010. This growth marks the 13^th straight month that combined carloads and intermodal traffic have increased year-over-year, showing the continued gradual upward trend in rail traffic.

“Steady growth is good news for railroads and the economy, but there is still more ground to cover before we return to pre-recession levels,” said AAR Senior Vice President John T. Gray. “Rail is vital to connecting business to the marketplace, and the gradual gain in intermodal traffic as well as carloads shows how broad U.S. economic recovery may be.”

Overall, 15 of 20 commodity categories saw carload gains on U.S. railroads in January 2011 compared with January 2010. Traffic gains in January were led by metallic ores up 63 percent; primary metal products, up 21 percent, and crushed stone, sand and gravel up 16.2 percent.

 

 

 

WERC Annual Conference set for May 15-18

Over 1,000 decision-makers in warehousing, distribution and logistics management are expected to attend the Warehousing Education and Research Council Annual Conference May 15-18 in Orlando. J. Randolph Lewis, Senior Vice President, Distribution and Logistics of Walgreen’s, will return to the WERC main stage. Lewis will provide an update on Walgreen’s initiative to hire people with disabilities.

The WERC conference program focuses on exchanging knowledge in the areas of metrics, people, transportation, facilities, outsourcing, processes, strategies and warehousing. No pre-registration is required to attend sessions. Attendees may also take part in facility tours and daily roundtable discussions. Facility tours fill quickly and are limited. Attendees are asked to pre-register the tour of their choice. There is a fee of $30 per facility tour. To register online, visit www.werc.org. An early-bird discount is available to those who register by April 5.

 

 

 

Blue Giant Named Canada's Exclusive Distributor of Big Joe Equipment

Blue Giant Equipment Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with Big Lift LLC to exclusively distribute the Big Joe brand of material handling equipment in Canada. “We think it’s an excellent fit,” says Jeff Miller, Blue Giant’s Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. “Blue Giant and Big Lift LLC have a shared vision: to anticipate the needs of the market and respond by developing new, technologically innovative product.” 

In 2010 Blue Giant launched its U-series air cylinder and airbag dock levelers to supply a growing demand for eco-friendly, energy-efficient loading dock equipment. Big Joe by Blue Giant will be pursuing a new launch plan for the line of AC material handling products. “The Big Joe by Blue Giant material handling equipment will boost productivity,” says Gregory Ion. “There are no carbon brushes to monitor and replace, so the end user experiences less downtime due to maintenance needs. “Blue Giant began in 1963 as a manufacturer of dock levelers and hand pallet trucks. Big Joe was founded in 1950, and its forklifts quickly became a mainstay in U.S. factories and warehouses. Miller confirmed that the Big Joe equipment will be branded and marketed in Canada as Big Joe by Blue Giant. “It’s a connection both companies are proud of,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Bosses Gone Wild

Being considered a “Leadership Expert”, for kicks as part of my constant research, I Googled Bad Bosses. Boy, what a surprise. There were 278,000 stories, articles or websites listed. Reading some of the stories listed was not only entertaining but it was mind boggling. It made me wonder just how so many “Bosses Gone Wild” could survive in today’s environment with today’s generation. Certainly I could understand it in the 70’s even the 80’s but this is the 21st century. Things are different now. Or are they?

The Bad Boss is Alive and Well

Some of the stories I read were incredibly unbelievable and I would like to think the most incredibly unbelievable were exceptions. But, what about those bosses that may not be incredibly unbelievable but they just plain suck at leadership? They have limited coaching and mentoring skills. They have had no formal leadership training. They may have just inherited their position for any number of reasons. These could be considered “Bosses Gone Wild” because they have no idea how to treat employees and get them to willingly release their discretionary energy.

I wrote an article several years ago about the BOSS syndrome. I contended that B.O.S.S. actually stood for: Boisterous, Omnipotent, Self-indulgent Sociopath.  Success is defined by the quality of leadership at all levels in the organization. Acting like a BOSS Gone Wild is not a demonstration of leadership.

Employees want to take pride in their leaders. They are eager to give their trust, but demonstrating the kind of leadership character that deserves that trust cannot be over-emphasized. Don’t let your employees down. Character is built around a true concern for the people within the organization. It is based on fairness and consistency. It is not based on the autocratic authority of a Boss Gone Wild.

Follow the Leader

The reason people follow any leader, especially in the business world, is due to trust. The only way to develop trust is through communication - talking to people with respect to gain their respect. Respect is a key ingredient in developing trust. Trust is gained when people think their employer cares about their welfare and recognizes the role each plays in creating a profit. People have to think that the company not only cares about their problems, but that the company will make every effort to solve them.

Leadership is often described as the art of getting people to accomplish specific objectives. However, organizations are complex social entities with widely distributed responsibilities and assets. Unilateral action toward specific objectives is seldom sufficient in itself to create the kind of success expected for a company seeking growth and increased market share.

If you lead through fear and intimidation using a “Bosses Gone Wild” methodology, you will have little respect; but if you lead with confidence, integrity, commitment and respect, you will have little to fear and gain the respect necessary to accomplish your vision.

A Common Fallacy: Have All the Answers

A mistake many leaders make is the self-imposed responsibility to have all the answers. This is just not accurate. It is okay to admit to not having all the answers. Good leaders are willing to show their imperfections, Bosses Gone Wild are not. Surround yourself with a solid executive team and you don’t need all the answers. No one expects perfection, just leadership. Being a leader doesn’t grant you supreme knowledge.

Being a Boss Gone Wild by mandating new rules, stipulations, threats and unreasonable demands does not promote unity or trust. It is destructive to the kind of attitude required to succeed. Employee consideration and input is absolutely essential to success. The company needs employee support, trust and respect. But, the company must give before they receive. The leader must know when to lead and when to listen before acting. It is often surprising how much employees can and will contribute if you give them the opportunity to do so.

Empowerment

Allow the employees to take risks and demonstrate initiative. Empowerment is a trait used by most effective leaders. The rewards of empowering your employees are far greater than the risk. Give them some independence in choosing their work schedules or other factors that won’t affect overall objectives. Empowering employees allows them to use their own initiative and creativity to accomplish things you never imagined they could.

Employees must take ownership in the success of the organization. This means they must become part of the strategy employed by the company. Winning organizations continuously build leaders at every level in their organization. Leaders who actively attempt to mentor and build other leaders gain respect throughout the organization and transfer knowledge, ideas, values and attitude about success.

Leaders get Results – Bosses Gone Wild Don’t

Leaders make things happen. They continually advance a clear agenda, get others to buy in and move the organization to accomplish specific objectives. They are explicit, consistent, concise and sincere. They generally have an abundance of charisma although some leaders gain success with a quieter influence. Leaders take charge and are not afraid of responsibility or risk. Most people want to follow them. A good leader develops openness, honesty, clarity of purpose and a sincere caring for the people they lead. They gain commitment and trust by demonstrating respect for the individual. They have a keen sense of understanding. They believe in their task, they understand the objectives, they communicate clearly and they honestly project the understanding that they need the efforts of everyone to succeed. They don’t throw staplers at their secretaries or take credit for ideas their employees give them or do any of the other bizarre things you can find listed on Google for bad bosses.

Effective Leaders just don’t act like a Boss Gone Wild. It’s not in their nature. Don’t be a B.O.S.S. be a leader.

Dr. Rick Johnson is the founder of CEO Strategist and a veteran of the wholesale distribution industry with more than 30 years of executive management experience.  

 

 

 

 

 

Yale Materials Handling Corporation Showcases New Lift Truck Series

Yale Materials Handling Corporation has unveiled its next generation of agile, productive and ultra reliable electric lift trucks.

Leading the way in ergonomics and performance, the ERC-VA series is among the most productive and highly durable electric lift trucks on the market. New features and updates include:

* Newly designed, industry-leading operator compartments and comfort

* Sixteen percent more floor space

* Relocated multifunction displays that ensure enhanced visibility and precise pallet control

* Improved brake pedal layout

* Auto Deceleration Systems which reduce operator fatigue

* Steel hoods that provide for maximum battery service access

“Through intelligently applied technology, the ERC-VA series sets a new standard in electric lift trucks by lowering overall operating costs and energy consumption while maximizing productivity,” said David McNeill, manager, product strategy Electric Rider trucks, Yale Materials Handling Corporation. “The ERC-VA series’ low cost of ownership makes it the ideal candidate for warehouse fleets.”

With lifting capacities of 3,000 to 4,000 lbs., the new Yale ERC-VA series offers significant performance and versatility for a wide variety of material handling applications. By utilizing AC motors and transistor controller technology for both the traction and hydraulic systems, Yale has reduced the frequency and cost of maintenance. The Yale-designed thermal management system continuously monitors the ERC-VA series’ controller and motor temperature and, upon identifying irregularity, the system protects the component by automatically adjusting truck performance.

 

 

SICK Debuts High-Performance Photoelectric Sensor

SICK, a manufacturer of sensors, safety systems, machine vision and automatic identification solutions for factory and logistics automation, has announced the launch of its W9-3 photoelectric sensor, a high-performance sensor in an extremely tough plastic housing. This third-generation sensor has a wide variety of options to choose from, such as sensing range, mounting and connectivity, making it ideal for many applications. Examples include detecting clear material, multicolored and shiny objects in the material handling and food and beverage industries.

The W9-3 uses a proprietary type of plastic and molding process that makes the sensor as tough as nails.  The material, called VISTAL™, is nine times stronger than standard ABS.  The sensor’s connector is over-molded onto the device creating a sensor that is nearly unbreakable. The W9-3 uses SICK’s third generation custom ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) that incorporates OES3 technology to provide additional advantages, such as exceptional background suppression at an extended range. The OES3 contains proprietary technology that enables the W9-3 to ignore stray background reflections, detect multicolored/shiny objects and provide high immunity to ambient light. The W9-3 has many different mounting options due to its slotted through hole design. This feature offers the ability to mount the sensor from 5.2 mm to 13.7 mm and 18.9 mm to 27.4 mm – ensuring the sensor can be mounted in any number of configurations.

 

Herkules Equipment Offers Hydraulic Lift & Tilt System

EnKon Systems, Herkules Equipment Corporation’s new brand name of scissor lift tables, introduces a Hydraulic Scissor Lift coupled with a Tilting Conveyor. The lift system allows for loading and assembling components to an extruded aluminum frame before sliding to another assembly cell, using the conveyor, onto another EnKon lift table for further assembly.  

The hydraulic lift & tilt system, powered by 220 V, offers up to 90 degrees of tilt angle with 100” of conveyor to accommodate the assembly process which begins in a full vertical angle. Standard safety features on all of EnKon’s lift systems include captured roller wheels to prevent tipping, and stop arms to lock the lift in a raised position when needed. The popular safety skirting is optional and highly recommended. Specifications of the lift system include: 1500 lb capacity; conveyor width 42” x length 8’6”; lowered height of 8”; and a raised height of 44”. EnKon Systems is the new brand name for Herkules Equipment Corporation’s electric, hydraulic and air powered scissor lift table systems. Herkules has been manufacturing lifting equipment close to 30 years, building a solid reputation specifically for designing & manufacturing air operated lift systems for a variety of applications. 

 

New Look for ARA Foundation Board of Trustees

The new year brought a new look to the American Rental Association (ARA) Foundation board of trustees. Charlie Neffle, CERP, of All Occasions Event Rental, Cincinnati, who served as chair, and Dennis Von Ruden of General Equipment Co., Owatonna, Minn.; both completed their terms in office. Each had served on the Foundation board for three years, with Neffle serving in his leadership position for two. Taking over as the new chair for the board of trustees is Doron Broadfoot, president of The Rent-It Store, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He is a strong supporter of the ARA Foundation; having received the 1976 Club Award along with his business partner, the late Doug Mitchell, last year during The Rental Show in Orlando, Fla. Broadfoot has been on the Foundation board since 2009, is a past Region 10 director and has served on many ARA committees. Catherine DeBusk, CERP, vice president of Party People Rentals, Phoenix, is the new vice chair. She also is a longtime contributor to the Foundation; chaired ARA’s Events Task Force and has been a member of several association committees. She also has served on the Foundation board since 2009 and chairs the scholarship committee.

In addition, two new trustees joined the Foundation board: Andy Cooke, CERP, vice president of Cooke Rentals – Cornelius, Cornelius, N.C., and Dave Garton, sales and marketing manager for John Deere, Moline, Ill. Cooke has served on many ARA committees and also was ARA Region Three director, plus is a longtime supporter of both the Foundation and ARAPAC, the American Rental Association’s political action committee. Garton has served on the Construction and Industrial Shared Interest Group and Construction U Task Force. John Deere has donated equipment for the ARA Foundation charity auction each year since it began in 2007.

 

 

 

Hertz Equipment Rental President Retires

Hertz announced last week that Gerald A. Plescia, President, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation (HERC), has retired from the company. Mark P. Frissora, the company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, assumes temporary senior management responsibility for HERC until a successor is named after an internal and external search. Hertz expects to conclude the search within the next 90 days.

“During his 32-year Hertz career, Gerry has made many significant contributions to our car and equipment rental businesses, the past 14 years serving as President of HERC. Gerry helped lead HERC through two deep recessions during the past decade and he leaves the business with an improved internal organization which is realizing significant revenue growth opportunities,” Frissora said. “As a result, HERC has made a solid contribution to our fourth quarter 2010 results and we expect HERC to generate double-digit revenue growth and achieve a Corporate EBITDA margin of 42% for the full year 2011. “HERC's seasoned management team, at the operational and staff levels, is committed to optimizing their many growth and efficiency opportunities. They will continue to focus on providing the best possible service and equipment rental solutions to HERC's expanding range of industrial, construction and other customers.”

 

 

 

Sunbelt Rentals Appoints Brendan Horgan CEO

Sunbelt Rentals recently announced appointment of Brendan Horgan as the company’s chief executive officer. He also joins the Board of Ashtead Group plc, Sunbelt Rentals’ parent company, as an executive director. Horgan replaces Joe Phelan whose administration as CEO and a director of Ashtead formally ended at the close of business on Jan. 25, 2011. The new position marks the culmination of Horgan’s successful 15-year career with Sunbelt Rentals, during which he has made invaluable contributions to the company’s growth. Joining Sunbelt Rentals in 1996, Horgan has held a number of senior management positions, including chief operating officer and chief sales officer.

“We are delighted to announce Brendan’s appointment as CEO of Sunbelt. Brendan has a wealth of experience of the U.S. rental industry in general and of the Sunbelt operation in particular. He has been instrumental in developing the Sunbelt business over a number of years and in his new role I am confident that he will help us take further advantage of the opportunities which exist at this exciting time for the rental industry in North America. We would also like to thank Joe Phelan for his efforts over the past couple of years and wish him every success in the future,” said Geoff Drabble, chief executive of Ashtead Group plc. Horgan’s new appointment is effective immediately.

 

 

AAR Reports Modest Gains in Weekly Rail Traffic

The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported that weekly rail traffic saw modest year-over-year gains for the week ending Jan. 22, 2011 with U.S. railroads originating 282,837 carloads, up 1.5 percent compared with the same week in 2010. Intermodal volume for the week totaled 213,206 trailers and containers, up 6.2 percent compared with the same week in 2010, with container volume up 6.8 percent and trailer volume up 2.8 percent.

Eleven of the 20 carload commodity groups saw increases from the comparable week in 2010. Commodities that posted significant carload gains included: metallic ores, up 48.1 percent, and metals and products, up 20.6 percent. Commodity groups reporting double digit declines were nonmetallic minerals, down 18 percent, and waste and nonferrous scrap, down 16.6 percent. Weekly carload volume on Eastern railroads was down 2 percent compared with last year. In the West, weekly carload volume was up 4 percent compared with the same week in 2010. For the first three weeks of 2011, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 851,146 carloads, up 9.2 percent from last year, and 640,357 trailers and containers, up 6.8 percent from the comparison week in 2010. Combined North American rail volume for the first three weeks of 2011 on 13 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 363,551 carloads, down 0.8 percent compared with this point last year, and 265,325 trailers and containers, up 5.4 percent compared with last year.

 

 

PECO Pallet Now Shipping to Mexico

 PECO Pallet is now shipping its signature red wood block pallets to manufacturers and retailers in Mexico. In December 2010, the company registered "PECO Pallet México" as a legal entity and an authorized Importer of Record. This enables PECO Pallet's customers to easily transport goods on PECO pallets across the U.S. border to and from Mexico. PECO Pallet is a national leader in pallet rental services and provides millions of pallets to major manufacturers throughout North America. The company's recent incorporation enables PECO to expand services to customers throughout Mexico.

David Lee, CEO of PECO Pallet, stated, "We are excited about our recent growth in Mexico. This represents the next step in our company's service expansion. Manufacturers and retailers throughout Mexico will now have the opportunity to partner with a pallet provider that is truly committed to providing high quality pallets and unparalleled customer service." PECO Pallet has established a manufacturing base in Mexico, with a plant in Guadalajara that will manufacture, repair, and store PECO Pallets. Pallets built in Mexico can be shipped either to the U.S. or to Mexico, depending on customer needs. To comply with international regulations, PECO Pallet applies certified heat treatments to all pallets shipping into Mexico and also to pallets shipping back to the United States.

 

 

ELFA's December New Business Volume Up 27%

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s (ELFA) Monthly Leasing and Finance Index (MLFI-25), which reports economic activity for the $521 billion equipment finance sector, showed overall new business volume for December was $9.0 billion, up 27 percent compared to the same period in 2009, and a 100 percent increase from November’s volume of $4.5 billion.  Typically strong year-end activity is responsible for a large part of this spike in new business volume. Year-end new business volume for 2010 was $59.6 billion, up 9.2 percent compared to 2009. Total headcount for equipment finance companies remained flat in November and December, a decrease of six percent compared to the same period in 2009.  Supplemental data shows that the construction and trucking sectors led the underperforming sectors in December.  

“While December is historically a strong month as equipment finance companies complete end-of-year transactions, we continue to be encouraged by the strength and trajectory of these trend lines in business activity,” ELFA president William G. Sutton said. “It is very encouraging to see the positive momentum building across so many key indicators in our industry,” said Stan Herkelman, President, GreatAmerica Leasing Corporation.  “We are cautiously optimistic as we head into 2011 and see an increasing number of businesses focusing on growth.”

 

Forklifts of Toledo Executive Killed

A suspect has been charged with the slaying of a businessman whose body was found Thursday in a pool of blood in his South Toledo, Ohio office. Mark A. Langlois, 50, was booked into the Lucas County jail Friday night on a charge of murder.  He is accused of the shooting death of James Schueler, Jr., 65, Sylvania, whose body was found Thursday morning in his office at Forklifts of Toledo. Schueler was executive vice president and general manager of the company. His death is Toledo's first homicide of 2011.

Police said they discovered evidence linking Langlois to the crime and decided to charge him after questioning him Friday. They would not say if he confessed or what his connection to Schueler was. They also declined to say if they had located the weapon used in the killing. An autopsy performed Friday led to a preliminary ruling of homicide, said Dr. James Patrick, Lucas County coroner. Schueler died of a contact gunshot wound to the head, meaning the barrel of the firearm was touching the skin at the time of discharge, Dr. Patrick said. "The vast majority of such wounds are suicides," Patrick explained. "But occasionally they're homicidal, and when there's no weapon, you think much more seriously about homicide."

Patrick added that the direction of the gunshot was not what would be expected in a self-inflicted wound. Shortly before 9 a.m. Thursday, emergency crews responded to a report of an injured person at Forklifts of Toledo. A company employee had found Schueler on the floor in his office. By the time police arrived, the victim was taken by ambulance to the University of Toledo Medical Center, formerly the Medical College of Ohio Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Schueler was in the materials handling industry for more than 40 years. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he began his sales and marketing career at Procter & Gamble Co. Police did not find a firearm. Investigators conducted interviews late into the night and resumed them early Friday, Toledo police Sgt. Phil Toney said.

Update:

Bond was set at $750,000 Monday for a South Toledo man charged with fatally shooting a Sylvania man. Mark A. Langlois, 50, is being held in the Lucas County jail following his arraignment before Toledo Municipal Court Judge Michael Goulding.
Langlois is charged with one count of murder stemming from the death of James Schueler, 65, whose body was found Thursday morning in his office at Forklifts of Toledo. Police said Schueler was shot in the back of the head. The victim was the executive vice president and general manager of Forklifts of Toledo. Police have declined to say whether the two knew each other or what the suspect’s connection to Mr. Schueler was.

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