Barcoding Continues to Expand U.S. Central Region Office

Barcoding, Inc. has announced the continued expansion of its central region office with the addition of two industry veterans. Paul Dorado and Anthony Stepuszek will round out the company's central office supporting its enterprise customers. Shane Snyder, Barcoding vice president of sales, said, “It is important that Barcoding maintains the personal interest we have always taken in our customers as we sustain our growth across the United States. This is why we continue to bring in top talent to join our central region office. We are pleased to welcome these highly talented individuals to the Barcoding team and look forward to seeing them carry on the Barcoding tradition of excellent customer support for our enterprise customers." With over 15 years in the automatic ID industry, Dorado comes to Barcoding with comprehensive experience in sales, management, and new business development in Chicago and the central U.S. Stepuszek also brings to Barcoding over 15 years of experience supporting national accounts, including the Department of Defense and Wal-Mart.

 

 

Felling Trailers Implements Second Shift

Felling Trailers implemented a second shift in mid-February to increase production and decrease lead time.  “We have experienced a great demand for most of our products – dumps, flatbeds, heavy deck-overs and semi trailers,” said Patrick Jennissen, Felling Trailers’ Sales and Marketing Director.  “As a result, we implemented a second shift to increase production and decrease lead time as much as possible,” added Paul Radjenovich, Director of Operations.  

 

Felling Trailers has hired 70 people since the beginning of the year, bringing its total employment to over 150, which is a company record after nearly 37 years in business.  Felling Trailers’ second shift works Monday through Thursday from 4:00 pm to 3:30 am and is currently hiring machine operators, painters, welders and final assembly personnel for both first and second shifts.  Interested individuals should stop in the office for an application or visit www.felling.com and click on the “Employment” link under “About Felling Trailers.”    

 

AEM Hall of Fame Accepting Online Nominations Next Month

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) announces the 2011 AEM Hall of Fame program. Online nominations will open in June. The AEM Hall of Fame seeks to create a wider public understanding and appreciation of the industry's role in global economic and social prosperity, not only in the past but for the future. More than 35 industry leaders have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Below are details on participating in the 2011 program by nominating a key industry leader who meets the nominating criteria for the Hall of Fame. As in past years, in 2011 the nominees will be evaluated by an independent panel of industry experts. Check the website which will post details as they are available - www.aemHallofFame.com The Hall of Fame was created in 1993 to honor the pioneering individuals who have invented, managed, built and led the off-road equipment industry. The Hall of Fame is AEM’s way to recognize, celebrate and preserve the history of these Advertisement outstanding industry leaders. To help individuals who are nominating candidates for the Hall of Fame click here for a sample nomination form template. Because the nomination requirements are very specific, AEM suggests potential nominators carefully review the following information about the submission process:

 

As the sample template shows, candidates will be evaluated on five criteria that are critical to the health of the equipment manufacturing industry: 1) innovation, 2) industry contributions, 3) leadership, 4) corporate citizenship/social responsibility and 5) sustainability. For each of these five categories, nominators submit brief essays to support their nominee's candidacy to the AEM Hall of Fame. As the sample template shows, AEM poses questions that will help nominators focus their essays to explain in the best way possible why the nominee should be considered for the AEM Hall of Fame.

 

AEM urges nominators to read the sample nomination form template carefully in preparation for filling out the online form. When the online form is being prepared, AEM suggests writing and reviewing the five nominating essays in a word processing program and then pasting them into the online form. This will help ensure submitting the most effective essays possible. The form’s requested information about the Hall of Fame nominee/candidate (and nominator) should also be filled out.

 

For more information and questions, contact AEM's Liz Stock (lstock@aem.org, phone 414-298-4152).

 

 

Hyster Names Dealer of Distinction Recipients

Hyster Company recently honored its top-performing dealers with its prestigious Dealer of Distinction award. The 2010 award-winning celebration, held in New York City, marked the 17h year that Hyster has honored its dealers for their industry-leading level of performance in all areas of the materials handling business.

 

“Hyster Company’s Dealer of Distinction Awards Program recognizes the significant contribution our dealers make in achieving our distribution goals and objectives,” said Don Chance, president of sales for NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc. “The quality of service and the consistency in which our dealers exceed the expectations of our end users makes them an integral component of our growth and success.”

 

To become a Dealer of Distinction, dealers must reach elevated goals in customer satisfaction, dealer performance, general management, truck sales, short-term rental, training, aftermarket sales, and parts and service operations.

 

 

Hyster Dealer of Distinction

Recipients of the 2010 Hyster

Dealer of Distinction award include:

 

Arnold Machinery Company – Utah

 

Equipco Division Phillips Corp.

 

MH Equipment – Iowa Machinery

 

MH Equipment – Illinois

 

MH Equipment – Ohio South

 

Papé Material Handling, Inc. – Portland

 

Papé Material Handling, Inc. – Eugene

 

Papé Material Handling, Inc. – Central Washington

 

Papé Material Handling, Inc. – Spokane

 

Papé Material Handling, Inc. – Fresno

 

Wajax Industries – Prairie

 

 

Phoenix Products announces new metallic LED vaporproof fixture

Phoenix Products Company, Inc. has announced the release of the Metallic LED VP Series of vaporproof fixtures.  Aiming to keep the design of traditional “jelly-jar” fixtures, the Metallic LED VP uses a patent pending module to house a Bridgelux LED light source rated for 50,000 hours of illumination.  These versatile fixtures are UL 1598A listed for marine, outdoor, saltwater environments; UL 844 listed for hazardous locations; ABS listed; IP66; and LM79 tested and certified. The fixture employs strategically selected thermal paste in mounting the array for optimal transfer of heat from the array to the module where it is then dissipated to the environment.  Additionally, both the driver and array have been fully potted to protect against the effects of moisture, dust, and vibration. “This fixture epitomizes our ‘Durability by Design’ motto,” said Chief Executive Officer Scott Fredrick. “We have invested hundreds of hours toward the development

and testing of this design, both in our own lab and in the field. The Metallic LED VP really is purpose built and battle tested.”  

 

 

 

Folding Guard Offers Saf-T-Fence Partitions

Folding Guard announces the availability of their new and improved Saf-T-Fence partitions, the best low-cost alternative to building permanent walls. Each panel is built on a tough, 1-1/2” x 1-1/2” x 14-gauge steel frame. Wire mesh is securely welded at each intersection, creating rectangular openings. Saf-T-Fence partitions deliver security, visibility, and flexibility. Because these are modular systems, they are versatile enough to expand easily should floor plans change; they can be easily relocated and reinstalled in any space. They’re virtually maintenance-free. Options are available in doors, locks, colors, custom sizes and configurations. Additionally, Saf-T-Fence ships in two to three days, where others take weeks. For further information, or to specify your needs with no obligation, contact your Folding Guard sales representative at 800-622-2214.

 

 

 

Rhino Rubber Introduces K2 Industrial Tire

Rhino Rubber, LLC recently introduced a new, innovative, K2 Tire. Developed by Amerityre Corp. and manufactured in the United States, the K2 tire is made of an innovative, environmentally friendly material called Kryon™. Combined with a new state-of-the-art, high-tech manufacturing process, this new product offers benefits to industrial truck and material handling applications.

 

The Rhino Rubber K2 Tire by Amerityre offers greater carrying and load capacities than rubber tires. It also offers lower rolling resistance than leading electric compound rubber tires and is non-marking. The K2 improves wear properties and extends service life over rubber tires in the most severe applications. "We are excited to introduce the new K2 Tire because it offers so many benefits to the end user. Every critical aspect of industrial tires has an improved benefit from the rubber tire counterpart," said Tim Ryan, President of Rhino Rubber.

 

 

 

New Restrictions on Wood Packaging Materials Shipping Between Canada, U.S. Proposed

If adopted, shipments containing bug infested wood packaging materials could be refused as soon as summer 2011

 

 

A new proposal from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) would remove the exemption from ISPM 15 on wood packaging material moving between Canada and the United States in both directions beginning in 2011. “If adopted, the proposal will have a significant impact on shipments on pallets, says Gary Sharon, vice president, Litco International, North America’s leading source for presswood pallets.

 

“Right now, pallets move back and forth between Canada and the United States without the special treatment that’s required under ISPM 15, the regulation that applies to wood products shipped into most other countries,” Sharon explains.

 

Beginning in spring 2011, there will be a period of “informed compliance”. During this time, wood packaging material that is not treated will be allowed to enter. However, the carrier will be notified that wood packaging will be required to comply once ISPM 15 is fully implemented. Sharon adds, ‘What Advertisement is important for shippers to know is that during the “informed compliance” period, if infestation is found than loads will either be refused or treatment required prior to entering. For companies shipping back and forth between Canada and the US, now is the time to convert to ISPM 15 approved packaging to avoid unnecessary costs and delays.”

 

The proposed amendment was posted by APHIS on December 2, 2010. The proposal would remove the exemption that currently allows wood packaging material to ship between Canada and the United States without first meeting the treatment and marking requirements of the ISPM 15 regulations that apply to wood packaging material to and from all other countries. ISPM 15 regulations require that wood packaging material be heat-treated to kill insects or larvae that could infest native woodlands. “This action is necessary in order to prevent the dissemination and spread of pests via wood packaging material from Canada,” APHIS stated. Similarly, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced that it has agreed with APHIS to a “harmonized approach to removing the exemption from ISPM 15 on wood packaging material moving between Canada and the US (both directions).” According to CFIA, the requirements would be phased in between 2011 and 2112, with full implementation in place by the summer of 2012, although “no actual time frames have been confirmed at this date.” The Inca Pallet from Litco International is a viable solution for those companies that want to prepare now for the proposed changes, Sharon says. “The pallet is a presswood product manufactured from wood waste and byproducts that are molded under high heat and pressure,” says Sharon. “Inca pallets are an economical solution that is already exempt from ISPM 15 without further treatment. A significant portion of our customers rely on our Inca pallets to move their loads, hassle free, through foreign ports. They have been used for many years to ship product around the world.” Litco ships from two strategically located facilities in Dover, Ohio and Sardis, Mississippi. Sharon adds that the Ohio plant is especially well positioned to serve manufacturers shipping to and from Canada.

 

For more information on the export-approved Inca pallet, including available sizes and order quantities, visit http://www.litco.com/export-approved-pallets.htm.

 

Jergens Introduces New 5-Axis Quick Change System

Jergens, Inc. the world leader in quick change fixturing, introduces a new workholding system that dramatically reduces costly set up times on 3+2 multi-axis and 5-axis machines. The Fixture Pro® 5-Axis Quick Change System permits multi-sided access to pallet-mounted workpieces and provides locating accuracy to help manufacturers increase productivity and maximize the capability of their 5-axis machines. Jergens offers modular system components in a variety of sizes and styles from inventory, with short turnaround on custom sizes for special applications.To allow unrestricted access to various part faces, this modular quick change system features a variety of off-the-shelf riser sizes and styles to raise your part off the table. “With 3+2 multi-axis and 5-axis machining becoming more and more common, we knew our customers would need a workholding system that maximizes these machines’ travel capabilities,” said Bob Rubenstahl, Jergens Workholding Solutions Group Manager.  “Jergens’ modular Fixture Pro® system allows fixture builders to raise the part off the table, rigidly clamp it in place, and rapidly change it out.”

 

DataManR 500 Now Available for Factory Automation Applications

A fixed-mount barcode reader, DataMan® 500 from Cognex Corporation, is now available for factory automation applications. DataMan 500 is the first ID reader to be powered by a proprietary vision chip, called Cognex VSoC™. VSoC enables DataMan 500 to have unmatched barcode reading performance and an ease-of-use not found in other image-based or laser systems available today.“VSoC has given us a performance advantage that other readers available just cannot match,” said Carl Gerst, Vice President and Business Unit Manager for Cognex Industrial ID. “DataMan 500 reads barcodes at twice the speed of other readers and is so easy to use, and reads codes so well, that it doesn’t have to be positioned optimally to achieve high read rates. One look at this product will change your idea of what barcode readers can do.”

DataMan 500 is available in two models:

• DataMan 500 QL. For high-speed, 1-D applications in food, beverage, consumer products, pharmaceutical, document handling, and logistics applications.

• DataMan 500 X. All the benefits of the DataMan QL reader plus 2DMax to read even the most challenging matrix codes in automotive, aerospace, electronics, and medical device industries.

 

Gateway Safety Unveils Serpent Ventilated Safety Helmet

For workers who dread wearing uncomfortable, hot safety helmets on the jobsite, extra comfort features can make the difference. Gateway Safety’s Serpent™ Ventilated Safety Helmet offers all-day comfort, light weight, and excellent ventilation combined with optimal head injury protection. Serpent’s sleek snakehead shell style also keeps workers looking good while staying safe. Serpent is ultra light and comfortable at just 13.1 ounces, with a six-point nylon suspension system. A rotating ratchet adjustment easily fits over the nape of the neck for a comfortable, secure fit. And because heat buildup under the helmet can cause fatigue and heat stress, ventilated Serpent is the ideal choice. Its CoolSense™ airflow system, along with six vents along the peak of the helmet, promotes heat release and keeps workers cool. Additional features include a cushioned brow pad that absorbs moisture and perspiration and a rain trough to divert water from workers’ faces. The Serpent shell is made of a sturdy high-density polyethylene material that provides exceptional impact protection without adding weight. Gateway Safety’s Serpent complies with the ANSI Z89.1 Standard for Type I, Class C helmets.

 

 

 

 

Johnson Controls Selects Executive Vice President, Operations and Innovation

Johnson Controls has announced Bill Jackson has joined the company as Executive Vice President, Operations and Innovation, a new position. Jackson brings more than two decades of automotive and industrial consulting experience to Johnson Controls, having served as a senior partner with Booz & Company, where he led the firm's Global Automotive, Transportation and Industrials Practice. Over that time, he worked closely with all three of Johnson Controls' businesses on a variety of strategic and operational matters. Jackson, who will be based in the company's global headquarters in Glendale, Wis., will report to Johnson Controls Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stephen A. Roell. "Bill is a proven leader and strategist with strong knowledge and experience with Johnson Controls. He will work closely with our leadership team and each of our businesses, with a specific focus on quality, innovation and continuous improvement as we continue to pursue our global growth and performance goals," Roell said.

 

 

ALL Carolina Crane Rental of Wilmington Selects General Manager

The ALL Erection & Crane Rental Family of Companies has appointed Jeremy Hunter as General Manager of ALL Carolina Crane Rental of Wilmington, LLC. He heads to Wilmington from the Atlanta branch of ALL Crane Rental of Georgia, where he served for 12 years as lead dispatch and logistics manager and previously as aerial dispatcher. Hunter began his career at ALL in 1997. “With his extensive knowledge of our operations, superior management skills, and understanding of our world-class fleet, Jeremy was the perfect choice to head the Wilmington yard,” says Michael Liptak, president of the ALL Family of Companies. Hunter will be joined in Wilmington by his wife, Amanda Hunter, current accounts receivable and contracts manager at the Atlanta branch. She has worked for the ALL Family of Companies for almost a decade. Amanda previously ran the marketing department at Dawes Rigging & Crane Rental, the Wisconsin branch of the ALL Family of Companies, then moved to Atlanta where she met and married Jeremy. “I enjoy working for ALL and appreciate all the opportunities the company has provided, including this newest appointment,” Jeremy said. “I look forward to the years ahead and hope to help in the further growth of the company.”

 

 

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Delivers First Radiation Shielded Cabin Forklifts

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), the parent company of Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, recently developed two special heavy-duty forklifts with radiation shielded cabins to help handle and dispose of contaminated rubble at the crisis-hit Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The first of the two units is to be delivered this week to a joint venture formed by Taisei Corporation, Kajima Corporation and Shimizu Corporation that is handling the clean up at the site, with the second unit to follow later this month.

Developed and manufactured within one month, MHI incorporated its expertise in vehicle systems, filtering, heavy plate welding, and radiation shielding and management into the new unit based on the company's 15-ton heavy-duty forklift. The new forklifts will allow workers to efficiently handle rubble while simultaneously securing a safer environment for the machine operator in areas exposed to radiation. The first radiation shielded cabin forklift has a fully-sealed cabin constructed using 100 millimeter (mm) thick steel plates and 230 mm thick lead glass, with all sides welded to enable the operator to maneuver the forklift with maximum shielding against radiation. The forklifts are equipped with special filters that remove dust and other radiation-contaminated material, thereby enabling a stable supply of purified air. The air-conditioned cabin is also pressurized by air purifier to prevent external air from entering.

 

 

 

Toyota Recognizes Top Technicians & Technical Trainers

Toyota Material Handling U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU) has announced their top Toyota Dealer Technicians and Toyota Dealer Technical Trainers, with the Platinum Level, Master Technician Award. Each year, TMHU provides a knowledge test available only to Toyota Gold Level Technicians. This year, nine Toyota Technicians and three Toyota Certified Trainers (TCTs) were awarded Platinum Level. This year was the first year the test was provided to Toyota Industrial Equipment dealers’ TCTs.

The tests consist of 100 questions related to the service and maintenance of Toyota lift trucks. Toyota presents the Platinum Level Master Technician Award and Platinum Level Toyota Certified Trainer Award to the top 10 percent of those who participated from each group.

TMHU puts emphasis on training

TMHU dealers employ more than 2,100 Toyota forklift technicians. More than 70 percent of these technicians have reached Master Technician status of Bronze, Silver or Gold level, through Toyota’s Master Technician Technical Training Program. In 2007, 45 percent of service technicians at Toyota Industrial Equipment dealerships were Toyota Master Technicians. TMHU put a tremendous emphasis on the importance of training and in just four years has seen that number increase to 70 percent of all Toyota service technicians holding the prestigious title.

The winners are:

2011 Platinum Level Technicians

* Paul Tassoul – Conger Toyotalift, Neenah, Wis.

* Steve Forgette – Conger Toyotalift, Green Bay, Wis.

* Andy Hensley – Vesco Toyotalift, Hickory, NC

* Perry Joseph – Kenco Toyota-Lift, Cinnaminson, NJ

* Bob Betton – Kenco Toyota-Lift, King of Prussia, Pa.

* Eric Howland – First Access Material Handling, Batavia, Ill.

* Michael Stephens – Williams Toyota Lift, Inc, East Sparta, Ohio

* Anthony Gonzalez – Toyota Material Handling Northern California, Hayward, Calif.

* Daniel Hunt – Toyota Material Handling Northern California, W. Sacramento, Calif.

2011 Platinum Level Trainers

* Eric Nelson – Toyota Lift of Minnesota, Brooklyn Park, Minn.

* Keith Blodgett - Toyota Material Handling Northern California, Hayward, Calif.

* Jerry Gorham - Toyota Material Handling Northern California, Hayward, Calif.

Each Platinum Level honoree received a certificate and a monetary award card. In addition, a plaque bearing their name, dealership and years of service will be displayed in the Platinum Level display case located at the TMHU National Training and Customer Center in Columbus, Ind.

 

 

 

CLARK Honors Top Dealer for 2010

CLARK Material Handling Company has announced its prestigious “Dealer of the Year” award for 2010 has been awarded to Material Handling, Inc. Headquartered in Dalton, Ga.; with branches in Chattanooga, Tenn.; Nashville, Tenn.; and Bowling Green, Ky.; Material Handling, Inc. was voted the “best of the best” by employees of CLARK for 2010. A family owned and operated business since 1975, MHI has represented CLARK successfully for nearly four decades.  “Outstanding truck and parts sales, combined with excellence in service, customer satisfaction and overall dealership operations has established MHI as a premiere CLARK dealer. Material Handling, Inc. showcases a strong commitment to and partnership with CLARK,” said Bo Maslanyk, CLARK’s Vice President Sales and Marketing. “MHI continues to set exceptional standards for sales and customer service, the very traits long associated with the CLARK brand,” said Dennis Lawrence, President and CEO. “One of the keys to their success is that they have successfully established and have maintained long lasting relationships with many key customers.” Since its founding in 1975, Material Handling, Inc. has been led by the Sain family, with CEO Amar Sain, President Pat Sain and Vice President Mike Sain.

 

 

ProMat 2011 Exceeds Expectations

As an indicator of the continued economic recovery of the material handling, supply chain and logistics industry, U.S. and international attendees registered in record numbers for ProMat 2011 – the industry's premier North American trade event. The show and conference is sponsored by the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA).

Nearly 32,000 key decision makers in virtually all manufacturing, logistics, distribution and supply chain industries participated in ProMat 2011. Reflecting the growing global nature of the event, attendees from outside the United States at this year's ProMat represented 110 countries and six continents. They were welcomed by ProMat's International Visitors Center. "By all accounts, ProMat 2011 met, and in many cases exceeded, exhibitors' and attendees' expectations. Attendees were engaged and exhibitors expressed satisfaction with the quantity and quality of attendees," said John Nofsinger, CEO of MHIA. “Manufacturing and supply chain professionals were greeted with a remarkable display of traditional, new and emerging equipment and technology solutions that are key to their productivity and profitability."                          

                                                                                                         ProMat 2011 Shows Significant Growth in Attendee Leads

The Show featured 677 exhibitors covering 270,000 net square feet. These exhibitors saw a 33 percent increase in attendee leads over ProMat 2009, indicating not only an increase in attendee quantity, but also in quality and intention to engage with exhibitors and their solutions. “Participants came with very specific objectives and with buying plans totaling $75 billion over the next 18 months. They know that investing in the latest equipment and technology is the key to building and maintaining their competitive edge," Nofsinger said.

Other ProMat 2011 Highlights

Along with the healthy traffic on the show floor, other highlights of ProMat 2011 included the educational conference that accompanied the ProMat exhibition. This included two keynotes featuring former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and Robonaut 2, two educational tracks on sustainability and the people side of the supply chain and show floor educational sessions on a variety of topics. More than 7,000 attended ProMat 2011 educational conference sessions. Webinars of ProMat 2011 educational seminars are now available online at www.promatshow.com/seminars. The ProMat 2011 Classroom Day introduced students and educators to career opportunities in material handling, supply chain and logistics through hands-on learning and networking with industry professionals. This year's Classroom Day combined an interactive educational session with a dynamic guided tour of North America's premier materials handling, supply chain and logistics exhibition. ProMat 2011 was collocated with Automate 2011. ProMat 2013 will be held at McCormick Place South in 2013. The next MHIA-sponsored trade event will be MODEX 2012, February 6-9, 2012 in Atlanta's Georgia World Congress Center. For more information on exhibiting at MODEX 2012, or to register as an attendee, visit www.MODEXShow.com.

 

 

 

 

Lyon Launches New Essential Solutions Catalog

Lyon Workspace Products is proud to announce the new Essential Solutions Catalog.  This 65 page catalog highlights the top selling storage, locker and workspace solutions.  The full-color catalog features all-welded storage cabinets, lockers, workstations, ergonomic seating, shop furniture, tool storage, modular drawer cabinets, shelving and storage rack. To order your Essential Solutions Catalog please log onto http://www.lyonworkspace.com.  The catalog is also available on our website for downloading in a pdf version.

 

 

 

 

Meyer Unveils Pneumatic Screw Pump

The Meyer Screw Pump as an ideal replacement for rotary airlock feeders that have prematurely failed when handling fine abrasive materials. Meyer’s Screw Pump utilizes the material to be conveyed to form a seal during operation. An integral flap gate prevents blowback when introducing material into the system on start-up or when running empty. The unique hard coated screw design provides a continuous flow of material into the conveying air stream, this low profile, dust free dry pump significantly reduces abrasive wear, thus minimizing maintenance and the burden of costly downtime. With a variety of standard construction options already built in, this rugged, high performance dry material injection pump will exceed all your previous airlock feeder expectations.

 

 

 

New Grip Gear Helps Workers Get a Handle on Packages

Grip Gear, an innovative product that debuted at ProMat 2011, was born in the shipping department of a warehouse. “As a warehouseman I often found myself dropping parts when the order was a little too much to carry,” Grip Gear inventor Rob Bates said. “Why don’t they make a sweatshirt with grips under the arms?" Bates did just that. With Grips located under the arms, on the side of the shirt, and the on the chest, it can be helpful in moving any object you may in encounter in your daily life. Grip Gear is now "patent pending" and trademarked. How does Grip Gear work? The gripping patterns are printed on specific areas of a garment to distribute the weight of an object onto the workers body. The frictional areas can lessen the chance of an injury from a product slipping out of an employee’s grasp, it can assist the worker in carrying more objects, and decrease the chance of a worker dropping and damaging a product.

 

 

 

 

Purolator International Adds San Francisco/SFO Selling Branch Manager

Purolator International, the leading provider of U.S. - Canada logistics services and subsidiary of Canada’s largest logistics provider, Purolator Inc., has named Lanse Shelton, a 10-year veteran of the logistics industry with more than a decade of experience in sales, as the new Selling Branch Manager for San Francisco and surrounding Bay Area territories. In his new role with Purolator International, Shelton will work to establish, develop and expand the new San Francisco territory business for Purolator International, reporting to Western District Manager, Sean Kelly.  Shelton will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and overall business performance within the branch territory, including sales, customer acquisition, staff management and training, as well as strategic planning. “Lanse joins our team with extensive, skilled senior-level sales and logistics experience, including 10 years at UPS, where he consistently met and exceeded yearly sales goals and helped develop long-term client relationships, generating loyalty and trust, above and beyond the traditional sales relationship,” said Sean Kelly, Western District Manager, Purolator International.

 

 

 

Marlin Steel Wire Expands Manufacturing Space

Marlin Steel Wire has announced plans to expand its manufacturing floor space in Baltimore, Md., after its best first quarter in history, four years of record profits and steady revenue increases, and a surge in export demand for custom wire baskets, wire forms and sheet metal fabrications like housings and consoles. Marlin Wire has brought on adjacent manufacturing space to maximize efficiencies and permit manageable growth. Marlin Steel’s absorption of additional space will allow it to plan for the $5 million of new robots to be purchased over the next decade. Marlin Steel’s lease extends through 2017 with an option until 2022. In addition, Marlin Steel Wire has the right of first refusal on 100,000 square feet of adjacent space. “We feel a commitment to Baltimore, with its excellent port, BWI Airport, road and transit system, and talented local professionals so there was never a thought of leaving the area. This infrastructure, combined with the local vendors and financial services, makes it easy to remain in the area,” said Drew Greenblatt, President of Marlin Steel Wire Products.

 

 

 

 

ELFA: March New Business Volume Up 44 Percent Year-Over-Year

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 March was $6.2 billion, up 44 percent compared to the same period in 2010.  Measured against February volume, March volume increased by 51 percent. Total headcount for equipment finance companies remained flat for the last five months, but was down two percent year-over-year.  Supplemental data shows that the construction and trucking sectors continued to lead the underperforming sectors in March. Separately, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation's Monthly Confidence Index (MCI-EFI) for April is 70.3, down from 72.4 in March, and up significantly from the April 2010 index of 65.4.  For more detailed information on the MCI-EFI visit www.LeaseFoundation.org.

“The dramatic increase in new business volume is, in large measure, the result of strong demand in business equipment in various industries and markets,” said ELFA President and CEO William G. Sutton, CAE. “For example, in the technology sector, a number of companies are reporting strong earnings as their business customers decide to replace aging equipment and expand capacity in response to a recovering economy.  We see this trend continuing.”

 

 

 

 

CharNor Remanufacturing Under New Ownership

CharNor Remanufacturing is under new ownership effective April 30th. The company has been reorganized and its name changed to CharNor Inc. CharNor has marketed remanufactured forklift components exclusively to forklift dealers for over 35 years. Along with the ownership change, new management has been installed. This includes: Rich Hamilton, President Executive: operational responsibility for international automotive components manufacturing for Fortune 500 companies. Les Sankey, Quality Director Director: responsible for quality system and ISO certifications for Fortune 500 company. Josh Hamilton, Plant Manager Engineer: Process improvement & machine design. CharNor Inc. has retained all employees under the reorganization. Charnor recently completed a survey of the material handling industry's quality performance and have determined that the company is equal to the highest standard in forklift component remanufacturing. That standard, however, is below the standard Charnor has set for itself, according to Hamilton. "CharNor's commitment is to provide the best quality, best service and competitive pricing," Hamilton said. "Our focus is on standardizing our operations and production methods in order to deliver quality equal to the highest standards in any industry. "Additionally we now stock the highest demand products to better serve your needs." ChanNor welcomes visitors to its plant in Milan, Ill. "Witness how we are improving daily," Hamilton said. "Come and understand the strategy and the goals we have set for ourselves to better serve our customers."

 

 

 

 

New Uses for Old Stuff

Turning scrap into consumer products

 

Recycle, reuse and recycle are common words these days at workplaces across the United States. RubberForm Recycled Products in Lockport takes the green movement a step further: The owners refuse to put anything in a landfill. In fact, the local manufacturing company is working to keep other people’s waste out of landfills. RubberForm uses a technique called compression molding to turn old scrap tires and computer parts into such things as wheel stops for parking lots and sign bases that hold stop signs at supermarkets and other places. The product line is diverse, but all of it is made from recycled rubber material. The company was founded by the brother-sister team of Deborah and Bill Robbins, who said they left the “corporate world” to start the business in 2005. Bill, president and CEO, said they considered buying an existing company but after researching possibilities they ended up forming their own company. Deborah serves as vice president. The Jamestown natives said they picked Lockport for eco-industrial reasons. “We’re close to suppliers; we are literally down the street from High Tread. We get power from Niagara Falls hydropower. We’re in an old, recycled warehouse. All of our equipment is recycled,” Bill said. “A lot of the folks who do work for us can and do walk to work.” Although they have faced their share of challenges, they have no regrets about starting their own manufacturing company. “We’re in control of our own destiny. That’s why I left my six-figure job. I wanted to be in control of my own destiny,” he said. “We wanted to get into something that we could do that no one was doing.”

What’s going on: RubberForm makes products that are used in a variety of industries, including parking lot and road safety, road construction, home improvement, industrial products, shipping, vehicle safety and marine-based goods. Most are sold through resellers, distributors and value-added resellers. Last May, RubberForm purchased a Canadian die-cutting company, EKO Rubber of Ontario, and expanded to a new market segment by finding new life for old, scrap conveyor belts. “We die-cut them into laminated shipping dock bumpers and we ship all over North America,” Bill said. “We looked at it and saw it fits into the mission statement of taking rubber-based products and recycling them.” Clients: You can see RubberForm’s sign bases and other products in use at Wegmans. It also sells to property-management companies, municipalities, industrials, solar companies such as Solar Liberty, containment firms and Delaware North Cos. Inc. Employees: 12. That number has nearly doubled since last year and has the potential to continue to grow. But as Bill puts it, RubberForm is growing “organically” right now with no outside investment. “We’d really like to add on another 12 employees because the business is out there,” he said. “We just can’t get any capital to expand. That’s our biggest challenge right now: to get a bank or an (investor) to come in here, but we’re getting very close.” Challenges: Along with a lack of capital, name recognition is an ongoing challenge. “I think the biggest barrier to market besides the economy has been getting our name out there,” Deborah said. “That has been my goal over the last couple years – getting our name out there. It’s so funny because people call us up and go, ‘I didn’t know about you, but you guys are great. We’ve been trying to find a company made in the USA.’ ” Revenues: RubberForm has doubled sales since last year and the Robbinses said they have the potential to triple sales this year. They expect to top $1 million for the first time, after coming close last year. “We were about $1 million last year and we’re going to hopefully get close to a couple of million this year,” Bill said. “We are making a profit. Though it be a little one, at least we’re showing positive black ink rather than red ink.” Strategy for growth: One area where it’s looking to expand is the growing solar industry. “We’re making a lot of pads for solar panels that go up on roofs. We’re die-cutting them now,” he said. “I think the die-cutting operation could definitely be a $4 (million) to $5 million division of our company.” “Also, we’re trying to find other uses for our product like the wheel stop,” Deborah said. “We made that into a spill-containment berm. Our sign base, we used at the Alzheimer’s walk as a banner base. We’re trying to reinvent some of our products.” She said LEED certification will continue to help the business because so many projects need to be certified and RubberForm is on the building green spec listing so it can contribute to the certification process. Manufacturing concerns: It may be hard to believe, but the company needs more scrap to keep expanding, especially scrap belt from factories and mines. “We need 100,000 pounds a month for the contracts that we have, current contracts,” Bill said. “We just got a call from a customer saying we could double that if we had raw material.” He and his sister are trying to develop relationships at mines across the country to acquire more scrap belt. Strengths: They said innovation, quality and creativity have helped them expand the business. “One of the things we harp on is that a lot of products are coming in from China and a lot of products are coming in from other countries. And the only thing we can really sell right now is quality,” Bill said. “Let’s make sure that no product goes out of here that’s not well-made.” What’s ahead: RubberForm wants to expand in current markets and tap new ones. When people hear about the company, they buy from it, the owners said. So with more name recognition and some capital investment, there’s no telling what the future may hold. “We’ve projected with adding the right products on at the right time and getting distribution channels out there,” Bill said. “We can easily be a $10 million company." For more information, call 716 478-0404.