Inaugural PTDA Foundation Employee and Student Scholarship Recipients announced
The PTDA Foundation recognizes the urgent need for skilled professionals in the power transmission and motion control (PT/MC) industry. As such, it is committed to helping PT/MC employers further the education of current and upcoming talent by introducing two new scholarship programs. “We developed the PTDA Foundation scholarships to promote the study of a power transmission or motion control-related field in engineering, technology, or business. The PTDA Foundation was pleased by the reception and the number of employee and student scholarship applications received for our inaugural year of this program,” explained Matt Pavlinsky, PTDA Foundation President. The employee scholarship provides recipients with $2,500 to continue their education for further advancement in their PT/MC career. The 2024 recipients are: Kylie Hester, Regal Rexnord Ohio University, master’s of Business Administration Tom Ley, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS Madison College, professional certification in Project Management Brian Malambwe, Regal Rexnord Purdue University, bachelor’s degree in Engineering Science Emily Soller, Regal Rexnord University of Wisconsin-Madison, master’s of Business Administration “This scholarship will further my career by giving me the tools necessary to best facilitate projects,” says Tom Ley of Regal Rexnord, employee scholarship recipient. “It will help me become a value-added employee and learn how to better interface with professionals. My Project Management Professional certification will also help me provide excellent customer service by providing on time deliverables to our customers.” The student scholarship provides recipients with $3,000 toward their education in a PT/MC-related field. The 2024 recipients are: Josh Bourbeau, Bismark State College Field of Study: Engineering Justin Christensen, University of Nebraska Kearney Field of Study: Supply Chain Management/Technical Sales David Dell, Adrian College/North Dakota University Field of Study: Mechanical Engineering, Physics Caden Palamar, Frostburg State University Field of Study: Mathematics, Engineering Ria Sharma, Texas A&M University Field of Study: Engineering “What interests me about supply chain management and technical sales is the customer engagement and unique perspectives you gain from the people you interact with,” says Justin Christensen, student scholarship recipient. “Power transmission and motion control not only affect communities, but it also affects the world. This scholarship not only helps me financially, as I’m a first-generation college student, but it’s a great confidence booster.” Read more about each recipient online at ptworkforce.org/scholarships. Applications for 2025 scholarships will be available in January. The PTDA Foundation, funded solely by donations, was founded in 1982. Its core purpose is to champion education, outreach, and research initiatives relevant to the PT/MC industry that enhance industry stakeholders’ knowledge and/or professionalism and productivity. The PTDA Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation; contributions are tax-deductible to the full amount allowed by law. For more information, visit ptworkforce.org.
Gorbel® #98 on Greater Rochester Chamber’s List of Fastest-Growing, Privately Owned Companies
This marks the 21st time that the Victor, NY-based manufacturing company, which was founded in 1977, has been included on the Top 100 list Gorbel® has announced that it has earned a spot on this year’s list of the Top 100 fastest-growing, privately owned companies in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region. The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce revealed the 38th annual Top 100 rankings at their awards celebration on November 6 at the Floreano Riverside Convention Center. To be eligible for the Greater Rochester Chamber Top 100 program, companies must be privately owned, headquartered in the nine-county Rochester region, and have earned at least $1 million in revenue in each of the three most recent fiscal years. Bob Duffy, president and CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, said, “Congratulations to Gorbel® for earning their spot as a 2024 Greater Rochester Chamber Top 100 company. Their placement on this esteemed list is reflective of their commitment to growing in Greater Rochester and shaping the economy and community as one of the fastest-growing companies.”
Cimcorp appointed Pekka Natri as Head of Region
With nearly 30 years of experience leading diverse international teams, Natri will streamline all North American operations and align regional goals with global strategy Cimcorp has announced the appointment of Pekka Natri to Head of Region for North America. Natri has been a key member of the Cimcorp team since 2018, formerly serving as Head of Region for SEAP and India. With a successful track record of establishing and growing local entities for international businesses, Natri will now be responsible for streamlining all North American operations, driving collaboration with partners, and aligning regional goals with Cimcorp Group’s global strategy. “I am thrilled to take on this new opportunity to strengthen Cimcorp’s position as a leader in the North American market,” said Natri. “As head of region, my goal is to make an immediate, positive impact for customers and employees today, as well as to set the groundwork for ultimately shaping the future of automation in our core sectors—grocery retail and tire manufacturing.” With a background in biotechnical engineering and nearly 30 years of experience in the technology space, Natri has led teams in many different parts of the world, including China, India, Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Finland. His breadth of expertise spans business development, management, sales, solution development, and project delivery, and he has successfully implemented strategic growth plans for complex international businesses at the market area level and on a global scale. After joining Cimcorp in 2018, Natri spearheaded the company’s efforts to expand its presence and customer service capabilities in India. Nartri established a new office in Chennai, where he managed everything from location selection to recruitment and training. In 2023, Natri led the startup of a new office in Sydney, Australia, helping Cimcorp achieve a stronger position in the Australian market. In his new role, Natri will focus on aligning North American teams, functions, and partners to best serve customers locally while also supporting global growth. “Through working in various countries with diverse teams, I’ve developed a deep understanding and appreciation of different perspectives and ways of thinking. As a manager, I give people the freedom to approach ideas and issues in new ways—which enables our team to collaborate and solve challenges with open minds,” said Natri. “I’ve also gained the ability to see things from a regional perspective, without missing the big picture. I’ve been on both sides of the coin, working with employees at local sites and with executives at company headquarters. This will help me not only improve North American operations, but also support our company’s overall strategy.” As an experienced leader, Natri prioritizes building a workplace based on trust, transparency, and open communication. He is a major proponent of employee development and will ensure Cimcorp supports its staff in exploring ongoing educational and career opportunities. Natri said, “I believe great leadership is based on transparency, mutual trust, and setting clear targets. I want to create an open environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. Working as a team, we can create synergies and deliver greater value than what we could achieve alone. My role in it all is to motivate employees to focus on the right goals, ensuring that they succeed as individuals and that we succeed as a company.”
Brian Short honored with PTDA Warren Pike Award
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) has named Brian Short the 33rd recipient of its Warren Pike Award for lifetime achievement in the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry. The award was bestowed upon Short during the PTDA 2024 Industry Summit on October 25 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Established in 1984, the Warren Pike Award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding, continuous, long-term support of PTDA and the PT/MC industry and is only presented when an individual’s achievements merit this prestigious recognition. Warren Pike Award recipients are selected by the PTDA Board of Directors. Revered as an industry expert, Short began his 40-plus-year career with Bruening Bearing and advanced through a number of roles before retiring from Pfannenberg USA. As an advocate for the industry, he shared his knowledge as a member of several PTDA committees and served as PTDA Foundation President in 2018 and 2019. “I served on committees with so many great people, many of whom are Warren Pike Award winners…” shared Short in his acceptance remarks. “We developed many tools to help distributors be more efficient and effective, and the strong relationships I built helped me throughout the balance of my career. You could say that PTDA helped me broaden my horizons and be lucky enough to actively participate in elevating excellence.”
ORBIS acquires Creative Techniques and expands packaging
ORBIS Corporation has announced that it has acquired substantially all the assets of Creative Techniques, Inc. (CTI), which is headquartered in Orion Township, Mich. ORBIS is a subsidiary of Menasha Corporation. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1984, CTI’s business focuses on designing and manufacturing custom packaging, including stand-alone trays, container dunnage, precision rack dunnage, seat pallets, and kitting trays. It offers state-of-the-art high-pressure injection molding, structural foam molding, and prototyping capabilities. ORBIS also acquired CTI’s facilities, including 60,000 square feet of manufacturing space and 22,000 square feet of warehousing space. Approximately 110 employees are joining the ORBIS team in connection with the transaction. “What excites me about this acquisition is the engineering excellence and solutions-focused approach CTI brings to its customers,” said ORBIS President Norm Kukuk. “They create tremendous value in their front-end processes, tooling development, rapid prototyping capabilities, and ultimately the high-quality packaging they deliver to customers. We look forward to welcoming their talented team to ORBIS and expanding our capabilities in these areas.” CTI serves the automotive industry and has a proven track record in delivering value to its customers with innovative products and service levels. President and CEO of Menasha Corporation Chris Drees lauded CTI’s track record of delivering value to its customers in the automotive industry with innovative products and service levels, noting that “CTI is strongly aligned with ORBIS in its focus on sustainability, customer relationships, innovation, and supply chain expertise.” ORBIS is a market leader in reusable packaging solutions for the automotive and retail supply chain markets. It produces plastic returnable totes, bulk containers, pallets, dunnage, and metal racks in twelve manufacturing sites and operates more than thirty service centers across North America and Europe.
Women In Trucking Association announces its November 2024 Member of the Month
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Dana Tarver as its November 2024 Member of the Month. Tarver is a fuel hauler for Kenan Advantage Group (KAG), a specialized transportation and logistics provider across a range of diversified end markets in the United States and Canada. In 1995, driven by tenacity and a willingness to embrace challenges head-on, Tarver began her career in the trucking industry at the age of 25. Today, she consistently demonstrates thoroughness and punctuality, adheres to all company policies and is guided by her personal motto – do it right the first time. Tarver serves as an exemplary illustration of the valuable contributions a successful driver can make, as her pride in herself, her role, and her company shines through her daily trips. With a passion for safety, Tarver meticulously maintains her equipment, takes all necessary precautions, and values mentoring others on the subject. She takes great pride in fellow professional drivers calling her for advice and guidance on the road. Through trucking, Tarver has carved out a fulfilling career that provides job security and allows her to enjoy time with family and friends without stress or exhaustion, knowing she is well taken care of. She encourages other women not to be intimidated by the male-populated industry and to recognize the opportunities for growth and success available within it. Tarver is a champion for other women navigating a career path in the trucking industry, saying, “Never be intimidated to do this job. What’s for you will be for you if you always put safety first. When in doubt, stop and ask somebody!”
Mallard Manufacturing hires new National Accounts Manager
Mallard Manufacturing, a provider of gravity flow solutions, has announced the appointment of Brian Meyer as National Accounts Manager. With over 30 years of experience in the material handling industry, Brian has held pivotal roles in manufacturing and integrator/dealer sectors, making him uniquely qualified to strengthen Mallard’s national account relationships across Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. Meyer will play a critical role in assessing customer needs, specifying applications, preparing project quotes, and designing solutions in his new position. His responsibilities include close collaboration with the manufacturing team and direct engagement with customers and end-users to deliver tailored solutions that enhance operational efficiencies. Kevin Risch, president of Mallard Manufacturing, commented: “Brian’s wealth of experience and deep understanding of customer needs make him an invaluable addition to our team. His leadership will further strengthen our ability to deliver customized solutions that optimize material flow and enhance operational efficiencies for our clients.” “At Mallard Manufacturing, I see an unparalleled commitment to customer-focused support and innovation,” said Meyer. “The new Innovation Lab and Testing Center exemplifies our dedication to ensuring our solutions not only meet but exceed customer expectations. This facility allows us to conduct comprehensive live-feed and interactive simulation testing, addressing potential challenges before finalizing pallet flow and carton flow solutions.” The Innovation Lab and Testing Center features state-of-the-art equipment designed to validate the performance of gravity flow products in real-world conditions. From optimizing inventory flow to troubleshooting loading and unloading processes, this facility enables Mallard Manufacturing to deliver reliable and efficient solutions tailored to specific customer needs. Brian Meyer’s addition to the team strengthens Mallard’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer value and driving innovation in the material handling industry.
Vestil Manufacturing announces major expansion
Vestil Manufacturing, a manufacturer of industrial and safety products market, just announced a major expansion project. The development will include a building expansion, cutting-edge capital equipment, and adding at least 20 jobs, further strengthening Vestil’s role as an industry leader. The expansion, set to add approximately 120,000 square feet of operational space at 351 Pokagon Trail, will enable Vestil to meet increasing demand, particularly for its plastic product lines. With the installation of advanced rotational molding equipment and a larger, highly skilled workforce, Vestil is positioned to serve customers better and to continue leading in the industrial product marketplace. Additionally, the project represents a significant investment in advanced technology and production resources, including a fiber tube laser, two robotic welders, additional lift trucks, and a sophisticated ERP software system. These investments aim to boost production capacity, streamline operations, and advance the company’s technological capabilities. “This expansion reflects our commitment to innovation, quality, and growth,” said Barry Trine, Vestil president. “By investing in our facilities, our technology, and our team, we’re not only positioning ourselves to meet future demand but are also creating opportunities for employment and contributing to the economic development in our community,” added Trine. The groundbreaking came two months after the passing of Ralph Trine, who had run Vestil since the company moved to Angola in the early 1980s. A moment of silence was held in Mr. Trine’s memory at the start of the ceremony. Vestil has partnered with Wagler & Associates, a locally owned & operated business, as the construction company leading this project. The expansion is scheduled for completion by September 2025. The project at Pokagon Trail includes a $1.5 million 120,000-square-foot addition and $3.2 million in new equipment, such as robotic welders and an enterprise resource planning system.
Motion enters into agreement to purchase hydraulics manufacturer
Motion Industries, Inc. signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the operating assets of Canadian-based Stoney Creek Hydraulics. The transaction is expected to close at the end of October, subject to customary closing conditions. Founded in 1998, Stoney Creek Hydraulics specializes in hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder manufacture/repair. Cylinders are built according to customer blueprints or designed by the engineering team to meet a customer application’s specific requirements. Repair services include cylinder inspection, machining and testing with precision. The company is named for its location in Stoney Creek, Ontario. “We are excited to begin a new chapter as part of the Motion team,” said Patrick Gauthier, Owner of Stoney Creek Hydraulics. “It is a great fit—both companies are customer-focused and share the same high values and service standards. The future is very bright for us and our customers as we combine resources and deepen our offerings.” James Howe, President of Motion, added, “As we continue to execute our acquisition strategy to grow our services, we are pleased to welcome Stoney Creek Hydraulics employees to Motion. Their skills and capabilities will bolster our hydraulic offering in Canada and complement our mechanical repair services in the region.”
Women In Trucking Association names 2024 Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation
Redefining the Road magazine, the official magazine of the Women In Trucking Association (WIT), announced today the recipients of the 2024 “Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation.” The magazine created the award in 2018 to support an element of WIT’s mission: to promote the accomplishments of companies that are focused on the employment of women in the trucking industry, according to Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of WIT. There are a number of characteristics that distinguish the companies recognized on this list, according to Brian Everett, publisher of Redefining the Road. These characteristics include corporate cultures that foster gender diversity; competitive compensation and benefits; flexible hours and work requirements; professional development opportunities; and career advancement opportunities. Qualified companies also must meet minimum requirements of what they report through the WIT Index, the industry barometer that benchmarks and measures the percentage of women who make up critical roles in transportation. The list includes a diverse range of trucking company types, including motor carriers, third-party logistics companies, and original equipment manufacturers. These companies will be recognized at the upcoming WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo, which will be held Nov. 10-13 in Dallas, Texas. International Motors, formerly Navistar, is the sponsor of this year’s program. “Companies named to this prestigious list must demonstrate corporate attributes that are essential to any successful enterprise committed to gender diversity as part of their corporate strategy,” said Everett. “Qualifying companies to this list involves a two-step process. First, nominations by companies are carefully reviewed to ensure they meet a minimum threshold of qualifications. Then, the final ballot of companies is voted on by individuals in the industry. This is the seventh year of this prestigious recognition program, and it garnered a record number of more than 31,000 votes to identify and validate the final companies named to the list.” Companies generating the largest number of votes are named to the “Elite 30” of the 2024 Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation. They are Air Products, ArcBest, Averitt, Cummins Inc., Daimler Truck North America, Epes Transport System, Estes Express Lines, FedEx, Great Dane, International Motors, J.B. Hunt Transport, Kenan Advantage Group, Landstar System, Old Dominion Freight Line, Penske Transportation Solutions, Peterbilt Motors Co., Premier Truck Group, Quality Carriers, Roehl Transport, RXO, Ryder System, Schneider, Sysco, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, TravelCenters of America, UPS, Volvo Group North America, Walmart, WM, and XPO. Companies named to the overall 2024 Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation list are 4Refuel, ADM Trucking, Aim Transportation Solutions, American Expediting Logistics, America’s Service Line, Ancora Training, Arrive Logistics, Arrow Truck Sales, Aurora Parts, Bay & Bay Transportation, Bennett Family of Companies, Bob’s Discount Furniture, Boyle Transportation, Brenny Transportation, Bridgestone Americas, Cargomatic, Carter Express, Centerline Drivers, Certified Express, CJ Logistics America, Clean Harbors, ContainerPort Group, Conversion Interactive Agency, Covenant Logistics Group, CrossCountry Freight Solutions, Crowley, Day & Ross, Dot Transportation, Dupré Logistics, Dynacraft (a PACCAR Company), Echo Global Logistics, Excargo Services, FStaff, Garner Trucking, Giltner Logistics, GLT Logistics, Great West Casualty Company, Halvor Lines, Highway Transport Logistics, Interstate Billing Service, ISAAC Instruments, J.J. Keller & Associates, JoyRide Logistics, JX Truck Center, Kenworth Truck Co., Koch Companies, Leonard’s Express, LGT Transport, Marathon Petroleum Co., May Trucking Co., McLeod Software, Michelin North America, MOTOR Information Systems, Musket Transport, National Carriers, National Shunt Service, New West Truck Centres, NFI Industries, OOIDA, Orica – USA, PACCAR Inc., PACCAR Leasing Co., PACCAR Parts, Palmer Trucks, Pennsy Supply, PepsiCo Foods North America, Polaris Transportation Group, Purolator, RE Garrison Trucking, Red Classic, Reliance Partners, Rihm Family Companies, Saia LTL Freight, Savage, Southeastern Freight Lines, Southwest International Trucks, Standard Logistics, Stericycle, Suburban Propane, Sun State International, Sunset Transportation, SWTO, TA Dedicated, The Erb Group, The Evans Network of Companies, The Pete Store, Thomas E. Keller Trucking, Total Transportation of MS, TRAC Intermodal, TRAFFIX, Trimac, Tri-National, Trinity Logistics, Triumph Financial, Truckstop, Tucker Freight Lines, Tyler Technologies, U.S. Xpress, Uber Freight, USAL, Venture Logistics, Werner Enterprises, Wilson Logistics, and Zonar Systems
Toyota Material Handling partners with Bastian Solutions on 100th AutoStore installation
Toyota enhances its world-class parts distribution center with advanced AutoStore integration Toyota Material Handling unveiled a significant upgrade to its parts distribution center (PDC) at its Indiana headquarters on October 28 in collaboration with Bastian Solutions, part of Toyota Automated Logistics. This milestone marks Bastian’s 10oth AutoStore system installation, underscoring its automation expertise and enhancing Toyota’s capacity to process and deliver parts efficiently. “At Toyota, we will always be driven by what is best for our customers. This AutoStore integration will allow us to deliver parts to customers across North America faster than ever before, ensuring their forklift fleets are up and running when they need them most,” said Bret Bruin, Toyota Material Handling Vice President of Aftermarket Operations. “It’s amazing to see this project come together, in partnership with the teams at Bastian and AutoStore, to eliminate unnecessary waste and add efficiencies for the benefit of our customers.” The AutoStore integrates cutting-edge robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence into Toyota’s operations. In alignment with Toyota’s 2050 Vision for sustainability, the AutoStore system operates on rechargeable battery-powered robots, consuming energy only when in motion. The innovative system leverages vertical storage, maximizing unused space within the PDC. While the facility typically stocks an average of 55,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs), the new system dramatically increases storage capacity—from 40,000 to more than 128,000 storage locations—allowing Toyota to house more parts. This contributes to operational cost savings and indicates Toyota’s philosophy of Kaizen – or continuous improvement. “Today, we can reach over 80% of our customers with two-day shipping. Our goal is to reach 98% of our customers with next-day ground by 2030,” Bruin said. “This new AutoStore integration and enhanced Parts Distribution Center will play a significant role in helping us achieve that goal.” The AutoStore system minimizes manual labor by utilizing 28 autonomous robots that operate on a grid. These robots retrieve and deliver totes to four picking ports, each capable of processing up to 175 totes per hour. The system can fulfill up to 700 orders per hour, ensuring faster and more accurate order processing. AI-driven software strategically positions high-volume inventory for quicker access and provides real-time visibility to enhance operational efficiency further, ensuring Toyota Genuine Parts are readily available. The natural slotting system places low-volume parts at the bottom of the grid while keeping high-demand parts easily accessible to expedite order processing time. With the AutoStore system, Toyota ensures reliable order fulfillment, faster turnaround times, and improved customer satisfaction from its industry-leading North American dealer network. “Bastian is proud to support Toyota Material Handling in their efforts to deliver even greater customer service through an innovative, sustainable automation system,” said Aaron Jones, President and CEO of Bastian Solutions. “That focus on continuous improvement and quality solutions is at the heart of everything we do as Toyota group companies, and leveraging an incredible partner such as AutoStore is that final connection to ensure success now and into the future.” While robots and AI handle repetitive tasks, Toyota’s commitment to Jidoka—or automation with human touch—ensures associates spend their time on more strategic tasks. This allows Toyota to focus on problem-solving, innovation, and quality control, emphasizing the importance of human insight in driving operational excellence. During Toyota’s ribbon-cutting event at its Indiana headquarters, executives hosted guided tours to give stakeholders an exclusive firsthand look at the cutting-edge innovations and capabilities of the new AutoStore capabilities.
AutoScheduler adds Vice President of Customer Success to reinforce focus on successful customer implementations
AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Orchestration Platform and WMS accelerator, announces that. He will replace Stephen Zujkowski, who is retiring. Ian has over a decade of experience in supply chain operations, logistics management, and strategic leadership. He will use his expertise to help AutoScheduler’s customers gain value and success from deploying AutoScheduler solutions. He will be the face of success for all AutoScheduler’s customers, ensuring the talented implementation team continues delivering exceptional services and fostering true partnerships. “As a leader within Amazon, Ian has demonstrated a deep understanding of operational planning and championed many technology implementations that enabled transformative changes within numerous operations,” says Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI. “His rich and diverse experience in leading and supporting innovation and a keen understanding of driving customer excellence make him a perfect fit for this pivotal role at AutoScheduler.AI.” “I am looking forward to setting new benchmarks for excellence in customer success with the best project delivery experiences, clear communications, and robust customer relationships, enabling AutoScheduler.AI to be the market leader in warehouse orchestration,” says Ian Johnston, Vice President, Customer Success, AutoScheduler.AI. “I am dedicated to driving value for clients through our innovative solutions and aligning AutoScheduler’s capabilities with customer needs.” As Vice President of Customer Success, Ian oversees the strategy, execution, and management of all customer deployment and satisfaction aspects. He will ensure that customers derive maximum value from AutoScheduler, leading to improved fulfillment, better labor utilization, and lower costs. As the leader in the Customer Success organization, he will drive measurable positive business outcomes, customer satisfaction, retention, and expansion across the customer base. Before joining AutoScheduler.AI, Ian served as Director of Supply Chain at Amazon, overseeing North America’s largest heavy, bulky logistics network, which included managing demand forecasting, capacity management, and product development for the U.S. and Canada. Ian’s leadership contributed to significant advancements in operational efficiency, including developing several novel planning products that enhanced forecast accuracy and capacity flexibility, reducing Amazon’s service cost and improving delivery speeds. Before Amazon, Ian served as a Marine Infantry Officer, leading combat operations in Afghanistan and deterrence operations in Southeast Asia. He later served at the White House, supporting two administrations and several high-profile events. Ian holds an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and a BA in Political Science with a minor in Spanish from The Citadel. He is pursuing a Master of Science in Real Estate at the University of San Diego.
Handling Specialty Manufacturing Ltd. announces new president
Handling Specialty Manufacturing Ltd., a provider of custom engineering solutions and specialized manufacturing, has announced the appointment of Ben D’Souza as its new president. With over 20 years of experience in the manufacturing sector, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of driving innovation and operational excellence. Ben most recently served as Assistant General Manager at Massiv Automated Systems, Magna International, where he successfully led initiatives that increased production efficiency and innovation and enhanced on-time delivery. His leadership has consistently resulted in substantial revenue growth and improved customer satisfaction. “We are thrilled to have Ben join our team,” said Dave Ried, VP of Operations of Handling Specialty. “His deep understanding of the industry and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our mission to deliver top-notch custom solutions to our clients. We believe his vision will be instrumental in taking Handling Specialty to new heights.” Ben is known for his strategic approach to leadership, focusing on building strong teams and fostering a culture of innovation. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Toronto Metropolitan University (Formerly Ryerson), a Masters of Business Law from Osgood Hall (York University), and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business (York University). “I am excited to join Handling Specialty and to work alongside such a talented and innovative team,” said Ben. “Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in our industry and provide our customers with exceptional value.” Handling Specialty Manufacturing Ltd. looks forward to Ben’s innovative ideas and leadership as the company continues to expand its offerings and strengthen its position in its diverse markets.
American Staffing Association names 2025 Board of Directors Officers
Today, the American Staffing Association announced its newly elected officers for the 2025 board of directors. The board voted on the leaders during the association’s annual Staffing World® convention and expo, which is taking place this week in Nashville, TN. The 2025 ASA board officers are: Chair: Janette Marx, Airswift First Vice Chair: Tom Gimbel, LaSalle Network Second Vice Chair: Jeff Bowling, Four Piers Advisors Treasurer: Ken Taunton, CSC, The Royster Group Secretary: Dana Baughns, Allegis Group Immediate Past Chair: Joanie Bily, Employbridge At the annual membership meeting, ASA members elected the following board members for three-year board terms: Andrea Brenholz, ATR International W. Benjamin “Ben” Elliott, Randstad Tom Gimbel, LaSalle Network Karenjo Goodwin, Exact Staff Inc. Ranjini Poddar, Artech LLC Mark Toth, CSP, ManpowerGroup Steve Wehn, AMN Healthcare DeLibra Wesley, National Recruiting Consultants Other directors currently serving on the board include Threase Baker, TSC, CSP, Abbtech Professional Resources, Inc.; Jeffrey S. Burnett, CSP, Labor Finders International Inc.; James A. Essey, CSP, TemPositions Group of Cos.; Jeff Harris, Workforce Unlimited; Jason Leverant, TSC, CSP, CSC, CHP, AtWork Group; Laura MacNeel, Aya Healthcare; Kelly McCreight, CSP, Hamilton-Ryker; Robin Mee, MeeDerby; Peter W. Quigley, Kelly; and Joyce Russell, Adecco Group US Foundation. “I’m deeply honored to have the opportunity to give back to the staffing industry through my role as chair of the ASA board,” Marx said. “Along with my colleagues, we’re excited to ensure our industry continues to innovate and lead the way in the labor market and the economy.” “The world of work and recruiting is undergoing an era of transformative change. Our association is fortunate to have forward-looking leaders who will advance the interests of the staffing, recruiting, and talent solutions industry in the coming year,” said Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer of ASA. “Under Janette’s leadership, ASA and the board of directors will continue to play a key role in shaping the future of our industry and the world of work.” The complete list of ASA board members can be found at americanstaffing.net.
Matthews Automation welcomes Christian Schauer as new Business Development Manager for EMEA
Matthews Automation has announced the appointment of Christian Schauer as the new Business Development Manager for the EMEA region. Christian will oversee sales and manage the growing interest and installations of Matthews’ advanced warehouse automation solutions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Christian will be responsible for driving the adoption of Matthews’ innovative warehouse automation technologies, including NEXUS warehouse execution system (WES) software, controls for material handling equipment, robotics, and Lightning Pick paperless order picking systems. These solutions enhance distribution centers’ efficiency, productivity, and quality, especially for omnichannel order fulfillment. Matthews Automation, a U.S.-based company located in Cincinnati, Ohio, Waukesha, Wisconsin, and now Estenfeld, Germany, has been a trusted material handling automation and software provider for over 30 years. With thousands of installations in distribution centers worldwide, Matthews Automation continues to expand its global footprint. Recent international projects include new installations in Canada, China, the U.K., and several sites across Europe. It should be noted that Matthews Automation is a division of Matthews International, which has several successful industrial automation brands already established in Europe for decades. These include Matthews Engineering, a global provider of calendars, rotary processing systems, turnkey production lines for industries such as automotive and energy, and Matthews Marking Systems, an international provider of cutting-edge technology and equipment for the marking and coding industry. Christian will be based in their EMEA headquarters in Estenfeld, Germany, now offering sales, service, and support for both Matthews’ industrial printing and warehouse automation technologies. With previous strategic business development roles at other industrial automation providers, Christian has successfully built new markets and applications for manufacturing process improvement technologies, including 3D machine vision, lasers, and collaborative robotics, for over twenty years. “I’m thrilled to join Matthews Automation as the new Business Development Manager for EMEA,” said Christian. “With my extensive background in providing advanced industrial technologies, I look forward to helping customers transform their distribution centers with our state-of-the-art material handling automation to drive greater productivity, quality, and success.” “For decades, global brands have optimized e-commerce and omnichannel order fulfillment in their North American distribution centers with our software, controls, and picking systems, and now adoption is quickly growing in locations worldwide,” shares Gary Cash, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Matthews Automation. “We’re excited to have Christian’s expertise to communicate and deliver innovative warehouse automation solutions to brands in the EMEA region seeking to take their supply chain operations to the next level.”
Hangcha Canada celebrates five-year milestone
Hangcha Forklift Canada is celebrating a significant milestone—five years since its establishment. Officially launched on October 18, 2019, with an investment of USD 3 million, Hangcha Canada was built to bring a direct distribution model to the Canadian market. Fast-forward to today, and the company has coast-to-coast service capabilities through a network of 17 dealers. By cutting out intermediaries, Hangcha Canada is more agile and responsive in doing business with its dealers, offering personalized support and solutions that fit the unique needs of each Canadian market. In 2023 alone, Hangcha Canada sold 2,463 units across Class 1 to Class 7 forklifts, supplying relatively small operations to Fortune 500 companies in the automotive, warehousing, cosmetics, and food industries. At its recent 4th annual Canadian Dealers’ Conference, which coincided with its 5th anniversary, Hangcha Canada brought together all 17 dealers under the theme “Engage, Empower, and Elevate.” The conference focused on strategies for the future, such as expanding rental fleets and enhancing service capabilities.
Sales Engineering Co. welcomes Derek Anderson as Territory Sales Manager for New England
Sales Engineering Co., a manufacturers’ representative in the New England electronics market, has announced Derek Anderson’s appointment as New England’s new Territory Sales Manager. With over 28 years of sales leadership experience and a robust background in the electronics and semiconductor industries, Derek drives growth and strengthens partnerships across the region. Derek, a Worcester Polytechnic Institute graduate with a degree in electrical engineering and an MBA from the Olin School at Babson College, has led sales teams on both regional and national scales. His proven track record in sales strategy and team development will enhance Sale Engineering’s offerings to its technology partners and clients. “Derek Anderson’s wealth of experience and strategic vision make him a tremendous asset to our team,” said Tim Kilfoil, president of JF Kilfoil, the parent company of Sales Engineering. “His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach and strengthen our offerings to our technology partners, customers, and distribution partners. We are thrilled to have him on board and are confident in the positive impact he will bring.” Derek will lead and mentor a dynamic team of manufacturing partners and account managers in his new role. He will focus on matching customers with Sales Engineering’s trusted supplier partners and their value-added technology solutions. His leadership is expected to foster continued growth and cultivate strong relationships with Sales Engineering’s customers and distribution networks.
Carolina Handling continues 58th anniversary celebration with 58 for 58 Season of service
In 2024, to celebrate its 58th anniversary in business, Carolina Handling donated 58 Raymond motorized pallet jacks to hunger relief organizations throughout the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama. The company is extending its anniversary celebration by donating 58 hours of service to qualifying nonprofits with material handling equipment needing repair. “Many of the nonprofits we visited over the past few months while delivering pallet jacks have forklifts or pallet trucks that no longer operate, but there are no resources to cover repairs,” said Carolina Handling Chief Operating Officer Joe Perkins. “With a team of more than 425 technicians who maintain all lift truck brands and models, service is our specialty, so we’re expanding our 58th-anniversary celebration by donating 58 hours of service to hunger relief organizations throughout our territory.” In its new fiscal year, which began April 1, Carolina Handling turned its philanthropic focus to hunger relief, launching a 58-for-58 motorized pallet jack giveaway to help lighten the load for those who receive, store, and distribute thousands of pounds of food each year in their communities. The 58 organizations that received a pallet jack from Carolina Handling combine to serve 11.2 million individuals each year throughout the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, and the panhandle of Florida, distributing 290 million pounds of food. “The logistics of moving thousands of pounds of food can be overwhelming to organizations that don’t have reliable, safe equipment and processes,” Perkins said. “That’s where companies like Carolina Handling specializing in material handling solutions can help.” For more information on Carolina Handling’s 58 for 58 Season of Service and to apply for a no-cost service call, excluding parts, please visit carolinahandling.com/community/58-for58.
Johnson Electric and Aegis Sortation announce distribution partnership
Aegis Sortation becomes exclusive technology distributor for Johnson Electric in the North American market Johnson Electric has announced an exclusive distribution agreement in partnership with Aegis Sortation. Under the agreement, Aegis will become the technology distributor for Johnson Electric TrueDrive™ and VersaSort™ products in North America. The decision to formulate the strategic partnership builds upon Aegis’ brand recognition in the material handing industry and Johnson Electric’s 65 years of expertise in motion system solutions. “As e-commerce sales continue to grow in the United States, we’re thrilled to embark on this partnership with Aegis Sortation, which is trusted for its proven solutions in the material handling industry,” said Stephen Pennington, vice president, IPG Americas, for Johnson Electric. “Their leadership in the freight and parcel and warehouse and distribution industries is second to none. We’ve worked together for over a decade and are happy to build upon our combined expertise to bring even more value to our collective customers with this agreement.” Aegis Sortation will be exclusively distributing two Johnson Electric products: TrueDrive, an innovative motorized drive roller conveyor system, as well as VersaSort, a compact steerable wheel table that allows diverting functions to operate up to twice as fast in small- to larger-sized sortation systems. Although not part of the distribution agreement, Aegis will also leverage Solligence™, a fast rotary actuator designed for divert motion in sliding shoe sorters. The rotary’s artificial intelligence monitors motion profiles and adjusts for wear, maintaining consistent speed and preventing performance degradation over time. “We’re committed to delivering transformative innovation with solutions that address the growing challenges in the material handling industry, especially around labor shortages and operational efficiency,” said Tony Young, CEO of Aegis Sortation. “By leveraging Johnson Electric’s cutting-edge solutions, we’re creating sortation modules that solve our customers’ variable package mix challenges, like irregular parcels, which are typically processed manually. This new technology also allows our customers to double their throughput while simultaneously reducing costs through improved asset utilization.”
FMH Material Handling Solutions joins Towlift family
In 2022, FMH Material Handling Solutions changed ownership and remained under local management in El Paso, Denver, and Albuquerque. FMH officially joined the Towlift family, one of the country’s largest full-service material handling dealerships. It specializes in new and pre-owned equipment, rentals, industrial racking and storage, parts, service, and operator training. With locations across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California, Towlift operates with the motto, “It’s the dealer that makes the difference!” and has been named a Dealer of Excellence over twenty times. With the addition of El Paso, Denver, and Albuquerque to the Towlift family, FMH Material Handling can offer an expanded portfolio of material handling solutions with a seamless customer experience. Towlift is in its third generation of family ownership, with sales and service locations in multiple states. It is one of the industry’s most experienced material-handling dealers and industrial equipment distributors. This experience gives Towlift the expertise to offer customers a full range of material handling solutions that improve their business operations. Bob Kwieciak currently serves as Towlift president.