Shifting Gears Archives - Material Handling Wholesaler

Bobcat Company honored among Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces for 2025

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:29:58 +0000

Honors include Greatest Workplaces for Manufacturing, Greatest Workplaces in North Dakota and additional award recognitions Bobcat Company was selected as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for 2025 by Newsweek. In the annual rankings, Bobcat was recognized in seven distinct award categories, reflecting its commitment to meaningful work, employee wellbeing and continuous career development for more than 5,000 employees in the U.S. Newsweek also featured Bobcat on its 2025 lists for America’s Greatest Workplaces for Manufacturing, America’s Greatest Workplaces by State – North Dakota, America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents and Families, America’s Greatest Workplaces for Gen Z, America’s Greatest Workplaces for Mental Well Being and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Inclusion & Diversity. “We are honored to be recognized among Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025,” said Stacey Breuer, vice president of human resources at Doosan Bobcat North America, Inc. “These awards are a reflection of the culture our employees help create every day – one where our employees are empowered to do great work and careers are built with intention.” In facilities throughout the U.S., Bobcat employs more than 5,000 people who are responsible for designing, building and supporting the industry’s most advanced compact equipment and worksite solutions. As a leading manufacturer, Bobcat’s roots began in America’s heartland and this legacy continues with Bobcat’s North American headquarters in West Fargo, North Dakota. Bobcat continues to make investments in innovative workplaces and programs that support and elevate the overall employee experience. This includes new onboarding, learning and mentorship initiatives; leadership and career development programs; resource groups; competitive benefit offerings; and more that support employee engagement, retention and development. “At Bobcat, we are proud of our people and the positive impact they continue to have on our customers, communities and Bobcat’s success,” said Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America, Inc. “We will always strive to provide an innovative work environment for our employees and continue to invest in their future, so they have the opportunity to excel and succeed at Bobcat.” Compiled in partnership with market data research firm Plant-A Insights, Newsweek identified America’s Greatest Workplaces by conducting a large-scale employer study based on more than 1.5 million comprehensive company reviews from approximately 250,000 U.S. employees across 78 different sectors, each of whom were surveyed on key factors in employee satisfaction, including compensation and benefits, training and career progression, work-life balance and company culture.

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Burwell Material Handling expands into Florida with acquisition of W.E. Johnson Equipment Company

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:40:24 +0000

Burwell Material Handling has announced the acquisition of W.E. Johnson Equipment Company, a material handling equipment dealer with locations in Miami and Fort Myers, Florida. This acquisition expands Burwell Material Handling’s national footprint to 20 branches, strengthening its ability to serve customers across the Southeast and beyond. Burwell Material Handling will update and rebrand the two locations of W.E. Johnson, founded in 1958. The upgraded facilities, which will include additional parts distribution, service bays, and rental equipment space, will allow the branches to build on their operations with greater access to resources, more brands, and an expanded lineup of services. “We’re thrilled to welcome the W.E. Johnson team and customers into the Burwell Material Handling family,” said Kent Senf, president of Burwell Material Handling “This move gives customers in Florida a smarter, safer way to handle their operations. By combining our team’s strengths, we’re delivering on our promise to help businesses run better and grow with confidence.” The acquisition is part of Burwell Material Handling’s strategic mission to deliver end-to-end solutions across the entire material handling lifecycle, from equipment and rentals to service, custom engineered systems, and fleet technologies. “Whether you’re in Miami, Fort Myers, or any one of our 20 locations across the country, our focus is the same,” Senf said. “We’re here to help customers make better decisions, reduce risk, and stay productive with integrated solutions and responsive local support.” Customers in South Florida can expect a seamless transition, with no anticipated disruptions to their existing service. Over the coming months, they will also gain access to Burwell Material Handling’s capabilities and product lines with equipment from leading OEMs, including Bobcat, CLARK, JLG, Genie, and Haulotte. “For nearly four decades, the Burwell family has grown their business by listening first, acting fast, and doing right by our partners,” Senf said. “We’re proud to carry that legacy forward by investing in teams like W.E. Johnson.”

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Toshiba’s Debra Anne Kellogg wins Bronze Stevie® Award

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 10:00:37 +0000

The Stevies named Kellogg a “Culture Transformation Leader of the Year” Toshiba America Business Solutions’ Debra Anne Kellogg wins the Bronze Stevie® Award for “Culture Transformation Leader of the Year.” “We congratulate all of the winners in the 10th edition of the Stevie Awards for Great Employers for their outstanding performance,” says Stevies President Maggie Miller. “Toshiba’s Debra Anne Kellogg is a sterling example of one who goes above and beyond to educate and inform her teammates while making a distinct and positive impact on her company.” The Stevie Awards for Great Employers recognize the world’s best employers and the human resources professionals, teams, achievements, and HR-related products and suppliers who help to create and drive great places to work. More than 100 professionals from around the world participated in the judging process to determine this year’s honorees. Winners in the Employer of the Year categories were determined by a combination of ratings from Stevie Awards judges and more than 130,000 public votes. Toshiba’s Difference Maker Kellogg led a cross-country Toshiba task force to create a new nationwide culture training program for nearly 1,950 company employees. Implementing input from company leaders, she completely revised the organization’s training program with all new content emphasizing Toshiba’s values, which include empowering others, seeking innovation and delivering the exceptional. The resulting multi-tiered rewards platform, recognizing employees who go above and beyond, while also demonstrating the company’s values, is the hallmark of Kellogg’s aptly named ‘Be the Difference’ program. Stevie judges believe Toshiba’s learning and development leader is a difference maker at her company. One judge comments, “Debra Kellogg reads like the steady, quiet force in the background, the kind of leader who isn’t chasing the spotlight but whose fingerprints are on everything that actually moves the company forward. Thirty-three years at Toshiba isn’t just tenure; it’s a lifetime of learning how to stitch people and values into the fabric of an organization. What strikes me most here is the humility and the hands-on craft behind ‘Be the Difference,’ no outside consultants, no flashy gimmicks, just deep, earnest work to create something that feels real and owned by the company itself. This is culture-building at its purest, thoughtful, slow, and genuinely people-centered.” “Upon working for more than a year to create our ‘Be the Difference’ national culture training program, Debra brings our mission, vision,n and values to life here for everyone at our company,” states Toshiba America Business Solutions Vice President of Human Resources Kim Jones. “Thanks to her inspiration, passion, and hard work, we now have a practical way for our nationwide employees to connect with what matters most at Toshiba, and it’s having a positive impact on how we work together each day.”

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E Tech Group names visionary sales leader Sean Smiley as First Chief Revenue Officer

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:00:33 +0000

As CRO, Smiley’s leadership will strengthen E Tech Group’s sales strategy and support continued expansion across key markets. E Tech Group has announced the appointment of Sean Smiley as Chief Revenue Officer, effective immediately. Smiley will be a key member of the executive team, informing the company’s overall strategy on territory and market expansion, international growth, and product development to serve E Tech Group’s clients globally. Smiley joins E Tech Group with over 20 years of experience in sales leadership, operational execution, and high-growth strategy within the industrial automation sector. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Services at Stratus Technologies, where he led a global team of 190 sales professionals across 22 locations. Prior to that, he was Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Eagle Automation. Earlier in his career, he played a key leadership role at Cimation, helping position the company for its successful acquisition by Accenture. Smiley has also held senior roles at Rockwell Automation, Yokogawa, and Emerson. In his new role, Smiley will lead the sales organization, shape and execute E Tech Group’s go-to-market strategy, lead client acquisition efforts, and ensure close coordination between sales, marketing, and revenue operations. He prioritizes value-driven client engagement, clear communication, and accountability to help foster a sales culture that supports long-term growth and client success. “Sean brings a powerful combination of technical expertise, operational leadership, targeted go-to-market insight, and a strong track record of driving revenue growth to E Tech Group,” said Matt Wise, CEO of E Tech Group. “In addition to his relevant industry experience and successful history, Sean has a visionary mindset and a commitment to building cohesive, high-trust sales teams. E Tech Group has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, driving a new model as a “Main Automation Partner” for its clients and we have every confidence that Sean will accelerate that and aid us in taking that model global.” “I’m excited to join E Tech Group at a time of bold strategic growth,” said Sean Smiley. “E Tech Group is redefining the System Integrator and delivering significant value to clients as their Main Automation Partner. The business development organization plays a key role, partnering with clients and working together towards digital transformation and meaningful value. There’s tremendous opportunity to scale our impact and truly disrupt and evolve the world of industrial automation.”

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Port of Long Beach appoints Finance Director

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:40:29 +0000

Don Kwok to lead efforts maintaining fiscal strength, asset security The Port of Long Beach has appointed Don Kwok as its new Director of Finance. Kwok, who joined the Port in 2016 as Assistant Finance Director, also served as Acting Director of Finance for the Port from September 2017 to April 2019. The Director of Finance is responsible for ensuring effective implementation of fiscal policies at the Port of Long Beach, which maintains an AA+ Standard & Poor’s Credit Rating – one of the highest credit ratings for U.S. seaports; sound oversight of Harbor Department income, expenses, capital projects and debt issuance and service; and budget alignment with the Port’s Strategic Plan. The Port operates entirely on revenues and existing funds and is not funded by taxes or the City’s General Fund. With nearly 30 years of experience as a finance professional across both public and private sectors, including at the Port and various Fortune 500 corporations, Kwok is a proven and proactive financial leader for large organizations. His professional background includes eight years as complex controller for International Paper in Los Angeles, and three years as finance manager for Johnson & Johnson in Diamond Bar. He earned a bachelor of science in accounting from the University of Southern California. In 2005, the Harbor Commission enacted the Green Port Policy, which has led to aggressive, industry-leading programs to improve air and water quality, protect marine wildlife and implement sustainable practices while engaging and educating the community.

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AutoScheduler receives investment from Ben Gordon, founder of Cambridge Capital LLC

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:17:55 +0000

Investment to further growth of Agentic AI-Based Warehouse Orchestration solutions AutoScheduler.AI has announced receiving a strategic investment from Benjamin Gordon, a leading investor in logistics and supply chain technology companies. This investment marks a significant milestone in AutoScheduler’s continued growth and commitment to transforming warehouse orchestration through Agentic AI. “Ben Gordon brings unmatched expertise in logistics technology and a proven track record of scaling high-growth supply chain innovators,” says Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler AI. “Ben understands that we’re entering a new era in warehousing, where Agentic AI enables proactive, intelligent decision-making across operations, driving speed, agility, and performance. This strategic partnership will help us accelerate our roadmap, enhance customer outcomes, and bring Agentic AI warehouse orchestration to even more enterprises.” “In a world where disruptions are the norm, companies need intelligent, responsive systems that can orchestrate warehouse operations in real time and AutoScheduler delivers exactly that and more,” says Benjamin Gordon. “We are impressed with the team, technology, and leadership at the company and look forward to supporting their continued growth.” Benjamin Gordon is Managing Partner of Cambridge Capital, an investor in niche supply chain leaders. He is also Managing Partner of BGSA Holdings LLC (BGSA), an investment banking firm focused on the supply chain industry. Prior to founding BGSA, Ben founded 3PLex and led strategy projects in transportation and technology at Mercer Management Consulting. Ben received a Master’s in Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale College. AutoScheduler continues to partner with global brands seeking to modernize warehouse operations and boost efficiencies and productivity within the warehouse environment. The investment will support AutoScheduler’s continued expansion, including enhancements to its product suite, growth of its leadership and engineering teams, and increased go-to-market efforts. Previous investments & follow on investments were also made by core AutoScheduler partners Noro-Moseley Partners and Blue Impact LLC.

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Yale takes home two awards for lift trucks designed around factory-integrated lithium-ion power

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:45:04 +0000

Yale Lift Truck Technologies announces two prestigious industry awards for the ERP-VTL/VFL series of lift trucks with factory-integrated lithium-ion battery power. The trucks won recognition for outstanding green product design in the 2025 Green GOOD DESIGN® Awards and as an outstanding example of innovation that provides companies with energy and environmental benefits in the 2025 E+E Leader Awards. Rather than a battery box replacement, in which a standard counterbalanced lift truck design gets a lithium-ion retrofit, both the three-wheel ERP040VTL and the four-wheel ERP040VFL are engineered from the ground up around a fully integrated lithium-ion battery pack. This strategy not only provides the lasting performance and charging capabilities of lithium-ion power, it also enables a series of ergonomic advantages, including increased space in the operator compartment. “Manufacturing lift trucks around a fully integrated lithium-ion battery helps alleviate headaches for warehouses that might otherwise pursue an aftermarket retrofit to accommodate lithium-ion power,” says Brad Long, Global Activation Manager, Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “Beyond the performance benefits of electric forklifts, the ERP-VTL/VFL series also helps warehouses address labor challenges with key advantages for operator comfort. These recognitions are further proof that an innovative design approach can provide what these operations need to directly address these key challenges head-on.” The integrated lithium-ion power of the ERP-VTL/VFL lift trucks offers fast charging, zero tailpipe emissions and no off-gassing in battery charging or maintenance processes, along with lower energy costs compared to fossil fuels and lead-acid batteries. The trucks’ key ergonomic benefits include an open space design that increases the operator’s freedom to position their feet and facilitates easy entry and exit from the operator cabin. Stability is also improved with a repositioned center of gravity that enhances drive quality and improves truck handling in corners. These features can help to increase operator confidence and performance.

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Applied Manufacturing Technologies advanced ignition capabilities with Gold Certification

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 13:04:53 +0000

AMT is pleased to announce that it continues to expand its Ignition capabilities with achievements in Ignition Gold Certification. This focus on the Ignition platform reflects AMT’s commitment to delivering modern, data-driven solutions for today’s manufacturers. Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) has announced one of their engineers has attained an Ignition Gold Certification. In addition, AMT is actively training three engineers to become Ignition Gold Certified as well. “This initiative reflects our commitment to deepening our technical expertise so we can continue delivering innovative, data-driven solutions to meet the evolving demands of our customers,” said Craig Salvalaggio, President at AMT. “It’s a meaningful step in expanding our Ignition expertise across the team.” Ignition, developed by Inductive Automation, is an industrial server software platform designed to connect SQL databases with plant floor equipment. With a wide range of compatible brands and models, Ignition functions as a central hub for integrating production systems and IT. The platform collects data, facilitates the design of industrial applications, and supports the deployment of web clients to users globally. To become Ignition Gold Certified, engineers must enroll in Inductive University and complete comprehensive training, pass certification exams, and demonstrate proficiency with real-world projects. “The engineers we are training on Ignition are not just savvy with this one platform, they are fully trained automation engineers, competent in programming PLCs and industrial robots, who have now also developed skills to support Ignition projects,” said Dinesh Vasabakthula, Controls Software Lead Engineer at AMT. “This allows our engineers to bring considerable value to a project. In addition, we have a subset of the team who are capable of engineering and consulting on the ‘back-end’ work involved in Ignition deployment.” AMT recently supported a leading life sciences company by deploying the Ignition platform to automate and monitor critical steps in their process. Using Ignition’s capabilities for visualization, real-time data acquisition, and system connectivity, AMT enabled the facility to track and control cycle parameters and product movement from entry to exit, ensuring transparency and traceability throughout the operation. The Ignition system integrates with the customer’s MES and provides dashboards, alerts, and audit logs to support both operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. As a result, the client achieved improved overall product quality and ensured complete batch safety, demonstrating the value of Ignition in complex, compliance-driven environments.

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Prima Power enhanced automation capabilities with acquisition of Sistec AM

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 12:49:02 +0000

Strengthening market leadership in sheet metalworking through advanced robotics and flexible manufacturing systems integration Prima Power recently acquired long-time robotics partner Sistec AM, leveling up the company’s know-how in technology integration to further reinforce a unique customer-focused offer. Sheet metal manufacturers can now realize their potential through full optimization of robotic cells and the widest range of modular solutions for automated systems, all in one partner. Prima Power, the master of technology integration in the sheet metal industry, takes a new step forward towards full automation — the latest move in the “Evolve by integration” strategy. The acquisition of robotics specialist and established partner Sistec AM, with its highly specialized expertise, bolsters the integration of all of Prima Power’s solutions to a superior level of optimization, both in terms of flexibility and performance. Prima Power’s evolution keeps the focus on the specific needs of each business. The presence of a new internal Robotics Integration Unit unlocks the countless combination opportunities of the most comprehensive range of sheet metal technologies, from advanced robotic cells to Flexible Manufacturing Systems, streamlining the whole production flow. Benefits may result in greater productivity, more flexible and compact layouts, smarter handling and logistics, or a wiser use of workers’ time. In a production world that has long been struggling with a labor shortage, robotic technologies are rapidly turning into commodities: the future is not in robotics per se, but in the quality and extent of robotics integration. In this scenario, Prima Power is set to make the life of manufacturers easier. No matter their challenges, OEMs and job shops of any size can all find the know-how and ideal technologies for their needs in one comprehensive single partner. Thanks to its complete range of sheet metal working machines and specialized Robotics Integration Unit, Prima Power holds a rare position: the fully in-house ability to always conceive and deliver the solutions that better answer customer needs. The acquisition reinforces the strong process-oriented approach of Prima Power. The new Robotics Integration Unit, born from the expertise of Sistec AM, combines with the wide portfolio of technology and software suite to exalt Prima Power’s role in industrial automation engineering. Prima Power is the “Process Solver”: the one partner to organize all production stages, from coil to assembly, and increase overall productivity. A boost for all automation solutions, robotics integration competencies are particularly pivotal to Flexible Manufacturing Systems, where scalable sets of modular elements offer businesses an array of decisive growth opportunities. Prima Power’s Robotic Bending Cells are designed to transform sheet metal fabrication by integrating advanced robotics with servo-electric press brakes and panel benders. This combination ensures high repeatability and a fast return on investment, making it profitable for both small and large batches. The flexibility of the standalone bending cells allows them to handle a wide range of materials and thicknesses and adapt to a wide range of applications. Their modular design allows for easy customization and scalability, ensuring they meet the specific needs of diverse manufacturers and job shops, regardless of their scale. With fully automated operation, high precision and optimized layouts, Prima Power’s robotic solutions increase efficiency, reduce errors and simplify factory integration. Prima Power’s Robotics Integration Solutions are designed to deliver greater efficiency, flexibility and productivity in sheet metal manufacturing. By seamlessly combining anthropomorphic industrial robots with a wide range of technologies into robotic cells or complete flexible manufacturing systems, Prima Power solutions optimize every stage of production, from material handling to assembly, while ensuring a compact, scalable and high performance system design. Prima Power’s in-house Robotics Integration Unit specializes in creating process-oriented solutions that simplify and optimize production flow. These solutions enable manufacturers to streamline production flow, reduce cycle times and improve overall output. End-user benefits include fully integrated material handling automation, flexible and modular configurations, smarter workforce utilisation, optimised layouts and improved efficiency. Prima Power’s Robotics Integration Solutions offer extreme versatility, handling a wide range of materials and thicknesses. With their modular framework, these solutions are easily customizable and scalable, ensuring they adapt to the evolving needs of businesses across various sectors and sizes, unlocking their full productive potential.

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UniCarriers® Forklift expands presence in Texas through strategic partnership with Mobinsa

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:32:43 +0000

UniCarriers® Forklift has announced a new strategic partnership with Mobinsa, a prominent player in the Mexico and Texas markets. This collaboration marks a noteworthy milestone for UniCarriers as it expands Mobinsa’s reach and service offerings to El Paso, TX, and Odessa, TX. As the new official authorized dealer of UniCarriers® forklifts in the region, Mobinsa will provide its customers with the best-in-class material handling solutions and unparalleled service support. In addition to the full lineup of products available in the Mexico market, Mobinsa will contiue its commitment to exceptional customer service that sets a strong infrastructure designed to support the industrial bridge between Mexico and the Southern border. “We are honored to grow our network of authorized dealerships through this expanded territory,” said Niels Tolboom, Director of North America Dealer Sales at Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. “Mobinsa’s dedication to customer service and their specialized services approach align with our mission to provide customers with the highest-quality material handling solutions and exceptional service.” With UniCarriers® Forklifts’ experience as a leading forklift manufacturer specializing in comprehensive customer support programs and with Mobinsa’s focus on delivering high-class service and a strong focus on customer satisfaction, the partnership is set to make a positive impact on customers in the West Texas region. The addition of Mobinsa as a dealer not only expands UniCarriers’ distribution footprint in the region but will also benefit end-use customers. Together, the two companies plan to develop a rental fleet focused on short-term rentals (STR) and long-term rentals (LTR) for the territory. “We envision a strong partnership with UniCarriers, a company renowned for its quality products, strong business values, and diverse business background,” said Luis Gerardo Garza at Mobinsa. “We look forward to offering our customers top-tier products that meet their industrial needs.”

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Longtime ASSP member earns Prevention through Design Award

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 15:16:32 +0000

Bruce Lyon, a longtime member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), is the recipient of the 2025 Prevention through Design (PtD) Award. The honor is presented by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in partnership with ASSP, the National Safety Council (NSC) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). The annual award recognizes an elite workplace safety and health professional, team or organization that demonstrates outstanding leadership in eliminating or reducing workplace hazards through design or redesign efforts and contributes to the body of knowledge that enables PtD solutions. “Assessing workplace environments and proactively designing out hazards is an innovative and long-term approach to business sustainability and preventing worker injuries, illnesses and fatalities,” said ASSP President Linda Tapp, CSP, ALCM, CPTD. “Bruce specializes in risk assessment and risk management and has greatly elevated the use of safety standards and prevention through design principles around the world.” Lyon, P.E., CSP, ARM, SMP, CHMM, is an ASSP Fellow and vice president and director of Risk Management Services for Brown & Brown Inc., a commercial insurance brokerage firm. He is a leading expert in occupational safety and health who has more than 45 years of experience working with national and global organizations across various industries. Lyon’s skills also involve safety management systems, ergonomics and regulatory compliance. He chairs and vice chairs key ANSI/ASSP risk management and prevention through design committees and previously advised on ISO 31000 standards. An adjunct professor and advisory board chair at the University of Central Missouri, Lyon has authored numerous influential articles and books, including “Risk Assessment: A Practical Guide to Assessing Operational Risks.” He has been an ASSP member since 1982 and continues to educate professionals on risk management and safety standards through webinars, podcasts, training courses and speaking engagements at national conferences. “Bruce has been instrumental in keeping prevention through design principles in the forefront of safety efforts,” Tapp said. “His dedication to risk mitigation and worker safety has certainly saved countless lives.” Lyon will be honored at ASSP’s Leaders and Honorees Celebration on July 21 in Orlando as part of the Safety 2025 Professional Development Conference and Exposition.

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MTI names 2025–2028 trustees and honors Emeritus Leaders

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:05:41 +0000

MTI welcomes four national transportation leaders to the Board of Trustees & promotes two to emeritus status MTI welcomes Dina El-Tawansy, Anna Harvey, Matthew Tucker, K. Jane Williams as new members of the Board of Trustees for the 2025-2028 term and elevates Trustees Will Kempton and Diane Woodend Jones to emeritus status. As the Director of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Dina El-Tawansy manages a nearly $20 billion budget and more than 22,000 employees who oversee 50,000 lane miles of highway, maintain 20,000 bridges, fund three of Amtrak’s busiest intercity rail services, and support more than 200 local and regional transit agencies. Previously, Director El-Tawansy was the first woman to ever serve as the Bay Area District 4 Director, where she led the oversight of all highways, toll bridges, and tunnels in the greater San Francisco Area. While much of her three-decade Caltrans’ career has been in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, Director El-Tawansy also served as Acting Assistant Divisions Chief for Project and Program Management in HQ (Sacramento) and the Deputy District Director of Operations and Maintenance in D12 (Orange County). Also joining MTI is Anna Harvey. She is Deputy Project Director of Engineering for The Portal project (formerly known as the Downtown Rail Extension), an $8 billion Caltrain tunnel extension into the Salesforce Transit Center. A licensed civil engineer with over 15 years of experience, Harvey began her career on the Central Subway project before taking on roles with California High-Speed Rail and the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. She has worked across funding, highways, rail, and station planning, and currently serves on a TRB research panel. She was named Student of the Year when she graduated from SJSU’s MS in Transportation Management program, and she is an active mentor to emerging industry professionals. Matt Tucker comes to MTI as HDR’s Global Transit Director, where he sets the strategic vision for a team of over 650 employees delivering a diverse portfolio of services tailored to the design and delivery of bus, streetcar, commuter rail, light rail, subway, and inter-city passenger rail projects and programs worldwide. Prior to joining HDR, Tucker spent 15 years serving as the CEO of the North County (San Diego) Transit District (NCTD). During his tenure, NCTD constructed a downtown COASTER rail station, replaced its fleet with new locomotives, and advanced the agency’s transition to zero-emission bus fleets. Prior to NCTD, he was the Executive Director of the Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation, COO of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), and held transit leadership roles in Phoenix and Richmond. K. Jane Williams is a senior vice president and national practice consultant in HNTB’s advisory practice. Based in Washington, D.C., Williams serves clients nationwide as an advisor related to federal transportation funding and policy strategies. Williams brings more than three decades of experience in federal and state government along with work in the private sector in the areas of transportation and infrastructure. Her extensive background includes serving as senior advisor to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and acting administrator of the Federal Transit Administration from August 2017-January 2021. During her tenure at the FTA, Williams managed over $80 billion in grants, overseeing some of the largest formula and competitive grant programs in the nation. In addition to welcoming El-Tawansy, Harvey, Tucker, and Williams as new members of the Board, MTI is elevating two trustees to emeritus status. Trustee Will Kempton is a renowned transportation innovator and retired Executive Director with 50 years of experience in transportation, government affairs, and public service. He has been a member of the Mineta Transportation Institute Board of Trustees since 2004 and served as Chair during the 2021-2023 term. Trustee Diane Woodend Jones is Chairman of the Board, Executive Vice President, and Principal of the international consulting firm, Lea+Elliott, Inc. who has served in leadership and on the firm’s Board of Directors for more than two decades. She served with distinction on MTI’s Board for twelve years. Each of these distinguished professionals brings a wealth of experience, innovative leadership, a deep commitment to public service, and indispensable dedication that strengthens MTI and helps shape a better, more connected transportation future.

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CLARK expands dealer network with Burwell Material Handling in Virginia

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:51:30 +0000

CLARK Material Handling Company is strengthening its representation in major markets across North America and has announced its partnership with Burwell Material Handling, by appointment of new territories in Richmond and Chesapeake, VA. This strategic addition bolsters CLARK’s dealer coverage in the Mid-Atlantic, helping to solidify the CLARK brand as a leader in material handling solutions for customers in every market. “CLARK is investing heavily in people, product, and technology – rooting our trusted brand in credibility with a whole new generation of buyers. It’s an exciting time to partner with dealers who are themselves investing in growth and those who want to bring CLARK to market in a whole new way,” said Brandon Bullard, vice president of sales for CLARK. “Burwell Material Handling is already a trusted dealer partner with a deep customer focus and legacy of operational excellence.” With nearly 80 years of material handling experience, Burwell Material Handling coverage stretches across 30 states with its 20 branches throughout the U.S. “For customers, this means greater access to CLARK’s industry-leading products backed by responsive support from our teams,” said Kent Senf, president of Burwell Material Handling. “Representing CLARK in these two Virginia branches helps us serve our customers with the right solutions, faster turnaround, and the dependable equipment performance they need. Our focus is on helping customers solve what’s right in front of them while getting them ready for what’s next,” Senf says. “Partnering with CLARK helps us do just that, and we look forward to the growth ahead.”

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Darrell Paul joins Allient Rochester

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 10:00:53 +0000

Allient Inc. has announced the appointment of Darrell Paul as Director of Business Development and Strategy at Allient Rochester (formerly ORMEC Systems). In this newly created role, Darrell will be responsible for driving revenue growth and shaping product strategy and roadmap. Darrell brings extensive experience in the motion control and automation sectors, having held leadership roles in application engineering, sales and business development, marketing and product management, and strategic partnerships. Darrell holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technologies from Western Michigan University. Allient Rochester designs and manufactures servo drives, motion controllers, single & multi-axis integrated assemblies, and value-add sub-system and system level solutions for mission-critical motion control applications. Its technical experts collaborate closely with customers and Allient’s global solutions team to help them meet complex technical challenges, achieve strategic business goals, and deliver greater value to their end users. “What attracted me to Allient was the opportunity to be part of a globally integrated organization with deep technical capabilities and a strong industry presence,” said Darrell Paul, Director of Business Development and Strategy. “I’m looking forward to helping shape strategy, strengthen customer relationships, and expand Allient Rochester’s impact across critical motion control markets.” “Darrell’s broad industry expertise and commercial leadership make him a great asset to the Allient Rochester team,” said Jesse Dowd, General Manager of Allient Rochester. “His ability to bridge technical understanding with strategic business development will be instrumental as we expand our offering and deliver greater value to our customers.”

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AXCS Equipment appoints group product manager for new product portfolio

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 10:30:54 +0000

AXCS Equipment has announced Paul Michaels as the company’s new group product manager. One of Michael’s primary responsibilities will be to work on the development and deployment of the company’s new and expanding product portfolio. He will be responsible for overall customer experience and product strategy by translating market needs and determining how both legacy and AXCS Equipment products ideally exceed market expectations in each segment to fulfill customer requirements. “AXCS Equipment has an amazing growth outlook, with plans to add a significant number of new aerial products in the coming years,” Michaels said. “Safety and quality are two of our core principles and that will be a primary focus as we roll out these new products. We want to ensure that not only can customers safely use our products, but that they’re also benefiting from equipment that provides world-class quality.” As group product manager, Michaels will deploy the AXCS Equipment product portfolio strategy, which entails the existing portfolio and new product categories, including larger-capacity scissor lifts, vertical mast lifts, articulated booms, telehandlers, and other products. Michaels brings 25-plus years of product management experience to his new role. He most recently worked with Briggs & Stratton in its commercial lawn mower equipment product line division. Previously, he spent 12 years with Rexnord, a heavy power transmission company, in various global and senior product manager positions. In each role, Michaels developed product strategies and solutions to make equipment more innovative, safer, and more efficient — a mindset he carries with him as AXCS Equipment’s group product manager. “Paul’s established record of enhancing brands will be a great asset to the AXCS Equipment team and will directly benefit our customers,” said Eric Liner, CEO of AXCS Equipment. “His strategic approach to product management will be valuable in growing our new brand identity and our expanding product offering. There are big happenings on the horizon for AXCS Equipment, and Paul’s role will be largely connected to helping shape our future.”

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Hyster makes Plant Engineering product of the year list for innovative forklift charging solution

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:14:24 +0000

Onboard charging solution allows lithium-ion powered equipment to charge from standard 120- and 240-volt electrical outlets, enabling more operations to leverage electric forklifts Hyster has announced product of the year honors for its onboard charging solution, with Plant Engineering magazine recognizing the solution with a bronze award in the electrical, power, and lighting category. Available on several counterbalanced Hyster® forklifts with integrated lithium-ion battery power, the onboard charging solution allows trucks to be charged using standard, commonly available electrical outlets, rather than requiring dedicated higher-capacity charging infrastructure. “Onboard charging helps address a major challenge that has prevented some operations from taking advantage of lithium-ion power,” says Josh Eby, Global Product Manager, Hyster. “The flexibility to simply plug into a common electrical outlet makes electric forklifts a stronger fit for a much broader range of applications, and this recognition by the readers of Plant Engineering further validates our approach to making electric forklifts more accessible.” The onboard charging option is available on several Hyster lift trucks with lift capacities ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 pounds. This charging flexibility makes lithium-ion-powered forklifts a stronger fit for applications with intermittent charging availability, like agriculture and construction, or lower-hour applications that do not require fast charging, like retail and light manufacturing. It also enables businesses to rent electric forklifts without having to alter their electric infrastructure, and even enables recharging via generator when power is unreliable or unavailable. This onboard charging option includes a charging cable with a 240-volt 50-amp connection, adaptors for both 240-volt 30-amp and 120-volt 12-amp plugs, and an out-of-the-way storage bin located to the left of the seat for all cables and adaptors. Depending on the forklift model, operators could expect to get about one hour of medium-duty usage from as little as a 40-minute 6kW (240-volt) charge or a two hour and 40-minute 1.4kW (120-volt) charge. The addition of the onboard charging option does not affect the ability for units to charge quickly via typical offboard chargers.

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Motion opens new branch in Quebec

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:51:43 +0000

Expanding Motion’s service footprint in Canada Motion Industries, Inc. has announced the opening of a new sales branch in Quebec, Canada. The new facility, located at 2903 7th Street, Val-d’Or, officially opened on June 2, 2025. This strategic location strengthens the company’s ability to better serve and expand its customer base in Northern Quebec. The Val-d’Or facility joins an extensive network of approximately 70 Motion branches across Canada, further expanding the company’s market footprint. Services include product order fulfillment supported by a large inventory network, as well as engineering and repair services in pneumatics, hydraulics and power transmission. The location also offers industry training opportunities for customers. Leadership Quotes on the New Facility Brent Pope, Motion’s Senior Group Vice President, Canada & Sales Excellence, said: “This new branch is set up for success thanks to its experienced team, innovative services and strategic industrial park location. It reflects our commitment to supporting Quebec’s economy by delivering expert solutions and fostering strong community connections.” James Howe, President of Motion, added: “By establishing a foothold in Northern Quebec, we can now provide local customers with faster, more responsive service to help keep their facilities running smoothly. We’re eager to build lasting relationships through exceptional service.” A Positive Economic Impact for Quebec In addition to providing industry-leading services, the branch will create opportunities for skilled jobs in Quebec, stimulating the local economy and supporting a thriving community.

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Swisslog appoints new Americas region president and CEO

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 15:33:44 +0000

Swisslog has announced Mike Barker as the company’s new president and CEO of Swisslog Logistics, Inc. Mike will drive the company’s growth in the Americas and key industries, bring renewed focus to evolving and enhancing Swisslog’s SynQ software, enhance the company’s integrated solutions, and develop strategies for further AI integration into Swisslog’s portfolio of best-in-class robotics and software solutions. “Outgoing president and CEO Sean Wallingford significantly contributed to the company’s success in the Americas region, accomplishing record-setting growth and establishing new customer partnerships. As we move into this next chapter, we do so with a strong foundation in the Americas region that he helped build,” said Jens Schmale, CEO of Swisslog. “I am confident that Mike is the right person to further accelerate the company’s success in the Americas region. His leadership, insight and commitment to the customer is exactly what is needed to maintain the company’s forward progress. I’m excited to see where his leadership takes Swisslog.” Mike brings over 34 years of experience in warehouse automation, logistics and software, coming back to Swisslog after serving as Vice President of Consumer Goods at Swisslog in 2021. He brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to his new role with Swisslog, including defining corporate strategies to support the evolution and enhancement of software offerings. He also has valuable experience working closely with sales, product management and engineering to align with corporate goals, as well as leading professional service teams in deploying large scale software solutions. “Swisslog provides innovative value to customers through the power of integration, the physical aspect of uniting multiple solutions on a single platform and the software aspect of providing a single point of control for managing the various subsystems that go into the solution. Our ability to deliver smart automation and collaborate closely with customers is unmatched,” said Mike, “I’m excited to rejoin the company and eager to build on these strengths to increase our market share and bring further innovation to our automation solutions and software to help our customers continue to meet the needs of their evolving supply chains.” Given Mike’s software experience, he sees a real opportunity to enhance Swisslog’s SynQ software to provide further benefits to customers. SynQ not only optimizes the flow of the equipment to increase efficiency and accuracy of the operation, it also orchestrates the operation of multiple systems. SynQ is equipping warehouse automation and IT systems with synchronized intelligence of people, processes and machines to boost the efficiency and productivity of warehouse processes and adapt to changing market requirements.

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GEODIS announced Laura Ritchey as President & CEO of Americas Region

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:48:53 +0000

GEODIS has announced the appointment of Laura Ritchey as President & CEO of the Americas region. Ritchey will also serve as a member of the Group’s Executive Board, which is chaired by Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS. As President & CEO of GEODIS in the Americas, Ritchey will oversee the management and growth of the region’s multiple business units across North and South America, including contract logistics, freight forwarding and transportation. Ritchey now leads the region’s nearly 20,000 teammates across eight countries, comprising the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Argentina and Brazil. She succeeds Mike Honious, who is retiring from the industry. “With the U.S. being one of the top markets in our global network, Laura has the robust industry and leadership experience needed to continue strengthening GEODIS’ position in this critical region,” said Lombard. “Laura’s unique knowledge of the logistics industry, including deep expertise in retail and e-commerce, and business acumen, makes her the right leader to further the region’s incredible growth and help navigate in the face of today’s complex and ever-changing landscape.” Ritchey joins GEODIS with more than 30 years of experience, including 15 years in supply chain management for both retail and third-party logistics. She began her career in finance before shifting into supply chain operations, including sourcing, distribution and strategic transformation. Ritchey was most recently CEO at Radial, Inc., a leader in e-commerce fulfillment solutions, where she delivered revenue growth and profitability through operational excellence. Prior to joining Radial, Ritchey held leadership positions at L Brands, FullBeauty Brands and Centric Brands. She is a board member for Goodwill Manasota in Florida and a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. Ritchey earned her J.D., MBA and bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University. She is a certified public accountant and a member in good standing of the Ohio bar. Ritchey will succeed Honious, who is retiring from the supply chain industry after 30 years (20 of those at GEODIS). Honious will serve in an advisory capacity to Lombard to assist in the transition and will continue to hold director roles with the GEODIS Foundation and GEODIS Compassion Fund.

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HAVER & BOECKER marks a century of fascinating engineering

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:47:47 +0000

HAVER & BOECKER is celebrating 100 years of the Machinery Division. It kicked off the year-long festivities in May by hosting customers and industry partners from around the globe for an anniversary event at its headquarters in Oelde, Germany. The occasion also commemorated milestones for two subsidiaries: 50 years of IBAU HAMBURG and 25 years of AML Anlagentechnik, highlighting HAVER & BOECKER’S enduring legacy and technological leadership. The anniversary celebrations will all feature a short reflection on the past before jumping into a showcase of continuous innovation and a clear vision for the future, rooted in five generations of trusted engineering expertise. Guests can explore the company’s evolution through immersive exhibits and live demonstrations of its latest technologies. “A lot can change in 100 years, but our commitment to our employees, customers and core values, which are masterfully crafted, inspiring and familiar, remain consistent,” said Florian Festge, Managing Partner of HAVER & BOECKER. “Those principles continue to guide us into the future.” Showcasing Technology, Longevity and Service The event featured hands-on demonstrations of HAVER & BOECKER’s flagship packing technologies, including the RADIMAT®, ROTOPACKER® and INTEGRA® systems. New inventions, such as the RADIMAT-PATHFINDER®, a system designed to revolutionize empty bag logistics, and AMICUS® Depal, an empty bag depalletizing robot designed to close the automation gap, drew attention for their automation, flexibility and efficiency. The new INTEGRA® IVT Seal edition, part of the next-gen IVx series, stood out for its new hygiene-inspired design and precise packing performance capabilities based on artificial intelligence. HAVER & BOECKER also presented advanced filtration systems, featuring a new industrial woven wire innovation: RPDHiFlow. Visitors explored offerings from across the world of HAVER & BOECKER, including FEIGE FILLING, SOMMER, BEHN + BATES, AVENTUS, NEWTEC BAG PALLETIZING, HAVER & BOECKER Niagara, NEXOPART and MAJOR. Digitalization was a key theme with the QUAT²RO® mission control studio offering an interactive presentation of HAVER & BOECKER’s plant monitoring, predictive maintenance and process control tools. The PROcheck service program was also spotlighted for its proactive support and 24/7 availability, earning praise from international guests for enhancing operational reliability. Investing in People and the Future The event emphasized HAVER & BOECKER’s commitment to workforce development through the Haver Academy, which celebrated its 125-year milestone. Apprentices and early-career employees shared insights into their hands-on training and cross-departmental experiences, reflecting the company’s long-standing investment in workforce readiness. Meanwhile, the Haver Institute highlighted its “Packing Triangle” methodology — an innovative framework aligning product, bag and machine specifications to boost efficiency and reduce waste. A short film shown at the HAVER & BOECKER Cinema offered a visual journey through the company’s global operations, spotlighting consistent operational standards across its manufacturing hubs in Brazil, China, India and the U.S.A. Looking Ahead: Commitment to Excellence and Partnership The centennial event concluded with remarks from the company’s leadership, including members of the fourth generation, Mr. Walter Haver and Dr. Reinhold Festge, expressing gratitude to customers, partners and employees. “We want to express our deep gratitude to our customers for their trust and partnership throughout the years. It is that trust that has truly sustained and inspired us,” said Dr. Fabian Festge. “We also thank all the dedicated engineers and the entire team whose expertise and passion have made this century of innovation possible.” “This milestone celebration is a testament to the fact that innovation at HAVER & BOECKER is not merely a response to market trends. It is embedded in our DNA,” said Niklas Haver. Two more customer events will take place on September 4, 2025, and December 3, 2025. The September event is fully booked, but space is still available in the December event. Customers and industry partners can expect a similar setting for the upcoming festivities. As HAVER & BOECKER enters its second century, it remains committed to delivering engineering excellence, building strong partnerships and shaping the future of packing.

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