Papé Material Handling acquires Globe-Bay Area Forklift
Papé Material Handling recently acquired Globe-Bay Area Forklift, effective May 12, 2023. No details of the acquisition will be released. Former Globe-Bay Area Forklift customers will gain access to Papé’s extensive selection of forklifts and other material-handling equipment. In an announcement from Papé Material Handling President, Chris Metle said, “Our members look forward to earning your business with unparalleled customer service and a full line of equipment rentals including scissor lifts, boom lifts, telehandlers, and forklift models including 3-and 4-wheel electric, internal combustion, narrow aisle, reach trucks, and big-jumbo trucks. We are excited to meet you, build a strong relationship, earn your trust, exceed your expectations, and be a continued part of your success.” Both Papé and Globe-Area Forklift have a long history of serving their customers as family-owned businesses. Globe-Bay Area Forklift was founded in 1952 as Globe-Wally Forklift before being acquired by Bay Area Forklift in 1991. This history of serving customers made Globe-Bay Area Forklift a perfect fit for Papé Material Handling. With 85 years of experience, Papé is a fourth-generation family-owned and led business with a long tradition of success in the equipment business. Papé Material Handling prides itself on providing a wide selection of versatile equipment for warehousing, construction, and other material handling operations.
Williams-Mystic Maritime Program students awarded Crowley Scholarships
Williams-Mystic Maritime Studies Program students Jessica Jiang and Ari Quasney were awarded Crowley scholarships for their academic achievements, demonstration of the company’s core values of drive, integrity, and sustainability, and interest in the maritime industry. Jiang, of Brooklyn, New York, is a sophomore at Williams College where she studies English. Her marine education spans multiple areas including marine ecology, marine policy, and American maritime history. During her studies with Williams-Mystic, she is researching the effects of rising climate temperatures on the feeding rate of an invasive species of crab, as well as the impact of plastic bans on low-income communities. Quasney, from Munster, Indiana, is also a sophomore at Williams College and is pursuing a degree in geoscience in addition to a combined degree in art history and studio art. They are a member of the deaf community and serve as the accessibility coordinator for the Williams College of Accessibility. As part of their studies at Williams-Mystic, Quasney is researching the effects of variable tides and wave energy on coastlines and examining how port cities adapt construction in response to natural disaster events. The Williams-Mystic Maritime Studies Program is a collaboration between Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut. The program offers undergraduates from across the U.S. a semester-long experience at sea with opportunities to conduct original research and travel while studying literature, history, policy, and science of the oceans and coasts. Since 1984, Crowley has funded more than 1,000 students studying at maritime academies and other select schools in the U.S. mainland, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Central America, totaling more than $3 million dollars.
KION Group donates over half a million Euros to the German Red Cross for the Earthquake Victims in Türkiye and Syria
The Intralogistics group supports the German Red Cross’ efforts in the earthquake area Employees donate more than €280,000 to the German Red Cross, the KION Executive Board doubles the sum Paid time off for KION Group employees who wish to volunteer in humanitarian aid operations in Türkiye and Syria Following the devastating earthquake on the Turkish-Syrian border in February this year, the KION Group is donating almost 600,000 euros to support relief workers and thereby help earthquake victims. “We’re still deeply saddened by the tragedy that has struck Türkiye and Syria and want to play our part by supporting aid operations in the long term,” said Rob Smith, CEO of KION GROUP AG. “We’re immensely grateful to our employees who have generously donated to help victims of the earthquake in recent weeks, and we are more than happy to show our solidarity by doubling the amount donated by employees.” KION employees from all over the world donated as part of a Group-wide campaign to raise money for the German Red Cross. The aid organization has been actively helping to rescue, care for and house those in need in the earthquake zone in Türkiye and Syria since the disaster struck. In addition to this, colleagues in Germany were also able to convert their working time credits (overtime, etc.) into donations. All time credits (gross) have been donated to the Red Cross, as the KION Group has covered all the tax and social security contributions due in full. Furthermore, employees who have a personal connection to the crisis region and who wanted to assist with the humanitarian aid operations on the ground—independently from the German Red Cross—were able to do so with full pay. A total of around €285,550 was raised from February to April through monetary and time credit donations. The KION Executive Board will now double this amount, bringing it up to €571,100, as an additional contribution to the reconstruction efforts in the region. CEO Rob Smith continues: “We would like to extend our thanks to the professional and volunteer relief workers on the ground who continue with their tireless work to overcome the devastating effects of this natural disaster. It will take years for the region to be rebuilt.” The donations received by the German Red Cross are being used to provide those affected by the earthquake with the vital support they need, whether it be accommodation, food, water, medicine, or psychological support. Further information on how you can support those affected by the earthquake can be found on the German Red Cross website at https://www.drk.de/erdbeben-turkei-syrien/
Papé Material Handling named Combilift Dealer of the Year for 2022
Earlier this month, Combilift awarded Papè Material Handling with the Dealer of the Year award for 2022. The award was presented during the annual ProMat event, held this year at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, IL. Combilift’s line of heavy-duty forklifts, pedestrian stackers, sideloaders, and other warehousing and construction equipment offer solutions for a wide range of floor plans and applications. Papé was particularly honored to receive this year’s award during Combilift’s 25th-anniversary celebration and Papé’s 85th anniversary year. The award serves as a great celebration of the two companies’ combined knowledge and experience. “Congratulations to all at Papé Material Handling on your North America Dealer of the Year 2022 award,” said Anthony Rooney, Combilift Sales Director for Ireland, UK, and North America. “I would also like to extend a warm thank you for making our 25-year celebrations so special. We are extremely grateful for the continuous support from Papé Material Handling. We were delighted the Papé Material Handling team could join us to help celebrate 25 years of lifting innovation.” “We are thrilled and honored to receive the North America Dealer of the Year 2022 award from Combilift during our 85th anniversary year,” said Chris Wetle, President of Papé Material Handling. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who consistently strive to provide our customers with the best solutions for their material handling needs. We are proud to partner with Combilift, whose innovative line of heavy-duty forklifts and other equipment perfectly complement our offerings. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership and providing our customers with the highest level of service and expertise for many years to come.” As a dedicated provider of material handling equipment to suit any operation, Papé prides itself on providing a wide selection of versatile equipment. For warehousing, construction, and other material handling operations, Papé is the source of equipment and machinery that meet a broad range of operational needs.
ELOKON appoints Mark Stanton as Senior Vice President of Sales
ELOKON Inc. has announced the appointment of Mark Stanton as its new Senior Vice President of Sales. Mark brings with him a wealth of experience in the materials handling industry, with a deep knowledge of forklift fleet management and forklift safety systems. Mark has worked in the industry for over 25 years, including serving as General Manager for Supply Chain Solutions at a publicly traded fleet management solutions provider. He has an impressive track record of driving growth and innovation, as well as leading numerous business units. Mark’s expertise will be instrumental in guiding ELOKON’s continued strong growth in the North American (USA, Canada, and Mexico) markets. “We are thrilled to have Mark join our team,” said Alexander Glasmacher, CEO of ELOKON Inc. “Mark and I have worked together in the past, and I know that his extensive experience in the materials handling industry, particularly in forklift fleet management and safety systems, paired with his strong management skills, make him the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that his leadership and strategic vision will help us accelerate our growth in the North American markets.” Mark’s appointment comes at a critical time for ELOKON as the company continues to expand its presence in North America. ELOKON is a global leader in safety and fleet management technology for industrial trucks, and its systems are used by some of the world’s largest companies to improve safety and productivity in their warehouses and distribution centers. “I am very excited to join ELOKON at this important time in the company’s growth,” said Mark Stanton. “ELOKON’s modern cloud-based forklift fleet management solutions and cutting-edge forklift safety solutions are helping to make workplaces safer and more efficient around the world, and I look forward to working with the talented team to expand our reach and impact in the North American markets.” Mark’s appointment is effective immediately, and he will be based at ELOKON’s US headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
Toyota Material Handling donates $5,000 to Family Service, Inc. to support Mental Health Awareness
Toyota Material Handling has recently donated $5,000 to Family Service, Inc., a nonprofit based in Columbus, Indiana, in support of Mental Health Awareness Month. The donation comes as a result of Toyota’s Executive Giving Program, which started in 2012 as a way to encourage the company’s leaders to get involved with and give back to a local organization they’re passionate about. Each year, Toyota’s senior leaders are allotted between $2,500 and $10,000 to donate to a local nonprofit that’s making a difference in the community. But the Executive Giving Program is about more than just providing financial support. Before a Toyota executive receives funding for a cause, they are strongly encouraged to contribute to the organization in a meaningful way by donating their time. Toyota Material Handling’s latest contribution to Family Service, Inc. was spearheaded by Tracy Stachniak, the company’s Vice President of Human Resources. Stachniak, who serves on the board of the local chapter of the American Red Cross, is passionate about giving back to the community. She learned about Family Service, Inc. from several Toyota Associates who volunteer with the organization, including Michael Heyden, the President of Family Service and senior manager at Toyota. The donation will directly assist Family Service, Inc. in providing mental health therapy and abuse prevention education throughout Bartholomew County, Indiana. “At Toyota, we understand the importance of promoting mental health awareness to fight the stigma, and we are committed to supporting the mental health and wellness of all of our Associates and our fellow neighbors,” Stachniak said. “Our core purpose – the reason we exist – is to contribute to society, and the Executive Giving Program is a great opportunity to do that. We were proud to make this donation to Family Service, Inc. during Mental Health Awareness Month to help promote education and resources for those who may be struggling. Our hope is that this contribution will have a positive impact on many lives and inspire others us to join us in this important cause.” Family Service, Inc., founded in 1968, is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the mental wellness of the community through prevention, education, treatment, and advocacy. Family Service’s primary focus has always been family oriented with programs concentrating heavily on strengthening family functioning. In 2022, Family Service Inc. provided over 620 individuals with mental health services in the region, including approximately 1,833 free therapy sessions for youth and adults. Family Service, Inc. provides in-person prevention education, reaching over 25,000 individuals last year. The organization partners with multiple organizations in the area to provide holistic support for those with immediate and long-term needs. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949, supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to raise awareness about mental health, educate the public and advocate for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness. To join the conversation on social media, use the #MoreThanEnough hashtag.
ORBIS Corporation welcomes Thomas Estock as Director of Sustainability
The new position will spearhead the sustainability journey across the company ORBIS® Corporation, an international provider of reusable packaging, has announced Thomas Estock as its new director of sustainability. The position will focus on furthering sustainability efforts throughout the company while helping customers improve their sustainability performance and meet their ESG goals with reusable packaging. “I am excited to join ORBIS and lead the company’s programs and initiatives to achieve and exceed our sustainability goals,” Estock said. “ORBIS has a strong commitment to sustainability, which is ingrained in our culture, and I look forward to collaborating with the executive team and cross-functional stakeholders to develop and implement programs, protocols, and strategies that will benefit the environment, our communities, our customers, and our employees.” As a steward of sustainability, ORBIS is committed to minimizing its impacts while creating holistic value for its stakeholders through reusability, innovative product design, and optimization of its operations and material usage. At its core, ORBIS has long provided reusable packaging solutions that drive a circular economy through strategic supply chain partnerships for leading companies. “We are thrilled to have Thomas join our team as director of sustainability,” said Norm Kukuk, president at ORBIS Corporation. “His extensive experience in environmental, health, safety, and sustainability management will be invaluable in helping ORBIS achieve and exceed its sustainability objectives and reinforce our leadership in sustainable business practices.” Estock joins ORBIS with three decades of broad and diverse experience in industrial, environmental, health, safety, and sustainability management. Estock will be responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and identifying continuous improvement opportunities for ORBIS’ environmental, social, and governance programs and strategies while supporting ORBIS and its stakeholders to achieve their sustainability objectives and goals. He will also work closely with internal stakeholders to identify, establish and track key performance indicator data to help support our customers with sustainability reporting (e.g., Global Reporting Initiative, Carbon Disclosure Project, EcoVadis, etc.) and Menasha Corporation’s “30 by 30” goal. This enterprisewide goal includes reducing water usage by 10%, landfill waste by 10%, and total emissions by 10% per production ton, by 2030.
Port of Long Beach releases Pier Wind Project concept
Nation’s largest wind turbine facility key to California’s clean energy future The Port of Long Beach has released plans for an ambitious facility conceived to help California and the nation reach renewable energy targets in the coming decades. The floating offshore wind facility – known as Pier Wind – would support the manufacture and assembly of offshore wind turbines standing as tall as the Eiffel Tower. It would be the largest facility at any U.S. seaport specifically designed to accommodate the assembly of offshore wind turbines. “Imagine fully assembled wind turbines capable of generating 20 megawatts of energy towed by sea from the Port of Long Beach to offshore wind farms in Central and Northern California,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “As society transitions to clean energy, our harbor is ideally located for such an enterprise – with calm seas behind a federal breakwater, one of the deepest and widest channels in the U.S., direct access to the open ocean, and no air height restrictions. No other location has the space to achieve the economies of scale needed to drive down the cost of energy for these huge turbines.” “Building Pier Wind lays the foundation for a zero-carbon energy future, not only for the public but for our operations as well,” Long Beach Harbor Commission President Sharon L. Weissman said. “Offshore wind is essential to the Port of Long Beach’s own goals to transition to zero emissions, and ensuring there is a ready supply of reliable, resilient, and renewable power is vital for the work we do moving commerce.” The Pier Wind project helps California harness the powerful wind in deep waters in order to generate renewable energy while enhancing air quality by reducing reliance on fossil fuels; meet the state’s goal of producing 25 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2045; and contribute toward lowering the national cost of offshore wind power by 70% by 2035. The facility would span up to 400 acres of newly built land located southwest of the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge within the Harbor District. The Port’s concept study, available here, provides information to continue planning and discussion with state and federal officials, developers, and funders for the $4.7 billion project. Pier Wind would also create new jobs and career opportunities for the communities closest to the Port that has been disproportionately impacted by climate change and port operations. Community members would participate and benefit as California transitions away from fossil fuels and into a green economy. Construction could potentially start in January 2027, with the first 100 acres operational in early 2031, the second 100 acres operational in late 2031, and the last 200 acres coming online in 2035.
Craig Salvalaggio appointed President of Applied Manufacturing Technologies
AMT has appointed Craig Salvalaggio, previously the Chief Operating Officer (COO), as its new president to lead the company’s growth and drive innovation in delivering turnkey solutions throughout North America Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), North America’s largest independent automation engineering company supporting manufacturers, robot companies, systems integrators, line builders, and users of robotic automation worldwide, has announced the promotion of Chief Operating Officer (COO) Craig Salvalaggio to the position of company president. “Promoting Craig to the role of president was an easy decision,” said AMT’s Founder and CEO Michael Jacobs. “His passion for AMT and his remarkable leadership skills as COO over the past three years have been integral to our success. Craig has built an incredibly dedicated team, and his unwavering commitment to our company, culture, and values inspires the AMT team. I am certain that Craig will continue to lead AMT to even greater heights in his new role as president.” “Craig’s promotion to president is a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional leadership skills,” said Louis Finazzo, Vice President of Sales for FANUC America and long-time acquaintance. “He is an industry pioneer and a very strong and capable leader, with remarkable situational awareness and interpersonal skills. Under his leadership, AMT has achieved great success, earning the prestigious FANUC Level V Integrator award and becoming a trusted strategic partner. Craig’s dedication to his customers and his team have been critical to the company’s growth and reputation, and I have no doubt that he will continue to excel in his new role.” Salvalaggio has served in the role as the Chief Operating Officer of AMT since 2020 which has prepared him to take on the additional responsibilities as company president. Since becoming COO, Salvalaggio has led overall operations of Applied Manufacturing Technologies along with sales, engineering, and talent management. His technical skills in automation and robotics combined with his leadership ability, led to his current role. Salvalaggio’s strategic mission is to continue driving the growth and diversity of both the systems and services market segments at AMT. With over 20 years of experience in automation and possessing a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Lake Superior State University, Salvalaggio also holds a Master of Science in operations management and an MBA from Kettering University. Salvalaggio’s impressive rise to the role of president of AMT is a testament to his hard work and extensive experience, starting as a robotics software engineer in 2006 and working his way up the ranks to become Vice President of Engineering, Vice President of Operations, Chief Operating Officer and finally, President. Having climbed the ladder in all aspects of the business, Salvalaggio possesses a deep understanding of the company’s operations and clients. Salvalaggio is actively involved in the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) on the Robotics Tech Sector Board of Directors and has also served on the RIA Membership Committee and as co-chair of the RIA Certified Robot Integrator Program Committee. He is an expert speaker and panelist on topics such as emerging technologies, culture, and talent management, and has authored dozens of publications to further the industry’s progression on knowledge sharing and technology advancement. “I am deeply honored and grateful to be named the president of this incredible company,” said Salvalaggio. “Working alongside my leader Mike Jacobs and our exceptional team has been an incredible journey so far, and I’m excited to continue driving our mission forward in this new role. As we look to the future, I am committed to preserving the unique culture and values that have made our company so successful, while also exploring new opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Leuze announces a change of management
Leuze is placing its strong growth on a broader footing and has expanded its executive management. Xavier Hamers joined the company on April 1, 2023. By 2025, Leuze will have doubled its sales growth since 2020, and not for the first time. With a sales increase of 25 percent, Leuze took another big step toward achieving this ambitious goal in 2022. And the company is set to make further investments: in international structures as well as in its employees and new talent. Expanded executive management Due to the company’s strong growth, Leuze has begun to gradually and systematically place the entire company on a broader footing – in terms of its processes and its organization. A year ago, Helge Held (CFO and Commercial Director) and Dr. Henning Grönzin (CTO and Technical Director) joined the Leuze executive management. Hamers becomes the new CEO of Leuze On April 1st, Xavier Hamers began his role as the new CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of the global Leuze electronic Group. He studied mechanical engineering and has a strong technical and business background. He also brings many years of international experience in sales and business development to the role. His goal: “The design and service-oriented implementation of technology must give our customers real added value and enable them to sustain their success in a continuously changing industry”. The Sensor People welcome Hamers and wish him all the best in starting his new role.
SVT Robotics appoints Cole Heffernan as Chief Financial Officer
Heffernan brings a decade of senior finance and accounting experience to the position SVT Robotics, a provider of enterprise software for the implementation of industrial robotics, just announced the appointment of Cole Heffernan as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Heffernan joins the SVT executive team having most recently served as Head of Operations at SEI Novus, a cloud-native portfolio intelligence and analytics platform for institutional investors. Prior to SEI Novus, Heffernan served as CFO at Novus Partners, Inc., where he reconstructed the finance function of the organization and reduced operational costs while accelerating growth. “Cole comes to SVT Robotics having assisted founders and private equity-backed organizations in implementing systems, processes, and KPIs necessary to meet strategic goals,” said A.K. Schultz, CEO of SVT Robotics. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the team, and we look forward to what he’ll achieve both personally and for the future of SVT.” “Over the years, I have worked to improve productivity, communication, and execution to drive strategic business development. It is a pleasure to join the innovative team at SVT Robotics,” said Cole Heffernan. “SVT is providing the solution to automation’s greatest barrier, and I am eager to work alongside the executive team to assist in stewarding the organization’s next season of growth – and beyond.” Heffernan resides in Austin, Texas, and holds a master’s degree in accounting from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas.
Old Dominion Freight Line announces new executive officer
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. has announced that effective immediately, its Board of Directors has elected Christopher J. Kelley, who currently serves as the Company’s Vice President – Central States Region, to serve as the Company’s Senior Vice President – Operations. Greg C. Gantt, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “This promotion reflects Chris’ outstanding prior contributions to our Company and our confidence in his leadership. Chris will work closely with Greg Plemmons, who will assume the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer on July 1, 2023, and Marty Freeman, who will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2023.” Mr. Freeman, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, added, “Chris has significant experience in both the sales and operations environments, and I’m thrilled to work with him in this new role. Old Dominion has a strong succession plan with seasoned operators who are prepared for future opportunities, and Chris’ demonstrated work ethic and passion for this position is yet another reason why I’m so proud to work for this great Company.”
Women In Trucking Association announces its May 2023 Member of the Month
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Michaela Nejaime as its May 2023 Member of the Month. Nejaime is the enterprise sales manager at TruVideo, a video-first texting platform designed to create more transparency in the vehicle sales and service process. Nejaime’s professional career began at a technical recruiting and staffing company, where she quickly learned some hard lessons experienced by women in business. In meetings, Nejaime noticed that she was typically looked over and questions were directed at her male counterparts. As a result, she would often defer to suggestions submitted by others, knowing it was wrong to not make her voice heard. After her career transition to TruVideo, a heavy equipment dealer contacted the company, as he had mistakenly received a TruVideo link meant for an automotive dealership nearby. Accidentally clicking the link, he was impressed by the high-definition video of RO being performed, combined with the capability of texting updates back and forth between dealer and customer. The dealer asked TruVideo if the same solution could be implemented at his dealership, however, at the time, this could not be done because TruVideo was co-founded by a retail automotive dealer and lacked visibility into the trucking industry. Immediately recognizing the opportunity to enter a new market, Nejaime pitched the transportation industry to her leadership team, which agreed to give her the chance to prove her instincts correct. “The trucking industry is the lifeblood of our country,” said Nejaime. “There isn’t anything that we touch that hasn’t been brought to us by a truck.” Taking on this initiative by herself with no additional resources, Nejaime began asking dealerships questions regarding their goals, customer experiences, and areas that needed improvement to better understand how they conducted business. It didn’t take long for Nejaime to discover the value TruVideo could bring to this industry, expediting the service process and ensuring trucks were back on the road sooner rather than later. By following her instincts, Michaela discovered a new sales channel for her company and the results speak for themselves. Due to her diligent efforts, TruVideo has now been implemented by several hundred similar dealerships within the industry in the U.S. and Canada. One dealer, for example, averaged $3,100 more per RO in a 30-day time period with TruVideo versus without the platform. “Typically, there are only a few women sitting at the same table with you during business discussions,” said Nejaime. “As a woman in this space, it is sometimes natural to doubt yourself and to doubt your ability to contribute. We need to remember we have a lot to offer.
Plastics Industry Association announces 2023 Re|focus Sustainability Innovation Award Winners
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has announced the winners of its 2023 Re|focus Sustainability Innovation Awards that recognize outstanding innovations in plastics manufacturing that further environmental advantages in design, material, and end-of-life management. PLASTICS’ Vice President of Sustainability, Patrick Krieger, congratulated the winners stating, “The plastic industry is innovating every day to find new ways to keep plastic in the circular economy and out of the environment. I congratulate our winners and am proud to be part of an industry that is committed to sustainability and advancing the circular economy.” Sustainable Innovation in Design Award Avient Corporation is the winner of the design award for their Color Prediction Service (CPS). It’s the first digital tool of its kind that can illustrate the color possibilities or limitations of certain types of recycled resins (PCR) prior to laboratory trials. This can help shorten the time-to-launch of new product ranges, allowing fast and reliable checks prior to initiating sample development and simplifying the overall decision-making process for brand owners and technical colorists. “Avient is fully committed to increasing opportunities to expand the use of recycled polymers, helping customers to incorporate or increase PCR content into new and existing applications,” said Mayendran Pillay, Director of Marketing for Color & Additives, U.S. and Canada, at Avient. “We were honored to collaborate with major cosmetics brand L’Oréal for their global Redken launch in 2022. As early adopters of our PCR Color Prediction Service, L’Oréal achieved consistent colors across various PCR grades in different countries, enabling them to launch with fewer color iterations and color trials thereby reducing complexity and increasing speed.” Sustainable Innovation in Materials Award Envision Plastics is the winner of the materials award for their EcoPrime® Fit for Food Contact HDPE and PP PCR. EcoPrime® is made of postconsumer containers that started out as food packaging, and leveraging Envision Plastics’ patented, post-extrusion, and chemical-free devolatilization process to decontaminate and clean the recycled resin by removing odors, volatiles, and semi-volatiles from the resin so that it is safe to be used again in direct food contact. “We’re excited to receive the Re|focus Sustainable Innovations in Materials Award,” said Khosrow Hallaji, Senior Director of Technology and Innovation for Envision Plastics. “As the market leader and expert in fit for food contact HDPE and PP PCR solutions, we are proud to be partnering with and enabling brands around the world as they work to achieve their sustainability goals, meet legislative requirements, and contribute to the circular economy.” Sustainable Innovation in End-of-Life Award ExxonMobil is the winner of the end-of-life award for their Exxtend™ Technology for Advanced Recycling. The technology breaks down difficult-to-mechanically-recycle plastic waste into feedstock used to create new virgin-quality plastic and other valuable products. “We’re thrilled to receive this recognition of our team’s hard work over the past couple of years to develop one of the largest advanced plastic recycling facilities in North America,” said Melanie Bower, head of external and regulatory affairs for advanced recycling at ExxonMobil. “Through scaling this technology around the world, ExxonMobil is making it possible for a broader range of plastic waste to be recycled and helping to meet growing customer demand for plastics circularity.” People’s Choice Award Solvay is the winner of the People’s Choice Award for their Amodel® Bios PPA. Amodel® is a partially bio-sourced long-chain PPA made from non-food competing biomass and which resin is produced using 100% renewable electricity. This sustainable combination results in Solvay’s Amodel® Bios PPA having the lowest Global Warming Potential (GWP) of all PPA resins. “We are extremely proud to receive the 2023 Re|focus Sustainability Innovation Award,” said Brian Baleno, Head of Marketing Automotive at Solvay Materials. “This award truly celebrates our efforts and initiatives to pioneer the sustainability focus on the industry today. Amodel® Bios PPA is a partially bio-sourced long-chain PPA made from non-food competing biomass and produced using 100% renewable electricity, ideal for automotive and electronics industries, and in particular e-mobility and electrical applications like surface mount devices, connectors, circuit breakers, switches, and fluid connectors. It is great to see appreciation for a solution that reduces environmental impact, without compromising on material performance!” Leadership in Sustainability Innovation Award The Leadership Award, the award for the company with the best overall score across the three categories, was awarded to Amcor Rigid Packaging. Amcor submitted three innovations: Quantum™ Premium Lightweight Finish Technology: a two-step lightweighting technology that eliminates unnecessary material – more than 50% – of the weight in the finish of a PET bottle. PowerPost™ Lightweighting Technology: the most advanced lightweighting technology for hot-fill beverages. This technology delivers a bottle that is up to 30% lighter and can be made with up to 100% recycled material and is fully recyclable. PepsiCo 2.5 L PET Returnable, Reusable, and Refillable Bottle: a 100% recyclable and refillable 2.5 L polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle created in partnership with GEEP, PepsiCo’s exclusive bottler in Mexico. “Amcor is proud to receive the 2023 Re|focus Leadership in Sustainability Innovation Award which underscores our commitment to sustainability and advancing the circular economy for plastics. Our Quantum™ lightweighting technology for bottle finishes, PowerPost™ vacuum absorbing base, and the PepsiCo returnable, reusable, and refillable bottle from Latin America, demonstrate Amcor Rigid Packaging’s ongoing commitment to innovate and deliver sustainable packaging solutions for our customers,” said Dr. Terry Patcheak, Vice President R&D, Sustainability and Program Management at Amcor Rigid Packaging.
Robroy Industries® appoints Sean Dyer as East Coast Business Development Manager
Robroy Industries® has introduced Sean Dyer as its East Coast Business Development Manager. Mr. Dyer previously served as the North American Sales Manager for VJ X-ray, a global leader in manufacturing integrated X-ray sources and high-voltage generators. Other prior experience included service as CRM and Regional Sales for Powertech Controls plus more than a decade with Rittal Enclosures. “Sean represents a well-balanced, proven professional history of technical expertise and sales talent,” says Craig Mitchell, President of Robroy Industries, Enclosures Division. “He is exactly the right person to help expand our business to the benefit of the many industry sectors we serve with our diverse non-metallic enclosures.” Through its Stahlin and AttaBox brands, Robroy Industries offers the most extensive selection of non-metallic enclosures available for meeting the needs of diverse industries, delivering time- and labor-saving solutions, non-stop innovation, and superior product performance in interior and exterior applications. The Enclosures Division is a subsidiary of Robroy Industries, serving the electrical products marketplace under one family ownership since 1905.
Barcoding, Inc. acquires Procensis Inc.
Barcoding, Inc., a provider of supply chain efficiency, accuracy, and connectivity, has announced its acquisition of Procensis, Inc., a mobility solutions provider based in Warminster, Pennsylvania. This acquisition represents Barcoding’s focused investment in enterprise mobility and managed services to support its growing customer base. With over 25 years of warehouse, distribution, logistics, and warehouse management system (WMS) experience, Procensis drives improved mobile worker experiences. Procensis focuses on effective user workflows in distribution and manufacturing – giving mobile workers more speed and accuracy, faster onboarding, and improved safety. Following Barcoding’s Process-People-Technology approach and proprietary delivery framework, Barcoding customers will now benefit from Procensis’ expertise in wearable and mobile computing, screen modernization, user interface design, and integration with leading Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). “With our acquisition of Procensis, Barcoding continues to focus on growth and innovation that directly and positively impacts our customers. With today’s labor challenges, it’s vital that we help our customers with mobile user satisfaction and retention. The addition of Procensis, and their vast experience in workforce productivity solutions, allows us to do just that” said Shane Snyder, president of Barcoding, Inc. “We are excited to be joining Barcoding, Inc. Combining their brand in the market with our strengths in mobile and wearable technology allows us to positively impact even more companies across North America. This acquisition is a new chapter in our quest to conquer the most challenging workflows on the distribution and manufacturing floors,” said Ed Kennedy, President, of Procensis, Inc.
Motion names new Senior Vice President and CFO
Motion Industries, Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts, and a premier provider of industrial technology solutions have announced the promotion of Patrick Cummings to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Cummings graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. He began his career with Ernst & Young in 2006. In 2011, he moved from public accounting to industry, joining Walter Energy as their Internal Audit Manager. He joined Motion in 2012 as AVP of Corporate Compliance. Since then, he held the position of U.S. Controller from 2014-2019, before becoming VP of Financial Planning & Analysis, until he was asked to serve as interim CFO after Greg Cook, Motion’s previous CFO, moved to the U.S. Automotive Group at Genuine Parts Company (GPC). “Patrick will become a vital part of the Motion executive team, leading Motion to achieve our financial goals in the coming years,” said Randy Breaux, Motion’s President. “His promotion is well deserved. It makes me extremely proud and happy that after a nationwide search, the Motion candidates proved to be the ‘best in class,’ which says a lot about Motion, our succession planning/process, and our teammates.” Mr. Cummings will report directly to Mr. Breaux. He will also work closely with Bert Nappier, EVP and Chief Financial Officer of GPC, and the CFOs of the other GPC business units worldwide.
Three safety experts honored as ASSP Fellows
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) is bestowing the honor of Fellow on three members who have made significant contributions to the occupational safety and health profession. Roger Jensen, Bruce Lyon, and Georgi Popov are the 2023 recipients of the Society’s highest honor. “ASSP Fellows are influential leaders who have played key roles in improving workplace environments as well as the safety and health profession itself,” said ASSP President Christine Sullivan, CSP, ARM. “Roger, Bruce, and Georgi are highly respected experts who have broadly helped prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities on the job.” Jensen, Ph.D., J.D., CSP, CPE, FASSP, is a professor at Montana Technological University where he helped form an ASSP student section that he guided for many years. He designed Montana Tech’s safety lab for fall protection and ladder-climbing research. His contributions to the occupational safety and health body of knowledge include work in heat stress, risk assessment, ergonomics, training design, and machine safeguarding. Jensen served for 22 years at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) where he co-authored the publication that built the foundation for research on farm tractor rollover protective structures. That helped protect farm tractor operators from the most frequent source of machine-related injury in the nation. “Throughout his career, Roger has tirelessly dedicated his work to advancing workplace safety and health,” said former ASSP President Mark Hansen, P.E., CSP, CPEA, CPSA, CPE, FASSP. “He has mentored countless students and professionals while broadly contributing to our profession’s body of knowledge.” Lyon, P.E., CSP, ARM, SMS, CHMM, FASSP, is vice president of risk management services at Brown & Brown Inc. He has more than 40 years of experience in risk assessment, safety management systems, and ergonomics. Lyon has authored dozens of articles, books, and technical publications including co-writing “Risk Assessment – A Practical Guide to Assessing Operational Risks” which is a required text in many safety degree programs. Lyon is chair of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to TC 262 for the ISO 31000 risk management standards, and vice chair of the ANSI/ASSP Z590.3 Prevention Through Design Committee. He has been the advisory board chair for the Occupational Risk and Safety Sciences department at the University of Central Missouri since 1999. “Bruce’s contributions to the OSH profession are as significant as any active professional I know,” said longtime ASSP member Bruce Hollcroft, CSP, CHMM, ARM. “He has been innovative at creating tools and techniques in risk management to improve worker safety. He’s always eager to share his expertise to help others be successful.” Popov, Ph.D., CSP, SMS, QEP, ARM, CMC, FASSP, FAIHA, is the chair and professor of the Occupational Risk and Safety Sciences department at the University of Central Missouri. He took prevention through design (PTD) from concept to reality in the development of the ANSI/ASSP Z590.3 standard, chairing the committee and being recognized as a pioneer in the field. His work has been published in many textbooks, articles, and safety standards. During his safety and health career that spans more than 30 years, Popov has provided training to hundreds of professionals in PTD and risk assessment. He develops course materials and instructs students worldwide through in-person and virtual sessions. He also helped create ASSP’s Risk Management Certificate program. “Georgi’s knowledge and expertise are exactly what’s needed at the higher academic level of education,” said safety management consultant Joel Tietjens, CSP, CSHM, FASSP. “He uses real-world experiences in the application of principles and theories. Without a doubt, he is one of the most profound experts in risk assessment.” The new Fellows will be honored at ASSP’s Safety 2023 Professional Development Conference and Exposition, set for June 5-7 in San Antonio. The honor of Fellow recognizes an ASSP member’s lifetime commitment, achievement, and leadership in occupational safety and health. Nominees must have a history of major contributions to the profession for at least 15 years. The list of Society Fellows dates back more than 50 years.
Lineage Logistics celebrates the grand opening of Savannah Fresh-Port Wentworth facility
The new facility is strategically located near the Port of Savannah and will allow Lineage to process up to 1.4 million pounds of produce per day The facility brings Lineage’s total investment in Chatham County to over $100 million and expands the Company’s growing footprint in Georgia Lineage Logistics, one of the leading temperature-controlled industrial REITs and integrated solutions providers worldwide, has celebrated the grand opening of its newest facility in Port Wentworth, Georgia. Savannah Fresh-Port Wentworth is strategically located near the Port of Savannah, the largest single-terminal container facility of its kind in North America and the third busiest container gateway in the U.S. The 220,000-square-foot facility offers cross-docking services for products to enter and exit the facility on the same day if needed, reducing storage time, creating cost efficiencies, and ensuring consumers receive fresh produce faster. The facility has 23 inbound and outbound lanes that can process more than 40 trucks daily, moving up to 1.4 million pounds of produce per day. “Today, the demand for port-centric temperature-controlled storage has never been greater and our Fresh solution offerings at Lineage have never been more robust. Savannah Fresh-Port Wentworth will allow us to expand our Fresh offering to new and existing customers and also provides the needed capacity to improve market conditions,” said Jim Henderson, Vice President of Global Sales and Business Development at Lineage. “The opening of this new facility is a critical step for Lineage as we continuously work to reimagine the world’s food supply chain. We are honored to further our long-standing partnership with Georgia Ports Authority and look forward to building our presence in the state of Georgia, an essential hub for trade and innovation.” For the past two years, Lineage has worked closely with the Savannah Economic Development Authority, Georgia Ports Authority, and the city of Port Wentworth to construct the Savannah Fresh-Port Wentworth facility in addition to its port-adjacent facility on Tremont Road in Savannah. The Savannah Fresh-Port Wentworth project resulted in a $78 million investment alone that created 65 new jobs, bringing Lineage’s total economic investment in Chatham County to over $100 million. To date, Lineage’s footprint in Georgia spans over 3 million sq. ft. Savannah Fresh-Port Wentworth was designed to address the overwhelming influx in imports of fresh produce to ports in the Mid-Atlantic that lack the space to keep up with the demand. With proximity to the Port of Savannah, the new facility will enable Lineage to deliver larger quantities of fresh produce more efficiently to serve customers across the Southeast. “With an increasing demand for fresh produce capacity in Savannah, this new, state-of-the-art facility is a welcome addition,” said Griff Lynch, Executive Director of the Georgia Ports Authority. “Lineage Logistics’ suite of services, such as cold-retreatment and onsite CBP inspections, will save time, help prevent loss, and, ultimately, bring fresh food to market faster.” Leaders from Lineage, business partners from the state of Georgia, community leaders from the city of Port Wentworth and leadership from Georgia Ports Authority attended the facility’s grand opening.
Pacific Coast Iron joins LiuGong North America Dealer lineup
Pacific Coast Iron, Inc. is the latest West Coast construction equipment dealer to join the rapidly expanding LiuGong North America dealership network. Pacific Coast Iron leaders said they partnered with LiuGong to continue selling premium construction equipment at a fair market value. “We wanted to provide our customer base with the latest market products that are both affordable and reliable,” said Pacific Coast Iron Marketing Manager Kami Louis. Pacific Coast Iron is a national heavy equipment dealership located near Sacramento, California. Established in 2013, the business brings a decade of experience buying and selling heavy equipment to the LiuGong dealer lineup, along with a wealth of relationships with dealers, buyers, and other industry stakeholders. Pacific Coast Iron has grown tremendously over the last few years, from having only a handful of clients to currently servicing hundreds of customers worldwide that continually list machines through their dealership. LiuGong North America President Andrew Ryan said their growth is a testament to the excellent reputation Pacific Coast Iron has in the region, and it will be integral to expanding the LiuGong footprint across North America. “We are always seeking out reputable dealers to join our network and expand our reach in key markets across the country, and Pacific Coast Iron fits the bill,” Ryan said. “We’re looking forward to working together to mutually grow our businesses and impact throughout the region.” Pacific Coast Iron is headquartered in Placerville, California with an additional branch location further south in Jackson. The dealership serves the construction industry across California and Western Nevada for rentals and service and provides sales worldwide.