Andrew Manship appointed as Vanderlande’s next CEO
Vanderlande has announced the appointment of Andrew Manship as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Andrew will take up the position on January 1, 2024, succeeding current CEO, Remo Brunschwiler, who has the intention to end his executive management career on December 31, 2023 and thereafter transition to nonexecutive management positions. Andrew is currently the company’s Executive VP of BU Airport & Parcel Solutions. He brings a strong customer-driven focus to his new role, as well as a deep understanding of Vanderlande’s business strategy, activities, and global markets. He has been with the company since 2016 and has successfully merged Vanderlande’s airport and parcel businesses. In addition, Andrew can lean on a wealth of experience within the automated material handling industry and a track record of delivering added value to customers in highly competitive markets. The Chairman of Vanderlande’s Supervisory Board, Norio Wakabayashi, sees the benefit of appointing an outstanding internal candidate as the new CEO: “We are convinced that Andrew is the best candidate to lead Vanderlande through its next phase of growth. He has successfully expanded the global airport business for the company and realized valuable portfolio synergies with the parcel business. Vanderlande will continue to benefit from his visionary industry expertise and unwavering customer focus, reinforced by his value-driven ethos. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Remo for his leadership of Vanderlande. His clear strategic focus on organizational development and sustainable platform-based solutions has given the company a strong foundation for future growth and a better position from which to succeed.” “It has been a pleasure to have been the CEO of Vanderlande for almost seven years and –with the support of the organization – continuously strive for a high performance that results in innovative solutions for the benefits of our customers,” says Remo Brunschwiler. “I have enjoyed working with talented colleagues, who have helped me to move our customers’ businesses forward on a global scale. I will hand over my CEO responsibilities to Andrew in January 2024, safe in the knowledge that he brings great determination and energy to the role, with a customer-centric focus.” “I am honored to have been appointed as Remo’s successor, with the opportunity to lead Vanderlande as a trusted partner for future-proof logistics process automation,” says Andrew Manship. “I aim to build on the company’s extensive portfolio of integrated solutions to serve the needs of our customers. In addition, I look forward to working with Vanderlande’s global team, as well as Toyota Industries Corporation, to deliver optimal value. And finally, I would also like to thank Remo for the trust and support he has given me over the years.” Vanderlande is a market-leading, global partner for future-proof logistic process automation in the warehousing, airports, and parcel sectors. Its extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems, intelligent software, and life-cycle services – results in the realization of fast, reliable, and efficient automation technology. The company focuses on the optimization of its customers’ business processes and competitive positions. Through close cooperation, it strives for the improvement of its operational activities and the expansion of its logistical achievements. Vanderlande’s warehousing solutions are the first choice for many of the largest global e-commerce players and retailers in food, fashion, and general merchandise across the globe. The company helps them to fulfill their promise of same-day delivery for billions of orders, with nine of the 15 largest global food retailers relying on its efficient and reliable solutions. As a global partner for future-proof airport solutions, Vanderlande’s market-leading baggage handling systems and related passenger solutions are capable of moving over 4 billion pieces of baggage around the world per year. These are active in more than 600 airports, including 12 of the world’s top 20. Vanderlande is also a supplier of process automation solutions that address the challenges in the parcel market. More than 52 million parcels are sorted by its systems every day, which have been installed for the world’s leading parcel handling companies. Established in 1949, Vanderlande has more than 9,000 employees, all committed to moving its customers’ businesses forward at diverse locations on every continent. With a consistently increasing turnover of 2.4 billion euros, it has established a worldwide reputation over the past seven decades as a global partner for future-proof logistic process automation. Vanderlande was acquired in 2017 by Toyota Industries Corporation, which will help it to continue its sustainable profitable growth. The two companies have a strong strategic match and the synergies include cross-selling, product innovations, and research and development.
NAFA announces first-ever Regional Council Leaders
NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association, has announced the leaders that make up the Regional Councils as part of NAFA’s new regional governance model rolled out earlier this year. “The new regional structure was born from a multi-year effort and driven by NAFA leadership, staff, and groups of members that shaped a plan to allow all members to make the most of their membership regardless of where they work,” says Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. “We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of interest to serve on our new Regional Councils and know these leaders will be instrumental in our ongoing evolution of NAFA to expand our member value as our industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace.” The following individuals sit on NAFA’s eight Regional Councils: Northeast Jacqueline Agel (Chair) Hannah Abdoo Justin Flannery Chris Langlois Brian J. Scott Mid-Atlantic Brandon S. Boring (Chair) Oleg Cytowicz David T. Hayward Tadeh Issakhanian Robin N. Meritt Nancy L. Murray Lisa R. Nutter J. Darryl Syler Kyle Waters Midwest Chris Hartlep (Chair) Trevor Crawford Naomi Kislanski Donna Lind Jennifer J. Morgan Parthiban Parasuraman Elizbeth Stomberg Josh Wallace Russell Werra Nicolas Wilson Northcentral Kathy R. Wellik (Chair) Lance Flegel Michael Keim Michael McDonald David D. McFarland Peggy Schuette Northwest James Laverty (Chair) Eric Chitoubol Levi C. Clark Jacob Mahan Jason Rosete Michael Stoller Southeast Brenda Peshel (Chair) Timothy E. Coxwell Michael Naglieri Marie A. Pepper Dave Persad Cedric B. Roberts Shelley Warren Southcentral Thomas Christian (Chair) Amy Boone Tim Fortson Jeff G. Hill Brian Marshall Mike Mosakowski Bo Villarreal John T. Walden Wayne W. Westerholm Southwest Josh E. Turley (Chair) Elmer Andujar Mike Antich Gwen Black Patrick Collins Lorie A. Gill David Mattke Bradley J. Northup Desiree Taylor NAFA is pleased to welcome these dedicated individuals to the Regional Councils. Their service to the fleet and mobility world inspires innovation, creates progress, and truly keeps our industry moving forward. Several events around the new Regional Governance model are set to take place during NAFA’s Institute & Expo in Baltimore this week including a regional leader coaching session and the NAFA Regional Forum and Leadership Experience Overview, which will provide an opportunity for members to meet with their home region and brainstorm ideas for goals within the new structure. It will also preview the 2023 NAFA Leadership Experience launching in early May. Additionally, a regional reception was held Monday evening to kick off the conference.
Carolina Handling named Raymond Dealer of Distinction for 32nd consecutive year
Carolina Handling has been named a Dealer of Distinction (DOD) by The Raymond Corporation for the 32nd year in a row. The DOD award is given annually to the top performers among Raymond Solutions and Support Centers throughout North America. Carolina Handling, the exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center for the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida’s Central time zone territory is one of only seven Raymond dealers to receive the 2022 designation. Being named a Dealer of Distinction is based on points scored in the categories of Market Share, Financial Performance, Customer Support Performance, Service Contract Growth, Scheduled Maintenance Completion, Raymond Lean Management, iWarehouse® Solutions, Purchase of Lease Maturities, Forecast Accuracy and Energy Storage Solutions. Categories cover virtually all areas of the business, including sales, service, parts, rentals, leasing, continuous improvement, power, and intralogistics solutions. A point of pride for Carolina Handling associates, the Dealer of Distinction award also is a strength in the marketplace, said Carolina Handling President & CEO Brent Hillabrand. “As a customer, you know you’re getting the most well-rounded and consistent support you could ever dream of because of the way we perform year after year against our peers,” Hillabrand said. The 2022 DOD designation comes at a time when warehouses and distribution centers are experiencing dramatic and swift operational changes and during a period of steady growth for Carolina Handling. “The bigger we get, the easier it would be to become fragmented and not work as a team,” Hillabrand said. “The fact that we scored so many points in so many different areas is a testament to our teamwork. The consistency with which our associates perform as teams in the different areas of our business is the reason that we continue to succeed.” As a Raymond Solutions and Support Center, Carolina Handling is a total intralogistics solutions provider, offering a broad range of consulting, connected technologies, material handling equipment, and service to support the growing and changing needs of the industry. The Dealer of Distinction Award comes on the heels of Carolina Handling’s receiving the 2023 MVP (Most Valuable Partner) Award from the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) for excellence in customer service, supplier relationships, associate training, and community involvement.
RM2 welcomes Wayne Cochran as Chief Operating Officer
RM2 has announced that Wayne Cochran has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer. Wayne brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in high-growth operations and is particularly skilled at optimizing manufacturing processes rapidly to meet demand. Wayne has an exceptional track record of leading large organizations and programs with complex supply chains across multiple geographies. He is also known for his ability to build and lead effective teams, delivering improvement in financial and operational performance metrics. “I’m thrilled to join the RM2 leadership team at this incredible inflection point in the company’s story,” said Wayne, “RM2 has a great product in BLOCKPal and a strong customer base that’s fueling demand for more and more of their IoT pallets, and I’m looking forward to helping scale operations to meet this demand.” Wayne started his career as a design engineer for Motorola with a BSEE from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. He later received his MBA from Arizona State University’s WP Carey School of Business and holds certificates in Negotiations and Management from Harvard University’s Schools of Law and Business. Throughout his career, Wayne has also worked for Intel, Badger Technologies, and Jabil. “Wayne’s skillset is a perfect fit for RM2,” said Kevin Mazula, CEO of RM2, “His expertise and experience will help RM2 continue to thrive and meet the increasing market demand for our solutions. I’m honored to welcome Wayne our team.”
Concentric LLC acquires Industrial Battery Solutions
Concentric, LLC, the national provider of DC power management for the material handling and critical power industries, announced today the acquisition of Industrial Battery Solutions. Based in Waipahu, Hawaii, Industrial Battery Solutions is the only company in Hawaii to sell and service forklift batteries along with critical power products. This acquisition expands Concentric’s footprint past the contiguous United States and into areas that have historically lacked access to leading power management solutions. As an essential partner in maintaining Hawaii’s supply chain, Industrial Battery Solutions’ team of service leaders are specialized in battery replacement, chargers, watering systems, repairs, maintenance, and removal. Industrial Battery Solutions is led by Kathleen Moses Benson, President and Hank Benson, Vice President of Operations – who will both remain in leadership after the acquisition. “Industrial Battery Solutions is led by a strong management team with 50 years in the battery industry,” said Concentric Chief Operating Officer, John Winter. “We are looking forward to working with them and continuing to grow their presence while serving their customers across Hawaii.” “We are excited to join the Concentric team and expand the solutions we can provide to our forklift and critical power customers,” said Industrial Battery Solutions President, Kathleen Moses Benson. “Being an island nation, Concentric’s suite of critical power solutions provides an invaluable opportunity to provide energy security to Hawaii-based businesses.” For additional information about Concentric or this acquisition, visit www.concentricusa.com or https://www.concentricusa.com/partners/acquisition-announcement
New Director of Product & Engineering to lead global shop solutions into the future
Success in the highly-competitive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software market requires continual development of new tools and technology advancements that simplify manufacturing. Global Shop Solutions, a solutions provider in ERP software for manufacturers around the globe, is proud to announce the promotion of Trent Maynard to Director of Product & Engineering. “Our primary focus at Global Shop Solutions has always been to simplify manufacturing for our customers,” says Dusty Alexander, President & CEO. “From Trent’s first day with us, he demonstrated a relentless attitude for finding new product advancements and technology to make our customers’ lives easier. That’s exactly the kind of person I want leading our product into the future.” Maynard began his career in the manufacturing industry working for a company that was a customer of Global Shop Solutions ERP software. Shortly thereafter, he accepted a position at Global Shop Solutions providing software implementation and training for new and existing customers. He then transitioned to an operations and technical consultant and business analyst, where he designed and created tailored solutions for existing and potential customer challenges. Prior to this promotion, Maynard served as an R&D Manager and created some of Global Shop Solutions most impactful product advancements in terms of meeting customer needs and positioning the company for new growth. “My focus has been three-fold,” says Maynard. “Number one: hired and retained a team with some of our smartest people to position our ERP product as a technical leader in the industry. Number two: organized our base code to make our product run tighter, faster, and more efficiently, while also enabling customers to implement customizations without having to change the underlying code. Number three: simplified the process for customers to upgrade to new versions.” Serving Internal and External Customers As Director of Product & Engineering, Maynard wants to make sure Global Shop Solutions creates an ERP product their customers love to use because it helps them do their jobs more effectively and efficiently. He also wants to attract new customers by offering a better product than they’re currently using. “Ultimately, it’s all about making sure our product ticks all the boxes for our customers,” says Maynard. “Often they don’t know what is possible, so we have to listen and understand what they’re trying to accomplish and then figure out how the software can solve their pain points. We also want to build a product that appeals to our employees, that our engineers can enjoy working on and be proud of and that attracts top talent to Global Shop Solutions.” Full Speed Ahead to the Future One shift popular for ERP software is the ability to integrate with outside software and technologies. Maynard’s responsibilities will include implementing artificial intelligence (AI) testing tools and best practices and modernizing Global Shop Solutions’ software interfaces and tech stack. “How we build our tech stack has significant implications for what happens downstream with our customers, and I can’t think of a better person to lead the way than Trent,” says Alexander. Mike Melzer, VP of Operations & Service at Global Shop Solutions, agrees. “It’s rare to find someone so talented in the technical field who also has extensive shop experience,” he says. “The one thing we’ve been really good about doing as a company is listening when our customers give us ideas on where we can get better. Trent is open to listening and then guiding the ship where we need to go. I trust his knowledge and experience, and his background gives us a huge advantage in our marketplace as our company continues to move forward.”
Peak Technologies appoints new Chief Revenue Officer
René Schrama joins the executive leadership team to drive growth across the newly-combined organization Peak Technologies, a provider of digital supply chain and mobile workforce solutions, named René Schrama chief revenue officer (CRO). In his role, Schrama will strategically support future sales growth across all business segments and areas of operation. Schrama’s appointment is the latest step in the organization’s strategic plan to create “One Peak” and drive continued growth as one newly-combined organization. In addition to his new role, Schrama will continue his leadership responsibilities as managing director for Europe. “A key consideration in appointing René to the CRO position is that we will remain true to our foundational values,” said Tony Rivers, president and CEO, of Peak Technologies. “This role will be a dynamic and strategic force to drive our mission of being a trusted business adviser and solutions partner to the world’s leading companies by applying our deep domain-level experience in advanced digital supply chain and mobile technologies to help customers achieve their strategic business objectives.” Schrama brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Peak’s executive leadership team. He joined Peak Technologies in November 2020 and has served as managing director for Europe since October 2021. Under his leadership, Peak UK has grown revenue by 47%, all while facilitating and integrating acquisitions in Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Following his business studies degree in international marketing, Schrama held various international sales leadership roles with Symbol Technologies and Motorola Solutions. In 2014, Schrama started his own consulting company, advising corporations such as Zebra Technologies, Scansource, Datalogic, Toshiba, and Polycom on their go-to-market strategies across Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Throughout his career, Schrama has built and implemented successful business plans by recognizing opportunities for growth and developing strategies to execute a vision for significant revenue growth. His experience across different sectors, disciplines and global industries makes Schrama well-qualified to successfully integrate a consistent and effective sales strategy across every operational group within Peak Technologies, resulting in sustainable revenue growth. “I am very excited to take on the chief revenue officer position with Peak Technologies, especially at a time when our company is setting itself apart from the competition with our technical capabilities, our solutions focus and our sales reach,” said Schrama. “I look forward to working closely with our talented teams in sales, marketing, and throughout the company. Peak Technologies has a bright future and is uniquely positioned to expand our standing as the world’s leading solutions provider in our sector.”
ASSP names Safety Professional of the Year
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has named Subba Rao Palagummi, CSP, CMIOSH, F.S. Eng., its 2023 Safety Professional of the Year. The oil and gas industry safety expert from the Middle East has been an ASSP member for 15 years and has helped advance occupational safety and health for more than 30 years in India, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Palagummi is a corporate health, safety, and environment specialist at ADNOC Onshore (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company). His organization is involved in oil exploration and production in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates located on an island in the Persian Gulf. Palagummi oversees a large team of health, safety, and environment professionals and contractors, and he has built a reputation of being a safety leader with integrity, knowledge, ethics, and an unwavering commitment to reducing illnesses, injuries, and fatalities on the job. He developed and delivered a workplace training module called “Supervising for Safety” that supports an organization-wide culture transformation strategy. He also organized a successful road safety awareness campaign to increase public safety. “He has spearheaded task forces across the group and developed standards and guidelines that led to corporate performance improvement and an enhanced safety culture,” said Tahir Azhibekov, an HSE manager at ADNOC. “His business acumen and people management skills are very much admired across the organization.” As past president of ASSP’s Kuwait Chapter and the chapter’s 2011 Safety Professional of the Year, Palagummi mentors fellow safety and health professionals and helps them advance their careers. He strives to motivate students and young engineers to pursue safety as a career. He also guides university safety students on internships and academic projects. He was ASSP’s Region 9 Safety Professional of the Year in 2019. “Rao has always been proactive and hard-working by nature,” said Viswasri Pendyala, an HSE manager at ADNOC. “His leadership skills in handling teams and mentoring young professionals deserve recognition.” As a lead auditor, Palagummi supports management system reviews and is known for his ability to work collaboratively. He broadly contributed to the development of his company’s life-saving rules as well as a safety and health training matrix for contractors. He also is experienced in creating emergency response plans, incident reporting procedures, and oil spill contingency plans. Each year, ASSP honors an occupational safety and health professional who demonstrates outstanding achievement in the safety field while making significant contributions to advancing the profession. Visit the ASSP website to see past recipients of the Society’s Safety Professional of the Year Award.
Flynn bids farwell to the “Iron Business” after 50 years
Mike Flynn, Felling Trailers’ Northeastern Regional Sales Manager, bids farewell to life as a trailer sales rep after 22 years with the company. Mike decided to retire from the “iron business” in January of 2023. A relationship that started in late 1999 when Mike met with Merle Felling (founder and COB of Felling Trailers), having their first conversations on Flynn representing the Felling Trailers brand in the Northeast. At that time, Felling was looking to expand their dealer distribution network beyond the Upper Midwest into the Northeast. In 2000 Mike signed on with Felling Trailers as an independent trailer sales rep for the Northeast region covering Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maryland, DC, and Delaware. No stranger to the iron business, when Mike was 13, his father started his own short-line distribution company after 13 years of representing John Deere overseas. “I got involved with his business from the ground up working weekends, and as I got older, I became more involved with every aspect of the business itself,” said Mike. They sold a wide variety of equipment Ag, light industrial equipment (including equipment trailers), domestic and foreign importing equipment such as Belarus tractors, and tillage equipment from Germany and Italy. Mike learned every facet of the business, from equipment assembly and delivery to sales and dealer training on their extensive line of products. In 1990, he left the family business to be an independent rep on his own. “I repped for Harley Rock Rakes along with Dynaweld trailers for nine years until the company was sold after the owner passed in a tragic plane crash. One of my dealers had heard of Felling Trailers and suggested I check them out. This came at a perfect time to replace Dynaweld with a like quality product (Felling Trailers), but with a wider variety of models on the smaller capacity end,” said Flynn. Mike also represented Liddell Trailers for a period of nine years, selling their heavy haul products that were at a higher capacity than what Felling was manufacturing at the time. Mike represented Liddell until 1999 when the owner passed, and the company was sold. While representing Felling, Mike also took on Rogers from 2007 to 2021 to supplement the heavy haul trailers that Liddell had been making. Throughout his time with Felling Trailers, Mike grew the company’s dealer base and brand awareness from being “the new kid on the block,” as Mike would put it, to a well-recognized leader in the trailer manufacturing space with over 50 dealers throughout the northeast region. “Mike Flynn had started with Felling Trailers as an independent trailer sales rep back in 2000 and was the driving force in establishing the Felling brand in the Northeastern US. We wish him the best in his retirement,” said Pat Jennissen, VP of Sales & Marketing Felling Trailers. “I never thought of my career as work. I had a passion for the challenges of marketing new quality products, meeting new people, and covering the beautiful Northeast,” said Mike. Never slowing down, Mike continued establishing new dealers and selling trailers until he retired. Joining the team for one more hoorah, Mike made his final appearance with the Felling Sales team at the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG show in Las Vegas this past March. Many of Felling’s Northeastern dealers that Mike had established over the years stopped to visit and wish him well. “Mike has been instrumental in the development of the dealer network in the Northeast US. In addition to being a long-time colleague, he’s been a great friend and a mentor to me. I learned a tremendous amount of invaluable information from him, for which I’m extremely grateful! Mike, you’ve worked hard your entire life, and now it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Congratulations on your retirement!” said Nathan Uphus, Sales Manager Felling Trailers. Since retiring, Mike and his wife, Wendy, have relocated from their home in Fayetteville, NY, to their vacation home in Naples, FL, to enjoy the golf course life. Mike’s plans for retirement, “We plan on “over-recreating,” as we call it, with all that we have here for amenities. We want to spend more time with our two sons, their families, and our grandson, as well as traveling the remainder of the world we haven’t seen yet while visiting friends and family along the way.” For the interim, trailer, and dealer inquiries for the Northeastern region, you may contact Felling’s Internal Sales team at 800-245-2809 or via email at sales@felling.com.
Monarch Brands joins Hospeco Brands Group
The move creates a multi-market juggernaut; adds whole product lines, expands microfiber and wiping product offering Two powerful market leaders are joining together to form one powerhouse partnership. Hospeco Brands Group, a United States-based, full-line manufacturer of personal care, cleaning, and protection products to serve the janitorial, industrial supply, automotive, foodservice, healthcare, and hospitality markets, is announcing a merger with Monarch Brands, wholesalers and manufacturers of microfiber, commercial laundry linen, institutional textiles, and wiping products. The move dramatically expands Hospeco Brands Group’s offering of wiping solutions and microfiber and adds complementary new lines to an already robust product mix. With roots established in 1947, Monarch Brands is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and delivers high-quality and value-priced textiles from manufacturers located in 10 nations around the world in Asia, Europe, and Central America. Monarch Brands’ products serve diverse markets, including environmental services, hospitality, institutional, food service, industrial, and janitorial/sanitary, with deep penetration in the whole of North America. Unlike other Hospeco Brands Group brands, Monarch Brands has a solid retail presence with trademarked lines, from opening price points to luxury textiles, in the Americas and around the world. The move adds complementary product lines to Hospeco Brands Group, with some strategic overlap that further deepens the microfiber and wiping product offering. It also creates opportunities for mutual growth as both entities gain new products to offer existing customers. “Joining forces with Monarch Brands exponentially strengthens the position of Hospeco Brands Group in the microfiber and wiper segments — gaining us a near leadership share,” said Bill Hemann, executive vice president of Hospeco Brands Group. “Similarly, Monarch gains the ability to sell Hospeco Brands Group’s complementary products. We are perfect partner brands with aligned goals —providing meaningful product solutions and services through the commercial distribution community that help ensure clean, safe, and productive environments and provide care and comfort to millions around the globe. Our now-shared customer base will immediately recognize the value of our combined resources.” Said Hal Kanefsky, president of Monarch Brands, “This merger is the natural evolution for the growth of Monarch Brands and Hospeco Brands Group. Together, we bring complementing products and talents into a single focus point to benefit all stakeholders. The collective product bundle positions us as an industry leader throughout North America. We are proud to be the newest member of the Hospeco Brands Group and we look forward to growing together in the future.” All key management and sales staff will remain with Monarch Brands. Existing shared distribution in certain key markets is expected to accelerate market penetration. There are no changes to existing customer relationships at this time. To learn more about Hospeco Brands Group’s full line of personal care, cleaning, and protection products to serve the janitorial, industrial supply, food service, healthcare, and hospitality markets—visit www.hospecobrands.com/home.
Plus One Robotics appoints Ben Gines as Senior Project Manager
Plus One Robotics, a provider of advanced robot vision perception software and solutions for parcel handling systems performing over one million picks per day, has announced the hiring of Ben Gines as senior project manager. Gines is responsible for leading projects from initial customer engagement to robotic solution delivery. “Ben’s deep experience within the robotics industry has provided him an exceptional combination of automation and system integration expertise,” said Crystal Parrott, Chief Operating Officer at Plus One. “We know that he will energize our system engineering team and help us strengthen customer relationships by delivering solutions that exceed expectations.” Gines specializes in turnkey control system integration and has experience working with notable organizations like Fanuc America Corporation, ABB Robotics, and Yaskawa Motoman. Other areas of expertise include OEM product design, capital project management, vendor oversight, and end-user relationship management. Prior to joining Plus One Robotics, Gines was the innovation director at Automated and the robotics execution project manager at Dematic. Gines has a Bachelor of Science in electrical automation and robotic engineering from Utah Valley University and a Master of Engineering in engineering management from Ohio State University.
Toshiba promotes Steven Sauer to Chief Revenue Officer
Toshiba America Business Solutions has promoted its president of Toshiba Business Solutions Steven Sauer to the role of Chief Revenue Officer. The 28-year industry veteran and 19-year Toshiba executive is now primarily responsible for increasing the company’s revenue and profitability via its United States direct and indirect sales channels. With a background in corporate banking, Sauer began his career in the industry as the chief operating officer of Business Methods, Inc., a reseller of multifunction printers, commercial audio-visual systems, and IT solutions in Rochester, N.Y. He soon after became president and owner, during which time he more than doubled revenues to $30 million and grew the business to a highly profitable and reputable local dealership. Upon selling the business to Toshiba in 2004, Sauer became president of TBS New York. Sauer has held a variety of sales positions regionally and nationally at Toshiba. For the past three years, Sauer oversaw sales, professional services, and operational management of TBS’ four regions with nearly 100 locations across the United States. In this role, he successfully navigated Toshiba’s direct sales channel through the pandemic while also dramatically increasing the company’s managed print as a service, software solutions, and major account businesses. “Steven’s impact spanning his time with us at Toshiba is immeasurable,” states Toshiba America Business Solutions President and Chief Executive Officer Larry White. “Steven brought the best practices he learned as a dealer to our own offices and business. He and his teams consistently expanded our sales operations while elevating our profitability. I’m thrilled by the greater impact he can make since he understands how to drive success both at the independent dealer level and at the national level.” “Truly looking forward to engaging with our entire reseller community while ultimately providing Toshiba’s clients with premium technology that enables them to operate as efficiently as possible,” says Sauer. “I’m here to collaboratively lead our sales organizations while providing the best possible support to these teams.” Toshiba’s newly minted CRO has received recognition as a Rochester, New York Chamber of Commerce ‘Small Businessperson of the Year,’ Rochester Business Journal Forty Under 40 recipient, Mental Health Association of Rochester/Monroe County ‘Volunteer of the Year,’ and ENX Magazine Difference Maker. Sauer is also highly involved in elevating Rochester by serving on the community board of Genesee Regional Bank. He has additionally served as vice chairman of Unity Health System, president of the Mental Health Association of Rochester/Monroe County, chairperson of the Young Entrepreneur Organization, and spent a decade coaching a Rochester youth hockey team. Sauer holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York College at Geneseo. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School Executive Education Owner/President Management Program.
Bally Ribbon Mills announces 100th Anniversary
Family lead business celebrates a century of textile innovation Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM), an industry provider in the design, development, and manufacture of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics, announces its 100th Anniversary. Since BRM’s founding in 1923 as a custom textile manufacturer in Bally, PA, the company has provided products for aerospace, defense, medical, safety, automotive, commercial, and industrial applications used around the world. A small representation of BRM’s accomplishments over the past century includes the production of goods for the war effort in World War II, maintaining a continuous ISO quality program for close to 30 years, and numerous contracts, including with the U.S. Military, Department of Defense, and NASA. BRM’s work with NASA includes using composite material in the construction of the heat shield used on NASA’s Orion spacecraft. BRM has been praised by NASA for its ability to answer every specification and challenge. “As a family business, Bally Ribbon Mills is extremely proud to be a trusted partner by some of the largest, well-known companies and agencies from around the world,” said Mark Harries, Vice President, at Bally Ribbon Mills. “Our success has been based on a long-term vision of growth, built around our high-quality engineered fabrics manufactured in America, our skilled employees, and our reputation as a trusted advisor to customers. We will continue to stay at the forefront of technology for all of the industries we serve, just as we have over the past 100 years.” BRM continues to expand and innovate at its Bally, PA facility through the addition of new equipment, departments, and employees.
Johnson Controls appoints Julie Brandt as Vice President and President, Building Solutions North America
Johnson Controls, the global provider of smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has named Julie Brandt as vice president and president, Building Solutions North America (BSNA), effective today. As the leader of BSNA, Brandt will be responsible for strategy and execution for the $9B North American direct-channel business. She will focus on capturing market leadership, driving operational excellence, and accelerating growth by delivering a diverse portfolio of solutions for a variety of industries – from schools to office buildings, arenas to hospitals – to create healthier, more secure, and more enriching environments for BSNA customers. “Julie brings a wealth of knowledge to this role, with more than 27 years of proven experience leading profitable businesses, building diverse winning teams, and improving customer satisfaction to ensure consistent growth and service excellence,” said George Oliver, chairman and CEO, Johnson Controls. “Her vision for the future, coupled with her motivation to build a world-class, highly engaged team will be instrumental as we help more than 3 million North America customers create spaces that improve well-being, achieve climate goals and deliver greater efficiency and productivity through smart, autonomous buildings.” Brandt joins Johnson Controls from Otis Elevator Company, where she most recently held the role of executive vice president and general manager, U.S. Western Region with full P&L responsibility across 28 states. Brandt has lived and worked in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. She spent most of her career with Otis, holding roles of increasing responsibility within the branch and general management, operations, field execution, sales, marketing, communications, and business development. “Johnson Controls is on an incredible journey with a rich history of innovation and an unwavering focus on customer excellence,” said Brandt. “I am excited to be joining such a strong team and industry leader in the building’s space that is truly transforming the world around us.” Brandt earned an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Marketing from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business as well as leadership certifications from Harvard Business School. Brandt will be based at Johnson Controls’ U.S. headquarters in Milwaukee.
ASSP elections highlighted by Thornton’s upcoming move to president
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the world’s oldest professional safety organization, has announced its new leaders from the 2023 Society elections. All terms begin July 1. James Thornton will serve as ASSP president for 2023-24. “Our Society’s strength is rooted in our dedicated volunteers and their desire to take on key leadership positions,” said ASSP President Christine Sullivan, CSP, ARM, whose term ends June 30. “Engaged safety professionals have always defined ASSP, keeping it vibrant and advancing worker safety and health everywhere.” ASSP’s top elected positions – all part of its Board of Directors – are president, president-elect, senior vice president, vice president of finance and directors-at-large. Each is a one-year term, except for the three-year terms of the vice president of finance and directors-at-large. The annual succession of leaders from senior vice president to president-elect, and from president-elect to president, is automatic. Following are snapshots of ASSP’s newly elected leaders, whose influence and contributions will help shape the Society and the profession while sustaining the organization as a global leader for workplace safety and health. • President James Thornton, CSP, CIH, FASSP, FAIHA, is president of consulting firm Alpha Industries LLC and previously directed safety and health for 40 years at Huntington Ingalls Industries, the nation’s largest military shipbuilder. He is an ASSP Fellow with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and master’s degree in industrial hygiene. An ASSP member since 1998, Thornton resides in Hampton, VA. • President-Elect Pam Walaski, CSP, FASSP, is a senior program director with Specialty Technical Consultants Inc. and teaches occupational safety and health courses at several universities across the country. She is an ASSP Fellow with 30 years of experience. Her honors include ASSP’s Charles V. Culbertson Outstanding Volunteer Service Award. A member since 2003, Walaski will be president in 2024-25. She resides in Templeton, PA. • Senior Vice President Linda Tapp, CSP, ALCM, CPTD, is president of SafetyFUNdamentals, an occupational safety training and consulting firm. She currently serves on the Board of Directors as vice president of finance. Tapp was ASSP’s Safety Professional of the Year in 2007. She has a master’s degree in environmental health. An ASSP member since 1989, Tapp will be president in 2025-26. She resides in Madison, NJ. • Vice President of Finance Thomas Kramer, P.E., CSP, is the managing principal for LJB Inc. He returns to the Board of Directors after serving as a director-at-large from 2019-22. He was ASSP’s Safety Professional of the Year in 2016. He holds an MBA from Miami University in Ohio and a master’s degree in structural engineering from the University of Cincinnati. An ASSP member since 2000, Kramer resides in Springboro, OH. • Director-at-Large Stephanie Johnson, CSP, CHMM, is the area manager of Global Real Estate, EHS, at AT&T, leading the EHS tank program nationwide. She has nearly 20 years of occupational safety and health experience. Johnson served as Southwest Chapter president and Region 3 North Area director. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Texas at Austin. A member since 2007, Johnson resides in Duncanville, TX. Joining these five leaders on ASSP’s 2023-24 Board of Directors are Directors-at-Large Steven Gray, CSP, CHST; Tim Page-Bottorff, CSP, CIT; and Daniel Snyder, Ed.D., CSP, CHST, OHST, CIT. Jennifer McNelly, CAE, has served as the Society’s CEO since 2018. Candidates for the board must be professional members who possess specific qualifications. The criteria include involvement in an ASSP committee or task force, a record of positive contributions to the occupational safety and health profession, support and understanding of the Society’s vision, and being an effective motivator who is results-driven. Find a complete list of the Society’s 2023 election results on the ASSP website.
Women In Trucking Association announces Gold Partnership with Navistar
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has welcomed Navistar Inc. as its newest Gold Level Partner, forming an industry alliance to further its mission to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize the obstacles they face. Jennifer Macalaguin, VP of Engineering at Navistar, will serve on the Board of Directors. Since joining in 2014, Navistar has actively participated in the association. In 2022, the company, which manufactures International® brand commercial trucks, was a Platinum Sponsor of WIT’s Accelerate! Conference & Expo held in Dallas, TX Nov. 13-16 and virtually Dec. 6-7. Additionally, Navistar participated in the event’s Truck & Technology Tour which featured an International® eMV™ Series Class 6 607 SBA 4×2 box trucks. “Navistar is deeply involved with the efforts to support inclusion in the trucking industry, and this partnership with WIT further solidifies that commitment,” said Macalaguin. “It is an honor to represent Navistar on the Women in Trucking Association’s Board of Directors and I look forward to contributing more directly on this board as we build awareness and foster support to demonstrate the integral role women play in the trucking industry.” “WIT is pleased to welcome Navistar as a Gold Level Partner,” said Jennifer Hedrick, president and CEO of WIT. “Their avid support of the WIT mission and commitment to increasing gender diversity within the trucking industry makes this an exciting opportunity to expand the relationship between Navistar and the Women In Trucking Association.” Founded in 2007, the Women In Trucking Association was established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize the obstacles they face. Currently, the organization is a resource for nearly 8,000 corporate and individual members located in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as Japan, Australia, Sweden, South Africa, and New Zealand. Recent accomplishments include: releasing the 2022 WIT Index, the official barometer to benchmark and measure the percentage of women who make up critical roles in transportation each year, finding professional female drivers increased to 13.7%; participating in White House and FMCSA roundtables and events; launching its Professional Driver Hub, an online resource to encourage driver success; and more than 1,700 registered attendees at the 2022 Accelerate! Conference and Exhibition.
Motion AI opens new facility in Massachusetts
Motion Industries, Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts and premier provider of industrial technology solutions, has announced the newest Motion Ai facility, located at 71 Cherry Hill Drive, Beverly, Massachusetts, 01915. The new facility officially opened on December 1, 2022. Motion Ai was in need of additional manufacturing and inventory space to better meet overall customer demand and to strategically grow the business. With 33,000 sq. ft., the new facility complements two existing Motion Ai facilities nearby in Danvers (19,000 sq. ft.) and Woburn (10,000 sq. ft.), providing the company a total of 62,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space in the Boston area. Most of the production and quality operations among the three locations are housed in the new facility in Beverly, with features including manufacturing lab benches and a quality control testing area. Systems engineering and production solutions focus on motion control, robotics, and machine vision, with additional specialty areas of precision components, electro-mechanical assemblies, and fully engineered automation systems. “The expanded manufacturing space will allow us to meet growing customer needs while adding future opportunities across our entire automation and robotic platforms,” said Aurelio Banda, Motion’s Senior Vice President, Automation Intelligence. “This includes additional OEM business and the ability to accept larger orders in quantity and physical size. We expect this new facility to fuel economic growth for the region, contributing beneficial, long-term impact.” Randy Breaux, President of Motion, said, “We are excited about this investment and anticipate that it will enhance the customer experience even more. We believe it will also increase the employee experience—there is a lot of talent within Motion Ai, and this expansion will offer excellent opportunities for our employees.” Currently, Motion Ai has opportunities for experienced automation engineers, electromechanical assemblers, and quality technicians to join the team, and the company will continue to hire as the business grows.
ASSP honors Krug for work on safety standards
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has named Terry W. Krug, M.S., CSP, the recipient of the 2023 Thomas F. Bresnahan Standards Medal for his extensive work in developing and advocating voluntary consensus occupational safety and health standards. Krug is president and owner of Exceptional Occupational Safety and Health Advisors (EXOSHA) in Knoxville, TN. He conducts OSHA standards training, develops safety and health programs, performs workplace audits, and provides expert witness testimony. Krug is a longtime member and current chair of the committee that has developed ANSI/ASSP Z117.1 Safety Requirements for Entering Confined Spaces. Considered a leading national expert on confined space safety, Krug has helped direct several revisions to the standard and has presented many webinars on the subject, including one internationally for the Italian Safety and Health Congress in 2012. “Terry’s expertise and involvement has strengthened the Z117.1 standard in a significant way,” said Leo DeBobes, CSP, CPEA, CIT, chair of the ASSP Standards Development Committee. “His analysis of a full decade of OSHA injury and fatality data provided insights that were vital to the revision of the standard.” Krug’s leadership resulted in a key update that made the standard easier to understand and implement. He regularly shares his confined space safety expertise by presenting courses at ASSP’s annual safety conferences, most recently in Chicago in 2022. An ASSP member since 1996, Krug has been involved in the development of several workplace safety standards, including ANSI/ASSP A10.43 Confined Spaces in Construction and Demolition Operations; A10.49 Control of Chemical Health Hazards in Construction and Demolition Operations; and ANSI/ASSP Z244.1 Control of Hazardous Energy Lockout, Tagout and Alternative Methods. He also served on ANSI/ASSP A10 Construction and Demolition standards subcommittees. “Terry’s impact on workplace safety and health standards is significant, and thousands of people are safer on the job today due to his contributions,” DeBobes said. “I can’t say enough about his value to the safety profession.” Krug served on ASSP’s Standards Development Committee from 2014-18. He also co-authored “Confined Space Entry: An AIHA Protocol Guide” published in 1995 and revised in 2001. The Thomas F. Bresnahan Standards Medal recognizes an ASSP member who actively participates in developing voluntary consensus standards that advance worker safety. The award is named in honor of Thomas F. Bresnahan, a former ASSP staff member and Fellow who reinvigorated the Society’s standards development program and helped position the organization for growth in this strategic area.
ELOKON hires female industry veteran Filippone as Chief Operating Officer
ELOKON, a provider of forklift telematics and safety systems, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Ute Filippone as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Ute Filippone brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the ELOKON team. Prior to joining ELOKON, Ute Filippone served in executive roles at a leading, NASDAQ quoted US company in our industry, where she oversaw operations of the company’s European subsidiaries and international expansion. Her extensive experience in both operations and internationalization make her a perfect fit for ELOKON as the company continues to expand its global presence. “We are thrilled to welcome Ute Filippone to ELOKON,” said Alexander Glasmacher, CEO of ELOKON. “Her deep industry expertise and proven track record in driving operational excellence will be invaluable for our plans for ongoing growth. As COO, she will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of ELOKON’s operations, including manufacturing, supply chain management, and customer service. She will work closely with the rest of the executive team to realize the company’s strategic vision.” “ELOKON is a leader in its industry and I am looking forward to being part of this talented team to help drive its success as we continue to innovate and increase our offering on the global market,” said Ute Filippone.
Pednekar promoted to Global Business Services Distribution Manager at SLB
Vinit Pednekar was recently promoted to Global Business Services Distribution Manager at SLB in Houston, Texas (US). Mr. Pednekar is responsible for the overall operations of the company’s Regional Distribution Center in the US and its satellite centers in Canada and Mexico. Supporting the company’s Global Operations, he oversees third-party logistics (3PL) operations and performance management and directs complex logistics mobilizations. He also maintains high standards for quality, health, safety, and environment (QHSE) and ensures trade control compliance for all orders routed through these centers. Mr. Pednekar developed special expertise in global supply chain logistics during his 16-year career spanning the Middle East, Asia, and the United States. Prior to this promotion, he was Materials Manager at the Distribution Center. He was previously Supplier Manager for the company’s Well Construction Division, responsible for the North America Offshore and Caribbean region. Based in the Houston office, in this role he managed logistics mobilizations and sourcing and negotiation strategy for critical third-party suppliers, as well as the performance of centralized Hubs. Before relocating to Houston, Mr. Pednekar served as Global Logistics Planning Manager. In that capacity, he played a significant role in building an infrastructure to facilitate logistics planning, standardize service-level agreements, and optimize data analytics. Mr. Pednekar received a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from Mumbai University and an M.B.A. in International Business with a specialization in Supply Chain from the Institute of International Business in Pune, India. He is a Fellow member of the Charter Institute of Logistics & Transport.