SnapFulfil strengthens U.S. arm with key senior appointment
WMS technology innovator, SnapFulfil, selects Brian Kirst a seasoned 3PL Executive for the role of US Vice President Sales & Business Development. Kirst has 25+ years of experience in supply chain, logistics, and digital technology. Prior to joining the SnapFulfil team, he co-founded and launched two high-growth 3PL order fulfillment companies –Total Reliance in 2014 and Resurge in 2019. Both scaled successfully with the highly flexible SnapFulfil WMS as their differentiator. As part of the US leadership team, Brian brings his domain expertise in the 3PL sector to accelerate SnapFulfil’s growth as companies capitalize on trends in the Direct to Consumer (DTC) market. Kirst reports directly to Rich Pirrotta, CEO of parent company Synergy North America, who said: “Brian was one of the early adopters of our solution and used SnapFulfil to scale and grow at a rapid rate. He understands how our innovative self-configuration addresses complex fulfillment challenges and is uniquely placed to enable customers to drive significant value. He has been a strong advocate for SnapFulfil over the years and we’re delighted that Brian is now bringing his considerable insight, experience, and expertise to the team.” With SnapFulfil’s assistance, Total Reliance quickly achieved revenue growth of more than 800% and was acquired in its’ third year of operation by Best Logistics (in which Alibaba, China’s e-commerce giant, holds a 25% share). Brian repeated the pattern at Resurge, where they onboarded 20 new clients in just six weeks, including some very complex integrations. Brian said: “This move is a natural progression for me. SnapFulfil brings a level of support that, in my experience, goes way above and beyond the industry standard, and I have first-hand experience of how a speed-to-value partnership can be leveraged as an extension of your own core management team to drive rapid ROI and low TCO and attract new and bigger revenue streams. “The software is especially well-suited to retailers and 3PLs looking to expand into fast-paced DTC and e-commerce, as it gives maximum operational flexibility. Not only that, having access to the rules engine was empowering, hugely valuable, and set us apart from our competitors. I’ll be using my applied knowledge, gained across multiple industries and sectors, to help our customers identify their value drivers and further tap into the potential of SnapFulfil to drive revenue and profitability.” Brian resides in Freehold, New Jersey with his two daughters. Outside of work, he supports his daughters’ passions for equestrian sports and dance and networks with his fellow entrepreneurs in their active technology ventures.
MHS Lift, Inc. recognized by Crown Equipment Corporation for Outstanding Sales with Seventh Summit Award
MHS Lift, Inc. has received the prestigious 2021 Summit Award from Crown Equipment Corporation, one of the world’s largest material handling companies. Crown’s Summit Award recognizes outstanding sales and customer satisfaction achievements in its North American sales and service network. To qualify for the Summit Award, the company must be a Crown dealer and be considered the Best Dealer by market size. This is MHS Lift’s seventh Summit Award in eight years (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021). “We are thrilled to again be named one of Crown’s Summit Award winners in North America,” said Brett Levin, Vice President and Co-Owner, MHS Lift, Inc. “Our team has worked tirelessly this year to continue to provide top-quality customer service and we’re honored that we were recognized for our hard work by Crown,” said Andy Levin, President and Co-Owner, MHS Lift, Inc. “We look forward to continuing to accommodate our clients with Crown’s equipment in the future.”
Westfalia Technologies’ Ryan Smith named a 2022 Rock Star of the Supply Chain
Westfalia’s Vice President of Automation awarded for contribution to global food supply chain Westfalia Technologies, Inc., a provider of logistics solutions for manufacturers and distributors, announces that Ryan Smith, Vice President of Automation, has been recognized as a 2022 Rockstar of the Supply Chain. Food Logistics recognized Smith for his key role in advancing the global food supply chain through the design of innovative automated warehousing systems. The Rock Stars of the Supply Chain Award recognizes the industry’s most influential people who work behind the scenes to shape the global cold food supply chain. Due to the pandemic, the food and beverage industry has completely changed for both consumers and companies alike. Despite the challenges of the last two years, Smith stands out as a leader in the food supply chain for his hard work and vision. During his time at Westfalia, Smith has spearheaded initiatives to design automated warehousing systems that: Get orders to and from the loading dock faster, ultimately making the supply chain more efficient and solving critical problems facing today’s warehouses. Introduce an entry-level, hybrid system for industries or companies that need automation, but can’t afford to fully automate. Align with Westfalia’s mission to bring more autonomy to the U.S. automation market, allowing warehouses to solve critical problems with technology built in the U.S. Smith commented, “I am honored to accept this award and to play a role in improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of food distribution centers and warehouses around the world. I believe in the importance of collaboration and building long-lasting relationships with customers, co-workers, and warehousing experts. It’s this mindset that will continue to move the supply chain—and Westfalia—forward for years to come.” “Behind every great company is an even greater leader. And, the supply chain leaders receiving this award are no exception,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “Within the last 18 months or so, the cold food chain has seen a lot of rock stars rise to the occasion. These rock stars developed platforms, integrated automation, and led teams through disruption after disruption. They’ve helped their companies pivot and adapt, and continue to do so with grace, agility, flexibility, and resilience. These rock stars are strong in so many ways. Congratulations to the true rock stars of the supply chain, who continue to keep the cold food chain moving.” Recipients of this year’s award will be profiled in Food Logistics’ Jan/Feb 2022 print issue as well as online at www.FoodLogistics.com. For more information on the 2022 Rock Stars of the Supply Chain Award, click here.
Digi names Guy Yehiav president of SmartSense by Digi
Renowned Retail, CPG, and Supply Chain Veteran brings a world-class track record to a global provider of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity products and services Digi International®, a global provider of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity products and services, has announced it has named Guy Yehiav President of its SmartSense by Digi division. Over his 25-year career, the highly respected executive has helped build world-class technology companies like Oracle Demantra and Profitect, In his new role, Yehiav will lead SmartSense by Digi’s overall strategy, direction, development, and implementation of enterprise software solutions as it continues on its aggressive growth path. “We are thrilled to welcome Guy Yehiav to SmartSense by Digi,” said Ron Konezny, president and CEO of Digi. “His deep expertise in retail, CPG, supply chain, and complex manufacturing is an ideal fit for SmartSense by Digi’s sharp focus on enterprise IoT solutions for food safety, facilities monitoring, pharmaceutical safety, and supply chain visibility. As companies look to ensure their brand standards, protect their customers and eliminate inventory loss while improving efficiencies, SmartSense by Digi is well-positioned for continued growth and success in 2022 and beyond.” Renowned for creating a culture of innovation and inclusion while embracing new customers and pursuing vertical markets, Yehiav brings a track record of success spanning mergers and acquisitions, product portfolio planning, B2B enterprise software, SaaS metrics, conflict management, AI, and IoT solutions. Previously, he was General Manager and Vice President of Zebra Technologies, where he led organic and non-organic growth, M&A activities, leadership strategy, and customer success for the company’s Zebra Analytics business unit. Earlier, he was CEO of Profitect before its acquisition by Zebra Technologies in 2019. He has also held senior positions at Oracle and was a founder and executive board member of Demantra, which was acquired by Oracle in 2006. Yehiav holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and industrial management from Shenkar College of Israel and an MBA in entrepreneurship from Babson College. He is fluent in English, French, and Hebrew, enabling him to work with a range of clients from Israel, Europe, APAC, and the U.S. “I have had many opportunities to help companies get started, grow faster, or transition to new phases,” Yehiav said. “To me, nothing is more exciting than steering a company into a profitable, productive, and innovative future with a clear customer success focus. Given SmartSense by Digi’s proven track record and remarkable team of innovators and experts, I am confident the road ahead will be as exciting as it is successful.”
Twin Spring Coupling announce its North American sales representatives servicing the U.S. and Canadian
Twin Spring Coupling has announced the following list of sales representative companies to support the expansion of our product range out into the Industrial distribution marketplace. The North American sales representative agents are: AF Industrial – CO, UT, WY Allied Components Inc. – AK, ID, OR, MT, WA Bick Products, Inc.- IA, IL, KS, MO, NE Industrial Component Sales – ND, SD, MN, WI RDT Industries – MI, IN, OH NTS – RI, CT, ME, VT, MA, NH Pro Power Associates – Upstate NY, Western PA Rausch Sales – Florida (Except Panhandle) RPT – AR, LA, NM, OK, TX Simpson & Associates – AL, FL Panhandle, GA, MS, TN Driven Sales – Lower NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD RGW Sales – Canada These companies have many years of power transmission experience and the fit with our coupling line is a natural add-on to their current product offerings, says Darren Finch CEO/Founder of Twin Spring Coupling. The companies in the industrial distribution channel have had lots of experience dealing with these companies, the likes of Grainger, Motion, AD, Fastenal, MSC Industrial, DXP, BDI, OTP, Turtle and Hughes, CBT, IBT, and many others, they will continue to deal with them and serve as their front-line sales and technical support agents.
Christoph Wachter is taking over as director of the Flexible Packaging Paper division at Koehler Paper
Christoph Wachter took over as director of the Flexible Packaging Paper division at Koehler Paper in January 2022. He succeeds Eckhard Kallies, who has had great success in positioning, developing, and implementing a long-term strategy for this new business unit as part of a three-year mandate. Having invested over 300 million euros into the new production line 8 at its Kehl production facility, Koehler Paper entered the flexible packaging growth market in 2019. With Koehler NexPlus®, Koehler is now meeting the rapidly growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Koehler NexPlus® is a range of barrier-coated paper with a wide range of applications. These include, in particular, barriers to odors, grease, mineral oils, water vapor, and also gases. Christoph Wachter is taking over the division at Koehler Paper during a period of strong growth. He comes from Tyrol in Austria, is married, and has two grown-up children. The 58-year-old studied business administration and brings with him 30 years of experience in specialty paper in the paper industry, where his roles have included working as a CEO with international responsibility. Further growth for flexible packaging paper from Koehler Paper A wide range of customers, such as Ritter Sport and Südzucker, have opted for packaging paper from Koehler Paper since it entered the market. Kai Furler, CEO of the Koehler Group, emphasized: “We see huge growth ahead of us in the Flexible Packaging Paper division and are delighted that Christoph Wachter will now be able to contribute his experience as head of the division.” After successfully entering the European market with strategic customer projects, we are now also focusing on the Asian and American markets. Christoph Wachter is focused on the future: “The expertise we have in the company thanks to our employees, combined with the “state of the art” production facility makes Koehler unique. The spirit of active entrepreneurship is evident throughout the business, which makes us a leading provider in the flexible packaging sector.”
Civan’s OPA 6 Weld Dynamic Beam Laser wins Prism Award
Civan’s OPA 6 Weld, an entirely new class of laser that modulates beam shape at MHz rates without any moving parts, has received the 2022 Prism Award for Industrial Lasers Civan Lasers has received the prestigious 2022 Prism Award in the industrial lasers category. Civan was recognized for its OPA 6 Weld, a 7–14 kW single-mode CW dynamic beam laser (DBL) last week following a festive reception during SPIE Photonics West, by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, and Photonics Media. Based on Civan’s patented coherent beam combination, the DBL modulates beam shape as desired at speeds up to hundreds of megahertz without any moving parts. This entirely new category of lasers uses optical phased array coherent beam combining to merge many single-mode laser beams into a larger beam. Each laser’s light overlaps with other beams in the far-field, creating a diffraction pattern that allows manipulation of the beam shape in real-time. Phase modulators control the individual beams, and the resulting interference pattern can be adjusted to maximize the beam spot position and produce various shape patterns inscribed by the beam’s motion. In addition to controlling beam shape, Civan’s DBL also enables control of shape frequency, shape sequence, and depth of focus. The ability to control these parameters is a powerful tool for optimization of evaporation in the capillary, flow in the molten pool, and solidification of the melt for any laser materials processing application. Such control does away with pore, spatter, and crack formation while increasing feed rates and speeds in welding and additive manufacturing applications. “We are honored to receive this prestigious award, as it substantiates that Civan Lasers is the only company in the world that has been able to commercialize coherent beam combining technology for high-power applications,” says Civan CEO Dr. Eyal Shekel. “It also validates the strong impact that our dynamic beam-shaping lasers will have in the industrial laser materials processing market by helping to not only improve welding feed rates and additive manufacturing speeds but also to make new applications possible.”
Jeff Born hired as Director of Procurement and Supply Chain Solutions for Tubelite, Alumicor and Linetec
Jeff Born has been named as the director of procurement and supply chain solutions overseeing North American activities for Tubelite Inc., Alumicor Ltd. and Linetec. Together, these three companies and their six manufacturing locations provide storefront and finishing solutions as part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc. All three procurement departments report to Born, as supervised by Dean Seger, vice president of the integrated supply chain, and guided by Apogee’s procurement operations director. Born draws from more than 20 years of multi-functional, multi-national experience leading supply chain planning, scheduling, capacity management, logistics, distribution, procurement, and warehousing. He is a member of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). Most recently, Born served as vice president of the global supply chain for Michigan-based medical device manufacturer, SunMed, LLC. Prior to this, he worked as operations manager for global furniture design and manufacturer, Steelcase Inc. Early in his career, Born started his professional work as an analyst at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, while he was a student. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis on marketing and finance. He was hired as an operations manager at Aspen Surgical Products, Inc. and later, as supply chain planning manager for multiple business segments at Amway.
Women In Trucking Association announces its February 2022 Member of the Month
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Roberta McKenna as its February 2022 Member of the Month. She is a professional driver for Clean Harbors National Transportation. Roberta is one of the few women in the company who hauls loads of hazardous material across the country. It’s no easy feat, but this is her happy place. Much like the roads, she traverses daily, her journey to a successful career as a female driver certainly was not without bumps, but now that she’s found her way to Clean Harbors, she is happy to say it feels like home. Growing up in Malaga, Ohio, Roberta spent much of her childhood on her family’s farm. At an early age, she operated tractors, bulldozers, and trucks to assist with the daily rigors of maintaining a beef farm. It was then that she fell in love with driving. It wasn’t until Roberta was in her mid-twenties that she would encounter the harsh stereotypes and challenges of being a woman in the industry. As a single mother, Roberta saw trucking as a means to support her family. After earning her CDL Class A license at the age of 28, she began driving small dump trucks for a local paving and construction company in Crofton, Maryland. The company consisted mostly of women, and with the comradery and support from her female coworkers, Roberta fell even more in love with making driving a lifelong career. However, in 1985, Roberta began driving for a new company that delivered bakery supplies. Unlike with the paving and construction company, Roberta often experienced discrimination. Every day, Roberta’s male counterparts taunted her and made derogatory comments. She was given late shifts and extenuating hours that didn’t meet the demands of being a single mother. The consistent negativity, prejudices, and lack of respect eventually took a toll on Roberta’s mental health. Unwilling to put up with disrespect, Roberta changed jobs, this time landing at a major corporate manufacturer. Conditions, however, did not improve. She continued to struggle with gaining the respect of her male coworkers. With poor management and false promises on compensation and driving routes, Roberta debated quitting and leaving the industry altogether. But she loved driving and couldn’t imagine herself in another career. Fueled by the desire to provide her son with the best possible life, she powered on, speaking up when her male coworkers made discriminatory remarks and demanding a fair work schedule. Her efforts didn’t always result in change, but she could be proud of herself for demanding the respect she deserved. Then, in 2013, Roberta landed a new role with Clean Harbors, which recognized her talents and celebrated her as a woman making strides in a male-dominated field. With more than 36 years in the transportation industry, eight of which have been at Clean Harbors, Roberta feels that much of her experiences have made her who she is today – strong, powerful, and determined. She has helped pave the way for future female drivers and will continue to advocate for those, no matter their gender, who want a make a career out of driving. “Be yourself, love yourself and the skin you are in,” she advises other female drivers. “Make the day what you want of it and never give up. We are all in this together and together will be stronger!”
NAW announces Inaugural Distributors Deliver Award winners
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) just announced the winners of its inaugural Distributors Deliver Award given at last week’s NAW 2022 Executive Summit in Washington, DC. The NAW 2022 Executive Summit was the organization’s most-attended Summit on record and marked the event’s return in person after its Virtual Summit in 2021. “We’re proud to recognize the wholesaler-distributors who stepped up last year and helped NAW provide more than $1 million in PPE and other supplies to help run vaccine clinics, reopen cities, and protect Americans through our partnerships with NFL teams and the National League of Cities,” NAW CEO Eric Hoplin said. “The wholesale distribution industry’s hundreds of thousands of companies and millions of employees are well-known for their commitment to philanthropy and community and we look forward to continuing to recognize them each year.” Last year, NAW partnered with NFL stadium vaccination sites to provide over $500,000 worth of PPE in their efforts to vaccinate more than two million people. NAW and the National League of Cities partnered to reopen communities and surpassed $1,000,000 in donations of critical personal protective equipment and other supplies. The NAW Distributors Deliver Award, which will be presented annually at NAW’s Executive Summit, recognizes the philanthropic efforts of wholesaler-distributors and their commitment to charity, community, and improving lives. The 2021 NAW Distributors Deliver Award recipients are as follows: ABM Industries Accelerate360 Benco Dental Building Material Distributors (BMD) Bunzl North America Cameron Ashley Building Products Clock Medical Supply COE Distributing Competitive Choice Concordance Healthcare Solutions Cope Plastics EBP Supply Solutions Global Industrial Grainger HD Supply Henry Schein Hillyard Imperial Beverage Johnstone Supply Kimball Midwest Millcraft MSC Industrial Supply Co. Nelson-Jameson Patterson Companies, Inc. Piedmont Plastics Polymershapes SanMar ScanSource Seitz Inc. Uline
CLARK Material Handling Company announces new Regional Sales Managers
CLARK Material Handling Company, a top-ten manufacturer of forklifts and spare parts, announces the appointments of David Lasnek and Justin Richardson as CLARK Regional Sales Managers. David will be responsible for assisting dealers in the Midwest Region, and, Justin will be responsible for assisting dealers in the Northeast Region. Both will report to Rick Dahlke, National Sales Manager for CLARK Material Handling Company. David spent the last seventeen years selling CLARK products for a CLARK dealer in Des Moines, IA. He brings with him extensive industry and brand knowledge, a unique dealer-focused perspective, and a commitment to providing the best customer experience possible. Justin has six years of experience in the material handling industry, ranging from parts to forklift trucks to heavy machinery. With his wealth of industry knowledge and excellent customer service skills, he is committed to creating a smooth experience for end customers and dealers alike. “We are pleased to welcome David and Justin to the CLARK Regional team,” said Dahlke. “Their addition to the team represents our commitment to providing excellent support to the CLARK Dealer Network. With their combined experience, commitment to the brand, and dedication to providing excellent support to our dealers in the Northeast and Midwest regions, David and Justin will bolster the CLARK sales team and help us provide even better sales assistance to our dealer network.” The CLARK Regional Sales team is comprised of six Regional Sales and two Aftermarket Parts Sales personnel, and, by best-in-class customer service, purchasing, parts, and administrative teams in Lexington and Louisville.
Robroy Enclosures® announces three promotions
Robroy Enclosures®, a division of Robroy Industries® announces the promotions of Scott Thompson to National Sales Manager, Dean Brazelle to Channel Manager and Rob Holmes to Senior Accountant. In his new role as National Sales Manager, Scott will be responsible for planning, managing, and leading sales activity for Robroy Enclosures® Robroy Enclosures® President, Craig Mitchell states: “Scott has had great success in his career at Robroy and is a tremendous asset to our sales team. He provides leadership and adds tremendous value for our organization and our customers.” Scott brings to his new responsibilities a wealth of industry and enclosures sales management experience. Since joining Robroy Enclosures® as a Business Development Manager in 2018, Scott has demonstrated leadership, management expertise, and has been a key asset to the organization. Prior to joining Robroy Enclosures®, Scott worked for 14 years as an Enclosure Product Line Manager in Electrical Distribution where he managed and sold Robroy® enclosure products. He has also worked in electronic components distribution. Scott graduated from the University of Iowa. In his new role as Channel Manager, Dean Brazelle will be responsible for planning, managing, and directing sales activity in assigned channels for all Robroy Enclosures® brands. Dean brings extensive industry knowledge and sales experience gained during the past 10 years with Robroy Enclosures®. Dean earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial distribution from Eastern Michigan University. Robroy Enclosures® President, Craig Mitchell states: “Dean has had tremendous success in his career at Robroy®. In this new role, he’ll provide experience, knowledge, and leadership for our organization and add value for our customers.” Robroy Enclosures® –- manufacturers of Stahlin: the world’s most specified fiberglass electrical enclosures; and AttaBox: innovative polycarbonate industrial enclosures – announces the promotion of Rob Holmes to the position of Senior Accountant. In his new role, Rob will be responsible for analyzing and preparing journal entries, costing, general ledger, and leading accounting process improvements for Robroy Enclosures®. Robroy Enclosures® President, Craig Mitchell states: “Rob has proven his ability to support our standards for world-class financial and fiduciary performance. Accountability is the foundation for our ability to function at peak levels and to provide the unparalleled service expected by our customers. Rob’s expertise and leadership will be a benefit to all.” Rob provides knowledge and accounting experience gained during nearly four years as an accountant with Robroy Enclosures®. Rob holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Alma College.
Three Elite Yellow Corporation drivers chosen for America’s Road Team “The Best of the Best”
Yellow Corporation announced that three of its long-time professional truck drivers have been selected as the newest members of the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) America’s Road Team Captains. The drivers will serve as trucking industry ambassadors, traveling the country to spread the message of safe driving, while teaching about the trucking industry, and its many career opportunities. Yellow’s three winning drivers competed against 34 other professional drivers to fill 22 slots on the 2022-2023 Road Team. “America’s Road Team Captains are the best of the best in our industry,” said Darrel Harris, President and Chief Operating Officer of Yellow Corporation. “We are proud that the ATA and its panel of judges selected our drivers who, combined, have nearly nine million miles of safe driving. They will represent our industry and Company well.” Richard Frazer of Rockford, IL has been a professional driver for more than three decades, 23 years with Yellow. Since he was a boy, he dreamed of getting his commercial driver’s license. In addition to driving his regular route, Frazer also serves as a driver trainer and mentor for new drivers joining Yellow. Jeff Rose of Akron, OH has been driving for 29 years, all with Yellow. In addition to teaching safety skills to new drivers, Rose works closely with the Ohio State Highway Patrol to promote truck safety. Oklahoma City’s Mike Buck has also driven professionally for more than three decades, 19 of them with Yellow. Buck frequently participates in the Oklahoma State Truck Driving Championships and has won several honors. Drivers competing for America’s Road Team were judged on their ability to express their knowledge of the industry, their skills in effective communication about safety and transportation, and their overall safe-driving record. The panel of judges included trucking executives and the trade press. “These Captains will spread the message of highway safety across America. They are leaders in their communities, role models in their companies, and are dedicated to and passionate about the industry,” said Elisabeth Barna, ATA Executive Vice President of Industry Affairs. “This new class represents everything we strive to promote about our industry and its professionals, especially as we face a driver shortage and challenges with the supply chain.”
PLASTICS promotes Patrick Krieger to Vice President for Sustainability
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has promoted Patrick Krieger, Senior Director for Materials & Sustainability, to the newly created role of Vice President for Sustainability. “As an industry, we intend to be all-in on sustainability, helping to lead the way toward a truly circular economy. Patrick will play an essential role on that journey,” said Tony Radoszewski, President and CEO of PLASTICS. “Patrick’s stellar performance as Senior Director for Materials and Sustainability, which included important work with our Recycling and other Material Supplier committees, made him the obvious choice to lead our sustainability efforts.” Krieger’s accomplishments to date include significant roles in guiding New End Market Opportunities (NEMO) projects for PLASTICS, as well as contributing to the growth of Operation Clean Sweep, a program in which companies dedicate themselves to measures aimed at preventing the release of resin into the marine environment. He is also responsible for the creation of Bioplastics Week, a successful online event geared toward educating both industry and consumer audiences about biobased plastic materials. Bioplastics Week gave rise to Plastics Recycling Week in 2021, another popular event that PLASTICS intends to grow this year. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity of working with our members to promote and improve the sustainability of the plastics industry,” said Krieger. “Improving recycling and recycling infrastructure, renewable feedstocks, or addressing the problem of marine debris – we are just getting started.” Krieger also organizes PLASTICS’ Re|Focus Recycling and Sustainability Summit, a multi-day conference during which industry professionals hear from expert speakers and their peers on solutions that will improve their sustainability efforts. A key feature of the Summit is the annual Sustainability Innovation Award competition, in which companies from both inside and outside the organization can showcase their efforts to contribute in the areas of recycling and sustainability. Beginning his career at PLASTICS in 2015 as Assistant Director of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, Krieger became Director of Regulatory and Technical Affairs in 2018, and then Senior Director for Materials and Sustainability in 2020. Before joining PLASTICS, Krieger served as Regulatory Affairs Manager for the Animal Health Institute. He is a 2007 graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Leadership and Development.
Caldwell hires in Florida and Mexico
The Caldwell Group Inc. has recruited to strategic roles in Florida and Mexico. Caldwell has hired from channel partners to position the company for continued growth in these two key marketplaces. Ben Blasio and Ryan Chambless, both based in central Florida, near Orlando, have joined as an independent sales agency. The agency—Covering Force Sales—will lead a state-wide sales effort to promote the entire range of Caldwell equipment, including custom lifters, rigging gear, and other material handling products. Darrin Noe, Director of Sales at Caldwell, said: “Ben and Ryan each bring a fresh approach to sales with an emphasis on end-user calls to help support our distributors, as well as conducting some of their own marketing efforts based on the unrivaled experience of delivering solutions to the point of use in one of our target regions. They may be relatively new to the below-the-hook side of the industry, but they bring with them a ton of experience with welding supply distributors as well as with plasma and other plate cutting.” Michael Smetz, meanwhile, of RUD-Mexico, will now represent the Caldwell and J.C. Renfroe businesses throughout all of Mexico. Caldwell and the RUD Group have already united their sales and marketing activities in the U.S. and Canada for material handling and lifting devices within a common organization. Clamp manufacturer J.C. Renfroe, a subsidiary of The Caldwell Group, is renowned for meeting ASME BTH (below-the-hook) Design Category C, Service Class 4. Armando Molina will cover the same geography and report directly to Smetz. Noe said: “Beyond servicing existing distributor accounts in Mexico, Michael’s focus will be on connecting us directly with larger industries, especially in and around Monterrey, with steel and automotive plants a primary focus area. This is a perfect example of how Caldwell and RUD can truly partner to provide superior service and product solutions to the market.” He added: “Business is good—in these regions and others. We have started the year well and are buoyed by a strong order backlog. Now the key is to enhance what we already have.”
CLARK Material Handling Company announces appointment of Brandon Bullard as Director of Sales and Marketing
CLARK Material Handling Company, a top-ten global manufacturer of forklift trucks and spare parts, announces the appointment of Brandon Bullard as Director of Sales and Marketing. In this role, Bullard will oversee the sales and marketing activities and the associated support teams in Lexington, KY related to the new truck and aftermarket sales. He will report to Dennis Lawrence, president and chief executive officer of CLARK Material Handling Company. “Brandon’s strong experience and knowledge of the material handling industry and his overall leadership abilities will serve CLARK, our dealers, and our end-customers well,” commented Lawrence. “Under his direction, we will continue to deliver high-quality and innovative solutions, as well as an increased focus on brand awareness and positioning, all to the benefit of our entire dealer organization.” With a background in sales and leadership crossing multiple industries and covering over 20 years, Bullard has a wealth of experience in account management, product direction and sales planning. In his new role, he will coordinate efforts between manufacturing and engineering to deliver solutions meeting the needs of both dealerships and end customers. “My past work with sales teams and various channel partners has positioned me well to identify opportunities and develop programs that will deliver solutions benefitting both CLARK and the dealer network. I’m excited to join CLARK and continue the ‘Built to Last’ legacy,” said Bullard. “With a wide range of new products coming out this year, CLARK is positioned to lead the industry.” “Brandon’s industry knowledge and team-building talents will serve him well in his new role with CLARK,” added Lawrence. “We are very happy to have him on the team and we look forward to the continued success he will bring in the coming months and years.”
Kassow Robots expands sales team to support partners and expand manufacturer networks
Kassow Robots, a developer of 7-axis cobot solutions for machine tending, material handling, and related applications, is strengthening its sales team with the appointment of Ulrich Möller as sales manager for the DACH region. In taking this step, Kassow Robots reinforces its sales presence, an established goal for 2022. Möller is well acquainted with the robotics industry. He previously worked as a field sales engineer at Omron and continues to be involved in the German Robotics Association as head of mobile robotics. The engineering graduate will support systems integrators at Kassow Robots in their sales activities in DACH and drive forward the expansion of the company’s network of sales partners and end-of-arm (EOA) tool manufacturers. Alongside Dieter Pletscher, Kassow Robots’ global sales manager, he will represent Kassow Robots at in-person and virtual events and on social media. “We are delighted to have Uli Möller at Kassow Robots,” says Pletscher. “He is not only a very enthusiastic automation specialist with years of cobot experience but also a well-connected colleague who will vigorously communicate the added value of our 7-axis lightweight cobots.” Company founder and CEO Kristian Kassow stresses, “The DACH region remains an especially important region for us, and one that we want to strengthen with this new appointment. On the one hand, of course, is the economic power of the medium-sized industry in particular. This industry is hard hit by a severe shortage of skilled workers. Our cobots help companies overcome this challenge by automating repetitive tasks.” 7-Axis Cobots Help Medium-Sized Companies Möller looks forward to his new tasks at the Copenhagen-based cobot manufacturer: “Kassow Robots has an exciting and extensive product portfolio on the market. These five 7-axis cobots, with a payload of up to 18 kg and a reach of up to 1,800 mm, cover almost every need there is for cobots. I see huge opportunities for medium-sized companies since these really easy-to-use cobots can help them to cost-effectively defy the shortage of skilled workers. The seventh axis offers unique mobility that makes automation possible even in the most confined spaces — in other words, where conventional models fail.”
Jon Smalling joins BMG as Director of Sales at NAS Nalle Automation Systems
The new hire comes with deep knowledge and enthusiasm for automation across a range of industries including the medical market BMG has announced the appointment of Jon Smalling as Director of Sales at NAS Nalle Automation Systems based in Knoxville, TN. Smalling’s experience encompasses a wide range of paper and plastic industry applications including injection molding, thermoforming, and best practices for automation solutions. He has worked in sales and new business development leadership roles within the extrusion and raw material (resin) industries. Most recently Smalling was the Regional Sales Manager for a global injection molding automation company. Professionally, Jon volunteers as Chair of the PLASTICS industry Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP) and serves on the NPE trade show content committee. “I am excited to join NAS Nalle Automation Systems, a leading supplier of innovative packaging and robotic material handling solutions for the paper and plastic industries. More than ever before, the labor and material constraints on manufacturing have driven the need to automate just about everything.” Smalling explains. “I look forward to building relationships with our current and future customers, partnering with them to find solutions that meet their needs. It is an exciting time to join NAS and make use of the many resources and capabilities of BMG’s family of companies.” “Throughout his career, Jon has been very active in the Plastics community, including being Chair of the Future Leaders in Plastics (FLiP). He is very well known throughout the plastics industry as a trusted mentor and technical advisor” says Bob Gordert, Vice President Sales – Americas. “We are very happy to have Jon join our team as we launch new and innovative automation solutions. Jon’s focus will be to lead the experienced NAS sales team to achieve our strategic growth plans, including new customer development and growing BMG’s medical presence with NAS automation solutions.” Visit www.BMG-Solutions.com for more information.
HGH celebrates the new year at the forefront of innovation for its 40 years of existence
At the dawn of the year 2022, HGH Group is celebrating a unique milestone, marking its 40th anniversary with a renewed commitment to electro-optical innovation. A new chapter begins for this pioneer in infrared technology which has established itself as an international reference in terms of electro-optical innovation by constantly pushing the frontiers of technological innovations. Looking to the future, HGH is seizing the opportunity of this celebration to announce plans to remain a leader in electro-optics innovation, reinvent a strong visual identity and further expand its activities and partnerships worldwide. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Igny, France, HGH develops and sells innovative electro-optics and infrared systems and software for surveillance applications, test & measurement, and industrial thermography to blue-chip customers in different end-markets. In forty years, through significant investment in R&D, HGH has positioned itself as a technology leader and has acquired major international customer references in security, defense, and industry. In particular, HGH has developed a unique proposition with the SPYNEL panoramic Wide Area Surveillance solution, enhanced by its proprietary software for thermal image processing and analysis. For its 40th anniversary, HGH unveils a brand-new image and proves that it has not finished modernizing and innovating. After the launch of its new website, designed to reflect new brand identity, HGH has deployed a more modern and streamlined visual identity on all the Group’s communication media to better represent its technology at the cutting edge of innovation. A pioneer in electro-optics and infrared technologies, HGH has proven time and time again its ability not only to renew itself and have new ideas but also to implement them very quickly in order to maintain its leadership position and meet customers’ needs. Vincent Leboucher, CEO, commented: “HGH’s strength lies in its thirst for continuous innovation by bringing to the market high-end and disruptive electro-optics technologies and services. Today, HGH is leading the way towards Artificial Intelligence in long-distance surveillance, with an ultimate user experience. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to our committed collaborators, our customers, for their loyalty and their precious collaboration in the development of new products as well as our stakeholders and large network of strategic partners. Going forward, HGH will remain committed to contributing to the progress of electro-optics technologies for Defense, Security, Science and Industry needs. To the next forty years!”
Flux Power appoints Cheemin Bo-Linn to its Board of Directors
25-year global technology veteran’s appointment to advance the commercial rollout of Flux Power’s Sustainable Lithium-Ion Energy Storage Solutions for Fortune 500 fleets Flux Power Holdings, Inc., a developer of advanced lithium-ion battery packs for electrification of commercial and industrial equipment, today announced the appointment of Cheemin Bo-Linn, a global technology industry veteran, to its Board of Directors as an independent director, effective January 14, 2022. Ms. Bo-Linn will also serve as a member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating Committee. Ms. Bo-Linn’s appointment as an independent director increases the total number of board members to six, with four independent directors. Ms. Bo-Linn currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Peritus Partners, Inc., a valuation accelerator that also provides consulting and operations expertise in software (SaaS), IoT, mobile, and digital (analytics, marketing, e-commerce, supply chain, and cybersecurity). Previously, during her 20+ years in senior IBM executive roles, she led global teams as IBM’s VP of Industrial Sector/Electronics, responsible for IBM’s software, semiconductor chips, storage, and consulting services. Ms. Bo-Linn was recognized as one of the “Top 50 Directors” in the United States in 2019 by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) and The Financial Times / Agenda named her one of the 2021 “Top 100” Diverse Directors in the Americas. In 2015, she was inducted into the Women in Technology International Professional Association “Hall of Fame” and was also named “Top Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal. Ms. Bo-Linn has served on several boards as Lead Independent Director and Chair of every major committee, across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Ms. Bo-Linn earned a doctorate degree in computer-based management information systems and organizational change from the University of Houston. “We are privileged to welcome Cheemin to the Board, bringing diverse and valuable technology industry experience in manufacturing, software, clean tech, battery storage,” said Ron Dutt, Chief Executive Officer of Flux Power. “She joins us at an opportune time with her firsthand experience in the global industrial sector and product brand development, as well as leading global brands through hypergrowth and diversification. In addition, her expertise in environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) strategies will support our expansion. Cheemin will help us increase the breadth and depth of our reach as a Company, positioning us to continue our growth and to create value for our shareholders.” Bo-Linn added, “Flux Power has reached a key inflection point in its evolution, and I am honored to offer my insight as the Company continues its growth trajectory to meet the increasing demands for its lithium-ion battery packs and the addition of new customers and products. I look forward to working alongside Ron and the rest of the board to build its vision of electrification for the global material handling and industrial equipment sectors.”