Former Swisslog CEO Chris Baur joins Caja Robotics as Senior Advisor
Baur will leverage deep experience to strengthen the company’s European presence Caja Robotics, a provider in flexible robotic goods-to-person solutions for order fulfillment, is pleased to announce that Dr. Christian E. Baur, formerly CEO of Swisslog, has joined the company as Senior Advisor. Following a successful rollout of Caja’s warehouse robotic solution in the US and responding to a growing demand for automation in the EU, Baur will support building a strong network of clients and partners to fortify the company’s presence in Europe. Baur is a software- and robotic-driven automated solutions expert with an entrepreneurial mind for solutions that shape the future of automation and create exceptional customer value. Coming from KUKA and Swisslog, he leverages deep expertise in project-based global businesses, operational excellence, M&A, and leadership experience from various companies, including top management consulting. With passionate and dedicated leadership in the software and robotics space, Baur will bring his innovative thinking in digitized logistics solutions to Caja Robotics. “I am a believer in software, automation, and robotics solutions. With Caja’s technology, the future of logistics is here,” said Baur. “Caja is taking all of these and providing a perfect solution to the current logistics market needs, especially for businesses and warehouses that need scalable solutions. I see an epic potential for the future.” Baur added, “There are only a few mature companies that offer innovative robotic driven goods-to-person solutions, but none like Caja, who really focuses on creating top of the line cloud-based software optimization of order fulfillment – accomplishing high fulfillment rates, with efficient use of resources. I am very impressed with how flexible and scalable their solution is, making quick ROI feasible.” Ilan Cohen, CEO at Caja Robotics said, “We are excited to welcome Chris as Senior Advisor. His vast knowledge and experience are invaluable to Caja and will serve as a pillar for building our European presence. We look forward to his creative approach and leadership.” Baur holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Munich and received a doctoral degree from the Technical University of Karlsruhe.
Nano One announces retirement of Director and President John Lando
Nano One® Materials Corp. (Nano One), is a clean technology company with patented processes for the low-cost, low-environmental footprint production of high-performance cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries. Nano One announces the retirement of John Lando, President, co-founder, and member of the Board. Mr. Lando stated “I am very proud of what we have built at Nano One to date, and while I believe the best is yet to come, it is time for me to retire. Nano One has never been in a better position, both financially and operationally. I have complete confidence in the company’s leadership team and their ability to execute on the vision they have created for Nano One, and I am also very pleased with the acumen of recent management additions, which has given me the confidence to make this move at this time. We have a strong treasury, solid technology, the world’s largest partners and we are positioned to continue building long-term value for all stakeholders.” Mr. Lando co-founded Nano One with CEO Mr. Dan Blondal and has served as President and a member of the Board since its inception. Mr. Lando’s guidance and contributions have established Nano One as an innovative, rapidly growing company within the lithium-ion battery sector. Executive Chairman Paul Matysek remarked“I have worked with John since Nano One became a public company and watching him navigate the tricky road of a start-up company has been remarkable. John’s intense and steady belief in our technology and staff coupled with his empathy and support for shareholders has established a successful culture that will continue as we grow, making us one of the most innovative battery technology companies in the world. It was a great honor to work with John and wish him well in this next phase of life.” Mr. Blondal added“John’s capital markets know-how and strong advocacy for Nano One has been tremendously helpful as we built this company to what it is today. John is a lifelong friend and it has been an honor to work with him over the years. Along with current members of the Board, management team, and employees of Nano One, I would like to wish the very best to John and his family in his retirement.”
Nano One hires VP External Affairs
Mr. Adam Johnson joins Nano One to lead external affairs with governments Brings expertise in public policy and strategic communications to Nano One Team strengthened to support North American cathode commercialization efforts Nano One® Materials Corp. (Nano One), is a clean technology company with patented processes for the low-cost, low-environmental footprint production of high-performance cathode materials used in lithium-ion batteries. Nano One just announced the hiring of Adam Johnson as Vice President, External Affairs. Mr. Johnson will be overseeing Nano One’s external affairs and engagement efforts as it continues down the path towards cathode commercialization, scale-up, and expansion in North America. As the world transitions to a net-zero economy and advances towards mass adoption of batteries for EVs and energy storage systems, there are important public policy and business decisions to be made. Developing a safe and reliable supply chain in North America and around the world for batteries is vital for economic, national security, and environmental reasons. Nano One wants to be an active participant in helping shape a sustainable North American battery supply chain. “Adam is a seasoned and trusted leader with broad communications experience and a solid understanding of government relations,” said, COO, Mr. Alex Holmes. “Adam’s deep-rooted relationships with government and strong business network will enable Nano One to engage and lead on battery supply chain decisions, particularly as we ramp up operations in support of multiple partnerships and business opportunities. Adam’s appointment fills a key role in driving our business transformation and I welcome Adam as a partner to the executive team.” “I am extremely excited to be joining the Nano One team. At this critical point of transformation from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, there are deep and challenging issues to overcome. At the same time, I see immense opportunity for Nano One to help shape a battery supply chain in North America and the world,” stated Mr. Johnson. “For over 20 years I have worked on complex and challenging public policy and communications issues both in Government and advising businesses. I believe in the Nano One team and its value proposition.” Mr. Johnson has over 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles working as a consultant and in Government. Prior to joining Nano One, he was a senior partner at Earnscliffe Strategies, a leading public affairs consultancy, where he provided strategic counsel to small and medium-sized businesses as well as Fortune 200 companies. He is an expert on engaging with the Canadian federal and provincial governments in addition to international government, with a focus on energy, cleantech, transportation, and infrastructure. Mr. Johnson also works on community engagement, market-entry, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining Earnscliffe, he was a senior advisor to a Canadian Minister of Industry, amongst several other roles
Regal Rexnord acquires Arrowhead Systems, expanding Conveyor offering into Sub-systems, Palletizing
Regal Rexnord, a global provider in the engineering and manufacturing of industrial powertrain solutions, power transmission components, electric motors and electronic controls, and specialty electrical components and systems, has announced that it has completed the strategic acquisition of Arrowhead Systems (“Arrowhead”), based in Oshkosh, Wis. Arrowhead is a global provider in providing industrial process automation solutions, including conveyors, palletizers, and depalletizers to the food and beverage, aluminum can, and consumer staples (household goods, hygiene products, among others) industries. Arrowhead’s broad and deep capabilities in palletizing and conveying include a full suite of aftermarket services and solutions, which have been augmented through robust digitization investments to support industrial internet of things (IIoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and predictive maintenance capabilities. Commenting on the transaction, Regal Rexnord CEO, Louis Pinkham, said, “Strategically, Arrowhead is everything Regal Rexnord looks for in an acquisition. It increases our exposure to attractive, high-growth end applications. In addition, its highly engineered products and solutions, including digital capabilities, are differentiated and highly valued by its customers. Arrowhead’s growth strategy is also consistent with our mindset of driving innovation with purpose — purposeful for our customers and for our planet — considering its offering directly supports rising consumer demand for more environmentally friendly packaging, particularly a migration away from single-use plastics to aluminum cans. “Regal Rexnord and Arrowhead have highly complementary offerings that are expected to deliver enormous value to our customers. We are particularly excited about the complementary nature of Arrowhead and our ModSort® modular transfer and diverter stations, which are fast becoming important ‘last-mile” components in e-commerce warehouse applications, but have much broader applicability in other end uses, including those where Arrowhead focuses,” added Pinkham. Regal Rexnord’s innovative ModSort modular transfer and diverter stations can be easily added into new or existing conveyor systems to provide high-precision, 360-degree steering functionality for very lightweight items, such as polybags. ModSort modules, along with Regal Rexnord’s offerings of conveyor belts, chains, guides, and components — now coupled with Arrowhead’s conveying and palletizing sub-systems and its design, fabrication, and assembly capabilities — position the company to offer more value-added solutions to its customers, and do so in a broader array of end applications.
Hy-Brid Lifts announces JJ Beimborn as Midwest Territory Sales Manager
Hy-Brid Lifts, a low-level access equipment provider, announces JJ Beimborn’s transition from Service Manager to Midwest Territory Sales Manager. His new role will include promoting the growing Hy-Brid Lifts product line, establishing and maintaining customer relationships, and supporting customers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin. “I’m looking forward to expanding the customer relationships I have built over the last several years as the Hy-Brid Lifts Service Manager,” said Beimborn. “I’m also excited to share the many benefits of our products and continue growing our customer base, especially in my home state of Wisconsin.” Beimborn spearheaded the Hy-Brid Lifts service department for the past two years, successfully launching the company’s service-focused Field Day blog, expanding the service team to speed up the support process, and training countless customers on equipment maintenance best practices. His time at the scissor lift manufacturer follows more than 10 years of technical service work throughout the electrical manufacturing and machinery industries. Prior to starting his technical service career, Beimborn proudly served his country in the Marines during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His promotion recognizes his dedication to Hy-Brid Lifts, its products, and its customers. “The entire Hy-Brid Lifts team is thrilled to have JJ in the Territory Sales Manager role for the Midwest,” said Marshall Shaver, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “JJ has been a tremendous asset to the organization in the Service Manager position and has made a significant impact on the aftermarket portion of the business. We are looking forward to JJ growing our presence in the market and continuing to foster long-lasting relationships with our customers.”
Seeq appoints Dr. Lisa J. Graham as Chief Executive Officer and announces changes to Board of Directors
Graham brings more than 20 years of process industry experience, along with demonstrated success driving growth and innovation at Seeq Seeq Corporation, a provider in manufacturing and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) advanced analytics software, has announced that the company’s board of directors has appointed former chief operating officer Dr. Lisa J. Graham, PE as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Former CEO and co-founder Steve Sliwa will remain at Seeq in an advisory role as vice chairman and co-founder. Seeq also appointed Ashley Kramer to the company’s board of directors. Leveraging Dr. Graham’s experience driving innovation in the process industries and with IIoT-focused organizations, she will focus on reinforcing a strong culture, while rapidly scaling the organization to achieve growth and revenue goals. Graham previously served as COO and VP of Analytics Engineering at Seeq, where she played an instrumental role in executing the company’s vision to fuel the digital transformation of the process industries. This required empowering Seeq’s customers to bridge the gap between their operational technology and information technology teams through the use of easy-to-use, advanced analytics applications. Prior to joining Seeq, Graham served as CEO and founder of Alkemy Innovation, an engineering services company. She also served as COO and SVP at Bend Research, now part of Lonza. “We recognize that this is a crucial time in Seeq’s evolution, and the board of directors strongly believes that Lisa’s combination of skills will take Seeq to the next level,” says Pete Higgins, founding partner of Second Avenue Partners and chairman of Seeq’s board of directors. “She has made supporting and growing this organization and its people her daily focus since coming to Seeq, and we look forward to supporting her passion and focus as we embark on this next chapter.” In 2021, Seeq experienced significant growth, including the announcement of a $50 million Series C funding round, recognition from Frost & Sullivan’s 2021 North American Technology Innovation Leadership Award for Seeq Data Lab, and the expansion of its products and capabilities—providing Graham with significant momentum. “I am honored to step into the role of CEO at such a pivotal time in our company’s growth,” says Dr. Graham. “I look forward to working with the Seeq team and its board of directors to continue accelerating our business growth while delivering great value to every one of our customers.” The board of directors will work alongside Sliwa and Graham to ensure a smooth and successful transition. “The board would like to thank Steve for his leadership in building an outstanding team, developing market-leading technology, and exceeding our growth goals over the last eight years,” says Higgins. “We look forward to his continued involvement in guiding the future of our company as vice chairman of the board.” In parallel, Ashley Kramer has been named to the board of directors, bringing more than 15 years of experience to Seeq, gained during scaling of hypergrowth companies. Kramer serves as the chief product officer and chief marketing officer at Sisense where she is responsible for leading its go-to-market and product strategy, brand awareness, and revenue growth. Previously, she held positions as senior vice president of product for Alteryx, where she drove the company’s transformation to a data science platform, and global head of cloud for Tableau, where she built the company’s fastest-growing and only SaaS product from the ground up. “Ashley has an impressive track record and we’re eager to have her join the board,” says Higgins. “Her expertise in big data technology platforms and product strategy will be invaluable to our board as we continue to grow and scale our business.” “I am passionate about data and analytics, and particularly enjoy working with companies like Seeq that enable organizations to easily leverage analytics applications to improve their business outcomes,” says Kramer. “I look forward to bringing a new perspective to the board and joining Seeq on their growth journey.”
Aisle Master AME-OP secures German industry award
One of the new products to be launched this year by Combilift, the Aisle Master-OP (AME-OP) was a winner in this year’s “INDUSTRIAL Production – handling award 2021”, organized by a German publication, Industrial Production. A jury of industry experts and votes from the readership determined the winners from over 30 entries, and the AME-OP won second place in the Handling and Assembly Category of this year’s awards. The new AME-OP is a stand-on electric-powered model that combines the advantages of a narrow aisle articulated forklift and an order picker for versatile operation in warehousing applications. Entries were judged on their combination of innovation, customer benefit, and technical excellence, all of which qualities apply to the AME-OP. According to the editor of IP, Daniel Schilling, features that particularly impressed the jury and readers were the step-through operator compartment with a low floor height of just 280mm which speeds up order picking, as well as the truck’s ability to work in very narrow aisles of just 1650mm for space-saving operation. “We are very proud to receive this accolade from a German publication for this innovative product,” said Combilift CEO and co-founder Martin McVicar. “Along with the UK and the USA, Germany is one of the most important and successful marketplaces for us, and it is also gratifying to see that Combilift is the only non-German company to be amongst the winners in all categories. I’d like to thank everyone who voted for the AME-OP, and I am sure this will help drive sales even further in this region, not just for this model but for our extensive range of handling solutions.”
Yellow Corporation names new Board Member
Yellow Corporation has appointed Javier Evans to its Board of Directors, effective Nov. 9, 2021. As a board member, Evans will serve on the Compensation Committee. Evans has more than four decades of HR and leadership expertise across financial and professional services industries. Currently, he serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Business Operations, and Services Officer for Sterling National Bank, where he’s responsible for transforming core operations to support key lines of business to drive growth. Leading the newly created business unit, Evans is focused on efficiency, agility, and automation in the operations and service channels for commercial and consumer lending, BaaS, and consumer banking client services. Previously, he served as Sterling National Bank’s Chief HR Officer. “With his depth of experience in human resources leadership and diversity and inclusion, Javier Evans is a tremendous new asset on our Board of Directors,” said Matt Doheny, Board of Directors Chairman. “We look forward to insights gained from his leadership and depth of professional experience as we continue our journey to one Company – Yellow.” He is an active community volunteer, serving as a board member for the YMCA of Long Island and United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island and a trustee for Education Africa, a nonprofit organization that assists disadvantaged South Africans in obtaining a quality, relevant education. Also, Evans is a member of the National Association for African Americans in HR and the Society for Human Resources Management. In 2010, the National Eagle Leadership Institute recognized Evans for his leadership of diversity initiatives at HSBC Bank. Evans graduated from Saint John’s University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and received a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management, the National Black MBA Association, and Labor Relations from the New York Institute of Technology.
Motion names VP of Operations Integration
Motion Industries, Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts, and a premier provider of industrial technology solutions, has announced the promotion of John Watwood to Vice President of Operations Integration, effective immediately. Mr. Watwood moves to this position from Vice President/Group Executive for the Southeast, to which he was promoted in 2019. In his new and expanded role, he will be responsible for Motion’s Distribution/Fulfillment network, Branch Operations Support, and Enterprise Excellence. He will report to Joe Limbaugh, Executive Vice President of Supply Chain, Operations Support, Marketing, and Enterprise Excellence. John Watwood “John’s experience, aptitude, and tenure make him uniquely qualified to lead in these important areas, and we are excited to have him on board,” said Mr. Limbaugh. “The transition process will begin immediately and will be complete by January 1. We look forward to seeing the impact of John’s influence.” Mr. Watwood has over 20 years of experience in various sales and operations roles in both manufacturing and distribution—including his employment with Motion Industries, which began in 2008. In addition, he played an integral role in the development and deployment of Motion’s Project Challenge, a pilot which transformed a traditional branch structure into a territory-based sales area supported by a local fulfillment center. A graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (BS Industrial Distribution and Marketing), Mr. Watwood also earned an MBA at the University of North Alabama.
Herc Holdings completes acquisition of Rapid Equipment Rental; Also announces acquisition of SkyKing Lift Rentals
Herc Holdings Inc. , a North American equipment rental supplier operating through Herc Rentals Inc., announced that it has completed the acquisition of Toronto-based Rapid Equipment Rental Limited. Rapid Equipment is a full-service general equipment rental company comprising approximately 110 employees and seven locations serving construction and industrial customers throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) — one of the largest equipment rental markets in North America. The company also announced that it has acquired Chicago-area SkyKing Lift Rentals, a single-location equipment rental business specializing in mobile elevating work platforms, including scissor and boom lifts. The addition of SkyKing expands the company’s Chicago-area presence to six physical locations. “I am pleased to welcome Rapid Equipment and SkyKing to Team Herc,” said Larry Silber, president and chief executive officer. “With both teams now on board, we have significantly improved our coverage in the dynamic Toronto and Chicago equipment rental markets as we continue to serve a diverse mix of construction, industrial, and government customers.”
Tompkins Solutions names Roy Smith Vice President of Material Handling Integration
Tompkins Solutions, a supply chain consulting and services firm, has named Roy Smith vice president of sales of its material handling integration division. In this role, Smith will be responsible for driving sales revenue and growth by building and maintaining customer relationships and delivering best-in-breed material handling integration solutions. Smith has over 35 years of sales management and logistics engineering experience, designing and supplying more than $100 million of material handling solutions for companies across a wide variety of industries, including automotive, food production, and manufacturing, among others. His extensive systems expertise includes, but is not limited to, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), conveyors, robotics, and other warehouse automation solutions. Prior to joining Tompkins, Smith was the southwest regional sales manager for Interroll, the leading global provider of material handling solutions. “We are excited to welcome Roy to the Tompkins team,” said David Latona, co-CEO of Tompkins Solutions. “His strong track record of developing long-term business relationships and vast knowledge of material handling systems make him an invaluable resource to our organization and our clients.” Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Western Michigan University.
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas awarded “Top Workplaces” 2021 by Houston Chronicle
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas, one of the world’s leading manufacturers and providers of material handling, automation, and fleet solutions, has announced the Houston Chronicle has awarded the company a Top Workplaces 2021 honor. This is Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas’ first time to be nominated and recognized for the annual award. Houston Chronicle Top Workplaces winners are based solely on employee feedback, signaling Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas employees’ confidence in the company’s values, workplace benefits, and trust in senior leadership. “We are honored that our employees have selected us as one of Houston’s Top Workplaces for 2021,” said Ken Barina, president of Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. “Our mission to Move The World Forward begins with our people, and over the years, we have been steadfast in our commitment to building a positive culture that enables our employees and our company to be successful.” Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas employees play an important role in the future of modern manufacturing and material handling innovations. Teamwork, excellence, and integrity are core to the company’s culture. As a result, employee tenure at Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas averages 10.5 years, significantly higher than the national average. “I am continually impressed by our people and their dedication to supporting each other, all while strengthening client services, innovation in materials handling, and the overall manufacturing industry,” said Jason Pierce, human resources director of Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. “The passion that our employees bring to work every day positively impacts our company culture, and the Top Workplaces award is testament to their outstanding dedication in the workplace.”
Riekes Equipment makes donation to Lincoln Center for People in Need
The donation helps TRADE Program to continue support of Lincoln area families Riekes Equipment announced that it has made a donation to the Center for People in Need located in Lincoln, NE. The $6,500 contribution allowed an industrial battery to be purchased and installed into the Center’s forklift which is an integral part of their daily operations, as well as an important tool for the TRADE community reentry program. “We work to eliminate poverty in our community. This battery donation not only allows more funds to go directly back into our programs, but it also signifies a hope for a better tomorrow for the people we serve,” said Jo Ann Emerson, Director of Fund Development. “Our Tackling Recidivism and Developing Employability (TRADE) Program provides the hands-on skill training that people need to gain sound employment and create a better life for their family. One of the programs is forklift operator training, so keeping the used Yale forklift operational is very important.” “Riekes looks throughout our service area for opportunities to support safety, health and educational programs that bring additional talent into the material handling industry as a career choice,” said Paul Gredys, VP of Business Development. “When we saw the huge difference being made in the Lincoln marketplace by The Center, we knew this was a perfect partnership.” In just the month of September, the Center for People in Need has provided food to more than 1,600 families and diapers to 476 babies. The Center relies on donations from outside organizations to fulfill its mission of helping low-income families by providing the basic needs and educational opportunities needed to become financially independent. For more information on how to help, visit https://www.cfpin.org/get-involved. To learn more about Riekes and its corporate philanthropy initiatives, please visit www.RiekesEquipment.com/riekes-cares.
Kimber Shray promoted to Vice President of Marketing for GP PRO
GP PRO, a division of Georgia-Pacific just announced that it has promoted Kimber Shray to vice president of marketing. In this role, Shray will lead GP PRO’s marketing team and guide sales enablement initiatives. “The coronavirus pandemic created unprecedented shifts in the marketplace that continue to drive critical changes in what our customers need and in how they operate. GP PRO is tasked with being the best partner we can be as we provide them with guidance, products, service, and support,” said Mike Adams, president of GP PRO. “During her time with Georgia-Pacific and, specifically with GP PRO, Kimber has demonstrated a depth of insight into the customer mindset, including an understanding of how to serve our partners in good times and in bad, and how to help them succeed through it all. I’m delighted to have her at the helm of our marketing operations.” “GP PRO is a market-based organization dedicated to empowering its employees and its customers to work together to achieve success,” said Shray. “As I move into my new role, I look forward to helping our sales and marketing teams more deeply understand the trends driving our customers’ needs and to helping our customers more effectively benefit from our knowledge, solutions, and resources as they navigate their purchasing journey.” Shray has been with Georgia-Pacific for 11 years. Most recently, she led GP PRO’s customer marketing and segment insights team, where she was largely responsible for optimizing the company’s integrated sales, marketing, and category planning process and supporting its proprietary insight-based selling platform, GPXperience. Prior to that, she was an integral member of the company’s Digital Core team, which oversaw an enterprise-wide digital transformation initiative. Specifically, Shray led the roll-out of SAP Marketing Cloud and co-led the SAP Hybris Commerce launch. She also spent several years working on Georgia-Pacific’s retail division. Her earlier career experience includes positions with Heinz and MatchPoint Marketing.
KION North America announces territory expansion and additional location with Partner HTX Material Handling
KION North America just announced that its dealer partner, HTX Material Handling, has opened a new location in Carrollton, Texas (HTX Material Handling Dallas). This new location allows HTX Material Handling the opportunity to provide even more customers with exceptional solutions and service throughout both Houston and Dallas, Texas, as well as surrounding areas. Both HTX Material Handling locations are authorized to sell KION North America’s complete product portfolio of Linde Material Handling and Baoli brands. “We are excited about HTX Material Handling’s expansion into two of the top 10 North American markets with its Dallas and Houston locations,” said Director of Dealer Development, Rick Schiel. “The Linde Material Handling and Baoli brands are trusted worldwide, and with these additional locations in Houston and Dallas, HTX Material Handling will be able to better serve these premium brands in these top markets.” Established in 2019, HTX Material Handling’s leadership brings over 75 years of combined business experience in distribution, logistics, heavy equipment, municipal infrastructure, engineering, and international trades. This solid foundation has made HTX Material Handling a trusted source for material handling needs throughout the state of Texas and beyond. Known as a solutions provider, HTX Material Handling offers a wide array of equipment covering many industries and applications to meet each customer’s specific needs. Both locations in Houston and Dallas specialize in new and used forklift trucks and forklift parts, sales, rentals, and service. “We are extremely excited about the opportunity to add the Dallas market to our footprint in Texas,” said Executive Vice President of HTX Material Handling, Julio Herrera. “The market continues to show positive growth and a continuous transition from IC to electric, making it all more attractive for HTX and the KION North America brands to provide this untapped market with the right solution at the right time.”
Xeneta welcomes Jesper Kjaedegaard as Board Member
Veteran ocean freight executive to help guide freight data and analytics company Xeneta towards further growth Xeneta, an ocean and air freight rate benchmarking, market analytics platform, and container shipping index, has announced that Jesper Kjaedegaard is a new board member. Kjaedegaard is a noted ocean freight expert and independent board member of several maritime-related companies and most notably served as a senior executive in the Maersk Group for 30 years. “Jesper’s vision for a more transparent shipping industry aligns nicely with ours. His clear understanding of how a universal container price reference point benefits all shipping industry stakeholders and what is needed to make it a reality makes him the perfect fit to join our board,” said Xeneta CEO Patrik Berglund. “Jesper’s prior experience in driving change, removing inefficiencies through data, and instilling collaboration from all industry players will be instrumental in helping us continue scaling our growth strategically and effectively. We look forward to Jesper’s guidance as he’ll be a valuable asset to the board.” Jesper Kjaedegaard has more than 40 years of ocean freight industry experience and has planned and directed ocean transportation services and port development projects around the world. As a past senior vice president and member of Maersk Line’s executive board, Kjaedegaard was directly responsible for managing Maersk Line’s global vessel network as well as pricing and was highly influential in the development of INTTRA, which today is the Liner industry’s leading booking platform. Kjaedegaard is past president of the UK Chamber of Shipping and Chairman of Maritime UK. He has served as a non-executive board director for a number of both listed and privately-owned transport-related companies in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. This includes V-Group, Hafnia Tankers, Stobart Group, Red Sea Gateway Terminals, Seatruck Ferries, Essar Group, APMT Bahrain, and BIMCO. “I am thrilled to be joining such an innovative and passionate group of industry professionals,” said Xeneta board member Jesper Kjaedegaard. “The continued digital transformation of the ocean and air freight industry is of critical importance to both shippers, freight forwarders as well as carriers. The broken state of the global supply chain has led to significant disruptions, unreliable transport capacities, and incalculable replenishment times. Being able to access reliable data in real-time is more important now than ever before, and Xeneta is leading the way.” In recent months, Xeneta has closed a $28.5 million Series C round, received a valuation of over $130 million, appointed Peter Sand as Chief Analyst and welcomed several new customers onto its platform, including General Mills, Volvo, John Deere, Amer Sports, Rockwell Automation and CEVA Logistics—all looking to gain better market visibility into freight rate pricing factors and minimize the supply chain disruptions. Other noted names that rely on Xeneta’s crowd-sourced ocean and air freight rate benchmarking and market analytics platform include ABB, Electrolux, Continental, Unilever, Nestle, L’Oréal, Thyssenkrupp, and more.
Crane Industry Icon and Innovator Robert Dieleman passes
Robert “Bob” Dieleman passed away October 31, 2021, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 73. Dieleman was the former owner of Jake’s Crane & Rigging, Las Vegas, Nevada, and a prolific inventor in the crane and heavy-haul industries. Many remember him as a legendary crane man with a penchant for suspenders. He saw the sensibility in his trademark uniform early on as they let him work with both hands on a job site more securely than just a tool belt. Dieleman was an innovator and inventor, always interested in the latest technology. With a keen engineering mind, he organized, funded, and spearheaded several significant and forward-thinking heavy-lift and heavy-haul projects, as well as the equipment to perform them. One of the most notable was the JXS, a Cal-Trans compliant 700,000-lb. capacity heavy-haul trailer that earned 13 patents, as well as the SC&RA’s project-of-the-year award in 1990. Another was the SL 400, nicknamed “Crystal May,” a street-legal 400-ton lattice-boom truck crane. The innovative crane doubled the capacity of roadable cranes at the time and opened the door for future innovations in crane mobilization. A third was his redesigning and remanufacturing FMC tower gantry TG 1900 and TG 2300 cranes. Dieleman bought several, then redesigned the hydraulic system, engine, and cab, as well as including a proprietary computer system. Jake’s then used many of those cranes to help build projects on the Las Vegas Strip. In the 1990s, Dieleman pioneered the development of a hydrogas suspension system, then more common in Europe but just starting in America. Even in retirement, Dieleman received three patents on a manufacturer-friendly transport system that has pivoting goosenecks for rapid deployment. Throughout his life, Dieleman traveled to exotic places and made friends along the way. He spent years operating at the Trans-Alaska pipeline. He also grew up working for and later running Jake’s Crane & Rigging, which was founded by his father and built many of the hotels on Las Vegas’ world-famous Strip. During his career, Dieleman never missed a Bauma tradeshow, including the year the Icelandic volcano eruption kept most Americans at home. He would go out of his way to help people, compassionate and always available to help. Believing enlightenment was the ultimate pursuit, he meditated, practiced qi gong, and avidly read books about spirituality. Dieleman is survived by his wife, Kay, children, Crystal Dieleman and Jacob Dieleman; grandson, Jacob Johnson, sister Kathie Coon, brother Dick, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Ruth; brother, Roger; and niece, Kristi Coon. A celebration of life will be held from November 19, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., at Red Rock Country Club, 2250 Red Springs Dr., Las Vegas, 89135. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends remember Bob Dieleman by doing as he would have: performing a random act of kindness.
Briggs Equipment celebrates 125 years of service
Briggs Equipment, an ESOP-owned, full-service material handling solutions company is celebrating its 125th anniversary. Founded in 1896 by C.H. Briggs and J.C. Weaver in Dallas, Texas, Briggs-Weaver Machine Manufacturing Company had a vision of becoming the nation’s best industrial supplier. From servicing parts and repairs in Texas to providing service across the country, Briggs Equipment has grown today to 29 locations and almost 1,000 team members. In 1952, Charles A. Sammons, founder of Sammons Enterprises, acquired Briggs-Weaver with the desire to push the boundaries of the machine manufacturing industry and create strategic partnerships with key manufacturers. A pivotal moment in the company’s history took place in 1978 when Sammons launched the company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), creating a new ownership model for the company. Today, the ESOP model continues to shape the way company leadership makes decisions as well as day-to-day operations. “Briggs Equipment has been an integral part of the Sammons Enterprises portfolio since 1952. I applaud all of the team members whose dedication to customer solutions has been a cornerstone to success for the last 125 years” said Darron Ash, Senior Vice President, Sammons Enterprises.
Wynright announces the retirement of Gordon Hellberg
Daifuku Wynright announced that Gordon Hellberg, a 40-year industry veteran who worked for companies such as Rapistan, Ermanco, TGW, Schaefer, and finally Wynright will retire on December 31, 2021. Troy Carter, a veteran of the industry and longtime team member at Daifuku Wynright will assume control on January 1, 2022.
Cecil’s Tractor in VA becomes Merlo Dealer
Cecil’s Tractors, Inc., an agricultural and commercial dealership located in Warrenton, Va., has added Merlo telehandlers to its fleet of outdoor power equipment. “We currently sell and service Mahindra, Ventrac, Exmark, Husqvarna, Stihl, American Landmaster, and Sure-Trac equipment that range from tractors, power equipment, trailers, and UTV’s,” said Eric Webber, equipment sales and marketing strategist. “Knowing that our customer’s needs are ever-evolving and that we needed to diversify our heavy equipment offers to meet those needs, we examined the overall landscape in the agricultural and commercial industries. For us, Merlo was an easy decision to bring us to the next level.” Family-owned Cecil’s Tractors, Inc., has served Northern Virginia and the Washington, DC area for over 30 years developing a reputation for a personal touch and nationwide reach. “By partnering with Merlo, we now have the ability to provide a larger variety of options that support our customer’s outdoor living and working experiences,” said Cecil Campbell, owner of Cecil’s Tractors, Inc. “Cecil’s has built a trusted, solid foundation for a wide array of customers in the construction, agriculture, tree arborist/removal, and municipality markets,” Brian Hatch, AMS-Merlo territory manager added. “Merlo telehandlers complement what Cecil’s has already achieved as a trusted, dependable name in all these industries.” “To continue delivering outstanding service and products that our customers have come to expect, it’s important for us to remain knowledgeable, innovative, and competitive,” said Cecil. “Merlo is a good fit for us as they, too, continuously prove they are a leader in this space, and that they do truly produce “better machines.”