Women In Trucking Association announces its July 2024 Member of the Month
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced Megan Junker as its July 2024 Member of the Month. Junker is the dedicated product director for electric vehicles at PACCAR Parts, a division of PACCAR. Junker has poured her heart and soul into her career in outside sales, fleet and dealer support, and product marketing. Her unwavering enthusiasm for the products she represents and their crucial economic applications in the field is truly infectious. She loves the fact that what she is doing is making a difference within the trucking industry saying, “Being on the edge of a precipice is always interesting, exciting, and challenging.” In her career, Junker has witnessed and actively contributed to the trucking industry embracing new technology. “What has made this industry so successful is its ability to adapt and evolve. Electrification is a new opportunity to continue that evolution,” she said. PACCAR Parts provided Junker with tools and resources to excel in her professional development, and she stepped up to the task. Her responsibilities now include leading business development, product selection, launch, support, and retail performance for electric vehicles and charging. Junker’s journey in the trucking industry is a testament to its possibilities and growth. She immersed herself in learning how the industry operates, starting with trucking fleets and maintenance shops. Her dedication led her to participate in the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) and the TMC Leaders of Tomorrow Program. Her career progression from working with dealer groups to now being on the supplier’s side is a shining example of ambition and success. Junker is keen for women interested in the trucking industry to know that in her personal experience, women in the industry are a strong support system. “Perhaps because we are not always the majority in the room, we understand what it is like not to be the majority. Therefore, we really support each other by bringing each other into the middle. We have the empathy to support each other,” she said. Junker’s advice to women aspiring to join the trucking industry is simple yet powerful. She encourages them to stay true to themselves, believe in their abilities, and never let anything hinder their passion. “The Women In Trucking organization is not just a supportive network, but a lifeline of professionals who are rooting for each other’s success,” she assures, underlining the crucial role of such networks in the industry. Junker’s role as a mentor is not just a job but a passion. She finds immense joy in watching others grow, develop, and become their own. Mentoring younger women, who may be unsure of their abilities, is primarily a testament to her belief in their potential and she believes seeing them gain confidence is the most rewarding part of her journey. She has had mentors, but they were always male mentors. Until recently, when she had a female mentor. “It truly highlighted how impactful having a female mentor benefited me. Her being there for me has inspired me to be there for other women.” Junker holds a BA in marketing from St. Bonaventure University and an MBA from Ohio University. She enjoys spending time with her fiancé and doing service work in her spare time. She is enthusiastic about outdoor activities such as gardening, backpacking, skiing, and snowboarding.
AMT strengthens Engineering Services Department leadership with key appointments
AMT has announced the recent promotions of both Anna Jacobs and Mike Ingles to the roles of Engineering Services Business Development Manager. AMT’s Engineering Services team provides manufacturers and industrial clients with a deep bench of highly-trained robotics and automation engineering resources to support projects or ongoing needs Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), North America’s leader in automation engineering, specializing in advanced material handling, end-of-line solutions, on-demand engineering services, and cutting-edge autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for warehousing and logistics, has announced the joint appointment of Anna Jacobs and Mike Ingles to Engineering Services Business Development Manager. The Engineering Services team has wide-ranging skillsets and expertise in the areas of industrial controls, automation consulting, robotic cell design and programming, and field support, as well as in electrical design with EPLAN and AutoCAD. In addition, the team is widely trained in Ignition by Inductive Automation and the programming, deployment, and maintenance of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). AMT regularly assists a variety of clients requiring industrial automation integration expertise, including manufacturers, other system integrators, and OEMs. “Anna Jacobs is an outstanding member of the AMT team who brings a wealth of experience to the table, including a unique combination of skills in sales and marketing,” said Craig Salvalaggio, President at AMT. “She consistently goes above and beyond for our clients. With Anna’s involvement, AMT’s services department is poised for growth while continuing to deliver the innovative solutions and exceptional support that our industrial automation clients have come to expect.” “I am honored to accelerate the sales and business development efforts for AMT’s Engineering Services department,” said Jacobs. “With 75 highly-trained engineers on our team, we are dedicated to working with clients through any and every step of their industrial automation journey. With such a wide range of engineering expertise within our group, we are ready to work with all types of clients, including other system integrators as needed. I am excited to collaborate with Mike and our team as a whole to deliver remarkable robotics and automation solutions wherever they are needed.” “We are doubly excited to announce the promotion of Mike Ingles, joining Anna on AMT’s Engineering Services team,” remarked Salvalaggio. “Mike brings a wealth of experience to this role. He is a 35-year veteran of the automation industry with a deep understanding of the current state of the industry, as well as the general challenges surrounding robotics and automation projects. Working with Anna, the duo will drive our commitment to ensuring our services department remains at the forefront of the industry.” In his previous roles at AMT as process engineer and program manager, Ingles has helped numerous clients achieve their production goals. His new role will expand the breadth and reach of his unique skillset and expertise to even more of AMT’s new and existing clients. “I am thrilled to take on this new role in Engineering Services working alongside Anna to support automation users,” said Ingles. “I look forward to working closely with all of our clients to help them achieve their production and business goals.”
REIC acquires Bigfork Rentals
Rental Equipment Investment Corp. (REIC), a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC, has announced its acquisition of Bigfork Rentals, Inc., based in Kalispell, Montana. This move is part of REIC’s strategic aim to expand its footprint in Montana, enhancing its rental equipment offerings and market presence. Kinderhook Industries, known for its focus on middle-market businesses, supports REIC in leveraging growth opportunities within the equipment rental sector. By integrating Bigfork Rentals into its operations, REIC aims to bolster its service capacity and customer reach in the region. Bigfork represents REIC’s ninth add-on acquisition under Kinderhook’s ownership and its 21st since inception. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Greg Gallagher, REIC CEO, said: “Bigfork has established a reputation for providing high-quality equipment and service. The acquisition enhances REIC’s presence in Flathead and Lake counties in Montana, enabling us to better serve our customers in the region.” “I am excited to have completed the sale of the company to REIC,” said Steve Ricci, Bigfork owner. “I want to thank all of our employees and customers for their work and loyalty over the years to build Bigfork into what it is today. I also want to thank the rental industry for all their support and for the opportunity to serve their members.” “The geographic proximity of Bigfork to our other general rental locations makes this acquisition highly strategic for REIC as we continue to build density,” said Paul Cifelli, managing director, of Kinderhook. “We are excited for REIC to continue its acquisitive track record that has established the business as the partner of choice in the ongoing consolidation of the equipment rental industry.” Caldera Law served as legal counsel to REIC. Financing for the transaction was provided by a syndicate led by PNC Bank, National Association with participation from Flagstar Bank, N.A., Axos Bank, BancAlliance Inc., Bank Hapoalim B.M., First Merchants Bank, U.S. Bank National Association, Stifel Bank, MUFG Bank, Ltd., Capital One, National Association.
Ampure appoints D.J. Gregory to newly created President of Industrial PosiCharge position
Gregory to oversee the Material Handling and Ground Service Equipment business units Ampure, an innovative provider of electric vehicle (EV) and industrial charging solutions, formerly known as Webasto Charging Systems, has announced the selection of D.J. Gregory to the newly created role of President of Industrial PosiCharge (IPC). Gregory will oversee and provide expertise to the industry’s leading Material Handling and Ground Service Equipment product teams, a principal sector of focus for the organization. He will report directly to Steven Van Camp, operating partner at Transom Capital Group. In his new role, Gregory brings more than 15 years of relevant experience as an operating executive, where he focused on the intersection of legacy physical technologies and the digital products and services key to modernizing their growth. “When we were introduced to the Ampure opportunity, we realized the strong potential for the industrial charging business, IPC, and the need for leadership and autonomy,” said Van Camp. “We ran a diligent process and found in D.J., an experienced operator and strategic business builder and we look very much forward to a long and strong partnership.” “I feel lucky to have the opportunity to lead the IPC organization, grow the industry-leading Posicharge brand, and expand the Material Handling and Ground Service Equipment product teams,” said Gregory. “This is a very exciting time to be at Ampure, and I’m happy to be part of its future growth.” Gregory earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and holds a Juris Doctor degree from Pepperdine University’s Caruso School of Law. He lives with his wife and their daughter in the Echo Park area of Los Angeles. Built with state-of-the-art data-driven technology, PosiCharge industrial smart charging systems boost performance and safety while reducing operating costs. PosiCharge products allow for fast-charging systems through one central platform and receive real-time data instantly with actionable intelligence. Additionally, users can monitor vehicle location, type, battery monitor identification devices (BMID), battery ID, and pending assets.
ORBIS reaches $1 Million in golf outing donations to benefit children
2024 event raises over $370,000 to support practitioners and patients in the Pediatric Simulation and Resuscitation Program ORBIS® Corporation, a global provider of reusable packaging solutions, hosted its fourth annual ORBIS Good Days for Kids golf outing that raised over $370,000 for the Children’s Wisconsin Pediatric Simulation and Resuscitation Program, the region’s only independent health care system dedicated to the health and well-being of children. The event was held at the Grand Geneva golf course in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, and the total raised helped Children’s Wisconsin reach one million dollars in donations from its Good Days for Kids golf outing. “Children’s Wisconsin has been at the forefront of providing care that gives every child the best chance at a happy, healthy, productive life for more than a century,” said Norm Kukuk, president of ORBIS Corporation. “At ORBIS, we are immensely proud to support this vital mission. The impact Children’s Wisconsin has on families is profound, and we are grateful to be part of their journey. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated suppliers for joining forces with us to raise these crucial funds that cumulatively have resulted in one million dollars in donations. I appreciate the work everyone did to make it a record day for us!” The partnership between ORBIS and Children’s Wisconsin started out benefiting pediatric critical care for kids experiencing a life-threatening industry or illness. Funds raised during the Good Days for Kids golf outing go to work immediately, fueling the most pressing needs of the Children’s Wisconsin mission of care, advocacy, research, and education. Since its inception, this event has raised a staggering 1 million dollars for the Pediatric Simulation and Resuscitation Program, which provides highly realistic simulation-based education to support the training of medical professionals from across the nation. Since 1985, this program has helped to train over 100 pediatric intensive care doctors who are now serving in hospitals across 25 states. “We are immensely grateful to ORBIS for their continued support of Children’s Wisconsin,” said Dr. David Margolis, Children’s Wisconsin Pediatrician-in-Chief. “Their generosity allows us to provide cutting-edge training and technology to our dedicated doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals. The support of ORBIS, and everyone participating in the Good Days for Kids golf outing, provides life-saving care and fuels our work to build a brighter future for kids and families.” To learn more about ORBIS’ efforts in the community, please visit: https://www.orbiscorporation.com/en-us/about-orbis/#giving-back
CLARK brings global headquarters to America
CLARK Material Handling has announced the establishment of its global headquarters in the United States. This move returns a premier American brand, the creator of the modern forklift, back to the U.S. and lays the foundation for a global growth strategy that begins with a homecoming. CLARK’s global headquarters will merge with CLARK Material Handling Company (CMHC), North American operations, leveraging the strengths of both companies and positioning CLARK for further global growth in the coming decades. The integrated organization will be effective July 1, 2024, and will be located in Dallas, Texas, upon the official opening of the new headquarters planned for January 1, 2025. Mr. Chuck Moratz, CLARK’s current global president, will lead the integrated organization and serve as CEO at CMHC. Mr. Moratz has over 30 years of extensive forklift experience and an unwavering commitment to the CLARK company. He has held various pivotal positions at CMHC, including Engineering Director, Vice President of Truck Operations, and COO. His global roles have included Vice President of Global Engineering and President of Global HQ. In addition, he has overseen the introduction of numerous IC and electric new products, including the bullet-proof S-Series product line. Mr. Moratz holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from West Point and has served in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Korea. “CLARK remains steadfast in its promise to deliver the highest-quality products and services worldwide. By relocating and combining our operations, we will accelerate new product development and the integration of new technologies to meet the changing needs of our customers while providing the best service and lowest cost of ownership in the industry”, says Chuck Moratz. “We appreciate the continued support of our employees, dealers, customers, and the market as we embark on this exciting new chapter. Together, we will build on our legacy of over 100 years of excellence and drive Clark to new heights.”
H&E opens new branch in Columbus Ohio
Effective June 24, 2024, H&E Rentals (H&E) announces the opening of its Columbus branch, the company’s first general rental location in the state of Ohio. H&E now operates in 31 states, and it has opened 21 new branches across the country and acquired nine others in just over a year. The facility is located at 2845 Fisher Road, Columbus, OH 43204-3539, phone 614 407-9900. It includes a fully fenced yard area, offices, and a repair shop and carries a variety of construction and general industrial equipment. “H&E’s expansion into central Ohio increases our presence in the Midwest, and our location in Columbus provides reach to a wide radius of projects across the state. We have assembled a diverse fleet and have the resources to serve customers extending to Dayton, Lima, Mansfield, Wooster, Cambridge, Parkersburg, Chillicothe, and all points in between. Our new facility is just off I-70, and our proximity to I-670, I-71, I-270, and other major roadways means that we can move rental equipment to job sites quickly and efficiently,” says Branch Manager Perry Rice. “We may be new to the Buckeye State, but we’re certainly not new to the equipment rental business. We look forward to establishing new relationships and showing customers our higher standard of service.” The Columbus branch specializes in the rental of aerial lifts, earthmoving equipment, telescopic forklifts, compaction equipment, generators, light towers, compressors, and more and represents the following manufacturers: Allmand, Atlas Copco, Bomag, Case, Club Car, Cushman, Doosan, Gehl, Generac Mobile, Genie, Hamm, Hilti, Husqvarna, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Kobelco, Kubota, LayMor, Ledwell, Lincoln Electric, Link-Belt Excavators, MEC, Miller, Multiquip, Polaris, Sany, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Sullivan-Palatek, Tag, Towmaster, Unicarriers, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar, and others.
JLG named one of The Washington Post’s 2024 Top Workplaces
Recognized as a top-ranked company in the Washington D.C. area for its unique Workplace Culture JLG Industries, Inc., a global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers, has been named one of The Washington Post’s 2024 Top Workplaces in the Washington, D.C. area. Selection is based solely on employee feedback gathered through an anonymous third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC, which measured several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, and connection. “Everything we do at JLG honors our 55+ year history of innovative product design and progressive manufacturing, as well as workplace transformation efforts which include team member career growth and skills development. We focus on fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment and lead from a ‘People First’ culture philosophy — from employees to customers, even suppliers, and the local communities in which we live and work,” said Maria Silva, JLG’s vice president of human resources. “Being named a Top Workplace is an outstanding recognition that truly sets our company apart. We are so honored to receive this award, especially because the judges were our employees!” The Washington Post hosted an awards ceremony on Thursday, June 20, to recognize JLG and other top-ranked companies, including technology companies, government contractors, real estate firms, and financial service providers. “For more than a decade, The Washington Post’s Top Workplaces list has served as an essential resource for D.C. area professionals, equipping them with unparalleled insight into the best local companies to work for as heard directly from their employees,” said Bronwen Latimer, the editor for Special Initiatives at The Washington Post. “This year we have highlighted 250 companies — more than ever before — giving a more robust picture of the current employee experience in the area.” For more about The Washington Post’s best places to work in the Washington D.C. area and to see the full list of this year’s honorees, visit Top Workplaces 2024.
Felling Trailers Inc. hosts National Tour Stop for AEM Manufacturing Express
AEM member Felling Trailers, Inc., along with its team members, will be recognized as an industry leader for their contributions to the local community and manufacturing industry. It will highlight Felling’s initiative to provide high-level training through their weld training center, state-of-the-art powder coat facility, and throughout their plant. From our humble start as a small midwestern welding shop to one of North America’s industry leaders in innovative transportation solutions, this event will also be a celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary. “This tour serves as a uniquely valuable opportunity to reflect on the people who have made that happen and where we want to take things over the next half-century,” stated Brenda Jennissen, CEO. “The ‘Manufacturing Express’ celebrates our team members and community while highlighting our contribution to American manufacturing and the U.S. economy,” stated Patrick Jennissen, VP of Sales & Marketing. “Felling Trailers, Inc. is a strong supporter of AEM’s grassroots I Make America campaign that advocates for policies that support manufacturing jobs in America. It’s an opportunity to invite our team members, policymakers, and journalists to come together to learn about and celebrate Felling Trailers, Inc. and our role in driving innovation, economic growth, and job creation in the region for fifty years.” Those invited to the event will have the opportunity to learn about and tour Felling’s new weld training center and powder coat facility. The “AEM Manufacturing Express” will make its tenth stop on its national tour at Felling Trailers, Inc. The tour covers more than 20 states with 80 stops at equipment manufacturers to showcase the cutting-edge technology and innovations that power modern equipment, as well as the innovative technologies, processes, people, and products revolutionizing this industry across America. “We are thrilled to be joining with so many community leaders and supporters of Felling Trailers, Inc. for this amazing opportunity to highlight the importance of American off-highway equipment manufacturing in Sauk Centre, MN on July 16th, 2024,” stated Megan Tanel, AEM President. “The ‘AEM Manufacturing Express’ is more than just a bus tour; it is an opportunity to tell the stories of the men and women of our industry in Sauk Centre, MN, and highlight how their grit, determination, and can-do spirit has been pivotal to the American way of life.” While the event will help spotlight Felling Trailers, Inc., the manufacturing industry, and policies supporting manufacturers, it is fundamentally a celebration with games, food, and a chance to win prizes.
Dematic names Michael Oren Senior Vice President of Sales for the Americas region
Oren to drive strategic sales efforts for Dematic Americas with two decades of leadership experience Further strengthening America’s leadership team, Dematic names Michael Oren as senior vice president of sales for the Americas region. Oren will join Dematic at the company’s Americas headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan to lead a sales team of roughly 95 professionals. In this role, he will be responsible for the development of the sales strategy, including nurturing and retaining accounts, driving company growth initiatives, and building relationships with strategic partners. “Michael brings more than two decades of expertise in leading and scaling teams, driving sales, and fostering organizational excellence,” says Mike Larsson, president, Dematic and KION Group executive board member. “Michael’s deep understanding of customer needs is reflected in his dedication to innovation and improvement. Under his leadership, I am confident that our Americas sales team will continue to enhance our customer-centric culture.” Oren joins Dematic from Xerox where he recently served as vice president of global services. In this role, Oren oversaw global software and services, strategy, business development, partnerships, and more. Throughout his 20-year tenure at Xerox, Oren held several additional leadership positions, including U.S. vice president enterprise services, vice president of global sales, and vice president of central and eastern U.S. sales. “Dematic’s innovative approach to addressing supply chain challenges makes this an incredible time to join the team,” says Oren. “With clients at the forefront of everything Dematic does, I am eager to harness our team’s collective strengths to achieve continued success on behalf of our clients.” Oren completed executive master’s courses at the University of Navarra, Harvard Business School, and Stanford University, and he received his bachelor’s degree in marketing and social psychology from Miami University in Ohio.
H&E opens new branch in the Myrtle Beach area
Effective June 17, 2024, H&E Rentals (H&E) has announced the opening of its Myrtle Beach branch, the fourth general rental equipment location in the state of South Carolina. Since the second quarter of 2023, H&E has opened 19 new branches across the country and acquired nine others. The facility is located at 695 Century Circle, Conway, SC 29526-8278, phone 843 733-4800. It includes a fully fenced yard area, offices, and a repair shop and carries a variety of construction and general industrial equipment. “H&E has extended its coverage along the South Carolina coast, from Georgetown up to the North Carolina state line, and then inland to I-95 from Dillon to Manning. We can easily reach all points in between with close proximity to state highways 501, 701, and 368 and to major roadways that branch off in all directions,” says Branch Manager Joe Pannunzio. “Our location strategically bridges the gap between our existing Charleston, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina, branches, so we are able to help both new and existing customers secure the right equipment for their projects.” The Myrtle Beach branch specializes in the rental of aerial lifts, earthmoving equipment, telescopic forklifts, compaction equipment, generators, light towers, compressors, and more and represents the following manufacturers: Allmand, Atlas Copco, Bomag, Case, Club Car, Cushman, Doosan, Gehl, Generac Mobile, Genie, Hamm, Hilti, Husqvarna, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Kobelco, Kubota, LayMor, Ledwell, Lincoln Electric, Link-Belt Excavators, MEC, Miller, Multiquip, Polaris, Sany, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Sullivan-Palatek, Tag, Towmaster, Unicarriers, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar, and others.
Women In Trucking Association announces continued Gold Partnership with Bridgestone Americas
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has announced that Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) has renewed its Gold Level Partnership strengthening its mission to encourage the employment of women in the industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women working in trucking. In 2022 and 2023, the company was a Platinum Sponsor of WIT’s Accelerate! Conference & Expo held in Dallas, TX. LaTres Jarrett, Executive Director of Customer Loyalty and Retention Marketing for Bridgestone Americas, serves on the WIT board of directors. Samantha McCracken, Strategic Account Leader for Bridgestone Americas, is additionally a member of the WIT Content Committee. “Bridgestone is committed to making positive and lasting impacts in our communities and industries to help build a better future,” said Jarrett. “What really matters is fostering an inclusive environment where women’s achievements are recognized and their potential is fully realized. Continuing our partnership with Women In Trucking reaffirms our commitment to empowering and celebrating diverse talent – especially women – in our industry.” “We’re grateful for Bridgestone’s commitment to creating a more gender-diverse culture in transportation,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president and CEO. WIT’s valuable partnerships with companies such as Bridgestone allow us to enhance engagement and opportunity within the trucking profession.”
Matrix appoints Chris Shay as South-Central Regional Sales Manager
Chris Shay is their point of contact for Matrix vertical form fill and seal packaging customers in the South-Central region of the United States. In his role, Shay will be working with integrators, copackers, and end-user customers to expand the company’s growing vertical form-fill-seal packaging business. Matrix is a provider in vertical form fill seal packaging equipment producing a variety of flexible bag styles, including pillow, gusseted, flat bottom, and modified doy. Shay comes to Matrix after a 10-year career holding engineering and sales positions at Formers International, a manufacturer of hand-crafted form fill and seal bag forming assemblies. Shay’s background gives him distinct insight into packaging industry design and customer needs, enabling him to recommend the best vertical form-fill-seal packaging solution to maximize ROI for customers’ specific applications. “I’m excited to apply my experience to help guide customers toward the right packaging system to meet or exceed their sales and production goals,” Shay said. “Matrix is a progressive company that’s become the foremost leader in vertical form fill seal technology, and I’m very happy to be joining their team of talented professionals.” Shay is based in Houston, Texas. Matrix’s South-Central region encompasses eight states from Montana south to Texas. He can be reached at Chris.shay@promachbuilt.com.
PFlow Industries named a Southeast Wisconsin Top Workplace
Award dedicated to rewarding people-first culture excellence PFlow Industries, the pioneer in vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC) technology, announces that it has been named a 2024 Top Workplace winner by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, which recognized 169 Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin companies and organizations as winners. PFlow won a Southeast Wisconsin “Top Workplaces” award, placing #37 in a group of 61 mid-sized companies. Top Workplaces award winners are determined entirely by employee survey feedback gathered by the Energage Platform’s Workplace Survey, a research-backed employee engagement survey that measures the workplace experience to drive award-winning, people-first cultures. The program uses a proprietary approach that combines a wealth of data and industry-leading benchmarks to ensure winners represent cultural greatness. “Being a 100 percent employee-owned company is advantageous for both employees and customers, and I am extremely proud that PFlow has been recognized as a Top Workplace,” said Pat Koppa, President at PFlow Industries. “PFlow is focused on delivering innovative, robust, and reliable vertical material lifting solutions that are built to last. We are dedicated to encouraging a supportive work culture, providing best-in-class products and service for our customers, and improving the lives of those in our community through volunteer service and community giving efforts – “lifting our world” by putting people first.” The Workplace Survey qualifies each winning company for Top Workplaces employer recognition throughout the year, including regional, national, cultural excellence, and industry awards.
CLARK Material Handling Company appoints Vice President of Manufacturing and Vice President of Finance
CLARK Material Handling Company has announced the promotion of Anthony Nash and Dan Kaiser to Vice President level positions as part of the strategic vision for the company’s organizational structure, to further support and enhance CLARK’s global operations and to serve the CLARK dealer network better. These promotions reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to providing its dealers and customers with high-quality innovative products and world-class service and support to meet their unique needs and challenges. Anthony Nash has been promoted to Vice President of Manufacturing. In his new role, Mr. Nash will be pivotal in driving success across quality, production, purchasing, operations planning, facilities, and safety areas of the business. With 30 years of proven leadership experience in manufacturing, Mr. Nash brings a strong focus on quality, continuous improvement, and operations. Mr. Nash will continue to drive SIOP (Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning) as well as collaborating with international factories. Dan Kaiser has been promoted to Vice President of Finance. A 24-year veteran in the industry and in finance, Mr. Kaiser will lead all of the accounting and finance functions for CLARK North America, and in his new capacity will also oversee the internal IT team. Mr. Kaiser will continue to provide financial governance and strategy to CLARK as well. The promotion of Mr. Nash and Mr. Kaiser will allow CLARK to leverage their combined talents and skills to pursue the company’s vision for the benefit of CLARK dealers and CLARK customers.
Brown joins OTR as Global VP Sales & Marketing OEM
OTR Engineered Solutions (OTR) has named Ben Brown as its new Global VP Sales & Marketing OEM. He will be a part of OTR’s executive team, reporting directly to President and CEO, Tom Rizzi, and will serve an integral role in developing the company’s strategic OEM partnerships. In his new position, Brown will be responsible for growing the company’s OEM business globally across various markets, including construction, lawn and garden, powersports, agriculture, forestry, mining, material handling, and specialty vehicles. To achieve this goal, he will leverage OTR’s 32 facilities worldwide, which offer a range of value-added services such as warehousing, tire mounting, and sequencing. Additionally, he will build brand recognition through the execution of a detailed marketing plan. Brown’s extensive experience includes senior leadership and executive positions in the automotive and commercial vehicle industry. His accomplishments include growing revenue, driving new business, and successfully managing teams for his past employers, among other responsibilities. “Our OEM partners are extremely important to OTR, and Ben is a great fit to help grow this area of our business,” said Tom Rizzi, President and CEO. “We’re proud of the unmatched value we offer OEMs through custom engineering, global distribution, subassembly, and many other services. We’re excited for Ben to enhance this offering to our customers and to help drive OTR’s purpose of making our customers’ lives easier.” OTR Engineered Solutions is a market-leading global enterprise specializing in off-the-road tire, wheel, and track solutions for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and aftermarkets. Known for being an innovator in multiple off-the-road applications, OTR differentiates itself by providing value-added services such as warehousing, tire mounting, and sequencing, among other things. The firm has long established strategic partnerships with OEMs covering Construction, Lawn & Garden, Powersports, Agriculture, Forestry, Mining, Material Handling, and Specialty Vehicle markets. OTR’s infrastructure comprises 32 facilities and warehouse locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, serving customers globally.
ARI Phoenix, Inc. appoints Christopher Jones as its President/Chief Operating Officer
Seasoned Sales Executive takes the helm to drive next level growth. ARI Phoenix, Inc. (ARI) is pleased to announce that Christopher Jones of Liberty Township Ohio joins the company as President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Jones most recently served as the President of GF Machining Solutions, the US operation of a Swiss leader in machining and automation. His 30-year career has been marked by excellence in sales development and general corporate leadership. Mr. Jones remarked “I’m thrilled to bring my skills to bear at such a great local company.” ARI is an industry leader in shop equipment for the heavy-duty truck maintenance industry across North America. The company’s flagship product is the ARI-HETRA mobile column lift (MCL) which is sold in ARI’s trademarked “safety green.” The MCL is the preferred solution to safely lift trucks weighing as much as 150,000 lbs with any wheelbase or width. As the name implies, mobile column lifts are easily moved between service bays and are purchased at a fraction of comparable fixed solutions. Gary Hudson, Chairman and CEO of ARI-HETRA notes “We are so excited to join forces with Chris and are confident that he will take us to the next level!”
Toshiba social media leader Robert Catalano wins gold
Catalano earns Gold Stevie for Best Business Influencer of the Year Toshiba America Business Solutions’ social media leader Robert Catalano secures the Gold Stevie® Award in The 2024 American Business Awards® for Best Business Influencer of the Year. This Gold Stevie is presented to the individual demonstrating innovation in social media content creation and moderation, management, and marketing. The American Business Awards are the premier business awards program in the United States. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small. More than 300 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners. “Decision-making and relationship building occur more and more online, which makes a strong social media presence a key part of our U.S. market economy,” Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller says. “This year’s Stevie Awards judges recognized Robert Catalano’s pivotal role in Toshiba’s social media innovation and his marketing acumen.” Catalano particularly won the prestigious national honor by bolstering Toshiba’s social media presence through his original approach and strategic vision. Catalano’s keen understanding of audience preferences and trends enables him to lead compelling campaigns that resonate with Toshiba stakeholders resulting in an 84% year-to-year (from April 1, 2022 to April 1, 2023) increase in social media engagement. “Team Toshiba is proud of Robert for earning the 2024 Gold Stevie for Best Business Influencer of the Year,” states Toshiba America Business Solutions Director of Field Marketing and Events Salley Thornton. “By consistently elevating our organization’s social media presence at an elite level day-in-and-day-out, he is truly deserving of this significant honor.” Catalano is a Rutgers University alumnus (2010) who holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from the New Brunswick, N.J. university. He is also a baseball enthusiast and New York Yankees fanatic who enjoys spending free time with his wife and two children, which includes occasional visits to Yankee Stadium.
GRI expands footprint in South America
GRI has reached a significant milestone with its successful entry into the South American market, marking a new chapter of growth and innovation for the company in this vibrant region. This expansion highlights GRI’s commitment to global growth in the Specialty Tires sector, supported by a strong sales team and a customer-centric approach. Hernan Acosta, GRI’s partner and head of the South American business, emphasized the strategic initiatives driving the company’s rapid progress and customer satisfaction. “Our entry into South America was a strategic move to establish GRI as a leader in Specialty Tires. We began by assembling a dedicated local team and forming strong partnerships with reputable dealers across 11 countries in the region. This allowed us to establish a robust distribution network and lay the groundwork for market penetration. Our goal is not just to sell Specialty Tires, but to contribute to the region's growth through our focus on sustainability and innovation.” Key initiatives such as comprehensive training programs for dealers, facilitating dealer visits to end-users, and rigorous field tests in critical operational environments have been instrumental in driving GRI’s business growth in both the Agricultural (AG) and Material Handling (MH) sectors. Barry Guildford, Global Commercial Director of GRI, stated, “Our commitment to superior customer service, technical expertise, and high-grade products has enabled us to meet the increasing demand for reliable products capable of withstanding challenging operational conditions across the region. By emphasizing superior value through product quality and exceptional service, we have positioned GRI as a trusted choice for Specialty Tires in South America.”
Diversified Fall Protection appoints Kynan Wynne as company’s Chief People Officer
Diversified Fall Protection (DFP) has named Kynan Wynne as Chief People Officer. This marks the first time in the company’s history that an executive has been appointed to this role, a reflection of the company’s commitment to the ongoing support of its employees and dedication to building an empowering culture. “We fondly refer to Kynan as our culture crusader,” said Travis Nelson, CEO of DFP. “We are so fortunate to have someone with Kynan’s experience and people skills to fill this role. This is an uncommon position for a company in our industry, but our people are the most important input to our success, and we know we cannot grow without investing in them. The customer experience is a direct reflection of the employee experience.” Wynne is a well-established industry veteran with nearly 40 years of experience. He most recently served as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for DFP, a position he has held since late 2021 when he formally became part of the organization as a result of DFP’s acquisition of his company, Rooftop Anchor, Inc. Wynne had founded Rooftop Anchor in 2009 and was CEO before the company became a DFP brand. In his newly created position at DFP, Wynne will be responsible for creating the overall employee experience, guiding career growth, and building upon an existing employee-oriented culture. Wynne will report directly to the CEO with the full Human Resources team reporting to him. “All the business success I’ve enjoyed in my life is a direct result of being surrounded by amazing people,” said Wynne. “When a company is devoted to providing a workplace culture that allows people to grow and thrive, the best version of that person appears. As an employer, it’s our duty to help that along. A Core Value of ours is ‘to take people to higher ground,’ and our goal is to do just that, starting with our own team members.” Established in 1994, DFP currently employs more than 300 professionals across six U.S. locations, serving all 50 states. The company has experienced exponential growth, quadrupling in size since 2019, propelled in part by four strategic acquisitions between late 2019 and 2021 (PEAK Fall Protection, Fall Protection Systems (FPS), Rooftop Anchor, and Versatile Systems, Inc.). Since 2021, DFP has achieved a remarkable 30% growth rate. DFP specializes in partnering with strategic clients as their trusted advisor, assessing fall protection concerns with their fully integrated model, and providing “Fall Protection Partnership for Life” through the servicing of fall protection systems and workforce training. DFP also fabricates and distributes a range of distribution-ready fall protection products under their SafePro brand.