Engle to embark on a new adventure after 32 years of service
Laurie Engle, Felling Trailers’ Inside Trailer Sales Consultant, has lived and breathed trailers for thirty-two years. Laurie’s trailer tale started in the fall of 1991; Merle and Kathy Felling (founders of Felling Trailers) were in the midst of an office expansion. The local contractor running the expansion was Laurie’s husband. Like many family-owned businesses, Laurie was lending a hand to complete the project, working on painting and staining. “I was painting in the office one day, and the phones were ringing off the hook. I asked the secretary at the time if they (Felling) ever needed help answering phone calls, and she replied sure do,” said Laurie. Not knowing much about trailers but willing to learn, she spoke with Merle later that day and expressed her interest in working for Felling Trailers. After a bit of conversation, Merle said, “Yes, certainly, but we’ll start you off in the Parts room, selling axles, brakes, sheet steel, etc., then transition into trailer sales.” Merle believed strongly that having a good foundation of knowledge about the components and construction of a trailer makes for a better salesperson.” That was the best thing he ever did! Within six months, I sold my first trailer to Landscape Designs out of Alexandria, MN, and when I was asked about the components on the trailer, I had the answers right away with my experience in parts sales,” said Laurie. In the early 90’s, Felling Trailers did not have the extensive dealer network it does today; with a few dealers in the upper Midwest, Felling sold directly to end users. “We also sold livestock/horse and enclosed cargo trailers at that time. We were very busy; my phone was ringing off the hook. I’ve never looked back. Over the years, our product line grew dramatically; we now have 240 plus trailer models compared to the 8-10 different models we once offered. We never turned down a trailer deal, though; if a customer/dealer wanted something longer, shorter, taller, or different material, we’d make it happen,” said Laurie. With each decade that passed, the company never ceased to grow in one way or another. Merle strived to maintain an ongoing process of improving efficiencies with new equipment and cutting-edge technologies, expanding production space, and increasing the workforce. “When I started, we (Felling) had only 4 or 5 bays, and trailers were painted across town. A few years down the road, more bays were added, along with paint and blast booths and finishing. Merle and Kathy were very busy raising a family while putting in many hours throughout the day at the shop. They were constantly looking ahead, building for their future and their children’s futures,” said Laurie. Today, the company is now owned and operated by Merle & Kathy’s daughters, Brenda (Jennissen) and Bonnie (Radjenovich). Felling Trailers has always been a very family-orientated business, “I watched the girls grow, right alongside my own three children, as they created their lives and started families,” said Laurie. Through the years, Laurie has built many working relationships with dealers and customers, solving transport problems other manufacturers said were unsolvable. Felling’s Trailer Experts (Sales Team) work with dealers/customers to configure a trailer to meet the desired specifications and provide a custom solution. “Laurie has been a fixture of Felling Trailers for a long time. Her experience and customer service skills will be sorely missed. Felling Trailers is a better place because of Laurie Engle!” said Pat Jennissen, VP of sales and marketing. “I am truly humbled by the trust and confidence placed in me over the years. The loyalty and support from dealers and customers has been the driving force behind my success, and for that, I am forever grateful,” said Engle. From the many standard-built trailers to those that have been highly customized, certain ones stand out from the rest. One such trailer was for an amusement park ride company located on the East Coast. They needed a mobile platform trailer that could be paired with their Ferris wheels. Taking the specs and information provided by the amusement ride company, Laurie worked internally with Felling’s engineering team and custom fabricators to design and build a lightweight, high-quality trailer to meet the company’s needs. The trailer was exactly what the amusement company needed; Felling built seven more trailers over the next five years. Another series of even more unique trailers were flare trailers that would burn waste gases generated from pipelines, well sites, landfills, storage facilities, and maintenance activities. The trailer was configured with hydraulic outriggers to stabilize the unit during use and a hydraulic telescoping flare unit powered by a gas-powered engine mounted to the trailer’s deck. “Laurie has been a strong asset to our team. In addition to her deep trailer knowledge and excellent customer relationships, Laurie’s bright smile and tremendous personality will be missed in the office! I wish her the best retirement, making memories with her family!” said Brenda Jennissen, President/CEO. Laurie will hang up her headset and power down her system for the last time as a trailer sales consultant in late May of this year. “After 32 years of dedicated service in the trailer manufacturing and sales industry, the time has come for me to embark on a new chapter in my life as I transition into retirement. While I am excited for the opportunities ahead, I am also grateful for the incredible journey we have shared.” Passing on a few words of wisdom to those who follow, Laurie said, “Work hard, no matter what your job is, whether it’s on the phone getting the next sale or doing a fantastic job welding, painting, or finishing a trailer.” “Congratulations on your retirement, Laurie! Your many years of hard work and dedication have inspired us all. We will miss your presence, but we’re so happy for you as you embark on this new journey. We wish you all the best for this new chapter in your life!” said Nathan Uphus, sales manager. Her retirement plans are to “remember that
Unirope’s Brown elected to OIPEEC Management Board
Unirope Ltd. president Justin Brown has been nominated to the board of the International Organization for the Study of Ropes (OIPEEC). Brown has served as a co-opted member of the board since February 2023, and was elected as a full member at last month’s (April) OIPEEC conference in Bardolino, Italy. Also elected to the OIPEEC management board were Amy Jenkins, of Teijin Aramid; and Prof. Dr. Ing. Ulrich Briem, of OTH Regensburg. Other executive changes included Bill Putnam, of Yale Cordage, finishing his term as president; and Sven Winter, of Rotec GmbH, moving into the president role from vice president. Elizabeth Huntley, meanwhile, of Whitehill Manufacturing, was elected vice president. OIPEEC organizes conferences every second year to discuss issues of relevance to ropes. These conferences are open to members and non-members alike. Past conferences covered varied topics, such as ‘Simulating rope applications’, ‘The non-destructive testing of ropes’, ‘Rope terminations and fittings’, ‘Wire rope discard criteria’, ‘How to get the most out of your ropes’, ‘Trends for ropes’, ‘Innovative ropes and rope applications’, and ‘Challenging rope applications’. The OIPEEC appointment adds to Brown’s ongoing industry work, including standards writing with the CSA Group’s tower (CSA Z248) and mobile crane (CSA Z150) committees (both as a member); and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B30.30 Ropes (alternate member), where he sits alongside colleague Knut Buschmann, engineered product development (member). Brown is also president of Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF). He said: “We believe that it is not enough to participate in the fruits of an industry without giving an equal amount back. That is why we have taken the approach of being very active in our sector and contribute wherever we can. We sit on various boards and standards writing organizations and are involved with — and contribute to — many technical committees.” Unirope is actively involved with the Association of Crane and Rigging Professionals (ACRP), where Scott Fleming, director, and sales/rigging training manager, is chair of the board. Fleming is also secretary and treasurer, and technical committee member, at the Web Sling and Tie-Down Association (WSTDA). The company is a working member of the Cordage Institute, an international association of rope, twine, and related manufacturers, their suppliers, and affiliated industries; and the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA), Ontario’s trusted health and safety resource. Unirope is a full member of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) and is certified to ISO 9001.
Hamilton’s announces new Director of Sales and Business Development
Hamilton Caster has announced that Andy Stamp will serve as their new Director of Sales and Business Development. Stamp has been in the industry for over 26 years. “Over my 26-year career, I’ve honed my expertise in developing new business and expanding existing sales and marketing platforms across various industries supported by Hamilton Caster, said Stamp. My proficiency in leveraging CRM systems to analyze data and drive strategies will be a key benefit.” Mark Lippert, president at Hamilton Caster said, “Andy possesses the hard-to-find ‘biz dev gene.’ It’s that rare genetic makeup of someone who thrives on the hunt for new business while also possessing incredible energy and focus to be successful. More importantly, he’s a heck of a nice guy.” Andy looks forward to growing business at Hamilton. “Profitable and sizable growth in all product groups. The goals include expanding into new customer bases, increasing Hamilton’s footprint nationwide, and ensuring that we are the #1 preferred heavy-duty caster and the “only” choice for heavy-duty carts and trailers”, said Stamp. Andrew holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Ohio State University and is an active member of professional associations such as AICC and PMMI. He is also a patent holder for innovative adhesive dispensing technologies. “I am thrilled to join Hamilton and be a part of such an innovative team,” said Andrew. “I am committed to driving growth and delivering unparalleled value to our customers. With our focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, I am confident that together, we will achieve new heights of success.”
New Age Industrial announces retirement of Bob Brackle
New Age Industrial, a designer and manufacturer of aluminum storage and transport, has announced the retirement of Bob Brackle, National Sales Manager for the Material Handling Division, effective May 25, 2024. Bob has dedicated 15 years and 5 months of service to New Age Industrial, playing a pivotal role in the growth and success of the Material Handling Division. His passion, dedication, and industry expertise have been instrumental in forging strong customer relationships and exceeding sales targets for the company’s innovative aluminum material handling equipment. Under Bob’s leadership, the Material Handling Division significantly increased sales. During this time, we successfully introduced and promoted New Age Industrial’s innovative line of aluminum equipment, revolutionizing how to boost efficiency, optimize workflow, and streamline operations in warehouses, distribution centers, and other material handling facilities. “Bob Brackle is one of a kind,” said Tom Sharp, Vice President at New Age Industrial. “His larger-than-life presence and unwavering dedication to building relationships have made him a legend at trade shows. We’ll miss his ability to captivate a room and generate excitement for New Age Industrial.” He continued, “We are incredibly grateful for his contributions and the lasting impact he has made on New Age Industrial and the entire industry. We wish Bob all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Longtime ASSP member earns Prevention through Design Award
Bruce Main, P.E., CSP, a longtime member of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), earns the 2024 Prevention through Design (PtD) Award. The honor is presented to those who demonstrate outstanding leadership in reducing workplace hazards through design methods. The award is a collective effort of ASSP, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the National Safety Council (NSC) and the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). Main, president of Design Safety Engineering in Ann Arbor, MI, was recognized for his decades of proactive workplace safety contributions. He was a founding member of NSC’s Institute for Safety Through Design in 1995 and first-ever vice chair of the ANSI/ASSP Z590.3 Prevention through Design standard committee in 2011. An ASSP member since 1992, Main currently chairs the Z244 standards committee that establishes requirements for controlling hazardous energy through lockout/tagout measures and alternative methods. “Assessing workplace environments and designing out hazards is an innovative and long-term approach to business sustainability and preventing worker injuries, illnesses and fatalities,” said ASSP President-Elect Pam Walaski, CSP, FASSP, who spoke at the awards ceremony at the AIHA Connect conference in Columbus, OH. “Bruce has trained thousands of engineers and professionals in risk assessment and has elevated prevention through design principles and practical applications.” Main’s safety and health experience covers many technical areas, including mechanical design, machine guarding, control of hazardous energy, accident reconstruction and product safety evaluation. He is a consultant, researcher, author and highly sought-after instructor and speaker at universities and industry conferences. Main earned ASSP’s Thomas F. Bresnahan Standards Medal in 2015 for his extensive work in developing and advocating voluntary national consensus standards in occupational safety and health. “Bruce has been instrumental in keeping prevention through design principles in the forefront of safety efforts for more than 35 years,” Walaski said. “His enthusiastic approach to risk mitigation and worker safety has saved countless lives across many industries.” The annual PtD Award honors individuals, teams, businesses and other organizations that have eliminated or reduced hazards through designs or redesigns – or have contributed to the body of knowledge that enables PtD solutions. It reflects how proactive efforts can target hazards to safeguard people, property and the environment.
Orion announced Kelly Watterworth as East Coast Regional Sales Manager
In his new role, Watterworth will be working directly with Orion channel partners to build relationships, train staff and provide support to the sales team to grow the company’s stretch-wrapping machinery. “I’m excited to once again build relationships with local channel partners as I’m transferring from a National Sales position where I worked mainly with direct sales accounts, integrators, and OEMs,” Watterworth said. Watterworth has held various managerial and sales roles with Orion since 2016. He has a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.
Menasha Corporation awards $6 Million in grants to nonprofit organizations in its 175th anniversary year
Menasha and Neenah Mayors declare May 21st as ‘Menasha Corporation Day’ in honor of ongoing community support In celebration of its 175th anniversary, Menasha Corporation, a sustainable corrugated and reusable plastic packaging manufacturer and supply chain services provider for over 2,500 leading global brands in North America and the parent company of ORBIS Corporation, announced it will grant $6 million to nonprofits in 2024, of which nearly $4 million will be donated to organizations in the Fox Valley where Menasha Corporation was founded. Chris Drees, Menasha Corporation President and CEO, announced the Fox Valley grant recipients on May 21, 2024, which included declarations by Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond and Neenah Mayor Jane Lang to proclaim May 21 as ‘Menasha Corporation Day’ for both cities. “Giving back is deeply rooted in Menasha Corporation’s legacy. It’s a philosophy that began with the extraordinary generosity of our founder, Elisha D. Smith,” Drees said. “Today, a fundamental tenet of our shareholders and our company is to continue that tradition of philanthropy. In our 175th year of business, we couldn’t think of a more fitting and worthy celebratory activity than to honor our milestone by supporting our community.” Through the company’s philanthropic arm, Menasha Corporation Foundation, the following Fox Valley organizations were chosen as grant recipients: Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services Elisha D. Smith Public Library Trout Museum of Art Jefferson Park in Menasha The four grant recipients support causes that fall in the following four areas where Menasha Corporation Foundation focuses its support: Safe & Healthy Citizens, An Educated Society, Community Betterment, and Environmental Sustainability. The remaining donation dollars will be distributed across all of Menasha Corporation’s locations in the United States and include $350,000 in honor of the company’s anniversary and approximately $2 million in typical annual donations. “We are incredibly honored to be recognized by both cities of Menasha and Neenah with the proclamations presented today,” Drees said. “Our roots are here in the Fox Valley. Our partnership with Menasha and Neenah enriches our community. These proclamations demonstrate our commitment to supporting these two communities for years to come.” Awarded Manufacturer of the Year in 2024 by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Menasha Corporation is the third oldest continuously operating company in Wisconsin, and the 76th oldest family business in America. Today, it employs more than 7,800 people in 108 facilities throughout North America and Europe. Headquartered in Neenah, Menasha Corporation employs more than 1,500 employees in 12 facilities throughout the state of Wisconsin.
Diana Mueller joins KPI Solutions as Senior Account Executive
With 15+ years of experience in the logistics and supply chain industry, she specializes in architecting transformational distribution solutions that deliver business results KPI Solutions (KPI) has announced that Diana Mueller has joined the company as Senior Account Executive. In this role, Diana will partner with clients to understand their distribution objectives, and then enable and facilitate value-based strategic initiatives that support growth and build resilience. She brings particularly deep experience in developing omnichannel solutions for the retail, apparel, and footwear industries. “I’m thrilled to join the KPI Solutions sales team to help our clients solve complex supply chain challenges and navigate the many alternatives for warehouse design and automation,“ said Diana. “My background in large-scale, omnichannel distribution projects allows me to offer a fresh perspective to clients as we build a customized, total solution that boosts productivity and enables agility.” “Diana’s experience in business case rationalization and supply chain transformation will bring value to our clients as we continue to couple innovative engineering with leading automation technologies,” said Roger Counihan, Senior Vice President of Sales. “KPI’s clients will benefit from her focus on exceeding their business goals by leveraging creative designs with world-class automation and robotics, powered by intelligent software.” Diana joins KPI Solutions from Fortna, where she was an Account Executive. Prior experience includes working as a Solutions Manager and Transportation Analyst at OHL (now Geodis). She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management degree from Auburn University and resides in Florida.
Hy-Brid Lifts announced Director of Sales for South-Central USA
Hy-Brid Lifts has announced Gary Coke as director of sales covering the south-central United States. Coke’s responsibilities include providing customer support as well as continuing the growth and channel development of the Hy-Brid Lifts line of low-level scissor lifts. “I am excited to join this team and look forward to the opportunity to work with past and future customers. Coming from equipment manufacturing, I understand the importance of quality equipment and customer service backed by a solid service department,” said Coke. “After meeting the Hy-Brid Lifts team and seeing all of the new products in the pipeline, it’s no surprise that this company is continuing to grow, and I look forward to being a part of that growth.” Coke brings 19 years of industry experience to his new role, largely derived from his time in equipment manufacturing with SkyJack. He spent a majority of his career in sales with a strong emphasis on customer relationships and going above and beyond for every customer. “The entire Hy-Brid Lifts team is excited to have Gary on board to serve the south-central United States. Gary has a wealth of sales and rental industry knowledge that will strengthen our ability to serve our customers,” said Dave Wanta, Custom Equipment LLC vice president of sales. “Gary Coke is a valuable addition to the team, and we look forward to the contributions that he will provide for our company’s continued growth.”
Hyster-Yale Group appoints ICON Equipment as official Hyster Dealer
Hyster-Yale Group (HYG), an integrated full-line lift truck manufacturer, has appointed ICON Equipment Solutions Philippines Inc. (ICON) as its official dealer for the company’s Hyster® material handling solutions in the Philippines. This partnership signifies a strategic move to enrich material handling solutions in the region, leveraging ICON’s expertise and Hyster’s renowned technology. HYG’s decision to appoint ICON stems from the latter’s impressive track record and deep industry experience, positioning the Group ideally to tackle new challenges and foster growth in the Philippine market. ICON’s extensive sales coverage with four offices and two equipment yards nationwide, coupled with plans for upcoming branches, provides comprehensive customer reach and support. “We are thrilled to welcome ICON to our network of esteemed dealers,” said Mr. Simon Munn, Vice President, Dealer Development, JAPIC, Hyster-Yale Group. “Their dedication to delivering top-quality machinery, high spare parts availability, and efficient service aligns perfectly with HYG’s values. Together, we look forward to elevating the material handling industry and setting new benchmarks for excellence in customer service throughout the Philippines.” Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Chris Imperial, President at ICON highlighted the significance of partnering with HYG, “Partnering with HYG presents an advantageous opportunity in the material handling industry. Their commitment to delivering top-tier solutions, coupled with their comprehensive range of lift trucks, allow us to provide our customers with the highest quality products, further solidifying our position in the market.” The addition of Hyster products enriches ICON’s offerings, particularly in markets like the Philippines, where demand for reliable material handling equipment is on the rise. With e-commerce giants expanding their warehouse operations, the need for efficient logistics solutions has reached unprecedented levels. Additionally, with the continuous evolution of mining activities in the country, there is a growing need for robust equipment to facilitate smooth operations. Imperial added, “Hyster’s renowned reliability and advanced technology position us well to meet this demand, enabling efficient warehouse operations and smooth logistics for businesses across various industries.”
Cimcorp honored for proactive safety culture
Cimcorp has been awarded the highest occupational safety level classification in the Vision Zero Forum, led by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. The Vision Zero Forum is a network of workplaces aimed at motivating and encouraging companies to strive towards a high level of occupational safety, occupational health and well-being at work. This accomplishment highlights Cimcorp’s dedication to workplace safety, and also reflects its commitment to fostering a culture where safety is a continuous journey, not merely a goal. With “Caring” one of its core company values, Cimcorp is committed to the well-being of its employees, partners, and customers. Cimcorp strives to provide healthy working conditions with the target of zero work-related injuries in all activities. Taking a preventative approach to safety, Cimcorp focuses on identifying and controlling risks and continuously developing the safety of its operations and products. Cimcorp’s journey towards zero accidents is driven by both collective effort and individual dedication. Every employee is encouraged to consider the safest way to complete each task before starting, fostering a reflective practice that supports a safe workplace. This mindset encourages each individual to care for their own safety, as well as the safety of others. “By developing our employee safety, we’re investing in the future,” said Tero Peltomäki, CEO, Cimcorp. “Each step taken towards safety is a step towards our shared success. When we care for each other’s safety as if it were our own, we embody the essence of our safety philosophy.” Cimcorp’s proactive approach to safety does more than prevent accidents; it builds trust and satisfaction among employees and customers. The company’s core value of reliability is evident in its operations, from fulfilling promises to being a trustworthy partner for both customers and staff. Cimcorp’s efforts to elevate workplace safety standards carry into installation sites and thorough risk assessments. Every reported safety observation is a step towards a safer, more efficient workplace and reflects continuous improvement.
PAC Machinery celebrates the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in major leadership transition
PAC Machinery (“PAC”) has announced the retirement of its President, Serge Berguig after 40+ years with the company. Serge is moving into a strategic advisory role, and will support the businesses as needed. Mr. Berguig also named Greg Berguig, as the new company President, effective May 1, 2024. Greg was serving as Vice President, leading sales, marketing, and commercialization efforts. The announcement was shared internally with employees on April 30, 2024. “As I reflect on my time leading this organization, I am proud of the growth realized across our locations, as well as the hard work and dedication from all our employees,” said Serge Berguig. “I know that our strong leadership team will continue to guide PAC Machinery into the future as a leading manufacturer of packaging equipment and bag materials,” Berguig said. Serge went on to thank employees for their contributions over the years as he reflected on what’s next for him and the leadership transition to his son Greg. “On behalf of everyone in our organization, I’d like to extend our appreciation and gratitude to Serge for 40 years of service to the company,” said Greg Berguig, President PAC Machinery,. During his time, Serge established this business as an industry leader in packaging, growing our product offerings through new developments and acquisitions, to keep PAC Machinery as a strong player in our space. We have a trusted brand reputation and are positioned to continue developing packaging solutions that customers require. Serge’s entrepreneurial spirit, engineering knowledge and focused leadership over the past four decades has earned him the utmost respect of our employees, customers, and partners. He will be missed as he transitions from his role.”
Combilift renews three-year sponsorship of Monaghan Ladies Gaelic Football Team
Combilift, a manufacturer of multi-directional forklifts and straddle carriers, has announced the renewal of its sponsorship with the Monaghan Ladies Gaelic Football Team for another three years. This extension underscores Combilift’s commitment to supporting local sports and fostering community spirit. Monaghan Ladies Gaelic Football has been a cornerstone of sporting excellence in the region, promoting athleticism, teamwork, and community engagement. Combilift’s renewed sponsorship will provide essential funding to support the team’s activities, including training programs, equipment, Programmed S&C Support, GPS and Sports Science, Performance Analysis, and Video Analysis. This partnership aims to enhance the development of players at all levels and strengthen the team’s presence in national and international competitions. Martin McVicar, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Combilift expressed his enthusiasm for the renewed partnership: “We are thrilled to continue our support for the Monaghan Ladies Gaelic Football Team. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport resonate with Combilift’s values. We look forward to their continued success and growth over the next three years.” Team manager, Darren Greenan, also shared his appreciation: “The Monaghan Ladies are delighted that Combilift has chosen to renew their sponsorship partnership for the next 3 years. This financial support helps create the best possible environment for our intercounty players, boosts the team profile, and allows management the resources to prepare the teams to the higher levels expected. We strive to make intercounty football an attractive opportunity for girls in the county, and this goes a long way to helping us reach this goal”.
Peak Technologies Australia becomes Certified Zebra Industrial Machine Vision Systems Integrator
Peak Technologies has announced a significant milestone, becoming a certified Zebra Technologies partner in Australia, delivering fixed industrial scanning solutions and machine vision integration. As industries evolve towards automation and efficiency, the demand for advanced scanning solutions and machine vision technology intensifies. With this partnership, Peak Technologies demonstrates its commitment to meeting the ever-changing needs of Australian businesses by offering cutting-edge solutions tailored to improve productivity, accuracy, and operational efficiency. Through this strategic partnership, Peak Technologies aims to leverage Zebra Technologies’ extensive portfolio of industrial-grade scanning solutions and machine vision technologies to deliver comprehensive, tailored solutions to businesses across various sectors in Australia. Zebra’s suite of fixed industrial scanners and machine vision smart cameras offers a wide range of capabilities, beginning with simple track-and-trace scanning solutions to immediately identify products, packages, pallets and verify barcodes moving down conveyor lines. More complex machine vision imaging applications include 3D sensors and inspection applications, deep learning image acquisition, training and deployment, high-speed process video recording, and more. Peter Brogle, Peak Technologies’ APAC sales director, commented: “We are very proud to be recognized as a Certified Zebra Fixed Industrial Scanning and Machine Vision System Integrator. It is another excellent stride forward in our global partnership with Zebra. We now look forward to replicating the success we have had in Europe and North America here in Australia.” “We’re excited to have Peak Technologies on board in Australia, knowing they have been one of our most successful global partners,” added George Lianos, Zebra channel account manager. “We look forward to working together with the team at Peak locally.” Peak Technologies is the go-to source for Zebra machine vision integration, with highly-trained and certified systems engineers that boast a wealth of expertise. With proof-of-concept engineering, testing, custom configurations, preconfigured cameras, AI-driven analytics and more, Peak provides custom end-to-end solutions that meet the unique business needs of each customer it serves.
Synergy Logistics has promoted Brian Kirst to Chief Commercial Officer as business continues to ramp up
Brian previously looked after all customer-facing elements of the business in North America, but now oversees all aspects of Sales, Marketing, Support and After Sales globally. He brings 30 years of experience in the supply chain, logistics and digital technology. Before joining Synergy in early 2022, Brian co-founded and launched two high-growth 3PL order fulfillment companies, Total Reliance in 2014 and Resurge in 2019. Both scaled successfully with Synergy’s highly flexible SnapFulfil warehouse management system (WMS) as the differentiator. The restructure also sees Chief Product & Delivery Officer, Smitha Raphael, take on a more global role with the development services and implementation teams. Both report directly into Synergy Logistics Chairman, Hugh Stevens. Stevens said: “Brian is the ideal fit for this crucial role. As a fellow owner, operator, and entrepreneur; our strategic views align. I also like his leadership and decision-making approach. He recognizes opportunities quickly and looks to make an immediate impact.” Kirst has been using his applied knowledge, gained across multiple industries and sectors, to help customers identify their value drivers and further tap into the potential of Synergy’s technologically advanced software to drive revenue and profitability. He added: “My focus will be growing and evolving with our existing customers, but also developing further enterprise-level business, as our highly configurable WMS and multi-agent orchestration solutions become increasingly relevant in today’s automation-driven supply chains. “This includes executing on our ambitions of having a fully global and consistent product offering, with recent implementations in Asia and South America, complementing our long-standing and proven track record in the North America and EMEA regions.”
Hargrove Controls & Automation’s Karen Griffin Receives CSIA’s 2024 Charlie Bergman ‘Remember Me’ Award
Karen Griffin, P.E., Vice President of Hargrove Controls & Automation receives the Charlie Bergman ‘Remember Me’ Award at the 2024 Control System Integrators Association Conference. Hargrove Controls & Automation has announced today that Vice President Karen Griffin, P.E. was presented the distinguished 2024 Charlie Bergman ‘Remember Me’ Award at the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) Conference in Dallas, TX. Each year at the annual conference, CSIA recognizes five individuals and organizations for their contributions to the industry during an awards banquet. Of the five award categories, the Charlie Bergman ‘Remember Me’ Award is considered to be the most exemplary of the organization. The award is given to leaders within the association who exemplify the philosophy of founding member Charlie Bergman, upholding the principles of sharing, leadership, and promoting the profession. “In the years I have worked alongside Karen, first as a fellow board member and later during her tenure as Treasurer and Chairman, I have witnessed firsthand her remarkable contributions that align perfectly with the criteria of this award. Karen has been a driving force behind numerous successful initiatives and projects, each reflecting her deep understanding and commitment to our organization’s mission,” said Luigi De Bernardini, CEO of Autoware and Griffin’s nominator. “Karen’s involvement in CSIA activities is characterized by a selfless sharing of knowledge and experience, fostering a culture of growth and learning. Her exceptional service, leadership, mentorship, and contributions to our strategic and organizational success make her an exemplary candidate for this honor.” Past winners of the Charlie Bergman award include Andrew Downs and Adrian Fahey of SAGE Group, Eduardo Acosta of Omnicon S.A, and Pat Miller of Engineered Energy Solutions. De Bernardini was also a recipient of the award in 2018. “I’ve done some reflecting since I was told that I was nominated for this award. Just a few generations from now, people won’t know us: they won’t know what we were like, they won’t know what’s important to us. But the things that I remember that my grandparents shared with me are the stories of how someone impacted them. That’s what the ‘Remember Me’ concept is,” Griffin said at the awards ceremony. “I put a lot of thought into what it means to me, and what I want to tell you is to get involved in this organization. Focus on the things that are important because each moment is one you won’t get back. Get engaged in the places that matter.” Since joining Hargrove Controls & Automation in 2012, Griffin has served in various roles such as Engineering Leader, Main Automation Contractor Program Sponsor, Senior Project Manager, and Controls & Automation Engineer for the refining, oil & gas, chemicals, and pulp & paper industries. In her current role as vice president of Hargrove Controls & Automation, Griffin leads a team of 125 automation professionals to provide clients with automation services and turnkey solutions for digital transformation, panel fabrication, safety instrumented systems, and more. In addition to serving as a chair of the CSIA’s board of directors, Griffin serves on the board of directors for the Hargrove Foundation, the International Society of Automation (ISA) Emerald Coast Chapter, and the executive advisory committee for Engineering and Construction Contracting (ECC). Outside of her career, she also serves as Chair of the Red Cross South Alabama Chapter Board and is an active member of her church where she volunteers in the Junior Ministry. “If there is anyone who embodies the principles of Charlie Bergman, it’s Karen,” said Ralph Hargrove, CEO and President of Hargrove. “She works hard in all factions of her life and truly exemplifies our values of teamwork and integrity. We are proud to have her as part of the Hargrove Team.”
Bill Vining joins KPI Solutions
Bill brings 30 years’ experience working with clients to evaluate, design, and implement innovative solutions to solve complex supply chain challenges and boost productivity KPI Solutions (KPI) has announced that Bill Vining has joined the company as Senior Account Executive. In this role, Bill will work directly with companies to address operational challenges and develop best-in-class solutions using warehouse automation and intelligent software to reduce labor reliance and build resilience. “I’m excited to join the KPI Solutions sales team and partner with our clients to deliver tailored distribution solutions that blend leading technologies with world-class warehouse execution software,” said Bill. “KPI is unique in the industry for providing an unbiased end-to-end solution that allows clients to realize desired business results and drive value throughout the supply chain.” “We’re happy to welcome Bill as our solutions continue to transform operations and elevate performance, always focusing on being accountable for our client’s business case,” said Roger Counihan, Senior Vice President of Sales. “His experience in leading-edge automation and robotics will undoubtedly bring value to our clients, allowing them to not only meet today’s labor and productivity challenges but also prepare for future distribution demands.” Bill joins KPI Solutions from NEXUSiQ, provider of supply chain AI, analytics, and advanced visualization systems, where he served as Chief Revenue Officer. Throughout his extensive career in the supply chain industry, he has worked with several leading technology and software providers including Skydio, 6 River Systems, Dematic Reddwerks, Optoro, Red Prairie, and Manhattan Associates. He holds a Bachelor of Science, Economics degree from the University of Connecticut and resides in Atlanta.
GRI announces the appointment of Ydo Doornbos
GRI has announced the appointment of Ydo Doornbos as Director of North America. With an illustrious career spanning 29 years in the tire industry in various management roles, Ydo brings with him a wealth of expertise and leadership to GRI’s North American business operations. Doornbos’ journey in the tire industry began in 1995 with a 6-month internship at Monarch Industrial Tires in the USA, after which he commenced his extensive career at Trelleborg Wheel Systems (TWS) as the Regional Sales & Operations Manager in Europe for the Monarch brand. He was then promoted to Marketing Manager Europe for the TWS Industrial Tires division. In 2005, Ydo returned to the United States, where he served as Director of Marketing, Customer Service & OEM Sales at TWS before being appointed Managing Director & Product Area President for Industrial and Construction tires. Over thirteen years, he spearheaded strategic initiatives that enhanced product integration and service excellence. In 2019, Ydo was promoted to Regional President North & Central America – AG/MH/CON, where he steered the company through unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic. In 2022, Ydo embarked on a new chapter in his career, assuming the role of VP Business Development at American Pacific Industries (API), a renowned tire engineering company. His strategic vision and business acumen contributed to API’s growth and expansion in the automotive and commercial tire sectors. Now, Ydo returns to his roots in Specialty Tires with GRI, driven by a commitment to sustainability and innovation. As Director of North America, he will lead GRI’s efforts to expand and drive GRI’s success in delivering sustainable Agriculture, Material Handling, and Construction tires to the North American market. Commenting on his appointment, Ydo Doornbos expressed his enthusiasm stating, ” I am thrilled to join GRI, a company synonymous with excellence and innovation in the tire industry. I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive growth and success in North America.”
Nucor Executive VP Douglas J. Jellison to Retire and Randy J. Spicer to be promoted
Nucor Corporation has announced that Executive Vice President Douglas J. Jellison plans to retire on June 8, 2024 after more than 33 years of service with Nucor. Jellison began his Nucor career in 1990 as Materials Manager at Nucor Bearing Products and has worked in various positions and businesses, including several controller and business development roles. Mr. Jellison served as General Manager of Nucor Bearing Products; Vice President and General Manager of Nucor Steel Seattle, Inc.; Vice President and General Manager of Nucor-Yamato Steel Company; President of Nucor Tubular Products; and President of Skyline Steel LLC. He was promoted to Executive Vice President in 2021. Leon Topalian, Nucor’s Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “I am incredibly grateful for Doug’s contributions over the last three decades. Throughout his career, he influenced a broad spectrum of Nucor’s businesses. He successfully led significant facilities, oversaw international operations, integrated and shaped acquisitions and spearheaded key enterprise strategies. His unyielding ability to drive change, overcome challenges and seek out the best outcomes is unparalleled. Most importantly, he lives Nucor’s culture in developing teammates and making everyone around him better. He is one of a kind. On behalf of all teammates, I want to thank Doug for his leadership and wish him a long and happy retirement.” Effective May 12, 2024, Randy J. Spicer will be promoted to Executive Vice President. Mr. Spicer began his Nucor career in 2004 as Accounting Supervisor at Nucor Steel Indiana. In 2006, he joined the start-up team at Nucor Steel Memphis, Inc. as Controller and subsequently served as Controller and Hot Mill Manager at Nucor Steel Gallatin LLC. He was promoted to General Manager of Nucor Tubular Products North in 2020 and elected to Vice President in 2022. He currently serves as President of Nucor Tubular Products. “Randy is a talented leader whose 20 years of Nucor experience help make him well-positioned to take on this challenging role. We look forward to his contributions to the executive leadership team,” said Mr. Topalian. “Doug’s retirement and Randy’s promotion are the product of the robust and thoughtful succession planning process that has been a top strategic initiative throughout Nucor.”
NFI strengthens Spin Master’s Supply Chain Solutions with New Mississippi Facility
Spin Master is a leading global children’s entertainment company that creates exceptional play experiences through its three creative centers: toys, entertainment, and digital games. Since its founding in 1994, Spin Master has grown from a small toy manufacturer to become the home of iconic brands, such as Rubik’s Cube, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, the powerhouse preschool franchise, Paw Patrol, and the award-winning Toca Boca digital game. “This location is ideal and allows us to better service our retail customers,” said Steve Radewych, SVP of Supply Chain Operations at Spin Master. “We’re happy to continue working with NFI to strategically position our supply chain as business continues to grow.” NFI and Spin Master began their partnership in 2018 when Spin Master was looking to expand its supply chain throughout the Northeast. That same year, Spin Master acquired another company, which increased their need for faster solutions. NFI’s distribution team was able to help establish this East Coast presence in their Kutztown, Pennsylvania campus. As Spin Master’s business continued to evolve and expand, requiring additional flex space within the campus and the larger Lehigh Valley network, NFI was able to accommodate this overflow need. In early 2024, the relationship expanded further with the addition of an ideally located warehouse in Olive Branch, Mississippi, situated in the heart of the Central United States. While continuing to fulfill Spin Master’s distribution needs, NFI’s port services capabilities will also be utilized for drayage services inbound to the new distribution center. Additionally, NFI’s ILS team will manage the transfer of products from California to the new facility in 2024 and to Pennsylvania in 2025. “We’re really excited to expand our relationship with Spin Master for at least the next five years and utilize other services for this very strategic customer,” said Bill Mahoney, CCO and EVP at NFI. “We’ve celebrated five years of a great partnership and look forward to growing together.” NFI is committed to tailoring solutions for each unique customer and growing alongside the businesses it partners with. With expert knowledge, technology, scale, and dedicated people, NFI offers innovative, integrated, and customized solutions that span customer’s entire supply chain.