Is your dealership too busy selling hats to each other?
In April’s edition, I wrote about the topic of data-driven decision-making. In one instance, I discussed how most dealerships I visit live with silos of data that do not integrate with each other. The topic of data silos and departmental silos resonated with some of my industry colleagues, so I felt compelled to make it a topic for this month’s article. For your business, success hinges not only on the quality of products and services you sell but also on the seamless collaboration between the different departments within your dealership. The traditional model of siloed departments can impede efficiency, communication, and ultimately, customer satisfaction; breaking down these silos is essential for thriving in today’s landscape within our industry. I recently spoke to an industry colleague that referenced the phrase, “We’re too busy selling hats to each other” when explaining the struggles with departmental silos within their dealership. They noted this phrase came from the book, ‘Results Rule! How to Build a Culture That Blows the Competition Away,” authored by Randy G. Pennington. In the book, it is highlighted that the phrase is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where your employees are preoccupied with trivial or inconsequential matters rather than focusing on more important issues or opportunities, i.e. delivering best-in-class customer service. In essence, it suggests that instead of focusing on meaningful endeavors or addressing critical challenges, your employees are caught up in relatively unimportant tasks or pursuits, akin to metaphorically selling hats to each other, which might seem busy or active but ultimately lack substance or value. Is your business too internally focused? Are your employees and departments “too busy selling hats to each other?” When your business becomes too internally focused, it risks losing touch with the external factors that drive your relevance and innovation. This inward focus can manifest in various ways, each posing significant challenges to your dealership’s growth and competitiveness. One of the most glaring issues when your employees are too internally focused, and your various departments act independently within silos is the lack of customer-centricity. When your employees become too preoccupied with its internal operations and processes, they may lose sight of the evolving needs and preferences of your customers. This disconnect can lead to your services or once competitive advantages no longer resonating in the market, ultimately resulting in declining sales and customer dissatisfaction. Moreover, an internal focus often breeds complacency and resistance to change within the organization. When losing focus externally on things such as feedback from customers or insights from industry peers, your dealership will risk falling into a state of stagnation. This stagnation can quickly lead to obsolescence, as your competitors seize opportunities and innovate ahead. Furthermore, an internally focused dealership is likely to miss out on valuable opportunities for innovation. Innovations often arise from understanding market gaps and anticipating future needs, both of which require a keen awareness of external dynamics. By neglecting to engage with the market and monitor industry trends, you limit your ability to innovate and stay ahead of the curve. Siloed departments are usually a result of these internally focused habits in your dealership which present several challenges. Firstly, communication breakdowns frequently occur, leading to misunderstandings, service delays, and dissatisfied customers. Secondly, these departments often operate with disparate processes that do not align with your dealership’s overarching goals, resulting in redundancy, resource wastage, and decreased productivity. Additionally, the lack of cross-departmental collaboration can lead to missed opportunities for upselling, cross-selling, and delivering comprehensive solutions tailored to your customers’ needs. What are some strategies you can implement to start to break down silos within your dealership? First, look at forming cross-functional teams comprised of individuals from various departments within your dealership. This can promote collaboration and facilitate a comprehensive approach to problem-solving. Secondly, establish shared customer-centric key performance indicators and goals. This ensures alignment across all of your departments, guiding them towards common objectives. Furthermore, implement regular communication channels through formal and informal meetings, such as quick-standing hurdles. This fosters dialogue and strengthens interdepartmental relationships. Lastly, invest in training programs that emphasize cross-departmental understanding and skill development. This is crucial for breaking down barriers and cultivating more cohesiveness amongst departments across your dealership. A cohesive approach to sales, service, and support ensures a smoother experience for your customers, from initial inquiries to after-sales service. Remember to prioritize customer service! Exceptional customer service doesn’t end when the sale is made. Ensure your dealership has a dedicated customer service team equipped to handle inquiries, technical support, and service requests promptly and professionally. Also, look to foster a culture of feedback. Actively seek feedback from your customers regarding their experiences with your dealership and the aftermarket services provided. Whether through surveys, reviews, or direct communication, encourage customers to share their thoughts and suggestions for improvement. Use this feedback to identify areas of strength and areas for enhancement, demonstrating your commitment to continuous improvement and customer-centricity. I’m not saying internal processes, optimization, and employee engagement aren’t important, but they need to be balanced with an outward focus on customers, market trends, competition, and innovation. To excel against competitors, your dealership must balance internal optimization with customer service. While internal processes are crucial for efficiency, they shouldn’t overshadow the main goal: providing exceptional service to customers. Adopting an outward mindset positions your business for long-term success and ensures you remain relevant and competitive in this ever-changing industry. About the Author: Chris Aiello is the Business Development Manager at TVH Parts Co. He has been in the equipment business for 17-plus years as a service manager, quality assurance manager, and business development manager. Chris now manages a national outside sales team selling replacement parts and accessories in various equipment markets such as material handling, equipment rental, and construction/earthmoving dealerships.
Safety on the job gets personal
In-person training, a deliberate hiring process, and ongoing safety conversations are a few of the ways some in the industry suggest maintaining a safe warehouse. To David Hoover, safety is a highly personal issue. Hoover, president of Forklift Training Systems, had a close perspective of about 10 workplace fatalities during his career. “I’ve seen what it does to families. I have seen people so badly injured they don’t live their lives right,” he said. “To me, it’s a personal thing.” Hoover does not think that regulations can be the only measure driving safety forward. He stressed that businesses themselves also need to continue to strive for improvements. And he worries that accidents will be more of a concern as production ramps up post-pandemic. “We’re not seeing a lot of accident trends come down. The more we work, the more people we kill and injure,” Hoover said. But there are steps organizations can take to build a culture of safety, Hoover said. He recently worked with a large Ohio facility where leadership was willing to shut down production lines and pull 300 to 400 people out of its 5,000-person staff at a time for hourly safety training sessions with Hoover. “It was a huge commitment. It was the right thing to do,” Hoover said. “We had tremendous success with that. It really opened the dialogue at the plant.” It is the kind of effort that yields results, according to Hoover, who said safety training during orientation is typically not specific enough to cover ongoing operations. Hoover’s company is now part of Fleet Team Inc., which works with Fortune 500 companies across the country, according to Doug Riddle, president. Fleet Team is a strategic, brand-independent consulting partner focused on empowering businesses to optimize their fleet management practices, according to the business website. This is accomplished through cutting-edge cost-saving initiatives, real-time data analytics, streamlined vendor management, and seamless facility-wide logistics, the site said. Riddle said the perspective at Fleet Team is that safety is driven by decisions at the corporate office, particularly with the leadership of environmental health and safety leaders. And one of the largest concerns driving safety trends lately has been the fluctuating labor force, according to Riddle. “The biggest thing we hear about is turnover in labor. It’s the biggest stumbling block,” he said, noting how turnover can make it a challenge to keep OSHA-certified truck drivers on staff. Riddle said his company advises keeping up-to-date equipment and certification lists to help ensure better safety. Hoover recommends working with Human Resources to make sure workers can safely operate equipment. “I’m finding a disconnect between HR and safety within organizations,” said Hoover, noting that he has looked into some online equipment safety certification programs and found major concerns. In one case, Hoover said he failed all the written tests and yet still was granted certification. “They sent a (certification) card that looked better than my driver’s license,” he said. To prevent workers with not enough training or the correct certifications, Hoover said careful steps should be taken in the hiring process. “What I tell companies is, when you’re hiring the people ask the right questions,” he said. Hoover noted an example of an interviewee who claimed ten years of forklift driving experience but had actually only driven a forklift for a few days ten years earlier. “This guy should not be driving,” said Hoover, who recommended having job candidates show how well they can operate equipment in the interview. “You can save a lot of time,” he said. “Safety ought to be intimately involved in those early (hiring) discussions,” Hoover added. Technological developments will continue to offer safety improvements, both Hoover and Riddle agreed. They noted after-market developments, AI additions, and more occurring within the industry. “Everybody is doing it a little differently. It’s saving lives. It’s going to save more as it becomes mainline and as acquisition costs come down,” said Hoover, drawing comparisons of forklift technology updates to auto improvements that are now standard industry-wide. Combilift recently unveiled the Combi Safe-Lift, an anti-overload device. The lift incorporates a strain sensor on the mast section and a lift cut-out valve on the hydraulic line to disable lifting if the unit is potentially overloaded, according to a press release. “We believe that this simple and cost-effective system should become a standard option on all counterbalance trucks in the future,” said Martin McVicar, managing director of Combilift, in the statement. “Fitting a straightforward device such as the Combi Safe-Lift is an effective way to reduce risks for the operator and other personnel, and also to avoid product damage as well as costly repairs,” he said. At Fleet Team Inc., Riddle said he believes safety is top-of-mind for all of the business’ customers. “We recognize that. That’s why we partnered up with David; brought them into the fold so we can offer safety as a top-of-mind approach,” Riddle said. An event focused on safety Safety will be the focus at the 2024 National Forklift Safety Day on June 11 in Washington, D.C. “It’s also streamed live. You can watch it from anywhere,” said Brian Feehan, president of the Industrial Truck Association. Cesar Jimenez, Toyota, vice president of regulatory affairs, is the chair of this year’s event. “We’ve had some really good chairs and Cesar is right in line,” said Feehan, who said this is the 11th year of the event. This year, there will be a focus at the event on technology and the role it can play, along with emphasizing the importance of training, according to Feehan. “We always like to say that there’s no substitute for in-person training,” he said. And Feehan said the ITA always recommends working with manufacturers to find out what training programs they suggest. “Every forklift performs different roles in different environments,” he said. Another area of focus at National Forklift Safety Day will include safety culture within organizations, OSHA updates, and more. The event has grown considerably in recent years. Feehan said after organizers found a high level of interest in the online option, they decided
Decline in new Industrial Manufacturing planned industrial project in April 2024
Industrial SalesLeads has announced the April 2024 results for the new planned capital project spending report for the Industrial Manufacturing industry. The Firm tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity; including facility expansions, new plant construction, and significant equipment modernization projects. Research confirms 110 new projects as compared to 174 in March 2024. The following are selected highlights on new Industrial Manufacturing industry construction news. Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Type Manufacturing/Production Facilities – 96 New Projects Distribution and Industrial Warehouse – 75 New Projects Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Scope/Activity New Construction – 41 New Projects Expansion – 35 New Projects Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 38 New Projects Plant Closings – 11 New Projects Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Location (Top 10 States) Indiana – 10 Texas – 9 Ohio – 8 Louisiana – 6 Washington – 6 Alabama – 5 Florida – 4 North Carolina – 4 Ontario – 4 Pennsylvania – 5 Largest Planned Project During the month of April, our research team identified 22 new Industrial Manufacturing facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more. The largest project is owned by SK hynix America, who is planning to invest $4 billion for the construction of a 430,000 SF manufacturing and research facility at 1281 Win Hentschel Blvd. in WEST LAFAYETTE, IN. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for Fall 2028. Top 10 Tracked Industrial Manufacturing Projects ONTARIO: A pharmaceutical company is planning to invest $2 billion for the construction of two processing facilities in TORONTO, ON. The project includes the renovation and equipment upgrades on their existing processing and laboratory facilities at the site. Completion is slated for 2027. NORTH CAROLINA: A biotechnology company is planning to invest an additional $1.2 billion for the expansion of their currently under-construction processing facility at 11751 Holly Springs New Hill Road in HOLLY SPRINGS, NC. Completion of the first phase is slated for Summer 2025. GEORGIA: A plastic recycling service provider is planning to invest $950 million for the construction of a 2.5 million sf processing and warehouse facility in THOMASTON, GA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in 2025, with completion slated for 2027. OHIO: Automotive MFR. plans to invest $700 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facilities in MARYSVILLE, OH, EAST LIBERTY, OH and ANNA, OH. They are currently seeking approval for the project. INDIANA: Cement mfr. plans to invest $500 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on their processing facility in MITCHELL, IN. They are currently seeking approval for the project. TENNESSEE: Industrial ventilation equipment MFR. is planning to invest $300 million for the construction of a manufacturing, warehouse, and office campus in KNOXVILLE, TN. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction will occur in phases, with the completion of the first phase slated for Summer 2026. MICHIGAN: Automotive component MFR. is planning to invest $278 million for the construction of a 713,000 SF manufacturing facility in AUBURN HILLS, MI. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in late Spring 2024, with completion slated for late 2025. TEXAS: Window and door MFR. is planning to invest $121 million for the construction of a 650,000 SF manufacturing, warehouse, and office facility in MANSFIELD, TX. They have recently received approval for the project. MANITOBA: A startup pharmaceutical company is planning to invest $120 million for the construction of a processing and warehouse facility in WINNIPEG, MB. They are currently seeking approval for the project. ALABAMA: A lumber company is planning to invest $115 million for the construction of a sawmill in KELLYTON, AL. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for early Fall 2025. About IMI SalesLeads, Inc. Since 1959, IMI SalesLeads, based in Jacksonville, FL is a leader in delivering industrial capital project intelligence and prospecting services for sales and marketing teams to ensure a predictable and scalable pipeline. Our Industrial Market Intelligence, IMI identifies timely insights on companies planning significant capital investments such as new construction, expansion, relocation, equipment modernization, and plant closings in industrial facilities. The Outsourced Prospecting Services, an extension to your sales team, is designed to drive growth with qualified meetings and appointments for your internal sales team. Visit us at salesleadsinc.com.
The secret formula is React, Respond, Recover, +1
You do something wrong. The customer gets mad. You apologize and try to fix the problem, make nice, and hope they don’t go someplace else next time. Want to buy some “Customer Insurance?” Sure, you do. How do you get “Customer Insurance”, you ask? Easy, you already have it. The problem is that most people (companies) don’t use it. Reason? Insurance costs a little extra. It’s called Plus One Insurance and here’s how it works: When the customer is angry, or you can’t deliver the way they expect, the formula that will make them forgive you, continue to do business with you, and tell others about you is React, Respond, Recover, +1. Here’s what that means. Let’s say you’re late for a delivery, or you deliver the wrong thing, or you make an error in something personalized, or you miss a deadline, or you deliver bad food to the table. In short, you make a business mistake that irritates (or angers) the customer. Now, you have to react, respond, and recover from the mistake. When you’re done with your dance of apology and making amends, that’s when the customer STARTS talking. They will say something good, nothing, or something bad about you depending on what you said, how you said it, what you did, and how you did it. IMPORTANT NOTE: The customer’s story was crafted by your words and deeds. How much is a positive story worth? How much is a saved customer worth? How much does a negative story cost? How much does a lost customer cost? The answer is “Plus 1.” All you have to do to ensure that the story will be positive, and the customer will be saved is to add a “+” to the end of the transaction. Something extra that the customer was not expecting. Something that will add a smile. Something that will add some “good” to the situation and make a pleasant surprise the last memory the customer has. For example, if your customer: goes into your store for a sale item and you’re sold out. checks into your hotel and their room isn’t ready. orders something and you deliver it wrong. You figure if you just get the customer what they need, you’re out of the woods and they’re “satisfied.” And you figured wrong. You may be out of the woods, but you may still be in the doghouse. You need to add the extra. The “Plus.” You need to add a surprise. You need to add the memory. You need to add a reason to say something good about you. Because the risk of NOT doing it is too large. Let’s take the three examples above and elaborate. Let’s assume you can meet their fundamental needs and recover from the wrong. The real question is: what can you ADD to the situation that will make it a memorable one? Here’s how to add the “+” and create a WOW! You go into the store for a sale item, and they’re sold out. The clerk gives you a “raincheck” to ensure you get the item. AND (the plus) the clerk calls other stores, locates the item, and has it delivered to your home at no extra charge. AND (another plus) the clerk gives you a “private sale” card that lets you purchase anything else in the store today only at a 15% discount. You check into a hotel and your room isn’t ready. The clerk says, “Mr. Gitomer, you’re in luck! Your room isn’t ready. That means you get to eat breakfast for free AND (the plus) use our business center for free. Wow!” You order something and it’s delivered wrong. The correct response when confronted is NOT an excuse. The correct response is, “OH, THAT’S HORRIBLE.” Followed by a statement of what will be done and when. Followed by some bonus that has verbiage something like this: “Mr. Gitomer, you are in luck. You have qualified for our “Wrong delivery, customer bonus” program. Here’s how it works………” The “PLUS” is the difference between satisfactory and loyal. The “PLUS” is the difference between a positive and negative story retold. And the story will be retold. The only question is which way. I hope you’re willing to invest in the “plus” customer insurance premium. Some fools aren’t. About the Author: Jeffrey Gitomer is the author of twelve best-selling books including The Sales Bible, The Little Red Book of Selling, and The Little Gold Book of Yes! Attitude. His real-world ideas and content are also available as online courses at www.GitomerLearningAcademy.com. For information about training and seminars visit www.Gitomer.com or email Jeffrey at salesman@gitomer.com or call him at 704 333-1112.
Programmed growth
Tracking the markets as I do, the April results left me wondering what the heck is going on, especially when META reported far lower-than-expected guidance. In addition, earning reports were soft in many cases with the industrial base reporting a lower confidence index. Adding in what you read about logistic companies leaves you thinking that a problem is brewing which could impact an industrial lift truck business. So, do we achieve growth via the GDP, do we have inflation under control, or do we not expect a cut or two in interest rates? I went into my files and found a chart titled Where Inflation Is and Isn’t. It covers 29 cost categories and when you put together all the increases and decreases in costs you wind up with an average inflation rate for the last twelve months of 3.5%, which is 75% above the rate the Fed is looking for. It is hard to believe we will get to the 2% level anytime soon. Even if we try our hardest to get that inflation rate down, the onshoring or re-shoring efforts will surely kick prices. New factories to build. More personnel are required. Higher financing costs. And if unions are involved you can bet that your costs will be higher. I believe we are in Stagflation … where we have inflation as well as shrinkflation….even though the economy is slowing. A tough place to be if you are a business owner. Shrinkflation is the twin of Inflation. Inflation is where you get higher prices for your standard volume. Shrinkflation, on the other hand, lets you keep the older price but removes the product to make up the difference. I don’t think you can do that with a lift truck …but dealers are probably paying for products that are now coming in smaller packages. Then add on the ever-increasing government regulations that will cost you more to comply with. They continue to tell you how to run your business, how much you must pay employees, and what is allowable regarding non-compete agreements. When you look at a chart covering the number of regulations that are in effect, it is overwhelming. Business and Industry organizations are now suing the government to reverse many of these costly regulations. And, on April 24th it was announced that the Trump tax mandates scheduled to end in 2025, will be allowed to expire. Get ready to write bigger tax checks and pay more for the utilities that provide energy to run your shops. You may have heard the new rule about Overtime that creates two separate increases to an employee’s minimum annual salary threshold in a year, leaving you to assess how best to comply. Here is the link to the article on this Overtime rule from ManufacturingDIVE. Be sure to sign up for this free newsletter while you are on the website. Nikole: Link: https://www.manufacturingdive.com/news/overtime-rule-2025-lawsuit-flsa-compliance/714435 And I am not to even mention AI … since you hear about it every single day. The last is a statement by an AI expert that companies that do not adopt and use AI will be out of business by the end of the decade because they will not be able to compete on either a cost or service basis. In past articles, I mentioned numerous times that dealers need to do more with less to reduce costs and improve efficiency. I believe that every business out there needs to perform at a more efficient level to generate the cash flow needed to pay the bills and provide an adequate ROI. So, how do you do this and retain your sanity? Since I brought this new business model to your attention, I thought I should provide some guidance on how to “make more with less” with not much investment on your part. I am going to give you a list of three books to read that will help with this process. The first is HOW TO LISTEN WHEN THE MARKETS SPEAK by Lawrence McDonald. This book will educate you about what is going to take place because of the disastrous policy decisions and artificial disinflationary forces in place. And how we are about to witness a new era of sustained inflation, corporate debt crises, and great shifts in wealth. In addition, the US is weakening the reserve currency status, while adding Russia, Iran, and Saudi’s because of our stance on oil and gas. READ THIS BECAUSE IT WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO MANAGE YOUR WEALTH. The second is BUSINESS WEALTH WITHOUT RISK by Roland Frasier and Jay Abraham. You will learn from these two gentlemen how to grow, scale, and exit your business. They provide a list and worksheets to help you improve your business, how to add more value to your customers for the products and services you provide, and how to then sell the business for a much higher multiple compared to the multiple you could currently get. Once you read this book, you will keep it on your desk and read parts repeatedly. Not only do the authors provide information. They will also assist you on your path to greater wealth. The third and last book to read is titled WHO NOT HOW by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. Want to learn how to save time and money and add to your business value? Who doesn’t? Unfortunately, many of us have great ideas about what we need to do but do not know or have the time to develop or execute the plan. The authors suggest that if the idea is “real” then it pays to get the professional help you need to build the plan and get it implemented in a much shorter time compared to doing it internally or yourself. YOU FREE UP YOUR HOURS AND RUN THE BUSINESS. The hired hands take our ideas and get them put into place. Follow this program two or three times and the value of our business increases. To
Eleventh annual National Forklift Safety Day
To Be Hybrid Event June 11, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Industrial Truck Association’s eleventh annual National Forklift Safety Day will take place on Tuesday, June 11 at 9:00 AM EDT at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The event will be hybrid, with an in-person as well as a virtual attendance option. The event serves as an opportunity for forklift manufacturers to highlight the safe use of forklifts, the value of operator training, and the need for daily equipment checks. Open to everyone, National Forklift Safety Day registration is open on ITA’s website. The format will remain the same as past year’s events with presentations from government representatives, safety experts, and industry representatives. The speakers and their general topics for National Forklift Safety Day 2024 include: Brian Feehan, President, Industrial Truck Association Brett Wood, ITA Chairman of the Board, President and CEO Toyota Material Handling North America Douglas Parker, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (Invited) Cesar Jimenez, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Product Planning, Product Assurance & Automated Solutions, Toyota Material Handling, Inc. Larry Pearlman, President & Founder, SAFETY and Consulting Associates, Inc. “ITA is excited to host the 11th National Forklift Safety Day and to keep safety top of mind,” said Brian Feehan, president of ITA. “We understand the importance of effective forklift operator training, and ITA’s National Forklift Safety Day is meant to keep that discussion at the forefront year-after-year.”
Port of Long Beach awarded funds for critical projects
Waterfront maintenance, repair work financed through Harbor Maintenance Tax The Port of Long Beach received federal funding for civil works plans laid out by the Army Corps of Engineers, aimed at financing several maintenance and repair projects along the waterfront. The funds arise from the Harbor Maintenance Tax – collected by the federal government from ports based on the value of imports, some domestic cargo and on cruise passengers. Established by Congress in 1986 to fund dredging projects at U.S. seaports, funds from the Harbor Maintenance Tax were typically collected from but not directed to ports like the Port of Long Beach. The Water Resources Development Act of 2020, however, expanded the use of funds to include in-water maintenance and repair projects, allowing for a more equitable distribution among large and small seaports. Combined, the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles will receive $112 million as part of the Army Corps of Engineers work plan. “These funds will contribute to our ongoing infrastructure investments and strengthen our position as the premier gateway for trans-Pacific trade,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Making the Harbor Maintenance Tax more equitable will make the Port more competitive and improve our harbor, which translates into more jobs and economic growth for Long Beach.” “The San Pedro ports move 40 percent of the nation’s container imports, transporting the goods that power our economy,” said Sen. Alex Padilla. “I am glad to see the Army Corps heed my call to fund these crucial upgrades for the Port of Long Beach that will bolster global supply chains and make long overdue repairs.” “This announcement marks a significant milestone in the decades-long battle for equitable funding allocation for the benefit of our communities and national economy,” said Rep. Robert Garcia. “As the former Mayor of Long Beach, I know firsthand how critical it is to invest in port infrastructure to maintain competitiveness, and that’s why we’ve worked to ensure that donor ports receive their fair share of funding for essential repair and replacement projects. This funding not only enhances the sustainability and efficiency of our local harbors, but also solidifies their role in international trade.” “The infrastructure improvements supported by the Harbor Maintenance Tax Fund will increase the efficiency and sustainability of Port operations,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. “These important improvements will make the Port stronger, more competitive to attract business and safer for our dedicated and skilled workforce.” “We have long pushed for a fair share of Harbor Maintenance Tax funding to ports like ours, which traditionally have contributed more to the fund than they received,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We thank Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Robert Garcia, Rep. Grace Napolitano and our other congressional leaders for securing the funds for critical repair, retrofit and replacement projects that will strengthen our ability to move cargo safely and sustainably, and our partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for including funds in their 2024 work plan.” The Port is planning to spend $2.3 billion over the next 10 years in capital improvements aimed at enhancing capacity, competitiveness and sustainability. Although the bulk of the funding is designated for rail projects, the Port has identified specific needs for seismic upgrades in addition to the maintenance and repair of existing rock dikes, concrete and steel bulkheads, wharves and other marine structures.
TAPPI & AICC now accepting entries for Box Manufacturing Olympics
Industry-Wide Competition Celebrates Greatest Achievements and Innovations at SuperCorrExpo® TAPPI and AICC, co-producers of SuperCorrExpo®, have announced that entry for the quadrennial Box Manufacturing Olympics is now open. All selected entries will be showcased at SuperCorrExpo® from September 8-12, 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The deadline for entry is June 28, 2024. The Box Manufacturing Olympics (BMO) combines TAPPI’s CorrPak Competition and AICC’s Design Competition into one unified event with competitors from across the globe. The BMO is open to all TAPPI and AICC members who produce corrugated, rigid box and folding cartons and their suppliers. Packaging schools and universities are also invited to participate in the competition and have their own categories and requirements. Judges will evaluate entries on several levels, including design, quality, graphic excellence, technical difficulty, and innovative application, among others. All entries will be prominently displayed on the SuperCorExpo® exhibit floor and winners will be announced each day before the opening session, with the Best of the Industry winners and Attendees’ Choice winners will be announced on the last day. The winners will be featured on the SuperCorrExpo, TAPPI, and AICC websites, and announced in various industry publications. To participate in the Box Manufacturing Olympics, please sign up here. To learn more about the competition, visit the SuperCorrExpo Box Manufacturing Olympics Webpage.
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.
H&E opens new branch in the Denton area
H&E Rentals has announced the opening of its Denton branch, the seventh general rental location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. Since this time last year, H&E has opened 17 new branches across the country – six of them in Texas – and acquired nine others. The facility is located at 1001 Prosperity Way, Krugerville, TX 76227-6152, phone 940-398-1300. It includes a fully fenced yard area, offices, and a repair shop and carries a variety of construction and general industrial equipment. “The location of our new Denton branch gives H&E expanded coverage of the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area, especially the growing market north of the metroplex. The facility covers the territory between our established Fort Worth and McKinney branches, so customers in outlying areas have more convenient service,” says Branch Manager Jess Trussell. “By adding coverage to the northwest side of Dallas, we can source equipment faster from an expanded fleet and provide the specific unit that is needed. Our facility is situated near major roadways, so we’re able to move equipment to customer job sites quickly.” The Denton 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. Founded in 1961, H&E is one of the largest equipment rental companies in the nation, providing a higher standard in equipment rentals. Branches are located throughout the Pacific Northwest, West Coast, Intermountain, Southwest, Gulf Coast, Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Cobot Systems announces UR+ Partnership with its Laser Welding Cobot System
Cobot Systems has announced that it is now a UR+ Partner with their showcase Laser Welding Cell system. This distinction marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey to provide automated workforce solutions that are broadly accessible. This approval highlights Cobot Systems’ dedication to providing innovative solutions compatible with Universal Robots (UR) products, ensuring seamless collaboration and increased productivity with the all-in-one Laser Welding Robot. Cobot Systems developed the industry-first Laser Welding Cobot System, which is designed as a complete engineered package for automating welding processes typically done by MIG/GMAW or TIG/GTAW. The Cobot Systems Laser Welding Robot combines the usability of the Universal Robots UR10e collaborative robot with the speed of the IPG LightWELD laser. “Our pre-engineered welding package is a laser welding system built around the Universal Robots UR10e collaborative robot,” says Brian Knopp, co-founder of Cobot Systems. “By integrating the handheld laser with the cobot, companies can take advantage of the higher speeds and maximize quality through the precision positioning capabilities of the cobot.” The UR+ Laser Welding Cobot System enables businesses to: Increase welding efficiency while decreasing processing time Reduce manual touch time and training Diversify their welding capabilities to include new materials Achieve flawless results with minimal distortion, deformation, undercutting, and burn-through. UR+ partners are companies like Cobot Systems that exhibit seamless compatibility and streamlined workflows with Universal Robots products.
Episode 486: Integrating Robots within the warehouse with Dexterity
Welcome to The New Warehouse Podcast, where we delve into the evolving world of logistics and automation. We’re joined by Cary Vandenavond, the Chief Revenue Officer at Dexterity, a company at the forefront of integrating robotics within warehouse environments to enhance operational efficiency. Dexterity leverages innovative robotic arms and AI-driven software to tackle complex logistical tasks, from truck loading to mixed SKU pallet handling. Tune in to learn how their technologies, particularly their novel truck-loading solutions, address some of the toughest challenges in the industry. Empowering Warehouses Through Intelligent Robotics Cary introduces the foundational philosophy of Dexterity, stating, “A lot of our focus is around how we make it(the robot) intelligent. So using machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to allow us to increase and improve upon that capability of those tasks in a warehouse.” This approach harnesses AI to automate and smartly adapt to diverse logistical challenges. He explains how Dexterity’s technology integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, enhancing precision and efficiency through intelligent automation and going to where the work is. “We’re solving the problem more in trying to solve it in software versus proprietary unique hardware,” Cary explains, emphasizing the strategic shift towards flexible, software-centric solutions that retrofit standard hardware for complex applications. Overcoming Logistical Complexities with Advanced Automation Discussing the intricacies of warehouse operations, Cary illustrates a typical scenario: “Filled or loaded a trailer full of product… it’s like getting a workout while also building a Tetris model in your head.” This vivid analogy underscores the physical and cognitive demands of manual loading processes, which Dexterity’s solutions aim to mitigate. The company’s AI-driven systems optimize the loading of non-uniform items, ensuring stability and density to prevent shipping air, a common inefficiency in traditional setups. “So the vision, the motion planning, machine learning, the data analytics… customers they don’t have access to that data and we give them a lot more business insights on their performance on how well their operations are performing,” he adds. Integrating data analytics into robotic operations exemplifies Dexterity’s commitment to automating and intelligently enhancing warehouse functionalities. Shaping the Future of Warehouse Automation Looking ahead, Cary discusses the potential trajectory of robotic automation in logistics: “Our software platform’s orientated towards ensuring that all these key elements are available to support every use case.” He highlights the adaptability of DexR, which is designed to handle various tasks, from loading trucks one day to unloading them the next. Therefore, this flexibility ensures itnegrating robots within the warehouse will yield long-term benefits, adapting to changing business needs without requiring constant reconfiguration or upgrades. “We’re focused on that software platform to ensure that we deliver a business outcome that the customer’s looking for at human parity that’s safe and does quality work,” Cary elaborates. By focusing on scalable and adaptable solutions, Dexterity not only aims to meet current logistical demands but also to anticipate future challenges and opportunities in warehouse automation. Key Takeaways on Integrating Robots Within the Warehouse Dexterity’s integration of AI with robotics transforms warehouse operations by increasing efficiency and reducing labor intensity. Using standard hardware enhanced with intelligent software allows for greater flexibility and scalability in automation solutions. Future enhancements will continue to leverage AI to adapt to evolving logistical challenges, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 486: Integrating Robots within the warehouse with Dexterity
Tetra Pak and University of Georgia launch North America’s first Tetra Recart trial facility
The Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center (FoodPIC) supports the development of food products from concept to shelf Tetra Pak and the University of Georgia (UGA) College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences have announced the first Tetra Recart® trial facility in North America. Located at UGA’s Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center (FoodPIC) in Griffin, Georgia, this alliance represents a pioneering step towards advancements in the food industry. The collaboration aims to offer commercial testing for food companies using the Tetra Recart® packaging system, an alternative for foods like beans, fruits, pet food and sauces traditionally packaged in cans. Development and production of food products will be supported with a robust network of experts using state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Further, FoodPIC assists in creating strategic alliances with external engineering, marketing and technology groups to bring an idea to life from concept and research to formulation, prototyping and market launch. Complementing FoodPIC’s wide variety of packaging and processing equipment, the Tetra Recart® trial facility will enable companies to test shelf-stability, ensure food safety and optimize product formulation at a fraction of the cost compared to alternative solutions. A food package uniquely suited for retail, Tetra Recart® is an environmentally sound alternative to other packaging formats and offers lower direct product costs by requiring less space, having less weight and creating less food waste. “Our FoodPIC facility provides the tools and resources needed to create efficiencies and accelerate the development of foods for our clients. We focus on expertise and technology that facilitate a faster time to market, ultimately benefitting the food company, local economy and public at large,” states Dr. James Grazek, FoodPIC director. “To do this, we have to offer the most advanced and complete suite of equipment and services on the market.” As consumer awareness continues to grow regarding food development and processing, particularly around health and sustainability, this testing facility General represents a pivotal milestone in accelerating the adoption of next generation foods, alternative ingredients and reduced preservatives. “This being the first facility for Tetra Recart® trials in North America, we have opened a new avenue for the development of sustainable food packaging with a premium appeal,” notes Javier Quel, VP Business Sector for Tetra Recart. “At Tetra Pak, we foster innovation and empower food companies to work creatively, experiment and develop solutions to find the best route to commercial success.” For food companies seeking to embrace sustainable packaging solutions, the Tetra Recart® trial facility at UGA’s FoodPIC offers both opportunity and excellence.
Port of Long Beach Cargo volumes climb in April
Efforts to recapture market share lead to eighth consecutive month of growth Trade moving through the Port of Long Beach gained momentum in April, marking the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year cargo growth at the nation’s second-busiest seaport. Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 750,424 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month, up 14.4% from April 2023. Imports rose 16.3% to 364,665 TEUs and exports declined 19.9% to 98,266 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the Port increased 30.7% to 287,493 TEUs. “Imports are steadily climbing as we continue to work with industry partners to rebuild our market share,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We are strengthening our competitiveness with our brand of operational excellence, customer service and ongoing infrastructure investments that will keep cargo moving efficiently well into the future.” “Our highly skilled workforce and terminal operators continue to raise the bar on growing cargo volumes safely and sustainably,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. “Our collaboration with labor and industry makes us the Port of Choice.”
Innovative forklift operator assist solution recognized with three prestigious awards
Yale Lift Truck Technologies announces that the first-of-its-kind Yale Reliant™ operator assistance system is the winner of three awards, adding to the list of accolades that recognize the solution for helping to address unique operational safety risks in warehouses and other material handling operations. The technology reinforces lift truck operating best practices and supports operator awareness to help reduce the risk of accidents and close calls like a pedestrian unexpectedly walking in front of a lift truck or an operator traveling too quickly around turns. The technology was named one of the best-designed industrial products of the year by the GOOD DESIGN Awards, marking the 12th time the brand has been recognized by the program. For more than 70 years, the GOOD DESIGN Awards have honored the achievements of some of the best industrial designers and manufacturers in the world for their pursuit of design excellence. The solution was also honored by the Best in Biz Awards as one of the year’s most innovative business-to-business solutions, joining previous winners from organizations such as Adobe, AT&T and Ernst and Young. The Best in Biz Awards are judged by editors and reporters from publications such as The Associated Press, Wired and The New York Times. Yale Reliant was also named a winner in the warehouse automation category of the Top Software and Technology Solutions Award by Supply & Demand Chain Executive and Food Logistics, two leading industry trade publications. The award spotlights solutions that provide automated support and efficiency to the supply chain. Yale Reliant keeps the operator in ultimate control of the lift truck, but automatically applies interventions in response to compromised stability, when obstacles are detected in the path of travel or in close proximity, and even based on rules customers specify for certain areas of their warehouse. Adjustments, such as a reduction to travel speed or a smoothing of forklift or tilt movement, are carefully measured to avoid abrupt shifts or jerks that can upset stability. The changes remain noticeable enough for operators to feel, and the system also communicates the cause through a display screen, providing an additional layer of feedback to help reinforce proper operation established during training. “As the persistent labor crisis has given rise to an influx of inexperienced lift truck operators and higher-than-average injury rates within warehouses, we have been laser-focused on developing and expanding access to solutions that can help operations curb safety risks and protect productivity,” said Brad Long, Brand Manager, Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “These award wins are proof of the technology’s real-world value for warehouses as they seek tools that can help them protect their employees, inventory and bottom line.” Yale Reliant was recently made available on an additional 16 models, bringing the overall lineup to 59 lift truck models. The technology is a result of more than 40,000 hours of research and development, and has been deployed on 6,000 lift trucks in real-world operations.
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.”
Record-Breaking The Plastics Show wraps in Orlando
NPE2024 Captivates and Inspires Global Leaders and Rising Stars to Shape the Future of the Plastics Industry NPE2024: The Plastics Show concluded a momentous week with an incredible turnout that has reinforced its position as the premier plastics industry event in the Americas. Over 50,000 registrants signed up for the show. This year’s show welcomed new faces, with 63% of attendees experiencing their very first NPE. NPE2024 has made history with one of the youngest audiences ever recorded. 30% of attendees were under the age of 40, marking the growing enthusiasm for innovation, sustainability and the promising future of the plastics industry. NPE2024’s global reach reestablished its reputation as the international gathering place of the plastics industry in the Americas. More than 15,000 international registrants marked the most international show in NPE’s history. Representatives from 133 countries – or 68.2% of nations worldwide – registered to attend the global plastics trade show. This is a 9.9% increase of countries registered at NPE2018, demonstrating the exchange of industry innovation and ideas on a global scale, and further shaping the path of international plastics collaboration and solutions. This strong international presence was further underscored by sold-out events like the FLiP & Sip Reception, drawing in more than 1,000 attendees and the Women in Plastics Breakfast, which attracted almost 600 attendees “Witnessing the entire plastics industry reunite at NPE2024 was truly inspiring,” said Matt Seaholm, PLASTICS’ President and CEO. “We were thrilled to welcome familiar attendees, visitors from all over the globe and the next generation of plastics professionals. We cannot wait to see the incredible innovations and collaborations that will emerge from everyone who attended and are proud to say that we produced a historic, can’t-miss event in the plastics industry. The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) is the only organization that supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $548 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the seventh largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE2024: The Plastics Show.
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.”
Queen City Robotics Alliance annual fundraiser Hops & Bots
Friday, May 31, 5:30-7:30 pm, at The Zone Queen City Robotics Alliance is gearing up for its biggest fundraiser of the year. Hops & Bots is Friday, May 31, at The Zone, Charlotte’s home for FIRST® Robotics teams and STEM education programs. This unique fundraiser brings together a city filled with innovative technology companies and delicious craft beer. Attendees will be able to network with other business and technology professionals, learn what QCRA does for the community, and see robotics demonstrations all while sipping on delicious local craft brews. This event is open to anyone 21 and over. Attend to hear guest speaker Stephen Saucier, President of Sullenberger Aviation Museum. He will not only provide a preview of the aviation museum’s new facility and programs, which will open to the public the next day, June 1, he will also talk about how QCRA’s robotics training and STEM education programs provide the foundation needed for the aviation industry’s future. This will be the first time this event has been held in QCRA’s home facility The Zone located at 2102 Cambridge Beltway Dr., Suite B. QCRA robotics students will be giving robot demonstrations and tours of the facility and light hors d’ oeuvres and desserts will be served. The event is from 5:30-7:30 PM, please join us for networking from 5-5:30 PM. Along with ticket proceeds, QCRA will also hold a 50/50 raffle, special prize raffles, and an online auction to raise even more money for our programs, like summer robotics and coding camps. These fun prizes come from a variety of Charlotte area businesses including Carowinds, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Sullenberger Aviation Museum, Tone & Tap Fitness, Applewood Gallery, TopGolf Southwest Charlotte, and Chipotle. We’d also like to thank our event sponsors Sycamore Brewing, Sugar Creek Brewing Company, and Wooden Robot Brewery for providing the evening’s beer selection. Soft drinks are available courtesy of the event sponsor the Coca-Cola Foundation.
Pfannenberg to showcase industrial fire alarm signaling solutions at 2024 NFPA Conference & Expo
Visit Booth #2200 for cutting-edge products and solutions Pfannenberg, Inc. will present innovative fire alarming solutions tailored specifically for industrial applications at the upcoming 2024 NFPA Conference & Expo, scheduled from June 17 to 19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Pfannenberg, an industry expert in fire protection signaling, manufactures a range of visual alarms (strobes), audible alarms (horns), and combined devices. These essential technologies meet NFPA standards, establishing Pfannenberg’s signaling devices as a quality piece of an effective fire protection system. “Pfannenberg is continually innovating and improving fire protection alarms, striving to ensure their effectiveness and compliance with the latest safety protocols for industrial and warehouse spaces,” said Jacob Vernon, Product Manager – Audible and Visual Signaling. Pfannenberg’s signaling solutions are specifically designed to comply with NFPA 72 guidelines for both public and private mode applications. The T3 tone found in Pfannenberg’s sounders meets the offset requirements with 10dB for Private Mode and 15dB for Public Mode, ensuring optimal performance in various environments. Pfannenberg’s PATROL & PYRA range of products are UL UL-listed and fully compliant with NFPA 72 standards. Additionally, Pfannenberg goes above and beyond the requirements outlined in NFPA 72 18.5.5.6 for “Performance-based alternatives.” Its sizing requirements exceed the minimum requirements specified in the sizing chart Table 6-4.4.1 for 0.4l/m2, providing enhanced safety and reliability for customers. Pfannenberg integrates cutting-edge technology into its fire alarm solutions, ensuring seamless planning and implementation. Its products are easily adaptable to Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, facilitating the planning of alarm systems with accurate 3D coverage. Also, Pfannenberg’s proprietary 3D coverage software enables users to design and plan alarming systems with precise coverage information for each signaling device. This optimization allows for the efficient deployment of units, reducing costs and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the alarm system. At the conference, Pfannenberg will showcase the PATROL and PYRA Series Audible and Visual Alarms, engineered to excel in adverse conditions such as high ambient noise levels and bright surroundings. With sound outputs ranging from 100 dB to 122 dB, these alarms ensure clear and unmistakable signaling, even in the most challenging environments. Pfannenberg’s PATROL PA X Series Audible and Visual Alarms feature a range of extremely bright and highly visible flashing strobe lights with a choice of 5 to 15 Joules flash energy, and high-quality components ensuring 70% light emission even after 8 million flashes, making them ideal for fire prevention as they can be seen through smoke, enhancing safety in critical situations. “By leveraging cutting-edge technology and industry best practices, Pfannenberg’s comprehensive approach to fire prevention aims to safeguard lives and protect assets in the face of fire hazards,” emphasized Vernon. Visit Pfannenberg at visit Booth #2220