Orbital Wrapper manufacturer introduces Semi-Automatic Upgrade Bundle
Orbital wrapper manufacturer TAB Industries, LLC, Reading, Pa., has introduced a Semi-Automatic Upgrade Bundle. Available as an option on the company’s TAB Wrapper Tornado Smart Controls orbital wrapping machines, the new Semi-Automatic Upgrade Bundle packages the most frequently purchased upgrades as a single unit to offer the high level of automation material handling managers prefer at a discounted price. The upgrade bundle features the company’s automated cut-and-wrap device and wireless remote transmitter and control system that enable one worker to operate the pallet wrapping machine automatically from the seat of a forklift. Durable, steel bumper guards that protect the wrapper from accidental contact with forklifts are also included in the discount package. Saving 25 percent versus purchasing the three upgrades individually, the Semi-Automatic Upgrade Bundle may be applied on the Smart Controls orbital wrappers in the standard 115-inch, 100-inch, and 80-inch wrapping ring sizes. The patented pallet wrapper machines automatically apply stretch wrap 360 degrees around and under a pallet and load to create a stable, secure, unitized load in one minute or less without boxes, crates, or banding. The stretch wrap machines are designed and manufactured at the company’s Reading, Pa. headquarters and delivered with the automation upgrade pre-installed, tested, and ready to operate. A full warranty is included.
BWT Logistics announces strategic acquisition of International Express
Deal expands the company’s contract logistics capabilities and footprint in North Carolina BWT Logistics (“BWT”), a national B2B warehousing and transportation business, announced its acquisition of International Express Trucking (“IET”), a regional 3PL leader in the North Carolina market. The deal expands BWT’s warehouse network in a fast-growing market and provides additional contract logistics capabilities to its end-to-end supply chain portfolio. BWT is a portfolio company of Bluejay Capital Partners, LLC (“Bluejay Capital”), a specialist in transportation and logistics investing. Terms of the transaction were not released. “We are impressed by IET’s people, capabilities and processes, and look forward to welcoming Howard Shope and his team into the BWT family,” said Winston McDonald Jr., President and CEO of BWT. “Howard has built an incredible business that shares our mission of providing great service to customers across a full suite of logistics solutions.” Shope, President and CEO of International Express, will join BWT as a Senior Vice President of Operations and retains a meaningful ownership stake in the business. “My team and I are excited to partner with BWT and Bluejay in this new chapter of growth for our company. IET’s customers and employees will benefit from access to BWT’s national network of warehouses and transportation, as well as its strengthened suite of services and technology,” said Shope. Josh Putterman, Managing Partner at Bluejay Capital Partners, said; “This is an important step in our long-term expansion plan for BWT. We will continue to support the team in its geographic and service line growth through both organic and strategic partnerships. Bluejay is thrilled by the potential that IET brings to the BWT platform.” Bluejay Capital financed the transaction with Argosy Private Equity, Southfield Mezzanine, Spring Capital Partners and Key Bank.
Staffing employment edges down in third quarter
Staffing jobs dropped 1.7% from second quarter The number of temporary and contract workers employed by U.S. staffing companies eased 1.7% to an average of 2.4 million workers per week from the second to the third quarter of 2023, according to the American Staffing Association’s Staffing Employment and Sales Survey released today by ASA. The decline reflects the overall slowdown in the pace of job creation during much of the past year among employers of all sizes in the face of volatile macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions and forecasts. Amid that cooling job market, temporary and contract staffing sales also declined by 3.5% during the same period. On a year-over-year basis, staffing jobs declined 14.1% in the third quarter of 2023, while temporary and contract staffing sales decreased 14.5% to total $34.7 billion in the third quarter of 2023. “As always, the staffing, recruiting, and talent solutions industry pivots quickly to assist employers with their variable and changing needs for flexible and permanent staff. In contrast to the furious pace of hiring in late 2021 and much of 2022, employers are now settling into a new normal of slow and steady growth,” said Richard Wahlquist, ASA chief executive officer. “But with 1.3 openings per worker, labor markets remain tight and employers continue to struggle with recruiting workers with the most in-demand skill sets—something we expect to continue for the foreseeable future.” Private company survey respondents are cautiously optimistic about the new year, with median expected year-over-year first quarter 2024 growth of 3.1% compared to the first quarter of 2023. Respondents expect to close 2023 with lower sales than in 2022, with a median expected decline of 5.3%. To learn more about the quarterly ASA Staffing Employment and Sales Survey, visit americanstaffing.net/quarterly-survey or follow ASA research on X.
33,130 euros for the COURAGE Foundation for chronically ill children
DIEFFENBACHER collected donations during its 150th-anniversary celebrations DIEFFENBACHER welcomed numerous business partners to a festive stakeholder event in its specially prepared assembly hall to celebrate its 150th anniversary. In the run-up to the celebrations, DIEFFENBACHER requested that guests refrain from bringing gifts but instead donate to a good cause. The response was tremendous, raising 33,130 euros, which DIEFFENBACHER CEO Christian Dieffenbacher handed over to Petra Köllner-Kleinemeier and Saskia Walker from the COURAGE Foundation for chronically ill children at the Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at Heidelberg University Hospital. “The COURAGE Foundation is a cause close to our hearts and one that we’ve supported for many years,” says Christian Dieffenbacher. “After we sent out the invitations for our anniversary event in the summer, we were often asked about the topic of birthday presents. However, being able to celebrate our anniversary with all our guests was gift enough for us, so we came up with the idea of launching a fundraising appeal for COURAGE,” he states. The COURAGE Foundation aims to give chronically ill children and adolescents more quality and enjoyment of life beyond medical treatment during their hospital stay. It reinforces their courage, strength, confidence and support in fighting their disease. The donations collected by DIEFFENBACHER will help fund an annual two-week vacation camp in the Black Forest for dialysis patients and children and adolescents with kidney and liver transplants. Additionally, the COURAGE Foundation supports several other projects, including “Fit for School,” which aims to enable children to start school with friends of the same age without delays or learning deficits, and the children’s palliative care team in the Rhine-Neckar region. “On behalf of the foundation, I would like to thank DIEFFENBACHER for the donation initiative,” said Petra Köllner-Kleinemeier, Chairwoman of the COURAGE Foundation, during the check presentation on December 7, 2023 at the company’s headquarters in Eppingen, Germany. “I will pass on these thanks to our anniversary guests straight away,” added Dieffenbacher. “We didn’t expect to raise such a large sum of money. Once again, many thanks to all the donors.”
Year over year Cargo Traffic consistent with last year on US Great Lakes as of end of November
Shipping activity for the US Great Lakes in 2023 remained consistent with the previous year through the end of November, with approximately 32.6 million metric tonnes of commodity traffic traveling the seaway system for the year to date. The total represents an increase of approximately 422,000 tonnes of cargo over the amount transported during the same period last year. While there has been year-to-year variation in the traffic of specific commodities, concrete and steel slabs continue to be stand outs with respect to increased year-over-year traffic. More than 1.8 million tonnes of cement transited the corridor, representing an increase of approximately 192,000 tonnes, and more than 354,000 tonnes of steel slabs tonnage has been moved for the year to date, representing an increase of 93,000 tonnes. Among the ports seeing traffic gains for the year, Duluth-Superior reported a 3.9% increase in total tonnage and a 35% uptick in cement tonnage year over year through Nov. 30. Increases in cement shipments through the Seaway often coincide with regional infrastructure improvements, and the Duluth Seaway Port Authority provided an example of this with completion of a 56,000-square-foot warehouse expansion that opened in September. The new structure increased Duluth Cargo Connect’s total warehousing capacity to over 500,000 square feet, providing much-needed space to support additional cargo movement for regional manufacturers. “The amount of cargo traffic on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway this year demonstrates the importance of the Seaway as a trade conduit,” noted Bruce Burrows, President and CEO of the Chamber of Marine Commerce. “It also speaks to the professionalism and reliability of those who work on the Seaway, and their partners in marine shipping organizations that use the infrastructure to move what matters in North America. As chamber members like the Port of Duluth-Superior are showing, the marine shipping industry is more than ready to adapt to unforeseen developments and expand to meet the needs of the business community, and that is why our industry will continue driving economic growth throughout North America for years to come.”
Year in Review: Bobcat recaps new products, investments and initiatives of 2023
As 2023 comes to a close, Bobcat Company is recapping its major initiatives and announcements from the year. Bobcat, a global equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, celebrated a year of company growth, investments, strategic partnerships and new product introductions. Here are a few highlights from the year: January 2023: Inventors honored: Cyril and Louis Keller, the brothers who invented the world’s first compact loader (later named the Bobcat® skid-steer loader), were selected as 2023 inductees for the National Inventors Hall of Fame(NIHF). Read more. Most compact telehandler available: At just 6-feet wide, the TL519 is Bobcat’s most compact telehandler in its lineup, bringing powerful performance and enhanced maneuverability to jobsites big and small. Read more. Equipment showcased: Bobcat showcased its latest products at World of Concrete 2023, which included skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, telehandlers, compact excavators, compact wheel loaders, its light compaction lineup and several attachments perfect for concrete work. Read more. Parts distribution expanded: A new 396,000-square-foot facility in Atlanta opened marking Bobcat’s third parts distribution center in the U.S. The Atlanta location joined the other Bobcat parts distribution centers in Woodridge, Ill., and Reno, Nev. Read more. February 2023: Factory technology enhanced: A $9.3 million investment in punch press automation and press technology was installed at the Bobcat manufacturing facility in Gwinner, N.D. The press line more than doubles press production capabilities, reduces energy consumption, lowers noise levels and improves complex forming for sheet metal parts, all of which help meet the increasing demand for Bobcat equipment. Read more. Ag-tech partnership established: Bobcat and Agtonomy, a Silicon Valley-based, ag tech software company, announce their partnership to advance productivity in the agriculture industry through collaboration in the areas of electrification, autonomous operation and digital technology. Read more. March 2023: Global brand strategy unleashed: Bobcat announced plans to grow its brand portfolio with the transition of Doosan Portable Power, Doosan Industrial Air and Doosan Industrial Vehicle rebranding under the Bobcat brand in 2024. Read more. Innovation accelerated: Bobcat demonstrates its innovative capabilities by unveiling the world’s first all-electric skid-steer loader, the Bobcat S7X, and a new autonomous and all-electric loader, the Bobcat RogueX, during CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023. Read more. Material handling introduction: Following the news that Doosan Industrial Vehicle material handling equipment will transition to the Bobcat brand, forklifts showcased in new Bobcat branding were displayed at ProMat 2023. Bobcat also introduced its hydrogen fuel cell forklift prototype at the show. Read more. Creating vibrant and sustainable parks: Bobcat announces its partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). Through this partnership, Bobcat extended five grants, each worth $50,000 to support park improvement projects. Read more. April 2023: Dealers recognized: Sixteen Bobcat dealerships were honored as the highest-performing dealers for Bobcat in North America according to the company’s Dealer Performance Review. Read more. May 2023: Recognized for innovation: The all-electric Bobcat T7X compact track loader was recognized as a winner of Fast Company’s 2023 World Changing Ideas Awards. It received multiple Fast Company honors as it was selected as the winner of the Transportation category, a finalist in the General Excellence category and honorable mention in the North America category. Read more. History commemorated: Bobcat put its history on display with an exhibit within the National Inventors Hall of Fame® Museumin Alexandria, VA. The exhibit, which runs through April 2024, features one of the Keller brothers’ original three-wheel loaders, along with a timeline of Bobcat’s history and a video display highlighting various aspects of Bobcat’s products, people and initiatives. Read more. June 2023: Strategic investment announced: Following the announcement of their partnership in February 2023, Bobcat announced its subsequent investment in Agtonomy to help agriculture and land maintenance operators optimize operations through sustainable, innovative solutions. Read more. Manufacturing facility renovated: A $5.3 million renovation at the Bobcat Johnson Creek facility modernized the office and employee spaces with an open-concept design, which included multiple meeting and conference rooms, updated furniture and an enhanced employee break room. Read more. New product announcement: Bobcat expanded its grounds maintenance lineup with the debut of the Bobcat AT450 articulating tractor. Read more. Sponsoring Park and Recreation Month: Celebrated every July, NRPA’s Park and Recreation Month promotes building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation areas. Bobcat’s sponsorship of the month further amplified NRPA’s efforts and recognized the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals. Read more. July 2023: Backyard makeover contest commences: Bobcat announced its contest to win a $25,000 backyard makeover, along with the opportunity to meet country music superstar Justin Moore. Read more. Park grant recipients named: The five winners of the Bobcat and NRPA grant were announced. Each park received $50,000 for improvements projects, as well as a new Bobcat zero-turn mower. Read more. August 2023: New industrial air compressor introduced: A new 150-hp fixed-speed, oil-flooded, rotary screw compressor was introduced to the industrial air lineup. It will be known as the IA150 in 2024 as part of Doosan Industrial Air’s transition into the Bobcat portfolio. Read more. Backyard makeover winner announced: Julie Rummer of Turlock, Calif., was announced as the winner of the Bobcat Backyard Makeover. Her moving story garnered the most public votes rewarding her with a $25,000 backyard renovation and a chance to meet Justin Moore. Read more. September 2023: Communities served: More than 1,000 Bobcat employees around the world took part in its company-organized volunteer projects. Together, these employees supported nearly 100 different volunteer projects benefiting the places Bobcat calls home. Read more. New excavator joins lineup: Bobcat expanded its lineup of compact excavatorsto include the newly released Bobcat E40. As part of the lineup expansion, Bobcat also revised the model numbers for its 3-to-5-ton excavator lineup to more closely align with the industry’s size class. Read more. New equipment on display: Bobcat showcased some of its latest equipment at The Utility Expo 2023, including electric equipment, its latest Platinum machines, portable power in the Bobcat brand and more. Read more. October 2023: Bobcat expands its portfolio again: Bobcat announces RYAN® turf renovation equipmentwill rebrand under the Bobcat trade dress in 2024. Read more. Most powerful
AMT Expands Engineering Services portfolio with Ignition Programming to drive operational efficiency in Smart Manufacturing Automation Systems
Applied Manufacturing Technologies announces the expansion of its engineering services portfolio to include Ignition by Inductive Automation, a powerful tool for advanced HMI and SCADA solutions, to address the growing need for digital transformation in manufacturing industries Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), announced that following a successful large-scale automation project, the company has become a Credentialed System Integrator for Ignition by Inductive Automation and has launched a wide-ranging initiative for certification of the engineering staff. Recognizing the need for digital transformation by AMT’s Engineering Services customer base, the company has launched the 2024 initiative to offer Ignition programming as a core Engineering Services offering. AMT has recently installed successful multi-million-dollar robotic automation systems for clients in several industries which have included software developed with Inductive Automation’s Ignition platform for advanced HMI and SCADA. “Our Ignition projects have demonstrated the immense potential for data-driven, lean manufacturing, and operational excellence, and has inspired us to integrate Ignition programming as a cornerstone of our 2024 initiative,” said AMT President Craig Salvalaggio. “Our clients valued the power of integrated data to drive lean and smarter manufacturing and achieve operational efficiency and their software engineers were impressed with the ease in which real-time status and control, historical data logging, UDTs & templates, and alarming could be implemented.” Ignition by Inductive Automation enables comprehensive digital integration in industrial settings, allowing for the connection of multiple devices and extensive data collection. The platform facilitates the creation and deployment of custom applications across a variety of industrial and mobile devices, enhancing operational efficiency.
Gebrüder Weiss provides hundreds of donated meals for the 2023 holiday season
The international logistics company’s efforts support families in need over the holidays Gebrüder Weiss, a 500-year-old international transport and logistics company, announced an expanded effort to provide meals to local residents for the 2023 holiday season. The company matched employee donations to support families near its North American headquarters in Wood Dale, Illinois, and raised funds that provided 200 meals to 30 families over Thanksgiving. Additional fundraising is underway to provide meals to more families in need for the December holidays. Gebrüder Weiss employee volunteers also banded together to assemble meal packages at Feed My Starving Children’s MobilePackTM events, which provide hand-packed, nutritious MannaPack® meals designed to prevent undernutrition. “Gebrüder Weiss is a family-owned organization, and we saw this sense of family translate into enthusiastic participation in our company match for employee donations and in-person volunteer efforts to support families in our community,” said Mark McCullough, CEO of Gebrüder Weiss USA. “This is our seventh annual charitable program for the holiday season, and we’re proud to continue this important tradition.” Bleuroot, a local West Dundee, Illinois restaurant known for its wholesome menu, partnered with Gebrüder Weiss for the third year in a row to prepare the meals and deliver them to recipients’ homes. The local Home Depot donated a poinsettia for each family, which was provided with a Thanksgiving meal. Additional community participants joined in to enhance the fundraising efforts. The Goddard School in Elgin, Illinois encouraged parents to donate if they were able, and the school provided a $500 donation that allowed Gebrüder Weiss to drop off additional meals at West Dundee fire and police departments, a Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter, and a PADS shelter for people experiencing homelessness. To date, Gebrüder Weiss was able to more than triple the number of meals provided year-over-year, from 62 in 2022 to 200 so far in 2023. With its ongoing fundraising efforts, company match, and community partner support, the number of donated meals will continue to grow throughout the season.
U.S. Rail Traffic for the week ending December 16, 2023
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending December 16, 2023. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 502,583 carloads and intermodal units, up 7.6 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending December 16 were 234,449 carloads, up 6.5 percent compared with the same week in 2022, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 268,134 containers and trailers, up 8.6 percent compared to 2022. All of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2022. They included coal, up 3,873 carloads, to 65,450; grain, up 2,599 carloads, to 24,275; and chemicals, up 2,337 carloads, to 32,483. For the first 50 weeks of 2023, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 11,288,867 carloads, up 0.3 percent from the same point last year; and 12,222,775 intermodal units, down 5.5 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 50 weeks of 2023 was 23,511,642 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 2.8 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending December 16, 2023, on 12 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 347,860 carloads, up 4.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 352,485 intermodal units, up 6.7 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 700,345 carloads and intermodal units, up 5.7 percent. North American rail volume for the first 50 weeks of 2023 was 32,902,626 carloads and intermodal units, down 2.7 percent compared with 2022. Canadian railroads reported 97,399 carloads for the week, up 4.3 percent, and 72,910 intermodal units, up 2.4 percent compared with the same week in 2022. For the first 50 weeks of 2023, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 8,004,143 carloads, containers and trailers, down 3.0 percent. Mexican railroads reported 16,012 carloads for the week, down 13.5 percent compared with the same week last year, and 11,441 intermodal units, down 7.3 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 50 weeks of 2023 was 1,386,841 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 2.3 percent from the same point last year. To view the weekly traffic charts, click here.
Episode 447: Warehouse Labor Management with Takt
In episode 447 of The New Warehouse podcast, Kevin is joined by Glynn LoPresti, the co-founder and CEO of Takt. Takt, known for its innovative approach to warehouse labor management, focuses on maximizing efficiency and productivity through advanced analytics and AI-driven insights. LoPresti shares his vision for transforming labor management in warehousing and distribution. Optimizing Warehouse Labor Management Through Data Analytics Glynn LoPresti emphasizes the importance of data in enhancing warehouse operations. “There are more warehouses and distribution operations than ever, facing new challenges like omni-channel fulfillment and changing workforce expectations,” says LoPresti. He outlines how Takt leverages data from various sources, including WMS and time clock data, to provide actionable insights, drive efficiency and operational resilience. Engaging and Motivating the Workforce with AI LoPresti highlights the role of AI in improving workforce management. Takt uses generative AI for effective communication and feedback among managers and employees. “It’s crucial to engage the workforce for continuous improvement. Our platform helps managers provide balanced feedback, combining quantitative and qualitative elements,” explains LoPresti. Trends in Warehouse Labor Management Discussing future trends, LoPresti envisions an increased role for data-driven strategies in labor management. He predicts that platforms like Takt, which integrate AI and analytics, will be essential in optimizing warehouse labor efficiency. LoPresti shares an anecdote about how Takt Coach offers valuable guidance in preparing performance reviews, ensuring that feedback aligns with the intended message and includes a blend of metrics and sentiment analysis. This recent release shows promising results in improving management interactions and feedback quality. Key Takeaways Data-Driven Efficiency: Takt’s approach to warehouse labor management hinges on the comprehensive use of data for enhanced productivity. AI in Workforce Engagement: Leveraging AI, Takt helps managers provide effective feedback, leading to a more engaged and productive workforce. Future Labor Management Trends: The growing importance of AI and data analytics in managing warehouse labor efficiently. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 447: Warehouse Labor Management with Takt
A steady six months of moderate growth continues with 161 new Industrial Manufacturing Planned Projects for November 2023
Industrial SalesLeads has announced the November 2023 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 161 new projects in the Industrial Manufacturing sector in November, the same number of projects was for October 2023. The following are selected highlights on new Industrial Manufacturing industry construction news. Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Type Manufacturing/Production Facilities – 144 New Projects Distribution and Industrial Warehouse – 87 New Projects Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Scope/Activity New Construction – 52 New Projects Expansion – 51 New Projects Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 68 New Projects Plant Closings – 11 New Projects Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Location (Top 10 States) Indiana – 13 New York – 10 Ohio – 10 Wisconsin – 10 North Carolina – 9 Georgia – 8 Michigan – 8 Texas – 7 Alabama – 6 California – 6 Largest Planned Project During the month of November, our research team identified 14 new Industrial Manufacturing facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more. The largest project is owned by Samsung Electronics America Inc., who is planning to invest $8 billion for the construction of an additional 2.7 million manufacturing facility in TAYLOR, TX. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in late 2024. Top 10 Tracked Industrial Manufacturing Projects NORTH CAROLINA: Automotive MFR. is planning to invest an additional $8 billion for the expansion of their currently under-construction EV battery manufacturing facility in LIBERTY, NC. Completion is slated for 2025. BRITISH COLUMBIA: Battery MFR. is planning to invest $1 billion for the construction of a manufacturing facility in MAPLE RIDGE, BC. Construction is expected to start in Summer 2024, with completion slated for 2028. ALBERTA: Specialty fiber board MFR. is planning to invest $800 million for the construction of a manufacturing facility in STETTLER, AB. They are currently seeking approval for the project. SOUTH CAROLINA: Automotive component MFR. is planning to invest $500 million for the expansion and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing and warehouse facility at 2846 N. Old Laurens Rd. in GRAY COURT, SC. They have recently received approval for the project. CALIFORNIA: Aerospace company is planning to invest $500 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing and research facilities in LONG BEACH, CA, and MOJAVE, CA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. ALABAMA: Steel company is planning to invest $280 million for the expansion and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing and warehouse facility in TUSCALOOSA, AL. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for Summer 2027. NORTH CAROLINA: Printing and packaging company is planning to invest $233 million for the construction of a manufacturing facility in LINWOOD, NC. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2026. VIRGINIA: Aerospace and defense technology company is planning to invest $200 million for the construction of a 315,000 sf manufacturing facility on Shenandoah Village Dr. in WAYNESBORO, VA. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for Summer 2025. CALIFORNIA: Semiconductor MFR. is planning to invest $180 million for the expansion of their manufacturing facilities in SAN JOSE, CA, and SUNNYVALE, CA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. GEORGIA: Automotive component MFR. is planning to invest $176 million for the construction of a manufacturing facility in DUBLIN, GA. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for late 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.
Elevate customer service in the parts department
Can you believe we’re already in January? Cheers to the New Year! I hope as you read this, your business and personal successes were prosperous in 2023 and you are entering the new year with enthusiasm for everything 2024 has in store. With that, let’s delve into the topic of customer service at the dealership—a subject consistently at the forefront of discussions among industry professionals. Customer service training and the overall customer experience should be paramount on your priority list as you look for ways to grow your business. Successful dealers I speak with always point to how their success in after-sales service is because they recognized and implemented a good customer service training and customer experience program. As I’ve written in the past, the competition for talent is certainly not limited to your service technician staff. The competition for parts professionals, sales staff, office personnel, and management continues to be fierce. That is why you want to be sure to stay informed about the retention, recruitment, and development of these positions. In my current role, I certainly have a focused interest on the training and development of your parts professionals. A well-functioning parts department is critical to the success of your service department and dealership overall. Whether it’s supplying replacement parts, providing technical look-up and research, or offering expert advice, the parts department plays a pivotal role in ensuring customer satisfaction. Here are some key principles to revisit, implement, and/or adopt to elevate the customer service in your parts department: Product Knowledge Exceptional customer service begins with a deep understanding of the products being offered. In the parts department, it’s a necessity. Your parts professionals should be well-versed in the intricacies of the equipment and machinery sold by your dealership, knowing the specifications and compatibility of various parts. They should also be equipped to look up, source, and procure parts from competitive equipment that you may be servicing or selling parts over the counter for. A parts professional that enhances their product knowledge can contribute more effectively to the success of the department and the organization as a whole. Training How to build this product knowledge, you ask? If you are an OEM dealer, look to take advantage of any parts training they provide to your dealership. Additionally, the Parts Professional training program put on by TVH University is a valuable training resource. Training to establish knowledge on the most common parts on truck classes I-V, training to provide an understanding of model and serial numbers for major OEMs and how to utilize parts look-up research tools are just some of the topics covered in this course. In addition, the quality customer service training portion that is intended to strengthen the sales and customer service skills of your parts professionals to deliver better customer service over the phone, email, and in person. A well-informed parts department staff is better equipped to provide excellent customer service, answer inquiries accurately, and guide customers to getting the right part. Communication Communication is key in any customer service setting. Establish clear and accessible communication channels for your customers to inquire about parts availability, pricing, and specifications. Responsive communication not only builds trust but also contributes to a positive customer experience. Whether it’s through phone lines, email, or an online portal, make it easy for customers to get the information they need. As an industry colleague once told me, “Customers are willing to wait for a part, however they cannot wait for an answer.” In our world of instant communication, availability and responsiveness are non-negotiable components of exceptional customer service. Customers expect timely responses to inquiries and concerns, whether communicated through phone calls, emails, or in-person interactions. Being accessible builds trust and demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction. Relationships This may sound obvious as we all know in our industry that people buy from people. However, building off of the importance of communication as a key customer service principle in the previous paragraph, you also want to make sure that your parts professionals understand that building relationships is paramount to the growth and success of the department. Build relationships beyond the transactions; get to know your customers and their unique needs. Personalizing interactions fosters a sense of loyalty and customer satisfaction. Remembering a customer’s preferences, previous purchases, or equipment specifications adds a personal touch that goes a long way in creating lasting connections. Also remember, in the world of email, text, and digital chat communications, the in-person interaction and over the phone voice interactions help build a foundation of trust and familiarity with your customer and your business. Conclusion Exceptional customer service is the linchpin that can differentiate your dealership, fostering customer loyalty, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth referrals within the industry. Every successful interaction in the parts department not only fulfills an immediate need but contributes to the long-term success and reputation of your dealership. Elevate your customer service in the parts department, and watch it become a driving force for customer loyalty and business growth. About the Author: Chris Aiello is the Business Development Manager at TVH Parts Co. He has been in the equipment business for 18-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.
Prepare for the New Year with some old ideas
I’d like to look at the table of contents from a great book on selling skills… Chapter 1…Begin by Talking to Him: Learn Your Customer’s Hobbies Personal Likes and Dislikes. Base Your Approach on These Then Show Goods. Chapter 2…Use More Ear and Less Tongue: Give Your Customer the Center of the Stage. The Main Thing Is not to Talk but to Sell. Chapter 3…Put Service before Samples: Study Your Customer’s Problems and Needs. Try to Help Him to Move His Goods. Chapter 4…Mention Quality before Price: You Must Know Your Goods Through and Through. Art of Dramatizing a Sale. Chapter 5…Don’t Take No for a Final Answer: Difference Between Making and Taking a Sale. Some Examples of Real Salesmanship. Chapter 6…Get Down to the Brass Tacks Quickly: Watch for a Chance to Talk. Details of Delivery. Techniques of Making a Sale. Chapter 7…Build Goodwill for Your Firm: Sell Your Company as Well As Your Odds. How to Earn a Promotion. Chapter 8…Constantly Search for New Markets: Make Several Missionary Calls Every Week. Don’t Become a Jog Trotter Chapter 9…Classify Your Time: How to Value the Different Hours of The Day. The Best Time to Make a Sale. Chapter 10…Keep Mentally and Physically Fit: Vaccinate Yourself Against Worries. Your Job Is Not a Routine One. It Is All Creative Work. Chapter 11…Have a Stout Heart: Be a Bit of a Philosopher. Buck Up to Your Customers. A Tip to Wives and Sales Managers. Chapter 12…Create Welcomes for Yourself: Turn Your Customers Into Friends. Keep Your Selling on a Personal Basis. Pretty timely information I’m sure you’ll agree. A book you’ll want to run out and purchase. The title of this book is “Tips for Traveling Salesman” by Herbert Casson and it was written in 1927. WOW! It’s great information that’s been rewritten 50 different ways since then. Why? To get salespeople to act. You see salespeople already know everything, the problem is, they don’t do it. Here’s a couple of examples of knowing everything and not doing it: You know you should prepare for every sales call by doing research on the company and the person you’re meeting with before you make the call. Do you? You know you should listen to sales podcasts/books an hour a day in your car. But do you? But hey, I’m sure you’re different. You always take the right actions, don’t you? You always implement the right sales strategy, don’t you? You always know what to do in every selling situation don’t you? You’re constantly improving your professional and personal skills, aren’t you? When the prospect doesn’t buy it’s always his fault not yours, isn’t it? It must be because in 42 years of training salespeople, I’ve never had someone come up to me and say, “Jeffrey, I didn’t make the sale, and it was all my fault.” Salespeople always have someone else to blame for their shortcomings. There’s a big difference in knowing something and doing something. It’s the difference between mediocrity and success. The self-discipline to use your knowledge must be employed daily with the self-discipline of patience. The change in your sales skills won’t come overnight but I promise if you put your knowledge into action every day and stick with it over time you will win. And win big. Make the New Year’s resolution to gain one new idea or skill each day and put it into practice as soon as you learn it. Gain the patience and the self-discipline to implement this wisdom: You don’t get great at sales in a day, you get great at sales day by day. Happy New Year! 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.
Call for Nominations: Women In Trucking 2024 Driver of the Year Award Sponsored by Walmart
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) is seeking nominations for the annual Women In Trucking Driver of the Year award sponsored by Walmart. The fifth annual award recognizes exceptional female professional drivers who lead the industry in safety standards while actively working to enhance the public image of the trucking industry. “At Walmart, we value creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. That’s why we’re committed to uplifting women in the transportation industry. We’re delighted and honored to be sponsoring the Driver of the Year award once again, in partnership with Women In Trucking. Our female drivers are an indispensable part of our transportation team. By shining a spotlight on amazing achievements of female drivers, we’re hoping to inspire more women to embark on a career in trucking,” said Fernando Cortes, Senior Vice President, Transportation, Walmart. The application is open to any female driver who has demonstrated safety on the road and a positive contribution to the trucking industry and their community. “It’s a joy to celebrate and honor drivers each year through the Women In Trucking Driver of the Year award. Recognizing the value that female drivers bring to the trucking profession is a key mission of WIT and we’re pleased to showcase their stories year after year,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT president and CEO. The finalists and overall winner will be recognized at the 2024 Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event at the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville, KY on Friday, March 22. The winner will be chosen based on her safety record, positive community contributions, and impact on the public image of the trucking industry. She will receive a plaque, a commemorative ring and more. Nomination forms can be submitted at Driver of the Year Award (womenintrucking.org). Nominations are due January 29, 2024.
Toyota Material Handling’s sustained partnership with American Red Cross Gives Life to Community
Organizations introduce new state-of-the-art bloodmobile to support community Toyota Material Handling’s ongoing partnership with the American Red Cross continues to be a catalyst for good in communities the company serves through the introduction of a one-of-a-kind, co-branded bloodmobile unit. Toyota associates and community leaders gathered recently for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the organization’s Columbus-based headquarters to formally introduce the new bloodmobile, made possible, in part, by Toyota’s support. The state-of-the-art vehicle is fitted to accommodate four donors simultaneously, with an annual collection capacity of approximately 30,000 units of blood. The new bloodmobile is designed to account for COVID requirements and is the first unit in the United States equipped with solar panels, reinforcing Toyota Industries Corporation’s (TICO) Vision 2030 goal to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. The state-of-the-art mobile blood collection unit will support the greater southern Indiana region. “Toyota’s collaboration with the Red Cross reflects our culture of kaizen – or continuous improvement – while impacting countless lives throughout North America,” said Bill Finerty, Toyota Material Handling President and CEO. “This unique bloodmobile is the next step in our joint dedication to sustainably serving our communities.” “As a former ICU and emergency department nurse, I know firsthand the importance of giving blood,” said Terry Stigdon, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross. “This is a testament of the American Red Cross reducing our carbon footprint and part of our sustainability program. I thank Toyota Material Handling for coming alongside us to help us do this very important work while also doing what we can to protect and support the changing environment.” Toyota formalized its relationship with the Red Cross in 2018 in Southern Indiana. Today the partnership’s impact can be felt throughout North America as thousands of Toyota associates and dealers work together to create a nationwide network of passionate Red Cross supporters. The company contributes resources to aid Red Cross projects nationwide, including financial support, forklift safety and operation training, natural disaster relief, equipment donations and more. Notably, in the midst of Hurricane Ian’s devastation last year, Toyota took charge of assisting Red Cross community restoration efforts by donating the use of 43 material handling equipment units, and providing a $100,000 donation. In addition, Toyota associates sprang into action and donated 84 units of blood dedicated to victims of the disaster. Since 2020, Toyota associates have donated over 1,500 units of blood to the American Red Cross, impacting more than 2,500 lives. Throughout the year, Toyota supports the Red Cross through corporate giving and a heightened level of volunteerism. The company provides office associates 16 hours of paid volunteer time each year, while shop associates receive eight hours of paid volunteer time. A percentage of those hours are earmarked for the Red Cross, fulfilling Toyota’s mantra of “Helping People Carry the Load.” “At Toyota Material Handling, our dedication to the community is an integral part of our DNA,” said Tracy Stachniak, Toyota Material Handling Vice President of Human Resources. “It goes beyond our daily operations and extends to the very heart of the communities we serve. Our partnership with the American Red Cross stands as a testament to that dedication, reflecting our belief in giving back to the communities that have supported us for so long.” “We are fortunate to live in a time and a place where the human resources can be brought to bear for life’s sake and for better health,” said Cindy Frey, President of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. “It is a real pleasure for the chamber to be a part of this dedication today.” Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s unique partnership with American Red Cross and the impact on the communities the company serves by downloading the 2023 Toyota Material Handling CSR Report or by clicking here.
Port of Long Beach receives $283 Million for ‘America’s Green Gateway’
Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility will make cargo movement cleaner, more efficient The Port of Long Beach will receive $283 million from the federal government to assist in building “America’s Green Gateway,” a rail project which will enable one of the nation’s busiest seaports to move more cargo by trains, speeding deliveries across the entire national supply chain, easing congestion and lessening local environmental impacts. The funding was awarded for the Port’s Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Mega Grant Program. The $1.567 billion project is the centerpiece of the Port’s on-dock rail construction improvements. Moving cargo by on-dock rail – directly moving containers to and from marine terminals by trains – is cleaner and more efficient, as it reduces truck traffic. When the new facility opens, no cargo trucks will visit. Instead, smaller train segments will be brought to the facility and joined together into a full-sized train. “Reliable and efficient transportation of goods is crucial for keeping our economy thriving while protecting the air we breathe,” said U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla. “The Port of Long Beach is a leading international hub for transporting major cargo, and this project will slash truck emissions while supporting economic growth and efficiency. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we are strengthening our supply chain while creating jobs and improving air quality in near-port communities across the region.” “This is a home run and significant investment for Long Beach and trade across the country,” said U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia. “This grant will create over 1,000 local jobs and 13,000 jobs across the country. As the former mayor of Long Beach I know how impactful this project will be to supporting the supply chain while reducing harmful pollution for families here at home. We are grateful to President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg for their support and partnership.” “This Mega grant – which follows California’s $158.4 million award for the Pier B On Dock Rail project as part of a historic investment in supply chain infrastructure earlier this year – shows the power Governor Newsom’s and President Biden’s infrastructure packages can have when working together,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin, who led a state delegation to Washington, D.C., over the summer to engage with top U.S. transportation officials about increased investments in California’s ports. “I thank the Biden-Harris administration and California’s congressional leadership for this award, which will lead to a more efficient supply chain and economic benefits that span the entire country.” “I want to thank the Biden-Harris administration, Secretary Buttigieg, and the U.S. Department of Transportation for awarding the Port of Long Beach this landmark $283 million infrastructure investment, ensuring that our Port will remain a national leader in goods movement, while creating thousands of quality local jobs,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “The Pier B Rail project represents a vital infrastructure investment that will improve the Port of Long Beach’s sustainability and efficiency, bringing us up to 35% on-dock rail capacity in our terminals and improving the air quality for our residents.” “The impact this funding will have on developing this project of national importance is staggering,” said Port of Long Beach Chief Executive Officer Mario Cordero. “This is a facility that will help move cargo more efficiently to homes and businesses across America, and from U.S. producers to overseas markets, resulting in systemwide benefits to the supply chain. We’d like to thank the U.S. Department of Transportation, Senator Alex Padilla and Congressman Robert Garcia for recognizing the significance of this project and making a significant investment in sustainable, efficient cargo movement.” “Moving more cargo with less environmental impact is the focal point of our approach to business,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Bobby Olvera Jr. “The Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility, ‘America’s Green Gateway,’ will do this while easing traffic on regional roads and improving air quality. It’s also vital to help meet the environmental goals outlined in the Clean Air Action Plan. We are grateful for this funding and thank the California Department of Transportation, our partner agency on this grant application.” Due to the importance of the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility to the national supply chain, the Port continues to seek funding partners for the project. The California State Transportation Agency – CalSTA – in July 2023 announced a grant of $158 million from the Port and Freight Infrastructure Program to help fund the Pier B project as an important part of the state’s cargo movement strategy. The federal government previously awarded almost $105 million to the project. To date, the Port has secured more than $640 million in grant funding for Pier B. Construction is expected to begin next year. The new facility will more than double the size of the existing Pier B rail yard from 82 acres to 171 acres and more than triple the volume of on-dock rail cargo the Port can handle annually, from 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 4.7 million TEUs. The yard will also feature a depot for fueling and servicing up to 30 locomotives at the same time and a full-service staging area to assemble and break down trains up to 10,000 feet long. The overall project will be built in phases, each improving cargo flow, with completion by 2032. View the project fact sheets and more information at the project page.
Episode 446: Transforming river waste into a sustainable pallet with green current solutions
You don’t want to miss this feel-good episode featuring Chad Pregracke, CEO of Green Current Solutions. With a unique background in river cleanup, Pregracke brings a fresh perspective to sustainable practices in logistics, focusing on creating eco-friendly pallet solutions that balance environmental responsibility with supply chain efficiency. A Mission for Clean Rivers Pregracke’s dedication to cleaning America’s rivers, particularly the Mississippi, has evolved from his unique teenage experiences of shell diving into a large-scale environmental mission. His journey from firsthand witnessing the river’s pollution to spearheading cleanup efforts demonstrates his deep connection to these waterways. Over the years, his initiative has achieved remarkable milestones: Conducted over 1,400 river cleanups nationwide. Collaborated with over 124,000 volunteers. Successfully removed more than 14 million pounds of garbage from rivers. Pregracke’s efforts extend beyond cleaning; he’s also educating and inspiring others through initiatives like his new classroom barge, further spreading awareness and engagement in river conservation. The Journey from River Cleanup to Sustainable Pallet Production Pregracke shares his journey from river cleanup crusader to innovator in the logistics sector. His passion for cleaning America’s rivers, planting trees, and finding new uses for the waste led to the creation of sustainable pallets. “Plastics are a huge problem, and most of what we’re pulling out. We use the barges as a floating recycling center. We sorted everything out, but nobody would take all the big bulky rigid plastics like the five-gallon buckets, milk crates, and barrels. We spent $349,000 over 14 years to get rid of this plastic and knew there must be a better way.” Building and Designing a Sustainable Pallet Pregracke explains, “Pulling plastic out is labor intensive. We run excavators, but it boils down to many people helping out.” A family who owned a shuttered-down tractor factory loved what Green Current was doing to clean up the rivers and sold it them at a great price. They have several facilities dedicated to grinding and injection molding, allowing them to process 3,000 pounds per hour. “The design of our pallets took a year and a half. We hired some of the best consultants we could have in the plastics industry,” says Pregracke. In an effort to be cost-efficient, their operation is heavily automated. “We figured with automation, we could do that and then be more competitive no matter where the plant is.” Although they’ve only been rolling out since earlier this year, the feedback is impressive. Key Takeaways Commitment to Clean Rivers: Pregracke’s commitment to environmental conservation led to over 1,400 river cleanups, engaging over 124,000 volunteers and removing more than 14 million pounds of garbage. Innovative Transition to Logistics: From river cleanup to sustainable pallet production, Green Current Solutions exemplifies innovative reuse of river waste, contributing to environmental sustainability and supply chain efficiency. Eco-Friendly Pallet Production: Utilizing advanced grinding and injection molding processes in repurposed facilities, Green Current produces durable, eco-friendly pallets using 100% recycled materials, showing a commitment to sustainable logistics solutions. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 446: Transforming River Waste into a Sustainable Pallet with Green Current Solutions
Railroads call for immediate reopening of El Paso and Eagle Pass crossings
The Association of American Railroads called on U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to reopen international crossings at Eagle Pass and El Paso, TX, which serve as key arteries for the North American rail network. “The urgency of reopening these crossings and restoring rail service between the two nations cannot be overstated,” said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “There are not separate U.S. and Mexican rail networks; there is only one interconnected North American rail network. Every day the border remains closed unleashes a cascade of delay across operations on both sides of the border, impacting customers and ultimately consumers.” The CBP decision most directly and immediately impacts operations for two Class I railroads – Union Pacific and BNSF – and the customers those companies serve. Combined, these two carriers securely operate 24 trains daily at these crossings, moving agricultural products, automotive parts, finished vehicles, chemicals, consumer goods and more to customers spanning the continent. But ultimately, every railroad is affected by this sudden shutdown of operations since all carriers interchange goods across the North American rail network. “Railroads have worked closely with our partners in both the U.S. and Mexican government to create an effective and efficient screening process,” Jefferies continued. “As CBP continues to address the exceptionally challenging humanitarian crisis, railroads urge CBP to also safeguard the nation’s supply chain from further disruption.” Even as the industry continues to navigate the fluid situation at the border, railroads are diligently working to limit impacts to customers and the network. When the Eagle Pass and El Paso gateways reopen, the railroads are committed to restoring cross-border movements as quickly and safely as possible.
ARA announces industry contributor award recipients
Each year, the American Rental Association (ARA) honors individuals for outstanding service to the association and the equipment and event rental industry. The following are recipients of this year’s industry contributor awards, which will be presented at The ARA Show™ 2024 in New Orleans. Industry Ambassador Award: Byron Alleman This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated long-term leadership and service to the association at the national, state, or local levels. Byron Alleman, retired owner of Lafayette Rental Service, Lafayette, La., has been a tireless ambassador for the equipment rental industry in the state of Louisiana. He spent two decades in service on the ARA of Louisiana chapter board of directors, including multiple terms in the roles of president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. Alleman hosted industry meetings at his business 14 times, traveled the state visiting fellow rental store members, and coordinated needed equipment in hurricane-damaged areas. He was awarded the ARA Region Four Person of the Year award in 2008 and again in 2016 in recognition of his efforts to advance the industry and serve members in his area. At the national level, Alleman served on the ARA Insurance Risk Management Committee in 2013 and on ARA’s Construction/Industrial & General Tool Shared Interest Group in 2016. In addition, he supported the industry’s legislative initiatives as a member of ARAPAC — ARA’s political action committee. Exemplary Service Award: Scott Pevey This award recognizes an individual or group that has significantly contributed to a defined area of association service (such as government affairs, education, technology, or workforce development). Scott Pevey, senior manager, Ditch Witch, Perry, Okla., served the equipment rental industry as a member of the ARA Board of Directors in the role of associate member director from 2021 – 2023. One of Pevey’s top achievements in this capacity was the direction and feedback he provided to the association as it restructured its communications strategy to a multimedia format. From 2018 – 2020, Pevey served on the ARA Foundation Board of Trustees. During his term, he brought the idea of the Community Impact Program to the Foundation board and was instrumental in developing the partnership between the ARA Foundation and The Toro Company Foundation to implement the program. The Community Impact Program supports local non-profits that help improve communities where members work and live. Pevey has volunteered at six of the 11 Community Impact Projects that have been hosted to date and has assisted in procuring equipment and volunteers from Ditch Witch dealers for all projects. Pevey also has helped guide the direction of The ARA Show as a member of its Exhibitor Advisory Council, serving in 2012, from 2016 – 2018, and in 2021 – 2022 while a member of the ARA Board of Directors. Industry Impact Award: Scott Woodruff This award recognizes a manufacturer supplier and/or independent manufacturer representative rental industry professional who made a significant impact on the association and/or industry during the past two years. Scott Woodruff, CEO, Tent Ox, Mechanicsburg, Pa., devoted himself to developing specialized attachments for articulating loaders. Seeing a need for this type of equipment, he set out to develop the necessary attachments to do the work of the tent rental industry. The attachments are designed to assist with not only tent installations and removals but also with moving materials around job sites in general. Woodruff markets this equipment as the Tent Ox, along with the associated attachments. Woodruff’s equipment has been key in helping many new and established rental businesses learn better and safer ways to accomplish their work. In addition to his involvement in ARA events, Woodruff is an active member of the Manufacturers and Tent Renters Association (MATRA). Rising Star Award: Stefani Donabedian The Rising Star Award recognizes a young professional who has demonstrated leadership at the grassroots level. Stefani Donabedian, vice president of Decanted Wine Truck, Hudson, Mass., recently purchased her wine bar truck, transitioning from her role in the equipment segment as a marketing consultant with Worcester, Mass.-based Mobile Air & Power Rentals. Donabedian joined the ARA of Massachusetts board in 2020 and currently serves in the role of president. To supplement her ARA state board duties, Donabedian has participated in ARA’s Leadership Conference, an event designed to educate and motivate emerging leaders within the association. As a member of the ARA Young Professional (YP) Network, Donabedian has attended several YP conferences and has served on the Young Professionals Committee since 2022. In her capacity as a committee member, Donabedian has helped spearhead the YP learning track in RentalU, ARA’s online education and training platform. Donabedian also has supported the industry’s legislative initiatives as a member of ARAPAC — ARA’s political action committee — and as a participant at ARA’s 2023 National Legislative Caucus in Washington, D.C. In recognition of her efforts within the industry and ARA, Donabedian was named one of Rental Management magazine’s “12 to Watch Under 40” in 2022 and in 2023, she received the ARA Region One Leadership Impact Award. Leadership Impact Awards These awards recognize an individual in each of the ARA 10 regions whose leadership benefited their state and/or local association and its members over the past year. Region One: Dan Morris, Kennebec Equipment Rental Co., Fairfield, Maine Region Two: Tina Behnke Spencer, AirPac Rents, Front Royal, Va. Region Three: Brandon Ahlgren, CERP, Elite Events & Rentals, Tampa, Fla. Region Four: Jennifer Rodriguez, CERP, Marianne’s Rentals, Oklahoma City, Okla. Region Five: Sean Williams, ECP-SM, First Place Rental, Oswego, Ill. Region Six: John Schupp, Rental Supply, O’Fallon, Mo. Region Seven: Herb White, Continental Divide Marketing, Golden, Colo. Region Eight: Tim Allen, Allen Rental, Roseburg, Ore. Region Nine: Michelle Nelson, ECP-ST, MK Equipment Corp., Honolulu Region 10: Jim Boddez, Five Bo, St. Albert, Alberta, Canada
LOBO Systems revolutionizes sortation super hub efficiency with innovative conveyor system application
LOBO Systems, a provider with its evolved scaffolding system, has recently partnered with one of the leading users of automation in the world. This collaboration aims to address a critical operational challenge in sortation plants; accessing and maintaining motors beneath the conveyor systems. The global company has a requirement to access and maintain the motors underneath each conveyor system within its hubs and super-hubs. These motors drive the automated system, ensuring the efficient operation of sites. A breakdown in any of these motors could result in significant downtime and require a substantial allocation of resources to resolve the issue, typically involving the hiring of scaffolders. Admittedly, the usage of a scaffolding company would also resolve the issue faced however, this would result in a major increase in downtime for staff onsite, not to mention the cost implications of hiring in. The benefit of the LOBO System is that any staff member can be certified, providing they attend a LOBO certification course and pass an examination. This not only minimises downtime but also presents a comprehensive and cost-effective solution to the company. Having members of staff ready to go onsite, once an issue arises, ensures they can be resolved at maximum efficiency. In the first instance, LOBO delivered an online product demonstration to showcase the system, to highlight its unique safety aspects and discuss potential requirements. After a successful meeting, the LOBO Sales Team created technical drawings to bring the ideas to life (see images). “LOBO is thrilled to work closely with such a key-player within the sortation and automation industry” shares Robert Bokros, CEO of LOBO Systems. “This collaboration underscores the team’s capabilities and speaks volumes about our access platform system.” Rob adds.