Grindstaff Engines, Inc.
Fuel Systems Solutions
Foley Engines
Florida Forklift, Inc
Dynapar
WAI debuts Premium Starters for the heavy duty market
The company provides immediate access to the most complete NEW heavy-duty offering WAI continues to relentlessly meet the ever-changing needs of its customers in the heavy-duty market. This includes an unwavering commitment to be “first-to-market” with the latest and most complete coverage for 100% new heavy-duty starters. WAI’s complete line of starters is ideal for class one to class eight trucks and construction equipment. WAI starters offer superior field quality. WAI starters boast a high standard of excellence and are tested for RPM, torque, voltage, and solenoid performance. Additionally, validation testing for all products includes endurance, humidity, power thermal cycling, vibration, salt spray, and thermal shock. New starters result in warranty rate reduction through the extended field life of new units. Computerized test sheets are included in every box.
Briggs & Stratton completes sale to KPS Capital Partners
The acquired business exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy proceeding Steve Andrews named President and Chief Executive Officer Briggs & Stratton announced on September 22, 2020, that KPS Capital Partners, LP (“KPS”), through a newly formed affiliate, has acquired substantially all of the assets of Briggs & Stratton Corporation and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Briggs & Stratton”, the “Company” or the “Acquired Business”). KPS acquired the assets free and clear of substantially all liens, claims, encumbrances, and interests through a sale under Section 363 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri formally approved the transaction on September 15, 2020. With the completion of the sale to KPS, the Acquired Business has successfully exited from its Chapter 11 Bankruptcy proceeding. Briggs & Stratton will now operate as an independent company with the long-term support of KPS, a leading global private equity investor with a demonstrated track record of successfully transforming businesses and creating profitable, growing companies. KPS, with approximately $11.5 billion of assets under management, works to advance the strategic position, competitiveness, and profitability of its investments to create world-class, industry-leading companies. Briggs & Stratton launches as a well-capitalized company, unencumbered by over $900 million of its predecessor’s legacy obligations, and access to the financial resources required to execute its ambitious business improvement and growth plans. Briggs & Stratton also announced that Steve Andrews has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Briggs & Stratton effective immediately. KPS and Mr. Andrews have a history of successfully working together to create, operate, and grow world-class businesses. KPS and Mr. Andrews partnered in 2011 to form International Equipment Solutions, LLC (“IES”). Under KPS’ ownership and Mr. Andrews’ leadership, IES, through a series of acquisitions and other growth initiatives, transformed two non-core divisions of a large corporation into a thriving, highly profitable company. IES became a leading independent manufacturer of attachment tools, operator cabs, and other complex fabrications for off-highway applications. Michael Psaros, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner of KPS, said “This is the beginning of a new era for Briggs & Stratton, a legendary brand in American manufacturing and the leading company in its industry. The Company has a new owner, a new CEO, a new Board of Directors, and a renewed focus. Briggs & Stratton launches with a portfolio of industry-leading products sold under iconic brand names, a rock-solid capital structure, and access to KPS’ financial resources and expertise. We look forward to accelerating the Company’s growth by increasing its already substantial investment in research and development, technology, and new product development. KPS will also provide the capital for Briggs & Stratton to pursue strategic acquisitions. “KPS is delighted that Steve Andrews will serve as President and CEO of Briggs & Stratton. Steve is an outstanding leader with a demonstrated track record of transforming and growing companies. We have worked successfully with Steve in the past and look forward to collaborating again as the new Briggs & Stratton. “We are grateful to all of the Company’s stakeholders for their assistance and cooperation throughout the bankruptcy process. We thank the United Steelworkers for its very public support of our acquisition of the Company,” Mr. Psaros concluded. Mr. Andrews said, “I am honored to lead Briggs & Stratton. Free of any legacy liabilities, and with a strong balance sheet and the Company’s world-class workforce, we have an exceptional opportunity to build upon the Company’s leading market position. I am also pleased to partner and collaborate again with KPS, a firm that has distinguished itself as a global leader in transforming businesses and is ideally suited for this exciting venture. “On behalf of the Company, I would like to thank former Chairman, President, and CEO Todd Teske for his decades of service and many contributions,” Mr. Andrews concluded. Wells Fargo is continuing to provide floorplan financing to support Briggs & Stratton’s customers and a syndicate of banks including Wells Fargo, Bank of America, BMO Harris Bank, and PNC Business Credit provided exit financing for the Company. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal counsel to KPS with respect to the transaction.
KPS Capital Partners agrees to acquire substantially all of the assets of Briggs & Stratton Corporation
KPS Capital Partners, LP (“KPS”) announced on July 20, 2020 that, through a newly formed affiliate, it has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Briggs & Stratton Corporation and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, “Briggs & Stratton” or the “Company”) under which KPS will acquire substantially all of the assets of Briggs & Stratton, including equity of foreign subsidiaries, for approximately $550 million. Briggs & Stratton has filed a motion with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri seeking the designation of KPS as the stalking horse bidder in a sale motion as part of the Company’s filing of voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code today. Briggs & Stratton expects to sell its assets through a court-supervised sale process under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code. KPS, through an affiliate, has also agreed to invest $265 million in a FILO tranche of Briggs & Stratton’s Debtor in Possession (“DIP”) financing to support the Company’s operations. Upon the entry of a final order approving the DIP facility, KPS will have the right to “credit bid” its $265 million participation in the DIP financing in connection with the proposed acquisition of Briggs & Stratton. Following court approval, the DIP facility will ensure that Briggs & Stratton has sufficient liquidity to continue normal operations and continue to meet its financial obligations during the Chapter 11 process, including the timely payment of employee wages and benefits, continued servicing of customer orders and shipments, and other obligations. KPS also announced that it has entered into an agreement in principle with the United Steelworkers of America (the “USW”) with respect to a new collective bargaining agreement (“CBA”) for Briggs & Stratton hourly employees represented by the union at the Company’s manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin. The new CBA, an exclusive agreement between KPS and the USW, will become effective upon completion of the acquisition. Further, Wells Fargo has agreed to continue to provide floorplan financing to support Briggs & Stratton’s customers under KPS’ ownership, and a syndicate of banks including Wells Fargo, Bank of America, BMO Harris Bank and PNC Business Credit has committed to provide exit financing to Briggs & Stratton. The financings are subject to completion of the acquisition and customary closing conditions. Michael Psaros, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner of KPS, said, “We are very excited to acquire Briggs & Stratton, a legendary brand in American manufacturing and the leading company in its industry. Briggs & Stratton enjoys a leading market position, scale, a global manufacturing footprint, world-class design, and engineering capabilities, and a portfolio of industry-leading products sold under iconic brand names. We intend to capitalize on the Company’s many attractive growth opportunities and to support its already substantial investment in research and development, technology and new product development. KPS intends to grow the new Briggs & Stratton aggressively through strategic acquisitions. “KPS is committed to the expeditious acquisition of Briggs & Stratton to provide certainty of outcome and confidence in the new Company’s future for all of its stakeholders, including customers, employees and suppliers. The Company and its stakeholders will benefit from KPS’ demonstrated commitment to manufacturing excellence, continuous improvement, global network, access to capital and significant financial resources. The new Briggs & Stratton will be conservatively capitalized and not encumbered by its predecessor’s significant liabilities. “We thank the United Steelworkers of America for its support of our acquisition of the Company. “We have expended an enormous amount of effort, resources and capital on this process to date. We are confident that all of the conditions necessary to create a new thriving going concern enterprise are in place,” Mr. Psaros concluded. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal counsel to KPS with respect to the transaction.
PULSEROLLER® spotlighting low cost 24V DC Motor Drive for Motion Control at Assembly 2020
PULSEROLLER will feature its versatile Pulse Geared Drive (PGD) at The Assembly Show 2020. The PGD is an affordable, compact, and powerful 24VDC motor drive used in material handling, assembly, automation, and other applications requiring repeatable, linear motion control, transportation, or accumulation. The Pulse Geared Drive utilizes PULSEROLLER’s proven and powerful Senergy motor that is used to drive the company’s motor drive rollers (MDRs). To address applications that require the torque and speed of the Senergy motor, but that do not require a roller, the Pulse Geared Drive was born. It features a form factor similar to a high voltage AC motor gearbox combination in a compact, low voltage package. It can be used as a drop-in replacement for AC geared motors or in pneumatic applications. The PGD is constructed of heat-treated reinforced precision gears that results in an exceptionally long life. Optional and customized attachments allow the PGD to drive just about any equipment. The PGD’s power and efficiency are derived from a unique planetary gearbox design and a powerful brushless DC motor. The Senergy motor features just 11 gearbox combinations that make ordering and stocking PGDs much more efficient. In applications with appropriate precision requirements, the Pulse Geared Drive is used as a low-cost alternative to servo motors, actuators or solenoids. PULSEROLLER offers a base PGD model as well as the Pulse Geared Drive Ai (Advanced Intelligence). The base model is designed for use with JST connectors and utilizes eight wires for connection to the control card, while the Ai model uses an IP54 rated M8-style connector which requires just four wires for connecting to the controller. A microprocessor inside the Ai model holds and processes critical data about the motor, including its part number, serial number, manufacturing date, actual motor temperature, run cycle time, overload count, gearbox ratio and motor positioning data. Monitoring this data is accomplished using PULSEROLLER’s free to download EasyRoll software or by connecting a PLC or PC over Modbus, ProfiNet, or an EthernetIP network. All Pulse Geared Drives are driven by PULSEROLLER’s ConveyLinx or ConveyLinx Ai2 controllers, or simple drive cards. PULSEROLLER will exhibit in booth #1921 at The Assembly Show, which will be held on October 27-29, 2020 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
Kohler Power names new Group President
The Kohler Company has named Brian Melka as group president – power. He reports to David Kohler, president and CEO of Kohler Company. Before being promoted, Melka had been president – engines since February 2019. As president of the power group, Melka provides full-scope strategic and operational leadership and is responsible for accelerating the growth and profitability of the global Power Group businesses: Power Systems, Kohler Engines, Clarke Energy, and Kohler Uninterruptible Power. Melka joined Kohler in 2013 as vice president of Kohler Engines Americas, where he delivered consistent results and the best run of profitable growth in the history of the Engines business. In his most recent role as president of Engines, Melka led the global engines business, including Engines Americas, Engines China, and Engines EMEA, executing strategic plans both for the gasoline and diesel markets. His career includes senior leadership with Rexnord Inc. and Textron Inc., including vice president of global mining and product management, and director of product management and service. Melka holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and International Business Certification from Thunderbird School of Global Management. He is also a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Change Management coach.
Kaman Distribution Group appoints Stoneburner as Executive VP
Kaman Distribution Group (“KDG” or the “Company”), a value-added distributor of bearings, power transmission, automation, and fluid power products, today announced that industry veteran, Mark Stoneburner, has been appointed Executive Vice President and General Manager of its Kaman Industrial Technologies (KIT) business unit. A graduate of Ohio University (BS) and Xavier University (MBA), Mark has over 30 years of experience in industrial distribution and manufacturing. Mark was previously at Motion Industries, where he most recently served as the Senior VP – Eastern US Branch Sales and Operations, Mergers, and Acquisitions. Prior to Motion Industries, he served as the VP of Sales and Marketing at American Roller Bearing Company and in various senior management roles at Applied Industrial Technologies. “I am delighted to join the KDG team”, said Stoneburner. “KDG has a solid foundation to build upon and I look forward to working with our employees to better serve our customer and supplier partners and accelerate the company’s growth.” “We are thrilled to have Mark as a part of the team,” said Ben Mondics, President and CEO of KDG. “Mark is uniquely qualified to lead KIT given his extensive experience and demonstrated track record of success. Mark is an outstanding leader and well-respected in our industry. I am pleased to welcome him to the team and I look forward to his contributions to our company.”
Regal launches Regal® PerceptivTM Intelligence
Enables companies to focus on operational performance, plant reliability and operational efficiency Regal Beloit Corporation, a manufacturer of electric motors, electrical motion controls, power generation, and power transmission components, announces the launch of Regal Perceptiv intelligence. Regal Perceptiv intelligence is a new way of using and interacting with Regal products and services. It is hardware, software, and “humanware.” Perceptiv intelligence is an interconnected matrix of smart, digital solutions that have the potential to empower customers when engaging with Regal, in order to maximize equipment reliability and plant production. Regal Perceptiv intelligence provides an array of customizable solutions to meet specific customer needs. Regal’s services team provides on-site and off-site diagnostics, customized monitoring solutions, and smart products that connect to a facility’s current infrastructure. Augmented reality tools and cloud-based solutions allow monitoring from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer. Regal Perceptiv intelligence also delivers enhanced web-based and mobile-friendly tools to easily find Regal product information seamlessly with online product catalogs, 3D CAD drawings, selection tools, mobile apps, and QR codes on products. “Regal Perceptiv intelligence is a culmination of Regal’s work to bring easy-to-use connected products and predictive diagnostics with 24/7 monitoring to fit a customer’s specific needs,” said Louis Pinkham, Chief Executive Officer, Regal Beloit Corporation. “By leveraging digital technology to simplify the customer’s journey — including product identification, ordering online, installation services, and predictive diagnostics — our customers can maximize uptime and reduce maintenance costs.” With Regal Perceptiv intelligence, companies have access to Regal’s easy-to-use tools, off-the-shelf connected products, and customized solutions.
Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. releases FR-E800 Series Variable Frequency Drive
The new VFD features permanent magnet (PM) motor control and reduces energy usage so users can meet overall energy efficiency standards Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. released the newest addition to its lineup of variable frequency drives, the FR-E800 Series. The micro-drive features a built-in PLC, and will include safety functionality meeting IEC 61508 standards and support various networks, including Ethernet/IP, MODBUS/TCP, and the soon-to-be-released CC-Link IE TSN. The FR-E800 Series is designed for engineering, technology, and product managers in industries such as packaging, material handling, food and beverage, and water and pumping, as well as those who are adopting PM motors to improve their energy efficiency. The FR-E800 is built upon Mitsubishi Electric´s proven variable speed control technology through years of reliable operation across various applications. It incorporates advanced capabilities in a compact footprint allowing for bookshelf style mounting. Additional features include extended programming functions, advanced fault detection features, and auto-tuning of PM motors for applications where energy efficiency is extremely important. The auto-tuning function includes configurable parameters to reach optimum performance, higher torque, faster acceleration, and lower noise level for quiet operation. This results in the efficient control of motors and equipment to meet or exceed energy efficiency regulations. For those OEMs that use induction motors in their equipment, the FR-E800 can control both induction and PM motors, helping to consolidate inventory and spare part management. The drive series is also dual-rated for light-duty and normal duty, which may help achieve desired performance in smaller frame sizes. »The FR-E800 introduces advanced features previously not available to micro-drives,» said Deana Fu, senior product manager at Mitsubishi Electric Automation. »From PM motor commutation and tuning to corrosion detection, and lifetime diagnostics of critical components, we feel that the FR-E800 will make a significant impact on manufacturing and HVAC.
WAI Premium Alternators for heavy duty
The company provides immediate access to the most complete NEW heavy-duty offering available WAI continues to relentlessly meet the ever-changing needs of its customers in the heavy-duty market. This includes an unwavering commitment to be “first-to-market” with the latest and most complete coverage for 100% new heavy-duty alternators. WAI’s complete line of alternators is ideal for class one to class eight trucks and construction equipment. WAI alternators offer superior field quality. Millions of units have been installed and tested to OEM specifications and include premium brand TRANSPO electronics manufactured by WAI, as well as premium-grade WBD bearings. WAI alternators boast a high level of proven performance with thorough testing of output current at idle and full-load RPMs. Additionally, validation testing for all products includes endurance, humidity, power thermal cycling, vibration, salt spray, and thermal shock. New alternators result in warranty rate reduction through extended field life of new units. Computerized test sheets are included in every box.
Regal’s Perceptive Technologies® Services now include Wireless Monitoring System
This package of products and services enables companies to perform automated analyses that deliver waveform and spectral data for the best predictive capabilities Regal Beloit Corporation, a manufacturer of electric motors, electrical motion controls, power generation, and power transmission components, announced the introduction of new solutions for wireless vibration and temperature monitoring. The Perceptive Technologies® wireless monitoring system provides 24/7 services to help detect abnormalities in equipment before they become problematic. At a fraction of the cost of a wired system, this new Regal Perceptive Technologies wireless monitoring system eliminates the need to be near operating equipment and is adaptable to any industry. Monitoring can be performed on-site or from a cloud platform on equipment like fans, pumps, motors, and blowers. Regal’s wireless monitoring system allows users to take advantage of the extensive industry experience of the Perceptive Technologies team to monitor and analyze machinery remotely, helping to improve reliability and maximize production. “Unlike other wireless systems that provide only basic diagnostic data, the Perceptive Technologies wireless monitoring system delivers complete raw and analyzed data to help manage assets and provide flexibility,” said Daniel Phillips, director, reliability, and maintenance — CMRP for Regal. “Users receive easy-to-understand, actionable information without the need for manual diagnosis.”
NORD Gear to demonstrate its Intelligent Drive Solutions for Intralogistics at MODEX 2020
LOGIDRIVE™ by NORD provides a complete energy-efficient solution for high-volume warehouses NORD Gear Corporation, a world provider in gear reducers, electric motors, and variable frequency drives (VFDs), will showcase a variety of its solutions for the supply chain industry at MODEX, March 9-12 in Atlanta sponsored by MHI, MODEX brings together more than 30,000 manufacturing, material handling, and supply chain professionals from around the globe. NORD´s intelligent drive solutions help some of the world´s largest consumer goods manufacturers, online retailers, and warehouses, move products faster with more control and less energy. Visit booth #2413 at the Georgia World Congress Center to learn how NORD enables these companies to boost the efficiency of their material handling and supply chain operations. Featured products at the NORD booth will include: LOGIDRIVE™ – Designed for all types of conveyors, the LOGIDRIVE system features a modular two-stage helical bevel gear unit, IE4 motor, and a decentralized variable frequency drive (VFD). All common field bus and industrial Ethernet interfaces are integrated into these drive units. The use of IE4 synchronous motors minimizes overall lifecycle costs, and efficient operation at partial load and low speeds make this the ideal solution for high-volume manufacturing, material handling, and packaging systems. As a complete package, LOGIDRIVE provides flexibility, increased energy efficiencies, and reduced variants to improve ROI. NORDAC® Electronics – Intralogistics and conveyor technology require to drive solutions that are easy to install and economical to operate. The NORDAC® line of decentralized drive systems offers a range of solutions from simple motor starters to versatile variable frequency drives. The NORDAC BASE is the best choice for simple drive solutions whereas the NORDAC LINK and NORDAC FLEX provide the full functionality of a decentralized VFD and can be individually adapted to any application. For motor starters, there is the choice of the freely configurable NORDAC LINK or the wear-free, flexibly integrated NORDAC START. NORDAC Advantages: -Flexible configuration according to customer requirements and applications -A range of power options from up to 4 HP for motor starters and up to 30 HP for the NORDAC FLEX -Fast commissioning due to simple operation -Simple and reliable plug-in capability -Simplified system maintenance due to integrated maintenance switch and local manual control facility -Can be integrated into all common bus systems Two-stage Helical Bevel – Featuring two housing styles (open and closed) along with flexible input and output configurations, NORD´s two-stage helical bevel gear units deliver application and environmental versatility in a compact, modular design. Available with foot, flange, or shaft mounting, the units are designed for customers who need a robust gearbox for light conveying and processing applications, as well as food and beverage industries. Learn more about the products that will be on hand at the NORD booth and sign up to receive information on NORD´s energy-efficient solutions for intralogistics.
WAI Global to showcase Starters and Alternators at ConExpo-Con/Agg Show 2020
WAI Global, a global parts manufacturer for the heavy duty, agricultural, automotive, industrial, and power sports aftermarket, announces that it will showcase its starters and alternators at the ConExpo-Con/Agg Show in Las Vegas, March 10-14, 2020, booth #B93921. WAI has worked relentlessly to meet the ever-changing needs of its customers in the heavy duty, agricultural & industrial markets. This includes an unwavering commitment to be “first-to-market” with the latest model products available. WAI will showcase an extensive range of its 100% new alternators, starters and their components. WAI’s complete line of starters and alternators are ideal for class one to class eight trucks, construction, forklift, and farm equipment. WAI Global’s starters and alternators boast proven superior quality. More than two million units have been sold over the past decade which are tested to OEM specifications and include premium Transpo electronics and WBD grade bearings manufactured by WAI. Alternator output current is thoroughly tested at idle and full load RPMs. Starters are tested for RPM, torque, voltage, and solenoid performance. Validation testing for all products includes endurance, humidity, power thermal cycling, vibration, salt spray and thermal shock. Every starter and alternator comes with extensive coverage and a warranty rate reduction through extended field life of new units. Test sheets are included in every box.
Sulzer awarded ‘Business of the Year’
The La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce, has honored Sulzer with the Business of the Year award. Recognizing the company’s outstanding participation, leadership and contribution in the local community, Mayor Louis R. Rigby, presented the award to Sulzer’s Darayus Pardivala, President Americas, Rotating Equipment Services. In addition, US Representative, Brian Babin, TX-36 Congressional Member, presented Darayus a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition to Sulzer on being named the Chambers’ Business of the Year. Since 1985, Sulzer has been an integral part of the La Porte-Bayshore community, providing jobs to the local economy as well as helping non-profit organizations, schools and the local community. To further support the area, in 1994, Sulzer launched its annual Hack Attack charity golf tournament for its customers and partners. The Hack Attack raises money for Today’s Harbor for Children, which is a local charity that provides safe and caring homes for local children in crisis. To date, the annual tournament has raised over USD 2 million for this worthwhile cause. On receiving the award, Darayus Pardivala explained: “It’s a great honor to be presented with such an award from those with whom we work with so closely. Sulzer has a long tradition of supporting the local community and we enjoy helping where we can.”
Cummins moving more production to Mexico ahead of treaties and tariffs
Cummins, a provider of motor transport manufacturers, said it began moving some operations from China, India and Brazil to locate them in Mexico, after the United States imposed tariffs worldwide, and to advance the process of raising regional content while starting the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC). Ignacio García, Vice President of Cummins in Latin America, explained that once the T-MEC enters into force, the heavy transport industry should increase the regional content from 62 to 75%, in a span of seven years, a factor that is forcing supplier companies, which are currently installed in China or other nations outside the North American region, to relocate to comply with the rule of origin. In an interview, the Cummins manager mentioned that within the group there is also the process of moving production lines from the United States to Mexico, for example, in the filter segment where our country is characterized by being more productive compared to US plants . “Manufacturing lines from the United States move to Mexico in filtration and the (Cummins) plant in Ciudad Juarez for urea injection demanded by the Americas is expanded and what helps are the rates imposed by the EU to Europe and China, that makes see Mexico as the place where they will relocate manufacturing lines to supply the US market, ”said Garcia. The regional content of the truck industry should rise 13 points and that will bring greater integration of Mexico-EU manufacturing. “We work with 62% regional content, but that value will rise to 75 percent. When you start to see components, there are the smelters that come from Brazil and Germany and the steel crankshafts from Brazil, the copper-based chillers that come from China, as well as fuel components that come from India and those products are analyzed. ” . The Vice President of Cummins stressed the importance of manufacturing in Mexico, so much so that a few months ago there was an investment of 35 million dollars for assembly of ISX engines, as part of the remanufacturing. The US company has two plants in Mexico, one in Ciudad Juarez and another in San Luis Potosí, in addition to providing 15% of components from China, another 15% from India, another approximately 10% from Mexico itself, while the The rest comes from the United States. Cummins is dedicated to the remanufacturing of engines in Mexico and in the United States it produces new engines, although in Mexico, the company’s strong niche is the development of filters and fuel systems for everyone. It also has a gas treatment system by injection of urea, crankshafts and high power engines. “We have to maximize the power of those plants.” Garcia said demand in China will continue to grow, but in North America we need to have more regional content. We have seven years from the approval of the T-MEC, said the director, “there is still time, but we have worked with companies in China and India, Brazil, to begin to understand how to open a plant in Mexico and in EU and move the products ”.
Kaman Distribution Group appoints industry veteran for CEO
Kaman Distribution Group or KDG, a value-added distributor of bearings and power transmission, automation, and fluid power products, has announced that Benjamin Mondics has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Littlejohn & Company acquired KDG earlier this year. Mr. Mondics is a seasoned executive with a thirty-five-year track record of success in the industrial distribution industry. He most recently served as President & CEO of ERIKS North America, a global distributor of gasket, hose, sealing, flow control, power transmission, industrial plastics, and maintenance products. Prior to ERIKS, Ben served as President of Kaydon Corporation, a subsidiary of SKF Group. Ben also spent nearly twenty years with Applied Industrial Technologies (“AIT”), a distributor of bearings, power transmission products, hydraulic and pneumatic components, industrial rubber products, and general maintenance supplies. While at AIT, Ben served in a variety of successive leadership positions, including most recently as President and Chief Operating Officer. “Kaman Distribution Group is a leading industrial distribution platform, and I am excited to serve as its CEO,” said Mr. Mondics. “I was attracted to KDG’s national footprint, excellent reputation in the market, full product offering and service capabilities, longstanding customer and supplier relationships, and talented workforce of over 2,000 associates. With Littlejohn’s support, I am eager to accelerate KDG’s growth, both organically and via acquisition, and execute on a variety of operational improvement opportunities available to the Company.” Tony Miranda, Managing Director of Littlejohn and a member of KDG’s board of directors, said, “We are thrilled to have an executive of Ben’s caliber join KDG. Ben’s decades of experience across a variety of industrial distribution and manufacturing platforms is a wonderful asset, and will enable him to have an immediate and measurable impact on the business.” As part of the transition, Al Lariviere will be stepping down as KDG’s CEO. Mr. Miranda added, “On behalf of the entire KDG organization, I would like to thank Al for his contributions to the Company and the instrumental role he played in leading the separation of KDG from Kaman Corporation. During Al’s tenure, several strategic initiatives were initiated and implemented which has positioned KDG for future success. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”