Four New Power Transmission/Motion Control Categories introduced for PIE Technology Platform™
Bearing Specialists Association (BSA) and the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) announce the introduction of conveyors/material handling, couplings, motors, and linear bearings (round shaft) to the PIE Technology Platform™ (PIE). These additional product categories bring the total number of bearing and power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) categories available to 32. Additional categories in development include open gearing, enclosed gearing, and adjustable/variable speed drives. The essential tool for channel partners, PIE is a cloud-based platform that gives manufacturers and distributors of industrial products access to the most comprehensive catalog for the exchange of rich-content product information. Providing efficient, seamless, accurate, real-time data communication strengthens channel partner collaboration and advances online sales. Whether a distributor offers a simple online catalog or a full e-commerce experience, PIE ensures end customers have the most current and reliable product information. With data reliability at its core, PIE builds the trust that fosters customer loyalty and long-term success. With 24/7/365 access to PIE-compliant manufacturer partner content, distributors can map rich product data to their company-specific PIM system, website, or end-user digital communication using an automated tool. The single, secure, and standard platform is only accessible to authorized distributor partners, ensuring manufacturers can protect and maintain product data ownership. Both manufacturers and distributors benefit from reduced errors and staff time spent correcting inaccurate or outdated content. Learn more and register your company to participate at pietechnologyplatform.org.
PTDA welcomes two new members
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), an association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel, welcomes Eastern Sales as a new distributor member and Proton.ai as an associate member. Distributor Eastern Sales, with over 50 years of combined experience, specializes in finding difficult-to-find items. Additionally, through its industrial belt division, the company can install belts as wide as 72 inches. “As a small independent distributor, the opportunity to join PTDA was a no-brainer. The relationships we will build within this network will give us the opportunity for growth,” says owner Grady Burchfield. Associate Proton.ai is an AI-powered customer relationship management program built specifically for distributors. It helps distributors transition from routine check-ins to proactive, consultative conversations. Using AI, the program identifies which customers need attention, locates lapsed accounts, and finds gaps in customer spending so representatives always know the best step to increase revenue. “We’re on a mission to help distributors adopt AI and modernize their sales process. We’ve seen impressive results with PTDA members using our CRM, and we’re excited to continue sharing best practices and drive meaningful revenue growth within the distribution industry and the PTDA community,” says Dasha Shakov, head of marketing.
Siemens new high torque 1FK7 servomotors
Siemens Industry, Inc. has announced expanding its popular 1FK7 servomotor family, introducing a new high-inertia style. The higher rotor inertia of this design makes the control response of the new 1FK7-HI servomotors highly robust and suitable for high and variable load inertia applications, including the feed and auxiliary axes on machine tools, as well as winders and unwinders on converting packaging, and printing equipment. These self-cooled 1FK7-HI servomotors provide stall torque in the 3 Nm to 20 Nm range and are offered in IP64 or IP65 with IP67 flange degree of protection, with selectable options for plain or keyed shaft, holding brake, 22-bit incremental or absolute encoders, as well as 18 color options. A mechanical decoupler between the motor and encoder shaft protects the encoder from mechanical vibrations, providing a long service life. In cases where the encoder needs to be exchanged, the device automatically aligns the encoder signal to the rotor pole position, enabling feedbacks to be changed in the field in less than five minutes. These new Siemens 1FK7-HI servomotors also feature the unique Drive-Cliq® serial bus and electronic nameplate recognition, allowing virtual plug-n-play operation when paired to the Sinamics® S drive platform. All servomotors in this new line are also configured to interface with Siemens Sinumerik® CNC technology for machine tool applications and the motion controller Simotion® for general motion control use. Selecting the proper motor to suit the application is facilitated by the Siemens Sizer® toolbox and compatible 3D CAD model-generating CAD-Creator package.
PTDA Foundation launches student and employee scholarships
The demand for skilled professionals in the power transmission and motion control (PT/MC) industry has never been more urgent. Committed to helping PT/MC employers nurture current and upcoming talent, the PTDA Foundation has launched two new scholarships to empower individuals who are passionate about pursuing PT/MC careers. “By providing financial support by way of scholarships, we want to build the robust pipeline of talent needed to foster employee growth and ensure the industry has the expertise it needs to thrive,” says 2024 PTDA Foundation President Matt Pavlinsky, Applied Industrial Technologies. “We believe targeting individuals with a demonstrated interest or commitment to pursuing work in PT/MC-related fields will help ease some of the burden of employers struggling to find qualified candidates.” The new student scholarship provides financial support to those who are considering or currently pursuing an education in PT/MC related fields. Applicants must be currently enrolled or recently accepted as a student at a trade school, technical school, community college or four-year university in fields relevant to the PT/MC industry. Up to five $3,000 scholarships will be awarded. The employee scholarship provides financial support to individuals currently employed full-time at a PT/MC distributor or manufacturer in North America. Applicants must also be currently enrolled or recently accepted as a student at any level at a trade school, technical school, community college or university, and must be studying PT/MC related fields in engineering, technology or business. Up to five $2,500 scholarships will be awarded. Applications for both scholarships can be found online at ptworkforce.org/scholarships The application deadline is July 1, 2024. Awardees will be selected in August.
PTDA to Host 2024 Canadian Conference
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) will convene for the PTDA 2024 Canadian Conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada on June 4–6. Delegates in the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry, representing PTDA distributor and manufacturer companies, will broaden cross-channel networks, expand connections and deepen business relationships. “Opportunities to cultivate strong relationships between channel partners in the Canadian PT/MC industry are crucial for both corporate and industry expansion,” says PTDA President, Brian Nowak, Kurz Industrial Solutions. “Attendees at this year’s Canadian Conference can look forward to a robust program offering valuable networking opportunities, information on critical market trends and insights on bolstering workforce support.” The conference’s Distributor-Manufacturer Idea Exchange (DM-IDEX) is a favorite of both manufacturer and distributor executives. This face-to-face cross-channel business program delivers measurable ROI. New this year, DM-IDEX will offer open time for more informal meetings, in addition to scheduled appointments for those who prefer time for deeper discussion of business ventures, market strategies and issues. Well-respected industry thought leaders and popular speakers will offer presentations on relevant and timely topics. Opening keynote Amber Mac, award-winning podcaster, author and media host on the topic of Artificial Intelligence (AI), will share practical lessons and insights as she guides attendees through her four-part blueprint for thriving in our AI future. A diverse panel of hiring experts from Indeed, a post-graduate program, and HR representatives from a PT/MC manufacturer and distributor company will share best practices to help reimagine hiring strategies. Using a universal issue—recruiting new employees—attendees will get creative during the interactive team activity, “Achieve Better Outcomes Through Disruptive Problem-Solving.” Led by Ken Tencer and Saquib Vali, and hosted by the PTDA Foundation, participants will learn to radically change their thinking and approach to appealing to the next generation of talent. Jeremy Bess, Economist, ITR Economics will present the closing keynote “Calculating the Risks and Opportunities for 2024 and Beyond.” In his presentation, Bess will provide a data-driven analysis of Canada’s economic trends, glimpsing what to expect for PT/MC-relevant industries. Receptions, group meals, and golf will provide opportunities for more informal networking throughout the conference. Those registering before April 30, 2024 receive a $100 discount.
PTDA 2024 Industry Immersion Conference offers essential knowledge building and networking for those new to the industry
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) will host a new talent development event, the PTDA 2024 Industry Immersion Conference in Hollywood, Fla. on February 29, 2024. This intensive program is designed to help those who are new to the power transmission and motion control (PT/MC) industry grow the interpersonal skills, networking capabilities and industry essentials for building successful relationships with coworkers, executives and customers. “Every PT/MC employer wants to develop their employees into trusted and valued contributors to their team, company and customers’ success,” says John Newman, vice president sales—Americas, BDI and Industry Immersion Task Force Chair. “This event is an exceptional investment in helping new talent hone the skills they need to outperform in 2024 and beyond.” The Industry Immersion Conference is designed to advance professional perspectives and experience of emerging leaders within the PT/MC industry. The curriculum of the program has been developed by experienced members and includes: A panel discussion designed to help newcomers discover best practices when working with channel partners. Panelists include veteran PTDA members Jeff Cloud (IBT Industrial Solutions) as moderator and Barabara Ross (Pfannenberg USA), Steve Kalgreen (Akron Bearing Company, Inc.) and AnnaMarie Donaldson (Regal Rexnord). A member panel aimed to help attendees understand how to maintain relationships with customers. Jason Sorce (Bando USA, Inc.) will moderate and John Newman (BDI), Mike Pulley (Bartlett Bearing Co., Inc.) Mitch Bouchard (General Bearing Service Inc.) and Darin Davenport (Affiliated Distributors, Inc.) will serve as panelists. Additional programming will include learning about various PTDA resources and programs to assist attendees in their roles and informal networking with PTDA leadership. For more information, visit ptda.org/IndustryImmersion.
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS Product Manager for MAXXDRIVE Industrial Drives receives AGMA Award
This Fall, the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) presented various awards during the 2023 Fall Technical Meeting (FTM) Awards Luncheon in Detroit, Michigan. Along with the Chairperson’s Award, awards were presented to AGMA technical committee members who have published a document within the last year. Hani Almoghrabi, Product Manager for MAXXDRIVE Industrial Gear Units at NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, was recognized for his contribution toward publishing AGMA 947-A23, Gear Reducers –Thermal Capacity. Ten other members of the AGMA Drives for Industrial Applications Committee also accepted awards for their work on the piece. “It was a pleasure working alongside my colleagues on the AGMA Enclosed Gear Committee to publish the AGMA 947-A23 Gear Reducers-Thermal Capacity information sheet,” Almoghrabi stated “we hope it will become an informative resource for the gear industry.” The published document utilizes an analytical heat balance model as a means of calculating the thermal transmittable power of a gear unit lubricated with mineral oil. The calculation is based on the standard conditions of 25°C (77°F) maximum ambient temperature and 95°C (203°F) maximum oil sump temperature in a large indoor space but also includes modifiers for calculation in other conditions. The first draft of AGMA 947-A23 was created in April 2019 and approved by the Technical Division Executive Committee in June 2023.
PTDA welcomes three new members
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), the leading association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel, is welcoming three new distributors to its membership. Distributors Gordon Russell Limited is a Canadian & family-owned business operating since 1930 supplying and servicing certified engineered products to industry in Western Canada and USA’s Pacific Northwest whose core focus is “We Keep Customers Moving Forward.” The company’s tried & tested quality products can be found in essential applications throughout Canada & USA’s Pacific Northwest resource-based economies. Learn more. MROSupply.com is the evolution of Los Angeles Rubber Company, a power transmission supplier that has been servicing the Los Angeles area since 1898. MROSupply provides its customers with 24/7 access to suppliers’ products. Learn more. W. Grainger, Inc.,is a Fortune 500 company founded in 1927 with more than 4.5 million customers worldwide. In its high-touch solutions business model, Grainger offers more than 2 million repair and operating (MRO) products and technical support and inventory management services. In its Endless Assortment segment, Zoro.com, offers customers access to more than 11 million items, and MonotaRO.com provides more than 20 million items. Learn more. The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is a global association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel. Headquartered in Chicago, PTDA represents power transmission/motion control distribution firms that generate more than $19 billion in sales and span more than 2,500 locations. PTDA members also include manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry.
PTDA launches PTDA Learning Hub
Dynamic Platform Features Essential Power Transmission/Motion Control Product Training PTDA Content with Expandable Library The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) announced the launch of its online learning management system (LMS), the PTDA Learning Hub. With a user-friendly online interface, the PTDA Learning Hub features 17 micro-learns based on the 6th edition of the PTDA Power Transmission Workbook®. Additionally, it includes PDF chapters of the Power Transmission Handbook enhanced with automated gifs and diagrams to reinforce key concepts. The material is brand-agnostic, focusing on the fundamental characteristics, vocabulary and specifications of power transmissions/motion control (PT/MC) products. The expandable platform will grow to include additional content such as webinars and text-based resources, offering today’s digital learners 24/7 access to content to learn at their own pace. “The competitive advantage for power transmission/motion control distribution companies is the knowledge and speed they bring to solving a customer’s complex problems,” says Ann Arnott, PTDA executive vice president and CEO. “As companies bring on new hires or transition employees into positions where customer interaction is a priority, the PTDA Learning Hub allows employers to easily advance product knowledge through self-directed learning opportunities. A greater breadth and depth of knowledge translates to a stronger competitive advantage, customer relationships, loyalty and sales.” In a 2021 PTDA member needs assessment, employee training ranked among the top five areas distributors—especially companies under $10 million in sales—plan to invest in the next five years. “As small distribution business owner, I lack a dedicated human resource team and training program,” says PTDA President Mike McLain, Allied Bearing and Supply. “As competition from large marketplaces continues to grow within our industry, training is a key area to set my company apart. I want my sales crew to be the ‘go-to’ team for creative customer solutions, and the PTDA Learning Hub helps facilitate that.” “Employees are a company’s most valuable asset so offering practical, relevant training is essential to building a technically competent team that can add value and solve difficult customer applications,” says Matt Pavlinsky, director, PT Products, Applied Industrial Technologies. “Whether as a standalone program or supplemental to a company’s established LMS platform, PTDA’s Learning Hub provides the essentials for employee success in the PT/MC sector.” Find information on the PTDA Learning Hub at ptda.org/LearningHub.
PTDA welcomes six new members
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), an association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel, welcomes two new distributors, three manufacturers and one associate to its membership. Distributors Exim Engineering provides power transmission products, conveyor components, gear box units, speed reducers and safety products. For over 25 years, Exim’s talented staff has been providing customers with the necessary information and support to meet their needs perfectly. Learn more. Full Circle Industrial, Inc. is a creative service company specializing in rebuilding speed reducers, gearboxes and pumps from all manufacturers. The company also distributes an ever-growing line of equipment, maintenance parts and industrial products and services. Full Circle technicians boast over 75 years of combined experience. The company’s mission is to help the community, environment, employees and customers become more sustainable while being devoted to leading the field in customer satisfaction. Learn more. Manufacturers Encoder Products Company (EPC) is a leading designer and world-wide manufacturer of motion sensing devices. EPC began operations in 1969, producing a line of custom encoders (the original Cube series) from a small, home-based shop. Today, EPC is one of the largest privately held encoder manufacturers in North America, producing the most complete line of incremental and absolute rotary encoders in the industry. Learn more. Oil States Industries, a subsidiary of Oil States International (NYSE: OIS), is a major global provider of integrated energy systems and solutions. For 75 years, the company has provided cost-effective solutions to meet drilling & workover, production, lifting and mooring challenges. The company also serves customers in the onshore, marine and industrial markets. Learn more. SITI Power Transmission USA Inc., founded by Filippo Guerra in 1967, specializes in the manufacturing of gearboxes and electric motors. The company, currently accomplishing 70% of their turnover in the foreign markets, is developing new product lines and is focused on entering the field of the heaviest applications used in industrial sections of high expansion, including renewable energies and waste recycling. Learn more. Enlighten.Net, Inc. is a leading provider of document management software and has been a trusted partner to distributors throughout North America for 20 years. The company offers robust solutions to help organizations of any size save time by providing simple yet powerful tools that are embraced by employees at all levels. With capabilities including full text search, quick retrieval and secure access from anywhere, ENet Docs improves companies’ operational efficiency. Enlighten.Net’s AP Automation, Sales Order Automation and AR Automation reduce the errors, time and expense associated with manually processed orders and invoices. Learn more. The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is a global association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel. Headquartered in Chicago, PTDA represents power transmission/motion control distribution firms that generate more than $19 billion in sales and span more than 2,500 locations. PTDA members also include manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry.
PTDA 2023 Industry Summit offers new discoveries
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) will convene for the PTDA 2023 Industry Summit in Amelia Island, Fla. on October 19-21, 2023. This year’s program—themed “Discover”— will offer cross-channel networking, shared learning and collaborative experiences. “The Industry Summit is a great opportunity for our members to step away from routine of the office and spend time connecting face-to-face with people who drive their business and our industry forward,” says PTDA President Mike McLain, vice president, Allied Bearing & Supply, Inc. “We’ve designed a program to address key issues impacting our industry with speakers who will provide information and solutions. Combined with plenty of opportunity to build business and network with peers and friends—against the beautiful backdrop of Amelia Island—this year’s event is sure to be a draw.” The signature event of the PTDA Industry Summit–the Manufacturer-Distributor Idea Exchange (MD-IDEX)–is a time- and cost-effective forum bringing together distributor and manufacturer executives for high-level discussions on market strategies and issues. MD-IDEX will feature two sessions for 2023. Day one will offer an open format and day two will feature the traditional format of pre-schedule appointments between manufacturers and distributors. Distributor and manufacturer members alike laud MD-IDEX as one of the best face-to-face cross-channel business programs with a measurable ROI for participants. Well-respected industry thought leaders will offer keynote presentations including: Renowned economist Dr. Alan Beaulieu, Founder and President of ITR Economics, and an Industry Summit favorite. Beaulieu will address the ever-evolving global economic landscape, what’s on the horizon and opportunities for PT/MC companies to seize and challenges to avert. A panel of PTDA industry veterans will discuss ways to adapt to fluctuations in the industry and other common issues like e-commerce, supply chain challenges, mergers and acquisitions, vendor relations and changing consumer behavior. Seasoned leadership trainer and consultant Jim Pancero will address innovative approaches to strengthen sales strategies, highlighting the “Four Core Values” teams must define to successfully build customer loyalty and become the buyer of choice. PT WORK Force®, an initiative of the PTDA Foundation, will welcome market analyst Alex Chausovsky to highlight key data and approaches to help employers level up their compensation and benefits strategy—an imperative for attracting high-performing, impactful employees. Highlighting insights from her book, How Winning Works: 8 Essential Leadership Lessons from the Toughest Teams on Earth, world class team builder, San Diego firefighter and World Champion Adventure Race, Robyn Benincasa, will share how synergy is “the magic that allows groups of ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.” She’ll offer innovative team-building strategies to help employers raise teams to the next level. Additional networking opportunities abound at the PTDA 2023 Industry Summit. From gatherings of the PTDA Women in the Industry (WITI) and Next Gen groups, to receptions and networking lunches, to a farewell event along Amelia’s Island’s famed shoreline, participants will gather content and grow connections. For more information, visit ptda.org/IndustrySummit. Those registering before August 25, 2023 will receive a $100 discount.
Bison Gear and Engineering adds Automated Gear Tooth Grinder
The new machine improves product quality and increases production capacity Bison Gear & Engineering Corp., a provider in the power transmission industry, has added an Automated Gear Tooth Grinder to their gear hobbing department. This new equipment offers a range of benefits that improve product quality and increase production capacity. This unique machine frees up capacity on four other machines, improves the quality of gear geometry, improves the cycle time, and effectively grinds spur and helical gears. At a time when product demand outpaces production capacity, adding this single piece of equipment will help make available nearly 40% more production time on four separate hobbing machines. In this way, the Automated Gear Tooth Grinder significantly increases total gear-cutting capabilities. This new machine is also capable of grinding the gear tooth profile, leading to an exacting, .00005-inch precision. This means that the teeth will continually mesh at the same point, appreciably reducing wear and noise. This aspect of the grinder proves of great benefit to customers who have noise-sensitive applications. Customers can also obtain increased gear motor efficiency from the fact that lower-weight lubricant oils are needed when using a grind-finished gear. The Automated Gear Tooth Grinder produces a better-finished product in ¼ of the time of a standard hobbing machine, significantly expediting the grinding process and improving the quality of the gear.
PTDA welcomes new member
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), an association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel, welcomes a new distributor member. Nelson Electric Motors (Opelika, Ala.) Founded in 1968 in Alexander City, Ala., Nelson Electric Motor Service provides expert Electro-Mechanical Repair services to the Central Alabama region. In 2002 and 2013 it expanded operations to Opelika, Ala., and Sylacauga, Ala., respectively. The company specializes in Electro-Mechanical Repair, Preventative Maintenance, and Predictive Maintenance of electric motors, generators, gearsets, and pumps through its in-shop and field service. Nelson also offers full machining and millwork and new equipment sales. In 2022, Nelson Electric made a commitment to grow sales of bearing and power transmission items to its traditional customer base. “We believe in the value of personal relationships with both customers and industry leaders and joined PTDA to build those powerful relationships,” says John Langford, corporate buyer/bearing & power transmission sales.
PTDA welcomes three new members
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), an association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel, welcomes three new member companies. Distributor Members Belt Power (Marietta, Ga.) Belt Power is an independent distributor and fabricator of conveyor system components including conveyor belts, equipment, accessories, power transmission products, rubber hose, and gasket products. Belt Power supplies manufacturing, distribution, and OEMs with a large variety of conveyor belting, conveyor components, custom conveyors, and more. “The Belt Power Team believes in the strength of relationships and networking with industry peers,” says Director of Marketing, Craig Lemonds. “We joined PTDA to build those relationships.” Learn more at beltpower.com. Servibandas (Mexico City, Mexico) Servibandas de México, S.A. de C.V. was founded in 1989 as a supplier of bands, hoses, and seals. Learn more at servibandas.com.mx Associate Members Tribute, Inc. (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio) Since 1983, Tribute, Inc. has been providing niche-focused and high-quality integrated ERP software solutions. Through its signature software solution, TrulinX, Tribute helps industrial and engineered product distributors & fabricators bolster profits and gain an edge over competitors. Learn more at tribute.com. The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is the leading global association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel. Headquartered in Chicago, PTDA represents power transmission/motion control distribution firms that generate more than $19 billion in sales and span over 2,700 locations. PTDA members also include manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry.
Shawn Marken Honored with PTDA Foundation’s 2022 Wendy B. McDonald Woman of the Year Award
Shawn Marken, BDI, has been honored as the 2022 recipient of the PTDA Foundation’s Wendy B. McDonald Woman of the Year Award. The award recognizes a woman who has established herself as a critical contributor to her company’s success and has affected positive change in the power transmission/motion control industry at any level in her career. Marken’s career began at Bearing Service Co. at a time when women were not given many opportunities for advancement. During her 40-plus-year career, she advanced into various leadership and management positions—from personnel supervisor to insurance administrator, to database editor, and many more. Today, she works as the manager of BDI’s Priority Accounts Data Support Team. She and her team manage large customer files ranging from 500 to 40,000+ lines. “Shawn has built a foundation of excellence in data management and process automation that has been taught to many others within our company,” says her colleague, Bill Shepard, vice president. “She is one of the primary resources that has enabled BDI to grow the priority accounts business over the past 15-20 years––one of our largest and fastest growing segments. There are not any significant priority account relationships that Shawn hasn’t played an integral role in winning, implementing, and optimizing.” Shawn is a sought-out colleague for her business acumen as well as her desire to grow the knowledge and experience of her team. As one colleague described Shawn in a letter to BDI’s U.S. president: “Shawn is not a manager. She is a leader. She has shown an abundance of patience, kindness, and understanding. She is constantly busy with her work, but always makes time to not only answer questions our team has (and we have a lot), but she makes it a point to TEACH us the answers.” The Wendy B. McDonald Award was established by the PTDA Foundation in 2014 to honor its namesake––Wendy B. McDonald––a true power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry pioneer. Read more about Shawn and this award at ptda.org/WendyBMcDonaldAward
PTDA Foundation presents Robert K. Callahan Future Leaders Award to Hafeez Hameer
Hafeez Hameer of Garlock Sealing Technologies has been recognized as the second recipient of the Robert K. Callahan Future Leaders Award. Hafeez currently serves as business development manager, Garlock Sealing Technologies –KLOZURE® Seals, a role he assumed in early 2022. His industry peers describe him as someone who “leads with integrity, excitement, and sincerity at Garlock and the PTDA Foundation.” He is not afraid to try new and innovative ideas and presents his well-thought-out ideas with enthusiasm and logic. Hafeez’s self-proclaimed fulfillment lies in building connections with people, opportunities, and products—earmarks of a true leader. Hameer began his career in the power transmissions/motion control (PT/MC) industry in 2014, joining now Freudenberg-NOK as a national account manager for North America. Hafeez’s strong business ethics, hard work, and relationship-building resulted in double-digit sales growth for the company over several years. He was instrumental in implementing data cleansing/analytics market analysis and new products initiatives with one of the largest distributors, also resulting in increased sales. Hafeez demonstrates a dedication and desire to better the PT/MC industry. He speaks with passion about making the industry more accessible to those who may not know about it and improving it for those who currently work in it. Hafeez is an avid supporter and promoter of the industry and currently serves as a Vice President of the PTDA Foundation Board of Trustees. The Robert K. Callahan Future Leaders Award was established in 2021. Its namesake—past PTDA Foundation president and 25-year PTDA Foundation Trustee Bob Callahan (formerly of SENQCIA MAXCO LLC)—passed away in 2021. In recognition of Bob’s commitment to advancing new talent within the PT/MC industry, the PTDA Foundation established this award to recognize a young leader who exhibits a true passion for and desire to grow within the industry. The first award was bestowed in October 2021. You can read more about Hameer and the award at ptda.org/CallahanAward
Michael Cinquemani, Master Power Transmission, honored with PTDA Warren Pike Award
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) has named Michael Cinquemani the 31st recipient of its Warren Pike Award for lifetime achievement in the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry. He received the accolade during the PTDA 2022 Industry Summit on October 28 in Nashville. Established in 1984, the Warren Pike Award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding, continuous, long-term support of PTDA and the PT/MC industry and is only presented when an individual’s achievements merit this prestigious recognition. Warren Pike Award recipients are selected by the PTDA Board of Directors. Michael’s dedication to the industry began early in his career with Rockwell Automation. The 2007 sale of the company to Baldor Electric Company gave him the opportunity to demonstrate his acumen in leading people and building relationships. In 2010, Michael bought Master Power Transmission, where he inspires and motivates his team on a daily basis. Michael began attending the PTDA Industry Summit in 2004 and was quickly tapped as a volunteer on the Membership Committee. From there, Michael served on more than nine committees and task forces, including leading as the Manufacturer Council as chair and serving on the PTDA Board of Directors for multiple terms. With a passion for giving back and building the next-generation workforce, Michael facilitated a full-day workshop at the Leadership Development Conference in 2016. In his acceptance speech, Michael shared, “Working with friends makes for trusting relationships which elevate our performance. This makes us more effective in our jobs. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work in this industry with my friends.” The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is the leading global association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel. Headquartered in Chicago, PTDA represents power transmission/motion control distribution firms that generate more than $19 billion in sales and span over 2,700 locations. PTDA members also include manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry.
PTDA welcomes two new distributor members
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), the association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel, welcomes two new member companies. Klockner Group (Columbia, S.C.) Klockner Group services industrial facilities across the U.S. with engineering, installation, fabrication, and parts for conveying systems. It is a major distributor of welded steel chain, cut tooth, and machine tooth sprockets for all material handling industrial chain installations. The company also offers technical field inspection of material handling applications to analyze problem areas and determine solutions for maximum production and maintenance-free operation. “Klockner Group strives to provide the highest quality parts and solutions in support of our customers and industry partners,” says Richie Hayward, vice president. “We joined PTDA to strengthen our relationships and grow in our knowledge of the industry.” Learn more at KlocknerGroup.com. Gerbers of Montana (Great Falls, Mont.) Gerbers of Montana has been a specialist in grain handling equipment since 1878 and now is also the largest bearing/PT stocking distributor in the state. The company prides itself on providing customer service, high industry knowledge, and having quality products in stock. “We are excited to join PTDA and are looking forward to building relationships and learning from fellow distributors/small businesses in the bearing/power transmission industry,” says Jill Tranmer, business manager. Learn more at GerbersOfMontana.com. The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) is a global association for the industrial power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel. Headquartered in Chicago, PTDA represents power transmission/motion control distribution firms that generate more than $19 billion in sales and span over 2,700 locations. PTDA members also include manufacturers that supply the PT/MC industry.
Bison announces PowerSTAR® High-Efficiency Right Angle Gearmotor celebrating 10 Years of product excellence
Bison Gear & Engineering Corp., a provider in the power transmission industry, announces its proven PowerSTAR® high-efficiency right angle gearmotor is celebrating 10 years of industry-leading product excellence. Featuring, advanced hypoid gearing technology for improved energy efficiency over traditional right-angle worm gearmotors, PowerSTAR® offers maximum power density in a compact profile that does not compromise performance. Its sleek design offers easy mounting in several orientations, ground gearing for low noise, and a variety of frame sizes to fit numerous design specifications. Ground gearing provides whisper-quiet operation and low backlash precision, while larger diameter pinions offer more surface area contact. With multiple tooth contact that handles larger loads at better efficiency, PowerSTAR® offset gears transmit higher torque output in a smaller profile along with high energy efficiency sustained throughout all standard gear ratios.
Twin Disc signs lease agreement for office location in Milwaukee
Twin Disc, Inc., a global provider of power transmission technology for marine, land-based, and oil & gas applications, has announced the lease of office space in Milwaukee, WI. The 8,100 square foot space on the fourth floor of an office building located on Erie Street in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward will accommodate approximately 25 employees. The Company expects to relocate its corporate team to the new location in early 2023. The lease of office space in Milwaukee, and the tentative sale of its location at 1328 Racine Street, are part of Twin Disc’s asset optimization strategy. “We continue to find ways to reduce our footprint and provide more value for our shareholders, customers, and employees,” said John Batten, President & Chief Executive Officer, Twin Disc, Inc. “We assessed several locations for the new office space and found that downtown Milwaukee better suits this subset of employees.” “Having transitioned manufacturing and assembly functions to more modern and efficient facilities in the Racine area, our current space is not being fully utilized,” continued Batten. “We truly believe that the community will be better served if our building on Racine Street is redeveloped into a space that provides more jobs or amenities.” Its Wisconsin-based manufacturing and assembly facilities, located at 4600 21st St, Racine, WI, will continue to produce industrial products, marine transmissions for the commercial and pleasure craft markets, and land-based transmissions used in off-road applications. The Company will continue operations at its North American Aftermarket Distribution Center, located in Sturtevant, WI.