Trelleborg tires announces a global increase
Trelleborg Wheel Systems has announced that they will be implementing price increases effective May 2024. In a press release to Material Handling Wholesaler, it states starting from May 2024 Trelleborg tires will increase prices globally by up to 5% across all segments. This price adjustment is a result of strong inflation over the last two years, a rise in the cost of raw materials, and higher inbound logistic costs. Specific details regarding the actual price change will be communicated directly to customers by Trelleborg tire representatives in each market. Trelleborg tires is a global brand delivering advanced solutions for professionals in Agriculture, Material Handling, and Construction. Trelleborg anticipates customer needs with a wide range of high-performing tires and complete wheels for off-highway vehicles, improving productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Rail traffic for the week ending October 7, 2023
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending October 7, 2023. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 499,217 carloads and intermodal units, up 3.0 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending October 7 were 233,768 carloads, up 3.6 percent compared with the same week in 2022, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 265,449 containers and trailers, up 2.5 percent compared to 2022. Seven of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2022. They included motor vehicles and parts, up 2,618 carloads, to 16,495; grain, up 1,403 carloads, to 23,235; and petroleum and petroleum products, up 1,326 carloads, to 10,139. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2022 were miscellaneous carloads, down 440 carloads, to 8,745; farm products excl. grain, and food, down 124 carloads, to 16,461; and forest products, down 1 carloads, to 7,937. For the first 40 weeks of 2023, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 9,008,598 carloads, up 0.4 percent from the same point last year; and 9,594,783 intermodal units, down 7.9 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 40 weeks of 2023 was 18,603,381 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 4.1 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending October 7, 2023, on 12 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 346,637 carloads, up 2.6 percent compared with the same week last year, and 349,627 intermodal units, down 1.5 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 696,264 carloads and intermodal units, up 0.5 percent. North American rail volume for the first 40 weeks of 2023 was 26,066,184 carloads and intermodal units, down 3.6 percent compared with 2022. Canadian railroads reported 96,488 carloads for the week, up 2.6 percent, and 72,277 intermodal units, down 11.8 percent compared with the same week in 2022. For the first 40 weeks of 2023, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 6,344,008 carloads, containers and trailers, down 3.4 percent. Mexican railroads reported 16,381 carloads for the week, down 10.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 11,901 intermodal units, down 15.4 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 40 weeks of 2023 was 1,118,795 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 3.4 percent from the same point last year. To view the traffic charts, click here.
ProMat 2023 returns as biggest supply chain event in its history
The manufacturing and supply chain community came together in a big way after four years for a record-setting ProMat event, according to show producer MHI. With an overall registration count of 50,924 and 1,051 exhibitors, the event featured 562,700 net square feet of exhibit solutions and over 150 educational sessions encompassing 1.2 million square feet at Chicago’s McCormick Place. This was the largest ProMat event to date for MHI, with 12% more registered attendees than the last pre-pandemic show – ProMat 2019. The event also saw a rebound in international attendance with attendees representing 178 countries. “MHI is committed to bringing this industry together to share leading-edge trends, technology, and innovations. The success of ProMat 2023 is proof of that and the supply chain industry’s continued relevance to the marketplace and central role in commerce,” says John Paxton, CEO, MHI. “No other event showcases all this industry has to offer to improve operational productivity and efficiency across manufacturing and supply chains. With so much tech and end-to-end solutions, ProMat offers this industry a one-stop-shop for solutions and the unparalleled education attendees need to survive and even thrive in a constantly changing marketplace.” “The energy on the show floor and the connections being made is a clear sign of the power of this industry,” added Daniel McKinnon, EVP of Exhibitions at MHI. “Attendees representing the Fortune 500, the top 100 retailers, and consumer goods firms brought large teams to ProMat to source the latest technologies and to learn leading trends impacting supply chains. They came to ProMat with plans in hand and budgets in place to improve their operations and build resilient supply chain operations for future success.” The dominant trend at ProMat was a focus on digital supply chain solutions including automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, augmented reality, the Internet of Things, and end-to-end data transparency. These new technologies work seamlessly in conjunction with the traditional material handling solutions that are also on display on the show floor to make efficient end-to-end operations possible. “We’re seeing a big acceleration in the adoption of these technologies over the next five years in manufacturing and supply chain operations,” said Paxton. “The solutions on display this year were evidence of this trend.” ProMat Supply Chain Conference The tech trend was also evident in ProMat Supply Chain Conference sessions which included over 150 educational seminars and four keynotes. On March 20, Michelle Dilley, CEO of AWESOME led a panel of senior-level women supply chain professionals. Chef and founder of World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés discussed his work in delivering humanitarian relief in some of the world’s hardest-hit areas including Ukraine and Turkey in his March 21 keynote. During the March 22 keynote, MHI’s John Paxton and Deloitte’s Wanda Johnson released the findings of the 2023 MHI Annual Industry Report: “The Responsible Supply Chain: Transparency, Sustainability, and the Case for Business.” during a panel discussion with four industry thought leaders. The report details the revolutionary adoption of supply chain technology that is predicted to make operations more responsive, agile, and responsible. The report can be downloaded here. The March 22 afternoon keynote featured Academy-Award-winning director Ron Howard who inspired the audience with his tales of creativity and mentoring during his storied film career. Industry Night with comedian Nate Bargatze was an exciting and entertaining evening. Fifty-one thousand dollars in proceeds from the event were donated to the Material Handling Education Foundation to fund scholarships and programs for students and educators in our industry. MHI also announced a $15,000 donation to World Central Kitchen. The next major material show will be March 11 – 14, 2024 with MHI’s MODEX show in Atlanta, GA.
Trade slows at Port of Long Beach
Imports down amid full warehouses, Lunar New Year factory closures Cargo moving through the Port of Long Beach slowed in February due to full warehouses, reduced consumer spending, and the closure of east Asian factories during the Lunar New Year holiday. Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 543,675 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month, down 31.7% from February 2022, which was the Port’s busiest February on record. Imports declined 34.7% to 254,970 TEUs and exports decreased 5.9% to 110,919 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the Port were down 38.3% to 177,787 TEUs. “Trade continues to normalize following the record-breaking cargo numbers we saw at the start of last year,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “We are investing in infrastructure projects that will keep us competitive as we collaborate with industry stakeholders to focus on trade volume.” “Our facilities, longshore labor, marine terminal operators, and all of our industry partners make this the premier gateway for trans-Pacific goods movement,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Sharon L. Weissman. “This traditionally slow time of year provides an opportunity to focus on long-term projects and the operational excellence that makes us the Port of Choice.” Trade typically slows in February as east Asian factories close for up to two weeks as workers celebrate Lunar New Year. Economists say the year started stronger than anticipated, but shifts in trade routes and increased prices driven by inflation contributed to a decline in shipments as retailers continued to clear warehouses. For complete cargo numbers, visit polb.com/statistics.
Rail Traffic for the Week Ending March 26, 2022
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending March 26, 2022. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 504,817 carloads and intermodal units, down 3.2 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending March 26 were 233,555 carloads, up 0.5 percent compared with the same week in 2021, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 271,262 containers and trailers, down 6.2 percent compared to 2021. Four of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2021. They included coal, up 5,140 carloads, to 66,504; chemicals, up 2,206 carloads, to 34,264; and motor vehicles and parts, up 826 carloads, to 14,341. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2021 included petroleum and petroleum products, down 2,056 carloads, to 8,638; grain, down 1,999 carloads, to 22,516; and metallic ores and metals, down 1,449 carloads, to 20,492. For the first 12 weeks of 2022, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 2,755,177 carloads, up 2.8 percent from the same point last year; and 3,099,667 intermodal units, down 7 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 12 weeks of 2022 was 5,854,844 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 2.7 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending March 26, 2022, on 12 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 330,751 carloads, down 1.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 352,549 intermodal units, down 6.9 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 683,300 carloads and intermodal units, down 4.5 percent. North American rail volume for the first 12 weeks of 2022 was 7,932,641 carloads and intermodal units, down 4 percent compared with 2021. Canadian railroads reported 75,338 carloads for the week, down 10.5 percent, and 65,476 intermodal units, down 12.3 percent compared with the same week in 2021. For the first 12 weeks of 2022, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 1,628,488 carloads, containers and trailers, down 10.3 percent. Mexican railroads reported 21,858 carloads for the week, up 9 percent compared with the same week last year, and 15,811 intermodal units, up 5 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 12 weeks of 2022 was 449,309 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 3.7 percent from the same point last year.
Trew® Expands Canadian Operations – Trew North
Trew’s Canadian-operations – Trew North – is expanding with the opening of a location near the University of Guelph. Trew North, located in greater Toronto Ontario, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Trew, LLC, a North American automated material handling solutions provider for integrators and end-users. The new physical location serves as the Canadian headquarters for client collaboration and automated material handling solutions delivery coast to coast.
Hy-Tek Holdings Acquires FASCOR and LCS
Hy-Tek Holdings (Hy-Tek) has acquired FASCOR and LCS. Hy-Tek is a material handling automation integrator serving clients in diverse end-markets and applications, including ecommerce, third-party logistics, and parcel. FASCOR is a leading provider of proprietary supply chain execution software solutions. LCS is a systems integrator. Combined, the companies operate as Hy-Tek Material Handling, LLC. The acquisitions were announced by Hy-Tek Holdings CEO Sam Grooms. “Hy-Tek’s acquisitions of FASCOR and LCS broaden our offerings as the predominant player in material handling and integrated systems (IS). With FASCOR, Hy-Tek sits at the helm of the supply chain, delivering robust, agile, affordable execution, transportation, and inventory management software solutions. LCS, a long-standing Hy-Tek partner, expands the reach of our IS division. Committed to growth through acquisitions, Hy-Tek always is looking for best-of-breed companies to join our team,” said Grooms.
Rail Traffic for the Week Ending March 12, 2022
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending March 12, 2022. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 496,134 carloads and intermodal units, down 4.7 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending March 12 were 232,388 carloads, up 0.9 percent compared with the same week in 2021, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 263,746 containers and trailers, down 9.1 percent compared to 2021. Four of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2021. They included chemicals, up 5,958 carloads, to 35,933; nonmetallic minerals, up 1,339 carloads, to 30,466; and coal, up 485 carloads, to 64,589. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2021 included grain, down 2,726 carloads, to 21,213; petroleum and petroleum products, down 1,374 carloads, to 10,005; and motor vehicles and parts, down 900 carloads, to 13,936. For the first 10 weeks of 2022, U.S. railroads reported cumulative volume of 2,288,852 carloads, up 3.2 percent from the same point last year; and 2,561,813 intermodal units, down 7.2 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first 10 weeks of 2022 was 4,850,665 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 2.6 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending March 12, 2022, on 12 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 328,598 carloads, down 1.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 349,088 intermodal units, down 8.1 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 677,686 carloads and intermodal units, down 4.9 percent. North American rail volume for the first 10 weeks of 2022 was 6,572,335 carloads and intermodal units, down 4 percent compared with 2021. Canadian railroads reported 74,498 carloads for the week, down 10 percent, and 68,865 intermodal units, down 7.6 percent compared with the same week in 2021. For the first 10 weeks of 2022, Canadian railroads reported cumulative rail traffic volume of 1,348,553 carloads, containers and trailers, down 10.2 percent. Mexican railroads reported 21,712 carloads for the week, up 12.3 percent compared with the same week last year, and 16,477 intermodal units, up 7.7 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first 10 weeks of 2022 was 373,117 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 2.3 percent from the same point last year.
JLG Expands Manufacturing Footprint into Tennessee, Adds Capacity at Three Plants
Company Ramps up Production of Core Telehandler, Boom Lift and Scissor Lift Product Lines JLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company [NYSE:OSK] and a leading global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers, is pleased to announce an expansion of its manufacturing footprint into Jefferson City, Tennessee. This new 60,000-sq-ft space, which is being leased from the Oshkosh Defense segment, along with the addition of new lines at the company’s Bedford and McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania-based plants, and its Leon, Mexico manufacturing facility, will support the increased production of boom lifts and scissor lifts, as well as both JLG® and SkyTrak® telehandlers. “We have been pursuing a number of initiatives to establish a more agile and stable business model to support long-term, sustainable growth,” said Frank Nerenhausen, executive vice president Oshkosh Corporation and president JLG Industries. “The investment in additional manufacturing space and technology-rich manufacturing lines is indicative of our commitment to supporting customer needs in today’s dynamic marketplace.” During the industrial revolution, companies had the option to replace cumbersome, manual tasks with automated processes. Those who didn’t risked obsolescence, while those who did saw the greatest long-term success. Digitization has brought this full circle, offering many new tools and technologies from which to outfit the “Factories of the Future.” “JLG is leaning in, looking at everything from how to optimize digital twins during the design/engineering process, to regionalizing supply chains, to additive manufacturing, to the autonomous and semi-autonomous solutions required to assist a now five-generation workforce and reduce the load/gap caused by labor shortages,” adds Nerenhausen. Heading into 2022 with a record $3.6 billion in backlog, combined with unprecedented inflationary pressures, labor constraints and supply chain disruptions required JLG to think differently about its manufacturing facilities and processes. “Expanding and integrating new state-of-the-art technologies into our plants will allow us to optimize operational capacity to better absorb peaks in demand, while improving worker safety and flow management,” Nerenhausen continues. “We are investing in the connected and autonomous solutions that will make it easier to do business with us.” Digitization has enabled automation and machine learning from the earliest stages of design through the manufacturing and field use of products. JLG foresees that customers will eventually be able to track a machine from its order stage through the end of its lifecycle, enabling a greater depth of insight into each unit’s true utilization and ROI. “We are driven to provide the most holistic and transparent customer experience possible to enhance customer satisfaction and improve the value stream of JLG products well into the future,” concludes Nerenhausen. JLG’s new Tennessee facility and the additional manufacturing lines in Pennsylvania and Mexico are operational and in the process of ramping up to full capacity. For more information on JLG products and services, please visit JLG.com. About JLG Industries, Inc. JLG Industries, Inc. is a world-leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of access equipment. The Company’s diverse product portfolio includes leading brands such as JLG® aerial work platforms; JLG and SkyTrak® telehandlers and rotary telehandlers; and an array of complementary accessories that increase the versatility and efficiency of these products. JLG is an Oshkosh Corporation company [NYSE: OSK]. For more information about JLG Industries, Inc., visit www.jlg.com, or find us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
JLT Mobile Computers to showcase extensive lineup of rugged mobile IT solutions at MODEX 2022
Booth highlights include the popular JLT6012™ series of rugged forklift mounted computers that are now available in dedicated Android™ and Windows™ versions to give customers full flexibility to choose the best operating system fit for their specific environment. JLT Mobile Computers, a leading developer of reliable computing solutions for demanding environments, announces it will be presenting an extensive spectrum of rugged mobile computers and accessories as well as end-to-end IT solutions for the supply chain, manufacturing and distribution industries at MODEX 2022 in Atlanta Georgia, March 28-31, Booth #C8087. Complementing the breadth of JLT’s own booth display will be partner exhibits by Winmate and International Barcoding. This year’s booth highlight is the acclaimed JLT6012™ series of rugged vehicle-mount computers, which now comprises a new and dedicated Android version (JLT6012A™) in addition to the already highly popular JLT6012™ unit with support for the Windows operating system. These high-end forklift terminals offer a unique combination of ruggedness, processing, and wireless connectivity performance to sustain reliable operation in less-than-optimal conditions. “At SSAB we pride ourselves in our commitment to not only performance but also sustainability,” said Klas Lundåsen, IT Technician at long-standing JLT customer SSAB Common IT Service. “That goes for our specialized products and services, and it also goes for third party products we use in our organization. Our relationship with JLT started in 2003 and their products have been up and running with an almost non-existent failure rate ever since then. The latest addition JLT6012 computers fit right in; they’re built to last.” Also on display at MODEX will be JLT’s other vehicle-mounts, the company’s broad lineup of rugged handheld and rugged tablet computers, as well as barcode scanners that make JLT a one-stop-shop provider for all rugged mobile computer needs where mobility and wireless connectivity and complete service and support are key. Two notable rugged wireless mobility devices on display at the JLT MODEX booth are the ultra-slim and lightweight MT3010A™ Android and MT2010P™ Windows tablets. Featuring state-of-the-art wireless technology to ensure reliable connectivity under any conditions, they put data directly and conveniently into the hands of the warehouse workforce, enabling them to make decisions on the fly as Modern Materials Handling editor Gary Forger aptly put it in a recent article. With over 25 years of experience in developing, manufacturing, and installing rugged IT solutions, a dedicated software development branch and a global network of strategic partners, JLT is in a unique position to address each customer’s individual needs by offering a full spectrum of high-quality hardware, software, and services. As a trusted, well-established solutions provider, JLT offers customers: 24-7-365 performance: Today’s warehouses depend on reliable IT systems to keep goods moving. IT break downs and inefficiency are unacceptable. This is where JLT’s decades of expertise come into play with products designed from the ground up for demanding warehouse environments and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by warehouse operators. Like no other, JLT ensures that deployed devices have seamless coverage and integrate smoothly with existing systems. Warehouse workhorses: JLT has the latest Android as well as traditional Windows vehicle-mount, tablet, and handheld computers, ensuring the right fit for every warehouse use. The popular JLT6012 series – which includes the well-received new Android 10 based JLT6012A rugged vehicle-mount terminal (see professional review) – presents unparalleled functionality as a flexible platform for developing innovative hardware, software and services for the needs of today and tomorrow. Maintenance costs are minimal, wear and tear prone components can be easily serviced, and software upgraded remotely. Other JLT warehouse workhorses are the reliable JLT1214N™ and JLT1214P™ computers, which are deployed worldwide by major warehouse operators to increase uptime and efficiency. Going the extra mile: What sets JLT apart is the dependability and extent of their services and support. JLT is on hand to help customers solve their toughest business challenges every step of the way, and offers in JLT:Care™ a no-questions-asked service agreement with clear levels of coverage, known turnaround times, and zero exclusions. State-of-the-art technology: Technology advances at a rapid pace, and JLT stays ahead of the game with productivity-enhancing updates and upgrades. Stay tuned for impending JLT6012 product line upgrade announcements in processing power, battery, as well as wireless communication technology and performance! To schedule a meeting during the MODEX 2022 show in Atlanta go here, or visit www.jltmobile.com to learn more about JLT Mobile Computers as a solutions provider.
PACK EXPO East is Back and Bigger than Ever Before
The PACK EXPO East 2022 (March 21-23, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia) show floor will be the biggest in its history, according to show producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. Booth space sales have surpassed any of the previous PACK EXPO East events, and attendee registration is also keeping pace with the 2020 show. Click here for up-to-date real-time statistics on the show. Featuring over 400 exhibitors, this biennial, three-day regional event provides professionals from the consumer packaged goods (CPG) and life sciences rich Northeast corridor a convenient opportunity to explore the latest packaging and processing technologies in person, connect with suppliers and find solutions in a rapidly changing marketplace. “PACK EXPO East attendees get the best of both worlds—the ability to see a comprehensive range of packaging and processing technologies while still having time for in-depth discussions with suppliers to solve pain points and address challenges,” says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. “This easily accessible regional event is the perfect opportunity for a day trip with your team to experience all these solutions first-hand.” Attendees have access to must-see highlights at this year’s show: Free education on the show floor is offered all three days and provides opportunities for attendees to talk with suppliers and learn about best practices and industry breakthroughs. The Forum (Booth 1026) offers free, interactive presentations. It will feature 45-minute sessions on the latest industry trends, presented by the OpX Leadership Network, Institute of Packaging Professionals, Contract Packaging Association and PMMI Business Intelligence, followed by small group discussions and Q&A sessions. Also on the show floor, the Innovation Stage (Booth 2226) offers free, 30-minute seminars throughout the day presenting breakthrough technologies, innovative applications and proven approaches from industry experts. PACK EXPO East also offers programs and activities to get students excited about careers in packaging and processing. Attendees will see high school robotics teams from the Philadelphia area showcase their design, engineering and troubleshooting skills at the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase (Booth 525). Participating schools include Camden County Technical Schools, Egg Harbor Township Police Activities League and Central High School of Philadelphia. Attendees also have the opportunity to meet students from PMMI education partner schools in the Workforce Development Pavilion. Endorsed by top industry associations, the Association Partner Pavilion brings together a valuable mix of professionals, enriching the connections and encouraging industry-wide collaboration. Participating associations include the Adhesive and Sealant Council, AIM North America, AIPIA, the Smart Packaging Association, CPA, The Association for Contract Packagers and Manufacturers, Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), F4SS, The Foundation for Supply Chain Solutions, Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP), OMAC – The Organization for Machine Automation and Control and the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA). In addition to all the show floor features, there will be ample networking opportunities. All attendees and exhibitors will gather and network during the Taste of Philly PACK EXPO East Opening Reception (Monday, March 21; 3-5 p.m.). Following the opening reception, young professionals in packaging and processing will connect during PMMI’s Young Professionals Networking Reception (Monday, March 21; 5-7 p.m.) at SPIN Philadelphia and The Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) Reception (Tuesday, March 22; 3-5 p.m.), sponsored by ID Technology, Morrison Container Handling Solutions, Polypack, Septimatech, SMC Corporation and WLS, will bring women in the industry together in a relaxed meet-and-greet setting. Attendees can plan their visit before the show by utilizing the My Show Planner feature to identify and map out exhibitors to visit, search education sessions and more. The PACK EXPO East show app, sponsored by ProMach, can be downloaded from the Apple App or Google Play Store to help navigate the show floor and find exhibitors easily while at the show. Just a drive or train trip away for most of the east coast, no other event will offer such a wide range of state-of-the-art packaging and processing solutions as PACK EXPO East. For more information and to register, visit packexpoeast.com. To learn about the PACK Ready plan, visit packexpoeast.com/packready.
H&E OPENS NEW BRANCH IN PHILADELPHIA, PA
Effective March 14, 2022, H&E Equipment Services Inc. (H&E) announces the opening of its new Philadelphia rental branch, its first in the state of Pennsylvania. The branch is located at 2500 Wheatsheaf Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19137-1030, phone 445-207-4500. The 15,400-square-foot facility sits on 2.75-acres with a fully fenced yard area, offices, and a separate repair shop with six service bays. It is capable of handling a variety of construction and general industrial equipment for customers in southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey. “H&E has established a strong customer base in the Baltimore and DC areas, so expansion to the Philly metropolitan area gives us the opportunity to more effectively serve new and existing customers located just farther north along the I-95 corridor. With growing multifamily construction and warehousing facilities in the works, we know we will have the fleet to meet the need for quality equipment for these and many other commercial construction projects,” says Branch Manager Chris Bourgeois, who managed the Baltimore branch prior to opening the Philly location. “Our entry into Pennsylvania expands our geographic footprint to 25 states with well over 100 branches. We have one of the youngest fleets in the industry, and we’re excited to meet new customers in this market and show them how we can provide timely rental solutions and the support to back them up.” The Philadelphia branch specializes in the rental of aerial lifts, telescopic forklifts, earthmoving machinery, compaction equipment, generators, compressors, and more and represents the following manufacturers: Allmand, Atlas Copco, Bomag, Case, Club Car, Cushman, Doosan, Gehl, Generac Mobile, Genie, Hilti, Husqvarna, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Kubota, LayMor, Ledwell, Lincoln Electric, Link-Belt Excavators, MEC, Miller, Multiquip, Polaris, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Sullivan-Palatek, TAG, Taylor, Towmaster Trailers, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar, and others. Founded in 1961, H&E Equipment Services is one of the largest equipment rental companies in the nation, providing the higher standard in equipment rentals, sales, parts, and service. Branches are located throughout the Pacific Northwest, West Coast, Intermountain, Southwest, Gulf Coast, Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions. For more information about H&E Equipment Services, visit www.he-equipment.com.