Cat® Lift Trucks continues its legacy as Official Lift Truck Provider for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas, the exclusive manufacturer, and provider of Cat® lift trucks across North, Central, and South America, announced that Cat Lift Trucks will return as the Official Lift Truck Provider for the 2023 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™. For 19 consecutive years, Cat Lift Trucks and its local dealer Darr Equipment Co, have played a critical role in the production of the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a beloved tradition for over 2.5 million visitors and 30,000 exhibitors each year, showcasing the very best in agriculture, entertainment, and western heritage. As the official lift truck provider, Cat Lift Trucks and Darr Equipment Company will provide top-of-the-line equipment and experienced technicians to ensure a smooth and safe operation at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This year, Cat Lift Trucks has committed to providing over 140 forklifts to keep the show running smoothly, from setup to tear down throughout the 300-acre complex. “The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is proud to have Cat Lift Trucks as our official lift truck provider,” said Dr. Chris Boleman, president and CEO of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “Their commitment to excellence and support of our event makes them a valuable partner and we look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship for many years to come.” “We are honored to continue our partnership with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and help keep the annual Houston tradition moving,” said John Sneddon, executive vice president of Sales and Marketing at Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. “Our commitment to providing top-quality equipment, exceptional service and educational opportunities aligns with the values of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, making this partnership a natural fit.” Cat Lift Trucks also provides a scholarship program to invest in the future generation of leaders and innovators. Each year, the scholarship program honors an outstanding Houston-area high-school senior interested in pursuing a four-year degree related to the material handling industry. This year’s winner will be honored at the 2023 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ and awarded a $5,000 scholarship to go towards their higher education. Since its launch in 2005, the Cat Lift Trucks scholarship program has awarded $135,000 in educational assistance to 27 Houston-area students. The 2023 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will begin Tuesday, Feb. 28, and run through Sunday, March 19, 2023.
Yale nabs 2022 GOOD DESIGN Award for fully integrated lithium-ion lift truck
Yale Materials Handling Corporation announces its three-wheel integrated lithium-ion forklift, the ERP040VTL, is the recipient of a 2022 GOOD DESIGN Award. Yale engineered this lift truck around a fully integrated lithium-ion battery pack, to optimize both form and function. Designing the truck with an integrated lithium-ion battery in mind not only allows the ERP040VTL to realize the advantages of this advanced electric power source – like zero emissions, no battery maintenance, full power until depletion and fast charging – it also delivers key productivity benefits: Ergonomics: An open-space design increases operator freedom to position feet and makes for easy entry and exit, maximizing comfort and convenience to help propel productivity. Stability: A repositioned center of gravity enhances drive quality and improves truck handling in corners for greater operator confidence and performance. Overall, the truck’s ergonomic design and power features can help increase productivity by up to 5%, based on VDI 2198, a standard for comparing technical details of industrial trucks. “In addition to the design benefits, manufacturing lift trucks around a fully integrated lithium-ion battery helps alleviate headaches for warehousers who might otherwise retrofit their trucks to accommodate lithium-ion, and would need to jump through hoops of identifying, purchasing and installing the necessary aftermarket components,” says Brad Long, Brand Manager, Yale Materials Handling Corporation. “That emphasis on providing a more comprehensive solution by integrating tech in our trucks extends throughout Yale offerings, including our other warehouse innovations like telematics and operator assist systems.”
KION North America announces expansion with dealer partner Carson Material Handling
KION North America has announced its territory expansion with dealer partner Carson Material Handling. This expansion includes a new location in Campobello, S.C., and involves the acquisition of J&J Forklift Services. Carson Material Handling is authorized to sell the Linde Material Handling and Baoli brands. “We are grateful for our long and rewarding relationship with Carson Material Handling,” said Rick Schiel, Director, Distribution Management. “This expansion signifies Carson Material Handling’s continued commitment to growth and being a trusted resource for their client’s needs.” For almost 20 years, Carson Material Handling has been a fleet management solutions provider throughout North Carolina and North-Western South Carolina. Their one-stop-shop process for client challenges includes creating a holistic approach by providing equipment expertise, fleet automation, and service support throughout the customer’s life-cycle journey. “As a Linde-only dealership, we made a commitment to continue to grow and expand our footprint, market share, and capabilities within North and South Carolina,” said Duane Wilson, CEO of Carson Material Handling. “Our J&J Forklift Services acquisition provides an opportunity to bring our entire package of tested fleet management solutions to the upstate South Carolina market. With the full product line available from KION North America and the increased amount of localization, we are excited to offer our new customer base a wide range of equipment made in South Carolina to be used in South Carolina,” Wilson continued. For a complete directory of KION North America’s current dealer network, visit www.kion-na.com
Lift Atlanta joins LiuGong North America dealer lineup
Lift Atlanta is the latest dealer to join the expanding LiuGong North America dealership network in the South. Leaders of the North Georgia-based business said they were looking for a new manufacturer at the end of 2022 and were intrigued by what they heard from current LiuGong dealers and their customers. “LiuGong reached out to us to see if we would be interested in the line,” said Lift Atlanta President Mark Milovich. “After talking with several LiuGong North America dealers and some end users, we liked what we heard and decided to enter into a dealer agreement with LiuGong.” Lift Atlanta is headquartered in Decatur, Georgia with an additional location in Augusta. The company was founded as a forklift dealer in 1975 by Mitchell Milovich, Lift Atlanta CEO. He brings a wealth of experience to the LiuGong North America dealer network with a background in the material handling industry since the mid-1960s. The business covers Georgia and parts of South Carolina, primarily serving recycling, concrete, lumber, and brick and block industries, as well as national retailers and shipping companies. Jared Ward, Vice President Material Handling Division, LiuGong North America, welcomed the company to the network. “As we continue to look for dealers to serve customers and key regions, it was apparent from its history that Lift Atlanta fit our needs in the material handling space,” Ward said. LiuGong North America President Andrew Ryan said Lift Atlanta is a highly respected dealer in the South, and they are looking forward to working together to expand their business in the area. “The people at Lift Atlanta know what it takes to be a reliable resource for their customers, and we know that service will extend to our products,” he said. “Their reputation with their customers will be key to expanding our dealer network and increasing sales in the region.” Milovich said Lift Atlanta seeks out trustworthy manufacturers that stand behind their products with excellent service, and the partnership with LiuGong North America is an extension of that strategy. “We try to align ourselves with quality manufacturers – ones that we, as well as our customers, can trust for quality goods and services,” he said.
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas Group celebrates UniCarriers® Forklift’s Premier Club winners for 2022
Marengo-based Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas, the exclusive manufacturer, and provider of UniCarriers Forklifts across North, Central, and South America, announced the winners of its Premier Club Awards for 2022. The annual Premier Club program recognizes the top ten UniCarriers Forklift dealers throughout the Americas. Award honorees set the standard to which all dealers representing UniCarriers’ brand products aspire, creating a culture of reliability and professionalism within their organizations and reflecting UniCarriers Forklift’s core values. To attain status as an award winner, each organization accepted UniCarriers’ challenge, surpassing difficult goals, and ranking among the OEM’s leading dealerships. All UniCarriers dealers were evaluated based on new equipment sales, market penetration, aftermarket parts sales, service expertise, overall performance, and professionalism. “For an award based on such rigorous metrics, it’s exciting to see so many exceptional dealers display perseverance, dedication, and excellence in representing our company,” said Niels Tolboom, Director of North America Dealer Sales at Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas (Marengo). “Congratulations to this year’s winners! Your Never Quit attitude inspires all of us.” The following 10 dealers excelled in these critical areas and earned the prestigious status as a UniCarriers Premier Club winner for 2022: · Darr Equipment Company – Houston, TX · Dyna-Lift – Montgomery, AL · Equipment Depot Wisconsin – Hartland, WI · Lift Solutions – Omaha, NE · M&L Industries, LLC – Houma, LA · Material Handling Supply – Pennsauken, NJ · Vegusa Maquinaria – Mexico City, MX · Parkway Systems – San Antonio, TX · Select Equipment Sales – Buena Park, CA · Sunbelt Material Handling – Dallas, TX
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas recognizes 2023 Dealers of Excellence
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas announced the winners of its 2023 Dealers of Excellence program. The annual award program honors dealers representing the Mitsubishi forklift trucks, Cat® lift trucks, and Jungheinrich® warehouse and automation products across North America. Dealers receiving this honor are recognized for demonstrating best-in-class industry expertise and providing superior customer service to the material handling industry. The 2023 winners were selected from among more than 75 Cat lift truck, Mitsubishi forklift truck, and Jungheinrich dealers within the Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas dealer network in North America. “We’re proud to celebrate and recognize our 2023 Dealers of Excellence recipients,” said Eric Gabriel, Vice President of North America Dealer Sales at Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. “This award recognizes an exceptional group of dealers that strive to continuously provide first-class customer service and support. We congratulate them for their commitment and appreciate their dedication to the material handling industry.” 2023 Dealers of Excellence Honorees: Atlantic Lift Truck, Inc. Bailey Darr Equipment Company Equipment Depot – Kentucky Equipment Depot – Ohio Equipment Depot of Illinois Fallsway Equipment Co. Fraza G&W Equipment Holt of California MADISA Miami Industrial Trucks Morrison Industrial Equipment Quinn Lift Toromont Material Handling Quebec Towlift TRACSA Wiese USA, Inc. (Central) Wiese USA, Inc. (South)
After 100 years of innovation Raymond continues to lead
One hundred years after its founding, and with the same customer-first approach that led to the introduction of the double-faced wooden-sided pallet and the hydraulic hand pallet jack, The Raymond Corporation continues its unquestioned industry leadership with a host of awards and recognitions from the Logistics Hall of Fame, IndustryWeek, the National Association of Manufacturers, and other organizations. “For 100 years, the customer has been at the heart of our business,” said Michael Field, president and CEO of The Raymond Corporation. “Recognition by these leading organizations affirms our dedication to building a business that starts and ends with helping customers optimize, connect and automate.” Among the honors Raymond has recently received are: Logistics Hall of Fame — George Raymond Sr. Developed in the 1930s by founder George Raymond Sr. and colleague William House, the double-sided wood pallet fundamentally changed the way products are stored and moved, offering operations new levels of performance and efficiency. “It’s incredible to see the lasting impact my grandfather had and how his spirit of innovation lives on today at The Raymond Corporation,” said Steve Raymond, retired president of Raymond Handling Concepts Corporation and grandson of Raymond’s founder. “One hundred years later, the double-faced wooden pallet remains an industry standard.” IndustryWeek Best Plants — Greene, New York. Lean management techniques, as well as defect reduction initiatives, visual management, and 44 active quality control circle activities, have helped double production volume at Raymond’s Greene, New York, plant while providing for a 35% increase in overall quality over the past three years. The Best Plant Awards program recognizes excellence in manufacturing facilities and aims to encourage other manufacturers to adopt world-class practices, technologies, and improvement strategies, increase customer satisfaction and offer rewarding work environments for employees. R&D 100 Award Winner — iW.RTLS. Long considered a benchmark of excellence, the R&D 100 Awards program recognizes new commercial products for their technological significance. Raymond is honored to have its iWAREHOUSE® Real-Time Location System (iW.RTLS) chosen as a winner in the Process/Prototyping category for its ability to control personnel, equipment, and asset movement through its geofencing, zoning, and tracking capabilities. SDCE Women in Supply Chain — Jennifer de Souza. This Supply & Demand Chain Executive award recognizes female supply chain leaders who are setting a foundation for women at all levels of a company’s supply chain network. With management responsibility for energy storage solutions as well as Raymond’s alternative energy initiatives, Jennifer de Souza, vice president of energy solutions, procurement, and leasing, is a passionate advocate for the productivity, profitability, and sustainability benefits offered by alternative energy solutions. “Continuing to mentor and educate individuals and companies about the benefits of alternative energy solutions,” she said, “will lead to a more efficient workforce and sustainable future.” Manufacturing Leadership Award — Greene, New York. The National Association of Manufacturers Manufacturing Leadership Council recognized Raymond’s Greene, New York, facility for its ongoing culture of continuous improvement. “The plant’s commitment to innovation and optimization continues to allow us to serve our customers better and provide them with innovative end-to-end intralogistics solutions,” said Tony Topencik, vice president of operations, quality, environmental health, and safety. Other awards and recognitions received by Raymond® products, initiatives, and personnel include: Food Logistics Rock Stars of the Supply Chain — Derrick Miller, regional sales manager SDCE Top Supply Chain Projects — Crossroads Community Services Inbound Logistics 75 Green Supply Chain Partners (list inclusion, G75) Plant Engineering Product of the Year, Bronze Award — iW.RTLS FSA Top Food Chain Technology (list inclusion) — The Raymond Corporation FSA Top Food Chain Provider (list inclusion) — The Raymond Corporation Food Logistics Top Software & Technology Providers — The Raymond Corporation International Forklift of the Year (finalist) — Raymond 8910 end rider pallet jack 2022 Central New York Business Journal Legends – The Raymond Corporation “Listening to our customers and helping them optimize their storage and distribution operations with innovative products and services is a core component of our company’s success,” Field said. “So while the most meaningful award we receive is the continued trust of our customers around the world, we’re immensely proud to have our products, our facilities, our people, and our commitment to innovation, quality, and service held up as examples for the industry.”
Toyota Material Handling sweeps TMHG Global Skills Competition
Shawn Dickmeyer earns Gold in the welding category and joins Kim Douglass (gold, Assembly) as the first two TMH gold medalists in international competition Shawn Dickmeyer, a Toyota Material Handling (TMH) associate, is being celebrated by his colleagues for a historic win at the 2022 Global Skills Competition hosted by the Toyota Material Handling Group (TMHG) in Takahama, Japan, last month, earning a gold medal in the Welding category. Dickmeyer beat competitors from other Toyota group companies based in China, France, Italy, and Sweden, as well as additional U.S. participants during the annual international competition. Dickmeyer earned the distinct honor of becoming the first TMH representative to ever win gold in the Welding category. Fellow TMH associate Kim Douglass took home the gold for Assembly, meaning TMH swept the highly competitive event for the first time in company history. “Shawn came out on top against some of the most skilled competitors in the world, showcasing on a global stage the character, skill, and talent our associates possess at Toyota Material Handling,” said Tony Miller, TMH Senior Vice President of Operations, Engineering & Strategic Planning. “We are all very proud of the hard work Shawn invested in preparation for this competition and the manner in which he represented our organization. Shawn and Kim have set a new standard for excellence that will be hard to match, but one we hope will motivate others for years to come.” Dickmeyer credits veteran TMH competitors, Phil Roberts and Leon Moore, as the inspiration behind his victory. Of his nearly 13 years at TMH, Dickmeyer spent the last three in the training department working alongside Roberts and Moore, helping them prepare for their competitions, conducting welding tests for new hires, and processing materials for the welding dojo. Roberts and Moore eventually convinced Dickmeyer to compete, supporting and coaching him for hours each day for an entire year prior to the competition. Before advancing to the global competition and a nine-day trip to Japan, Dickmeyer first proved his superior skills against other hopeful competitors from other Toyota group companies in North America during a regional competition. Despite the confidence he gained from his initial win, Dickmeyer saw himself as more of an underdog than the favorite in a “stacked” competition. “Competing next to the other contestants in Japan created a lot more pressure than I had anticipated,” Dickmeyer recalls. “I tried to use music and chewing gum to help calm my nerves.” Rather than get sidetracked by anxiety, Dickmeyer threw himself into the familiar routine he had practiced over the previous 12 months, determined to block out distractions and stay focused on the end goal: welding a vessel and a complicated joint in less than 40 minutes. Competitors are judged on criteria such as weld size, position, appearance, and testing the vessel up to a certain level of PSI pressure. While the time Dickmeyer spent behind the torch remains somewhat of a blur, the experience that followed will likely never fade. “When they announced I had won gold, the feeling was indescribable. The flood of different emotions was pretty intense,” Dickmeyer said. “Winning gold was pretty special, but for both Kim and I to win gold in the same year was incredible. That was the goal going in, but we knew it would be tough to achieve. I’m so thankful we were able to do it together.” In honor of their historic achievement, TMH dedicated a special day to celebrate each of their returning champions, complete with congratulatory signs and banners, a cafeteria offering based on their favorite meals, and gold cookies with red, white, and blue ribbons attached to them. Dickmeyer said he was overwhelmed by the countless congratulatory messages he received from his colleagues. “It was humbling to have TMH take the time to put together a day in my honor. Toyota is and always has been a special place to work because they truly care for the people that work here,” Dickmeyer said. “It also brought awareness to the TMHG Global Skills Competition, which I think is important because it truly is a life-changing opportunity. It was a unique privilege to experience the Japanese culture. It is such a beautiful place, and I would tell anyone thinking of competing in the future to just go for it. It is the trip of a lifetime, and this process will definitely help you grow in more ways than you could ever imagine.” Dickmeyer and Douglass’ wins are a testament to TMH’s industry-leading reputation of dedication to innovation, quality, and service. The full-line material handling solutions provider and North America’s leading manufacturer of forklifts maintains a constant focus on delivering the highest quality and believes in the concept of ‘Kaizen’, or continuous improvement, in every aspect of its business. “I am so thankful to everyone who helped me throughout this process, especially Brad Cater, who consistently critiqued my practice sessions and pushed me to be the best I could be,” Dickmeyer said.
KION North America announces monumental partnership with Impact Forklift Solutions
KION North America announced that Impact Forklift Solutions, headquartered in Dallas, TX, has joined its expansive dealer network, covering the following territories: Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, and Missouri. Impact Forklift Solutions will sell KION North America’s complete product portfolio of Linde Material Handling and Baoli brands. “We are proud to partner with dealers who are extremely committed and dedicated trusted solutions providers for their customers,” said Director of Dealer Development Rick Schiel. “Impact Forklift Solutions exudes what it means to be completely committed to its customer base, which is directly related to its long history of success. We look forward to partnering with Impact Forklift Solutions as they represent the Linde Material Handling and Baoli brands.” Impact Forklift Solutions is born from over 40 years of material handling experience and is proud to offer superior sales and service to its customers throughout its territories. That long heritage aligns with their core values of integrity, humility, respect, empathy, and commitment, creating a foundation of success and making the organization into the powerhouse organization it is today. By putting the customer first, this organization has built a solid reputation as an experienced, integrated solutions provider for its customers to help them navigate and prepare for their business challenges. Impact Forklift Solutions’ commitment to customer satisfaction includes delivering solutions that have the most significant impact on its customers’ businesses.
Jungheinrich AG to acquire Storage Solutions group
Strengthens Jungheinrich’s intralogistics business with a complementary regional footprint Adds strong growth platform for warehouse automation solutions in the U.S. An important step in the implementation of Strategy 2025+ German intralogistics pioneer Jungheinrich AG (“Jungheinrich”) has signed a share purchase agreement with Merit Capital Partners, MFG Partners, and the management of Storage Solutions for the acquisition of 100% of the share capital in the Indiana-based Storage Solutions group (“Storage Solutions”), a provider of racking and warehouse automation solutions in the U.S., to gain enhanced access to the attractive U.S. warehousing and automation market. The total consideration agreed under the share purchase agreement consists of a purchase price of approximately USD 375 million (which is subject to customary closing adjustments) and a flexible, performance-based component in the mid to high single-digit percentage range of the purchase price which can be achieved by the retained Storage Solutions management over three years following completion of the transaction. The acquisition will be financed with available cash and debt with limited leverage impact. Storage Solutions, headquartered in Westfield, Indiana, is a U.S. warehouse design, automation, and integration company with 170 employees and 45 years of experience in delivering turnkey, best-fit solutions to customers. Based on a technology-agnostic business model, the company has achieved a strong position in the attractive U.S. warehousing market, which benefits from robust long-term growth dynamics. It offers unique vertically integrated service lines with in-house logistics and installation teams, ensuring on-time project completion and providing value-added services, including workflow optimization, engineering, and permitting. Storage Solutions is a trusted partner to a large and growing customer base with a strategic focus on companies that need integrated warehouse design, technical and project management support, and competencies. Its recurring customer base includes a broad range of leading brands, for example in the third-party logistics, e-commerce, retail, food and beverage, and industrials sectors. For 2022, Storage Solutions is set to report revenues of approximately USD 290 million and an adjusted EBIT of approximately USD 34 million. Strengthening Jungheinrich in line with its 2025+ strategy For Jungheinrich, the acquisition is highly complementary to its global footprint and will further strengthen the company’s market position. It is a unique opportunity to enter a large and rapidly growing market segment with a strategic foothold in the U.S. The market coverage of Storage Solutions will provide Jungheinrich with access to key logistics hubs in the U.S. and the opportunity to support the existing European customer base in this market. Acquiring a growth platform in the U.S. also provides the additional mid-term potential to build a presence in the adjacent countries of Canada and Mexico. The acquisition will sit alongside and not have any impact on the existing partnership of Jungheinrich with Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas (MLA), which will remain the sole activity of Jungheinrich in the North American forklifts market. By combining the expertise and capabilities of both partners, Jungheinrich and Storage Solutions will jointly drive the further development of innovative automation solutions. Warehouse automation is a priority for customers both of Storage Solutions and Jungheinrich, with an expected global market growth of 10% (CAGR) in the period of 2021 to 2025. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to EPS, free cash flow per share, and adjusted EBIT margin from the beginning. The 2025+ goal of 20% of sales outside Europe, in particular through inorganic growth, will be underpinned by the addition of USD 300+ million in annual revenues from Storage Solutions. Furthermore, the service-oriented business model of Storage Solutions allows for an asset-light approach with limited capital expenditure requirements, thereby strengthening Jungheinrich’s cash generation and resilience. Dr. Lars Brzoska, Chief Executive Officer of Jungheinrich: “The acquisition of Storage Solutions is an important step in the implementation of our 2025+ strategy. It is an excellent opportunity to expand our geographic footprint in the U.S. and adds a strong strategic platform for growth in warehouse automation across the region. Storage Solutions is a well-established and successful business with an attractive customer base and an excellent management team. We see great opportunities in combining the warehouse and automation capabilities of both parties to the benefit of customers in the U.S. as well as our European customers with operations in North America.” Kevin Rowles, Chief Executive Officer of Storage Solutions: “The next level of growth in our industry will be driven by an increasing need for warehouse automation. Storage Solutions has established solid capabilities in racking as well as automation and digitalization which we are seeking to expand further, as demand is continuously accelerating on the back of strong underlying fundamentals. Together with Jungheinrich, we look forward to jointly capturing the upside for further growth.” The executive board and supervisory board of Jungheinrich have approved the transaction. The completion of the acquisition, which is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2023, is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of the merger control clearance in the United States. Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc is acting as financial advisor to Jungheinrich and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is acting as legal advisor, while Deloitte has provided support during the due diligence process. Baird is acting as financial advisor to Storage Solutions and Goodwin Procter LLP is acting as legal advisor.
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Toyota Material Handling announces organizational changes
Toyota Material Handling (TMH), the industry leader in material handling innovation, announces the promotion of Bill Byrd and Dan Kossow to director-level positions as part of a new strategic vision for the company’s organizational structure to further support and enhance operations and collaboration between corporate sales teams and its renowned nationwide TMH dealer network. “These promotions are a reflection of Toyota’s ongoing commitment to providing customers with world-class service and expertise to meet their unique needs and challenges,” said Jaksa Pejnovic, TMH Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “It is our experience that one of the best ways to successfully uphold such a commitment is through a culture of continuous improvement in how and what we do – or ‘kaizen’ as we call it. We have an opportunity to enhance our collaboration as a team. Adding these executives to our management team positions us to pursue TMH’s vision for the future by leveraging their combined skills and talents for the benefit of our customers.” As Director of Dealer Development, Byrd is charged with managing the company’s relationships with its industry-leading network of independent and equity dealers. Byrd, a 24-year industry veteran, has held several key roles since arriving at TMH in 2016, including his most recent position as Senior Sales Manager for National Accounts. In addition to his current responsibilities overseeing the company’s Heavy Duty Division, Kossow will assume Byrd’s former responsibilities in his new role as Director of National Accounts and Heavy Duty Sales. Kossow’s industry experience spans 24 years. He joined TMH in 2019 after the company’s acquisition of HOIST Liftruck.
Hyster forklifts win two Product of the Year awards
High-capacity integrated lithium-ion lift truck and newly launched internal combustion engine-powered model earn honors Hyster Company announces that two of its forklift models have been voted as top products of 2022 by readers of Material Handling Product News and MaterialHandling247.com. The J230-360XD36/48 was voted the year’s top lift truck and accessories product, while the H40-70A was elected the year’s best ergonomics and safety product. “These two award-winning lift trucks demonstrate our commitment to delivering solutions that address the wants and needs of our customers,” says Martin Boyd, Vice President, Product Planning and Solutions, at Hyster Company. “Whether customers are looking for tailored solutions they can build around their application or a solution designed to empower them to transition even high-capacity trucks from internal combustion to electric, our approach is to provide choices and work in partnership with customers, consulting on the optimal solution for their operations.” Powered by a factory-integrated lithium-ion battery, the J230-360XD36/48 offers lift capacities up to 36,000 pounds, bringing zero emissions and performance comparable to that of an internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered truck to heavy-duty industries such as steel, concrete, lumber, agriculture, and ports. The integrated lithium-ion battery enables opportunity charging, high uptime, and a low total cost of ownership. The ergonomically designed, high-visibility cab also puts high productivity within reach. An armored glass top window, curved front, and rear windows, and steel doors with tempered glass provide excellent all-around operator visibility. The largest cabin entry area in the industry makes access more convenient for the operator, and inside the cab, a full-color touchscreen puts performance data at the operator’s fingertips. An ergonomically designed control arm, an adjustable steering column, and a unique foot pedal design provide additional support for operator comfort and productivity all shift long. In addition to the win for the J230-360XD36/48 electric lift truck, Hyster took home a second Product of the Year Award for the recently launched H40-70A, the first model in the new, highly configurable A-Series lineup. These 4,000-to-7,000-pound capacities ICE forklifts are designed and manufactured according to a scalable approach that helps customers maximize operator performance while keeping a low total cost of ownership. Customers can choose the options they need from a fully integrated set of adjustable features, based on their unique application. The A Series also offers robust standard features, such as the innovative Dynamic Stability System, which uses sensors to continually monitor truck status. When it detects the truck exceeding designated stability thresholds, DSS automatically implements measures like limiting truck speed and hydraulic function, to help minimize the risk of forward and sideways tip-overs.
Doosan Infracore changes name to Develon
Doosan Infracore has changed its name to Develon, company directors announced in a media event at World of Concrete. Doosan Infracore has changed its name to Develon, company directors announced in a media event at World of Concrete. Doosan staff began working to find a new brand name to replace Doosan following the August 2021 sale of Doosan Infracore to HD Hyundai, formerly Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings Co. The name Develon was chosen to convey the company’s drive to “develop onward” to bring innovative solutions to the construction equipment industry through technological transformation and the development of exceptional equipment and services Develon officials said the correct pronunciation of the new brand name is with the accent on the middle syllable. “Pronounce the word the same way you would pronounce ‘develop,’ ” said vice president of sales Adam Howard, emphasizing that “Develon” essentially means “develop onward.” “We believe the new Develon brand will help us build on the success we’ve had in North America over the past 30 years and throughout the world for more than 80 years,” said Todd Roecker, vice president of growth initiatives. Develon will continue to work with customers and partners in construction, logging, recycling, mining, rental, and agriculture. Efforts will also be placed on advancing sustainable development through alternative energy sources of power for construction equipment. The announcement at World of Concrete is the first of many in a series of steps to launch the new brand. Visitors to Conexpo-Con/Agg in March will see the next phase of the launch with newly branded construction equipment in the outdoor Develon exhibit. This will include the latest developments in the Concept-X autonomous equipment solution and live demonstrations at the outdoor exhibition in the Festival Grounds lot (F9153). “Our commitment to the construction equipment industry and advancing new technologies has never been stronger than it is today,” said Roecker. “Develon anticipates changes in the industry and prepares solutions to address these challenges. This is evident by our ongoing development of the world’s first autonomous job site solution — Concept-X — and the work we are doing with alternative energy sources like electricity and battery packs for our mini excavators.” After ConExpo, continued efforts will be made to advance the brand at the local dealer level through updates to signage and machine decals. Customers are likely to begin to see newly branded machines at their local Develon dealerships and on job sites as early as the end of the second quarter of 2023. Develon officials told RER that while changes to decals on equipment can be accomplished quickly – and customers will see the changes at the ConExpo show – it will take several more months to change the branding on company literature, components, software, and a wide range of areas where the name of the company is stated. Continuing growth in North America In North America, Develon will continue supporting its more than 180 dealer locations in the United States and Canada. Develon North American operations will remain headquartered near Atlanta, in Suwanee, Ga., where the company continues to offer a training center for dealership service technicians. The company will maintain exceptional parts availability through its two regional parts distribution centers: one in Atlanta and a second in the Pacific Northwest. A customization plant in Savannah, Ga., will still play a key role in supplying machines to Develon dealers and customers: getting products into the hands of customers faster, with the configurations they need for their applications. “Our dealers and customers should expect the same strong support from Develon in the future,” said Roecker. “We are committed to the long-term success of the new brand and ensuring our customers have the support they need to be successful. Develon makes best-in-class equipment, excelling in performance, durability, and reliability. That commitment will remain constant.” Develon will continue as a subsidiary in the Hyundai Genuine group alongside Hyundai Construction Equipment. These two subsidiaries will remain independent construction equipment companies under HD Hyundai. Together, the two brands will position Hyundai Genuine as a global top-5 player in the construction equipment industry. “We’ve grown our construction equipment offering in North America with our line of mini-excavators and most recently the addition of dozers,” said Roecker. “These product expansions represent our goal of providing a full line of equipment for our dealers and our customers. We believe that this demonstrates our commitment to North America, and we look forward to continued growth here for many years to come.”
KION Group to develop and produce its own Fuel Cell Systems for Industrial Trucks
Intralogistics group begins production of hydrogen propulsion systems KION Group plans to invest more than €11 million in this technology Launch of a 24 V fuel cell system planned for Spring 2023, with other systems to follow Advantages over other energy sources: Lower emissions and more sustainable drive with quick tank filling CEO Smith: “As of today, KION will be the only forklift manufacturer in the European market to produce its own fuel cells, something that truly sets us apart.” The KION Group is expanding its hydrogen propulsion range. The global intralogistics group will soon develop and produce its own fuel cell systems for its industrial trucks. The company is going to invest more than €11 million in this technology. The KION Group plans to launch its own 24 V fuel cell system for warehouse equipment to the market in spring 2023. Completion of the fuel cell portfolio is expected to follow in the coming years. This means that the KION brands will soon be able to offer their customers everything they need from a single source: the forklift, the fuel cells, and the associated service. “As of today, the KION Group will be the only manufacturer of forklifts and warehouse equipment in the European market to produce its own fuel cells, something that truly sets us apart,” says Rob Smith, CEO of the KION GROUP AG. “There is huge demand from our customers and we hope that this technology will allow us to meet ever-increasing calls for intralogistics to become more resource-conscious and sustainable, while at the same time also meet demands for rapid refueling.” The group plans to supply the first forklift trucks with its own fuel cell systems this year. Easy and Practical, Fast and Clean The advantages of fuel cell technology are manifold. The energy system does not generate any emissions during operation, making it ideal for use in warehouses. If the hydrogen also comes from regenerative sources, e.g., biogas or electrolysis from the sun or wind energy, it is climate neutral. A further advantage of the energy system comes to the fore when stopping to fill up at the hydrogen filling station: Fully refilling the tank takes just one to three minutes. This helps minimize interruptions and increase the availability of forklifts—a massive advantage for multi-shift operations and for large fleets. A further advantage is that they contain no toxic acids or other pollutants, a real plus not just in terms of recycling, but also for daily operation. For example, this makes the fuel-cell drive an attractive alternative to a lead-acid battery, particularly in hygiene-critical industries such as the pharmaceutical and food industries. Hydrogen Production at the Aschaffenburg Site Alongside the development and production of fuel cell systems, the Group is also installing its own hydrogen production at its Aschaffenburg site. The construction work for a state-funded hydrogen filling station including an electrolyzer is nearly finished. After construction work on the hydrogen infrastructure is completed, 21 hybrid fuel cell systems will be put into operation and will replace the majority of the forklifts with combustion engines that are currently in operation at the site. Decades of Experience With This Energy Source The KION Group brands were quick to embrace the idea that hydrogen and fuel cell technologies could offer significant potential for intralogistics. KION subsidiary Linde Material Handling GmbH (Linde MH) has been focusing intensively on this multi-faceted technology since 1997 and began series production of its first trucks with this technology in 2010. Today, Linde MH offers one of the widest portfolios of fuel cell drive industrial trucks on the market. Around 80% of all models are available with this future-oriented drive technology, including pallet trucks, tractors or reach trucks, and counterbalanced trucks. The technology has also been a core part of KION subsidiary STILL GmbH’s product portfolio for many years. For its customers, the company has been implementing regular hydrogen projects for various truck types since 2003. STILL is currently operating one of Europe’s largest fleets of forklift trucks with hydrogen drive for a customer in France. KION subsidiary STILL has also entered into a partnership with Hydrogentle GmbH to be able to better advise and support its customers in all things fuel cell technology. The partnership is aimed at planning special plant engineering projects, producing feasibility analyses, and advising customers on the topic of hydrogen infrastructure, from initial conversations through to the supply of complete hydrogen infrastructure for filling industrial trucks. Fuel Cell Technology in Industrial Trucks In fuel cell systems, energy is obtained through a chemical reaction between oxygen (O2) and hydrogen (H2), which feeds a compact lithium-ion battery. This hybrid combination powers the forklift truck by supplying the drive and lifting motors with energy. The fuel cell generates the electrical energy required to operate the forklift truck directly on board. The only by-products generated during “cold combustion” are heat, water vapor, and pure water.
Broadhead Equipment joins LiuGong North America dealer lineup
When Broadhead Equipment, formerly known as JES Equipment Solutions, set out to find a new line of construction equipment to sell, they’d never heard of LiuGong North America. But after research and talking with local suppliers, leaders of the Sumiton, Alabama-based dealership kept hearing the same name pop up again and again. It didn’t take long – they decided LiuGong is likely “to be the next big thing in the area.” “This is our business and our livelihood, and we’re eager to expand,” said Jordan Broadhead, Broadhead Equipment business manager. “We think LiuGong can take us there.” Broadhead Equipment is the latest business to join LiuGong North America’s growing dealership partner network. The company was founded in 2019 with just a service truck and two bulldozer engines and has since expanded to sell tractors, zero-turn mowers, and construction equipment. It just changed its name to better identify its company and brand presence to avoid confusion with another entity. LiuGong North America President Andrew Ryan welcomed Broadhead Equipment to the dealer network and noted the business will play a key role in expanding its footprint in the area. “We are incredibly thankful to reach this agreement and are excited to work with them moving forward,” Ryan said. “Broadhead Equipment has grown quickly in just a few years, and we’re excited to see how we expand together in the future.” Broadhead Equipment leaders are no strangers to heavy equipment. Owner Richard Broadhead has more than 35 years of experience in the industry, with about half as an independent contractor and the other half with another industry firm. To him, growing Broadhead Equipment with LiuGong is about establishing a future for his family. “I’m hoping to take this to the next level, leave a legacy for my family and let this thing grow and grow,” Richard Broadhead said. The more Broadhead Equipment learned about LiuGong through the onboarding process, the more they were drawn to the brand. Their dealership agreement feels like a partnership; They’re not just selling LiuGong’s equipment. LiuGong machines have standard components, like Cummins and Yanmar engines. There’s also the fact that both companies are mutually committed to helping one another grow. “One thing that stood out about LiuGong – when they found out we’re not that big, they didn’t go radio silent on us, or look at us like we’re not big enough to sell their equipment,” owner Alex Broadhead said. “They came in here, were very friendly and they saw the potential for what we could become.” Broadhead Equipment covers an area that extends across the northwest quarter of Alabama, from Birmingham north to the Tennessee line and west to Mississippi. Broadhead Equipment serves several industries, including construction, mining, landscaping, and municipal.
Miner Limited acquires Pace Material Handling
The acquisition brings Miner’s expertise in commercial docks and doors to the Northwest US Miner Ltd., the dock and door division of OnPoint Group, announced the acquisition of Pace Material Handling, the largest independent dock and door service provider in the Pacific Northwest. Based in the Greater Seattle area, Pace Material Handling has been providing design, installation, and service expertise for commercial docks and doors across Washington and Oregon for more than 30 years. This acquisition expands Miner’s service reach on the West Coast into the Pacific Northwest. “At Miner, we are committed to our brand promise to be the national service provider for commercial docks and doors. Our acquisition of Pace Material Handling establishes our presence in the Northwest region and truly solidifies Miner as a coast-to-coast, north-to-south partner,” said Miner President, Dave Wright. Since 1989, Pace Material Handling has been a go-to provider supporting material handling systems for the warehousing and distribution industries, known for its strong relationships with a wide variety of qualified equipment manufacturers. Their highly customized solutions and factory-trained installation and service teams have helped countless distributors, warehousers, general contractors, construction companies, and property managers make lasting operational improvements with boosted safety metrics. “As North America’s expert in docks and doors, the team at Miner shares our mission to bring safety and security to the loading dock. In joining Miner, we look forward to providing expanded expertise and capabilities for our clients as well as growth opportunities for our team,” said Bob Oury, Pace Material Handling Founder and CEO.