H&E opens new branch near Idaho Falls, SD
Effective July 15, 2024, H&E Rentals (H&E) announces the opening of its Idaho Falls branch, the third general rental equipment location in the state of Idaho. H&E has opened 22 new branches across the country and acquired nine others in just over a year, and it has operations in 31 states. The facility is located at 2727 East 14th North, Ammon, ID 83401-6232, phone 208-977-0900. It includes a fully fenced yard area, offices, and a repair shop and carries a variety of construction and general industrial equipment. “H&E has extended its coverage in Idaho and across the Wyoming state line to easily service projects that are a farther reach for our branches in Boise, Belgrade, Montana, and Ogden, Utah. Our Idaho Falls branch has filled in those gaps between our other H&E facilities in the region, and we can now work in tandem to take care of our customers across several states,” says Branch Manager Josh Criddle. “We’ve added greater fleet availability to the area, and the location of our new facility has quick access to I-15 and roadways that branch off in all directions, so we can get equipment moving to job sites without delay.” The Idaho Falls branch specializes in the rental of aerial lifts, earthmoving equipment, telescopic forklifts, compaction equipment, generators, light towers, compressors, and more and represents the following manufacturers: Allmand, Atlas Copco, Bomag, Case, Club Car, Cushman, Doosan, Gehl, Generac Mobile, Genie, Hamm, Hilti, Husqvarna, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Kobelco, Kubota, LayMor, Ledwell, Lincoln Electric, Link-Belt Excavators, MEC, Miller, Multiquip, Polaris, Sany, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Sullivan-Palatek, Tag, Towmaster, Unicarriers, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar, and others.
Shoppa’s adds Will Dusek to executive team
Shoppa’s Material Handling has announced the appointment of Will Dusek as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. Will joins Shoppa’s with over 20 years of experience in developing data-driven strategies that enhance performance and drive value. Will Dusek is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of leading highly collaborative teams to develop creative and innovative solutions and achieve operational excellence? His extensive background and forward-thinking approach to business ensure that decisions are informed by comprehensive analysis, leading to optimal outcomes. “We are thrilled to welcome Will to the Shoppa’s family,” said Jimmy Shoppa, President of Shoppa’s. “His strategic vision and ability to drive performance improvements will be invaluable as we continue to pursue our growth objectives. Will’s experience and commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver an exceptional customer experience in everything we do.” Throughout his career, Will has demonstrated a unique talent for aligning strategic initiatives with business goals, ensuring sustainable success. His leadership will play a pivotal role in guiding Shoppa’s through its next phase of innovation and expansion. “I am excited to join Shoppa’s and contribute to its dynamic growth trajectory,” said Will Dusek. “I look forward to working with the talented team at Shoppa’s to drive strategic initiatives that will further enhance our performance and deliver exceptional value to our customers.” Will Dusek’s appointment underscores Shoppa’s dedication to attracting top talent to lead its strategic initiatives. With his expertise, Shoppa’s is well-positioned to achieve new heights and continue its legacy of delivering unparalleled value to its customers.
American Logistics Aid Network activates for Hurricane Beryl
On Monday, July 8, 2024, Beryl made landfall in Texas as a category one hurricane, bringing heavy winds, flash flooding, and state-wide power outages. ALAN (American Logistics Aid Network) mobilized its network and works with non-profit and business partners to aid response efforts. On Tuesday, July 9, ALAN hosted a Logistics Coordination Call with responding non-profit partner organizations. During the call, partners shared their current response capabilities and identified potential logistics gaps. ALAN’s response coordination efforts – which include fielding and filling specific requests for logistics help – will continue this week as additional needs are identified. “Most of our requests for assistance arrive after a hurricane or tropical storm has hit, sometimes weeks, months, or even years into recovery,” said ALAN’s Operations Coordinator, Alexia Nobles. “That’s because each storm winds up having very different outcomes and pain points. And you can’t predict what those will be – and where relief organizations will require supply chain assistance the most – until after the storm has moved through.” ALAN’s Disaster Micro-Site is the best resource for viewing open logistics needs for response efforts. It’s also where we post critical resources and information in the form of Situation Reports as we receive new updates. “We are likely to witness supply chain impacts given parts of the Caribbean, Mexico, and U.S. Gulf Coast were all affected,” said Kathy Fulton, ALAN’s Executive Director. “ALAN will continue to convene its public and private sector networks to provide visibility, smart logistics solutions, and compassionate humanitarian response as relief efforts demand.”
Crown TSP 1000/1500 Series Turret Truck with Gena® Operating System reinforces safety and performance
Crown Equipment Corporation has announced the availability of the new generation Crown TSP 1000/1500 Series very narrow-aisle turret truck. The lift truck features the Gena® operating system, which reinforces operator safety and enhances lift truck performance. It also simplifies truck-to-operator communication and provides real-time actionable data. The intuitive and innovative Gena operating system delivers a customizable, interactive experience to enhance supply chain performance. The transformational lift truck operating system provides users with real-time, actionable data, including safety reminders, illustrations, and customizable widgets that display key operating metrics like battery state of charge, hour meter, and height indicator. The TSP Series turret trucks deliver exceptional travel, lift, and lower speeds, all supported by the heavy-duty Crown MonoLift® mast, which delivers greater stability up to 675 inches. The mast allows operators to lift more weight to greater heights. The new turret truck also has the added ability to blend main mast hydraulic and auxiliary mast hydraulic functions, allowing operators to raise/lower the main platform and the auxiliary forks simultaneously to boost efficiency and enhance productivity. “At Crown, we understand that to achieve the desired business objectives, our customers need their systems, processes, and equipment to work together. That’s why we take a consultative approach and build each turret truck to fit the unique specifications and requirements of their applications and operational needs,” said Chris Grote, senior product manager of Crown Equipment. “We have developed technology-based tools to help us explore very narrow aisle configurations and benefits that will increase returns. For instance, our exclusive, very narrow aisle TSP SureSpec software gives you a fast, accurate way to spec turret trucks for our customers that help optimize their warehouse space.” To ensure the turret truck fits the application and meets operational goals, Crown consultants focus on three main factors as they relate to each customer: 1. The facility includes understanding aisle strategy, rack and ceiling heights, and floor surface specifications. It also includes specific performance needs for challenging environments like cold storage. 2. Load handling includes the size, weight, shape, and consistency of the pallet loads, along with racking configurations. 3. Performance potential involves using simulation software to define possible scenarios and analyze their costs and benefits to help ensure desired results are achieved. TSP Series turret trucks can be equipped with operator-assist technology options that enable more efficient operation and enhance operator confidence and performance. For example, the Auto Positioning System blends travel and lift functions to allow the turret truck to take the most effective route to a designated rack location, increasing productivity by up to 25%. Auto Fence slows or stops travel and can limit lift height within the guided very narrow aisle based on the location of the turret truck. The Crown TSP 1000/1500 Series turret truck includes Crown’s patented OnTrac® anti-slip traction control system, which reduces slippage or wheelspin whenever the lift truck accelerates, plugs, or brakes on wet or dusty floors. Customized energy solutions for the turret truck are available based on a range of V-Force® lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries and chargers to meet customer application and infrastructure requirements.
Eagle Mark 4 celebrates milestone with grand opening of new headquarters building
Eagle Mark 4, a Kalmar Ottawa Premier Partner, celebrated the grand opening of its newly renovated headquarters on July 3, 2024, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house event. To commemorate the company’s significant milestone, Eagle Mark 4 welcomed the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce, government officials, customers, employees, Scout Construction, and local media to the new building for a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a lunch. “Thank you to our community partners and the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce,” said Eagle Mark 4 president Mike Tozzi. “This building has a long-standing history, and we are proud to be able to give it a new purpose with the help of Scout Construction. Thank you to all our employees who have worked so hard over the past year and our customers who have allowed us to reach this point. This new facility presents new opportunities to grow within the Mansfield community and on a national scale.” Ellen Heinz, President and CEO of Richland Area of Commerce, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We are so thankful for Eagle Mark 4’s additional investment!” Heinz said. “They are a leader in the yard truck industry, and we are thrilled the area is home to their U.S. headquarters! This expansion not only retains and creates new jobs but has transformed the property and their footprint in our area. We are so fortunate to have them as a valued member of our business community and to see them growing in our area!” Located at 95 Ohio Brass Road, Mansfield, OH 44902, the 40,000-square-foot facility serves as Eagle Mark 4’s national headquarters to its satellite locations in North Carolina and New Mexico with a fully stocked parts warehouse and dedicated space designed for its Cummins-certified, skilled technicians to service yard trucks. Key features of the new headquarters include: 15-bay shop space with full-service wash bay 10-acre lot State-of-the-art parts warehouse Updated employee offices with three conference rooms Safety and training conference room
Farrukh Ghani joins Hyundai Material Handling as Director of Dealer Development & National Accounts
Hyundai Material Handling hired Farrukh Ghani as the new Director of Dealer Development and National Accounts. Mr. Ghani brings more than 25 years of industry experience to the company. His areas of responsibility will include leading the company’s efforts to strengthen its dealer network, add to its growing list of national accounts, and continue its more aggressive approach to sales and marketing. Mr. Ghani has held key leadership positions in the material handling industry. Previously, he served as Director of Channel Development for Doosan Industrial Vehicle America, helping the company achieve record growth and market share year-over-year from 2016 to 2023. Before that, he served as vice president and chief financial officer for Clark Material Handling Company, overseeing and enhancing diverse departments such as finance, sales, IT, order management, and logistics. “I’m very excited to bring my years of experience to Hyundai, its leadership team, and an incredible lineup of dealers,” said Mr. Ghani. “My goal is to help continue the company’s impressive growth and its position of excellence and innovation in the material handling industry.” His wealth of experience also includes creating and implementing successful programs in Sales and Marketing, Strategic Planning, and Global Operations. His proven record of success covers a wide range of business sectors, including manufacturing, supply chains, logistics, engineering, and finance. “We’re extremely proud to bring on someone of Farrukh’s experience and years of success,” said Lewis Byers, Executive Vice President/COO of Hyundai Material Handling. “We believe he’s going to make a tremendous difference in our organization and with our dealers and national accounts. As an organization, we’re committed to growth, building stronger relationships with both our dealer partners and customers, and increasing our North American market share. Farukh will play a key role in all of this.”
Hyster announces latest electric forklift with integrated lithium-ion power
Hyster Company announces the latest addition to its lineup of forklifts with integrated lithium-ion power, the E80XNL. This 8,000-pound capacity cushion tire electric forklift joins four other Hyster models designed from the ground up around the form factor of a lithium-ion battery pack to offer a more spacious operator compartment and lower center of gravity. For heavy-duty operations looking for an electric alternative to internal combustion (ICE) trucks, the E80XNL provides performance they can count on, exceptional ergonomics, improved energy efficiency compared to lead acid models, zero tailpipe emissions, and low noise. The E80XNL is shorter than a comparable ICE model, enabling an improved turning radius and right-angle stack. Multiple battery sizes are available to equip trucks with the performance and run time each application requires. The largest battery can be fully charged in as little as 1 hour and 45 minutes with a 30kW charger, and estimated typical run times range from 5 hours and 45 minutes in heavy-duty cycles to as long as 11 hours in lighter-duty applications. Throughout the shift, batteries accept energy from regenerative braking to help improve run time. “As demanding indoor applications in paper and packaging, manufacturing, automotive and other industries face pressure to decarbonize, lithium-ion offers several key advantages that make it well suited to their duty cycle, including zero battery maintenance, fast charging and ability to top off with a quick opportunity charge during breaks,” says Joshua Eby, Product Technology Manager, Hyster. “But it’s about more than just providing enough performance to do the job with less environmental impact. Electrifying can also unlock ergonomic advantages and operator assistance features.” The size and shape of the lithium-ion battery pack enable a unique truck design with ergonomic and comfort benefits for the operator. The seat is positioned lower for additional headroom, and air-ride seat options support a smooth ride. The spacious operator compartment allows for more freedom to position feet to help keep operators fresh and productive throughout their shift. The E80XNL is available with Hyster Reaction™, an Edison award-winning technology package that helps reinforce forklift operating best practices and can be tailored to the needs of demanding fast-paced indoor environments. The solution enables forklifts to react to real-time conditions in a facility, proactively adjusting truck performance based on stability, detected obstacles, proximity to other equipment or pedestrians, and even location-specific rules – all while keeping the operator in ultimate control of the truck.
Combilift premiers the Combi-CCL
Following the launch of five new models in its 25th anniversary year in 2023, Irish materials handling specialist Combilift has already announced the premiere of yet another innovation. The Combi-CLL (Container Log-Loader) was recently exhibited at EXPO Richmond 2024, one of America’s leading forest product industry trade shows. The concept and operation of the Combi-CLL are based on that of the Combi-CSS (Container Slip Sheet), which has been successfully deployed across numerous industries for the mechanized loading of long products such as packs of timber or steel into containers. This method reduces the risk of accidents to the workforce and product damage and is incredibly fast compared to other methods—one operator can fully load a 40’ container in under six minutes. The 65,000 lbs capacity electro-hydraulically powered Combi-CLL offers the same speed, safety, and product integrity benefits. It was designed to address the requirements of softwood and hardwood logs exporters, the nature and shape of which make them much trickier to handle than palletized or packed products. Logs can be individually lifted and pre-loaded into a robust, high-sided metal “tub” before the patented push-pull mechanism powers the tub into the container. Once inside, the hydraulic dropdown hatch is closed and locked into position to hold the logs securely in place, and the tub is retracted to allow the logs to settle within the container. Once again, Combilift has developed a customer-led solution with potential applications beyond the forestry and timber industries.
Linde MH expands Warehouse Product-line with the new MT15B and MT22
Linde Material Handling, a member of KION North America, has expanded its warehouse product portfolio bringing two innovative pallet trucks to North America: the Linde MT15B and MT22. Both trucks embrace the values of versatility, efficiency, and performance which are the basis for Linde product design. The MT15B is a 3,300 lb. capacity pallet truck powered by a 20Ah Li-ION battery. The onboard charger allows for easy opportunity charging – plugging in the truck on breaks and downtime throughout the shift – which greatly extends the life of the charge. As an option, you can replace the onboard charger with a second Li-ION battery. Both batteries are fully removable to be charged externally, increasing the operating time even further with battery hot swapping. The MT22 is a 4,500 lb. capacity pallet truck developed around a powerful 24v/100Ah Li-ION battery. Equipped standard with an onboard charger, short chassis length for a small turning radius, and durable caster wheels, the MT22 powerhouse is built to operate in variable working conditions. This pallet truck also includes the signature Linde tiller head with ergonomic control placements to reduce operator movements. These additions signify the commitment to innovation and continuous improvement held by KION North America. “With their cutting-edge lithium-ion technology and exceptional value, these pedestrian walkie-pallet jacks will empower businesses to optimize efficiency and productivity in their operations,” shares Jena-Christine Lawrence, Director of Product Management, Strategy & Training at KION NA. “We are being very deliberate to keep evolving customer needs at the top of our minds. You can see this with the standard features available on the new MT15B and MT22.”
CLARK brings global headquarters to America
CLARK Material Handling has announced the establishment of its global headquarters in the United States. This move returns a premier American brand, the creator of the modern forklift, back to the U.S. and lays the foundation for a global growth strategy that begins with a homecoming. CLARK’s global headquarters will merge with CLARK Material Handling Company (CMHC), North American operations, leveraging the strengths of both companies and positioning CLARK for further global growth in the coming decades. The integrated organization will be effective July 1, 2024, and will be located in Dallas, Texas, upon the official opening of the new headquarters planned for January 1, 2025. Mr. Chuck Moratz, CLARK’s current global president, will lead the integrated organization and serve as CEO at CMHC. Mr. Moratz has over 30 years of extensive forklift experience and an unwavering commitment to the CLARK company. He has held various pivotal positions at CMHC, including Engineering Director, Vice President of Truck Operations, and COO. His global roles have included Vice President of Global Engineering and President of Global HQ. In addition, he has overseen the introduction of numerous IC and electric new products, including the bullet-proof S-Series product line. Mr. Moratz holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from West Point and has served in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Korea. “CLARK remains steadfast in its promise to deliver the highest-quality products and services worldwide. By relocating and combining our operations, we will accelerate new product development and the integration of new technologies to meet the changing needs of our customers while providing the best service and lowest cost of ownership in the industry”, says Chuck Moratz. “We appreciate the continued support of our employees, dealers, customers, and the market as we embark on this exciting new chapter. Together, we will build on our legacy of over 100 years of excellence and drive Clark to new heights.”
Raymond drives success with transformative Youth Apprenticeship Program
Raymond and BOCES’ 30-year collaboration supports the workforce of the future For more than 30 years, the Youth Apprenticeship Program has been an integral part of The Raymond Corporation showing its dedication to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Working with high schools throughout the Southern Tier of New York, this program provides a hands-on, experiential approach to learning for junior and senior high school students. In coordination with the Broome-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), apprentices spend two years at Raymond headquarters in Greene, New York. During this time, students deepen their knowledge in their chosen fields and explore various disciplines that may include engineering, finance, manufacturing, and other disciplines and departments. “For more than 30 years, Raymond’s collaboration with BOCES has helped us build a most successful Youth Apprenticeship Program, which has been integral to Raymond’s commitment to STEM education and building the workforce of the future,” said Maribeth Absi, senior director of human resources, The Raymond Corporation. “The Youth Apprenticeship Program has proved to be especially valuable in addressing industry challenges in finding and educating talent to address the widening skills gap. We have a number of our apprentices apply to our cooperative education program as a next step in their education process, some of whom may even become Raymond employees.” This 2023-24 school year, Raymond celebrates five graduates from its Youth Apprenticeship Program from Greene Central School District and Seton Catholic Central High School in New York State: Greene Central School District, Greene, New York: Caroline Jeffery Mallory Jeffery Austin deHaan Dominick Kresin Seton Catholic Central, Binghamton, New York: Andrew Erickson Matt Sheehan, director for the New York Center for Career and Technical Excellence, stated: “Raymond has been an integral part of the Youth Apprenticeship Program throughout the years. It has given countless students from our area schools amazing hands-on experiences.” In addition to returning students, Raymond will welcome new apprentices to the program in September 2024. For more information on Raymond’s Youth Apprenticeship and Cooperative Education Programs, visit https://careers.raymondcorp.com/students. For more information on Raymond, visit www.raymondcorp.com or call 800 235-7200.
Episode 496: Talking innovation with Brett Wood of Toyota Material Handling
Live from MODEX 2024, The New Warehouse Podcast welcomes back Brett Wood, president and CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America. This insightful discussion dives into the transformative trends within the material handling industry, showcasing Toyota’s leading role. The conversation highlights key innovations, technological advancements, and industry shifts, mainly focusing on automation and electrification. Accelerating Automation in Material Handling Automation stands out as a pivotal trend, as Wood notes, “Automation comes to mind as one of the key topics… technology is getting so much better at automating vehicles, forklifts, AMRs no matter what the size is.” This surge in automation is primarily driven by a workforce shortage, prompting a shift towards automated solutions. Wood explains the increasing integration of technology in everyday operations, illustrating its potential to reshape the industry landscape by enhancing efficiency and reducing reliance on human operators. The Material Handling Shift to Electrification While the automotive sector lags, electrification is rapidly transforming the material handling sector, as noted by Wood, with a significant uptick in electric forklifts. “66% of what was sold last year was electric,” he states, highlighting a distinct move away from traditional combustion engines. This transition is not only a response to environmental concerns but also influenced by regulatory changes, such as those in California, pushing the industry towards cleaner, sustainable technologies. Wood’s commentary underscores the broader implications of electrification, from operational changes to new regulatory landscapes. Emphasizing Sustainability and Safety in Material Handling Sustainability and safety are integral to Toyota’s strategy, reflecting broader concerns across the industry. Wood shares insights on the company’s initiatives, like installing solar panels and emphasizing safety in every aspect of operations. “Safety needs to be part of a corporate culture… We start every meeting at Toyota no matter the topic, safety first,” Wood emphasizes. Wood also shares Toyota’s new collision avoidance system, SEnS+ Smart Environment Sensor Plus™. Toyota’s comprehensive approach improves compliance and enhances operational efficiency. It also serves as a recruitment and retention tool, appealing to a new generation prioritizing corporate responsibility. Key Takeaways: The push towards automation and advanced technologies is reshaping material handling. The electrification of forklifts is gaining momentum and is driven by market trends and regulatory measures. Toyota’s commitment to sustainability and safety sets industry standards that influence current operations and future directions. The New Warehouse Podcast 496: Innovations in Material Handling with Toyota
Bobcat launches new Machine IQ Telematics enhancements
Remote engine disable/enable advances the Machine IQ system through two-way functionality A provider in innovation and digital solutions, Bobcat Company introduces its newest technological advancements to the Bobcat Machine IQ telematics platform. The new Remote Engine Disable/Enable feature allows customer users in North America and Europe to remotely enable or disable their machine’s engine through the Owner Portal or Machine IQ app. Machine IQ, launched in 2019 in North America, allows connected machine owners to monitor the health of their Bobcat machine and remotely track information that enhances maintenance, security, and performance. Remote Engine Disable/Enable represents the first two-way update to the telematics system, allowing operators to both send commands to and receive data from the machine. With Remote Engine Disable/Enable, operators can shut down their machine with a few clicks, deterring theft and aiding in quick machine recovery. “Advanced theft deterrence is critical peace of mind for our Machine IQ users. Remote Engine Disable/Enable allows our North American and European customers to protect their equipment and allow only authorized usage. This feature also demonstrates our ability to interact with machines via two-way communication using telematics. Today marks another major milestone for what Bobcat continues to do to empower our customers to accomplish more” said Garrett Maurer, director of digital product management at Bobcat. If unauthorized use is suspected, operator owners can log into their Bobcat Owner Portal or Machine IQ app to pinpoint the location of their equipment and choose to disable the engine. Upon executing the disable command, any attempt to start an engine in an off state will fail. If the machine is in operation, the engine will slow to a near standstill, relegated to de-rate mode. Remote Engine Disable/Enable is available for Machine IQ Health and Security subscribers with connected and compatible Bobcat machine(s). To learn more about Machine IQ, as well as Bobcat’s other digital solutions, visit bobcat.com.
Carolina Handling breaks ground on new South Carolina facility
Carolina Handling, the exclusive Raymond Solutions and Support Center for South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida’s central time zone, broke ground on a new 267,000-square-foot facility in Pickens County, South Carolina. Scheduled to open in spring 2025, the new building at 3800 Calhoun Memorial Highway in Easley will consolidate Upstate operations of the Charlotte, NC-based intralogistics company, bringing together the warehouse and office space from four area facilities under one roof. Founded in Charlotte in 1966, Carolina Handling opened an office and training center on River Road in Piedmont, SC in 1972 that today serves as the company’s rebuild facility. A second Carolina Handling building opened on River Road in 2013 to house offices, training facilities, and a customer experience center. In 2015, the company opened an Equipment Distribution Center on Piedmont Highway in Piedmont, South Carolina as a regional hub to better serve customers across the Southeast. And in 2018, the company added a warehouse on Michelin Court near Donaldson Center. Carolina Handling’s new facility at Speedway Industrial & Technology Park will feature 237,000 square feet of warehouse space to accommodate technician bays for new, rental, and renewed equipment, as well as parts, distribution, and logistics operations. Another 30,000 square feet will house offices, meeting and training space, and a customer experience center. “Carolina Handling has experienced extraordinary growth in the past few years, and we expect that trend to continue in 2024 and beyond,” said Carolina Handling President & CEO Brent Hillabrand. “This new facility helps position us for the future and allows us to realize large economies of scale by bringing our operations across the Upstate region of South Carolina under one roof.” Carolina Handling continues its evolution from a forklift-only provider to an end-to-end intralogistics solutions company offering a broad range of consulting, connected technologies, automation systems, and service to support the growing and changing material handling needs in warehouses and distribution centers. Along with forklifts and a full range of warehouse equipment, the company offers design, engineering, and implementation services to help customers achieve more space, speed, safety and efficiency with integrated automation technologies, many of which will be showcased in the new facility’s customer experience center. The first tenant at Speedway Industrial & Technology Park, Carolina Handling has partnered with architect COR3 Design LLC, civil engineering firm Seamon Whiteside and Evans General Contractors on the design and construction of its new regional facility. Speedway Industrial & Technology Park is being developed by Realty Link, LLC.
H&E Opens New Branch in Bradenton, FL
H&E Rentals (H&E) has announced the opening of its Bradenton branch, the 14th general rental location in the Sunshine State and the sixth new Florida branch in the past two years. H&E has opened 20 new branches across the country and acquired nine others in just over a year. The facility is located at 4004 15th Street E, Bradenton, FL 34208-4626, phone 941-900-0200. It includes a fully fenced yard area, offices, and a repair shop and carries a variety of construction and general industrial equipment. “The location of our new Bradenton branch gives H&E expanded coverage of south-central Florida along the Gulf. Renting equipment is now even more convenient for customers along the coast – from just above I-275, down through Sarasota and Venice, to Englewood – and then inland to Myakka City and Arcadia,” says Branch Manager Sara Paris. “Our facility is near highways 301, 41, and 70 and sits between our established Tampa and Fort Myers general rental locations, so we are able to source the equipment you need from an expanded local fleet and move it directly to your job site. The Bradenton branch specializes in the rental of aerial lifts, earthmoving equipment, telescopic forklifts, compaction equipment, generators, light towers, compressors, and more and represents the following manufacturers: Allmand, Atlas Copco, Bomag, Case, Club Car, Cushman, Doosan, Gehl, Generac Mobile, Genie, Hamm, Hilti, Husqvarna, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Kobelco, Kubota, LayMor, Ledwell, Lincoln Electric, Link-Belt Excavators, MEC, Miller, Multiquip, Polaris, Sany, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Sullivan-Palatek, Tag, Towmaster, Unicarriers, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar, and others. Founded in 1961, H&E is one of the largest equipment rental companies in the nation, providing the higher standard in equipment rentals. Branches are located throughout the Pacific Northwest, West Coast, Intermountain, Southwest, Gulf Coast, Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Bobcat breaks ground for Mexico manufacturing facility
Bobcat Company, a global equipment, innovation, and worksite solutions brand, held a ceremonial groundbreaking on June 13 for its new, $300-million manufacturing facility in Mexico. Located in the Salinas Victoria municipality, outside of Monterrey in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, the 700,000-square-foot facility is expected to be operational in 2026. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Bobcat representatives, elected officials, and area business leaders. The new location, which was announced in 2023, will expand Bobcat’s existing global footprint to create additional production capacity and manufacturing capabilities for select compact track and skid-steer loader models. Bobcat’s compact loaders are also produced in the U.S. and the Czech Republic where production will remain following the new facility opening. “We have seen tremendous growth across our business, and this new facility will support our long-range plans for increased production to meet customer demand,” said Scott Park, Doosan Bobcat CEO and vice chairman. “This groundbreaking represents our commitment to our customers—present and future—who are ready to accomplish more with our equipment.” The manufacturing facility will seek LEED Silver certification and feature state-of-the-art technology with an emphasis on quality, precision and energy efficiency. “We look forward to growing our manufacturing footprint in the Salinas Victoria community for its excellent industrial sector, skilled workforce and strong business environment,” said Mike Ballweber, Doosan Bobcat North America president. “Our investment here demonstrates our confidence in this manufacturing environment and thriving local economy.” The design team includes U.S.-based Shultz + Associates Architects and Mexico-based GP Construcción, a division of Grupo GP, as the construction manager. Shultz + Associates Architects has partnered with Bobcat on the design and architecture of many of its North American locations. GP Construcción specializes in industrial parks and facilities across Mexico. The new factory is expected to create 600 to 800 jobs in the region. Career opportunities can be found at bobcat.com/carreras.
Toyota Material Handling auctions pink forklift to dealer network, Raising $65,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness
Toyota Material Handling showcased its steadfast commitment to supporting breast cancer research and treatment by auctioning off a custom pink forklift to its industry-leading dealer network at the company’s annual dealer meeting earlier this year. Toyota donated the entire winning bid of $65,000 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The initiative was driven by the Toyota Women’s Impact Network (T-WIN), a women-led group dedicated to fostering Toyota’s success and inclusivity for women in the workplace. Recognizing the immense potential within Toyota’s female workforce, T-WIN spearheaded the creation of the distinctive pink forklift, leveraging the talent and creativity of its members while honoring the women who participated in building the truck. This year’s auction coincided with Women’s History Month, concluding a series of initiatives led by Toyota women throughout March. The pink forklift auction has become a catalyst for Toyota’s ongoing philanthropic efforts since the first successful auction in 2022. Once again, each female Toyota associate who contributed to building the forklift added their signature to the truck, symbolizing their support for finding a cure for breast cancer. “Hosting this auction in conjunction with our Women’s History Month initiatives was a wonderful opportunity for Toyota Material Handling to make an impact on breast cancer research and awareness while honoring all those who have been affected,” said Lea Ann King, Vice President of Legal and General Counsel of Toyota Material Handling. “We are so thankful for our incredible dealer network whose participation and support made this auction successful.” During Toyota’s annual dealer meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, leaders from Toyota’s more than 60 North American dealers were presented with the opportunity to bid on the one-of-a-kind 3-Wheel Electric Forklift. After a competitive auction, Shoppa’s Material Handling, a Toyota dealership in Dallas, Texas, made the winning bid of $65,000, nearly doubling the amount raised from the previous auction. “We are thrilled to have secured the iconic pink breast cancer awareness forklift from Toyota Material Handling’s auction and donate the proceeds to Susan G. Komen foundation,” said Jimmy Shoppa, President of Shoppa’s Material Handling. “Shoppa’s stands in solidarity with those affected by breast cancer and is committed to contributing to a brighter, healthier future for all. We are proud to play our part in this meaningful endeavor.” The pink forklift will find its home in Shoppa’s Material Handling’s dealership, where it will serve as a symbol of hope and inspiration for the entire company. In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Shoppa’s Material Handling will host an event showcasing the pink forklift, further spreading awareness, support for the cause, and their partnership with the Komen Foundation. This initiative reaffirms Toyota’s ongoing dedication to positively impacting the community by staying true to its core purpose of ‘helping people carry the load’. Through initiatives like these, Toyota continues to demonstrate its commitment to corporate social responsibility by making a difference in the lives of others. Learn more about Toyota Material Handling’s philanthropic efforts here.
H&E opens new branch in the Myrtle Beach area
Effective June 17, 2024, H&E Rentals (H&E) has announced the opening of its Myrtle Beach branch, the fourth general rental equipment location in the state of South Carolina. Since the second quarter of 2023, H&E has opened 19 new branches across the country and acquired nine others. The facility is located at 695 Century Circle, Conway, SC 29526-8278, phone 843 733-4800. It includes a fully fenced yard area, offices, and a repair shop and carries a variety of construction and general industrial equipment. “H&E has extended its coverage along the South Carolina coast, from Georgetown up to the North Carolina state line, and then inland to I-95 from Dillon to Manning. We can easily reach all points in between with close proximity to state highways 501, 701, and 368 and to major roadways that branch off in all directions,” says Branch Manager Joe Pannunzio. “Our location strategically bridges the gap between our existing Charleston, South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina, branches, so we are able to help both new and existing customers secure the right equipment for their projects.” The Myrtle Beach branch specializes in the rental of aerial lifts, earthmoving equipment, telescopic forklifts, compaction equipment, generators, light towers, compressors, and more and represents the following manufacturers: Allmand, Atlas Copco, Bomag, Case, Club Car, Cushman, Doosan, Gehl, Generac Mobile, Genie, Hamm, Hilti, Husqvarna, JCB, JLG, John Deere, Kobelco, Kubota, LayMor, Ledwell, Lincoln Electric, Link-Belt Excavators, MEC, Miller, Multiquip, Polaris, Sany, Skyjack, SkyTrak, Sullair, Sullivan-Palatek, Tag, Towmaster, Unicarriers, Wacker Neuson, Yanmar, and others.
IFOY Award 2024 winners announced
Jungheinrich, RAVAS EUROPE, SAFELOG with Mercedes, SSI Schäfer, and STILL have been announced as winners of the IFOY Award 2024. The International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) Award recognizes the year’s best intralogistics products and solutions. The international jury of the 2024 global intralogistics competition nominated a total of 16 products and solutions from 15 companies in seven categories and voted on the winners following a three-stage audit. Brightpick, Brightpick Autopicker – Start-up of the Year The IFOY Spin-off Award “Start-up of the Year” goes to Brightpick for the autonomous, mobile picking robot Brightpick Autopicker. The international jury selected the AI-based 2-in-1 robot as the best new development in this market segment. The Autopicker from Brightpick, a start-up founded in Bratislava in 2021, is the world’s first autonomous mobile picking robot. Brightpick worked closely with its sister company Photoneo on its development. Same founders, similar technology: 3D vision, robotics, AI, and software for a functioning warehouse execution system. Autopicker installations with a total of 70 devices can now be found in the USA (headquarters), Germany, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. What’s new about this type of picking: the Autopicker pulls the source tote from the standard rack, which does not require rollers or rails. As the robot moves to the next storage location, it picks the target tote like a human picker, taking the picked tote to the next storage location. There must therefore always be an empty space available in which the bin can be placed. The autopicker works with a trolley that independently picks and consolidates orders–without human intervention. In technical terms, Autopicker uses a patented design with two bins for this process to pull storage bins (storage tote) from the shelf, pick the items using a robotic gripper arm and place them in an order tote. The big difference to other fulfillment robots is that the autopicker does not have to go to central picking stations. Another advantage is its versatility, as it can be used not only for picking in the rack aisle, but also for other tasks such as pallet picking, warehouse replenishment, dynamic storage, order consolidation, temporary storage and shipping. And if human dexterity is required for picking, for example, the autopicker can also be used for normal goods-to-person picking. The robots can also reliably pick a wide range of products, including chilled and non-chilled food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, packaged goods, cosmetics, electronics and textiles in plastic packaging. The entire autopicker fleet and the fulfilment process in the warehouse are orchestrated and optimised by the Brightpick intuition software. IFOY Verdict The fact that picking takes place while a robot is moving from one location to another without the robot having to return to a “base station” is new and revolutionary. Although an exact measurement during the live assessment at Test Days was not possible, a higher throughput rate and thus a considerable time saving could be confirmed. This leads to a reduction in the number of robots required, which has a positive effect on the return on investment and noticeably reduces picking costs. According to Brightpick, the savings in labour costs are significantly higher than with traditional goods-to-person stations, with higher throughput, easier installation and lower costs. The company claims that picking costs have been halved. Click here for the original test report, IFOY Innovation Check and pictures Jungheinrich, EJC 112i – Warehouse Truck Highlifter of the Year The IFOY Award 2024 in the “Warehouse Truck Highlifter” category goes to the EJC 112i from Jungheinrich. The international jury voted the compact highlifter the best new product in this category. With its compact design and outstanding performance, the EJC 112i sets a new standard in the entry-level segment and clearly stands out from the competition. Especially in small warehouses with narrow aisles, the high residual capacity enables optimum space utilisation. Together with the small turning radius and user-friendly operation, it is clear why the EJC 112i makes day-to-day work easier for every operator. The EJC 112i is more than just a further development of its predecessor, but offers an even more compact and manoeuvrable solution thanks to the integrated lithium-ion battery. When designing the truck, Jungheinrich paid particular attention to the high energy density of lithium-ion technology, which stores the same amount of energy in significantly smaller modules. This not only saves space, but also opens up new possibilities in terms of truck size. The result is immediately apparent: the EJC 112i has a smaller L2 size, offers a good view of the fork and has a low overall height. The impressively small turning circle makes manoeuvring effortless, even in tight spaces. To compensate for the shorter length and lower weight of the lithium-ion battery, the truck has been completely redesigned. The mast profiles have been widened in the side view and the steering arms have been reinforced. The entire chassis is balanced to ensure optimum force equalisation. The result is immediately noticeable when the load is lifted. At the maximum 1,200 kg, the EJC 112i does not move and effortlessly lifts up to 2,900 mm. Up to 3,800 mm, the truck picks up 830 kg and at the maximum lift height of 4,700 mm, 650 kg still remains, all with a load distance of 600 mm. The increased residual capacity of the EJC 112i optimises space utilisation and minimises floor space requirements, as heavier loads can be stored in higher racks. The IFOY test confirms that the EJC 112i offers the best performance in its class, with exceptionally high lifting and lowering speeds and efficient performance. Thanks to the more powerful pump motor and a better balance between pump power and lift cylinder, the new truck lifts significantly faster than its predecessor and well above the average in this class. The driving and acceleration speeds have remained almost the same. In the most powerful setting, P3, the EJC 112i achieves a comfortable, even speed of 6.05 km/h with and without a load. The battery capacity and the power of the charger
JCB breaks ground on a new $500 million North American factory
On June 4th, JCB began work on a new $500 million factory in San Antonio, Texas – the biggest investment in the company’s history. An official groundbreaking ceremony at the site marked the beginning of construction, where The Hon. Alice Bamford, the daughter of company Chairman Anthony Bamford, as she turned the first shovelful of dirt on the property. Work on the 720,000 sq. ft. (67,000m²) factory is underway on the 400-acre site. It will be the company’s second-largest plant, rivaled only by JCB’s world headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, England, and create 1,500 new jobs over five years. The factory will make Loadall telescopic handlers and aerial access equipment, with production scheduled to start in 2026. The factory will also have the capacity to expand and build other products in the future. Chairman Lord Bamford said: “Construction equipment manufacturers sell more than 300,000 machines every year in North America, making it the single largest market in the world. JCB has been growing its share of this important market steadily over the past few years and the time is now right to invest in our manufacturing capacity in North America, where we already have one factory.” “JCB really has come a considerable way since we sold our first machine here 60 years ago and it gives me immense pleasure to see how our business has grown in North America. Today really is a milestone day in the history of our family company,” Bamford says. “Texas was this year named as The Best State for Business for a record-breaking 20th year, and I am proud to welcome JCB as the newest business to call our great state home,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Today’s groundbreaking marks a major milestone in JCB’s journey that will create 1,500 good-paying jobs for hardworking Texans in Bexar County and bring hundreds of millions of new capital investment to San Antonio and beyond. ‘Made in Texas’ is truly a powerful global brand, and I look forward to celebrating JCB’s continuing success as we work together to build a bigger, better Texas for decades to come.” JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said: “JCB’s business in North America has made tremendous progress in the past few years and the opportunity for growth here is vast. This record investment gives us a fantastic opportunity to build on our success and we look forward to the completion of this great new facility.” Richard Fox-Marrs, President & CEO of JCB North America, said: “The Loadall telescopic handler is JCB’s biggest selling product in North America and it is also the single largest market for aerial access equipment worldwide, and therefore, it makes great sense to build these two ranges here.” “Texas is an obvious choice for our new North American manufacturing facility, not least because the state is the largest consumer of construction equipment in the USA. San Antonio is also the logical choice as a location for our new factory because of its central location, proximity to the supply chain and great local labor force. We are really excited about JCB’s new San Antonio factory and for the future of our business in North America,” says Fox-Marrs. JCB sold its first machine in North America in 1964 and opened its first US manufacturing plant in 2001 in Savannah, Georgia, which employs 1,000 people. The new facility will manufacture machines for customers specifically in North America. JCB employs 19,000 people globally and has 22 factories around the world, including 11 in the UK, seven in India, and others in Brazil and China. The company will mark its 80th anniversary in 2025.