OTR unveils new branding at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023
OTR Wheel Engineering, Inc. (OTR) is officially unveiling new branding at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023. This includes the new trade name, or DBA, of “OTR Engineered Solutions,” as well as a new logo, tagline, website, and other branding elements that are being rolled out to better reflect OTR’s full capabilities, which have expanded with the company’s growth into a global solutions provider. Founded in 1987 to provide off-the-road wheels and tires to OEMs and the aftermarket, OTR’s vast tire portfolio includes bias, radial, semi-pneumatic, non-marking, and airless tires. As the company’s product line grew, OTR began providing value-added services for dealers and OEMs. These include product development, sourcing, warehousing, tire mounting, foam filling, flat proofing, wheel inspection, certification, and subassembly, as well as other customized solutions. “Thanks to our history of innovation, OTR today has much more to offer beyond wheels and tires,” said John Major, Director of Marketing. “We’re a true partner in the off-the-road market with 34 facilities located across North America, Europe, and Asia to better serve our customers and make their lives easier. Given the evolution of our company, we feel the OTR Engineered Solutions name and new branding elements better encompass our full capabilities.” To complement the branding update, OTR has introduced the tagline, Roll More™. Major said, “Our success is credited not only to the innovative products we offer, but also the unmatched level of service and support we provide. From design and engineering to manufacturing and logistics, we’re driven to help customers ‘Roll More.’”
Caster and Wheel Manufacturer appoints Mike Kulka as Sales Manager – Business Development
DoRodo has welcomed Mike Kulka and announced his appointment as Sales Manager – Business Development. Mike will be responsible for the leadership and growth of the company’s Business Development market, developing new business opportunities and creating customized solutions tailored to customer needs. Mike Kulka has made a strong impact during his 15 years in the caster and wheel industry with Caster Concepts. From the position of Inside Sales Specialist in 2006, he was elevated to Technical Sales only a year later, then promoted to National Account Manager in 2010. Driven by an intense passion to truly understand his customers, Mike gained a wealth of experience by helping them with mobility solutions, material handling, and automation. “I am very excited to join the group at DoRodo. It will be fun mixing my experience in the caster industry with the unique blend of products we offer. Quality, engineering expertise, and marketing strategies will make DoRodo a major player in the caster industry for years to come.” – Mike Kulka Mike will champion the expansion of FOOT MASTER® and Schioppa™ with the brand’s ability to meet the needs of customers as DoRodo continues to provide quality, innovative products to the marketplace. His concentrated efforts will help customers overcome challenges to improve performance, while his diligent work ethic will set an example for a burgeoning sales team. “With a proven track record of developing strong relationships, he will enhance our goal of offering partnership-based solutions that empower our customers through innovative thinking and steadfast service.” – Jason Popma, President This is the second major hire in 2023, as DoRodo recently acquired Jeremy Brault to lead an established Distribution & National Accounts network. These consecutive additions signal a surge in the company’s forward momentum and emphasize the value customers find in caster solutions that solve problems.
Caster and Wheel Manufacturer appoints Jeremy Brault as Sales Manager – Distribution & National Accounts
DoRodo has announced the appointment of Jeremy Brault as Sales Manager – Distribution & National Accounts. Jeremy will be responsible for the leadership and growth of the company’s Distributor network and National Accounts market, developing new business opportunities and creating customized solutions tailored to customer needs. Jeremy is a well-known figure in the caster and wheel industry, having held Regional Manager, Brand Manager, Director of Product Management, and Director of Sales positions within the Colson Group for the last 20 years. Jeremy has a proven record of facilitating long-term business relationships with both customers and industry luminaries. With his strong winning attitude and genuine care for people, Jeremy is a sterling example of a servant leader. “I am excited to join DoRodo’s remarkable team of caster experts that work hard every day to provide unique, innovative, high-quality solutions to a wide variety of mobility applications.” – Jeremy Brault. Jeremy will drive the growth and market share of FOOT MASTER®, and Schioppa™ with the brand’s ability to meet the needs of customers as DoRodo continues to provide quality, innovative products to the marketplace. This includes delivering compelling insights and strategies to help customers succeed. “Jeremy has an authentic personality with an intense focus on empowering our partners and distributors through innovative thinking and steadfast service”. – Jason Popma, President This is the second significant hire in 2023, as DoRodo recently acquired Mike Kulka to pilot a growing Business Development sales team. These consecutive additions signal a surge in the company’s forward momentum and emphasize the value customers find in caster solutions that solve problems.
Trelleborg showcases latest material handling tire solutions at ProMat 2023
Trelleborg will display its latest material handling tire solutions at ProMat 2023, the leading exhibition for manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain equipment and systems, in Chicago, March 20-23 at booth number S4575. Visitors to the booth will have the opportunity to engage with Trelleborg tire experts to discuss their forklift tire needs. On Monday, March 20th at 1:00 p.m. CST, Trelleborg will host a press conference that will serve as an open discussion forum of featured products, including XP1000 and PS1000 tires plus ProTEX compound – our electrically conductive non-marking compound – and more live demonstrations on the event floor at booth number S4575. Attendees can also enjoy a coffee from the complimentary barista station serving Monday through Wednesday daily from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. As a tire expert in the material handling industry, Trelleborg develops tires that ensure driving safety, stability, and performance in a wide range of applications. Designed for maximum intensity applications, the XP1000 tire provides customers moving materials around ports, warehouses, and shop floors, with optimum traction and minimal vibration to bring greater comfort, increased safety, lower fuel consumption, and longer tire life for more cost-effective and sustainable operations. Engineered for the most demanding applications, the PS1000 tire combines a special rubber compound with a new tire design to deliver superior quality, increased uptime, higher performance, and improves safety. The ProTEX compound is an electrically conducting, 100% non-marking compound engineered for use in material handling applications operating in potentially explosive environments. The ProTEX compound allows for the safe use of material handling equipment in hazardous environments, such as those that consist of flammable gas, vapor, or dust. Marc Margossian, North American Business Development Director at Trelleborg Wheel Systems stated: “It’s been four years since the last LIVE ProMat event. We look forward to being face-to-face with our OEM partners, dealers, and end-user customers. We’d love to catch up on what’s been going on in their environment and share our newly renovated Trelleborg portfolio of forklift tires. We’re confident we can assist in choosing the proper tire for any customer-specific applications.” Find out more about Trelleborg’s material handling tire solutions at the Trelleborg website or visit Trelleborg tire experts in person at ProMat, booth number S4575.
Myers Industries announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Results
Record Top-and-Bottom Line results delivered for four consecutive quarters outlook for sustained revenue growth in fiscal 2023 Myers Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of a wide range of polymer and metal products and distributor for the tire, wheel, and under-vehicle service industry, today announced results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2022. Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Highlights: Net sales of $213 million, up 7% versus the prior year period GAAP EPS of $0.36; Adjusted EPS of $0.32, up 39% versus the prior year period Cash flow provided by operations of $22 million and free cash flow of $15 million The full Year 2022 Financial Highlights: Net sales of $900 million, up 18% versus the prior year period; Organic net sales up 10% GAAP EPS of $1.64; Adjusted EPS of $1.68, up 73% versus the prior year period Cash flow provided by operations of $73 million and free cash flow of $48 million Myers Industries President and CEO Mike McGaugh said, “2022 was a strong year as Myers posted record results in each quarter with robust top-and bottom-line growth, serving as proof that our 3-Horizon strategy is working. We continued to generate healthy margins and strong cash flow from the initiatives we took throughout 2022. In addition to improving the company, we also made two acquisitions during the year, adding scale to our Distribution Segment with Mohawk Rubber and enhancing our Material Handling Segment with the addition of a rotational molding facility in Decatur, Georgia. Our team continues to do a nice job growing and transforming the company.” McGaugh continued, “While recognizing that 2022 was a year of record results, I’m excited about Myers’ future because I continue to believe that the company still has significant unrealized potential. We can see the opportunity and we have the right people in place to capture it. We are now working to institutionalize our improvements into an operating system. In 2023, we will implement the “Myers Operating System” to make sure our improvements are ingrained, lasting, and scalable. The Myers Operating System will drive standard work processes across the company, ensuring that best practices are applied across all of our legacy business units as well as our new acquisitions. I am confident the Myers Operating System will further Myers on its journey to become a world class company. I believe there is still a long runway for our company and significant value creation opportunity for our shareholders.” Fourth Quarter 2022 Financial Summary Quarter Ended December 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2022 2021 % Inc (Dec) Net sales $212,840 $199,579 6.6% Gross profit $65,074 $51,816 25.6% Gross margin 30.6% 26.0% Operating income $17,022 $10,750 58.3% Net income: Net income $13,428 $7,255 85.1% Net income per diluted share $0.36 $0.20 80.0% Adjusted operating income $16,485 $12,468 32.2% Adjusted net income: Net income $11,797 $8,369 41.0% Net income per diluted share $0.32 $0.23 39.1% Adjusted EBITDA $22,101 $17,601 25.6% Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2022 were $212.8 million, an increase of $13.3 million, or 6.6%, compared with $199.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, primarily driven by incremental sales of $17 million from the Mohawk Rubber acquisition in the Distribution Segment. On an organic basis, higher pricing was offset by lower volume/mix. Gross profit increased $13.3 million, or 25.6% to $65.1 million, primarily due to continued benefits from pricing actions, lower material costs and the Mohawk Rubber acquisition, partially offset by lower volume and a change in sales mix. While we continue to experience cost inflation, we were able to successfully offset it through our self-help initiatives, including cost reductions. Gross margin expanded to 30.6% compared with 26.0% for the fourth quarter of 2021. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $6.1 million, or 14.8% to $47.4 million due to the Mohawk Rubber acquisition, higher variable selling expenses, salaries, and incentive compensation. SG&A as a percentage of sales increased to 22.3%, compared with 20.7% in the same period last year. Net income per diluted share was $0.36, compared with $0.20 for the fourth quarter of 2021. Adjusted earnings per diluted share were $0.32, compared with $0.23 for the fourth quarter of 2021. Fourth Quarter 2022 Segment Results (Dollar amounts in the segment tables below are reported in millions) Material Handling Net Sales Op Income Adj Op Income Adj Op Income Margin Q4 2022 Results $142.2 $20.9 $21.0 14.7% Q4 2021 Results $147.3 $12.3 $13.2 9.0% Increase (decrease) vs prior year (3.4)% 69.7% 58.4% +570 bps Net sales for the Material Handling Segment during the fourth quarter of 2022 were $142.2 million, a decrease of $5.0 million, or 3.4%, compared with $147.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2021. Net sales increases in the food and beverage and consumer markets were more than offset by decreases in the vehicle and industrial markets. Operating income increased 69.7% to $20.9 million, compared with $12.3 million in 2021. Adjusted operating income increased 58.4% to $21.0 million, compared with $13.2 million in 2021. Contributions from pricing actions and lower material costs more than offset lower sales volume and a change in sales mix. Additionally, SG&A expenses were higher year-over-year. The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to increased variable selling expenses and higher incentive compensation costs. The Material Handling Segment’s adjusted operating income margin increased 570 basis points to 14.7%, compared with 9.0% for the fourth quarter of 2021. Distribution Net Sales Op Income Adj Op Income Adj Op Income Margin Q4 2022 Results $70.6 $3.4 $4.1 5.8% Q4 2021 Results $52.3 $5.4 $5.4 10.3% Increase vs prior year 35.0% (37.2)% (24.0)% -450 bps Net sales for the Distribution Segment during the fourth quarter of 2022 were $70.6 million, an increase of $18.3 million, or 35.0%, compared with $52.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2021. Excluding the incremental $17 million of net sales from the Mohawk Rubber acquisition, organic net sales increased 2%. Operating income decreased 37.2% to $3.4 million, compared with $5.4 million in 2021. Adjusted operating income decreased 24.0%
Hamilton introduces new U-Grooved Industrial Track Wheels
The new U-Grooved track wheels are ideal when working in applications with crane cables, pulleys, rolling gates, and doors In Hamilton’s latest line of new industrial wheels, U-Grooved Track Wheels are designed for easy rolling along straight or curvy tracks or pipes. With a capacity range of 1000 – 7000 lbs., U-Groove Wheels are a great solution when working with crane cables or pulleys, or using rolling gates and doors. They’re also common in food services, washdown, and other industries where tubed tracks are commonplace. “We saw a large volume of Hamilton customers special ordering our U-Grooved industrial track wheels so we decided to add them to our everyday product offering,” said Mark Lippert, President of Hamilton Caster. “We will now manufacture the wheels more efficiently and shorten their lead time, providing a big win for our customers.” Hamilton engineers designed this track wheel with flexibility in mind. The new U-Grooved Track Wheels come in standard sizes ranging from 4 to 10-inch diameters in three materials: steel, stainless steel, and nylon. This series of wheels offer a variety of groove depths and widths that accommodate a wide range of pipe sizes and track materials. Each wheel is fitted with precision-sealed ball bearings for easy rolling and maintenance-free operation. Hamilton’s Steel U-Grooved Wheels, machined from 1045 steel, are the strongest, most durable of the series, and provides the highest load-bearing capacity. The Stainless Steel U-Grooves are machined from Type 303 stainless steel. This makes them ideal for harsh, corrosive environments such as chemical and food processing plants, and pharmaceutical operations. Hamilton’s Nylast® U-Groove wheels are made from solid cast high-performance nylon, specially formulated with finely divided particles of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) to enhance its load-bearing capability while maintaining impact resistance. The U-Grooved Nylast® Wheel is resistant to moisture and chemicals while providing necessary floor protection. This results in an industrial wheel well-suited for corrosive environments or applications where sanitary conditions are important. Optional accessories include custom machined bores with keyway and/or set screws, as well as slick poly or rubber-coated treads. Hamilton can also machine custom sizes up to 25-inch diameters and other materials to match your exact specs. Should a size or configuration not be a standard, Hamilton will always custom design and build what is needed.
Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Co. names new President
Mark Lippert becomes just the 6th president in company history Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Co. announced that it has named Mark Lippert as its new President. Hamilton Caster, a 116-year-old manufacturer of heavy-duty industrial casters, wheels, carts, and in-plant trailers, is in its fourth generation of family leadership. Mark succeeds his cousin, David R. Lippert, who retired in December. “As we look to the future, we are confident that Mark possesses the qualifications and expertise to continue to grow our family business,” stated Board Member, Ted Lippert. “Under his leadership, Hamilton Caster will continue to make a significant impact on the industrial market and our community.” Mark is an energetic and highly effective business leader with a strong technology background, specializing in brand and product positioning, business development, strategic planning, and process improvement strategies. “I am honored and humbled to step into this role and build upon my family’s legacy as just the 6th president in our history,” said Mark. “I’m excited to leverage our core values of integrity, continuous improvement, accountability, respect, and empowerment as the foundation for strengthening our customer relationships, investing in new technologies, and supporting employee development.” Mark joined Hamilton Caster in 1995 to lead marketing efforts that have resulted in a brand that has been ranked #1 in brand perception studies for the industrial manufacturing market. He also helped manage the business with three other family members (all cousins), Dave, Steve, and Jim Lippert. Together, they led with a vision to be the manufacturer of choice for heavy-duty and custom-engineered mobility systems. “As the company implemented its business succession plan, we knew that there would be two key positions on our leadership team to fill,” said Mark. “It was important for us to find the right individuals to complement an already accomplished and experienced leadership team.” As a result of this search, Kellie Krieger joined Hamilton in October as Director of Human Resources and Administration, replacing long-time Executive Vice President, Steven J. Lippert, who also retired in December. Kellie brings over 20 years of human resources experience to Hamilton, most recently as Human Resources Manager at Hamilton Township. Jodi Fritsch also came aboard, in November, as Director of Marketing, a position that Mark held for over 28 years before his promotion to President. Jodi brings nearly 20 years of marketing experience to Hamilton, most recently serving as Vice President of Marketing at HORAN. Kellie and Jodi join Hamilton’s leadership team that includes: Jim Lippert, VP of Sales; Lester Jones, Operations Manager; Lee Burroughs, Lean Manager; Mark Lohmann, Chief Financial Officer; Thomas Raley, Director of IT; Patrick Lippert, Supply Chain Manager; and John Yater, Cart & Trailer Value Stream Manager. “Hamilton’s success over the past several years has been possible because of the vision of our leadership team along with the collaboration and diligent performance of all of our employees in terms of engineering, sales, customer service, production, and product development,” said Mark. “We expect to see continued growth because we continuously strive to be the best-in-class in everything we do.”
LiftWise® introduces HTH-1400 Hanging Tire Handler
The new HTH-1400 Hanging Tire Handler from LiftWise® is a high-capacity machine for handling, controlling, and maneuvering tires for reliable installation, removal, or maintenance. With a capacity to lift tires weighing up to 1,400 pounds, the HTH-1400 is fully adjustable to handle tires between 30 and 53 inches and diameter, and up to 19 inches in width. The unique design of the HTH-1400 allows a tire to be easily and precisely positioned by a single operator, maximizing productivity and efficiency for any application. The unit securely clamps to the tire and can rotate it 90 degrees from a horizontal position to a vertical position, and back again, allowing tire assemblies to be delivered to the machine flat on a pallet. Also, a 25-degree bi-directional tire rotation ability makes for easier alignment of studs with the tire bolt pattern. Adjustable pins further ensure correct tire orientation. Battery-powered and operated by a tethered controller, the unit is factory set for deliberate, controlled operational speeds. Given the unique equipment design, installation and removal times are expedited compared with alternative methods, but movement speeds can be adjusted to meet more demanding application requirements. To help ensure safe operation and stability, the HTH-1400 includes a tilt feature that naturally adjusts to any shifts in the load’s center of gravity. Also, lights illuminate on the machine when sufficient clamping pressure has been applied to the tire. Other standard features include a 24V maintenance-free battery system, a self-contained hydraulic power unit (HPU), an onboard battery charger, and integrated forklift pockets. An optional extended mast is available from LiftWise for enhanced accessibility. Furthermore, the company can offer units with modified weight capacities to meet unique application requirements.
Trelleborg Wheel Systems takes action in Spain for a better future
Local entities at Trelleborg Wheel Systems joined forces all over Spain to embrace the future by taking care of both people and the environment to contribute to a better society through different initiatives spanning wildlife preservation, social inclusion, and sports. Sharing the same values, Trelleborg Wheel Systems teamed up with the Mona Foundation, a nonprofit organization working for primate welfare and conservation in Spain. The foundation has a rescue and rehabilitation center near Girona, Spain, surrounded by nature which is home to rescued primates. It is also a place to understand and respect wild animals through its Primatology – Research and Training Program. Xavier Benzekri, Executive Director Mona Foundation, stated: “The great contribution from Trelleborg Wheel Systems supported our workers with materials for daily activities and the tire donation created playful moments for this threatened species. We’re proud to partner with companies sharing the same objective for the future.”. To preserve the local marine environment and promote the Catalan coastline, Trelleborg Wheel Systems supports Anèl·lides, an organization created and founded by women that are dedicated to marine environmental education and outreach. Their aim is to raise awareness of how important it is to respect the marine environment so that all people can enjoy it. To contribute to social integration, Trelleborg Wheel Systems works in cooperation with the renowned Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta (CNAB). Founded in 1913, the CNAB has become a state reference in sports with its multiple national titles in the last two decades and the Champions League victory in 2014. Joining forces with this well-known local club, swimming, and water polo sports – as the most practiced in Spain – will be promoted as a method for community initiatives and meaningful recreational activities for various groups of people. Hand in hand with the sports category, it’s the collaboration with La Fageda, a social project based on its own business, with the mission of improving life quality and social integration of people at risk through real and decent work. By providing tires and other equipment, people living in La Fageda can recreate a real “society” model of living, where work is the means through which people can actively contribute to the environment where they operate by providing products and services. Ramón Martínez, Country Manager Spain and Portugal at Trelleborg Wheel Systems commented: “We strongly believe that each one of us can take small actions and make a big difference. Giving back to the local communities is our commitment to a better society and the collaboration with these four entities fully represents our mission.”
Material Handling Education Foundation announces Cahners Award winner
During the 2022 MHI Annual Conference, the Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. (MHEFI) presented the Norman L. Cahners Industry Award to David Lippert, President of Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Company. The Norman L. Cahners award is given to nominees who have continually made extraordinary contributions to the industry throughout their lifetime. Lippert is an industry veteran who has served on the MHI Board of Governors, MHI Roundtable Advisory Committee, MHEFI Board of Directors, an industry representative on the College-Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE), as well as leadership roles for the Institute of Caster & Wheel Manufacturers and participation in the Ergonomic Assist Systems and Equipment Council. In addition to the Cahners award, MHEFI hosted a fundraiser at the 2022 MHI Annual Conference. MHEFI raised $71,707 over the course of the three-day conference through generous pledged and online donations from Annual Conference attendees and the silent auction. Funds are used to support the mission of the organization to provide financial support for educational programs to engage and retain talent for the material handling, logistics, and supply chain industry.
Trelleborg introduces XP700 tire for low intensity material handling applications
Trelleborg launches the XP700 tire for low-intensity material handling applications. The new XP700 tire features deep lugs for enhanced traction and a compact lateral block design to minimize vibration. Designed to perfectly match the needs of low-intensity material handling operations, the new XP700 delivers reliability, adequate load capacity, and good steering ability, while minimizing downtime to keep costs under control. The tire also incorporates Trelleborg’s easy-to-recognize, a user-friendly labeling system to help customers select the right tire for their operations according to application-specific requirements and intensity, improving overall performance. Alessio Bucci, Product Marketing Senior Manager at Trelleborg Wheel Systems, says: “In today’s multitude of material handling operations, having the right solution is key to maximizing efficiency. As a tire expert, Trelleborg keeps on delivering the perfect tire for low-intensity material handling applications with its new XP700 tire. This follows the release of the XP800 for medium and the XP1000 for maximum intensity applications.”
It’s a triple threat of Hamilton casters
Good things come in threes: The Three Stooges Three-point shots. Three Times A Lady. Also: This beast of a triple caster Hamilton designed for an engineering design firm. Each 21-inch wheel is impressive in its own right. But when banded thrice together to support four corners of an 80,000-pound movable assembly, it’s a threesome worthy of Godzilla, Rodan and Mothra combined. The assembled structure itself (see illustration to the right) is cumbersome. The customer needed to make it mobile at speeds up to 3 mph to travel through various docks and concrete roadways around an outdoor shipyard. So we added the three-wheel concept to provide maximum footprint and load distribution. And to stand up to the small dips, potholes, and other unfriendly outdoor surfaces along the way, we chose solid pneumatic tires for extra cushion and shock absorption. We also applied a two-part marine grade epoxy finish to the assemblies to tackle the elements without incident. There’s even a parking brake to make sure everything stays put when we want it to. Because every threesome needs a safe word. Hamilton XC0545 – Swivel 21” Triple Solid Pneumatic with Swivel lock and Brake Capacity: 10,000 pounds Wheel Size: (3) 21” Solid Pneumatic Tires Overall Height: 24-1/2” Options: 4 – Position Swivel Lock Hand Operated Parking Brake
Hamilton opens the doors on their new headquarters
It was all party, party, party here a few weeks again when Hamilton opened its doors to the public to officially celebrate the multi-million-dollar expansion of our newish corporate headquarters. The July 14 open house, co-sponsored by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, gave us a chance to let down our hair and roll back the curtain for the community on our 65,000-square-foot corporate, facility complete with robotic welders, tilt-up concrete walls, CNC machines, truck court, and powder paint system. And here are the pictures to prove it. Over 200 people attended—including family, friends, business leaders, city officials, and even the Mayor of Hamilton, Pat Moeller. The Hamilton staff were especially humbled and honored when Ohio Senator George Lang got up and described Hamilton as part of the renaissance of the capital city of Butler County in bringing more jobs to the community and revitalizing the area. “Hamilton is on the rise,” said Hamilton president Dave Lippert, “and it’s a meteoric rise and it’s going to be driven by the business community.” Wow, we sure hope so. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be expanding our footprint and serving customers better in the city we love. It’s been a wild ride for everyone these last few years, as we slowly moved into our new headquarters in stages during a pandemic and up against supply chain issues to minimize customer disruption. The new space gives us much-needed room to grow and make durable, tough casters and carts for the aerospace/defense, automotive, and heavy manufacturing industries added Lippert.
Maxam Tire
EP 280: Caster Concepts
In this episode, I was joined by the VP of Sales at Caster Concepts, Doug Backinger. Caster Concepts is focused on all things casters and helping you to improve your workplace. We discuss what Caster Concepts does, how casters help to improve your operation, and some examples of how switching casters have helped companies improve. Key Takeaways Caster Concepts is focused on custom caster applications for your operation whether it is a manufacturing or warehousing operation. They specifically focus on the very heavy movement of materials up to 100,000 lbs. Casters are the wheels that we have on our various carts such as picking carts, material movement carts, or other rolling items. Their engineering team has brought some great innovations to the world of casters that has allowed for operations to take the movement of materials to a more efficient and safer level. The casters are able to displace weight and handle them in a much smoother motion allowing for freer movement of materials in your operation. Doug shares a great example of how Caster Concepts helped an automotive operation improve by allowing their carts to move 8 batteries instead of 4. While this may seem like a simple thing, the weight of the batteries was preventing them from moving their carts in a safe manner so they had to reduce the number of batteries they moved at a time causing more work and more time. With a switch to a different caster, they were able to prevent this and save the company approximately $4 million in upgraded equipment. These simple fixes need to be sought after and Caster Concepts can help you to realize them. In the discussion, you will hear how the right caster can have immense benefits. Not only will it allow for cost savings and efficiency gains as mentioned above but it also allows your workers to be safer and have an easier day. One of the comments from Doug is that oftentimes the feedback after the casters are installed is that they now need brakes on those casters because their equipment rolls so easily compared to the previous setup. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 280: Caster Concepts
Caster Concepts
The new UltraGlide™ wheels by Hamilton deliver more push, cush, and staying power
In our tireless quest to provide customers with the exact product they need when they need it, Hamilton is proud to introduce our newest UltraGlide™ wheel series. It’s Hamilton’s latest modular solution designed to reduce the amount of energy needed to move loads in manual or powered applications. Designed for ergonomic and AGV applications, the new UltraGlide™ still features independent swivel surfaces that eliminate scrubbing, making it much easier to turn. It still has split outer raceways to minimize friction that provides low startup and maintains forces. But that‘s where the similarity ends and the magic continues. Engineers upgraded the precision ball bearings in both size and quality in the new UltraGlide™ to provide more than double the bearing life. Hamilton engineers also designed the die-cast aluminum center with a new concave face that concentrates the compression of the urethane toward the centerline of the tread. This design change simulates the cushioning benefits of a thicker, softer tread, but provides the same durability and long life as other more conventional heavy-duty wheels. The UltraGlide™ also features a new modular design whereby the 1” wide wheels are no longer press-fit together but now assembled separately like a true multi-wheel arrangement. This enhancement allows for many more product configurations compared to its predecessor. For example, the new UltraGlide™ supports a 3” wide assembly in a small 3-1/2” diameter and can expand to a 6” wide assembly in a 12” diameter. The UltraGlide™ assemblies are offered in two tread profiles and (3) different polyurethane types. The tread profiles are a new crown profile that features a unique easy rolling flat center band and a flat profile for higher load applications. The UltraGlide™ Ergo poly features Hamilton’s blue ErgoGlide poly with the new crown tread profile and is best suited for applications where rollability and softer ride are the primary objectives. The UltraGlide™ 27/7 | AGV features Hamilton’s light gray DuraGlide poly with the new crown tread profile and is best suited for continuous duty operations such as AGV’s, AMR’s, or outdoor environments. Finally, the UltraGlide™ XC features Hamilton’s Duralast® XC with a flat tread and is best suited when the highest load rating is desirable. All of the new wheels are backed by Hamilton’s three-year product warranty and are available mounted in the majority of Hamilton’s broad line of industrial casters.
Caster Concepts unveils TWERGO XTREME to help manufacturers deal with staffing shortages by moving more with less
Caster Concepts Inc., an industrial manufacturer of casters, wheels, and tread developed TWERGO XTREME to help companies faced with workforce challenges move more with less. Caster Concepts engineers have released a variety of casters that improve the use of manual dollies, especially those used to transport heavy EV batteries at automotive plants. These ergonomically designed casters like the new TWERGO XTREME, allow manufacturers to keep pace with demand and improve efficiency. TWERGO® XTREME gives smaller manufacturing teams the ability to move loads of up to 3,000 pounds while staying below the 50-pound start push force safety limits established by OSHA. Xtreme improves the efficiency of EV dollies by reducing the push force to 44 pounds and allows operators to move more batteries per dolly. Manufacturers can save upwards of $4 million by reducing their fleet of dollies and simply using TWERGO XTREME or TWERGO. “We recognize the workforce challenges in the industry, and to a certain extent, we feel it in our own business,” said Caster Concepts President Bill Dobbins. “By rethinking how products are designed and employing the latest technology to develop material handling systems, we’re helping manufacturers work more efficiently.” The workforce challenges felt in the manufacturing industry stem from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of furloughed workers didn’t return to their jobs once plants reopened. Many left the industry entirely, stalling production and forcing manufacturers to hire inexperienced workers. The National Association of Manufacturers foresees that “2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030.” These vacancies could cost the industry upwards of $1 trillion. “Years ago, we focused on designing products to meet the highest ergonomic standards in the industry,” Dobbins said. “That move improved manufacturing efficiency and reduced injuries. Now we’re taking our engineering efforts further, employing technology so companies can continue to produce at a high level with smaller teams of employees. Our industry demands the change, and we’re staying in tune with its needs.”
Martins gets tough about safety with Checkpoint
MARTINS a household name in the North American tire equipment industry recently acquired the UK-based Checkpoint, a global provider in wheel safety. With Checkpoint, Martins adds to its extensive line of products a host of wheel safety solutions, namely a variety of visual indicators of nut movement. Checkpoint also comes with 30 years of expertise that started with its founder, CEO, and inventor, Mike Marczynski. The renowned expertise and superior quality of Checkpoint are what motivated the acquisition. It will undoubtedly prove to be a valuable addition to the Martins brand and will enable them to offer even more quality products to their customers. “We’re proud to now count in our ranks the extensive know-how and knowledge of the Checkpoint team, as well as the reputation for quality the brand has justly acquired over the years,” said Martin Dépelteau, CEO of Martins. The plan moving forward is to integrate Checkpoint within the Martins world in the most seamless way possible, and without changing anything that makes the wheel safety brand great. For any Checkpoint team member, partner or client, this means it’s business as usual in terms of operations, distribution, quality, and personality. Martins wants to continue to fully support B2B distribution for Checkpoint and the excellent work the team is doing and believes adding this dynamic to their existing lines of products reinforces their presence in the market in every aspect. This will certainly lead to plenty of opportunities to grow down the road. Martins Industries offers innovation and reliability. They design, manufacture, and sell high-quality supplies and equipment for all types of tires and wheels to improve safety and efficiency in the workplace. With numerous distribution centers, a foothold in North America, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world, they’re ever ready to drive results. Shops around the world trust Martins to support them on their paths towards efficiency.
Yokohama Rubber to acquire Trelleborg AB’s Wheel Systems business specializing in tires for agricultural and industrial machinery
The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., announced today that it has entered into a share purchase agreement with the Swedish-based Trelleborg AB to acquire all outstanding shares of Trelleborg Wheel Systems Holding AB (hereafter, TWS), a company engaged in the manufacture and sale of off-highway tires (OHT) for agricultural and industrial machinery. TWS’s enterprise value is €2,040 million (about ¥265.2 billion, at ¥130/€1; the acquisition agreement also includes a performance-linked earn-out*1). Yokohama Rubber estimates that the acquired business’ EBITDA multiple will be about 9x*2. The acquisition is scheduled to be completed in the latter half of 2022, after the completion of necessary procedures required by the competition laws of the European Union and other countries. The acquisition’s impact on Yokohama Rubber’s consolidated financial results is currently under examination. *1 The performance-linked earn-out could increase the acquisition price by up to €60 million depending on the fiscal 2022 financial results of the acquired business. *2 Assumes TWS’ fiscal 2022 EBITDA of €230 million (Yokohama Rubber estimate) Yokohama Rubber is currently implementing its Yokohama Transformation 2023 (YX2023) medium-term management plan for fiscal years 2021–2023. The “YX” in YX2023 is a combination of “Y” for YOKOHAMA and “X” for transformation. During YX2023, Yokohama Rubber simultaneously is promoting the “Exploitation” of the strengths of its existing businesses and the “Exploration” of new value that will meet the needs of customers during the once-in-a-hundred years transformation now taking place in the global tire market. Through this two-pronged effort, Yokohama Rubber aims to achieve record results in fiscal 2023. Yokohama Rubber’s tire business strategy under YX2023 The global tire market can be broadly divided into two sub-markets—consumer tires, which include passenger car tires, and commercial tires, which cover tires used on trucks and buses, agricultural and construction machinery, and other special-purpose vehicles. These two sub-markets currently are similar in scale. However, Yokohama Rubber expects the trends toward CASE, MaaS, and digital transformation (DX) to greatly change the tire market landscape. Specifically, the Company expects individual ownership of cars to decrease and infrastructure-related vehicles devoted to moving people and goods to increase, leading to consumer tires becoming commercial tires. In response to this changing tire market, Yokohama Rubber is promoting a strategy with a two-pronged approach consisting of “Exploitation” and “Exploration”. In the consumer tire business, this strategy aims to raise the sales ratio of high value-added tires by increasing sales of the Company’s global flagship ADVAN brand, its GEOLANDAR brand of tires for SUVs and pickup trucks, and winter tires. The Company’s commercial tire business is exploring opportunities created by market changes, with a focus on four themes—cost, service, DX, and expanding its product lineup. Acquisition’s purpose: Current situation and challenges for Yokohama Rubber’s tire business The TWS acquisition will contribute to the expansion of Yokohama Rubber’s OHT business, which YX2023 has positioned as a future growth driver for the Company’s commercial tire business. The ratio of consumer tires to commercial tires in today’s global tire market is 1:1, but Yokohama Rubber’s tire business sales are more heavily weighted toward consumer tires, with a 2:1 ratio versus commercial tires. To bring the sales composition of its tire business more in line with the overall market and secure the business’ stability and earnings growth, one of the key challenges facing Yokohama Rubber’s commercial tire business is the growth of an OHT business capable of securing stably high earnings. The TWS acquisition will not only help Yokohama Rubber’s tire business achieve a more optimal sales composition, but it will also strengthen the Company’s commercial tire business in each of the four thematic areas set forth in YX2023—product lineup, cost, service, and DX. Meanwhile, the consumer tire business will continue its effort to improve its profitability by expanding sales of its ADVAN, GEOLANDAR, and winter tires. TWS strengths TWS sales in fiscal 2021 totaled SEK10,076 million (about ¥129.0 billion), accounting for about 30% of Trelleborg AB’s consolidated sales. Over the past 10 years, TWS has expanded its sales by 2.6 times and more than tripled EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes). While expanding sales it has sustained stably high profitability, with its EBIT ratio continuously above 10%. Of tires manufactured and sold by TWS, agricultural tires account for about 60% and industrial tires about 20%, with the remainder being tires for construction machinery and motorcycles. In the global markets for agricultural and industrial tires, TWS boasts world-class products, brand power, technological capabilities, and after-service. In addition, it has a lineup of tires in each product category that supports all types of vehicles and vehicle sizes, from the smallest to the largest. TWS has 14 manufacturing plants in nine countries—7 in Europe (Italy, Latvia, Serbia, Slovenia, and 3 in the Czech Republic), 2 in the United States, 1 in Brazil, and 4 in Asia (2 in China and 2 in Sri Lanka). About 70% of its sales are in Europe. TWS also is actively promoting ESG activities, including setting high targets for its shift to renewable raw materials. Over the next five years, it plans to increase the ratios of biomaterials used in its products by 10 percentage points. Acquisition strategy and its compatibility with YX2023 Yokohama Rubber believes the TWS acquisition will provide it with a more complete product brand structure, strengthen its service network, contribute to DX, broaden its regional sales network, and boost its sales of OE tires. In terms of a complete product brand structure, the acquisition will give Yokohama Rubber a complete brand lineup of tires for agricultural and construction machinery that will cover all brand categories, from basic to standard and premium brands. Yokohama Rubber’s service network will be strengthened by TWS’ proprietary tire maintenance service that provides after-sales service for industrial-use tires at 82 locations in 21 countries, and Yokohama Rubber plans to expand that service to agricultural tires. In the DX area, TWS is developing a remote system for monitoring tire air pressure and temperature. Yokohama Rubber has been developing a similar system, and the two companies will collaborate to develop a