Trelleborg Wheel Systems implements price increases across all segments
Effective from April 2022, Trelleborg Wheel Systems has announced price increases up to 15% on all brands and segments globally. This price increase is a result of the current market fluctuations and the sharp rise in the cost of raw materials, energy, and logistics. Increases will vary by region to reflect the local market conditions. Specific details on the actual increase will be communicated directly to customers by Company representatives in each market.
Myers Industries announces price increases
Myers Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of polymer products and distributor for the tire, wheel, and under-vehicle service industry, has announced that the Company is implementing price increases effective April 18, 2022, across most of the Company’s portfolio of products in the Material Handling Segment, including those sold by Akro-Mils, Ameri-Kart, Buckhorn, Elkhart Plastics, Jamco Products, Scepter, and Trilogy Plastics. The price increases are in response to this period of record inflation and rising raw material, freight, energy, fuel, labor, and corrugated costs.
Trelleborg delivers maximum performance and minimum waste with its new XP1000 tire solution
Trelleborg looks to significantly improve material handling operations with the launch of its latest tire solution for maximum intensity applications, the XP1000. The 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. Luca Sabelli, Product Manager Material Handling at Trelleborg Wheel Systems, remarks: “We have worked hard to make sure our tires are ready for next-generation material handling vehicles and the intense jobs they’re required to perform. We want to give our customers a high-performance tire promising greater durability, more stability, and comfort while reducing the environmental impact – even when handling heavy-duty jobs. The XP1000 tire does all that – and more.” Side-by-side performance comparison tests against competitive tires show that the XP1000 tire lasts up to 9 percent longer with 21 percent improved endurance and offers a reported increase in the comfort of up to 13 percent. Its three internal layers have also been designed for sustainable success: the lightweight tire features an innovative fiber compound made using recycled materials, saving 866 tons per year on materials alone, while decreasing CO2 emissions by up to 110 tons per year. The XP1000 includes Trelleborg’s Pit Stop Line technology which lets operators know the right time to replace their tires so they can get the most out of them and reduce waste. 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. Starting with raw materials and long-lasting reliability of compounds, Trelleborg brings cutting-edge technologies to its tires, so machine operators can concentrate on what they do best.
Gallagher Tire
Twin Spring Coupling announce its North American sales representatives servicing the U.S. and Canadian
Twin Spring Coupling has announced the following list of sales representative companies to support the expansion of our product range out into the Industrial distribution marketplace. The North American sales representative agents are: AF Industrial – CO, UT, WY Allied Components Inc. – AK, ID, OR, MT, WA Bick Products, Inc.- IA, IL, KS, MO, NE Industrial Component Sales – ND, SD, MN, WI RDT Industries – MI, IN, OH NTS – RI, CT, ME, VT, MA, NH Pro Power Associates – Upstate NY, Western PA Rausch Sales – Florida (Except Panhandle) RPT – AR, LA, NM, OK, TX Simpson & Associates – AL, FL Panhandle, GA, MS, TN Driven Sales – Lower NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD RGW Sales – Canada These companies have many years of power transmission experience and the fit with our coupling line is a natural add-on to their current product offerings, says Darren Finch CEO/Founder of Twin Spring Coupling. The companies in the industrial distribution channel have had lots of experience dealing with these companies, the likes of Grainger, Motion, AD, Fastenal, MSC Industrial, DXP, BDI, OTP, Turtle and Hughes, CBT, IBT, and many others, they will continue to deal with them and serve as their front-line sales and technical support agents.
New Thomson low-load Polymer Bushing Bearings
Thomson Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of linear motion control solutions, has added a polymer bushing to its line of state-of-the-art Ball Bushing® bearings. It expands the company’s extensive bearing portfolio, providing design engineers a new option that helps them avoid overdesigning for low-load applications. Thomson polymer bushing bearings provide a reliable solution for machines where moment load is non-critical (30-40 percent of linear applications) or contamination and temperature are concerns. These bearings are also useful for applications that require shafting that is not compatible with traditional Ball Bushings such as 316 stainless steel. Polymer bushing bearings can handle loads of up to 2,023 lbf (9 kN) and provide a corrosion-resistant alternative for low-load, low-speed applications in markets such as factory automation, robotics, health and fitness, medical automation, woodworking, packaging, food and beverage, and vending. “This new polymer bushing bearing expands the range of linear motion solutions that we offer to help our customers optimize their designs for performance and cost,” said Charles Isaac, Product Line Manager – Linear Bearings & Guides at Thomson. “This product adds to our portfolio by incorporating a metric plain bushing that also provides application flexibility for our customers.” Available in sizes of 6 to 50 mm (closed) and 10 to 50 mm (open), Thomson polymer bushing bearings resist dust and dirt, and operate maintenance-free with reduced noise in temperatures from -58˚F to 194˚F (-50˚C to 90˚C). They feature an anodized aluminum adapter and are available with aluminum pillow blocks. For more information on Thomson polymer bushing bearings, please click here – https://www.thomsonlinear.com/en/products/linear-bearings/polymer-bearings. The polymer bushing bearing is currently stocked in Marengo, IL, for fast delivery throughout North America.
Award-winning caster and wheel company expands into Arizona
Tucson Truck and Caster was founded in 1981 by James “Jim” Hagerty. In 1998, Jim opened a second location in Phoenix. Over the past 40+ years, TTC has built an impressive client base and earned a reputation as one of the premier caster distributors in Arizona. The acquisition of TTC expands CasterDepot’s award-winning culture and business practices into the southwest United States. CasterDepot is widely recognized for its caster expertise and for making the surprisingly complex world of casters easy. As Jim notes, “I’m excited to bring CasterDepot’s products and expertise to Tucson Truck and Caster’s customers. They are widely known in the caster community as a company that cares and does things right.” Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, CasterDepot boasts several million dollars in onhand inventory, a 40,000 square foot distribution center, and fully supported stocking centers in Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, Indianapolis, IN, Richmond, VA, Jacksonville, FL, and Phoenix, AZ. CasterDepot is a highly respected partner to many heavy-duty and industrial caster manufacturers worldwide, including Colson, Albion, Shepherd, Hamilton, RWM, Algood, Schioppa, Tente, Blickle, Foot Master, and Darnell-Rose.
Industry mourns loss of Fred Taylor, OTR Wheel Engineering Founder, Community Leader & Philanthropist
OTR Wheel Engineering, Inc. (OTR) reports that founder, Fredrick (Fred) Taylor, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2021, at the age of 70. Known as a visionary, entrepreneur, and innovator, Taylor was also a highly respected community supporter whose acts of generosity and philanthropy benefitted his employees and neighbors alike. Taylor was born in Pontiac, Michigan, on March 31, 1951, and grew up in the northwestern Michigan town of Ellsworth, where he attended high school. He earned a degree from Michigan Tech University in Houghton, Michigan, in mechanical engineering. After graduation, Taylor returned to his hometown, where he married his wife, Mary Vander Ark. He worked in his family’s business until 1982, when he moved his wife and children to Rome, Georgia, to start his own enterprise. Taylor founded several businesses but he is best known for his success in founding OTR Wheel Engineering in 1987. Taylor served as CEO of the company until early 2021 when Tom Rizzi was hired, after which he transitioned to the role of Chairman of the Board. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, Taylor was the driving force behind the creation and launch of many innovative tire and wheel assemblies, securing numerous patents and trademarks that set the standard in the industry, such as the well-known Outrigger tire. As a result, the company was able to do business with well-known original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket customers, with whom he ultimately enjoyed close personal relationships. “The characteristic I strive for in my family of companies is to build customer relationships,” said Taylor. “After all the contractual and product negotiations are over, it is the relationship between OTR and our customers that sustained the business over many years.” “We’ve lost a great innovator for our company and the industry as a whole,” said Tom Rizzi, OTR CEO and president. “Additionally, his passion for taking care of customers and establishing partnerships is a legacy that will be long-lasting, and it will continue to drive the company forward for many years to come.” In addition to his contributions to the tire and wheel industry, Taylor was well respected for his philanthropy and heavy involvement within the Rome, Georgia, community. There he supported numerous organizations, including the First Presbyterian Church, the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Unity Christian School, and the Boy Scouts of America.
Hamilton expands Stainless Steel offering with new 3200 lbs. Caster Series
The new series represents the highest-rated stainless steel caster on the market today The product engineering department at Hamilton Caster has released the expansion of their stainless-steel caster offering with an all-new series rated up to 3200 lbs. per caster. With this introduction, the new Champion Stainless Series represents the highest-rated stainless steel caster series on the market today. The new series is designed for extra heavy loads where corrosive environments or sanitary considerations demand having all fork and hardware components of stainless steel. Like all of Hamilton’s heavy-duty casters, this new series is manufactured in Hamilton’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Southwest Ohio. The new extra heavy-duty series rounds out Hamilton’s stainless steel caster offerings with their existing light, medium, and heavy-duty stainless series. Each caster undergoes a special process after fabrication to ensure the removal of embedded contaminants, edge burrs, and surface stresses. The resulting high-luster finish not only enhances appearance but provides a smoother, less porous surface that’s impervious to dirt and easier to clean – making these casters ideal for chemical factories, food production facilities, pharmaceutical houses, and other wash-down environments. Swivel and matching rigid models offer a broad variety of hard or soft tread wheels from 6” to 12” diameter by 3” wide wheels, including CNC-machined solid stainless steel wheels. All-wheel choices come standard with stainless steel double-sealed precision ball bearings.
Trelleborg unveils new innovation area on its virtual showroom
Trelleborg Wheel Systems has added a new Innovation Area to the Virtual Showroom it successfully launched in March 2021. The Innovation Area puts the latest technical advancements right at the customer’s fingertips. They will discover cutting-edge solutions such as premium compounds engineered to provide professionals with increased productivity, safety, and sustainability, including ProTEX, ProHD, and Heat Shield. Emiliana Vesco, Marketing Training & Development Senior Manager at Trelleborg Wheel Systems, says: “Trelleborg is constantly innovating when it comes to helping customers run their operations more smoothly. The Innovation Area allows customers to explore the latest advancements as they happen. We continue to bring new ways to help customers in the agriculture, construction, and materials handling fields to drive their business – anytime, anywhere in the world. “Putting new tools into the hands of our customers, our digital apps are just one way we’re responding to changing needs. And our Innovation Area helps take our customers up to the next level, so they can stay on top of emerging technologies and use them to power their productivity.” Along with showcasing Trelleborg’s latest hi-tech innovations in tire design, the Innovation Area also features a Digital Hub offering smart solutions geared toward tackling day-to-day challenges. Customers can choose from a wide range of mobile Apps and services to help grow their business right from their smartphone: from TLC Plus that lets operators check the tire pressure of their fleet and recommends adjustments when needed, to discovering the entire Tire Book or finding the Dealer nearest them. Online visitors can also peek behind the curtain at the new Concept Center, featuring exclusive previews of next-generation tire technology. Importantly, for visitors to the Innovation Area, Trelleborg experts are only a click away with the “Book a Meeting” option. This puts customers in touch with a representative speaking English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, or Chinese. To discover all that Trelleborg’s Innovation Area has to offer, visit: www.virtualshowroom-wheels.trelleborg.com/wheels/en/
TVH offers a wide variety of TireSocks
TVH Americas, a global provider of quality replacement parts and accessories for the material handling and industrial equipment industries, offers a wide variety of TireSocks to help keep floors clean and protected. With numerous sizing options, TVH is able to provide tire covers for a large selection of tires to help limit scuff marks and floor damage made by industrial equipment. Key Features TVH’s selection of TireSocks has amazing features to ensure the best quality product. Features include: Heavy-duty reinforced fabric with patches over seams to keep the TireSocks in long-lasting condition Sold in packages of 4 socks that are easily installable Slip-resistant fabric The ability to self-center while driving Machine washable – wash on cold and air dry for best results Installation Tips Make sure the equipment is parked on a flat surface with the parking brake on. Starting at the top of the tire, begin fitting the TireSock over the tire and work down. Rotate the TireSock for best fit and preferred positioning. After the sock is in the desired location, move the equipment about two feet forward to expose the uncovered area. Now the uncovered part of the tire should be exposed to complete pulling the TireSock onto the tire. Similar Products In addition to TireSocks, TVH offers a large selection of products to help protect equipment and storefronts including safety pads, drip diapers, outrigger socks, track socks, and fork socks. To learn more go to TVH.com or contact your sales representative.
GRI launches its most environmentally friendly tire – The ULTIMATE GREEN XT
GRI reaffirmed its commitment to protecting our planet by launching the ULTIMATE GREEN XT, one of the most environmentally friendly material handling solid tires in the world. “Environmentally sustainable growth is our strategy today and for generations to come. We work towards this goal through the way we produce our tires as well as develop new tires. The ULTIMATE GREEN XT solid tire for the material handling industry is a result of our drive to create and manufacture products that are sustainable,” explained Dr. Mahesha Ranasoma, CEO of GRI. The ULTIMATE GREEN XT contains 42.8% sustainable materials, which include bio-sourced, and recycled materials. The tire is built with pure natural rubber, silica, recycled carbon black, and reclaimed rubber from used tires. This novel tire provides a higher energy efficiency due to its 20.4% lower rolling resistance than the current tire. Therefore, using the ULTIMATE GREEN XT tire will result in higher energy saving whether it is an electric forklift or internal combustion engine forklift. Furthermore, this new solid tire also provides a higher lifetime as it has 26.6% lower abrasion loss. The ULTIMATE GREEN XT is a premium-plus material handling tire, built for 24 hours per day, three-shift operations, enabled by lower heat build-up and higher endurance. The green color version is a non-marking, high-performance tire developed for all surface conditions and intense operating environments. “In creating the pioneering ULTIMATE GREEN XT, we not only considered environmental protection by using a high degree of sustainable materials, but we also focused on improving performance such as increasing energy saving of forklifts as well as extending the lifetime of the tire. With innovations such as this, we strive to inspire our industry towards making a positive impact on our planet,” stated Mr. Prabhash Subasinghe, Managing Director, GRI. The tread compound of the non-marking ULTIMATE GREEN XT contains highly dispersible silica and no carbon black, lowering abrasion loss, and thereby reducing particle release into the environment. In the center and base of the tire, GRI has used recycled carbon black. Natural oil is used instead of petroleum-based oil and GRI has pioneered the use of carbon nanotubes in the black version of the tire. “ULTIMATE GREEN XT goes beyond the norm to deliver the ultimate in sustainability, performance, and efficiency. It was developed over two years and tested rigorously. Powerful and robust, this tire epitomizes GRI’s advanced engineering, research, development, and manufacturing capabilities.” explained Dr. Mahesha Ranasoma. “As a responsible organization, we have aligned our activities with the UN Sustainable Development Goals of Climate Action, Responsible Consumption & Production, Life on Land, and Affordable & Clean Energy. The ULTIMATE GREEN XT has been developed in line with these goals and our unique GREEN X Circle, thus reiterating GRI’s commitment to sustainability,” he further added. “I am extremely proud of GRI for having invented such a visionary and innovative solid tire for its customers. It’s a first on many fronts for the company, the country, and the world,” said Mr. Harris Premaratne, Chairman of the GRI Board.
Aerol set to unveil ground support products at International GSE Expo
Aerol, a design, engineering, and caster manufacturer for the military, aviation, and energy industries powered by Caster Concepts Inc., will unveil its top ground support products at the International GSE Expo at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas October 5–7. The company’s GSE Expo lineup features the SAM Suspension Unit, heavy-duty running gear engineered with a shock-absorbing unit that can be bolted to ground support equipment. Its flexible design allows for front and rear steering for maneuvering in confined areas or conventional front-end steering when towing equipment. Aerol will also showcase the BANJO MOUNT, running gear designed with a low center of gravity featuring a wheel mounted on a stub axle and fitted to a shock-absorption unit that can be bolted to the side of an item of ground service equipment. The banjo mount moves loads up to 1,000 pounds per wheel in increments of 125 pounds. “Aerol casters and wheels are specifically designed with the aviation industry — its challenges, loads, and maneuverability — in mind,” said William Dobbins, CEO of Caster Concepts. “We’re proud of our line of ground support, ground handling, and air cargo products. Our goal is focused on modifying our products to fit specific situations and designing tailored solutions.” Caster Concepts acquired Aerol in November 2020, moving operations from Southern California to Central Michigan. Aerol brings an esteemed reputation dating back 76 years as a contractor for the defense and aviation industries during WWII. The company’s relocation to Caster Concepts headquarters in Albion, Mich., allows for accelerated production and improved shipping and delivery nationwide. Caster Concepts’ innovative production technology featuring laser cutters and break presses provides greater customization and quick turnarounds, regardless of quantities. “Our flexible manufacturing process permits us to build anything our engineers can design and what our customers can envision, regardless of the specs,” Dobbins said. “We’re on our way to exceeding our 2019 performance numbers of 99-percent plus on-time delivery.”
Camso wins prestigious Presidents Award from Toyota Industries Corporation
Camso Japan has announced it has received the President’s Award from Toyota Industries Corporation in recognition of its excellence as a supplier Presented to the top company among the Supplier Award recipients in each division, this prestigious President’s Award follows a recent Supplier Award from Toyota L&F Company, the materials handling equipment division of Toyota Industries, and it highlights the positive contribution Camso is making to its partner’s business. As a valued partner of Toyota Material Handling Company, Camso was recognized for its outstanding performance and the very high standards of its materials handling tires and assembly supply. Speaking about the award, Mr. Tsunehiko Sano, president of Camso Japan, said: “We are very proud to receive this prestigious award. This Toyota President’s Award is a testimony of our commitment to our clients and their business. Over the years, we have shown our industrious nature and developed a reputable and trustworthy partnership with Toyota. Our team works relentlessly to achieve these high levels of performance, and we always go the extra mile in the products and services we deliver.”
Jake Kercheval joins Thombert
Thombert, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of polyurethane wheels and tires for narrow aisle electric lift trucks, has recently expanded its sales staff by adding Jake Kercheval as OEM Account Manager. Jake will be responsible for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) accounts in the material handling industry. He comes to Thombert with a strong background in sales and marketing. He is a graduate of Simpson College and was formerly the Director of Sales & Marketing for the Iowa Hospital Association. Jake resides in Altoona, Iowa, with his wife Shannon, son Boone, and his lab Gunther. Thombert is pleased to have Jake on their team and he looks forward to his role at Thombert and to meet everyone.
GRI enhances connections with rubber farmers
Sri Lankan natural rubber is the key raw material used in GRI tires. Thus, natural rubber farmers are important stakeholders in the GRI ecosystem. This ecosystem focuses on sustainability and aims to inspire the farming communities by recognizing their work as well as providing knowledge and skills for their development and optimizing the yields from their natural rubber farms. GRI works with about 1,800 natural rubber farmers from Monaragala, Rathnapura, Kalutara, and Kegalle districts in Sri Lanka. Rubber collection centers have been established by GRI in numerous locations in these regions so that natural rubber farmers have easy access to trade their rubber collections on a weekly basis. GRI continuously supports natural rubber farmers through various programs. The three focus areas are enhancing productivity, social empowerment, and industry sustainability. GRI finds solutions to enhance the lives of the farming families as well as enrich each other with technical tools, products, and services. This includes training programs to enhance productivity and yield, leadership training as well as access to markets. “We also provide rubber tapping tools and farmer supplies. We train them on new technologies and distribute reading materials to enhance their knowledge,” explained Mr. Niluka Karunaratne, Procurement Manager of GRI. It is not only the rubber farmer that receives support, as GRI takes on an overall perspective and focuses on the social development of the family and the entire community. School children are provided with educational materials and schools are provided with sports equipment. GRI hopes to continue with other initiatives such as building libraries and IT facilities for these schools in the future. Through such endeavors, it is not only the rubber farmer that benefits but the entire community. “We have also introduced industry best practices to the rubber farmers, focusing on sustainability through GRI’s GREEN X Circle initiative where we nurture a global farmer ecosystem connecting natural rubber farmers, and crop farmers who use GRI agricultural tires to sustain their livelihoods and produce food. We focus not only on the present but also on future generations,” explained Dr. Mahesha Ranasoma, CEO of GRI. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant travel restrictions, GRI did not abandon the Sri Lankan natural rubber farmers but continued to collect their harvest by directly going to them. Thus, the farmers were able to continue with their livelihood even during challenging times. GRI was the first tire manufacturer to implement such a system. “We ensure that we pay our natural rubber farmers a fair and competitive price so that they can take care of their families. We encourage and support them to develop their rubber plantations, and we enable social upliftment,” explained Dr. Mahesha Ranasoma. GRI produces high-grade specialty tires that are built sustainably using pure natural rubber in Sri Lanka. Founded in 2002, the company produces material handling solid tires, radial agriculture tires, and construction tires. GRI has operations in 9 countries, and a business presence in more than 50 countries worldwide. Since 2018 GRI has been advancing in the rapid expansion of its specialty tire plants in Sri Lanka and its operations in key countries. GRI ensures its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection throughout its operations locally and globally.
Caster Concepts appoints Doug Backinger VP of Sales
Caster Concepts Inc., a global manufacturer of industrial wheels and casters, announced Jackson native Doug Backinger as their vice president of sales. “Doug has provided great leadership for the sales team during some very challenging times,” said William Dobbins, president of Caster Concepts. While not a lifelong salesperson, his engineering background provides great value to the team and customers. I am thrilled that Doug has accepted this next level of challenge. I know this will be great for all our stakeholders.” Committed to fostering local talent, Caster Concepts first engaged Backinger, a native of Jackson, Mich., as a college intern in 2004 and then as a full-time member of its engineering team while completing both a bachelor’s and master’s in engineering and manufacturing. For the past 10 years, Backinger has led the Quality Department at Caster Concepts while leading ISO 9001 and AS 9100 certifications for Aerol, the company’s latest acquisition. Since January 2020, Backinger served as the director of sales, shaping the company’s marketing efforts to meet customer needs and expectations. “I am excited to help Caster Concepts drive business growth for the next 10 years and beyond, Backinger said. “Being part of these accomplishments for almost two decades is amazing. I look forward to developing strategies that continue to leverage our team’s competitive advantage in custom heavy-duty and ergonomic casters for the aerospace and automotive industries.” Backinger’s appointment is the second major management announcement from Caster Concepts this year. In July, the company promoted Andrew Dobbins from general manager to vice president of manufacturing for the company and its six associated businesses. Both appointments mark a major turning point for the company founded more than 30 years ago. Today, Caster Concepts stands as one of the leaders in caster manufacturing for the automotive, aviation, aerospace, and material-handling industries. “I have worked closely with Doug over the past eight years on the leadership team, and his well-deserved promotion positions the company for sustainability for the future,” said Andrew Dobbins.
Kamon Distribution Group celebrates 50th anniversary
Kaman Distribution, a value-added distributor of bearings, power transmission, automation, and fluid power products, celebrates its milestone of 50 years in business. Kaman Distribution was founded in 1971 as Kaman Bearing & Supply, Inc. by Charles H. Kaman. Throughout the years, the company has grown organically and through acquisitions; expanding its reach into the Automation and Fluid Power markets. Today the company employs approximately 2,000 employees and has over 220 locations in the US, including Puerto Rico, and is a critical partner to approximately 50,000 customers and 10,000 suppliers. Kaman Distribution’s mission is to deliver the greatest total value to make our customers more productive, more competitive, and more profitable. We accomplish this by having the most technically talented product application team members, intensely focusing on customer service and support, and by continuously improving our business processes and expanding our product offering. We provide customers with product expertise for maintaining, upgrading, and improving their production processes. “Kaman Distribution provides customers with exceptional service because of the dedication of our valued and experienced personnel,” said Ben Mondics, president and CEO of Kaman Distribution. “We appreciate the hard work from all our employees throughout the years, who have contributed to our success, as we reach this milestone of 50 years in the business.”
GRI introduces PEAKMASTER SNOW for the winter season
GRI has designed and developed a special material handling solid tire to operate indoors and outdoors snowy terrain. The PEAKMASTER SNOW has proven to be an invaluable tire that provides operational excellence in low temperatures and under harsh winter weather conditions. Reflecting GRI’s innovation and engineering ingenuity, the PEAKMASTER SNOW was developed listening to very special customer needs and specifications. PEAKMASTER SNOW is a premium solid tire that combines an innovative design and advanced construction developed for high-performance in winter weather and snow conditions. GRI developed samples with special compounds that function in sub-zero temperatures tested in specific regions over a complete winter season and proved its vitality and utility for material handling customers. The tire has special features including a wider tread width, which helps to improve stability, traction, and wet handling. The deep lugs provide exceptional traction in thick snow, and the center lugs have been designed to provide a stronger grip and prevent slipping. The lengthy center grooves create a smooth path for snow flow and better self-cleaning. Furthermore, the parallel shallow grooves prevent snow clogs, and the middle grooves are designed for an excellent grip on snow. “GRI continues to provide what customers require in their tires by listening to their needs. We are dedicated to continuous research and development together with an innovation mindset using the latest theories in tire technology. GRI is committed to delivering the best tires in the industry while ensuring the sustainability of our solutions for generations to come,” says Mr. Prabhash Subasinghe, Managing Director of GRI. GRI produces high-grade specialty tires that are built sustainably using pure natural rubber in Sri Lanka. Founded in 2002, the company produces material handling solid tires, radial agriculture tires, and construction tires. GRI has operations in 9 countries, and a business presence in more than 50 countries worldwide. Since 2018 GRI has been advancing in the rapid expansion of its specialty tire plants in Sri Lanka and its operations in key countries. GRI ensures its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection throughout its operations locally and globally.
Caster Concepts appoints Andrew Dobbins VP of Manufacturing
Caster Concepts Inc., a global manufacturer of industrial wheels and casters, announced today that Andrew R. Dobbins has been named vice president of manufacturing for the company and its six associated businesses. Dobbins has been involved with Caster Concepts since its inception more than 30 years ago when he was taught how to sweep the factory floor by Richard Dobbins, his grandfather and founder of the company. Andrew Dobbins, 43, has spent the past five years as general manager of Caster Concepts, providing the energy and leadership for many operational initiatives. “Our greatest success over the past five years has been our 100 percent on-time initiative,” Dobbins said. “Though we have struggled during the pandemic due to labor shortages and logistic challenges, we are on our way to matching and exceeding our 2019 performance of 99 percent–plus on-time delivery.” Caster Concepts president William H. Dobbins says the appointment comes at an exciting time for the company and the industry. “There are many challenges and opportunities in manufacturing, and I am sure that Andrew will provide the leadership needed to keep Caster Concepts in a continuous improvement-and-growth mindset,” said Dobbins. Andrew Dobbins begins his new position immediately, and in the fall, he will start in an executive MBA program at the Eli Broad School of Business at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Dobbins is married to Stephanie Dobbins, Director of Media and Marketing for Mitchell Golf Equipment, a Caster Concepts company. The couple has two children, Owen, 15, and Molly, 10.