January 2024 remains steady with 66 New Food and Beverage Industry planned projects
SalesLeads has announced the January 2024 results for the new planned capital project spending report for the Food and Beverage industry. The Firm tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity; including facility expansions, new plant construction and significant equipment modernization projects. Research confirms 66 new projects in the Food and Beverage sector as compared to 67 in December 2023. The following are selected highlights on new Food and Beverage industry construction news. Food and Beverage Project Type Processing Facilities – 47 New Projects Distribution and Industrial Warehouse – 24 New Projects Food and Beverage Project Scope/Activity New Construction – 24 New Projects Expansion – 16 New Projects Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 29 New Projects Plant Closing – 4 New Projects Food and Beverage Project Location (Top 10 States) Florida – 9 California – 6 New York – 6 Michigan – 4 Ohio – 4 Pennsylvania – 4 Indiana – 3 Virginia – 3 Wisconsin – 3 Georgia – 2 Largest Planned Project During January, our research team identified 3 new Food and Beverage facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more. The largest project is owned by Natures Bakery, which is planning to invest $237 million for the construction of a 339,000 SF processing facility in SALT LAKE CITY, UT. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for Summer 2025. Top 10 Tracked Food and Beverage Projects ONTARIO: Sugar producer is planning to invest $135 million for the construction of a processing facility in HAMILTON, ON. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2025. CALIFORNIA: Global retail chain is planning for the construction of a 1.8 million SF distribution and warehouse complex in TRACY, CA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. NEBRASKA: Meat processing company is planning to invest $43 million for the expansion of their processing facility in HASTINGS, NE by 11,000 SF. They are currently seeking approval for the project. ARKANSAS: Bakery company is planning to invest $37 million for the expansion and equipment upgrades on their processing facility at 2700 E. 3rd Street in HOPE, AR. They have recently received approval for the project. WISCONSIN: Candy MFR. is planning for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a recently leased 447,000 sf distribution center at 9403 136th Ave. in BRISTOL, WI. They will relocate a portion of their regional distribution operations upon completion in Summer 2024. ILLINOIS: Distillery is planning for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a 157,000 SF production and warehouse facility at 2400 SW Washington St. in PEORIA, IL. They are currently seeking approval for the project. GEORGIA: Herbal supplement MFR. is planning for the renovation and equipment upgrades on an 85,000 SF of warehouse space at 2323 Brown Rd. in BUFORD, GA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. MICHIGAN: Pickle products MFR. is planning to invest $10 million for the expansion of their processing and warehouse facility in LEXINGTON, MI. They are currently seeking approval for the project. NORTH CAROLINA: Distillery is planning to invest $10 million for the construction of a 28,000 SF production facility at 178 Old Airport Rd. in STATESVILLE, NC. They are currently seeking approval for the project. FLORIDA: Snack food MFR. is planning for the construction of a 104,000 SF distribution center at 9111 Cheetos Cir. in FORT MYERS, FL. They are currently seeking approval for the project. About Industrial SalesLeads, Inc. Since 1959, Industrial SalesLeads, based in Jacksonville, FL is a leader in delivering industrial capital project intelligence and prospecting services for sales and marketing teams to ensure a predictable and scalable pipeline. Our Industrial Market Intelligence identifies timely insights on companies planning significant capital investments such as new construction, expansion, relocation, equipment modernization and plant closings in industrial facilities. The Outsourced Prospecting Services, an extension to your sales team, is designed to drive growth with qualified meetings and appointments for your internal sales team.
Every thing your supply chain needs
Connections. Innovations. Solutions. As the speed of the manufacturing and supply chain world continues to accelerate, building a more agile, sustainable and transparent operation depends on today’s forward-thinking decisions. MODEX brings together the entire industry to allow you to see end-to-end solutions — from traditional equipment to automation, robotics and emerging tech — and learn impactful trends from the industry’s key thought leaders. Make plans to attend MODEX 2024 and see in-person the full spectrum of what’s now and what’s next for supply chains. 1,000+ Leading Providers Experience over 1,000 of the leading providers and experience in person how their efficiency-enhancing, cost‑cutting equipment and technology solutions can futureproof your supply chain. 500+ Education Sessions Learn from the industry’s best minds how key industry trends and innovations can transform your manufacturing and supply chain operations during 150+ free education sessions and four powerful keynotes. 45K+ Education Sessions Connect face-to-face with your manufacturing and supply chain peers and leading solution providers. Experience the complete supply chain ecosystem With more than 1,000 exhibits, the world’s leading solution providers will be on hand to showcase their most innovative equipment and systems. Nowhere else will you have the chance to see these solutions in-person, in-action and determine which can best solve your manufacturing, transportation and supply chain challenges. By attending, you can connect with your peers and tap into the collective power of the industry’s solution and thought leaders, all gathered in one place. Packaging, containers & shipping equipment Box and Carton Makers, Dunnage Trays, Packaging and Unitizing Systems, Wrapping, Inspection of Products by Weight or Scanning, Pallets, Wire Baskets, Plastic and Metal Containers, Palletizing Equipment Dock & warehouse equipment & supplies Dock Levelers, Dock Pads, Doors, Forklift Trucks, Racks, Flooring, Handling Systems, Forklift Attachments, Conveyors, Hoists, Cranes, Monorails, Loading Dock Equipment, Below/Hook Lifting Devices RFID and auto ID equipment & systems Barcode Printers and Scanners, Vision Systems, Voice Recognition Systems, RFID Systems, Systems Integrators, IIoT, Sensor Technology Material handling & logistics equipment & systems Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems, Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems, Casters/Wheels/Tires, Hydraulic and Electrical Components and Controls, Robotics, Personnel/Burden Carriers, Racks, Forklifts, Batteries, Lift Trucks, Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Tool Handling, Conveyors, Mezzanines, Lift Tables, Scissor Lifts, Unit Handling Systems, Manufacturing Execution Systems, Warehouse Management Systems/ Supply Chain and Logistics Execution Systems, Ergonomic and Safety Equipment, Carousels, Modular Drawer Storage, Order Picking, Sortation Equipment, Shelving and Workstations, Third-Party Logistics Supply chain management & sustainability Alternative Fuel Systems, Parcel Management and Distribution, Reverse Logistics, Third Party Logistics, Sustainable Facility Equipment, Supply Chain and Logistics Execution Systems, Enterprise Resource Planning and Transportation Management Systems, Inventory Security Services Inventory management, information technology, & controlling technologies Computers, Controllers, Software Programs, Systems Integrators, Manufacturing Execution Systems, Warehouse Management Systems/Supply Chain and Logistics Execution Systems, Remote Control Equipment, Wireless Control Systems, Voice Recognition Systems, Enterprise Resource Planning, Order Management Systems, Transportation Management Systems Transportation, last mile, & logistics Road, Rail, Sea and Air Freight Transportation, Parcel Delivery, Security, Autonomous Vehicles, Robotics, Sensors, Supply Chain Management Software, Third Party Logistics and Reverse Logistics, Fleet Management, Last Mile Tech, Parcel Lockers, Omni-Channel Fulfillment, Micro-location, Route Optimization, Urban Logistics Emerging technologies Sensors, Software, Cloud Computing, Driverless Vehicles, Robotics and Automation, Predictive Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Omni-Channel Fulfillment, Unified Commerce, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Wearable and Mobile Technologies Show Exhibit Hours Monday – March 11, 2024 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday – March 12, 2024 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Wednesday – March 13, 2024 – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Thursday – March 14, 2024 – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Hot Air Factor. How full of it are you?
Sometimes salespeople get a bad rap. Sometimes they create it. Sales require self-confidence but there’s a fine line between self-confidence and cockiness. A finer line between self-assurance and arrogance. And the finest line between proud and egotistical. As a professional salesperson, there’s a career difference between self-talk = self-performance (the right way) and loose lips sink ships (the ultra-wrong way). Salespeople are not the most loved group of professionals to begin with. We rank above politicians, tax collectors, and (especially) lawyers, but below dentists and dog catchers. All that a salesperson can hope to do is establish a great reputation and let that propel him to success. Since the prospect buys the salesperson first, reputation is as valuable (and critical) an element as he or she can have. How is yours? One bad event, situation, or story can ruin years of hard work. Continuing stories of neglect or overpromising breed career destruction. A salesperson’s self-delusion (failure to admit the problem, and thinking nothing is wrong) will make the situation worse. Sales of hot air can occur at any level. Customers, prospects, bosses, and coworkers are all potential victims. “Come on Jeffrey,” you say, “Get to the point. Give me some examples of self-destructive talk. What is sales “hot air?” Relax, helium breath, here ‘tiz. 7.5 examples of Hot Air (even though I’m sure none of these apply to you). BTNA –Big talk no action. Too much time talking about the sales you’re going to make and not enough time making them. Bragging too soon.Before the deal is signed, sealed, and a check delivered. Bragging too much. No one but you want to hear it. If you need to hear yourself just record yourself and replay it in your car until youget as sick of it as others. Bragging at the expense of others. Beat the competition, but don’t beat them into the ground. A variation of this is making someone else look like a fool. Bragging about someone you took advantage of or tricked. Using others as scapegoats to get yourself off the hook. Better known as covering your butt, or the inability to accept responsibility. Blaming others for your failings is obvious to those who are listening and makes a fool out of the teller. Exaggerating the facts. Each year, the fish that got away size increases. Stay within the parameters of what you know to be true or less. Understated is always better. Using insincere words.Honestly, truthfully, quite frankly, and I mean that, are words that alienate. 7.5 Talking past the sale. Knowing when to shut up and go home. Employing any one of the above elements after a sale has been consummated but before you leave will jeopardize the sale. It’s known as “buying it back,” and it happens often. The rule of thumb in sales is “less is more.” Hot air has interesting negative side effects… It wastes everyone’s time. It’s the most unproductive and negative use of your time possible. It makes you look like a fool. It lowers your respect factor by 100. It gets people talking behind your back. It prevents advancement. It can get you fired. Who wants that? No one, but these side effects are linked to people with severe cases of hot air. How do you know if this is you? How do you know if you’re blowing hot air? Well, no one is without some guilt. It’s hard not to brag if you just made a big sale and took it out from under the nose of your biggest competitor. The rules are simple: Don’t say anything behind anyone’s back you wouldn’t say to their face. Don’t say something you wouldn’t want to be said about you. Don’t say anything you have to remember (lies must be remembered, or you get tripped up with the truth). Don’t say anything you couldn’t say in front of your mom. The key is to temper your remarks with humility. Your challenge is to always bring out the good side in your words. Your challenge is to employ self-discipline in getting past the hot air. Your challenge is self-rule or self-destruct. About the Author: Jeffrey Gitomer is the author of twelve best-selling books including The Sales Bible, The Little Red Book of Selling, and The Little Gold Book of Yes! Attitude. His real-world ideas and content are also available as online courses at www.GitomerLearningAcademy.com. For information about training and seminars visit www.Gitomer.com or email Jeffrey at salesman@gitomer.com or call him at 704 333-1112.
Trelleborg tires brings more resilience to material handling applications with premium full tire range at LogiMAT 2024
Trelleborg Tires will showcase its full premium portfolio for material handling and logistics at LogiMAT 2024, the international trade fair taking place March 19-21, 2024 in Stuttgart, Germany. Trelleborg’s Stand A23 • Hall 10 will feature innovative tire technologies, including advanced treads and high-performance rubber compounds for solid endurance, safety, and performance. In today’s multitude of material handling operations, having the right solution is key to maximizing efficiency. The Trelleborg full range of solid resilient forklift tires offers something for everyone, helping businesses handle low to maximum-intensity jobs with ease, starting from the user-friendly labeling system for selecting the right tire for specific operations, depending on the intensity and working conditions, thereby improving overall endurance, performance, and efficiency. Top-of-the-line is the Trelleborg XP1000 tire for maximum-intensity applications. The XP1000 tire has been proven to deliver optimal performance, with extra traction and minimal tire vibration, giving better driver comfort and less fuel consumption. This newest tire is available in a variety of special rubber compounds, including the unique ProTEX: the non-marking electrically conducting compound engineered for use on Materials Handling applications operating in potentially explosive environments. Equipped with effective Pit Stop Line technology, Trelleborg XP1000 is shown to improve safety and tire change planning. Once 100 hours of operating time remains, an orange band appears on the tread, helping forklift drivers and fleet managers schedule tire changes and avoid unplanned downtime. The Trelleborg XP900 tire, made for high-intensity applications, provides exceptional stability and maneuverability when loading and unloading goods in warehouses, factories, and more. Its rubber compounds have been developed using special raw materials tested for long-lasting performance and sustainability, promising a further reduction in CO2 emissions. To support medium-intensity operations in all indoor and outdoor conditions, the Trelleborg XP800 tire is key to reaching the highest performance maintaining, at the same time, the cost control with its advanced tread design. The Trelleborg XP700 tire has been designed to perfectly match the needs of low-intensity material handling operations. Anton Stoynev, Director of Material Handling & Construction Trelleborg Central Europe states: “Our extensive Trelleborg XP range gives operators a wide selection to choose from our complete resilient solid tire portfolio, depending on the material handling application they need. We are proud to be a strategic partner to the forklift industry, delivering advanced solutions to support our customers maximizing their performance under any working conditions while minimizing the environmental impact. We have worked hard to make sure our tires are ready for the next generation of material handling vehicles and the intense jobs they’re required to perform.”
December 2023 Manufacturing Technology orders beat expectations as December adds $491 Million
In an upside surprise, December 2023 orders of manufacturing technology totaled $491 million, up nearly 22% from November 2023, and nearly 12% above December 2022, according to the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT. Just like the larger U.S. economy fared better than many predicted at the beginning of 2023, orders of manufacturing technology, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, outperformed even the best expectations. In an upside surprise, December 2023 orders totaled $491 million, up nearly 22% from November 2023, and nearly 12% above December 2022. This was the second-highest order level in 2023 and the first month of the year to outperform 2022 order levels. Orders in 2023 totaled $4.94 billion, 11.2% behind the $5.56 billion recorded in 2022. Although a decline, orders in 2023 surpassed many predictions, with some of the most pessimistic forecasters expecting the year to be down nearly 20% from 2022. Contract machine shops decreased their 2023 orders just over 21% compared to 2022. This customer segment, the largest customer for manufacturing technology, is mostly small-to-medium-sized businesses, so their capital investment tends to be tied to a shorter-term economic outlook. Even with their pullback in orders, 2023 exceeded expectations due to investment from larger OEMs, which tend to operate on much longer production schedules. Automotive orders in 2023 rose 2% from 2022. This growth came primarily from manufacturers of automotive transmissions, who made their second-largest investment since 2000, falling short of 2015 by only 1.3%. While a lot of attention has been paid to investments in electric vehicle production lines, such as the one recently announced by Toyota, automakers have also been heavily investing in production lines that make traditional internal combustion engines. Although the aerospace sector’s 2023 orders decreased nearly 9% from 2022, it still recorded its fourth-best year for manufacturing technology orders. Despite issues with the Boeing 737 MAX-9 that have dominated news cycles, the aerospace sector decreased orders in 2023 by less than the overall market and is positioned to continue investing in manufacturing technology in 2024. Manufacturers of ventilation, heating, air conditioning, and commercial refrigeration equipment made the largest investment in manufacturing technology since 2012, increasing orders by over one-third from 2022. This investment was likely driven by the massive uptick in new construction that was brought about by recent government legislation and investment, such as the Chips and Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Orders of manufacturing technology outperformed expectations in 2023, and there are several reasons to believe the momentum will carry over into 2024. For example, shipments of cutting tools increased in 2023 by nearly 7%, as measured by the Cutting Tool Market Report, a collaboration between AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute. This increase in shipments of consumables used in the metal machining process indicates that machines in the field are increasing output. This is a good sign for machinery orders in 2024, as increased output could signal a coming need for additional capacity. The January 2024 reading of the Gardner Business Index, a sentiment indicator produced by Gardner Business Media, shows the manufacturing sector is still in a moderate contraction but improving to its highest confidence level in nine months. Further, expectations of business conditions over the next 12 months are quite positive. There are certainly challenges to the manufacturing technology industry that have been highlighted in previous articles but also many opportunities as we head deeper into the new year and toward another IMTS in September 2024.
January 2024 starts out strong with 191 New Distribution and Supply Chain planned industrial projects
SalesLeads has announced the January 2024 results for the new planned capital project spending report for the Distribution and Supply Chain industry. The Firm tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity; including facility expansions, new plant construction, and significant equipment modernization projects. Research confirms 191 new projects in the Distribution and Supply Chain sector as compared to 204 in December 2023. The following are selected highlights on the new Distribution Center and Warehouse construction news. Distribution and Supply Chain – By Project Type Distribution/Fulfillment Centers – 21 New Projects Industrial Warehouse – 172 New Projects Distribution and Supply Chain- By Project Scope/Activity New Construction – 99 New Projects Expansion – 33 New Projects Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 60 New Projects Closing – 7 New Projects Distribution and Supply Chain – By Project Location (Top 5 States) Texas – 20 New York – 16 Florida – 15 Wisconsin – 11 Michigan – 10 Largest Planned Project During January, our research team identified 6 new Distribution and Supply Chain facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more. The largest project is owned by Pathways Alliance, which is planning to invest $17 billion in the construction of a carbon capture and storage facility in WOOD BUFFALO, AB. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Top 10 Tracked Distribution and Supply Chain Project Opportunities MASSACHUSETTS: Energy solutions company is planning to invest $170 million for the construction of a wind farm terminal and staging facility in SALEM, MA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in 2024, with completion slated for 2026. WISCONSIN: Corrugated packaging product mfr. is planning to invest $140 million for the construction of a 550,000 SF manufacturing and warehouse facility at 9423 Koessl Court in PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI. Construction is expected to start in Spring 2024. FLORIDA: Global retail chain is planning for the construction of a 1.8 million SF distribution center in PORT ST. LUCIE, FL. Construction will occur in 2 phases. They will relocate their operations from 5851 45th St. in WEST PALM BEACH, FL upon completion. The site allows for a future 208,000 SF addition. IOWA: Public transportation authority is planning to invest $95 million for the construction of a warehouse, office, and maintenance facility on Vandalia Rd. in DES MOINES, IA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction will occur in three phases, with completion of phase one slated for 2026. ONTARIO: Food processing company is planning to invest $76 million for the expansion and equipment upgrades at their grain terminal at Port Windsor in WINDSOR, ON. They are currently seeking approval for the project. TEXAS: Cold storage service provider is planning to invest $55 million for the construction of a 305,000 SF cold storage warehouse on Silent Valley Rd. in LOCKHART, TX. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for Spring 2025. VIRGINIA: Logistics service provider is planning to invest $50 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a recently acquired 254,000 SF warehouse facility on Lee Hwy. in ROANOKE, VA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for early 2025. MICHIGAN: Global retail chain is planning to invest $42 million for the construction of a 158,000 SF warehouse facility in FLINT, MI. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in Spring 2024, with completion slated for late 2024. TEXAS: Commercial airlines are planning to invest $38 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a 509,000 SF distribution center in HUMBLE, TX. They have recently received approval for the project. CALIFORNIA: Fertilizer MFR. is planning to invest $30 million for the construction of a warehouse and processing facility in SANTA PAULA, CA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. About Industrial SalesLeads, Inc. Since 1959, Industrial SalesLeads, based in Jacksonville, FL is a leader in delivering industrial capital project intelligence and prospecting services for sales and marketing teams to ensure a predictable and scalable pipeline. Our Industrial Market Intelligence identifies timely insights on companies planning significant capital investments such as new construction, expansion, relocation, equipment modernization and plant closings in industrial facilities. The Outsourced Prospecting Services, an extension to your sales team, is designed to drive growth with qualified meetings and appointments for your internal sales team.
January 2024 delivers a slow 97 new Industrial Manufacturing Planned Projects
SalesLeads has announced the January 2024 results for the new planned capital project spending report for the Industrial Manufacturing industry. The Firm tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity; including facility expansions, new plant construction and significant equipment modernization projects. Research confirms 97 new projects in the Industrial Manufacturing sector as compared to 136 in December 2023. The following are selected highlights on new Industrial Manufacturing industry construction news. Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Type Manufacturing/Production Facilities – 85 New Projects Distribution and Industrial Warehouse – 78 New Projects Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Scope/Activity New Construction – 34 New Projects Expansion – 30 New Projects Renovations/Equipment Upgrades – 36 New Projects Plant Closings – 14 New Projects Industrial Manufacturing – By Project Location (Top 10 States) North Carolina – 11 Indiana – 7 Ontario – 7 Michigan – 6 California – 5 Ohio – 5 Washington – 5 Kentucky – 4 Massachusetts – 4 New York – 4 Largest Planned Project During January, our research team identified 12 new Industrial Manufacturing facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more. The largest project is owned by Honda Motor Company, which is planning to invest $14 billion in the construction of an EV battery manufacturing facility and is currently seeking a site in ONTARIO. Top 10 Tracked Industrial Manufacturing Projects MISSISSIPPI: Energy technology company is planning to invest $2 billion for the construction of an EV battery manufacturing facility in MARSHALL COUNTY, MS. They are currently seeking approval for the project. NORTH CAROLINA: Diesel engine MFR. is planning to invest $580 million for the expansion and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility in WHITAKERS, NC. They are currently seeking approval for the project. ILLINOIS: Copper products MFR. is planning to invest $500 million for the expansion and equipment upgrades on their manufacturing facility in EAST ALTON, IL. They are currently seeking approval for the project. CALIFORNIA: Semiconductor MFR. is planning to invest $432 million for the construction of a manufacturing facility in WEST OAKLAND, CA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. INDIANA: Building materials mfr. is planning to invest $200 million for the construction of a 300,000 SF manufacturing facility in ANDERSON, IN. They are currently seeking approval for the project. INDIANA: Semiconductor MFR. is planning to invest $152 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a 170,000 SF manufacturing facility at 301 N. Curry Pike in BLOOMINGTON, IN. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for Fall 2024. WISCONSIN: Corrugated packaging product MFR. is planning to invest $140 million for the construction of a 550,000 SF manufacturing and warehouse facility at 9423 Koessl Court in PLEASANT PRAIRIE, WI. Construction is expected to start in Spring 2024. CALIFORNIA: EV MFR. is planning for the construction of a 630,000 SF manufacturing and office facility on Avenue H in LANCASTER, CA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. NEW YORK: Biotechnology company is planning to invest $100 million for the renovation of a 235,000 SF laboratory, processing, and office facility at 1 Avon Pl. in SUFFERN, NY. They have recently received approval for the project. INDIANA: Military agency is planning to invest $100 million for the construction of a munition manufacturing facility in CRANE, IN. They are currently seeking approval for the project. About Industrial SalesLeads, Inc. Since 1959, Industrial SalesLeads, based in Jacksonville, FL is a leader in delivering industrial capital project intelligence and prospecting services for sales and marketing teams to ensure a predictable and scalable pipeline. Our Industrial Market Intelligence identifies timely insights on companies planning significant capital investments such as new construction, expansion, relocation, equipment modernization, and plant closings in industrial facilities. The Outsourced Prospecting Services, an extension to your sales team, is designed to drive growth with qualified meetings and appointments for your internal sales team.
MODEX attendees bring big spending plans to the biggest supply chain event of 2024
Attendees are looking to invest in automation, robotics, and tech solutions to improve the speed and resiliency of their supply chain operations With MODEX 2024 just over one month away, attendee registrations are tracking well above the last in-person MODEX event. Looking at attendees that have registered to date, they are high in quality as well and represent the majority of the Fortune 1000, top 100 retailers, and top 100 consumer goods firms. We are also seeing record numbers of buying teams from these firms planning to attend. When attendees register, they are asked to answer a variety of demographic questions indicating their industry, product interest, buying authority, and spending plans. Below are some highlights from current MODEX attendee demographics. 85% have buying power 81% are coming to see new products and innovations 62% are coming to network and learn 35% plan on spending over $1 million over the next 18 months 47% are corporate or senior management 32% are middle management or IT/Engineering 69% are looking for solutions for distribution centers or warehouses supporting manufacturing 23% are looking for solutions for manufacturing facilities When it comes to the solutions, MODEX 2024 attendees are looking for a wide range of equipment and technologies for their supply chain operations. However, there is a heightened interest in automation, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and emerging technologies. The top product interest categories for attendees currently are: Automatic Guided Vehicle Systems Artificial Intelligence/Machin Learning Automated Storage/Retrieval Systems Autonomous Fork Trucks Conveyors Robotics Autonomous Mobile Robots Forklift Trucks Distribution & Warehousing Software Sustainability and Alternative Energy Solutions including Batteries Racks Pallets and Palletizers Order Picking and E-commerce Fulfillment Packaging and Parcel Shipping Solutions These statistics are an early indication of growth of the MODEX event and the high interest attendees in investing in the manufacturing and supply chain equipment and systems that will be showcased at MODEX. MODEX will be held March 11-14 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center and will be the most important week in 2024 for the manufacturing and supply chain industry. The event will feature over 1,175 exhibits, 200 educational seminars and 5 keynotes. For more information and to register for free admission to attend MODEX, visit modexshow.com.
MHI announces The 2024 MHI Innovation Award finalists
MHI has released the list of finalists for the 2024 MHI Innovation Awards. After receiving 192 submissions for this year’s awards, seven independent judges comprised of professionals from the material handling and supply chain industry completed the initial review process. Three finalists were chosen as the most innovative products in each category based on concept, value, and impact, including the inaugural Best Innovation in Sustainability category. Here are the finalists in no particular order. BEST NEW INNOVATION Dexory Product: Dexory View | Booth Number: B708 Slip Robotics Product: Automated Loading Robots (ALRs)for 5-minute truck loading/unloading | Booth Number: A11318 Geekplus America, Inc. Product: Pallet-to-Person | Booth Number: C6076 BEST INNOVATION OF AN EXISTING PRODUCT Verity AG Product: Autonomous inventory drones featuring coexistence | Booth Number: C3692 Schneider Electric Product: Ecostruxure Expert Twin for Logistics | Booth Number: B7232 ForwardX Robotics Product: Apex C1500-L | Booth Number: B3209 BEST IT INNOVATION Optimal Discovery, LLC Product: Optimal Slotting | Booth Number: B8056 Configura, Inc. Product: CET Material Handling | Booth Number: B7853 Exotec Product: Deepsky from Exotec® | Booth Number: B4202 BEST INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABILITY PAC Machinery Product: PAC FW 650SI INVERTED FLOW WRAPPER | Booth Number: C4488 WAGNER Fire Safety Product: OxyReduct Fire Prevention System | Booth Number: B7845 Avery Dennison Smartrac Product: Logistics Grade Linerless | Booth Number: A10123 The MHI Innovation Award serves to educate and provide valuable insights on the latest manufacturing and supply chain products and services to MODEX attendees. MODEX 2024 exhibitors were called to submit a new product, product line, technology or service or new application of existing products or technology that create quantifiable and sustainable results in terms of ROI, cost savings, customer satisfaction, etc. On Monday, March 11, 2024, finalists move onto the next round of judging and will present their unique solutions to a panel of independent judges on the show floor at MODEX 2024. The winners in each category will be announced at MODEX 2024 on March 13th during MHI Industry Night with Colin Jost. MHI would like to thank the seven industry professionals for graciously volunteering their time as Innovation Award judges. To see more information and learn more about all the Innovation Award entries, visit modexshow.com/innovation-awards. For questions, contact Greg Baer at 704-714-8725.
LEEA sets date for #GLAD2024 and updates Logo
The fifth Global Lifting Awareness Day — #GLAD2024 — will take place on Thursday 18 July, represented by a new logo. Powered by the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) and supporting organizations, it is now a widely celebrated day where manufacturers, suppliers, and end users are among those that share material that promotes safe and high-quality load lifting. Social media posts, videos, articles, and in-person activity will again be bound together by the hashtag, #GLAD2024. Ross Moloney, CEO at LEEA, said: “GLAD is now positioned as a globally recognized concept and has achieved a brand-like status, perhaps ahead of schedule, following ongoing efforts from industry stakeholders to raise its profile. We’re looking to use its popularity to raise awareness of what our industry people do and what those outside of the sector need to do to become part of our world. This is why the themes LEEA will focus on this year are skills and employment.” The new logo captures this evolution, moving away from the previous version that centered on a hook, towards a graphic that focuses more on the title of the awareness event. The text is built around the gantry element of so many cranes and lifting technologies — instantly recognizable to industry representatives with the means to promote the sector. LEEA has consciously pivoted, putting the main focus on GLAD rather than a particular component or piece of equipment, reiterating that #GLAD2024 is for everyone. Moloney said: “The messaging has always been underpinned by raising awareness — a theme that endures. We are still raising awareness, but the difference will be that we will focus on attracting recruits and developing those already in the industry. Expect to see references to CPD [continual professional development] and training, as we showcase the abundance of opportunity our marketplace represents.” Use the hashtag As with previous years, LEEA is encouraging its members, end users, and everyone in between, to contribute by using the graphic and hashtag to celebrate their involvement with the industry and promote it as an interesting place to work, with skills and employment as suggested focal points of outreach efforts. It is a membership that understands the value of continually raising standards, with #GLAD2024 serving as a platform from which to convince a wider community to train and develop their staff while signposting pathways into lifting. Moloney added: “LEEA’s vision is to reduce all accidents, injuries, and fatalities within the lifting industry to zero, and we have various initiatives in place to achieve this. The fundamental tool in all these initiatives is knowledge transfer, enabling CPD, and raising standards of practice. The way by which LEEA provides access to and disseminates knowledge is through vehicles such as our online training platform, technical triage, Chatbot, guidance documents, and other resources.” Celebrate the lifting industry on Thursday 18 July — include the #GLAD2024 hashtag.
U.S. Rail Traffic for the week ending January and the week ending February 3, 2024
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending February 3, 2024, as well as volumes for January 2024. U.S. railroads originated 1,025,168 carloads in January 2024, down 7.2 percent, or 79,725 carloads, from January 2023. U.S. railroads also originated 1,206,014 containers and trailers in January 2024, up 5.5 percent, or 63,195 units, from the same month last year. Combined U.S. carload and intermodal originations in January 2024 were 2,231,182, down 0.7 percent, or 16,530 carloads and intermodal units from January 2023. In January 2024, six of the 20 carload commodity categories tracked by the AAR each month saw carload gains compared with January 2023. These included: chemicals, up 4,298 carloads or 2.9 percent; petroleum & petroleum products, up 2,172 carloads or 4.5 percent; and primary metal products, up 1,447 carloads or 3.6 percent. Commodities that saw declines in January 2024 from January 2023 included: coal, down 40,542 carloads or 12.3 percent; crushed stone, sand & gravel, down 18,260 carloads or 19.5 percent; and grain, down 14,367 carloads or 12.8 percent. “In January, severe winter weather significantly disrupted railroad and rail customer operations in much of the country,” said AAR economist Dan Keen. “Moreover, uncertainty remains in the economy, especially in sectors that are important to railroads, like manufacturing. Because of these factors, January is not necessarily a harbinger of what’s to come for rail traffic in the months ahead.” Excluding coal, carloads were down 39,183 carloads, or 5.0 percent, to January 2024 from January 2023. Excluding coal and grain, carloads were down 24,816 carloads, or 3.7 percent. Week Ending February 3, 2024 Total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 491,697 carloads and intermodal units, up 11.6 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending February 3 were 222,213 carloads, up 6.3 percent compared with the same week in 2023, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 269,484 containers and trailers, up 16.5 percent compared to 2023. All of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2023. They included coal, up 4,641 carloads, to 62,779; motor vehicles and parts, up 2,297 carloads, to 15,455; and metallic ores and metals, up 1,096 carloads, to 19,457. North American rail volume for the week ending February 3, 2024, on 10 reporting U.S., Canadian and Mexican railroads totaled 328,148 carloads, up 4.7 percent compared with the same week last year, and 352,559 intermodal units, up 15.4 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 680,707 carloads and intermodal units, up 10.0 percent. North American rail volume for the first five weeks of 2024 was 3,112,134 carloads and intermodal units, down 1.4 percent compared with 2023. Canadian railroads reported 91,685 carloads for the week, up 1.8 percent, and 72,643 intermodal units, up 12.7 percent compared with the same week in 2023. For the first five weeks of 2024, Canadian railroads reported a cumulative rail traffic volume of 743,641 carloads, containers, and trailers, down 5.8 percent. Mexican railroads reported 14,250 carloads for the week, up 0.4 percent compared with the same week last year, and 10,432 intermodal units, up 8.6 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first five weeks of 2024 was 137,311 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 16.1 percent from the same point last year. To view the Rail Traffic charts, click here.
January 2024 Logistics Manager’s Index Report® LMI® at 55.6
Growth is INCREASING AT AN INCREASING RATE for: Inventory Levels, Inventory Costs, Transportation Utilization and (making its first appearance in 20 months) Transportation Prices Growth is INCREASING AT A DECREASING RATE for: Warehousing Capacity, Warehousing Utilization, Warehousing Prices, and Transportation Capacity For the first time since September of 2019, every metric in the Logistics Managers’ Index is reading in expansion territory. The most significant move is the long-awaited return of Transportation Prices (+12.7) to expansion, its first appearance on the positive side of the ledger since June of 2022 at the start of the freight recession. This price increase is largely driven by movements by retailers to increase their Inventory Levels (+8.4) after a busy holiday season. This inventory rebuild also led to a considerable increase in the expansion of Inventory Costs (+11.0). This is a marked shift for Inventory Costs, which registered their lowest reading ever in January at 55.8. Our warehousing metrics continued their steady, sustainable rates of expansion, with all three growing at slightly slower rates (changes range from -1.0 to -1.5). We need to see a longer period of growth to call an official end to the freight recession. However, when taken together, January’s report does offer evidence that the logistics industry could be moving back into a period of growth after the long downturn that started in 2022. Researchers at Arizona State University, Colorado State University, Florida Atlantic University, Rutgers University, and the University of Nevada, Reno, in conjunction with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) issued this report today. Results Overview The LMI score is a combination of eight unique components that make up the logistics industry, including: inventory levels and costs, warehousing capacity, utilization, and prices, and transportation capacity, utilization, and prices. The LMI is calculated using a diffusion index, in which any reading above 50.0 indicates that logistics is expanding; a reading below 50.0 is indicative of a shrinking logistics industry. The latest results of the LMI summarize the responses of supply chain professionals collected in January 2024. The LMI read in at 55.6 this month, up (+5.0) from December’s reading of 50.6. This is the fifth time in the last six months that the LMI has shown contraction. This growth is driven by an increase in the restocking of inventories – especially for retailers – after a busy holiday season as Americans are feeling better about the overall economy. Consumer sentiment spiked by 13.1% in January 2024 to a level of 79.0%. The combined 29% increase in sentiment from December to January is the biggest two-month jump since the end of the recession in 1991[1]. There are many reasons behind this improving sentiment. The U.S. continued to grow through the end of 2023 as GDP was up 3.3% in Q4. When taken together with the 4.9% growth in Q3, it is clear that the combination of federal spending, continued low unemployment and receding inflation have empowered U.S. consumers – whose spending increased 2.8% in Q4. On the inflation front, consumer prices only increased by 1.7% annually in Q4[2]. This has been greatly helped by moderating supply costs, which were only mildly inflationary (accounting for 0.38% inflation month-over-month for core PCE inflation) in December[3]. Additionally, this slowdown in inflation has not come at the employment cost that some economists had hypothesized would be necessary. Job growth remained robust in the U.S. as employers added 353,000 new positions in January – the most in a year. This included large increases in sectors like retail, manufacturing, and information technology[4]. Due to these improvements, in their January meeting the U.S. Federal Reserve formally changed their stance on interest rates to a more flexible position that would allow for the long-anticipated reductions in the interest rate. While rates currently remain between 5.25 and 5.5%, analysts are expecting as many as three rate cuts throughout 2024 and that the first such cut could come as early as the Spring[5]. This is good news for the freight markets as high interest rates have been the main factor holding back spending in the upstream portions of supply chains from which larger, bulkier shipments often originate. While the U.S. economy has looked strong to start the year, The recovery has not been consistent across the globe. While economies in the U.S. and India have been robust, the Euro-zone has been much more stagnant. The Eurozone registered 0% growth in Q4 – although this was up from contraction in Q3. This downturn may let up in late 2024 if the central bank begins cutting interest rates but will continue to face headwinds in the Ukraine-Russia war and a manufacturing slump in Germany[6]. There are also continued issues in China, where real estate firm Evergrande was ordered to liquidate by a judge in Hong Kong so that they can pay back their $300 billion debt. This closure will add a complication to China’s economic recovery as the government was deeply tied into Evergrande and their real estate holdings, and will need to make some creditors whole at a time when they need to appear to be a safe bet from foreign investors[7]. There are also issues in the links between the economic engines of the world. Ocean container shipping costs have more than doubled in the last month. This increase is largely due to the Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea that have caused Suez Canal traffic to dip 37% in January year-over-year[8]. Compounding this is the drought-related reduction in ships passing through the Panama Canal where low water levels have cut sailings in half[9]. While these issues are troubling, they have not yet caused supply shocks similar to what we saw during COVID. For some perspective, Drewry is currently estimating the cost of shipping a 40-foot container to be around $3,7008. During COVID, this number was closer to $20,000. That being said, the sooner these issues are resolved the better. Despite these global headwinds, the I.M.F. has joined the chorus of those recognizing the ongoing economic soft landing
U.S. Rail Traffic for the week ending January 27, 2024
The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending January 27, 2024. For this week, total U.S. weekly rail traffic was 467,222 carloads and intermodal units, up 0.7 percent compared with the same week last year. Total carloads for the week ending January 27 were 208,131 carloads, down 9.0 percent compared with the same week in 2023, while U.S. weekly intermodal volume was 259,091 containers and trailers, up 10.1 percent compared to 2023. Two of the 10 carload commodity groups posted an increase compared with the same week in 2023. They were petroleum and petroleum products, up 688 carloads, to 10,660; and motor vehicles and parts, up 2 carloads, to 13,757. Commodity groups that posted decreases compared with the same week in 2023 included coal, down 11,014 carloads, to 57,231; nonmetallic minerals, down 5,919 carloads, to 23,370; and grain, down 2,316 carloads, to 21,025. For the first four weeks of 2024, U.S. railroads reported a cumulative volume of 802,955 carloads, down 10.4 percent from the same point last year; and 936,530 intermodal units, up 2.8 percent from last year. Total combined U.S. traffic for the first four weeks of 2024 was 1,739,485 carloads and intermodal units, a decrease of 3.7 percent compared to last year. North American rail volume for the week ending January 27, 2024, on 12 reporting U.S., Canadian, and Mexican railroads totaled 313,288 carloads, down 7.2 percent compared with the same week last year, and 339,611 intermodal units, up 7.4 percent compared with last year. Total combined weekly rail traffic in North America was 652,899 carloads and intermodal units, down 0.1 percent. North American rail volume for the first four weeks of 2024 was 2,431,427 carloads and intermodal units, down 4.2 percent compared with 2023. Canadian railroads reported 87,086 carloads for the week, down 7.3 percent, and 67,580 intermodal units, down 4.2 percent compared with the same week in 2023. For the first four weeks of 2024, Canadian railroads reported a cumulative rail traffic volume of 579,313 carloads, containers, and trailers, down 8.8 percent. Mexican railroads reported 18,071 carloads for the week, up 21.8 percent compared with the same week last year, and 12,940 intermodal units, up 25.5 percent. Cumulative volume on Mexican railroads for the first four weeks of 2024 was 112,629 carloads and intermodal containers and trailers, up 19.2 percent from the same point last year. To view the Rail Traffic charts, click here.
ProVeyance Group debuts new conveyor pulley solutions at MODEX 2024
ProVeyance Group will be exhibiting at MODEX 2024 from March 11th through March 14th at Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia BOOTH #13818. ProVeyance is a North American manufacturer of advanced conveyance components and subsystems for package and material handling applications that go to market through its Woodsage and Ashland brands. The company will be introducing its new Conveyor Pulley product line at the event. ProVeyance’s Woodsage is a supplier of high-quality, precision-manufactured rollers for conveyor and sortation systems. The brand manufactures specialty steel rollers and roller assemblies, including tapered, grooved, motor-driven, sleeved, and precision-fabricated tube products for niche applications. The Ashland brand manufactures and assembles conveyor systems, sub-systems, and related parts and accessories. Ashland offers a standard line of gravity rollers, skatewheel, telescoping gravity, flexible gravity and powered belt conveyors, ball transfers, and tables, along with a complete selection of accessories. “Along with our well-established product lines, I am excited to have the opportunity to introduce Conveyor Pullies as the newest addition to our component products offering stated Tim Carpenter, President & CEO. “Our focus is to deliver the highest quality, conveyor pullies, at industry-best lead times, while ensuring maximum customer satisfaction through our streamlined customer service process.” Visit ProVeyance at Modex Show 2024, where we have more conveyor solutions than ever before. You’ll get a sneak peek at our new Conveyor Pulley offering and the ability to speak with an experienced representative.
Bobcat Company donation supports University of Mary
Sustaining STEM education ensures students are ready for innovative careers Bobcat Company is donating $250,000 to the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., in support of the Hamm School of Engineering. “Supporting STEM-based education is a key component of Bobcat’s foundation of innovation – a longstanding belief that has generated community progress and fueled the curiosity needed to build the technology of tomorrow,” said Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America. “We are proud to support University of Mary as they advance educational opportunities for the next generation of groundbreaking engineers.” Headquartered in West Fargo, N.D., Bobcat is the state’s largest manufacturer and a major employer with more than 3,800 North Dakota-based employees at facilities in Bismarck, Gwinner, Fargo, West Fargo and Wahpeton. Bobcat’s donation will support the engineering school through the University of Mary’s Vision 2030 Capital Campaign, a comprehensive strategic planning initiative to enhance and transform the university campus and offerings. The Hamm School of Engineering facility opened in 2020 and is state-of-the-art designed to encourage collaboration and hands-on learning. The school offers ABET accredited degrees in mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. The Hamm School of Engineering also offers computer science, environmental engineering, construction engineering and construction management. “We are extremely humbled and grateful for this gift from Bobcat Company, an innovative and industry leader throughout the world,” said Jerome Richter, executive vice president at the University of Mary, and the person leading the Vision 2030 Capital Campaign. “We appreciate Bobcat’s continued commitment to our Hamm School of Engineering students. Our students are highly sought after, recruited by firms well before they graduate, and not only are they trained in technical skills, but also well-formed servant leaders who are culturally prepared for the workplace.” As the largest employer of engineers in North Dakota, Bobcat understands firsthand the tremendous need right now for engineers locally, regionally, and globally. Data shows, 70% of the students in the Hamm School of Engineering are from out of state, and last year, 67% of its graduates stayed in North Dakota to work for engineering firms. Therefore, this donation exemplifies the strong partnership between the University of Mary and Bobcat, and just as important, the collaboration for continued growth and prosperity in the state. Over the years, several Bobcat team members have served as advisor committee members for University of Mary engineering students. Bobcat also supports classroom presentations and senior design projects and recruits University of Mary students every year for full-time employment, co-op, and intern experiences throughout various departments. “As a company based in North Dakota, we are committed to nurturing the state and region’s future innovators, engineers, and technology leaders,” said Scott Schuh, Doosan Bobcat chief technology officer, and senior vice president. “That requires investment in the initiatives that will create the next generation of STEM professionals, whose technology and engineering expertise will ensure our state’s businesses continue to grow and thrive.”
LGH & Rotrex Group announces new LGH Sales Director and Board appointments
LGH & Rotrex Group has appointed Russell Boswell-Munday as LGH’s new Sales Director for Europe and the UK. Russell has over 25 years of experience in the hiring industry and has managed various sales teams during his career. As well as Russell’s appointment, the group has also announced other changes to the Board. In his new role, Russell will be managing all aspects of LGH’s sales division across the whole of Europe, including continuing its growth in additional territories. He will be leading on strategy and structure as well as budgets and turnover development. Before joining LGH, Russell worked at Andrew Sykes Group as a Major Account Director. Russell commented: “I have long admired LGH, so I am excited to be joining at what is a time of real growth for the business. After my first meeting with Andy Mault – CEO – I quickly realized that our thoughts and ambitions were aligned. I am now looking forward to building on the Group’s strong reputation and adding commercial value by driving sales and our market share right across Europe.” Also joining the LGH & Rotrex Group’s Board of Directors are: Don Wilkinson, who has been promoted to Rotrex’s Sales Director; and Phil Smith, who has been promoted to Group Operations Director. All three now sit on the board alongside Andy Mault, CEO, and Rob Halliwell who was recently been named as Support Services Director. They are responsible for the Group’s entire operations across Europe and the UK. Andy Mault, CEO said: “Russell brings with him a wealth of experience, so we are delighted that he has joined us. I am confident that he will make a real difference and will play a crucial part in driving our sales strategy and its implementation to the next level. Andy added: It has also been fantastic to welcome Don and Phil to the Board alongside Russell and, of course, Rob. Over the past few years, they have both proved themselves to be an asset, and their promotions are richly deserved. I know that this motivated and talented senior leadership team will help me lead the Group to even greater success.” LGH & Rotrex Group is still privately owned by the Parkinson family. LGH is a leading lifting equipment hire company; whilst Rotrex delivers winch hire, sales, and services.
Overcoming Fear and Resistance to create positive change
In the dynamic landscape of today’s business world, change is inevitable. However, fear is one of the biggest obstacles to creating positive change. With fear comes resistance and when both of them are at play, your organization becomes stuck in place and unable to overcome new challenges and market shifts. To enable your organization to be agile enough to adapt to and adopt change, it’s essential to understand the necessary steps to overcome and move beyond the inevitable constraints that resistance and fear cause. What’s causing fear? A big problem with having unresolved fear present in your organization is that it’s hard to know where it’s coming from. Most of the time, you won’t even realize you or the people around you are in a state of fear. You can’t fix a problem you don’t even know about. Change management can only be effective when you navigate your fears. Some common fears can include a fear of failure, fear of not being able to manage change, fear of exposing one’s vulnerabilities, and fear of the unknown. These just scratch the surface. Every person and every organization is unique and has different fears that may cause challenges in the workplace. To overcome fear, you must understand what is bringing that fear to the surface. Be conscious of your fears and acknowledge them. Be curious and ask others in the organization what concerns them about impending changes and what makes them uneasy about moving forward. Ask why people are afraid. Getting past fear is much easier when you know what you’re up against. Open your mind Resistance to change is how your organization falls behind. When people fear the uncertainties associated with change, they tend to resist even beneficial transformations, keeping the organization stuck in a frustrated state. One of the most common causes of resistance is close-mindedness, which is often born out of fear. Once you understand what is causing that fear, it’s important to open your mind to the new possibilities and ideas that you may have been resistant to. Just because you’ve gotten by doing things a particular way doesn’t mean there isn’t a better alternative. Being open to diverse perspectives and ideas leads to innovation and market leadership. It’s much easier to gain buy-in and engagement from people when you get curious and include their opinions and perspectives. Hiring people from a variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise can support this. Anyone you hire and engage with about moving the organization forward needs to be committed to your vision or the vision of the company. People who don’t care often resist change because they don’t see how it benefits their personal agenda. Manage your ego Allowing your ego to take charge of your behaviors only leads to a struggle to innovate and grow as an organization. That goes for everyone else in your organization as well. You must take a good look in the mirror and see where you resist doing things differently or moving into unknown territory. If you always must be right, struggle with feedback, blame others for your failures, and/or don’t hire people smarter than you, these may be signs that your ego has too much control over you and is inhibiting your ability to change and keep your organization in a position that makes a positive impact. You may not even realize it. A few ways to remedy this personal and professional challenge include: Encouraging feedback from within the organization – It allows you to better understand what’s working within your company and what can still be improved upon. Practicing Self-Awareness – If you don’t realize your ego is controlling your actions, it’s crucial to look inward to understand why it’s causing you to act in ways that thwart your personal effectiveness so that you can be better at self-managing. Being grounded in who you are – Living true to yourself and understanding your values and goals is key. The ego often overreacts to failure and self-limiting thoughts. Grounding yourself in authenticity fosters consistency and clarity of direction. When your actions align with your true self, you project clarity and certainty because you are being genuine and transparent. Getting out of Frustration and into Courage – It takes courage to be wrong and admit to it. Cultivating your ability to admit missteps and embrace vulnerability is key to effectively managing how much your ego controls your behavior. This transparency also models vulnerability and authenticity for others to follow. Have a direction Being stuck in place can often indicate a lack of specific direction. If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll never know when you’re there. Your organization, the people within it, and you all need direction. People need to see the vision, and they need to understand why they must feel compelled to act on that vision. Ask questions about yourself and those around you. What is your purpose? What is the vision of your organization? Why is that important? How will it benefit the organization, the people in it, and you? What is the contribution you most want to give? When do you know you’ve given it? Establishing a purpose and defining the contribution your organization aims to make are fundamental aspects of overcoming fear and resistance. Clearly articulated goals and a shared vision provide the necessary guidance for navigating through challenges and driving positive change. When people see and feel the vision, they understand why and how they can contribute. This gives them the positive energy to create and move forward, rather than react and stay complacent. If you don’t have a direction, it’s easy to just stick with whatever you and your organization are doing right now and not change anything. While this approach may keep you afloat for a little while, it won’t enable long-term growth and success for you or your company. Wake up and meet your higher self When you embody the contribution, you aspire to be and make and adjust your behaviors to be
Carolina Handling receives industry MVP Award
Carolina Handling, a material handling industry, has received the 2024 Most Valuable Partner (MVP) Award from the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) for outstanding achievements in 2023. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the company has received the award. The MVP Award is a prestigious accolade within the industry, with fewer than 10 percent of MHEDA’s 600 member organizations earning the distinction. Carolina Handling’s continued recognition as an MVP within the industry underscores a dedication to excellence, professionalism, and responsible stewardship in the business world. To qualify for the award, companies must provide evidence of a commitment to their customers, employees and suppliers, satisfying criteria in the following areas: Industry Advocacy; Customer Service & Safety Practices; Business Networking; Continuing Education; and Business Best Practices. “This award is a testament to our associates and their ongoing commitment to a culture of service and caring in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Carolina Handling President & CEO Brent Hillabrand. “We’re honored to be recognized by our customers, suppliers and industry peers for elite customer service, a commitment to collaboration and teamwork, and a passion of caring for the community.” The MVP Award is significant because it encompasses various facets beyond business achievements, according to Van Clarkson, President of Fairchild Equipment and 2024 MHEDA Chairman. “Achieving this recognition signifies that Carolina Handling has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, upheld industry standards, contributed positively to its community, and shown dedication to continuous improvement,” Clarkson said. “This acknowledgment not only elevates the company’s reputation among its peers but also instills confidence in its customers and community members, showcasing it as a leader in the materials handling world.”
Staffing employment begins to rise in January
Almost half of all staffing firms report gains in new assignments After the seasonal end-of-year dip in December, staffing employment rose in the week of Jan. 8-14, with the ASA Staffing Index increasing by 4.0% to a rounded value of 88. Some staffing companies mentioned a holiday and inclement weather as primary factors that limited further growth. Despite two straight weeks of growth, staffing jobs were 12.5% below the same week last year. New starts in the second week of the year were up 19.2% from the prior week. Almost half of all staffing companies (48%) reported gains in new assignments week to week. The ASA Staffing Index four-week moving average decreased from the prior week to a rounded value of 86, and temporary and contract staffing employment for the four weeks ending Jan. 14 was 9.6% lower than the same period in 2023. “Staffing employment is rising in line with seasonal patterns of expansion, but its momentum is lagging behind prior years due to accelerated economic headwinds within the broader labor market,” said Noah Yosif, chief economist at ASA. This week will be used in the January monthly employment situation report scheduled to be issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Feb. 2. The ASA Staffing Index is reported nine days after each workweek, making it a near real-time measure of staffing employment trends. ASA Staffing Starts are the number of temporary and contract employees placed in new assignments during the reporting week. ASA research shows that staffing employment has historically been a coincident economic indicator.
New Mobile APP for risk and safety professionals launched by Origami Risk
New solution helps engage operations and reinforce safety culture by streamlining safety inspections, audits, incident reporting and analytics, corrective actions Origami Risk, a risk, safety, and insurance Software as a Service technology firm, today announced the launch of a new mobile application with enhanced user experience to support the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) and risk management functions. The new app, Origami Mobile, empowers safety and risk professionals, employees, and contractors to quickly conduct audits and inspections; make observations; and report incidents from anywhere in the field via mobile phone or tablet – even when Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity is unavailable. Used in conjunction with Origami’s integrated platform for risk, safety, and compliance, the new app helps risk and safety professionals drive visibility into their data and initiatives through a single, centralized system. “As risk and EHS professionals look to be both more proactive and efficient in their efforts to drive safety, reduce risks, improve productivity, and achieve operational excellence, new technology-driven solutions are helping them raise the bar on their performance and results,” said Sean Salvas, senior market strategy lead-EHS at Origami Risk. “Working closely with our risk and safety clients, we designed the new mobile app to give those professionals an easy way to engage operations in the safety process, share in the success, and strengthen the safety culture across the enterprise.” “Mobile applications are an essential technology adopted by the vast majority of EHS leaders, with real-time data and offline functionality key to proactively identifying risks and hazards before incidents occur and ultimately sending workers home safe,” noted Bill Pennington, VP of Research, EHS and Risk Management at Verdantix, “Origami Risk continues to solidify its role in the EHS marketplace as an innovator with the introduction of its next-generation mobile app with modern performance and consumer-like navigation, filtering, and searching capabilities.” Origami Mobile enables risk and safety team members, operations managers, supervisors, and other users to perform multiple safety-related tasks, including: Complete standard checklists based on best practices or forms designed by risk and safety team members for specific departments, functions, operations, or locations. Detect and report workplace and operational hazards and behavior trends, including photo uploads to illustrate issues. Trigger the development of corrective actions and monitor their effectiveness. Gather real-time incident and near-miss data from specific operations or worksites, enabling risk and safety teams to instantaneously assess risk and hazards. Leverage data to create opportunities for early intervention and quicker resolution, preventing injuries and claims before they occur. Identify, report, and analyze safe/unsafe employee behaviors and conditions. Provide timely coaching to encourage and reinforce safe behaviors. Among its many features, the app includes offline capabilities that enable remote workers with limited internet access to input data offline and submit it when Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity becomes available. An autofill capability instantly matches employee and location data, streamlining the reporting process and eliminating the need for manual and repetitive data entry. Furthermore, with voice-to-text functionality, the app can be operated hands-free, promoting active note-taking and reporting. All input from the mobile app is automatically captured in a single web-based repository, giving risk and safety team members ready access to incident and claims data, dashboards, checklists, and metrics, while facilitating easy reporting and analytics.