Amherst, New York, based materials handling manufacturer Columbus McKinnon announced that Jeff Armfield has been named its new executive director for global product strategy and development. Armfield, who took the reins on Jan. 20, came from Axle Tech International, where he served as global director of engineering and product management at that firm’s Troy, Michigan, … Read more
Heavier than normal snowfalls and Arctic temperatures in the Midwest, East Coast and other parts of the country have made Winter 2014 one of the worst in decades. But what effect will all the harsh winter weather have on productivity? Plenty, says at least one manufacturing industry analyst. Bradley Holcomb, chair of the Institute for … Read more
The American Logistics Aid Network hosted a disaster preparedness drill in December to test the supply chain’s readiness during a potential national emergency. The drill — which included representatives from government agencies, the military, private companies and not-for-profit agencies — involved participants using their cell phones, tables and other devices to make supply chain decisions … Read more
Goeman’s Wood Products — the Hartford, Wisconsin based manufacturer of wooden pallets, shipping crates and other wooden packaging — has been purchased by Pallets USA, of Lannon, Wisconsin, for an undisclosed price, according to news reports. Goeman’s controller, John Sonn, was named president of Pallet USA as part of the acquisition. The purchase includes Goeman’s … Read more
This week on the Bahrns blog: There are dozens of different types of work glove you can choose. So how can you make sure you pick the exactly right glove for every job? We’ll show you how! Have you heard of omni-channel fulfillment yet? If not, you will soon, says one leading materials handling industry … Read more
How do Chinese forklift companies cultivate public support? By hosting opera concerts on state television, of course. That’s what the Ningbo Ruyi Joint Stock Co., Ltd., did January 11 when it hosted a performance by the China Central Television Opera (CCTV), featuring traditional Chinese opera performed by some of that county’s favorite performers. The show … Read more
Chaintec, a leading supplier of leaf chains for forklifts in the UK, is warning companies to make sure their chains are etched with fully traceable information so they can be assured of where they were manufactured. International quality standards for leaf chains, clevises and sheaves require that chains be marked with the manufacturer’s name or … Read more
Central States Trucking has been purchased by Forward Air Inc. for $95.6 million, according to a company news release. Forward Air — an air cargo transportation services provider based in Greeneville, Tennessee — bought CST on a cash-free debt basis with an adjustment for working capital. The sale will be finalized during first quarter of … Read more
A manufacturer of excavating equipment and other heavy duty vehicles announced that it is building a new $49.2 million championship golf course next to its world headquarters in order to boost sales and raise its brand’s global profile. JCB — formerly known as JC Bamford Excavators Limited — is a British multinational corporation that is … Read more
Seegrid Corp., the Pittsburgh-based manufacturer of Automatic Guided Vehicles, announced that is is launching two new products. The first, called the GT4, is a low-capacity tow tractor that automatically moves flatbed cars and trains. The second new product, the GWSL3, is an robotic walkie stacker that transports palletized goods. Both products are designed to reduce … Read more
