January 2023 Material Handling Wholesaler

supply chains explored

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Cover story Garry Bartecki

The time to start is now

Our topic this month deals with tax planning and an organized approach to minimizing your tax bite as part of your CASH IS KING business practice. The is no doubt about it, the uncertain nature of our economy, inflation, and a lack of qualified personnel justify a tax avoidance policy to pay as little as possible.

Being that your 2022 book results and therefore your tax results are somewhat in the “can” already, I plan to suggest methods to minimize the 2023 tax bill due 16 months from now.

The tax code is EXTREMELY complex, and for equipment dealers, it is even more complex because rental transactions add to the complexity to the point where your normal an IRS agent without a lot of rental experience can drive you up the wall with the potential adjustments they come up with. Consequently, it pays for dealers to work with industry-specific professionals to suggest, explain, execute and deliver a tax avoidance plan as soon as possible for 2023 and beyond based on the current tax code.

As far as 2022 is concerned you should have met with your industry tax expect at least four times before December 31, 2022.

1. At the beginning of 2022 discuss how the 2021 return is going to look. How much you have paid in and what you will have to pay for '21 results as well as estimated payments for '22? The dealer, of course, has input into the estimated payments if certain events or transactions will change business operations in any way.

2. When the '21 return is delivered ready to be sent to the IRS. There should be a discussion that compares the '21 returns against the '20 returns and the previous discussion estimating the tax payments discussed in #1 above. What changed? Why? If changes are negative, how do you avoid them in '22? And I expect the return to be delivered and processed before the first due date meaning no extensions are required. It does nobody any good to file the '21 returns in Oct of '22 because if there were tax reductions

www.MHWmag.com January 2023

to be had you now do not have the time to take full advantage of them. At this same meeting potential changes to the tax code for the current year should be discussed to determine both positive and negative impacts and any steps that can be taken in '22 to minimize any negative impact they may have. This second meeting also provides input to pass on to customers if your products and services are part of their tax equation.

3. A July or August meeting to see how the company is progressing and whether the remaining estimated tax payments are necessary at the level they are set at. If the company's taxable income is expected to be less than projected perhaps the final two payments can be reduced. This is also a good time to explore any other code changes anticipated for '23, and how to take advantage of them if time is available.

4. In December see how the year is working out and identify any issues or questions about specific transactions that may impact revenue or expenses. This is also a good time to provide a data request to provide the information necessary to prepare the annual return.

I do not believe this is overkill. It is a program to make your tax person’s job easier to produce a plan of attack for your finance department to avoid both unnecessary cash outflows and delays in receiving refunds.

This approach should also apply to the business owners of the C-Corp, S-Corp, or LLC.

And to add to the complexity I have to include a State & Local (SALT) review in the process. As I have mentioned in the past State and Local tax issues are in many cases more complex than the Federal requirements. If you buy, sell, and rent over state lines you have tax requirements. And if you have work-from-home employees you may have a state issue to deal with. And since some states do not allow bonus depreciation, the tax liabilities we are talking about can become substantial. The SALT initial review will cover your nexus status in the states you do business in, along with the sales and use

tax requirements required for goods sold in each state involved. There are ways to mitigate these SALT taxes if you change how you process transactions. A good SALT advisor can help with this process (I know a couple of you need assistance). Once the initial SALT review is performed you may only require a “touch base” interaction once a year to stay on track.

One other issue that is sure to surface is how you cost out your goods and services for tax purposes during an inflationary period. For equipment, the price paid is the tax basis of the equipment. The same goes for service work. But how about parts sales? How are you costing your current sales? This may be a good discussion point to ask your tax person about. And what if you decide at some point that the costs you incurred for new and used equipment and parts are no longer recoverable in the then-current market? Can you adjust your cost and take a tax deduction? What process do you have to follow to warrant a deduction?

Speaking of deductions, your CAP-X purchases allow for Bonus and Sec 179 deductions. If you are having a good year and have the ability to purchase equipment or other fixed assets it may pay to complete those transactions in '23 as opposed to waiting to buy in '24. That is assuming, of course, that what you need is available. The acquisitions bring additional value because they reduce the 23-tax burden as well as any estimated tax payments due in '24 based on the '23 tax due. As a reminder, the units purchased have to be “placed in service” in '23 to make this work.

Knowing that skilled labor is still an issue it may make sense to take advantage of the HIGHER HEALTH SAVING ACCOUNT LIMITS (HSA’s). This plan associated with a HIGH-DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH CARE PLAN allows employees to save for healthcare expenses on a pre-tax basis.

In a similar fashion contributions to a 401K plan have increased by $2000 starting in '23. As a matter of fact, employers can take a tax credit off of their tax bill

January 2023

of up to $5,000 for three years for the ordinary and necessary costs of starting a qualified plan.

You have probably been hearing about adopting “cash basis” accounting for tax purposes. In other words, you pick up income when you get paid and deduct expenses paid. IF YOU QUALIFY, and you carry large AR balances the cash basis method can provide benefits you will not find using accrual accounting. I was involved with a company that was primarily in the rental business that qualified. They had a good year, but the profits were still sitting in AR. The yearend tax planning review was completed, and management was ready to write a big check for taxes. With the cash basis method, there was zero tax liability. After a week of considering the options, they opted into the cash basis method and have been filing on that basis since then. I have to think that if the recession they keep talking about happens AR will increase but your bills will still have to be paid. It may make sense to consider this option and see if you could qualify. In any event, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to pay your taxes based on actual cash flow?

There is also a reason to take another look at the estate and gift tax regs since the favorable estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax lifetime exclusions which reached $12,060,000 in '22 are scheduled to be cut in half in 2026. If estate planning is being considered, now may be the time to have an analysis performed to see where you stand.

Another accounting issue to consider. If you had to change the way you report business activities after a Revenue Recognition Review, you may have to account in the same manner for tax purposes.

And one more issue. Interest rate increases and inflation are causing many companies to reassess their debt arrangements. Restructuring debt can cause significant tax consequences. Make sure you understand this risk if debt restructuring is being considered.

Also, keep in mind that starting in '23 the Inflation Reduction Act extended energy-related tax breaks and indexed for inflation the energyefficient commercial building deduction. If you qualify review the opportunity.

The tax regs we have to deal with are complex, but at the same time, they are there to take advantage of. Schedule your first meeting for '23 now to initiate your ongoing tax avoidance program. Garry Bartecki is a CPA MBA with GB Financial Services LLC and a Wholesaler columnist since August 1993. E-mail editorial@ MHWmag.com to contact Garry.

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Cheers to the New Year!

I hope that everyone reading this is coming off a great 2022 and is ready to come out of the gate firing on all cylinders in 2023. As I write this article, topics such as inflation, interest rates, economic outlook, supply chain, automation, technology, competition for talent, and electrification of the North American forklift fleet remain at the top of mind for many lift truck dealers. These topics and their impact on our industry could be a column each on its own. However, to kick off this New Year edition, I wanted to briefly touch on some of these topics.

Supply Chain

The hidden cost of variability in the supply chain was the topic of my column in the October edition. There I posed a few questions: What is your dealership doing to diversify your offerings? Are the various departments within your dealership working together to optimize purchases of inventory and products from your suppliers?

A few trends continue to prevail on the supply chain topic. Labor shortages and disruptions are still a factor throughout the supply chain. China is sticking to the zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy, which has the potential for disruptions when their ports shut down for COVID reasons. Ocean freight rates are trending down; however, some are stating that this trend could be due to the early shipment of Christmas retail goods. There is likely to be continued pressure on certain products, especially those with electronics as there have yet to be signs of improvement in chips or electronic components availability.

Variability in the supply chain will continue to be a thing in 2023 and your procurement teams will continue to have to determine which products and commodities it makes sense to apply just-in-time inventory practices to vs just in case. Businesses must continue to remain vigilant in anticipating supply chain disruptions and have alternative options ready in advance to avoid not only a negative impact on their revenue stream but also prevent negative customer experience.

Automation

It was great to see in-person trade shows thriving and back to pre-pandemic or higher attendance in 2022. I attended last year’s MODEX show in person and it was evident that automation was one of the top themes. Labor shortages continue to be a trend with our industry’s target customers such as warehouses, fulfillment centers, big box stores, etc. These warehousing companies are implementing automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence to not only attract and retain a younger generation but also to fill the voids of shortage of labor in warehousing facilities.

Many lift truck dealers in our industry have added systems and automation solutions to meet the needs of their customers over the past years, especially as they needed to have additional products to sell. Smart warehousing and automation will continue to advance in our industry and there will be plenty of opportunities to sell parts and service this type of equipment as well. The need for additional technicians on your service team will certainly play into the ability to provide aftermarket service on these systems.

Competition for Talent

The labor shortage and competition for talent, especially for your service technician workforce has been a hot topic for many years now and remains as such. As I mentioned in my previous paragraph, if you are looking to add the service opportunities that come with the boom in smart warehousing and automation, then you will either look to add additional service technicians or invest in training your existing technician force. As a growing number of service technicians are retiring or nearing retirement, dealers and independent service providers continue to face a shortage of technicians.

The competition for talent is certainly not limited to your service technician staff. The competition for parts professionals, sales staff, office personnel, and management will continue to be fierce. You will want to be sure to

Aftermarket Chris Aiello

keep your finger on the pulse of the retaining, recruiting, and development of your workforce. Be mindful of what businesses are doing in not only this industry or adjacent industries; keep up with what businesses are doing across various types of industries.

Electrification

Many businesses now have dedicated departments and positions for Environmental, Social, and Governance. Some may be instituting corporate policies around environmental issues such as air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and compliance with government environmental regulations. For example, according to a recent article on the Rental Equipment Register website, “Sunbelt Rentals will be expanding its electric on-road fleet with an order of 700 Ford F-150 Lightning trucks. The purchase of the trucks will contribute to the goal Sunbelt Rentals set to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity by 35 percent by 2030.”

Just this past year, the California Air Resources Board, passed legislation that will require all new cars sold in the state by 2035 to be free of greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide. If you visit the California Air Resources Board website, you will read there they are trying to “accelerate the transition to zeroemission to meet the state’s air quality and greenhouse gas reduction goals. They are currently developing a measure that would drive the greater deployment of zero-emission forklifts within fleets throughout the state; one of several near-term actions intended to facilitate further zero-emission equipment penetration in the off-road sector. This measure is scheduled for Board consideration in 2023.”

If the trend in automotive does mirror itself into the off-road equipment sector such as the forklift industry, what will the impact be on your business and your market? Manufacturers and new equipment sales aside, the service of electric forklifts is different than the service of internal combustion or gas-powered forklifts. Everything from the diagnostics to the parts consumption are factors that will have an impact on your service departments. Electrification in the forklift industry electrified equipment and fleets, will be hot topics in 2023.

Technology

As I wrote in my November column, B2C customer experience and shift of buying behavior to the ease of online transactions is now an expectation of your customers and prospective customers in the B2B world. The same expectation will hold true for the younger generation of the workforce and those entering the workforce for the business systems they have to use at your business. Many dealers and manufacturers are already in the process or have recently upgraded their business systems to accommodate for future-proofing their operations. Considerations for upgrading your business system also include the ability to be compatible with complementary software or technology like mobile service technology solutions or CRM platforms.

As discussed in my November column, if you are looking to deploy an e-commerce site, will your site interface with your ERP business system? If you are operating on an older business system, this could potentially create limitations for those looking to interface their site with their system. Talk with your ERP provider; see what resources they have available to assist with integrating your business system with these types of solutions and a potential e-commerce platform if that is within your strategy.

The coming year will bring many opportunities; I hope you and your business are successful in all you do in the coming year. Cheers!

Chris Aiello is the Business Development Manager at TVH Parts Co. He has been in the equipment business for 16-plus years as a service manager, quality assurance manager, and business development manager. Chris now manages a national outside sales team selling replacement parts and accessories in various equipment markets such as material handling, equipment rental, and construction/earthmoving dealerships.

Why you’re waiting longer for a forklift – and what to do about it

While the COVID-induced supply chain backlog is loosening up, not all warehouses have been able to return to normal – especially if they’re in the market for new materials handling equipment.

Businesses looking to purchase new forklifts in particular are being quoted some eyebrowraising lead times. Electric forklift lead times are running close to normal, about 35 weeks, but internal combustion forklifts, which would usually take 25-30 weeks, are taking 40-45 weeks. Perhaps the most astonishing wait: narrow aisle equipment, which often takes about 35 weeks, might take two years to arrive according to Kenco Group data. This logjam has led to soaring prices and headaches in the warehouse, as managers try to maintain their current fleet as long as possible.

Here’s a look into the factors that are causing the shortage, what to expect in the coming months, and how to navigate the shortage while continuing to meet customer demand.

What’s lifting wait times?

Supply chains might assume that COVID is the culprit – and they’d be partially right. But that’s only scratching the surface. There are actually four factors that are contributing to the longer lead times:

The COVID Shift. Consumers were already relying heavily on e-commerce prior to the pandemic, but purchases via digital storefronts skyrocketed in 2020. As warehouses rapidly replaced physical stores as the last touchpoint before the customer, warehouses began ordering additional forklifts to meet demand.

The Chip Shortage. As forklift manufacturers tried to keep up with demand, they ran into a different backlog – microchips – slowing down the process even more. And with demand rising for electric vehicles, there is greater competition for the precious few microchips, making this backlog far from fixed.

The EPA Violation. In early 2021, the EPA announced Toyota – the parent company of Toyota Material Handling, Inc., a forklift manufacturer – had been non-compliant with EPA reporting guidelines around emissionsrelated defects. The fallout rippled across Toyota’s businesses, and because Toyota Material Handling struggled to obtain engine emissions certifications later that year, production was temporarily halted. It has since restarted, but the manufacturer is still catching up on orders.

The Big Buy. Here’s why narrow aisle equipment is taking so long to arrive: a major e-commerce company recently placed a sizeable order, in the tens of thousands, for new trucks –something that wouldn’t typically complicate the supply chain, but has been magnified because of COVID and Toyota’s manufacturing challenges.

What will this cost me?

The scarcity of materials to manufacture forklifts, compounded by inflation, means the forklift backup will likely give your wallet headaches as well. The cost of a new forklift is up about 27% from two years ago, and used forklifts have almost doubled in price. And as the Fed continues to fight the 8.3% inflation rate by raising interest rates, a forklift lease will currently involve a 7-7.5% interest rate, up 3-3.25% from normal.

Inflation has had a significant impact on all areas of the forklift manufacturing process, from wages to raw materials. Steel, copper, and lead are particularly expensive at the moment; lead, which is especially important in the development of microchips for electric forklifts, has gone up in price because of U.S. tariffs on raw materials imported from China.

How Do I Respond?

Unfortunately, it’s likely warehouses –especially those looking for more specialized equipment – aren’t going to see resolutions for these challenges in the near term. It’s important for warehouse managers to closely maintain

Feature Story: Allen Polk

their current fleet while they wait for their new vehicles. That means preemptively buying various replacement parts well in advance, as these parts will also be in high demand.

The best option for fulfillment centers is to closely monitor the utilization of their equipment. Different forklifts can run for varied cycle lengths before they need significant maintenance; keeping track of these timeframes can ensure warehouse managers perform maintenance in the correct cadence and optimize the forklift’s life expectancy. Alternatively, warehouses can invest in telematics software that will keep track of forklift utilization automatically, taking any guesswork out of when forklifts should be serviced.

What’s Next?

While new developments such as the Chips and Science Act, which increases U.S. investment in microchip manufacturing, could help ease some of the forklift backlogs, its likely warehouses will continue to endure long lead times and higher prices throughout 2023. That’s why due diligence with existing forklifts will be critical for warehouses and distribution centers looking to weather the shortages. With a combination of proactive maintenance and advanced software, supply chain managers can ensure the most efficient use of their equipment on hand.

Blocks the Spread of FireActivates the Sprinkler System

Today’s warehouse fire protection systems include more than just pipes and sprinklers. When the products being stored include highly flammable items such as plastics, aerosols, liquors or oils, fire barriers may be required inside the racking structure.

Solid steel rack decking and flat sheet accessories from DACS make effective fire or heat barriers in warehouse environments.

They can be used on storage racks horizontally or vertically to block the spread of fire, or to capture heat for in-rack sprinkler activation.

Allen Polk, Vice President of Sales at Kenco Group

Decide to make everyday the First of the Year

Well, it’s a new year again. More resolutions, more goals, more plans. If the new year only ran until February, we would be fine. Most people can only keep their resolutions and goals going for about a month. Don’t take my word for it ask any fitness center. Crammed in January, empty in February.

Hey, wait a minute. Didn’t someone say it only takes 30 days to make a habit? So how come if I can keep it up through January that I can’t keep it going for the rest of the year? Easy answer whoever said the thirty-day crap lied. It takes about 1,000 days to make and keep a habit (unless it’s to break an addictive habit like drinking or smoking then you must be inactive for as long as you were active repay a day for a day).

OK, so what’s the secret of achievement? Ray Pelletier, known as “America’s Business Attitude Coach” has been speaking internationally on the subject of winning for more than 20 years. He has just authored a book entitled “Permission to Win.” Presented here are some of his principles and philosophies.

To Pelletier, winning is as easy as 1,2.3: Implement a winning way of thinking, Follow a winning positive principle, and Execute a winning success action.

The winning way of thinking is: You become what you think about. Think win.

The winning positive principle is: Self-talk equals self-performance. Talk win.

The winning success action is: Give yourself permission to win. Take winning action.

Hey, wait a minute, you say. That sounds too easy. No, it’s simple there’s a big difference between simple to understand and easy to do. Positive thinking ain’t easy. Success ain’t easy. Winning ain’t easy but it can be learned.

Pelletier says, “The key (and least executed principle) is giving yourself permission to win. I’m talking about a college degree in positive thinking with an attitude… and a postgraduate

degree in permission to win attached to it. You don’t THINK you’re going to win. You don’t HOPE you’re going to win. You DECIDE you’re going to win.”

“The most incredible aspect of this process is that people block their own success by telling themselves they can’t succeed. Sounds incredible, but it’s true,” says Pelletier. “They tell themselves It’s OK to settle for less than what I want. They give themselves excuses like, It’s not my job or worse They don’t pay me enough to… or worst They tell themselves that it’s OK to quit. Winning must be an active permission before it becomes a living reality.”

“Napoleon Hill, studied 157 of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, and that every one of them had one trait in common: they KNEW they would succeed,” says Pelletier with passion. “It was a flat-out decision. Most of them had little money or support, and several of them had almost no formal education. But one thing they all understood: winning is a decision.“

“Not to decide is to decide,” He adds. “It’s a permit to win, and you have to give it to yourself. Others can support it but you give it to yourself. You want the secret. That’s the secret.”

Permission to win is an active process made up of winning thought components. Here are the winning components and actions that will encompass your decision to win:

• Develop the desire to win. Most people want to win but lack the desire to accomplish it. Permission opens desire.

• Visualize winning every time you play. See the win before it occurs. Permission lets the mind’s eye focus.

• Remember past wins. Think about previous wins makes present wins seem more achievable. Permission relives memorable wins.

• Talk win to yourself. You tell yourself you’re a winner. Permission is granted to yourself from yourself.

• Read about winners. Learn how others won. Permission is stronger when understanding is present.

• Listen to winning stuff. The more you hear sounds of winning, the easier it is to understand winning ways. Permission is easier when you repeat the message.

• Hang around winners. The best place to learn winning ways is from a winner. Permission comes from winning thoughts and ideas.

• Take winning actions. There’s no such thing as a passive winner. You don’t wait to win you take action. Permission is a winning action. Act like a winner.

“Permission to win is the most powerful decision a person can make,” says Pelletier. “As it evolves in your psyche, your thinking will begin to automatically adjust to disappointments and setbacks and find a way to get around them or overcome them. Winning will gradually become instinctive.

Your mindset will be different than anything you’ve ever experienced before. Your approaches will be exclusively winner-oriented.”

“If you start out every day like it was the first of January, you begin to develop the attitude and intensity needed to become a winner. A daily winner,” says Pelletier. “Real winners make every day New Year's Day.”

Ray Pelletier understands winning like few people in the world. Not only has he taught it in the corporate board room one of his most notable successes is in the college locker room. Ray delivered the pregame “Permission to Win” talk to Notre Dame before the Orange Bowl when they beat Colorado in 1989. Ray was given the game ball.

“Permission to win is a lifestyle.” Says Pelletier. “It’s more than a choice, it’s a decision. A decision is something you make after you choose. And the cool part is that you decide between an excuse about losing or permission to win.”

What’s your decision?

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.

Here’s hoping this holiday evokes fond memories of celebrations past and brings you all the joy and excitement of this magical season. Thanks for doing business with us. We look forward to seeing you often in the year to come.

For more Sales Trends go to

www.MHWmag.com

Carolina Handling releases Santa's Automated Workshop to highlight intralogistics solutions offerings

For the second year in a row, Carolina Handling has released a children’s holiday book, this one illustrating the Raymond lift truck dealer’s capabilities as an automated systems integrator. Written by Carolina Handling’s Marketing department and illustrated by Jason Craft, Santa’s Automated Workshop explores what happens when Jolly Old St. Nicholas packs his bags and moves to Cozumel. Following the instructions in a note left by Santa upon his departure, the elves call Carolina Handling to help save Christmas.

www.carolinahandling.com

Locus Robotics lands $117 million in Series F funding

Locus Robotics has announced more than $117 million in Series F funding, led by Goldman Sachs Asset Management and G2 Venture Partners. As part of the financing, Mark Midle, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs, and Zach Barasz, Partner, G2 Venture Partners, will join the Locus Board of Directors, bringing their unique industry perspectives and insights to further guide Locus’s next stage of growth and global expansion.

www.locusrobotics.com

BSLBATT receives $1.65M replacement order for Yale, Toyota Jungheinrich, Nichiyu and Still forklift batteries

BSLBATT battery has announced the receipt of a battery purchase order through its BSLBATT sales channel valued at about US$1.65 million. The batteries will be used by a leading forklift Dealer company to power end customers in material handling. The purchase order follows the company's announcement on November 24, 2022, to confirm receipt of the customer's 30% deposit to start production. The company expects to deliver batteries in its fiscal fourth quarter ending December 31, 2022.

www.lithiumforkliftbattery.com

For More Nuts & Bolts go to www.MHWmag.com

Nuts & Bolts Acquisitions, expansions & other business news

The Logistics Hall of Fame posthumously lauded The Raymond Corporation’s founder, George Raymond Sr., as an inductee for his invention of the first double-faced wooden pallet. Developed in the 1930s by George Raymond Sr. and his colleague, William House, the doublefaced wooden pallet permits the high stacking of crushable goods. In a show of commitment to the industry, Raymond Sr. donated the patent to the industry soon after it was awarded.

www.raymondcorp.com

Say hello to ChIP, Custom Industrial Product’s newest addition to its family! ChIP acts as the brand ambassador for Custom Industrial Products, a material handling innovator specializing in vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRCs), mezzanines, and other safety-related products. ChIP is a reflection of Custom Industrial Products and its founding principles of hard work, and developing the right solutions based on safety and improved efficiencies for its customers.

www.customindprod.com

Equipment rental revenue poised to continue growth in 2023 and beyond

After two years of rapid post-pandemic revenue growth in 2021 and 2022, the equipment rental industry is expected to see single-digit increases over the next four years according to the latest American Rental Association (ARA) forecast released in November. The forecast calls for equipment rental revenue — which includes the construction and industrial as well as the general tool segments — to increase by 3.4 percent in 2023 to nearly $57.7 billion after a growth of 11 percent in 2022 to reach almost $55.8 billion. www.ararental.org

Raymond celebrates a century of innovation with induction into the Logistics Hall of Fame

Custom Industrial Products introduces “ChIP” as its new Brand Ambassador

Shifting Gears

Industry personnel and organization news

MHEDA CEO Liz Richards announces retirement

After 27-plus years at the helm of the Material Handling Equipment Dealers Association (MHEDA), Liz Richards, CEO has announced that she will be retiring on December 31, 2023. “It has been an incredible experience to work with so many professionals in MHEDA, the Board of Directors, the membership, and of course, the amazing team of associates who work tirelessly to bring value to our members. It has been a great ride for 27 years and I look forward to turning the reins over to the next leader who will undoubtedly bring a refreshing and innovative new chapter to MHEDA! I am honored and humbled to have been able to serve this great industry,” said Liz Richards, MHEDA CEO The MHEDA Board of Directors has hired Steve Riege with Ovation Leadership to assist with the search for her replacement. Interested applicants are encouraged to learn more about the position by reviewing the information on MHEDA's website. www.mheda.org

Blue Giant Equipment announces Biasutto as Director of Product Management

Blue Giant Equipment Corporation (Blue Giant) has announced Gerard Biasutto as its Director of Product Management. Gerard began working for Blue Giant as the Engineering Manager in 2008. Since then, Gerard has supported product design, manufacturing, and sales efforts through his involvement in Technical Development/Sales, Customer Support, Marketing, and Engineered Solutions. Gerard has represented Blue Giant in its membership in the MHI Industry Groups of LODEM (Loading

www.MHWmag.com January 2023

Dock Equipment Manufacturers) and LIFT (Lift Manufacturers Association). www.bluegiant.com

Sunbelt Rentals acquires Wagner Rental & Supply locations

Sunbelt Rentals has acquired Wagner Rental & Supply, which has locations in Chillicothe, New Boston, Jackson, Ohio, and Ashland, Kentucky. Wagner Rental & Supply has been in business for nearly 75 years. The company primarily rented to small contractors and homeowners, offering a wide range of hand tools, plumbing tools, lawn and garden equipment, track loaders, excavators, skidsteer loaders, floor-care equipment, scaffolding equipment, and aerial equipment. www.sunbeltrentals.com www.wagnerrental.com

Millwood

acquires Southworth Wood Products

Millwood, Inc. acquired its second location in Southern Ohio and 35th location nationwide. Millwood Co-owners and Partners Chip Trebilcock and Steve Miller finalized the acquisition on September 1. This new location sits on 51 acres and will be referred to as MillTree East: A Millwood, Inc. Company and is just minutes from Millwood’s original MillTree West location in Waverly, OH. www.millwoodinc.com

Shifting

AutoStore appoints Mats

Vikse as new CEO

Gears Industry personnel and organization news

Hovland

AutoStore Holdings Ltd. (AutoStore) has announced the appointment of current Chief Revenue Officer Mats Hovland Vikse as CEO, effective January 1, 2023. Current CEO Karl Johan Lier will retire as part of an orderly and planned transition. Lier will be employed in AutoStore until March 2023. Under Lier’s leadership as CEO, and Hovland Vikse’s tenure as CRO, AutoStore reached over 1,000 systems sold in 46 countries, with over 42,000 robots presenting an impressive ~5 billion bins. www.autostoresystem.com

AWRF names Caldwell’s Ferchen to Board

Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF) has named The Caldwell Group Inc.’s Director of Business Development Jeff Ferchen to the board of directors. It represents a return to the AWRF board for Ferchen, who previously served from 2015 to 2017.AWRF serves the lifting, rigging, and load securement industry by advancing interests common among its member companies. The association helps create and share technical information, promotes safety standards, and helps develop product identification procedures. Ferchen will serve on the New Member Committee. www.awrf.org

Industrial Manufacturing planned Project Report Data

provided by SalesLeads

Continued Q4 decline in new Industrial Manufacturing with 118 planned projects in November 2022

IMI SalesLeads announced the November 2022 results for the newly 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 Q4 Projects Totals to be October with 129 new projects and November with 118 new projects in the Industrial Manufacturing sector.

MAINE: Paper product mfr. is planning to invest $418 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on its manufacturing facility in SKOWHEGAN, ME. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

The following are selected highlights on new Industrial Manufacturing industry construction news.

Industrial Manufacturing - By Project Type

• Manufacturing/Production Facilities - 106 New Projects

• Distribution and Industrial Warehouse - 41 New Projects

Industrial Manufacturing - By Project Scope/Activity

• New Construction - 45 New Projects

• Expansion - 39 New Projects

• Renovations/Equipment Upgrades - 33 New Projects

• Plant Closings - 13 New Projects

Industrial Manufacturing - By Project Location (Top 10 States)

• Indiana - 7 • Minnesota - 7

• North Carolina - 7 • Ohio - 6

• Pennsylvania - 6 • California - 5

• Georgia - 5 • Iowa - 5

• New York - 5 • Quebec - 5

Largest Planned Project

During the month of November, our research team identified 16 new Industrial Manufacturing facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more.

The largest project is owned by Freyr Battery, which is planning to invest $2.5 billion in the construction of a manufacturing facility in NEWNAN, GA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in 2025.

Top 10 Tracked Industrial Manufacturing Projects

QUEBEC: Automotive mfr. is planning to invest $700 million in the construction of a battery manufacturing facility in BECANCOUR, QC. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in 2023.

ARIZONA: Consumer goods mfr. is planning to invest $500 million in the construction of a manufacturing facility at Inland Port Arizona in COOLIDGE, AZ. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in 2023, with completion slated for 2025.

NEW YORK: Industrial tool and equipment mfr. is planning to invest $319 Million for the construction of a manufacturing facility on Stamp Drive in ALABAMA, NY. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction will occur in multiple phases, with the completion of Phase 1 slated for late 2024.

INDIANA: Semiconductor mfr. is planning to invest $236 million for the construction of a 100,000 SF manufacturing facility in ODON, IN. They have recently received approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2024.

GEORGIA: The apparel company is planning to invest $87 million in the construction of a manufacturing and distribution center in ELLABELL, GA. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

MISSISSIPPI: Packaging product mfr. is planning to invest $79 million for the expansion and equipment upgrades at their manufacturing facility in PELAHATCHIE, MS. They have recently received approval for the project.

UTAH: Telecommunication equipment mfr. is expanding and planning to invest $73 million for the construction of two manufacturing facilities in SALT LAKE CITY, UT. Completion is slated for Summer 2023.

WISCONSIN: A pharmaceutical company is planning to invest $60 million for the expansion of a recently acquired processing facility in EAU CLAIRE, WI. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

GEORGIA: Ammunition mfr. is planning to invest $60 million for the construction of a 300,000 SF manufacturing and warehouse facility in ELLABELL, GA. They have recently received approval for the project. They will relocate their operations upon completion.

Since 1959, SalesLeads, based out of Jacksonville, FL has been providing Industrial Project Reports on companies that are planning significant capital investments in their industrial facilities throughout North America

Host and Founder of The New Warehouse Kevin Lawton interviews material handling, distribution, and logistics leaders who are doing new and innovative changes in their business. You can hear the current and past podcasts by going to www.MHWmag.com.

If your company would like to be interviewed or if you know of someone we should interview, call MaterialHandlingWholesaler or email editorial@MHWmag.com. To advertise in this new exciting feature, contact Dean at 877 638-6190

New Products

See more new products online at www.MHWmag.com

KPI Integrated Solutions opens first full-scale demonstration site for New Geek+ Fourway Shuttle Solution

KPI Integrated Solutions announced the opening of a fullscale demonstration site for Geek+’s multi-level, high-density, Four-Way Shuttle System at KPI’s headquarters in Belton, Missouri. As part of a KPI-designed operation that increases storage capacity, boosts throughput, and builds flexibility, the Geek+ Four-way Shuttle supports multiple picking and storage strategies for pallets, containers, and individual units. This dynamic goods-to-person solution combines Geek+’s X-series robots for pallet storage with its flagship P800 robots for groundlevel picking.

www.kpisolutions.com

New Low Voltage LED Panel Indicator Bulbs are

Brass Knuckle® application-specific protective gloves are easy to source

The hand is the leading body part injured at work and treated in hospital emergency departments, with acute hand and finger injuries sending over one million workers to the emergency room annually in the United States. Brass Knuckle® offers a complete line of gloves for maximum protection along with comfort and dexterity — and the company strives to make specifying gloves easier, with robust selection tools that make narrowing down glove choices a breeze.

www.brassknuckleprotection.com

JLG’s all-new E18 Vertical Mast Lifts now available

for convenience and energy savings

color-coded

LEDtronics®, Inc., adds a new series of lowvoltage lamps to its large and constantly expanding selection of LED Metal Panel Indicators, as direct replacements for inefficient and low-performing incandescent counterparts. These 12VDC panel indicators with a 0.10-inch wide spade terminal fit 14mm (0.551 inches) mounting holes inside control panels and status indicators located in power plants, assembly lines, industrial controls, automotive, and more applications. They fit panels with a thickness ranging from 0.5mm to 8mm.

www.ledtronics.com

JLG Industries, Inc. has introduced an all-new vertical mast lift series to the market. The new JLG® E18MCL model is wellsuited for construction and industrial applications that require outdoor and indoor capable machines while the E18MML model is ideal for finish work and general maintenance work, as well as for cleaner indoor-only applications. Both E18 models are available with a Stock Picker Package Option for warehouse and distribution center applications.

www.jlg.com

For more New Products go to www.MHWmag.com

www.MHWmag.com January 2023

Happy Holiday’s

from all of us at Dean Kathy Nikole Eric Monty

New Products

See more new products online at www.MHWmag.com

TAB Wrapper Tornado secures all four sides plus top and bottom to pallet

Orbital wrapping machines in the TAB Wrapper Tornado line from TAB Industries, LLC enable packaging and material handling professionals to wrap stretch film around all four sides of a pallet load and around the top and bottom. The patentpending orbital stretch wrappers are available in semi-automated and automated models with 100-inch, 80-inch, and 40-inch wrapping ring diameters as standard to accommodate 60” x 60”, 48” x 48” and 24” x 24” pallets respectively. www.tabwrapper.com

R&M improves reliability for stainless steel producer

Overhead cranes from R&M Materials Handling, Inc. have provided a costeffective and more reliable solution for a producer of stainless steel. Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Valbruna Slater Stainless, Inc. (VSSI) is part of the Valbruna Group. Founded in 1925, Valbruna has 2,500 employees and an annual output of approximately 250,000 tons of specialty steel. Production is primarily focused on stainless steel and specialty alloys, such as nickel alloys and titanium long products. www.rmhoist.com

HC Forklift America introduces the

26,000-36,000lb XH Series high voltage Lithium-ion

Pneumatic Forklift

HC Forklift America Corporation (HCFA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hangcha Group, announced the XH Series High Voltage Lithium-ion Pneumatic Forklift with a 26,000-36,000lb load capacity. Designed around high-voltage (541V std. / 608V opt.) lithium-ion battery packs, the XH Series can outperform comparable I.C.-powered high-capacity forklifts. These forklifts offer reduced noise levels, zero emissions, and faster travel/lift speeds. The XH Series High Voltage Lithium-ion Pneumatic Forklifts also provide owners with a total cost of ownership that is 90% less than comparable I.C.-powered high-capacity forklifts.

www.hcforkliftamerica.com

HUBTEX RoxX: Maneuverable compact forklift for heavy loads

From coils to large paper rolls and tooling – the newly expanded range of 8t to 30t trucks in the RoxX compact forklift series from HUBTEX, solve specific challenges across many industries. Heavy loads can be handled in the tightest of spaces, thanks to the unique electric drive and steering systems with great efficiency. The compact forklift series from HUBTEX combines a high load capacity with a compact design. This is because the industrial truck is up to 25% narrower and around 20% shorter than classic forklift trucks and is available in load classes from 8t to 30t.

www.hubtex.com

www.MHWmag.com January 2023

New Products

See more new products online at www.MHWmag.com

Raymond introduces High-Capacity Orderpicker to intralogistics solutions offering

The Raymond Corporation answers the industry’s need to pick more efficiently at increased heights with the launch of the Raymond® High Capacity Orderpicker. Designed to facilitate order picking a full rack higher than models currently on the market, this first-of-a-kind lift truck delivers market-leading capacity at all heights and reduces annual cost per pallet stored by 19% compared with competitors. The new orderpicker features an industry-leading elevated height of 456 inches, which allows for increased rack storage access to 11% more pick slots.

www.raymondcorp.com

Quick and safe transport of AMRs between multiple floors

Qimarox, a manufacturer of components for material handling systems, introduces a vertical conveyor for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). The Prorunner PR12 is ideally suited to transporting these vehicles between different floors. The high positioning accuracy, the rigidity of the construction, and the possibility of mounting a second carrier result in a safe and reliable high-capacity transport solution.

www.qimarox.com

Caldwell unveils new distributor portal

The Caldwell Group Inc. has unveiled a new online tool, where channel partners can access pricing and availability information online.

The new Fast Find tool gives customers instant, online access to distributor pricing and product availability and is part of the company’s online Distributor Portal. To stay ahead in today’s ever-changing marketplace, manufacturers must quickly evolve to meet and exceed growing customer expectations, which means constantly improving online tools.

www.caldwellinc.com

Emerson reduces LED Lighting retrofitting costs with Appleton Baymaster High-Bay Luminaire

By retrofitting HID high-bays with Emerson's Appleton Baymaster LED High-Bay luminaires, an industrial facility can reduce its energy costs by approximately 65 percent, as well as lower maintenance and replacement expenses, while improving assembly accuracy and potentially speeding up assembly operations. A few of the demanding sites where the luminaires excel are power plants, chemical plants, oil refineries, foundries, and wastewater treatment centers.

www.emerson.com

For more New Products go to www.MHWmag.com

www.MHWmag.com January 2023

Guardrail

Twin Rail

• Designed for quick and easy release, but can be bolted together if desired.

Hand Rail

• Modular hand rail protects employees from entering unsafe areas.

• Easy installation, simply assemble and anchor down.

• Posts available as Inlines, Corners, or Ends in 18”, 26” and 42” heights.

• Rails available in 2’ – 10’ in 1’ increments.

• Stronger than typical handrail.

• Top Rail is 42” high and MEETS OSHA FALL PROTECTION if used on a mezzanine.

End of Aisle

• Stocked in 4’, 6’, and 8’ sections.

• 42” tall standard.

• Available in 12”, 18”, and 24” with 4¼”, 5½”, and 8¼” clear opening.

• ¼” material.

• Four mounting holes.

• Accepts ½” anchors, which are available upon request.

• Available in 36”, 42”, and 48” in either single or double ends.

• Curved end has an 8” I.D. and is 8” and 12” tall.

• Choose floor angle thickness of ½”, 3/8”, or ¼”.

Pallet Guide/Stop

• Two products in one! Keeps flue space clear and prevents damage to walls behind rack.

• Available in 42”, 45” (42” with 3” overhang), 48”, and 51” (48” with 3” overhang).

• Easy installation and creates reinforcement for the rack.

Dock Safety

Fabric Gate

• Protects against unwanted visitors, insects, birds, and debris from entering the work area while allowing air to flow through. 48” tall.

• High visibility, breathable fabric.

• Easy operation, requiring just 3 lbs. of pull force to extend the fabric barrier.

• Accommodates doors from 8’ – 16’.

• MEETS OSHA REQUIREMENTS

Dock Stop HD

• Stop fork trucks from driving or backing off the dock. 42” tall.

• Available in 8’ – 9’ and 10’ – 12’ sizes.

• Includes two 5” steel posts with 12” x 12” baseplates with gussets for strength. • Reinforced cross bar for strength behind panels. • MEETS OSHA REQUIREMENTS

Pivot Gate

• Choose from 60”, 65”, 72”, 96”, or 120” clear opening.

• Easily pivots to up or down position – requires only 10 - 20 lbs. of lift force.

• Ships mostly assembled – minor assembly required upon receiving. Simply anchor to the mezzanine floor.

• Adjustable kickplate and rubber feet. • MEETS OSHA REQUIREMENTS

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wishing you the best year yet, from your friends at TVH.