11 minute read
INDUSTRY NEWS
MWSCO Announces 2021 Spark Young Minds Grant Winners
Mississippi Welders Supply Co. (MWSCO) believes that everyone interested in welding and metal fabrication should have the opportunity to learn. The Spark Young Minds grant program was developed to help support our community educators who inspire young students through hands-on programs. This year, in partnership with Miller Electric, MWSCO was able to award three High Schools with a Millermatic 211 MIG welder with running gear, a Miller F-Series ArcStation Workstation table, 125 cu/ft Argon/CO2 Gas Cylinder, Digital Performance welding helmets, and Indura cloth welding jackets.
We received 53 applications and the MWSCO team found it challenging to choose only three recipients when so many High Schools have expressed their need to replace old equipment or require additional equipment to meet growing interest, when funding for their welding program is limited.
The first annual 2021 Spark Young Minds recipients are all from Wisconsin: Cameron High School, Greenwood High School, and Spring Green High School.
The Compressed Gas Association, a leading authority for the development and promotion of safety standards in the industrial, medical, and food gases industry, has made a major investment in a new campaign entitled Hydrogen “Safety is Step One” to showcase the importance of safety standards for emerging hydrogen technologies. The Hydrogen “Safety is Step One” campaign will engage across media relations, social media, and online strategy and communications to communicate to a broad audience about hydrogen safety.
Prism Visual Software Names Craig Mordi as CEO
Prism Visual Software has named Craig Mordi as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mordi brings over 20 years of software and technology experience with a focus on sales, marketing, and growth. Under Craig’s stewardship, the company is planning to expand its team, introduce new products, and continue to add value to help its customers succeed. Lorraine Keating, founder of Prism Visual Software, will remain with the company and continue support customer
Craig Mordi
Kaplan Industries Announces Retirement of Long-Time Territory Sales Manager Rich Linder
Rich Linder, Midwest Regional Sales Manager, retired from Kaplan Industries. Rich has spent over 20 years as an important member of the Kaplan team. He is well respected by the industry and his peers, his knowledge and work spanning over four decades in the industry. The Midwest regional territory will now be taken over by Jeff Ison who has worked closely with Rich over the years. Jeff has been a member of the Kaplan Team with the role of inside sales for 18 years.
Rich Linder
Metal Impact Recognized for “Extraordinary Performance” by OxyGo
Metal Impact was recognized by OxyGo for its “extraordinary performance” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Metal Impact provided OxyGo with oxygen cylinders when another supplier was not able to do so on time.
TOMCO Launches Phase Two a division of TOMCO2Systems
TOMCO announced that it has launched a new division called phasetwo CCS. Phasetwo will produce cryogenic storage and shipping equipment that services the Life Sciences Industry. It will produce products that are used to store and
ship cellular and genetic therapies, biomedical samples, and many other biological materials that require storage in extremely cold temperatures.
Cyl-Tec Completes Sale of Company to its Employees
As of December 23, 2021, Cyl-Tec employees officially became owners of the company. President Tom Bennett and his brother, Executive VP John Bennett, previously owned the company, which was founded in 1990 by their brother, Jim, and their father, George. The transfer of shares means Cyl-Tec employees now directly benefit from the growth of the company overall and own a stake in the company’s continued success.
Very little will change in terms of management and day-today operations. Tom plans to remain as President and CEO of Cyl-Tec over the next several years until his retirement. Current department managers will also stay on continuing to make the day-to-day decisions for the company’s products and services.
Employees learned about adding “owner” to their titles at a company holiday party in December. HIAB Appears on TV Show “The World’s Greatest!”
HIAB appeared on the television show “The World’s Greatest.” The show, which airs on Bloomberg TV, spotlights companies of all sizes who are behind products people use every day. The discuss companies who are making a positive impact on the world. HIAB appeared in episode 312. To see the full episode, visit www.worldsgreatesttelevision.com/ post/episode-312.
continued on next page
Leader in Gas Transportation, Storage, Vaporizers and Services
FIBA Technologies, Inc. 508.887.7100 info@fibatech.com
Products and Services available nationwide from sites in CA, KY, LA, MA, OH & PA
www.FIBATECH.com
IWDC Announces Charity Contribution and Breaks All-time Annual Sales Record
IWDC announced that it broke its all-time annual Member’s spend record that was set in 2019. Frank Kasnick, President & CEO of IWDC said that, “Our previous annual record was $278.8 million, and we broke that after our second business day in December – we should easily eclipse $300 million for full-year 2021. This is a testament to the strength and resilience of the independents in our welding & gas industry and reflects the strong support from our vendor partners.”
IWDC also announced that it raised $43,000 for Feeding America in 2021.
TrackAbout Releases New Brand Identity with Modern Corporate Logo and Website
TrackAbout, Inc. announced the launch of a modern corporate brand identity, redesigned logo and website. The visual and messaging refresh come at a time when the company is evolving its software solutions and expanding its global reach as experts in intuitive tracking software for packaged gas, chemical distribution and related industries.
TrackAbout’s brand identity includes new logos, color palette, typography and corporate and product-level messaging that communicates the company’s returnable container tracking and management value to current and potential clients. A new tagline, Track with Transparency, reflects the company’s ability to offer complete lifecycle transparency of returnable containers and other assets for complex industries through integrated tracking solutions that help address challenges in process improvement outcomes.
Ratermann Announces Sven Brandau as Director of Operations
Ratermann Manufacturing announced that Sven Brandau was appointed as Director of Operations. Most recently, Sven spent over 8 years at NCR with a focus on supply chain excellence. Prior to NCR, he was with PDI in various business leadership positions. “We welcome Sven to our team! His experience will certainly help us execute our long-term strategic goals and continue to be the best-in-class supplier in our industry”, said Brent Lockhart, President of Ratermann Manufacturing.
Sven Brandau Petrella Promoted to Director of Industrial Sales at Western Enterprises
Western Enterprises is excited to announce the promotion of Paul Petrella from Regional Sales Manager to Director of Industrial Sales. Paul will provide sales leadership continuity as we further grow our business into 2022. Paul joined Western Enterprises in 2018 and is well- Paul Petrella versed in Western’s full line of Industrial and Medical products. In addition, Paul has a grasp of the market based on his ten-plus years selling and managing within the Industrial gas business.
Tekno Valves North America Hires Ron Linsten
Tekno Valves North America announced that Ron Linsten joined the company as the new Director of Business Development. Ron will be based at Tekno Valves NA’s home office in Mandeville, LA, and will be an integral part of the sales Ron Linsten team as it continues to expand its presence throughout North America. Ron has spent the last 25 years working within the Industrial marketplace, most recently serving as the Vice President of Sales at ORS Nasco.
“We couldn’t be more excited for Ron to bring his industry expertise and customer focus to the Tekno Valves North America team,” said Justin Guitreau, Executive Vice President of Tekno Valves North America. “Being based in Mandeville, LA, Ron will directly impact the sales and operations of our company on a daily basis as we continue to grow to meet the needs of our customers throughout the compressed gas industry.”
Messer Appoints Kristen Jones as Distributor Sales Manager, South
Messer appointed Kristen Jones to the role of Distributor Sales Manager, South. Kristen is based in Birmingham, Alabama, and will be responsible for southern area distributors across 11 states. Her focus will be on continuing to support existing distributors’ growth strategies, executing daily activities with distributors, and exploring new opportunities within the geography.
Kristen Jones
DDS Launches New Redesigned Website
DDS (Distributor Data Solutions) announced the launch of its wholly redesigned website. The site’s updated design and messaging unveil new branding while clarifying the company’s solution offerings and directing visitors to the most relevant and efficient customer experience according to their needs. The design of DDS’ new site shows off the company’s recent branding refresh and reinforces their bold and authoritative presence in the market. The company has rapidly expanded their footprint in multiple distribution verticals over the past two years, building on solid traction gained in the electrical distribution industry, per their roots. DDS now serves more than a dozen complementary wholesale industries, with several others in early stages of development. Their new site has dedicated landing pages for six of the sectors where their product content offering and customer footprint are most advanced: Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Industrial Supply, Industrial Gas and Welding, and Industrial Automation.
Proudly serving the industry seamlessly since 1897
R 412-664-6604 tom.kairys@cp-industries.com www.cp-industries.com
2214 Walnut Street, McKeesport, PA 15132
High pressure gaseous ground storage and transportati on engineered soluti ons available Type 1 steel and type 4 composite high pressure cylinders available for various pressures and applicati ons. Industrial gas including H2 storage cylinders up to 15,000 psi Single vessels or assembly units, also equipped with manifolds and valves Kaplan Industries Appoints Dave O’Connell as Western Regional Sales Manager
Kaplan Industries is excited to welcome Dave O’Connell as the Western Regional Sales Manager. Dave was born and raised in Chicago, where he began his career in the steel industry. He has spent the past three years in welding and gas distribution. Nearly six years ago, Dave and his wife moved to Las Vegas and love the west coast lifestyle. Dave is an integral part of the continued growth
Dave OConnell
Your Single Source For All Things CRYOGENIC
With extensive experience, innovative ideas, and quality craftsmanship, CTR Inc. is dedicated to ensuring that every clients needs are exceeded. Clients appreciate working with a dedicated staff of technicians and engineers to develop durable and economical solutions. CTR Inc. your single source for all things cryogenic.
Known for innovation and for developing the ORBUS Fill and the Gatekeeper.
to the Kaplan sales department, and we look forward to his many successes and contribution in supporting and growing our West coast customer base.
IoT Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global Internet-of-Things (IoT) market, announced that it has selected Anova the trusted innovator and leader in remote tank telemetry, as winner of the “Industrial IoT Innovator of the Year” award in the 6th annual IoT Breakthrough Awards program.
Kevin West Begins Key New Role as National Sales Manager at Champion Cutting Tool Corp.
Kevin West was named as National Sales Manager at Champion Cutting Tool Corp. Kevin succeeds Mark Anderson, who retired in December 2021 after an incredible 41-year career at Champion. West brings 20 years of industry experience to this position. After beginning Kevin West his career selling fasteners, he joined the Champion sales force as a Territory Sales Manager in 2010 and was promoted to West Coast Regional Sales Manager in 2018.
FEIN Power Tools Welcomes William Craig as President for FEIN US
FEIN Power Tools, Inc. is pleased to name William Craig as President of its U.S. division, effective January 4, 2022. Throughout his 25-year career, Craig held top-level management positions in the tool, construction, and automotive industries. He has worked as Industrial Marketing Manager for Pentair Tools Group, held various positions, including Director of Sales and Marketing at Newell Rubbermaid, and most recently served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for US Tape Company, part of RAF Industries. In his new role as President for FEIN US, Craig will lead the sales and management teams, oversee FEIN’s organizational structure and go-to-market planning, and develop a growth strategy to drive FEIN’s US business.
Messer Distributor Group 2022 Board Members
The MDG announced its 2022 Board Members as the following: • Bryan Keen, Keen Compressed Gases, Co-Chairman • Terry Hall, Messer Americas, Co-Chairman • Tom Biederman, Airweld • Richelle Brecht-Smith, SJ Smith Company • Mark Falconer, Minneapolis Oxygen • John Mark McMurtry, Volunteer Welding Supply • Steve Brady, Messer Americas • Terry Scanlan, Messer Americas • Bob VanKirk, Messer Americas • Ed Mueller, Welders Supply, Chairman of Purchasing
Committee
Kevin Shelly Promoted to Strategic Account Manager - Americas Nikkiso ACD
Kevin Shelley joined Nikkiso’s Cryogenic Pumps Unit - Americas as Strategic Account Manager. Kevin has a proven track record in sales development, key account, and territory management within his 20+ years of industry experience. He will be responsible for Kevin Shelly the management, development, and implementation of the Nikkiso Cryogenic Pump Unit’s new strategic account program focusing on the Industrial Gas Majors and key accounts throughout North and South America. His focus will be to sell prime equipment as well as service and aftermarket for the pump group. Kevin will also be a vital part of the CEIG group strategy in facilitating opportunities for the Nikkiso group companies paving the way to becoming a stronger strategic partner for our customers.
