Manufacturers agree on voluntary decal to boost safety
Manufacturer members of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) have agreed on a new symbol that will signpost the location of emergency descent controls.

This is a new symbol that users are encouraged to fit on access platforms. The decal should be positioned to clearly indicate the location of the emergency descent controls. Operators should ensure that somebody at ground level knows how to use the controls in an emergency.

“Even experienced operators sometimes have difficulty locating the emergency descent controls that every mobile elevating work platform is fitted with,” said Tim Whiteman, IPAF managing director. “This new symbol is a practical visual aid and a prime example of an industry initiative to make access equipment even safer. We encourage manufacturers to fit this as standard on new equipment and rental companies to fit this decal to their existing fleets.”

Emergency descent systems can be found on all types of mobile elevating work platforms. They differ in terms of where they are located on specific machines and how they operate. The decal should be positioned to clearly indicate the location of the emergency descent controls. Operators should ensure that somebody at ground level knows how to use the controls in an emergency.

Manufacturers can obtain the artwork for the emergency descent symbol for use on their equipment. The artwork can be downloaded from the Resources section of www.ipaf.org. Limited numbers of free copies are available from IPAF.

AGC offers members a new fuel savings program with BP
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) announces a new agreement with BP that will offer its members significant savings on fuel purchases. The tiered rebate program offers AGC members a rebate of up to 6 cents per gallon for fuel purchased at BP locations nationwide.

“In today's volatile marketplace, this discount offers a great value to our members,” said AGC's chief executive officer, Stephen E. Sandherr. “A fleet operator with 20 vehicles might purchase more than 30,000 gallons of fuel per year. At 6 cents a gallon, that’s a savings of more than $1,800 annually.”

Tiered rebates begin at just 1.5 cents/gallon for up to 499 gallons and 6 cents/gallon for 10,000 or more gallons on fuel purchased at any of the more than 11,000 BP service stations nationwide. In addition, AGC members will save 1.5 cents/gallon on fuel purchased at any gas station when using the BP Business Solutions MasterCard.

AGC has long provided discounts to AGC members through recognized vendors as part of its members-only Affinity Program. There are currently 12 AGC partners that offer discounts to members ranging from vehicle rentals, package delivery, mobile office products and fuel and fleet management.

Capital City Group added to Alimak Hek owner network
Capital City Group has become the newest fleet owner to add the Alimak Scando 650 FC construction hoist to its product range. A provider of crane rental, construction hoist rental and field services, Capital City Group owns and operates over 50 cranes, and conducts regional operations through its newly opened Ohio-based facility. This purchase marks the company’s inauguration into the Alimak Hek owner network.

Capital City Group will offer the Scando 650 for rental, with the option to have the equipment manned by a qualified operator. The product will accompany the company’s broad portfolio of industrial, tower, crawler, self-erecting and mobile cranes, allowing contractors from across the nation to satisfy their complex lifting needs through one-stop shopping.

All of the Scando 650 hoists will have the A3 GPS system installed, which will provide immediate and continuous access to the best service available, no matter where the hoist is located.

“Capital City Group has achieved tremendous success in the market, and has a firm reputation for providing its customers with service of the highest quality — we are proud to have them as our newest partner.” said Dale Stoddard, president of Alimak Hek Inc. “As Capital City continues to grow and diversify its product offerings, we will do all that we can to best assist them in meeting the lifting needs of their contractors nationwide.”

Kara Sanders   Jay Eck

Metrolift adds staff to meet demands
Metrolift, Inc., a independently owned, full service provider of aerial lift equipment and services announced today that it is adding additional staff to address growing market need.

Kara Sanders has joined Metrolift and will serve in the capacity of rental coordinator / inside sales.

Jay Eck has joined Metrolift in the capacity of territory manager.

“Despite growing concerns regarding our economic conditions, Metrolift is experiencing another year of record growth,” said Rick Dahl, president, Metrolift Inc. “The key to our continued success will be in recruiting and developing the best people.”

Sanders comes to the company with a bachelor’s degree in construction management from the University of Illinois. She has worked in the construction industry for nine years.

“We are excited to have Kara join the Metrolift team,” said Dahl. “She will be a strong asset to the great service our customers have come to expect.”

Eck rejoins the equipment industry as a territory manager covering central Chicagoland including DuPage County. He handpicked Metrolift after a successful career in basketball. As a player and a coach, his notable accomplishments include head basketball coach at the University of Toledo and University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point.

“Jay is competitive, tenacious and a true team player,” commented John Hofmeyer, Metrolift sales manager. “We are excited to have him on our Metrolift team.”

Manitowoc staged a special customer day to celebrate the latest expansions at its manufacturing plant in Niella Tanaro, Italy. The factory builds cranes from the company’s Grove and Potain brands.

Manitowoc opens expansion in Italy
Manitowoc celebrated the latest expansions to its manufacturing facility in Niella Tanaro, Italy, with a special event for customers, dealers and Manitowoc management. The new area at the Niella plant is building rough-terrain cranes from Manitowoc’s Grove brand. The factory also builds all-terrain cranes from the Grove brand and self-erecting cranes and top-slewing tower cranes from the Potain brand.

“The expansion here is important because it gives us greater capacity to build more cranes, but equally important is the capacity that is freed up at our other facilities,” said Eric Etchart, president and general manager of Manitowoc. “We are now building all our two-axle and three-axle all-terrain cranes here, allowing us more capacity at our factory in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. And building rough-terrain cranes here for the Italian market gives us greater flexibility at our factory in Shady Grove, Pa., U.S.”

Manitowoc first began manufacturing cranes on the Niella Tanaro site, close to Turin, in 2000 when it started assembling Potain self-erecting cranes. In 2005, it began production of top-slewing tower cranes and built a 2,500 m2 factory for assembly of Grove rough-terrain cranes and two-axle all-terrain cranes.

In 2007, construction began on a 5,000 m2 plant with the first cranes leaving the production line in 2008. Manitowoc manufactures two Grove rough-terrain crane products at the new factory, while the older 2,500 m2 building has been expanded to assemble all of Grove’s two- and three-axle all-terrain crane products.

Niella Tanaro now occupies 81,000 m2 of land with 24,000 m2 of covered factory and office space. The workforce is almost doubled with the new addition.

FrenchCreek Production Inc. promotes Williams
FrenchCreek Production, Inc., has announced the internal promotion of Chris Williams to the position of Manufacturing Manager. As manufacturing manager, Williams will be overseeing the manufacturing process and managing the utilization of equipment, facilities, and personnel to obtain maximum efficiency and performance objectives.

“It is with great pleasure that Chris assumes the roles and responsibilities of manufacturing manager,” said Frank Davison, FCP Vice President and General Manager. “He has been exposed to many sides of our operations within the last seven years, and is instrumental in the ongoing developments of manufacturing.”

Williams joined FrenchCreek as a product development engineer in 2001 upon graduating from Gannon University, with a BS in mechanical engineering.

Sunbelt opening new AWP branch
Sunbelt Rentals will open a new location this week and will specialize in manlift and scissor lift rentals. The branch will also provide classroom and hands-on AWP equipment training.

The new facility covers three acres with 10,000 square feet under roof. The location is one of six Sunbelt branches serving the region. With $11 million in AWP inventory, it adds to Sunbelt’s $45 million of rental equipment fleet in the area.

Terex sales down, announces cost-cutting measures
Terex Corp. announced net income for the third quarter of 2008 of $93.8 million, or $0.96 per share, compared to net income of $151.5 million, or $1.45 per share, for the third quarter of 2007, a decrease in earnings per share of 33.8 percent.

Net sales in the third quarter of 2008 grew 14.5 percent, to $2.514 billion, versus the comparable period in 2007. The increase in net sales was favorably impacted by acquisitions and the effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes. Excluding these effects, net sales increased 6 percent in the third quarter of 2008 versus the prior year period, driven primarily by strong performance in both the Cranes and Materials Processing & Mining (MPM) segments, partially offset by lower net sales in the aerial work platforms (AWP) and construction segments.

“While we continue to make progress on our improvement initiatives, the current environment is challenging, marked by a continued global credit crisis and worsening economic conditions, particularly in the U.S. and Western Europe,” said Ron DeFeo, Terex chairman and CEO. “Input costs continue to present challenges for us, although we expect these to moderate over time. At this time, our price increases have not yet fully offset our total material cost increases. We are taking aggressive actions to better position the company for the expected reduced net sales levels of the next 12 months, in particular in the AWP, construction, and materials-processing businesses.”

The company expects 2009 sales to be similar to 2008 sales, driven by continued strong results in cranes and mining, offset by lower net sales in AWP, materials processing and construction. The cranes and mining businesses continue to grow, in particular in developing markets, where the company expects current positive trends to continue.

Net sales for the cranes segment for the third quarter of 2008 increased 36.2 percent versus the third quarter of 2007, to $717.4 million. Excluding the foreign currency exchange rate changes, net sales increased about 26 percent. Demand remains strong for larger capacity cranes, particularly larger capacity lattice boom crawler cranes, tower cranes and rough terrain cranes, driven by global infrastructure and energy projects. The market in North America continues to remain strong for large capacity cranes, but sales of smaller capacity cranes, including boom trucks and lower capacity truck cranes, remain soft.

Cranes operating margin increased to 12.3 percent during the third quarter of 2008, up from 12.0 percent for the comparable prior year period. Operating results for the third quarter of 2008 include a charge for a crane repair program of $15.0 million. Excluding this charge, operating margin would have been 14.4 percent, with the year-over-year increase primarily driven by higher volume and favorable sales mix.

Net sales for the AWP segment for the third quarter of 2008 decreased 8.9 percent, to $513.5 million, versus the third quarter of 2007. Excluding foreign currency exchange rate changes, net sales decreased about 12 percent.

AWP customers in North America and Western Europe significantly slowed their purchases during the third quarter of 2008 due to the softening in construction activity and uncertainty regarding the global economy. Management expects that many AWP customers in these markets reduced or deferred capital spending as they age their fleets in the short term, but that they will resume normal fleet capital spending patterns sometime over the next nine to 18 months.

Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008, for the next 12 months, Terex expects net sales for AWP to be down 30-40 percent. In light of those lower sales, the company reduced its global workforce by 6 percent compared to June 2008. This does not include the elimination of the AWP temporary agency workers in July 2008. In the fourth quarter, the company expects a further 18 percent workforce reduction, compared to June 2008. Additionally, temporary shutdowns of its manufacturing facilities were implemented in the third quarter and will continue to be used to reduce production output. The company will reevaluate its workforce levels in the first quarter of 2009 based on customer order rates and production levels.

Terex is also reviewing facility plans to improve the utilization of existing facilities through consolidation, transfer or sale.
Effective in January 2009, Terex will move the utility products business under the AWP segment. It is hoped this move will help capture market synergies and streamline costs.

Greg Schulte named president of Bonfiglioli USA
Greg Schulte has been named President of Bonfiglioli USA, a supplier of power transmission products in North America.

Over the past 15 years, Schulte has held various positions in the power transmission distribution market and planetary gear industry.

Prior to becoming president of Bonfiglioli USA, he served as its vice president of sales and was sales manager of the Mobile Solutions Division in North America where he surpassed the company’s aggressive growth strategy.

Schulte earned a BS degree in business management and an associate of arts degree from Ohio State University.

Haulotte’s numbers down
Haulotte Group had consolidated sales of $149.5 million in the third quarter 2008, including $15.6 million from recently acquired Bil-Jax, compared with $160.9 million for the same period last year, restated for the company's disposal of its French rental business.

Nine-month consolidated sales declined 10 percent to US$476.9 million, vs. restated sales of $532.7 million for the equivalent prior-year period, while the share of revenue from international markets outside Europe — 19 percent — continued to expand. The company’s growth of 35 percent in sales from services, though, was not sufficient to offset the 13 percent decline in equipment sales.

Doosan Infracore America promotes Michael P. Stanley to president
Doosan Infracore America announces that Michael P. Stanley has been promoted to president and chief operating officer of Doosan Infracore America’s Construction Equipment Division.

In his new position, Stanley is responsible for the Construction Equipment Division including parts support, and will report to HS Lee, president of Doosan Infracore America, and the head of the Construction Equipment Business Group.

“Since being named vice president and chief operating officer earlier this year, Michael has truly demonstrated his leadership and continued value to the company,” said HS Lee. “His team is showing excellent progress in strengthening the Doosan brand and growing our presence in North America. As president, we are confident that he will continue this strong track record far into the future.”

Prior to being named president, Stanley worked for Doosan Infracore America as the general manager of the Lift Truck and Construction Parts Operation. It was during this time that he and his team designed and implemented the industry’s first 48 hour parts guarantee program, which has proven to be a success among end users. From this position, he was later appointed vice president.

Stanley has 20 years of experience working within the heavy equipment and lift truck industries globally, as well as 14 years of service in the United States military living in Turkey and Germany. Stanley understands both OEM and the retail business sectors for heavy equipment, providing valuable expertise needed to grow Doosan into one of the top three infrastructure support equipment companies in the world.

Crane operators in New York City will need NCCCO certification
New York City’s Department of Buildings will require applicants for city crane licenses to be certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) under new provisions recently announced by the city.

NCCCO has developed a dedicated area of its web site, New York City Central, as a “one-stop shop” of key information for crane operators seeking to be certified for the New York City license.

JCB workers reduce hours, save jobs
More than 4,000 workers at JCB's plants in England have chosen a four-day work week and a $79 a week pay cut in order to prevent 350 co-workers from losing their jobs.

The heavy equipment company, which employs 8,000 people worldwide and 5,000 people in the U.K., made the decision to cut output at its factories by 19 percent, putting 500 jobs at risk. After a week of discussions with the union, employees voted more than 2-to-1 to accept a shorter work week for a minimum of six months.

Around 150 workers will still be laid off at the end of the year. In July, the company cut 400 jobs due to lower demand for its equipment.

Manitowoc showcases Grove and Potain cranes at SAIE 2008
Manitowoc featured several cranes from its Grove range of mobile cranes and Potain ranges of top-slewing tower cranes and self-erecting cranes at the recent SAIE tradeshow in Bologna, Italy.

Philippe Cohet, executive vice president of Manitowoc’s EMEA region, said the event was the perfect platform to show how Manitowoc technology is ideally suited to regional markets.

“On show at SAIE we had cranes that are excellent examples of machines ideally suited for applications among our Italian customers,” he said. “We have a manufacturing facility in Niella Tanaro that uses local product knowledge and manufacturing to create cranes tailored to this region. In addition, our other cranes on show have attributes that suit our Italian customer base.”

Debuting at SAIE this year was the Igo 30, Potain’s newest self-erecting crane, and the largest in the range that is able to move with full ballast on only one truck. The crane has two versions – with either a 92 foot or 98-foot jib – with corresponding tip capacities of 1 ton and .99 ton. Maximum capacity for both versions is 2.4 tons.

There were two other Potain self-erecting cranes on the stand, the Igo 42 and the Igo T 85. All the cranes have the very latest Potain technology, focusing on optimized safety and simplicity, and offering industry-leading operator comfort both in terms of on-site use and transport and erection.

From the top-slewing tower crane line Manitowoc showed the MDT 268, the newest Potain topless crane. It comes in two versions, either J10 or J12, with capacities of 10 tons and 12 tons respectively. Maximum jib length on both versions is 213 feet. Also on the stand was the Potain MCT 68. This top-slewing tower crane has a maximum capacity of 3 tons and a maximum jib length of 150 feet.

The Manitowoc Stand also showed a rough-terrain crane and two all-terrain cranes from Grove. The Grove RT540E is a 35 t capacity rough-terrain crane with a main boom of 101 feet and a maximum tip height of 154 feet with jib.

From the all-terrain crane line, the 100 ton capacity GMK4100-L was on display. It features a seven-section, 196-foot MEGAFORM boom and has a maximum tip height of 272 feet with jib. The GMK5170, one of the latest cranes in Manitowoc’s all-terrain crane range, was also featured at the booth. It has a 170 ton capacity and a 209 foot main boom. With jib extensions, the crane can reach a tip height of 1331 feet.

Manitowoc Stand SAIE 2008: Manitowoc displayed a range of cranes from its Grove and Potain brands at the recent SAIE 2008 trade show.

IMT tabs Neitzke as vice president of sales
Iowa Mold Tooling Co. Inc. (IMT), an Oshkosh Corp. company, announces that Eric Neitzke has joined the company as the new vice president of sales. Neitzke is responsible for leading the IMT sales team and helping to drive business strategy for the company’s line of material-handling equipment and commercial vehicles.

“We are excited to have Eric lead the IMT sales team, and we know that his extensive experience in key positions with industry-leading equipment manufacturers will be a valuable asset to IMT and our customers,” said Steve Fairbanks, IMT president.

Neitzke brings more than 20 years of experience in corporate sales and marketing. Most recently, he was the director of channel development for Ingersoll Rand Construction Technologies, where he directed public relations, national advertising, and sales and business development programs. Prior to that, he was vice president of marketing for Generac Power Systems Inc. and also held director-level positions with Outboard Marine Corp., Bombardier and Sea Ray Boats. Neitzke has a bachelor of science in communications from James Madison University.

“I am proud to join the IMT team and be a part of the leading brand in the service-truck industry,” Neitzke said. “This company and its distributor network stand behind their products, and IMT manufactures one of the most durable, reliable lines of trucks and cranes out on the market today. I am honored to play a key role in such a reputable organization.”

Snorkel makes production cuts
Snorkel International’s plant in Kansas will shut down production from Oct. 27 to Nov. 3. The company said it plans to adjust production capacity during the outage to meet declining demand.

“This temporary shutdown only affects production and will not have an impact on Snorkel customers,” said Dan Jenkins, a spokesman for the Tanfield Group, Snorkel’s parent company. “It will be business as usual for our customer care team and sales force during this period.”

In September, the company laid off 100 production line workers. The company currently employs about 350 people.

Company orders 12 VYCON systems
VYCON Inc., the designer and manufacturer of high-speed flywheel based, environmentally friendly energy storage systems, announced that International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has ordered twelve new Rubber Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes from Noell China with VYCON’s fuel and emission saving REGEN energy storage systems for their operations in Manila.

ICTSI is one of the top five major maritime terminal operators in the world. The order is expect to generate revenue in excess of $1 million (USD), which will be recognized during 2008 and 2009.

VYCON’s REGEN systems will operate at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) – the largest international container terminal in the Philippines.

As part of their long tradition of being one of the most efficient ports, VYCON’s REGEN energy storage systems will help the MICT realize substantial savings in diesel fuel consumption and costs in operating their RTG cranes. The REGEN system optimizes the crane’s diesel generator operation by storing energy during the cranes lowering cycles and then quickly releasing regenerated energy for the crane’s lift cycles.

Manitex makes Hoist Drum Rotation Indicator standard
Manitex, Inc. is now incorporating the Hoist Drum Rotation Indicator (HDRI) as a standard feature on their 40- and 50-ton machines.

The hoist drum rotation indicator is an electronically operated system that provides the operator with touch indication of drum rotation. This enables the operator to tell if the drum is rotating, and at what speed, even under the most distracting conditions.

The indicator assembly consists of three main parts — the magnetic sensor, the controller unit, and the indicator unit. The sensor senses the rotation of the motor shaft, and thus, indirectly, the hoist drum. The sensor is connected by electrical wiring to the controller unit that acts as a pulse generator.

The controller sends a pulsating signal proportional to rotation speed to the indicator unit.

The indicator unit, located in the control lever handle, pulsates in time with the signal from the controller unit.

“Offering HDRI as a standard feature in our larger machines just makes sense. Giving better load control to the operators is a task we at Manitex are always working to improve,” says Scott Rolston, President of Manitex Inc.

• Manitex has introduced a new tip height for its successful 124SX and 40124S models, extending its reach to 190 feet, approximately 13 percent higher than the previous 166 feet.

Used primarily in the power grid construction field, the new tip height on the 124SX and 40124S is in response to increasing demands in the market.

“Power lines are now carrying more current and therefore need to be lifted off the ground higher. That’s where the improved 124SX and 40124S come in,” says Rolston.

These machines have also been successfully used in the building of ethanol plants in the Midwest.

“The increased height allows for construction of the aerial grain elevators,” explains Randy Robertson, director of sales and marketing for Manitex, Inc., talking about the various applications of the crane.

Manitex is looking to increase its share market in the segments of power grid construction and other similar applications. The company has steadily and aggressively positioned itself as a “one-stop shop” for lifting equipment. “We have what it takes to get the job done from forklifts to taxi cranes,” Robertson said. “Specializing in various niche markets is one of our strengths.”

JLG rebrands Gradall rear pivot steer telehandlers
JLG Industries, Inc. recently announced that by the end of 2008, Gradall branded telehandlers will become part of an expanded JLG-branded telehandler family.

“The Gradall name has been an icon in the telehandler industry for decades, with a reputation built on reliability and performance,” said Kirsten Skyba, vice preseident – Global Marketing, JLG Industries. “We’re maintaining all the finest qualities of the Gradall name and product, including the famous blue color, but will begin branding these models under the JLG name. The same number of models will be available and the equipment will continue to be built, serviced and sold with the high level of quality inherent in all JLG products.”

JLG will continue to provide Ground Support, JLG’s industry leading aftermarket service, parts, training and technical support services, for existing Gradall branded telehandlers. Aftermarket support for Gradall branded telehandlers, as well as new, JLG-branded, rear-pivot steer machines will continue with the same service network as before as well as many additional JLG dealers throughout the country.

This rebranding initiative marks the completion of a plan that began in 2006, when JLG sold the Gradall excavator line.

U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA launches national initiative on cranes and derricks to promote safe construction crane operations
WASHINGTON -- To coincide with the proposed rule on Cranes and Derricks in Construction, published in the October 9, 2008 Federal Register, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has initiated a National Crane Safety Initiative to address safety hazards during construction crane operation.

The Crane Safety Initiative also builds on a number of steps taken by OSHA earlier this year to raise awareness on crane safety and increase enforcement of the current standards, including launching local emphasis programs in a number of regions to inspect high-rise construction, stakeholder outreach and additional training on crane safety.

"Three important features of this initiative are that it will provide information and outreach to the construction industry and other stakeholders, offer enhanced resources to OSHA inspectors who address crane safety and implement a National Emphasis Program on Crane Safety," said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke Jr. "The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported the 2007 fatality rate was the lowest in recorded history, including a reported five percent reduction in fatalities for the construction industry. This initiative builds upon this successful record."

Through its agency partners in the construction industry, OSHA will increase awareness of and provide information on how to avoid crane hazards. The agency's compliance safety and health officers will receive enhanced resources on crane safety. Additionally, the National Emphasis Program will incorporate increased targeted inspections of construction worksites to identify crane hazards and promote compliance with workplace crane safety requirements.

OSHA's proposed rule on cranes and derricks addresses the key hazards associated with construction cranes and derricks.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

The deadline for comments on the proposed rule is December 8, 2008. Click here for more information.

Terex AWP makes key appointments

Debbie George

Terex AWP names Debbie George Global Brand Marketing Leader
Terex Aerial Work Platforms (AWP), a business segment of the Terex Corporation (NYSE:TEX), announced today that Debbie George has been appointed to the newly-created position of Global Brand Marketing Leader. She will report to the new Global Director of Marketing Solutions, Michael Samora.

In her new role, George will have creative oversight of the Genie and Terex AWP brands, both internally and externally. She will serve as the key customer marketing relationship leader and will liaise with the international AWP marketing teams. Additionally, she will work cross-functionally with other Terex business segments on multiple projects and serve as the marketing relationship leader for all Terex AWP cross-selling initiatives.

Prior to this assignment, Debbie served as the Global Director of Marketing for the Terex AWP division in Redmond, Wash. Over the years, she has developed strong relationships with customers, peers, association members and the media. For 20 years of her 23-year tenure, she led the marketing team and developed the solid foundation of marketing programs and services that are in place today.

George holds a B.S. degree from City University of Seattle. She resides in Woodinville, Wash. with her husband Tom.

Mike Samora

Mike Samora joins Terex AWP as new Director of Marketing Solutions
Terex Aerial Work Platforms (AWP), a business segment of the Terex Corporation (NYSE:TEX), announced today that Mike Samora has joined the Company as the Global Director of Marketing Solutions. Samora will report to Linda Mayer, Vice President and General Manager, Global Marketing and Product Management.

In this role, Samora will provide leadership for all marketing communication functions, including advertising, public and media relations, Web content, print, promotions, product launches, training, trade shows and e-business. He will also manage the Genie® and Terex® brands through multiple channels, with a focus on understanding customer needs and providing solutions.

Prior to joining Terex AWP, he founded and served as president of Premier Postage, LLC, for the past two years. While there, he developed, marketed and sold licensed U.S. postage stamp products in partnership with Pitney Bowes and several licensors, including Major League Baseball, NASCAR, Orange County Choppers, and Thomas Kinkade. Samora also served in key marketing roles with Procter and Gamble, The Coca-Cola Company and The Campbell Soup Company.

Samora holds a B.A. in public policy and administration from Western Washington University, and an M.B.A. with concentrations in marketing and management strategy from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School.

About Terex
Terex Corporation is a diversified global manufacturer with 2007 net sales of approximately $9.1 billion. Terex operates in five business segments: Terex Aerial Work Platforms, Terex Construction, Terex Cranes, Terex Materials Processing & Mining, and Terex Roadbuilding, Utility Products and Other. Terex manufactures a broad range of equipment for use in various industries, including the construction, infrastructure, quarrying, mining, shipping, transportation, refining, and utility industries. Terex offers a complete line of financial products and services to assist in the acquisition of Terex equipment through Terex Financial Services. More information on Terex can be found at www.terex.com.

Alan Dotts

Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. names Alan Dotts as Manager, Aerial Work Platform Specialist for AICHI Division
Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. the sole distributor of Aichi Aerial Work Platforms (AWP) has announced the appointment of Alan Dotts to the new position of manager, AWP specialist.

Dotts has 18 years experience in AWP product sales and support and most recently served as general manager of Aichi U.S.A. He is responsible for the development of AWP business within the newly formed Toyota Aichi dealer group, which oversees distribution of Aichi scissor lifts, and wheeled and crawler boom lifts in the United States.

“We are pleased to welcome Alan Dotts to our team,” said Brett Wood, president of TMHU. “His proven track record of success in AWP sales and his intimate knowledge of the Aichi brand will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing success of the Toyota Aichi dealer group.”

About Aichi, A Toyota Industries Company
Since its founding in 1962, Aichi has worked tirelessly to improve work environments in cooperation with its customers to create safer, more efficient and comfortable work sites for industries such as the utility, communication and construction industries.

The company has worked closely with its customers to improve job site methods by creating more efficient equipment tailored to each industry. Toyota Aichi dealers offer industry-leading support in every area of service, including parts, maintenance, financing, rentals and accessories. For more information on Aichi products, please visit www.toyota-construction.com or call 1-800-852-0024.

About Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc.
Celebrating more than 40 years of established operations in the United States, Irvine, Calif.-based Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc., (TMHU) has been the No. 1 selling lift truck supplier in the U.S. since 2002 and currently offers a full line of high-quality lift trucks sold under the Toyota brand. TMHU, as the sole United States distributor for Aichi, now offers a line-up of aerial work lifts, including scissor lifts, crawler and wheeled boom lifts designed specifically to meet a wide range of indoor and outdoor needs.

Built on a reputation of excellence, Toyota remains popular due to its quality, reliability and durability. Quality is the hallmark of Toyota’s world-renowned Toyota Production System practiced at all Toyota manufacturing facilities, including Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing (TIEM). Most of the Toyota lift trucks, including the 8-Series, sold in the United States are manufactured at TIEM in Columbus, Ind.

TIEM, and all Toyota manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Canada, comply with the ISO 14001 standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and have been honored for their environmental management systems and dedication to continuous improvement.

Toyota offers comprehensive customer service support, including one-stop shopping for both new and Certified Used lift trucks, parts, service and financing. For more information on TMHU, please visit www.toyotaforklift.com or call 1-800-226-0009.

Steril-Koni introduces 98% recyclable, self-regenerating lift at APTA EXPO 2008
Following the recent introduction of two such eco-oriented heavy-duty lifts: SKYLIFT and ECO Lift, Stertil-Koni is expanding its unique line of ecologically intelligent lifts with the launch of its new ENVIROLIFT.

The ENVIROLIFT was introduced just three weeks ago at the Automechanika International Trade Fair in Germany and has more than seven distinct features that significantly decrease energy consumption and the overall environmental impact. As the first of its kind in the world, the ENVIROLIFT is creating a new category: “green mobile lifts.”

“It’s simple,” says Dr. Jean DellAmore, Stertil-Koni president and one of the driving forces behind the ecological lift movement at Stertil KONI. “Just like the SKYLIFT and ECO Lift, the ENVIROLIFT will reduce the carbon footprint of any organization regularly utilizing heavy duty lifting equipment.”

“Today’s forward-thinking companies care about the world around them,” DellAmore added. “They recognize that sustainability is a social responsibility and the obligation of all corporate citizens.”  

Ninety-eight percent of the materials used to create the ENVIROLIFT are recyclable. This includes its nylon, steel and, most notably, its batteries. The batteries used, also known as deep-cycle marine batteries, are known for being extremely robust, energy-efficient and 100% recyclable.

In a departure from traditional heavy-duty lift designs; the ENVIROLIFT is engineered to use the weight of the vehicle it has lifted to recharge its batteries with each lowering cycle. The lift’s unique self-regeneration technology, resembling that used in today’s advanced hybrid vehicles, has led to a 50% increase in the total battery operating life.

While competitive battery- operated mobile lifts are typically able to complete around 8-10 full lifting cycles, the ENVIROLIFT’s batteries have life expectancies approximating 50 cycles (under a full load of approximately 72,000 lbs.).

The ENVIROLIFT also uses Panolin, a 100% biodegradable synthetic oil that has a much longer service life than other oils. The environmentally-friendly lubricant exhibits superior aging characteristics, as well as a higher resistance to oxidation.

Using traditional hydraulic fluid, a common lift will require oil changes much more frequently than an ENVIROLIFT using Panolin. While many hydraulic lifts require oil replacement every two years, with Panolin, a fluid change for the ENVIROLIFT is not expected to be necessary for as many as six years. With fluid life extending to as much as three times current replacement levels, the cost savings are considerable, and with the fluid’s biodegradable nature, the environmental repercussions are minimized.

The ENVIROLIFT will help companies and municipalities earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for their buildings. DellAmore said he has more and more inquiries about LEED-related projects by the day. “This lift is already setting a new standard and folks in the heavy duty industry are excited to have a viable green solution from a trusted brand leader,” he said.

The ENVIROLIFT is the third lift in Stertil-Koni’s earth-friendly line of lifts. The ECO Lift and the SKYLIFT were introduced earlier this year and have both been enthusiastically received by the industry.

“We are actively promoting an earth-friendly strategy as evidenced by the recent introduction of our new lifts. The SKYLIFT operates above the earth, the ECO Lift operates under the earth, as an in-ground lift product and lastly, the ENVIROLIFT operates on the earth,” added DellAmore.

“I am also calling on others in our industry to join Stertil-Koni in promoting conservation of the environment by developing smarter lifting products with reduced carbon footprints.”

Stertil-Koni expects the ENVIROLIFT to be in full production no later than the first quarter of 2009. Stertil-Koni has distributors throughout the world including North America, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

Colson Caster receives new ISO Quality Certifications
Company earns 3-year ISO 9001:2000 recertification
Colson Caster Corporation has been granted a new certificate of quality assurance from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The organization monitors manufacturers for adherence to the ISO 9000 family of standards for certification. The certification then represents a consensus of superior quality management practices recognized around the world. The certifications are essential and valuable to manufacturing companies as more customers insist upon the ISO standard level before considering product purchases.

“It is a great accomplishment to once again receive this certification for our quality management system,” said Vince Caligiuri, Lead Quality Engineer for Colson. “Our goal is to satisfy the requirements of our customers and this is certainly one of our major references for conducting business in today’s competitive manufacturing environments.”

ISO 9001:2000 is the standard that provides a set of sanctioned requirements for a quality management system. The ISO 9001:2000 standard creates a tried and tested framework for managing an organization's processes so they consistently turn out product that assures and satisfies customer expectations. Other standards in the family also cover specific business aspects such as terminologies, performance improvements, process auditing, documentation, and training practices.

About Colson Caster Corporation
For more than a century, Colson Caster Corporation has been providing the world with the highest quality and largest selection of premier caster and wheel products. Headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas for the last 50 years, and with more than 150,000 square feet of state-of-the-art manufacturing space, Colson designs and produces the industry’s largest selection of casters and wheel products, caster options, and accessories. The company is the leader in caster innovation and builds exclusive caster products for all of the world’s markets. For more information, visit www.colsoncaster.com.

ALL Erection & Crane Rental trains inspectors and welders through Manitowoc Boom Inspection and Repair Training Courses
For the second consecutive year, qualified welders and technicians from the ALL Erection & Crane Rental Corp. Family of Companies were chosen to attend exclusive Manitowoc Crane CARE program training courses in Manitowoc Boom Inspection and Repair. Welders with state certification attended both repair and inspection training classes, and a number of other technicians attended only the inspection classes, which were held at ALL headquarters in Cleveland. The trainees came from a number of ALL yards, which are strategically dispersed throughout the country.

The ALL Family of Companies proudly makes the commitment to invest in their employees by conducting rigorous technician training programs that surpass any industry requirement. Says Michael Liptak, president of ALL Erection and Crane Rental Corp., “At ALL Crane, we believe that strengthening our technicians' training is one of the most important service standards we can offer you. Each technician takes seriously their job of maintaining the industry's newest and most modern equipment, and keeping it like new so that our rental fleet always exceeds your expectations.”

Two sessions of each class were held in August. For the welding class, Manitowoc Crane CARE, the world’s most advanced crane service and support program, shipped all of the metal stock to the ALL Erection training facility in Cleveland, Ohio, where ALL constructed a mini welding lab. The course consisted of both rigorous classroom and hands-on welding training.

With the completion of this training program, the ALL Family of Companies now has 15 individuals at various yards throughout the nation who can perform Manitowoc boom repair and 13 who can do the inspections, explains Liptak. “The welding training program and Crane CARE in general are both relatively new programs, and ALL’s proactive and ongoing commitment to training is part of our promise to customers.”

Since 1964, the ALL family of companies has grown to become one of the largest crane and equipment rental companies in North America. The company offers its fleet of cranes, aerial work platforms, boom trucks, material handlers, and other lift equipment from strategic locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, providing rental, sales, service, and jobsite analysis to help customers get the right equipment for the job. An important measure of their commitment is meeting or exceeding all pertinent regulatory and safety standards. For more information, contact ALL Erection & Crane Rental Corp., 7809 Old Rockside Rd., Cleveland, OH 44134. Phone: 216-524-6550; fax: 216-642-7611; on the Web: www.allcrane.com.

Video interview with Terex Load King
Lift & Crane Applications and Equipment editor Pat Walker interviews Rick Ducharme, territory sales manager with Terex Load King. They discuss the Terex HFT 70RS Rental Trailer. Click here to see the video.

NCCER releases national construction recruitment video
The National Center for Construction Education and Research recently released its 2008 Build Your Future video. This video is part of a national recruitment and education campaign created to increase awareness of the rewarding careers available in the construction and maintenance industries.

The BYF video features interviews with craft professionals, construction managers and company owners at some of the nation's most exciting construction projects.

It also highlights the dynamic construction career path, excellent earning potential, and the satisfaction and pride of being part of the team that builds America.

“We encourage contractors and schools to use this video to help promote the construction industry and the rewarding career opportunities it provides,” said Don Whyte, NCCER president.

The BYF video may be viewed year-round and complements Careers in Construction Week, Oct. 13-17. This week is designed to increase public awareness of the hard work and contributions of craft professionals and increase students' interest in pursuing construction as a career.

The Build Your Future video is funded by leading contractors, manufacturers, and industry associations and available free of charge. The 2008 video was funded through the generous contributions from the following organizations:
• Platinum level - Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., Associated General Contractors of America, Caterpillar, Industrial Specialty Contractors, McGraw Hill Construction, and the Shaw Group;
• Gold level - Fluor Corp.;
• Silver level - Austin Industrial, The Haskell Co., and TD Industries.

Visit the NCCER Careers Web site at careers.nccer.org for a complete listing of all campaign sponsors and to view the new 2008 Build Your Future video.

NCCER has provided this video to the construction industry since 1997.

Manitex has new director of operations
Phil Fridley is now part of the Manitex executive team as its new director of operations. Fridley was formerly the plant manager and North American director of quality, health, safety and environment at global giant GKN Sinter Metals.

Fridley offers nearly 30 years of experience in streamlining manage for other leading companies, including Grove Worldwide and AAI Corp.

"We are thrilled to have Phil as part of Manitex,” David Langevin, CEO of Manitex International. “His experience and knowledge will add tremendously to our process.”

Hiring a new director of operations is part of Manitex's response to the growing demand of its products in national and international markets. Fridley will head a number of initiatives internally and externally to further expand the reach of Manitex International and its subsidiaries.

Manitex International is steadily increasing its footprint in the market, having increased revenue in 2007 over 2006, and is actively implementing measures to continue the trend. Earlier this month, Manitex announced the acquisition of Crane and Machinery, Inc. and Schaeff, Inc.

"The acquisition of Crane supports our diversification strategy and adds to our existing replacement parts business,” Andrew Rooke, president and CEO of Manitex, said. “We expect Crane's distribution network to accelerate our penetration into international markets, which is a key part of our growth strategy."

According to executives in the company, Fridley will bring together the new divisions in the company while streamlining operational processes, focusing on expanding capabilities, quality control and development.

Manitex International, Corp. is a leading provider of engineered lifting solutions including boom truck cranes, rough terrain forklifts and special mission oriented vehicles.

Case buys eight dealership locations
Case Construction Equipment, Racine, WI, has completed the acquisition of eight dealerships from Western Power & Equipment, Vancouver, WA.

The dealerships, located in Redding, Sacramento and Stockton, CA; Sparks, NV; Portland and Salem, OR; Auburn and Marysville, WA, will now operate as Case Power and Equipment. Each dealership will sell, rent and service Case construction and industrial equipment.

Case will add a full range of construction equipment to the rental fleets at those locations to better meet the needs of local customers.

“We made this acquisition to ensure that existing and prospective Case customers continue to receive the top-caliber construction equipment and support they need,” said James Hasler, vice president, Case Construction Equipment.

The company said it also is planning upgrades of the existing facilities and infrastructure and has introduced a maintenance program in which an employee will inspect a customer’s new machine seven times within the first year of service.

Each location will soon feature the new Case Power and Equipment signage. The company’s new Web site, www.CasePower.com, also lists the products, services and hours of operation of each branch.

Safety rails now standard on Liebherr crawler cranes in USA
Liebherr Nenzing Crane Co. is now fitting handrails as standard on top of crawler cranes delivered to US customers to reduce the risk of operatives falling while climbing over the crane.

Crane operators and maintenance technicians are periodically required to clamber over the top of cranes, to access the engine or to inspect winches, ropes and other components. As it is not always practical to connect a harness to a tie-off point, the addition of handrails is designed to improve worker safety by helping to prevent falls.

Operators and maintenance technicians find it easier and safer to move around a heavy-duty Liebherr HS 895 HD Litronic crawler crane, 200-ton capacity, after it was fitted with galvanized steel handrails. These handrails can be pulled out and removed when transporting the crane if required.

Handrails were previously an option on Liebherr cranes but demand for them has risen in line with mounting concern about the issue of safe working at height in the US construction industry. It is an OSHA requirement that fall protection measures are adopted in the construction industry for any work at a height of 6 feet or more.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls from height accounted for 448 fatalities in the construction industry in 2007 – 38 percent of the industry’s total fatal accidents. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that 74 people died at work in 2006 as a result of falling from a stationary vehicle. The number of non-fatal accidents is not known as not all accidents are reported.

With leading contractors increasingly demanding fall protection measures on their machinery, Liebherr Nenzing Crane Co. has opted to make handrails standard fitment on all future orders from US customers.

A retrofit package is also available for owners of cranes produced by Liebherr Nenzing.

The handrails are designed in accordance with OSHA’s Fall Protection Standard 1926.502. They are made of hot dipped galvanized steel for a long maintenance-free life.

On the Liebherr LR series cranes the handrails can be quickly an easily folded down to facilitate low-overhead transport by just releasing a couple of pins. On the Liebherr HS series the handrails can be simply pulled out and removed for transport.

Scott Moreland, vice president of Liebherr Nenzing Crane Co., said: “Liebherr has always set out to pioneer safety initiatives in the crane industry and we are very aware of the OSHA statistics relating to falls from height. The introduction of hand-rails on our cranes is a simple measure for us to take to help promote safe working at height and further design-out slip and trip hazards.”

Elias Chakour   Keith Crider

Chakour, Crider appointed regional business managers
Manitowoc has appointed Elias Chakour and Keith Crider as regional business managers overseeing sales of Manitowoc crawler cranes and Grove mobile cranes. Chakour’s territory is the Southeast region of the United States; Crider’s is the Northeast region of the U.S. and Canada.

In their new roles, both men will work closely with Manitowoc dealers in their regions. They report to David Hull, Manitowoc’s vice president of sales for North America, who said both will add valuable experience to the sales team.

“We are very fortunate to have people of Elias’ and Keith’s experience and reputation move into these very important roles,” he said. “Their technical knowledge, background in sales and support and unique experiences make them a valuable addition to the sales team.”

Both men bring a wealth of experience to their new positions. Chakour has more than 20 years experience in the construction equipment industry, most recently serving as regional sales manager for the LBX Company, covering the Northeast Region.

Crider brings almost 30 years of Manitowoc experience to his new position. Prior to this most recent appointment, he was director of service operations at Manitowoc Crane Care where his role included the development of Latin America’s Crane Care organization.

Chakour received his master’s in Business Administration from Roosevelt University in Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from The Hebrew University. Crider has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania and has participated in numerous Manitowoc training programs throughout his career.

SMS Rents Adds Ottawa, Mississauga Branches
SMS Rents has expanded its presence in Ontario with new branch locations in the nation’s capital Ottawa and Mississauga, part of the greater Toronto metropolitan area.

The company has now opened three Ontario locations in as many months, having opened a branch in Stoney Creek this past summer. SMS Rents, formerly known as Komatsu Rents, now has 13 stores in Ontario and Quebec.

The Ottawa store is a 9,000-square-foot facility, and the Mississauga facility is 12,000 square feet, said SMS Rents president Marcel Langlois. Langlois said the two new stores provide a bridge between successful operations in the company’s strategic regions.

“We are well established in the GTA and Montreal,” said Langlois. “Customer response to our new organization has been very encouraging. Ottawa is a logical next step for us as we strive to bring our Job Ready rental service to customers throughout southern Ontario.”

The Mississauga store strengthens plans for the company’s further growth throughout the Toronto area, expanding service capabilities between the recently opened Stoney Creek store and the well-established SMS Rents store in Guelph, just west of Toronto. The region is also supported by the SMS Rents Heavy Equipment Centre based in Brampton, Ontario.

SMS Rents named Robert “Bob” Taylor regional manager for southern Ontario.

SMS Rents offers a full line of rental equipment from aerial lifts to light tools and compaction, as well as complete sales and service for the Komatsu Utility line of compact equipment, as well as a range of contractor supplies.

Barnhart Crane & Rigging buys Marino Crane
Barnhart Crane and Rigging Co. recently acquired Marino Crane, a crane rental, heavy lifting, heavy transportation and specialized rigging company doing business for more than 50 years in Middletown, CN.

Barnhart, established in 1969, has 19 locations in the United States and became a major player in the Northeast with its acquisition of Philadelphia-based Hake Rigging Co. in 2006.

The combined capabilities of Marino and Barnhart now include more than 225 operated cranes, heavy lifting cranes up to 1,760 tons, slide systems, hydraulic gantries, modular lift towers and other machines.
Barnhart also provides logistics, machinery moving and plant relocations.

RSC Equipment Rental tabs new vice president
RSC Equipment Rental, the operating entity for RSC Holdings, last week announced that Per Ohstrom, an experienced marketing executive with considerable industrial experience, has joined the firm as vice president, marketing.

Ohstrom will report to Phil Hobson, senior vice president, corporate operations, and he will be based at the company’s corporate headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ.

“We are very pleased that Per Ohstrom has joined our management team in this important role," said Erik Olsson, president and CEO. "Per brings over 25 years of experience in marketing and sales, strategic planning and market research. Much of his relevant experience is with firms whose focus was on industrial markets and customers. This will be of great value as we expand our leadership in the attractive industrial markets."

Ohstrom comes to RSC from Hagemeyer North America, a business-to-business distributor with a focus on industrial maintenance repair and operations services and products, where he was senior vice president of marketing.

Previously he was director of marketing at CHEP, a pallet and container supply chain company, and he held marketing positions of increasing responsibility with International Paper and Rohm and Haas Company.

Manitowoc cranes modernize steel recycling plant in Switzerland
Two tower cranes from Manitowoc’s Potain brand helped modernize a steel recycling plant in Gerlafingen, Switzerland. On site were the 12 ton capacity MDT268 J12 from Potain’s Topless MDT range and the 6-ton capacity MDT 128 from the city topless range.

This Potain MDT 268 helped with expansion work at a steel recycling plant in Gerlafingen, Switzerland. The crane belongs to Sterki Bau AG, which was the main contractor on the expansion job.

The plant is already the largest in Switzerland but earlier this year the owners, Stahl Gerlafingen AG., began an expansion program to cope with increasing demands as the global demand for steel remains high. Although there is modern equipment in place and technically advanced processes at the site, the company used the opportunity to further enhance the facilities.

For this project, the tower cranes placed 7,700 m3 of concrete and 800-ton of steel framework for the development. Swiss Manitowoc dealer Stirnimann supplied the cranes after satisfying the contractor the cranes had both the necessary lift ability and the design attributes to meet the strict environmental requirements at the site.

Urs Scheiber, the company’s product manager for tower cranes, said the cranes’ close control was vital to the jobsite.

“The MDT 268 and MDT 128 had a number of demands placed upon them during this project,” he said. “They were lifting heavy loads but still need a high degree of accuracy as they operated alongside the existing structure. Reports from the jobsite said the performance of the cranes was excellent and much of that is down to the close control of Potain’s frequency drives.”

The main contractor onsite, Sterki Bau AG, based in Solothurn, has a fleet of 12 Potain cranes all purchased from Stirnimann. The latest two deliveries for this jobsite arrived in March and stayed there until late September.

Sterki Bau opted for the MDT 268, the largest crane in the redesigned MDT range, on this site primarily because of its ability to lift 2.9 tons at its jib end of 213 feet. The crane was operated with full jib and at a height under hook of nearly 120 feet.

Stahl Gerlafingen AG, the leading Swiss supplier of reinforcing steel products, owns the plant. The plant processes on average 720,000 t of scrap steel annually, approximately three quarters of all of the recycled steel in Switzerland.

Stirnimann has about 100 employees and operates out of three bases in Switzerland: Préverenges, Bonaduz and the headquarters in Olten. The company is a dealer for both the Potain and Grove brands and runs a rental fleet of more than 300 cranes, split between tower cranes and self-erecting cranes.

New date set for Heavy Equipment Theft Summit in Houston
The FBI-LEEDA Heavy Equipment Theft Summit in Houston, which was postponed due to Hurricane Ike, has been re-scheduled for Dec. 9, 2008.

FBI-LEEDA and the National Equipment Register (NER) invite those in the Houston area to participate in a one-day regional summit designed to help law enforcement, equipment owners and insurers better combat heavy equipment theft. The summit provides timely information that will assist participants in better dealing with and understanding the problem of heavy equipment theft and recovery.

You can attend a complimentary, one-day regional summit that will include educational training for equipment owners, managers and law enforcement agents on the best practices for protecting your fleet.

The Houston-area event will be held Dec. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Lonestar Convention & Expo Center, 9055 FM 1484, Conroe, Texas.

A general session will address the equipment theft problem, review prevention techniques and discuss the latest offerings in equipment-security technology. Breakout sessions for equipment owners and managers will take a more in-depth look at how to protect your assets.

Networking opportunities, including a catered lunch and breaks, will allow equipment owners and managers to meet one-on-one with law enforcement officials to exchange information and develop important relationships.

For more information or to register for this event, call NER at (866) 663-7872 or send an e-mail providing your name, agency or company and contact details to info@NERusa.com. NER also will provide hotel information and directions.

NER is an ARA partner.

Members of the American Rental Association can register 1,000 pieces of heavy equipment for free with NER. For more information, call ARA Member Services at 800-334-2177.

Manitowoc delivers Potain MD 1100 for ship repair work in France
Manitowoc has installed a new Potain MD 1100 special application crane at the Port Autonome De Dunkerque facility in Dunkirk, northern France. The crane is on site to lift heavy components as part of the facility’s ongoing ship repair work.

Manitowoc engineers designed the crane around the exact specifications of the shipyard that repairs approximately 250 ships a year, each taking around 100 hours to complete. The MD 1100 belongs to the Port Autonome De Dunkerque, a government-owned entity. Private company ARNO, a subcontractor employed specifically to carry out all ship repair work at the yard, uses it.

A Potain MD1100 special application tower crane has been sold to the Port Autonome De Dunkerque facility in Dunkirk, northern France for ship repair work.

Design specifications for the shipyard have more in common with U.S. shipyards than those in Europe. The Dunkirk facility was built after World War II with assistance from the U.S.-lead Marshall Plan. As a result, Manitowoc needed to adjust the design with the most significant change being the construction of a 10.7 m x 10.7 m traveling portal. This portal allows the crane to travel on the 500 m dockside track.

Gerard Vezant, sales director for special application cranes at Manitowoc, said the design changes on this MD 1100 were more than are typically required.

“Each special application crane we build is adjusted to specific requirements, but on this crane we made more changes than ever before,” he said. “Our ability to deliver to the client’s needs within a relatively short timeframe helped us win this contract. Didier Delorme, our business manager, was in constant communication with the people in Dunkirk making sure every commitment was met. And at our design office, Jean Claude Gateau oversaw all technical changes.”

Other changes to the crane included the fitting of additional counterweight plus further traveling bogies to help distribute the load. Both changes allow the crane to withstand out-of-service wind speeds of up to 237 km/h, versus the 150 km/h out-of-service wind speeds usually designed for. Protection from the sea air comes from a 240-Microns coating of special marine paint, while all mechanisms and control panels are housed in a container located on the counterjib.

Pierre Defrance from the work and studies department at Port Autonome De Dunkerque, says Manitowoc’s ability to offer a total package gave his company the confidence to invest.

“We handle maintenance for ships from all over the world, and for us, reliability was the number one issue,” he said. “We were also pleased with the total package Manitowoc offered. The company took care of the erection and commissioning and worked with us to develop a maintenance program that suits our needs.”

The shipyard has a reputation for high-quality repair work and a client list that includes the Belgian Navy. It uses the latest technology for both selecting and monitoring its equipment. For the MD 1100, Port Autonome De Dunkerque is using a software platform that offers real time lifecycle information for the crane, based on feedback from the load cells and frequency drives.

The shipyard in Dunkirk employs 40 operators, all of whom are trained to operate the MD 1100. Port Autonome De Dunkerque also trained a number of mechanics, many of whom traveled to the Manitowoc Crane Care facility in La Clayette, France.

Wayne MacDonald   Tim Hatch

MacDonald retiring; Hatch promoted at JLG
JLG Industries’ Wayne MacDonald, senior vice president of engineering, retired effective Sept. 30 after more than 30 years with the company.

“Since 1975, Wayne MacDonald has been a key member of the JLG family and instrumental to our success,” stated Craig Paylor, Oshkosh executive vice president and JLG president. “He has distinguished himself as an engineer, a visionary in innovation and as a strong business leader. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Wayne for all that he has done in leading our organization, and the many enjoyable years we have spent building a great company together.

“While we will surely miss Wayne, I’m particularly pleased to be able to announce that Tim Hatch has been promoted to lead our engineering, new product and technology development, and testing and validation activities,” Paylor added. “Tim brings unique, strong expertise in lean engineering, designing for manufacturability and new product development to JLG which will prove critical as we continue to develop products for traditional and emerging markets.”

Hatch joined JLG in February 2008 as vice president of value engineering where he focused on employing lean principles in the design, manufacturing, remanufacturing and service of JLG products. He has more than 27 years of broad based experience in global engineering, project management and manufacturing.

Prior to joining JLG, Hatch was the executive director – program management and platform engineering for Magna Closures, a division of Magna International, the fourth largest automotive supplier.

He was also vice president engineering & manufacturing for Wagon Engineering Inc., where he was instrumental in driving improvements in product development and manufacturing while delivering expanded revenue opportunities.

Hatch, who started his career with the Ford Motor Co. in the U.K., holds a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing systems from Anglia Polytechnica University and a master’s degree in advanced automotive engineering from Loughborough University in the U.K.

Hatch will continue to report directly to Paylor.

Tim Maxson gets the nod
Terex Aerial Work Platforms (AWP), a business segment of the Terex Corporation (NYSE:TEX), announced today that Tim Maxson has been appointed the plant director for Terex Load King. Maxson will be based out of the Load King facility in Elk Point, SD.

Maxson will be responsible for developing North American sales and customer service strategies. In addition, Maxson will focus on further expanding Load King’s global channels of distribution and dealership networks.

Prior to joining Terex Load King, Maxson served as the director of Electronic Systems Division for Raven Industries in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Before his time with Raven Industries, Maxson held executive leadership roles with Aveo, Inc. as well as Gateway Computer.

Originally from Ohio, Maxson earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Ohio State University while serving in the United States Air Force as an Aeronautical Intelligence Officer.

Pon North America rebrands three material handling companies as Equipment Depot
One of the largest and fastest growing equipment dealer groups in the United States has begun to rebrand all of its operating companies using one common brand name.

“Operating as Equipment Depot we now offer our customers access to more people, products and services under one brand name at more than 40 locations in 12 states,” says Don Moes, president of the Pon North America material handling group. “We believe this new name better reflects the breadth of products and services we offer throughout our markets.”

The Equipment Depot dealer group is comprised of five regional dealerships. Those dealerships sell, service, rent and provide parts and training for more than 50 leading brands of forklifts, aerial lifts and construction equipment. They offer factory, distribution center and warehouse equipment solutions in all markets as well as farm equipment, rail car movers, scrubbers, sweepers, tuggers and utility vehicles in selected markets.

“Going to market using a common name better reflects our ability to offer customers more choices of new and used equipment, expanded services in more places, and better access to national fleet services, rental equipment, parts inventories and training expertise,” Moes says.

The dealerships that are rebranding are Forklifts Inc., which was founded in 1955 and is based in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; Levee Lift, which was founded in 1954 and is based in Evansville, Indiana; and Portman Equipment Company, which was founded in 1960 and is based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They join the original Equipment Depot, which was founded as Central Texas Clarklift in 1975 and is based in Waco, Texas, and Equipment Depot of Illinois, which was founded as Material Handling Services in 1951 and is based in Chicago.

“Retiring these strong brands required careful consideration,” Moes says. “However, as each of these regional companies has begun to expand its products and services it made sense to take advantage of the Equipment Depot brand. It reflects our commitment to become more than a material handling equipment company.”

“Each of the five regional companies contributes to Equipment Depot a rich heritage of providing outstanding customer service and product support in its respective market for more than 35 years each,” Moes says. “Each of these family-owned companies became a leader in its markets. Each company takes pride in the honesty, integrity and reliability it brings to its customers. These are familiar and trusted names in our industry.”

“In many cases our multi-state customers have been working with more than one of our operating companies but didn’t know they were all owned by one company,” says Moes. “As we expand our rental operations throughout our dealerships it will make it easier for our customers to rent the products they need from people they already know.”

“Our rental customers will also expect to rent equipment that is ready to work when and wherever they work,” Moes says. “Our industrial customers know they can count on superior service for their fleet in markets throughout the country.”

Each operating company offers a different product mix and a unique approach to its market. All of the companies were acquired over the past ten years by Pon North America, a division of the Dutch trading company Pon Holdings B.V. With more than 10,000 employees in 11 different countries, Pon Holdings is one of the largest family-run businesses in the Netherlands. 

“We know that a business’s name is only a small part of what makes up its overall image. We believe that the quality and responsiveness of our people, products and services complete that picture,” Moes says. “By operating under one brand we will offer more innovations, more solutions and more value than our competitors – but we will not sacrifice the local touch which is the key to our customer relationships.”

“While each company still makes local decisions, they all draw on the financial resources, experience and innovations from all of the operating companies in the group,” Moes says. “They can select from a short-term rental fleet of more than 7,500 forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, telehandlers, skid steers and backhoes. With more than 1,750 employees, including more than 900 qualified and trained service technicians, Equipment Depot is uniquely positioned to take care of the more than 26,500 customer-owned units under service contract.”

AmQuip tabs Erwin
Guy Erwin has been appointed as national crawler crane manager at AmQuip Crane Rental LLC, where he will be responsible for managing all aspects of the National Crawler Crane Division, including safety, customer relations, key account management, fleet mix and logistics.

Erwin will oversee the daily operations of the crawler business to provide AmQuip customers with the safest and most cost effective products and complete “turnkey” lifting solutions available in the marketplace.

Erwin was most recently the regional sales manager of the Eastern part of the U.S. for Essex Crane. He has been around the crane rental industry his entire life, and joins AmQuip with over 10 years of industry specific experience.

He began his career working with Carlisle Crane Rental and then Maxim Crane while working his way through school, excelling as a collegiate baseball player and studying business management at the University of Central Florida.

“We have grown extensively over the past five years and we look forward to continuing our expansion into the wind, power, petrochemical and heavy-industrial sectors,” stated Frank Bardonaro, president & COO of AmQuip. Guy’s experience and expertise will enable us to provide our customers with the most comprehensive lifting capabilities in the crane rental industry for many years to come. Our current fleet of crawlers is one of the most modern in the industry, and with the equipment we have on order for 2009-2011, we believe that Guy and his team will be able to provide the type of safety and services that will allow our customers to perform at the highest levels possible.”

Erwin will office in Orlando, FL, where he and his wife Michelle reside. AmQuip intends to increase its presence in the Southeastern USA and further extend its coverage along the East Coast with the establishment of its new Orlando office.

Feldstein honored
Joseph Feldstein, manager of MSA’s fall protection technical services, has been honored with an award for distinguished service from ASSE (American Society of Safety Engineers), the oldest and largest professional safety organization, with over 30,000 members.

The ASSE Charles V. Culbertson Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service in 2007-2008 recognizes his work on the ANSI Z359-2007 Fall Protection Code and his service since 1999 as chairman of the US Technical Advisory Group to ISO TC94/SC4.

This award (presented to 111 recipients in the last 25 years) recognizes select ASSE members whose exemplary volunteer service has helped advance the occupational safety, health, and environmental profession.

Feldstein, who has 18 years of experience in fall protection product design and standards development, also holds the numerous affiliations.

He has published articles in over numerous publications, including Progressive Distributor, Occupational Hazards, ISEA Journal, Roads & Bridges, Masonry, Construction Business Owner  and Journal of Protective Coatings & Linings, and has presented at numerous conferences and symposia.

He also holds a patent for the curvilinear design feature, used currently in MSA’s TechnaCurv full-body harness for fall arrest), and is a 2006 recipient of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) Bullard-Sherwood Award. He has a BS degree in physical sciences from Colorado State University.

United Rentals acquires U-Rent-It
It was recently announced that United Rentals bought U-Rent-It, a three-location equipment rental company based in Corpus Christi, TX.

U-Rent-It has two locations in Corpus Christi and one in nearby Portland, TX. U-Rent-It ownership included J-Ray Simpson, Bart Nelms and Norm Clapp.

Ritchie available as consultant
Former Lift & Crane Applications and Equipment columnist, Dave Ritchie is now available to consult on a variety of crane and rigging issues.

He has 38 years of construction experience in management, safety, and crane operation as well as strong abilities in the development and delivery of crane and rigging training programs.

He can work with management, safety, and craft personnel in the development and implementation of crane and rigging policies and procedures.

Among Ritchie’s professional affiliations are American Society of Safety Engineers, Professional Member; ASME B30 Committee on Cableways, Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Hooks, Jacks, and Slings, Member; ASME B30.3 Subcommittee on Construction Tower Cranes, member; ASME B30.5 Subcommittee on Mobile Cranes, member; ASME B30.29 Subcommittee on Self Erect Tower Cranes, chair; NCCCO, former commissioner, mobile crane practical exam committee member, tower crane committee chair; OSHA, Crane and Derrick Advisory Committee (C-DAC), member.

He can be reached at 512-308-9302 (Office); 512-569-7969 (Cell). To learn more, visit his website at www.daveritchieconsultant.com.

SC&RA awards announced
The following companies won awards during the recent Specialty Carriers and Rigging Assn. fall event in Toronto, Ontario.

Rigging Job of the Year: Over $750,000 — Barnhart, Daphne, AL; Between $150,000 and $750,000 — Barnhart, Daphne, AL; Under $150,000 — Vanguard Rigging, Cleveland, South Africa.
Hauling Job of the Year: Moving — Fagioli Group, Milan, Italy; Hauling Over 160,000 pounds (net) — Emmert International, Clackamas, OR; Hauling Under 160,000 pounds (net) — Emmert International, Clackamas, OR.
Truck Driver of the Year Award: Don Dupuis, Anderson Trucking Service, Inc., St. Cloud, MN.
Crane & Rigging Group Safety Awards: AME, Inc., Fort Mill, SC; Bigge Crane and Rigging Co., San Leandro, CA; Budrovich Crane, St. Louis, MO; Dawes Rigging & Crane Rental, Milwaukee, WI; W.O. Grubb Crane Rental, Inc., Richmond, VA; Hampton Cranes, Inc., Bettendorf, IA; Install, Inc., Sanford, NC; M&R Constructors, Inc., Richmond, VA; Mountain Crane Service, Riverton, UT; Stevenson Crane Service, Inc., Bolingbrook, IL; Waggoner Equipment Co., Wood River, IL; George Young Installations PR, Humacao, Puerto Rico.
Crane & Rigging Group Zero Accidents Awards: Budrovich Crane, St. Louis, MO; Hampton Cranes, Inc., Bettendorf, IA; Install, Inc., Sanford, NC; M&R Constructors, Inc., Richmond, VA; Mountain Crane Service, Riverton, UT; Stevenson Crane Service, Inc., Bolingbrook, IL; Waggoner Equipment Co., Wood River, IL; George Young Installations PR, Humacao, Puerto Rico.
Crane & Rigging Group Safety Improvement Awards: Bigge Crane and Rigging Co., San Leandro, CA; Southern Industrial Constructors, Inc./Southern Crane, Raleigh, NC.
Transportation Fleet Safety Award: Over 50 million miles — Landstar System, Inc., Jacksonville, FL; 5 to 20 million miles — Miller Transfer & Rigging Co., Rootstown, OH; 1.5 to 5 million miles — Dawes Rigging & Crane Rental, Milwaukee, WI; 100,000 to 1.5 million miles — KMX International, Reading, PA.
Million Miler Safety Award: Midwest Specialized Transportation, Inc., Rochester, MN — David Sawatzky, Andrew T. Perez and Larry L. Coleman. Miller Transfer, Rootstown, OH — Roy Crouser, James Smith, Gary A. Symons, Harold Alexander, Richard C. Symons, Rick Morrison, Michael A. Nichols, Ronnie Humes, Paul Bellas, Dennis L. Jaworski, Roger Berg, David Allen, James H. Darling, Jeffrey A. Whitely, Robert Ledger, Mark Dockus, Clyde Beach, Dan Hardiman, and Jeffrey Hesson. Riechmann Transport, Inc., Gra