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 |  |  | | | Happy new year to all our readers! We're excited to be back with our first newsletter for 2005.
Firstly, we at Forkliftaction.com would like to convey our sincere condolences to the family and friends of George G Raymond Jr who passed away last week. Raymond Corporation's president James Malvaso described George Raymond as a "true industry innovator". George Raymond's contribution to the materials handling industry will certainly not be forgotten.
ProMat 2005, the biggest materials handling show in North America, has come and gone. Some of you had the opportunity to meet Forkliftaction.com's Rodger Lamb in Chicago. Be sure to read Rodger's commentary on ProMat in this issue.
We at Forkliftaction.com wish you continued success and happiness for this new year.
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The Year In Review: 2004
Forklift markets in the USA, Europe, Japan and China showed growth in 2004 thanks to healthy local economies. That was despite the influence of the Iraq war and the fight against terrorism on the US economy, and the burden of higher steel and fuel prices.
CHRISTINE LIEW reports. Read more |  |
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Companies help tsunami-torn region
Materials-handling companies worldwide have rallied around tsunami victims with donations of cash and equipment.
JCB is donating USD1 million of machines, available through JCB India and its dealers in the affected region.
JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bramford said his company would make available “as many machines as (it) can to help in the clear up efforts”.
“JCB has machines which suit the conditions to enable us to help swiftly in the disaster relief and it is important we do as much as we can … If it takes more than USD1 million, we stand ready to help,” Bramford said.
Meanwhile, Raymond Corporation will donate USD100 for each electric rider truck and USD50 for each electric walkie pallet truck sold in January and February.
The cash contributions will go to the US effort to provide relief to tsunami victims.
The Linde Technology Group is supplying free medical gases to Thai hospitals to treat casualties.
It is also providing logistics equipment to “Luftfahrt ohne Grenzen” (Aviation without Frontiers) to transport aid supplies.
Komatsu has pledged JPY200 million (USD1.9 million) of aid to tsunami-ravaged areas.
The Japanese company donated construction equipment and sent operators in concert with its local subsidiaries and distributors in South-East Asia.
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Executive named in Clark embargo drama
LEXINGTON, KY, United States
The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has charged Clark Material Handling Company executive Robert Quinn with breaching a trade embargo with Iran (Forkliftaction.com News #188).
Quinn, 54, formerly a Clark global parts vice-president based at the company’s US headquarters, was named in a criminal complaint filed last month in the US District Court, according to a report by the Lexington Herald-Leader newspaper.
Quinn, who now works for Clark at its South Korean headquarters, appeared at a hearing in Lexington, Kentucky, last month, and was released until a later hearing by a District Court judge in Washington, DC.
According to the DOC complaint, Quinn allegedly made three shipments of Clark forklift parts to a company in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, knowing the parts would be forwarded to Iran.
The DOC says Quinn's actions breached a trade embargo imposed in 1979 after the US embassy in Tehran was seized and its occupants held hostage.
If convicted, Quinn could be fined up to USD250,000 and imprisoned for up to 10 years for each violation.
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Former Raymond chairman dies at age 83
GREENE, NY, United States
Raymond Corporation’s former chairman, George G Raymond Jr, died on January 5 at age 83.
He was president of Raymond from 1953 to 1977 and chairman of the Greene-based company from 1978 to 1994.
During his tenure the corporation’s annual revenue grew from USD5 million to USD230 million, and its shares became publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Raymond’s president and chief executive Jim Malvaso said George Raymond was “truly an industry innovator”.
“The values and philosophies he instilled at Raymond remain a big part of this company today. He took care of his employees, his customers and his community,” he said.
George Raymond Jr spearheaded the development of the industry’s first battery-powered, narrow-aisle trucks, providing warehouses greater efficiency and capacity to store materials.
He started work in the drafting department at age 14 and, over his 56-year career with the company, held positions varying from sales manager to assistant to the president.
He started the company’s first employee profit-sharing program and pioneered a participative management philosophy that empowered employees.
In 1953, he succeeded his father George G Raymond Sr as president.
In 1965, with a start-up cheque of USD150, he and his father formed the Raymond Foundation, now a multi-million-dollar charitable organisation.
Raymond Jr was a founding member of the Family Firm Institute in 1980, and author of the book All in the Family Business – A Personal Memoir and Corporate History.
His wife, a sister, six children and stepchildren, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren survive him.
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Hybrid power source planned for forklifts
CAMBRIDGE, MA, United States
Nuvera Fuel Cells Inc and East Penn Manufacturing Company Inc plan to develop a hybrid battery/fuel cell electric power source for forklifts and other off-road industrial vehicles.
The agreement between the two companies involves an exclusive three-phase, two-year effort to develop an emission-free power solution comparable to lead-acid batteries.
Nuvera and East Penn will design the product to refuel in minutes and users can interchange the product with standard battery trays in use today.
Nuvera, of Milan, Italy, and Cambridge, Massachusetts, designs, develops and manufactures fuel cell power systems.
The company aims to advance the commercialisation of hydrogen fuel cell power modules for industrial vehicles and equipment and stationary applications by 2006.
East Penn, of Lyon Station, Pennsylvania, manufactures high-quality lead-acid batteries and accessories for automotive, industrial, marine, telecommunications, commercial and stationary markets under the Deka battery brand.
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Secondhand Attachment Wanted
We require a Secondhand tyre handler attachment, with or without the associated forklift.
The attachment must be capable of handling wheels/tyres to suit Caterpillar 789 and Euclid R190 dump trucks.
Tyre diameter 3.4 metres (134 inches) and weight approximately 5000kgs (11,000 pounds).
The forklift if available would have a capacity of 10,000 kgs minimum ( 22,000 pounds)
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Ph: +61-7-3262-7461
Mobile: +61-421-698-689
Fax: +61-7-3256-1071
E-mail: dan@globequip.biz
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Airtrax’s first Sidewinder exhibited at ProMat 2005
HAMMONTON, NJ, United States
The showcasing of Airtrax’s Sidewinder omni-directional lift truck at ProMat 2005 could translate into new orders and distribution partnerships, says company chief executive Peter Amico.
Airtrax’s first Sidewinder production model was exhibited at ProMat 2005 in Chicago, Illinois, from January 10 to January 13.
“With the initial wheels received, we have begun the production process and plan to move as quickly as possible to start to fill existing, multiple orders from our dealership network, as well as recently signed distributors in Canada and the United Arab Emirates,” Amico said.
“We have begun production on the first 10 Sidewinder units, and are on pace to generate revenues in the current quarter.”
Unlike other trucks, the Sidewinder can turn 360 degrees “on its own footprint”. The patented wheel was designed and developed by Airtrax after receiving a technology transfer from the US Navy.
Last month, Clark Material Handling Co’s former managing director Fil Filipov was appointed to Airtrax’s board of directors (Forkliftaction.com News #189).
Airtrax is expected to close its acquisition of FiLCO GmbH this year. FiLCO GmbH was formed after Filipov acquired the bankrupt former Clark Material Handling Gmbh in April 2003 (Forkliftaction.com News #187). | |
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New Integral masts for Rocla forklifts
JARVENPAA, Finland
Rocla F141 and C141 reach trucks are the first Rocla warehouse trucks to be implemented with new Integral masts.
The new Integral mast is a triplex free lift mast with a tilting fork carriage and integrated sideshift.
Traditional masts have the lift cylinders in front of or outside the mast profile.
However, the Integral masts have cylinders integrated inside the outer mast profiles as the masts’ width and length are smaller than traditional masts.
According to a company statement, having the lift cylinders integrated inside the outer mast profile makes the mast construction stiffer.
“The stiffer mast construction offers good residual values and enables stable lifting.”
The Integral masts will be implemented in all Rocla warehouse trucks with duplex and triplex masts.
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ADVERTISEMENT
Expomanejo 2005 - Get involved!
Here is YOUR opportunity to participate in THE materials handling show of MEXICO in March 2005.The event will take place in Mexico City's brand new Santa Fe Exhibition Hall, covering 116,000 sq.ft (10,800sqm), of which 36,464 sq.ft. (3,392sqm) will be dedicated exclusively to exhibition booths.
For more info, visit our WEBsite - www.expomanejo.org.mx or email jpvazquez@expomanejp.org.mx. | |
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Konecranes acquires Morris
LOUGHBOROUGH, United Kingdom
KCI Konecranes has paid GBP8.5 million (EUR12.1 million) to purchase Morris Material Handling Ltd (MMH), a leading UK crane and hoist manufacturer with a brand name dating back to 1884.
Headquartered in Loughborough, in the East Midlands of the UK, MMH has 16 service branches in the UK and a distributor network in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.
MMH’s products include electric overhead travelling cranes, monorail and chain hoists and crane maintenance services. Last financial year, MMH had sales of GBP25 million (EUR38 million).
KCI Konecranes executive vice-president Pekka Lundmark said: “MMH and KCI Konecranes’ UK maintenance organisation, Lloyds Konecranes [formerly Lloyds British Ltd], are old sister companies, with decades of joint history. The two companies are therefore uniquely positioned to exploit considerable synergies.”
MMH managing director Steve Davis said the company had planned to join a larger company.
“To fulfil the potential of MMH we have always considered it necessary for the company to be a member of a larger group dedicated to the manufacture of cranes and the provision of aftermarket services,” he said.
“MMH will benefit from access to the KCI Konecranes Group to accelerate the technical advancement of its product offering and increase its market penetration, providing long-term benefits to customers, suppliers and employees.”
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In brief ...
Nacco reaches production milestone in Northern Ireland
CRAIGAVON, United Kingdom
Nacco’s Craigavon, Northern Ireland, plant has produced its 250,000th forklift.
Opened in 1981, the plant, which employs about 900 people, has produced an average of 200 forklifts a week, and celebrated the milestone by giving away holidays to two staff members last month.
Plant manager Alan Little told the Belfast Telegraph the plant had invested GBP3 million (USD5.6 million) in new painting equipment, which would provide better corrosion and chip resistance, hardness and gloss retention, and reduce paint emissions by 50 per cent.
Cat Lift Trucks sponsors world’s largest rodeo
HOUSTON, TX, United States
Cat Lift Trucks will lend 34 forklifts to the 2005 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, North America’s third largest fair and the world’s largest rodeo.
The forklifts will be used to move “Texas barbeques”, frosty beverages and other items used for stage set-ups.
The forklift manufacturer will also donate three USD1,000 scholarships to Houston students and award a pallet jack to a local organisation.
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For Sale Second hand Empty Container Handler
Hyster H16 Empty Container Handler
20 – 40 Foot Hydraulic spreader. 4 high
16 Tonne Capacity
Location Australia
Good Condition Ready to Work. Finance Available
$105,000.00 Plus GST
Contact Dan Gearing
Ph: +61-7-3262-7461
Mobile: +61-421-698-689
Fax: +61-7-3256-1071
E-mail: dan@globequip.biz | |
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VDL Groep acquires Smits Spreader Systems
EINDHOVEN, Netherlands
VDL Groep has acquired Smits Spreader Systems BV, of Somoren, the Netherlands, a manufacturer and supplier of an extensive range of spreaders.
Smits’ spreaders are used internationally in ship-to-shore cranes, gantry cranes, mobile harbour cranes, forklifts and reach stackers.
The company’s 30 staff members, and all responsibilities, duties and obligations under existing service contracts, plus orders and outstanding quotations have been taken over by VDL.
According to a VDL statement, Smits’ products were considered a good supplement to the product range of its subsidiary, VDL Containersystemen.
VDL Containersystemen and Smits operate in entirely different markets but share common development, manufacturing and purchasing areas. Hence, their operations will be merged.
Smits will relocate to the newly-built business premises of VDL Containersystemen in Hapert, the Netherlands.
VDL Containersystemen develops, manufactures and markets systems for loading and unloading containers on and off lorries.
VDL Groep is an international company with more than 4,700 employees in 60 subsidiaries in 14 countries. It has its head office in Eindhoven and designs and produces metal and plastic components and finished products.
When contacted, VDL would not reveal the purchase price for Smits.
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Rodger Lamb reports: ProMat 2005 a magnificent event
CHICAGO, IL, United States
ProMat 2005 is not quite finished, but already has been a huge success.
It is the showcase event for the US materials handling industry, and the market has responded enthusiastically, with record crowds and all the glitz and glamour of an event of this significance.
All major US forklift manufacturers were present, with Nacco the standout. Few manufacturers from across the Atlantic turned out, but TVH and Combilift were well represented.
The number of people who knew the Forkliftaction.com name was astounding. Many fans stopped me in the aisles and greeted me at their stands like an old friend, and everyone was very hospitable.
None more so than our friends at CeMAT, who allowed me to base myself at their excellent stand. Representatives have good presentations for the upcoming CeMAT 2005, in Hannover, in October and CeMAT Asia 2005, in Shanghai, in November.
McCormack Place South was an excellent venue for this type of exhibition, and I was lucky enough to be housed at the McCormack Hyatt on-site. While there was little sunshine, Chicago shook off its “windy city” tag and kept the sleet at bay.
I am thankful for the invitations to post-exhibition soirees, and met some truly fascinating people during my visit, with whom I will surely keep in touch. Everybody was very supportive of the Forkliftaction.com portal, and keen to learn more about the workings of our business.
Probably the most significant forklift-related event at the show was Nacco’s Yale and Hyster launches of their Veracitor and Fortis ranges, cutting-edge forklift models and the first truly international models for these two big US manufacturers.
I hope everybody who attended the show had as good a time as I did. Thanks to everyone for greeting me so warmly, and to the Material Handling Industry of America for staging such an excellent event.
Rodger Lamb is Forkliftaction.com’s research manager and a member of our sales staff. Email Rodger on rlamb@forkliftaction.com
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Silk Street market demolished by forklift
BEIJING, China
Xiushui Market, a major Beijing tourist attraction, closed last week after a forklift’s bucket scooped down its red logo.
Xinhua News Agency reported thousands of people witnessed the demolition scene while dozens of cameras recorded the popular outdoor market’s last moment.
The market, which drew 100,000 shoppers a day and had a turnover of more than USD10.2 million a year, was famous for selling fake brand-name goods.
Authorities had been trying to demolish the market since 1997 because its narrow thoroughfare was considered a fire hazard.
The agency reported that a new indoor market would house the existing stalls.
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1. Lift Shield Offers Extended Warranties For Forklifts
Car dealers have offered extended warranties on automobiles for more than 25 years. Heavy equipment and construction companies have offered extended warranties on their equipment for the last 20 years. Now, a new company in Ft Lauderdale, Florida, is offering an extended warranty program for forklifts.
Lift Shield, the brainchild of President Jim Facente, is now offering forklift warranties through forklift dealers across the US. “Lift Shield offers extended warranties on both new and used equipment and allows Dealers to increase used Forklift sales by offering a 1 or 2 year extended warranty” said Facente.
For more information, see www.liftshield.com.
Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures. | |
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2. CLARK Material Handling Company Unveils New Headquarters
LEXINGTON, KY, United States
CLARK Material Handling Company has announced the opening of its new Worldwide Headquarters. These dedicated facilities will house sales & marketing, finance, customer service engineering, aftermarket service & support, engineering, ISD, research & development, product showroom, and manufacturing. Included in the main building is a 5,200 square foot product show room, a technical training room and a multipurpose room that seats 100 people. This facility was designed with dealer and customer training a CLARK priority. The main building is 100,000 square feet and a second building is 52,000 square feet.
Employment in Lexington is expected to increase by over 50%...
For additional information on CLARK, its products or to locate a dealer visit us on the World Wide Web at www.clarkmhc.com or call toll free 866-252-5275.
Click here for the full text of this release, including pictures. | |
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