THUNDER CREEK EQUIPMENT NAMES BARTON TERRITORY SALES MANAGER

Page 66 • January 7, 2023 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Trucks & Trailers Section • Construction Equipment Guide Thunder Creek Equipment Names Kyle Barton Territory Sales Manager

Thunder Creek Equipment has named Kyle Barton of Carbondale, Ill., its newest territory sales manager (TSM) focusing on construction and related off-road/industrial operations in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Thunder Creek manufactures and sells a full range of mobile fueling and service solutions, including the original multi-tank bulk diesel trailers that allow businesses to haul up to 920 gallons of diesel without a HAZMAT endorsement, and the company’s proprietary 2-in-1 closed loop system for handling diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).

Barton joins Thunder Creek after years of serving in regional sales, dealer development and management roles for major manufacturers in the construction and material handling industries. He also brings a unique perspective to the job as the former owner of a trucking company that served the coal industry.

“I’ve been on job sites of every shape and size, and every contractor handles fueling, fluids and service differently — I’m excited at the opportunity to help businesses standardize these activities and drive real savings in their operations,” said Barton.

“For me, it’s not about the sale — it’s about the ongoing relationship and driving value to our dealers and customers throughout the life cycle of the product. We’re going to do a lot of good for businesses with these solutions and Thunder Creek’s nononsense approach to the industry.”

“Kyle is a born-and-bred Midwesterner who understands the unique challenges of job sites throughout the region,” said Larry Lea, vice president of sales, Thunder Creek Equipment. “His unique experience on both sides of the fleet management experience will be a great asset for our dealers and customers.”

For more information, visit ThunderCreek.com. 

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Anti-Theft Legislation... NTEA Lauds Senate Legislation to Halt Rising Theft Rate

NTEA — The Association for the Work Truck Industry — announced support for legislation to combat the rise in catalytic converter theft.

The Preventing Auto Recycling Theft (PART) Act (Senate Bill 5024) — introduced by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) — is designed to help law enforcement more effectively trace stolen converters and address these thefts.

A companion bill (H.R. 6394) was introduced by U.S. Representative James Baird (R-IN) in the House of Representatives earlier this year.

“Theft of catalytic converters and other precious metals is widespread in our country and is costly to victims of such theft,” said Steve Carey, NTEA president and CEO.

“This legislation is a step in the right direction in addressing this problem. NTEA applauds the efforts of Sen. Klobuchar and Sen. Wyden, as well as Rep. Baird, and encourages industry companies to support this important effort by contacting their legislators.”

NTEA joins the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and the American Truck Dealers (ATD) in endorsing S. 5024.

In a press release, Klobuchar noted that catalytic converters are used to reduce the potency of toxic emissions from an internal combustion engine and required for vehicle compliance with the Clean Air Act. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, catalytic converter thefts rose by more than 325 percent from 2019 to 2020. Replacing these parts imposes significant financial costs to vehicle owners, and can even result in a total loss to the vehicle.

The PART Act would: • Require new vehicles to have a vehicle identification number (VIN) stamped onto the converter to allow law enforcement officers to link stolen parts to the vehicle from which they originate; • Create a grant program through which entities can stamp VIN numbers onto catalytic converters of existing vehicles; • Improve recordkeeping standards for purchasers of used catalytic converters; and • Establish enforceability of laws around catalytic converter theft by codifying these crimes as a criminal offense.

For more information, visit ntea.com/partact. 

CURRY from page 61

Curry Supply Company’s continued success is tied directly to its ability to embolden the success of its customers. Ritchey attributes the company’s phenomenal growth to listening to customers, understanding their needs and working to create logical solutions. In doing so, Curry Supply has evolved from an equipment dealer and distributor to a mainstream manufacturer.

“We cover every state and, to provide constant and comprehensive coverage, we’ve made sure to position sales personnel in every market we cover,” said Ritchey. “Our goal is for all our facilities to be equipped with duplicate capabilities. We’re focused on bringing a consistent level of service excellence and a best-of-class range of equipment to all our customers.”

Regarding the current business environment, Curry Supply Company has elected to address the challenges headon and lean into the rebound Ritchey is confident is coming.

“We’re all in the same boat, dealing with labor shortages, supply chain issues and rising material costs,” he said. “At Curry Supply Company, we see these as improvement opportunities instead of roadblocks. Part of that approach is positioning people with the skills and experience to overcome obstacles and work around challenges.”

To conquer some of those obstacles, Curry Supply brought in key personnel experienced in areas that tie directly into the company's growth plan.

“Last year we added on a senior director of supply chain and a vice president of operations who, combined, add over 45 years of industry specific experience and expertise to our team,” said Ritchey. “Those key additions provide us an extensive increase in experience when it comes to supply chain/procurement management and advanced manufacturing, ensuring that excellence in quality and efficiency remain central to Curry’s customer value proposition and growth strategy.”

Keeping on top of the supply chain also is necessary for Curry Supply to advance.

“Rather than wait to exhaust allocations, we work proactively with our suppliers while also searching out additional sources for equipment, materials and supplies,” he said. “Constant communications with our customers and vendors, providing information and updates, and receiving valuable feedback is critical to the process.”

As Ritchey looks to the future, he remains optimistic, seeing technology as among the driving forces behind both opportunities and solutions.

“There’s so much to build and enhance. The growth and increased demand for alternate energy sources will require a stronger grid. At the same time, ongoing infrastructure development and maintenance requirements call for 10-to-15-year projects such as airport construction and building and improving the domestic rail system.”

For Curry Supply Company, technology impacts every facet of the company’s operations. One area where technology has played a vital role in communications.

“Customer expectations have ramped up,” said Ritchey. “The nature of the business calls for constant access and immediate response. Communications technology provides the ability of real-time personal contact regardless of the hour or immediate automated response when appropriate.”

Keeping up with training technology also is a priority for Curry Supply; staying on top of it is necessary to attract and keep top employees.

“Technology is playing a growing role in attracting new workers to the trades,” he said. “Virtual reality is already being employed in the training and certification process. With VR, an individual can learn and hone a skill like welding in a safe and rewarding environment. The upcoming generation of workers is already adept at video games, and VR training provides a natural progression."

Ritchey also sees equipment continuing to evolve.

“With advances in engineering, design, and increased battery life, electronic vehicles and machines are becoming more mainstream. We plan on being active participants, and Curry Supply Company will debut a new EV at ConExpo in March.”

With a firm foundation centered around controlled growth, a proactive and progressive eye to the future and a more than capable group of hands and minds, Curry Supply is primed for the next 90 years of rapid growth.  CEG

Curry Supply photo Curry Supply Company’s Hollidaysburg, Pa., rail facility.

Curry Supply photo Already one of the largest manufacturers of commercial service trucks and rail equipment across the United States, Curry Supply Company’s recent move to Hollidaysburg, Pa., and opening of a second facility in Houston, Texas, has increased its manufacturing and service operations exponentially.

CEG photo The fabrication line at Curry Supply Company’s new Hollidaysburg, Pa., facility features multiple 15- to 25ton overhead cranes updated with Wi-Fi wireless controls, several cobots along with plasma and laser tables.