2017 Fall Air Media

AIRMEDIA

FALL 2017

yy NAFA Foundation Executive Summary

Impact of high-efficiency filtration combined with high ventilation rates on particulate matter concentrations in U.S. offices

yy What’s the Secret to Manufacturing 4.0? yy What the Future Holds for the Filtration Market yy New Feature: Executive Profile Bill Hanna, Ver-Mac Industries

National Air Filtration Association 22 N Carroll St Ste 300, Madison, Wisconsin 53703

www.nafahq.org â–Ş The source for expertise, education and standards in air filtration

$7.50

AIRMEDIA Publisher

National Air Filtration Association

Table of Contents Features Impact of high-efficiency filtration combined with high ventilation rates on particulate matter concentrations in U.S. offices

4

Terry Driscoll

Foundation story

7

Publisher’s Note

What’s the secret to manufacturing 4.0?

8

Editor

Michelle Czosek, CAE NAFA Executive Director

Designer and Content Editor

Air Media magazine is published three times per year by the National Air Filtration Association. Annual dues are $520 for Active Membership and $945 for Associate Membership; dues include a paid subscription to Air Media.

Air Media provides a forum for the free exchange of opinions and information. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of NAFA, its officers, directors, membership or staff. Your contributions help make this magazine an interesting and informative forum for exchanging ideas and recognizing the advancements in our industry.

Neither NAFA nor Air Media is responsible for claims made in advertisements.

Editorial and advertising closing dates are the first of the month prior to issue.

National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) Headquarters 22 N. Carroll Street, Suite 300 Madison, Wisconsin 53703 Phone: 608-310-7542 Fax: 608-310-7545 Email: nafa@nafahq.org

www.nafahq.org

TECH2018

15

NAFA member booths-2018 AHR Expo

22

What the future holds for the filtration market

28

Departments President’s Message

2

Welcome to NAFA

3

2017 Board of Directors

3

NAFA News

16

Industry Calendar of Events

22

Technology Corner

33

New Certified Personnel

34

Executive Profile

36

From the Executive Director

40

1

President’s Message

My final President’s Message

by Timmy Lott, CAFS, NCT II, Pure Air Filter Sales & Service

My year as NAFA President is rapidly coming to an end. I would like to thank Michelle, Terry, Amanda, Aaron and the rest of our staff for making the President’s job very easy.

They are very good at managing, organizing and looking out for NAFA’s best interests. We have a great Association and are on a good path towards a bright future. Jay Reese will be taking charge soon and I know he will do a good job leading us forward.

I would like to thank our Executive Officers and Board of Directors, as well, for their service this year. This group gives generously of their time, both before and after our Technical Seminar and Annual Convention, as well as on conference calls and numerous email communications throughout the year.

A big thank you also goes to our committee chairs, who attend our conferences, chair the committees and work year round, behind the scenes on projects.

Their work keeps the association moving forward and provides professional and personal fulfillment for everyone involved.

And, in case you didn’t pick up on it, that’s a plug for becoming more involved.

In June, I attended the ASHRAE Annual Conference, held in Long Beach, California.

NAFA has a voting seat on the 52.2 committee and the President attends each year representing NAFA. This was Michael Corbat’s last meeting as chair. Kathleen Owen will take his place as chair and Leslye Sandberg will be serving as secretary. The big topic this year was ISO16890 replacing our current ASHRAE 52.2 testing method.

ASHRAE 62.1 and 62.2 would like to move ahead with adopting ISO16890. After a two-hour session, no vote was taken and the debate will continue. I am sure it will come up again at the next meeting.

2

Annapolis, Maryland, served as the host for our 2017 Annual Convention and featured an outstanding educational program. Thanks to Tom Justice, program chair, and the rest of the committee for all of their work securing the excellent line-up of presenters. I hope you took advantage of the opportunity to network, learn and grow both personally and professionally. This year saw the return of our golf tournament with proceeds going to the NAFA Education Foundation’s Scholarship Fund. Thanks to Jeff Holt for his efforts to secure golfers, sponsors and prizes!

Everyone had a great time, and I know that the scholarship recipients appreciate this program.

I would like to extend a very special thanks to our sponsors. They generously support our conferences each year and I hope that the next time you see them, you’ll thank them.

None of the above would be possible without you, the members of NAFA. I believe the time and money that you invest in yourselves through NAFA will certainly come back to you many times over.

I hope to see you all of you soon! ■

Timmy Lott NAFA President

NAFA Air Media

Welcome to NAFA!

2017 Board of Directors

Active

President

Kevin Madden

Gateway Filter Sales Stuart, Florida

Fred Marshall

Camfil USA - Michigan Branch Livonia, Michigan

Caleb Osborne

Pure Effect, Inc. Fullerton, California

Anthony Tracey

Chicago Filter Supply Elk Grove, Illinois

Associate

Debra Blair

Nordic Pure, Inc. Celina, Texas

Michelle Hafling

Lydall Performance Materials, Inc Rochester, New Hampshire

Paty Holt

Holt Distributing & Manufacturing Fresno, California

Affiliate Individual

Anderson Rachelle Pure Effect, Inc. Fullerton, California

Association Partner

Gary Yeatts Prillaman Mechanical Salem, Virginia ■

Timmy Lott, CAFS, NCT II

Pure Air Filter Sales & Service 204 Eastman Street Greenwood, MS 38935 662-453-0034 Fax: 662-453-8199 timmy@pureairco.com www.pureairco.com

President-Elect

Jay Reese, CAFS

12 Shrapley Drive Chadd’s Ford, PA 19317 610-310-0178 jay.reese44@gmail.com

Treasurer

Trey Fly, CAFS, NCT II

Joe W. Fly Co., Inc. 4820 Memphis Street Dallas, TX 75207 214-634-2200 Fax: 214-634-7928 trey@joeflyco.com www.joeflyco.com

Secretary

Tom Justice, CAFS, NCT Zene 4997 Westmoreland Drive Williamsburg, VA 23188 919-740-6308 justfilter@yahoo.com

Immediate Past President Jeron Downing, CAFS

Dave Downing & Associates 130 North 39th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85009 602-264-5100 Fax 602-241-7500 jeron@davedowning.com www.davedowning.com

Northeast Region

Roberta MacGillivray

B.G.E. Services & Supply Ltd. 5711-103 A Street Edmonton, AB T6H2J6 Canada 780-436-6961 Fax: 780-437-2133 roberta@thefiltershop.com www.thefiltershop.com

www.nafahq.org

Southeast Region

Patrick Rosenthal, CAFS

TEX-AIR Filters/Air Relief Technologies 2209-A Rutland Drive Austin, TX 78758 512-833-3330 Fax: 512-833-3335 patrickrosenthal@texairfilters.com www.texairfilters.com

North Central Region Kevin Morrow

Kimberly Clark Corporation 1400 Holcomb Bridge Road Roswell, GA 30076 262-914-8511 Fax: 920-380-8842 kevin.morrow@kcc.com www.kcfiltration.com

South Central Region Ray Riopel, CAFS

B. C. Air Filter, Ltd. 2809 Norland Avenue Burnaby, BC V5B 3A9 Canada 604-435-4396 Fax: 604-291-2510 ray@bcairfilter.com www.bcairfilter.com

Northwest Region

Nathan Wittman, CAFS, NCT Filter Technology Company, Inc. 9018-B Scranton Street Houston, TX 77075 713-910-1395 Fax: 713-910-0071 nwittman@filtertexas.com www.filtertexas.com

Southwest Region

Michael Corbat, CAFS

Custom Filter LLC 401 Hankes Avenue Aurora, IL 60505 630-906-2100x129 mcorbat@customfilter.net www.customfilter.net

International

Jorge L. Velasco, CAFS, NCT Air Quality de Mexico Encino S/N, Col. El Carmen Queretaro, QRO 76240 Mexico 011 524422215748 jorge.velasco@aqdemexico.com www.aqdemexico.com

3

Impact of high-efficiency filtration combined with high ventilation rates on particulate matter concentrations in U.S. offices

by Tom Ben-David, Sheng Wang, Michael S. Waring Drexel University

Executive summary In 2015, the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) Foundation funded a research proposal by Associate Professor Michael Waring at Drexel University, which was to determine whether high‐efficiency filters could be used to effectively control indoor particulate matter (PM) at high ventilation rates in offices. This executive summary outlines some of the key outcomes of that study.

Introduction This study is important for protecting human health because exposure to high concentrations of PM has been correlated with higher prevalence of acute and chronic cardiopulmonary diseases and even, in some cases, mortality. Even though indoor PM is mostly generated outdoors, people spend 90% of their time in buildings and so tend to have higher exposure to it indoors. PM is largely brought indoors through building ventilation systems, wherein outdoor air is deliberately brought indoors.

Ventilation’s purpose is to improve indoor air quality (IAQ) by removing odorants and harmful pollutants that were generated indoors. Additionally, newer studies show the advantages that higher ventilation rates have on improving occupant productivity and wellbeing in general. However, these higher ventilation rates amplify the

4

concentrations of indoor PM coming from outdoors, and thus also PM exposure public health outcomes.

Filters in air handling units remove PM from ventilation airstreams and are therefore used in many buildings to mitigate indoor PM concentrations.

In the United States, standards set

by ASHRAE require the use of filters with a Minimum Efficiency Removal Value of MERV 8 at a minimum.

Since ventilation rates are likely to increase in some commercial, high performance buildings, interactions between these high ventilation rates and filter efficiency need to be thoroughly investigated so that the efficacy of high‐efficiency filters in these situations are demonstrated.

This study explores these interactions and how they impact indoor PM concentrations, through a series of experiments and simulation.

Experimental results In the experiments, a single floor of an office building (volume of 2490 m3 or 88,000 ft3) in Philadelphia, PA, which is served by its own air handling unit (AHU), was used as a testing field site.

During each day of the experiment, a single combination of one filter and one ventilation rate were used, and real-time fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations, airflow rates, and fan power were measured nearly simultaneously in the supply, return, and ventilation AHU airstreams. PM was measured every 2‐minutes in each air stream, for a 6‐minute cycle for all three air streams. The return air concentration was assumed as representing the average state of the office indoor air PM concentration.

Three PM filters types were used in the experiment, and these were:

• MERV 8, pleated, 2‐inch deep • MERV 14, synthetic V‐force, 12‐inch deep • MERV 15, glass V‐force, 12‐inch deep For the ventilation rates, the outdoor air damper was operated at 15%, 30%, or 100% opened, which corresponded to measured ventilation air exchange rates of 1.2, 2.3, and 5.4 h-1, respectively. Experiments were run over 66 such days, with each day set at one of the nine different filtration‐ ventilation combinations, during both heating and cooling seasons.

By dividing the return by the outdoor air PM measurements, the indoor‐outdoor (I/O) ratio of the PM2.5 concentration was calculated for each filtration‐ventilation combination. Since there were no indoor PM2.5 sources in the study office, the I/O ratio is useful to show the percentage of outdoor PM that infiltrated indoors. That is, an I/O ratio of 0.15 means that a filter allowed 15% of the outdoor PM into the indoor air. The I/O ratios were calculated every 6‐minutes with all data over the entire 66 days are shown in Figure 1, which uses box plots to show all the data effectively at one time. On these plots, the median value (50th percentile) is the line in the middle of the box, the bottom and top of the box are the 25th and 75th percentiles, respectively, and the bottom and top whisker are about the 5th and 95th percentiles, respectively. At its most general, Figure 1 demonstrates that increased ventilation would cause an increase in the I/O ratio of PM2.5, but also that highly efficient MERV filters are largely capable of mitigating this

NAFA Air Media

Figure 1. PM Indoor/outdoor (I/O) ratios

increase. Notably, median values of the I/O ratio for MERV 14 and 15 filters at the highest ventilation rate were lower than the I/O ratio for the MERV 8 filter at the lowest ventilation rate. The synthetic MERV 14 and the glass MERV 15 filters performed similarly in our experiments.

The measured PM data was also used to estimate the filter removal efficiency of each filter using a mass balance approach at each real‐time measurement. Again using box plots, the calculated filter efficiencies are shown in Figure 2 over all the data, as well as the MERV 8 and MERV 14 filter efficiencies estimated in the IAQ literature by Azimi et al. (2014)1, who estimated PM2.5 efficiencies using typical filter curves and measured PM outdoor distributions from around the world. The filter efficiency values for the MERV 14 and 15 filters were much higher than MERV 8 values. For instance, the median efficiencies for

Figure 2. Calculated apparent filter efficiencies

the MERV 8 filter ranged from about 0.15 to just over 0.2, while the MERV 14 and 15 removal efficiencies were similar to each, and median values were between 0.6 and 0.8, mostly near 0.7 on average. Both the MERV 8 and 14 measured filter efficiencies were quite near those estimated in the literature. Though this data is not shown, real‐time filter efficiency had no significant correlation with outdoor air temperature or relative humidity.

Also, filter efficiency was also shown to have a no observable effect on fan energy consumption or flows.

In the modeling portion of this work, two medium‐size offices (square footage of 4980 m2 or 53,600 ft 2) offices, one with a constant air volume (CAV) system and one with a variable air volume system (VAV), were simulated annually using all combinations of nine ventilation rates (from 20 to 100 CFM per occ) and seven filter types from Azimi

et al. (2014) (from MERV 8 to high‐ efficiency particulate air [HEPA] filter). The building models were based on prototype building models developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and enhanced by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and simulated in EnergyPlus. Simulations were conducted using 15 different weather files representing different ASHRAE/ICC climate regions in the United States. The outdoor PM concentrations were extrapolated from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency monitoring data and an indoor‐ outdoor mass balance model was used to estimate indoor air concentrations.

A series of concentration‐response (C‐R) functions from the literature were used to estimate median annual health impact of exposure to indoor PM2.5 and ozone in the simulated offices. These health effects were monetized using different costs‐per‐ incidence from the literature.

1. Azimi, P., Zhao, D. and Stephens, B. (2014) Estimates of HVAC filtration efficiency for fine and ultrafine particles of outdoor origin, Atmos. Environ., 98, 337–346.

www.nafahq.org

5

Figure 3. Calculated energy and public health cost in a CAV office building in climate region 4A

The energy costs due to ventilation and filtration and the estimated health costs due to PM2.5 and ozone exposure were combined for each modeled case. Figure 3 shows costs for the CAV office in climate region 4A (New York City) for different filtration‐ventilation combinations. While both energy and public health costs increased with ventilation, filtration had a much stronger effect on the overall cost, and filters with high efficiencies were able to effectively eliminate all PM2.5 related cost. The cost of filter purchasing and replacement was also taken into account and was shown to have a minimal effect on the overall cost compared to its public health cost reductions.

Conclusions Overall, the experiments and simulation portion of this study demonstrated that filtration is extremely effective in mitigating indoor PM2.5 concentrations, even when high ventilation rates are employed. While high‐efficiency filters are more expensive, that cost is minimal compared to the estimated public health gains associated with using high‐efficiency filters in buildings.

Filter efficiency was also shown to have no observable effect on fan energy consumption.

Therefore, by pairing a high‐efficiency filter with a high ventilation rate, one can capitalize on the indoor air quality benefits of higher ventilation while also minimizing PM2.5 exposure and the public health burdens associated with it. ■

6

Tom Ben-David is an Architectural Engineering Ph.D. candidate at Drexel University in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering.

His indoor air quality research centers on the impact of ventilation on indoor environments. His work aims at developing ventilation strategies that consider ventilation outcomes like productivity and health impacts on building occupants as well as building energy use to improve building performance.

Sheng Wang is an Architectural Engineering Ph.D. candidate at Drexel University in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering.

His research focuses on the impact of ventilation on indoor air pollution and the improved estimation of wind driven natural ventilation rates. His current project aims at developing metrics for estimation of natural ventilation rate driven by variable wind for reference commercial buildings, using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) methods.

Dr. Michael Waring is an Associate Professor at Drexel University, where he is the Director of Architectural Engineering and the Associate Department Head for Undergraduates in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering. His research focuses on fate and transport of indoor gaseous and particulate-phase pollutants. While at Drexel, he has developed a research program centered on improving the indoor environment within three thematic areas: (1) understanding drivers of indoor particle composition; (2) parameterizing indoor secondary particle formation and pollutant source strengths; and (3) developing improved ventilation strategies that maximize building performance from both IAQ and energy use perspectives.

NAFA Air Media

Foundation story

Mr. Tom Morrison Author & Speaker & Association Executive

Learn more about the NAFA Foundation at www.nafahq.org

What’s the secret to manufacturing 4.0?

by Caralynn Nowinski Collens and Rebekah Kowalski

Hint: It’s not robots

DMDII and ManpowerGroup have identified 165 manufacturing workforce roles that will be critical to the success of digital manufacturing enterprises.

Reprinted with permission from the Manufacturing Leadership Council/ Frost & Sullivan The U.S. manufacturing sector has had an incredible run over the past few decades. Fueled by technological progress and automation, our factories today produce more than twice as much as they did in 1984 and their value-added output is at an all-time high. But there are signs that all is not well. Since the socalled Great Recession of 2007-2009, the decades-long, meteoric rise in industrial output per worker has plateaued and productivity growth has stalled. It is a challenge that can’t be solved with better technology alone. Fundamentally, it is about people and skills.

According to ManpowerGroup’s research, more than 90% of employers expect their organization to be impacted by digitization in the next two years. That translates directly into skills

8

requirements. The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2020, more than one-third of in-demand skill sets in most fields will require skills that aren’t considered essential to the job today. Taking a longer-term view, about 65% of the jobs Gen Z will do don’t even exist yet! It is fair to say the technological revolution has led to a Skills Revolution.

Most see Manufacturing 4.0 as the way forward for the industry — that is, leveraging digital technologies and data to drive greater efficiency, innovation and ultimately restart productivity growth. But getting there will require a new mindset, focused not just on creating the technology of the future, but also on developing the workforce to match. In general, the requisite systems and processes for digital manufacturing are already within our grasp. What’s missing is a solid understanding of what skills and roles are needed to put that

technology into practice, and a system for training enough people to fill those fast-evolving jobs.

To that end, the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII) was established as part of Chicago-based UI LABS in 2014 to pioneer digital technologies in the manufacturing industry and help industry understand how these new technologies are influencing workforce development requirements. Included in DMDII’s work is introducing small- and medium-size manufacturers to newly available technology with the ultimate goal of improving the United States’ global manufacturing competitiveness.

DMDII convenes universities and industry, along with startups, nonprofits, and government stakeholders, on technical and workforce development projects.

NAFA Air Media

In 2016, the institute partnered with ManpowerGroup, the world leader in innovative workforce solutions, to provide manufacturers an essential starting point in defining the work of the digital manufacturing enterprise. Our task has been to map roles and knowledge areas across the enterprise and provide a framework for business, academia, and workforce development groups as they work together to move to and through their digital transformation.

The challenge of filling jobs It is well known that technology is transforming how we make things, from computer-aided design to robotics

and automated production, but what is less understood is how this shift is fundamentally changing the roles and skills required to do the work. If nothing is done to realign the talent pipeline, it is estimated that of the 3.5 million U.S. manufacturing jobs that will be created over the next decade, up to two million could go unfilled due to skills shortages1. As with any other challenges manufacturers face, the first step is getting a good look inside the machine to really understand what needs fixing.

Manufacturing generates more data than any other sector of the economy and Manufacturing 4.0 is fundamentally about finding ways to

Most see M4.0 as the way forward.Getting there, however, will require a new mindset focused on not just technology, but also developing the workforce to match.

20 Roles Providing an Initial Bridge Between Old and New

1. Giffi, Craig. “The Skills Gap in U.S. Manufacturing | Deloitte US | Manufacturing Industrial Products and Services.� Deloitte - United States. Web.

www.nafahq.org

9

To maximize the benefit of digital manufacturing, companies need to move toward operating their enterprises as more of an ecosystem, rather than as siloed functions.

put that information to use. Digital Manufacturing and Design (DM&D) technologies connect every stage of the production cycle to ensure seamless exchanges of information, communicating data about a product’s design and fabrication, all the way through its end of life. These data pathways make it easier to follow the development of a product from start to finish, and then feed that information back throughout the enterprise to improve products and solve business problems more efficiently. This “digital thread” will require new ways of working, new roles, and new skills, which will compound the U.S. talent shortage.

To maximize the benefit of digital manufacturing, companies need to move toward operating their enterprise as more of an ecosystem, rather than as a collection of siloed functions. It is a new mindset that will tie technologies and the workers themselves more closely together. For example, communicating data and information about early-stage product design to on-floor operations will help ensure discrepancies don’t arise and negatively impact a produced part. Cost-effective modeling of part performance or possible failure under multiple scenarios before materials are selected saves time, money, reputation, and maybe even lives. Connecting these

Factory of the Future: Digital Manufacturing Transition Roles

2. ManpowerGroup analysis of data from Wanted Analytics.

10

NAFA Air Media

functions through computing is part of creating that synergy, but so is fostering collaboration among the employees performing those duties.

Unfortunately, in our experience, employers are often unsure or unaware of the types of skills needed to perform data analytics, or how to connect their manufacturing systems to businessside data systems, and what the utility of these skills yields for their business. This is where the rubber meets the road, or doesn’t. Regardless of geographic scale, revenue size, or number of employees, a manufacturer’s understanding of emerging roles and desired skill sets is particularly relevant for digital manufacturing and design.

Without having the people who know how to leverage DM&D technologies, interpret the data, and make it practical, an organization can have all the smartest systems and still won’t see a productivity bump.

In February, there were 346,249 open manufacturing jobs in the U.S. – a clear indicator of the strength of demand as well as the growing talent shortage2. With an estimated 2.5 million manufacturing workers set to retire by 2025 as boomers reach the end of their careers, the problem isn’t getting any easier. And while we’re seeing a brain drain at one end of the workforce, we have far too few graduates with the skills to replace them. It is a structural problem, compounded by a lack of understanding about the exciting roles and opportunities emerging on the forefront of digital manufacturing. If we can’t articulate what jobs we have, how can we attract workers to them, or communicate to educators what skills their graduates will need to be employable? As a result, the whole pipeline has gotten backed up.

www.nafahq.org

The DM&D role community It is time to take a close look at the actual work of digital manufacturing and ask what “roles” — the functions or daily activities that together constitute a full-time job — are needed so that we can start to realign the manufacturing workforce. As technology remakes the manufacturing process, there is a new ecosystem of roles emerging that will define the jobs of the future. Over the past year, DMDII and ManpowerGroup, in partnership with leading employers, educators and policymakers, have started the process of defining what they are and answer the question: what skills do employers need to make the jump to Manufacturing 4.0?

In our research, we identified 165 potential roles, such as Lifecycle Digital Twin Architect, Digital Thread Engineer, Data Management Analyst, Digital Product Safety Systems Engineer, and Information Scientist that support digital manufacturing and design technologies, and that overall are seen as critical to the success of digital manufacturing enterprises. These roles may assemble into one discrete job or be spread across multiple positions, depending on the employer. And each manufacturing organization will need different sets or combinations of these roles on different timelines depending on their lifecycle and their business focus.

To help make sense of all this, we break the whole DM&D Role Community into six business and technical areas (domains) within digital manufacturing and design, grouped based on the type of work activity, skills, knowledge, or tools used. These include: digital enterprise, digital thread, digital design, digital manufacturing and processing, digital product, and supply network. If you’re a manufacturer

As technology remakes the manufacturing process, there is a new ecosystem of roles emerging that will define the jobs of the future.

11

In order to match the requirements of digital manufacturing with their workforces, employers will have to figure out how to rapidly upskill their current employees.

trying to figure out how to boost your productivity levels and make the jump to Manufacturing 4.0, chances are your difficulty lies in one or more of these core areas.

Of the 165 roles, we have identified 20 that provide an initial bridge between our current and future workforce. We have created extensive profiles for each of these to help manufacturers and the broader talent ecosystem improve their development and hiring practices.

Each role within the DM&D Role Community is classified within one of three impact categories: pioneer, keystone, or producer. Understanding the impact of the roles can help with business planning and technology implementations, workforce planning, development, and recruiting. Our definition of the Community of DM&D jobs and the profiles serves as a starting reference for business leaders, educators, workforce development and training suppliers, job candidate recruiters, and vendors/providers. While they may be at different points of having some, or more or less, of the roles already in focus or use, it is certain that more of these roles and their related work contributions will advance individual companies and the industry, and national labor pools as a whole.

Getting to manufacturing 4.0 Once manufacturers have a clear roadmap of the roles they need to move forward, the next step is realigning their workforce to match. With talent shortages as high as they are, most employers can’t just go hire a new workforce, nor would they want to. The trick then is figuring out how to rapidly upskill their existing workforce. Given that we’re talking about 12.3 million current manufacturing workers, a blended approach that includes onthe-job learning is the only way it’s

12

going to happen. Fortunately, there are strategies employers can pursue to expedite the process.

In our work, we identified more than 35 “transition roles” in the digital manufacturing space that can help facilitate shifting workers from one skillset to the next. These roles, depicted below, represent opportunities to upskill from some of the discrete automation areas of conventional production into the newer, connected, smart machine, and augmented tech areas of the increasingly digital enterprise.

While employers are an important part of the equation, their ability to upskill and transition their workforce will depend in large part on what ManpowerGroup calls the “learnability” of their employees. By that we mean their desire and ability to learn new skills — basically how hungry is your workforce to learn and grow? If you provide the courses or new technology, will they do the training on their own time and put in the effort to master the task? Learning is a two-way street.

Employers can help by assessing their employees’ skills against the needs of the business, and finding ways to guide them toward expanded or new roles in advanced manufacturing.

The digital leader Finally, there is the question of leadership. In our research we found that DM&D requires a different adapted set of skills at the top of the organization, too. Leaders need to embrace and integrate digital at all levels, evolving the roles of DM&D Chief Digital Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Progressive Strategist, blending the technical, business and organizational opportunity planning tasks. The best DM&D leaders are looking at every aspect of their jobs through a more digital lens, from customer experience

NAFA Air Media

strategies, business development, research and development, and ethics, to regulations and compliance, and people management. This will be the new normal.

DM&D leaders also face the same basic question other industries now face: how do you keep the business running smoothly with one hand while preparing for an altogether different future with the other? There

is an increased accountability for driving organizational change that requires a different mindset, focused on both short- and long-term visions, managing the paradoxes inherent in a human and machine environment, integrating the extreme demands for connections and collaborations, and enabling greater diversity in everything from business models to products to work arrangements.

There is an increased accountability for driving organizational change that requires a different mindset, focused on both shortand long-term visions

The Digital Leader

www.nafahq.org

13

The future Is here A recent ManpowerGroup survey of 14,000 employers found that most organizations expect manufacturing to be one of the sectors most heavily impacted by digitization over the next two years.

Asked what they were doing to ensure their organization has the skills to keep up with these advances, nearly two-thirds reported investing in internal training, and nearly 40 percent said they were bringing in outside experts to help build their workforce capabilities. The trend is clear: employers are shifting from being “consumers of work” to “builders of talent.”

Manufacturers have a tall order as they move forward to digitize their operations. As contributors to the DM&D roles emphasized to DMDII and ManpowerGroup, the technology conversion is the easier part; moving the people, culture, and leadership forward fast enough is much harder.

That transformation begins with understanding the emerging roles in digital manufacturing and design and identifying what stage a business is at in terms of implementing those roles within the factory.

Looking ahead, the U.S. will remain a global manufacturing powerhouse, but as we’ve done before, we need to adapt to stay competitive. We believe the role identifications, technology domains, and profiles DMDII and ManpowerGroup have developed with our expert contributors will be a powerful first step to ensure the success of U.S. manufacturers in the digital age, including increased employability of our workforce -- present and future.

The release of the DM&D Role Community and Top 20 Success Profiles was scheduled for release to the public along with an adoption and utilization workshop in late summer 2017. Please contact Katie Mulligan, at katie. mulligan@uilabs.org; or Alec Wescott, at alec.wescott@manpowergroup.com for more information. ■

14

Rebekah Kowalski leads Right Management’s (NYSE: MAN) workforce strategy practice. In her role, Kowalski is chartered with creating talent, leadership, and workforce solutions that enable organizational growth. Kowalski is frequently featured in publications providing commentary on the changing skills landscape and participates on the boards of various non-profits focused on the linkage between economic growth and availability of talent.

Caralynn Nowinski Collens, M.D., serves as the Chief Executive Officer of UI LABS, a first-of-its-kind innovation accelerator designed to transform entire industries through collaboration. UI LABS solves large-scale challenges by bringing University + Industry together with startups and government to accelerate the deployment of emerging digital technologies, currently focused on digital manufacturing and smart infrastructure. Drawing from her past experiences as an entrepreneur, researcher, and venture capitalist, Collens leads UI LABS’ efforts to foster innovation, encourage collaboration, and drive economic growth. UI LABS is an ML Council member.

NAFA Air Media

Save the date!

2018 Technical Seminar | The Westin Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | April 4 - 6

Jazzy Location

Meaty Content Mr. Tom Morrison

Fountains of Opportunity

Author & Speaker & Association Executive

Learn and Build Relationships at TECH2018 Make plans now to join over 200 of your peers for NAFA’s 2018 Technical Seminar. Our agenda features time for powerful technical and business education presentations, best practice sharing, networking with industry professionals and our annual tabletop exhibit session available to Platinum Sponsors. CAFS, NCT Level 1 and NCT Level II certification testing are also available as part of this actionpacked event.

Bring your team and take advantage of group registration discounts.

Is it Kansas City, Missouri, or Kansas City, Kansas? Both! Kansas City, known for Jazz, Barbecue and Fountains, spans the borders of two states. Located in the heart of the country, Kansas City is only a 3-hour flight from either coast.

Did you know: • The Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails

originated in the KC metro, a tradition

celebrated annually at the Santa-Cali-Gon

Days festival.

• Walt Disney opened his first animation

studio in Kansas City, Laugh-O-Gram Studio,

where he fed a small rodent that became the

inspiration for Mickey Mouse.

• Hallmark, the largest greeting card maker in

the world, began in KC in 1910 when

Joyce C. Hall started selling postcards

out of two shoeboxes at the local YMCA. • KC “ignored” Prohibition during the 1920s,

leading to an abundance of jazz clubs, brothels and gambling halls, earning KC the

moniker “The Paris of the Plains.”

Join us for one of the highlights of the NAFA year! www.nafahq.org

For more information: www.nafahq.org

15

NAFA News

AAF Flanders wins Supplier of the Year Award for unprecedented second year in a row

American Air Filter Co. Inc., dba AAF International and its subsidiary Flanders Corp., has been named the Grainger Partners in Performance Supplier of the Year for 2016. The award was announced earlier this month at a special event held in Chicago. AAF Flanders is the only company to receive this honor two years in a row.

The global air filtration leader was chosen from among more than 5,000 manufacturers across a wide variety of industries that supply Grainger’s distribution centers and branches worldwide. AAF Flanders supplies about 3,000 different stock keeping units (SKUs) of Air Handler brand air filters to Grainger.

Grainger’s Partners in Performance Award recognizes suppliers who achieve excellence in several categories, including responsiveness, information integrity, on time shipping and variability, management commitment and order fulfillment.

"Grainger is proud to recognize AAF Flanders for its outstanding supplier performance," said Matt Fortin, Grainger Vice President and President, Global Product Management. “Grainger provides customers with the products and solutions they need to keep their operations running and their people safe. This could not be done without the great partnership of our suppliers. We appreciate AAF Flanders’ commitment to providing superior products and outstanding service to our mutual customers.” For more information about AAF Flanders products, call (888) 223-2003.

D-Mark, Inc. is moving!

After 47 years on D’hondt Court, we are proud to announce our move to a larger facility (Tripling the size of our current plant).

Effective July 1, 2017, D-Mark’s new address will be: D-Mark, Inc. 130 N. Groesbeck Hwy. Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 Since this is only a five [5] mile move, we believe our employee retention will be 100%. All other contact information remains the same.

For more information, contact D-Mark at 800.343.3610, dmark@dmarkinc.com.

George Spottswood appointment

Last month, NAFA member and CEO of Quality Filters, Inc. George Spottswood was appointed to the National Institute of Standards & Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NISTMEP) Advisory Board. NISTMEP’s mission is to enhance the productivity and technological performance of U.S. manufacturing. They are a national network and the only public-private partnership dedicated to serving small and medium-sized manufacturers. The organization has centers in all 50 states and in the US Territory of Puerto Rico.

Spottswood has been a NAFA member since 1982 and is a CAFS. He currently serves on the Guidelines Committee and was on the NAFA Board of Directors as Associate Council President from 2002 to 2004. He was also the Convention Chair for the 2004 Technical Seminar. For more information, visit www.qualityfilters.com

16

NAFA Air Media

VER-MAC Industries, Inc. Ver-Mac Industries, Inc. expansion

With a sincere appreciation for their past and a firm hold on the present, Ver-Mac Industries, Inc. is prepared and excited for the future. Customers will see more consistent part quality, due to substantial investment in state-of-the-art wire bending and welding equipment as well as new and improved roll form tooling. A recent groundbreaking on a plant expansion that will increase Ver-Mac’s manufacturing and warehouse space to nearly 100,000 square feet will allow for more equipment to produce product, and more warehouse space to establish stocking programs with customers.

Behind the scenes, Ver-Mac has recently had their comprehensive quality management system certified to the ISO 9001:2015 standard. The lessons learned throughout the certification process have resulted in a significant improvement in the consistency of Ver-Mac’s products by focusing on the reduction of variance in their materials, processes, products and outside services. Ver-Mac’s Sales Manager, Bill Hanna states: “Customer complaints have dropped dramatically and in our first year we reduced late shipments to 6… for the entire calendar year 2016!” Additionally, implementation of ERP manufacturing software will take place later this year giving Ver-Mac more visibility to their processes and offer better tracking of customer orders.

The aforementioned items combine to give Ver-Mac, a NAFA Associate Member since 1988, the tools and equipment necessary to thrive long into the future, but Ver-Mac believes that its people are the ultimate factor in the company’s success. Associates were introduced to a company culture program based upon four pillars of success: Taking Smart Risks, Challenging the Status Quo, Seeking Affordable Excellence and Inspiring Each Other to be Great. These pillars, along with company culture events and continuing education are a few of the many ways that Ver-Mac invests in their most valuable asset, their people. This shift in thinking has brought about more determined, quality-focused, inspired and loyal associates; the people that are Ver-Mac Industries. For more information, contact VerMac Industries, 100 Progress Drive, Mt. Vernon, Ohio 43050, Phone 740-397-6511, Fax 740-393-2708, www.vmfilterframes.com.

FilterEasy raises $6.9 million in Series B funding led by arsenal venture partners to accelerate the automated delivery of HVAC air filters

FilterEasy, a subscription-based HVAC air filter service, announced it has raised $6.9 million in Series B funding, led by Arsenal Venture Partners and with participation from NC State Endowment Fund, Bonaventure Capital, Co-founders Capital, IDEA Fund Partners, John Replogle, and Triangle Angel Partners. These investors join Azure Capital, RTP Capital Associates, and the venture arm of Michael D. Olander Jr.’s MDO Holdings, among others Co-founders Thad Tarkington and Kevin Barry saw a market opportunity after personally experiencing some headaches with their own HVAC air filters. Air in the home can be up to 5 times dirtier than the air outdoors, so regular filter changes are essential to healthy living, and vital to those suffering from allergies or asthma. Tarkington and Barry discovered that the majority of homeowners were simply not changing their air filters often enough, as this particular home maintenance item is out-of-sight, outof-mind. Changing filters on a regular schedule, when they need to be changed, extend the life of a home’s HVAC system and reduce HVAC maintenance costs. Furthermore, changing a home’s air filters on a regular schedule reduces heating and cooling costs by up to 15% per month, cutting down on energy bills and minimizing environmental impact. FilterEasy began offering high-quality filters in every size, delivered right to customers’ doors when it’s time to change them. This convenient service allows people to change their filters on time, every time, without all the hassles.

Since launching the website in 2014, FilterEasy’s revenue and subscriber base have grown rapidly, with a nearly 300% gain in 2016 and they are on track for another record year in 2017. The investors from FilterEasy’s Series B round join an enthusiastic group of savvy investors from FilterEasy’s prior investment rounds. Completion of the Series B investment round brings total funding to $11.4 million.

Thad Tarkington, CEO, and Kevin Barry, COO, founded the company while attending North Carolina State University. As the business model proved successful and the business grew rapidly, Tarkington and Barry shifted their focus from school to business. In a success story that has come full circle, NC State, became one of several collegiate investors in the Series B investment round. The closing of FilterEasy’s Series B investment round validates the immense amount of dedication and passion devoted to the business and serves as a catapult for future expansion. For more information, visit www.FilterEasy.com.

www.nafahq.org

17

Last chance to get your 2018 AHR Expo hotel reservations Make a note to visit NAFA at booth 1719

Use the below form to make your hotel reservations for the 2018 AHR Expo, Chicago, Illinois on January 22 - 24. Don’t forget to volunteer at NAFA booth 1719 and earn 2 CEU’s towards your certification. To sign up, visit us at www.nafahq.org.

AHR Expo 2018 January 22-24, 2018 Chicago, Illinois Credit Card Authorization I authorize NAFA to use the credit card listed below to guarantee hotel rooms at the Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, 511 N Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL 60611.

Dates available: check in no earlier than January 18; check out no later than January 25.

Room 1* Name(s):_______________________________________________________________________ Check in date: ____________________ Check out date: __________________ Room 2* Name(s): ______________________________________________________________________ Check in date: ____________________ Check out date: __________________ *If you have more than 2 reservations, please go to www.AHRExpo.com to make your reservations as a group.

Room Rate: $179 + tax for single/double The hotel will charge a deposit of 1 night room and tax to the credit card used to guarantee this reservation. This deposit is refundable if your reservation is cancelled no later than 72 hours prior to arrival.

Credit Card Number: __________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date (Must expire after January 2018): _______________________

CCID: _____________

Billing Address: ________________________________________________________________________ City, State Zip: ________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: _______________________________________________________________________ Name on Card: ________________________________________________________________________ Authorized Signature: __________________________________________________________________

Fax or email this form to NAFA at 608.310.7545 / nafa@nafahq.org

18

NAFA Air Media

CO ME ME ET TH E COMPANIES WHO ARE INVENTING

THE FUTURE OF HVACR Register for free † ahrexpo.com

CHICAGO

McCORMICK PLACE

• JAN 22-24, 2018

65,000+ 2,000+ Industry Professionals www.nafahq.org

Manufacturers & Suppliers

† See Thousands of New Products † Attend Seminars & ASHRAE Winter Conference † Earn Professional Credits 19

CAMERON GREAT LAKES, INC. Molecular Filtration Specialists

Coal Pellet

Potassium Permanganate

Zeolite

Coconut Shell

At CGL we carry the most complete line of commercial and industrial products for both air and liquid molecular filtration. We offer a full line of bulk media, complete system design and fabrication. We offer all the standard size filters and we are also fully equipped to custom build to your specific needs. Our experienced staff with over 75 years in the industry, is always ready to provide the technical support you need to ensure that the product we supply will meet all of the demands for every application.

MRM 18 Refillable Module

12� and 4� Vapor Trap Disposable V-Bank

Plastic Disposable 18 Module

Vapor Trap Disposable Panel Vapor Trap with Dusting Disposable Panel Filter

Building Healthy Environments Worldwide 2335 NW 29th Avenue, Portland OR 97210 Phone (800) 777-4044 Fax (503) 225-0137 Visit us on the web at CAMERONGREATLAKES.COM

With over 50 years experience, CLARCOR Air Filtration Products, is one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of air filtration products for the commercial, industrial, institutional and residential markets.

We offer the broadest line of filtration products in the industry, and our products can be found improving the quality of air around the world in homes, hospitals, office buildings, industrial plants, laboratories, pharmaceutical facilities, schools, museums, sports arenas and many more facilities where clean air is critical.

CLARCOR Air Filtration Products ® ™ sells its products under the brand names Airguard , Purolator and ATI.

For all your filter needs, visit www.clcair.com or call 1-866-247-4827 or 1-866-925-2247.

NAFA member booths at the AHR Expo

Industry Calendar

AHR Expo | January 22 - 24, 2017 | Chicago, Illinois

2017 NADCA Fall Technical Conference September 14 - 16 St. Louis, Missouri

NAFA Member

Booth number

3M

2749

AAF Flanders

4715

Air Filters, Inc.

6783

American Metal Filter Company

1763

Clean and Science Co. Ltd.

2767

Columbus Industries, Inc.

4771

Dynamic Air Quality Solutions

3200

Filtration Group / Filtrair

6200

Flow Air Filters / ADS Laminaire

8054

Fresh-Aire UV

6727

Glasfloss Industries

3310

Hydrosil International Limited

2863

Jason Industrial (Megadyne America)

4453

Koch Filter

5341 - 5349

National Air Filtration Association

1719

Paint Pockets Company

7485

Research Products Corporation

5730

Sanuvox Technologies Inc.

6528

Smith Filter Corporation

7586

Tri-Dim Filter Corporation

5732

UV Resources

7283

Volunteer at the NAFA booth Booth volunteers needed - NAFA 2018 AHR Expo We need member volunteers to staff the NAFA booth (1719) at the 2018 AHR Expo in Chicago, Illinois. All volunteers will receive an exhibitor badge. Volunteer here: http:// www.nafahq.org/booth-volunteers-needed-nafa-2018-ashraeahr-expo/ or visit the NAFA website nafa@nafahq.org. ■

22

AFS Fall Conference September 18 – 20 St. Louis, Missouri 2017 NAFA Annual Convention September 20 - 22 Annapolis, Maryland AHR Expo-Mexico October 2 - 4 Mexico City Mexico Filtration 2017 October 10 - 12 Chicago, Illinois II Expo Frio Calor Peru 2017 International Exhibition October 11 - 13 Lima Peru IFMA World Workplace October 18 - 20 Houston, Texas 2017 SMACNA Annual Convention October 22 - 25 Maui, Hawaii AHRI Annual Meeting November 12 - 14 Miami, Florida HARDI Annual Conference December 2 - 5 Las Vegas, Nevada Expo Frio Calor Bolivia 2017 November 29 - December 1 Santa Cruz de la Sierra Bolivia

2018 2018 AHR Expo January 22 - 24 Chicago, Illinois Indoor Air Quality Annual Meeting January 22 – 24 Chicago, Illinois NADCA Annual Meeting & Expo March 19 - 21 Palm Springs, California NAFA TECH2018 April 4 - 6 Kansas City, Missouri 2018 ASHRAE Annual Conference June 23 - 27 Houston, Texas

NAFA Air Media

www.nafahq.org

23

We can make any size filter you need.

FAPFC Accessory Clip FASC Spring Clip available in 12"

FAAC Spring Clip

FAPC P-type available in 1⁄2" to 12"

t s

u J ..

www.nafahq.org

.

..

a F r

FACC Corner Clip

available in 6" and 12"

. ..

.

i F

e lt

. ..

. ..

.

. ..

■

.

..

n e

t s

available in 2" and 4"

. ..

■

.

..

. ..

■

.

. ..

s r e

T ..

■

h

’S T A ■

L AL

W

o D e

Top Quality

Small Quantities

Fast Turnaround

Very Low Prices

Same Day Shipping

CALL 908-872-0353

726 Route 202 South ■ Suite 320-152 ■ Bridgewater, NJ 08807 www.filterfasteners.com ■ sales@filterfasteners.com

25

Servicing: Commercial/Industrial Air Filter Manufacturers Commercial/Industrial Air Filter Distributors HVAC Contractors Simply the Highest Quality Air Filter Holding Frame Clips and High Efficiency PreFilter Clips Available. Low Cost, Manufacturer-Direct Pricing.

PCA 1”- 2” P-clip

PCA 3”- 4” P-clip

PCA 5”- 6” P-clip

PCA 12” P-clip

F - 12 A, 12” Spring with Clip

F - 12, 12” Spring NO Clip

HFFC - 23 ss Corner Bracket

C - 86 ss 2” Wire Forms C - 89 h 4” Wire Forms

Bag Filter Frame Clips

N

N

EW

EW

!

PFC 2” - 4” PreFilter Clips

MADE IN THE USA

Versa - M 2” - 4” PreFilter Clips for 13/16” Metal Flanged Filters

See our website for pricing and complete part descriptions.

!

Versa - P 2” - 4” PreFilter Clips for Plastic V-Bank Filters

We accept

311 Shaker Road - Po Box 505 • East Longmeadow, MA 01028 • (Toll-Free) 800.637.3033 (Phone) 413.525.6837 • (Fax) 413.525.6895 • (Web) www.springfieldspring.com

The Carbon Filter Specialists® . . . Since 1970

Odor and Pollution Control Filters made with CarbonWeb®

HVAC

Please visit our website to review our Learning Center

AIR CLEANERS

ODORGUARD®

PRIVATE LABEL

PANELS PADS PLEATS INSERTS RING PANELS/LINKS ROLLS/BLANKETS RIGID CELLS TRAYS BULK CARBON APPLIANCE FILTERS AIR CLEANER FILTERS

R 47 YEARS! S E T F A . . .

D E WE’VE MOV OCATED IN MT. CLEMEN L W E A R E N OW

www.nafahq.org

FUME HOODS

ROOFING/ASPHALTING

NEW 500 gm sq./ft.

[1” tk.]

130 N. Groesbeck Hwy ● Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 www.dmarkinc.com ● dmark@dmarkinc.com 800.343.3610 ● 586.949.3610 ● fax 586.949.4181

27

What the Future Holds for the Filtration Market

By Brandon Ost, Air Filtration Holdings LLC

Today, the fact is, that the way people purchase and choose products has changed dramatically. There is a whole generation that no longer relies on salespeople for information.

Brandon Ost, in an interview style format discusses the consolidation and growth potential of the the air filter industry through education, automation and innovation Most of us here are acquainted with you however could you comment on your personal background and what you have been doing most recently?

I am a third generation filter guy. My grandfather started Midwest Air Filters, Inc. in Chicago in the early 1940’s as a distributor. In the 1970’s, our supplier told us they were getting out of the filter business so my father had a choice – he could either go back to being a sheet metal worker like he was before he joined the business in the late 60’s, or he could buy the manufacturing equipment and start making filters. Lucky for me, he chose filters. That manufacturing company eventually became Filtration Group, Inc., which is where I’ve worked since my mid 20’s.

28

In 2010, after I had been at the company for 20 years, we sold the business. After the sale, I took some time off, but I decided I wanted to get back in and have fun again. Most recently, I have partnered with The Edgewater Funds and Duchossois Capital Management to build a world class filter manufacturing business.

Not exactly like the humble origins of Midwest Air Filters, but I see a lot of similarities to what my father and grandfather did by starting an entrepreneurial business with a driven team, great customers and suppliers here in Chicago.

What do you see as the advantage of bringing together a number of diversified filtration companies?

We want to be all about product and service innovation. I know this phrase is overused, however in my career in filtration, I have consistently observed that smaller manufacturers are usually

the most innovative. I believe this stems from a certain survival instinct and “can do” attitude that the larger companies sometimes do not have.

When we were a very small business and I was starting out in sales, I remember making a sales call with my father. I had studied the product catalog day and night for two weeks.

I knew most of the sizes, costs, prices and even committed to memory a lot of the top part numbers. I remember it was January and we were making calls outside of Minneapolis. On about the 5th call of the day, we met with a new customer that we were really trying to get. The buyer had some ideas for a new filter that was clearly not in our catalog.

I tried to convince him that one of our standard products was a better option because we were more efficient making that version. My father immediately assured the customer that we could do it. In the car I said, “We don’t make that filter.” My dad replied, “We do now.”

NAFA Air Media

Unleashing that attitude and creativity is what we are striving for, and the best building blocks are small to mid-size American manufacturing businesses that do not rest until they meet their customer’s needs.

Has this been good for the customer; both the end user and distributor? How have they been most affected?

Consolidation in the filter industry was inevitable. It had and continues to have all the hallmarks of an industry ripe for realignment. If you are a manufacturer or distributor, I think that it is important to keep an eye on what best serves the end user and to work back from there.

Today, the fact is, that the way people purchase and choose products has changed dramatically. There is a whole generation that no longer relies on salespeople for information. Let’s face it; it is all a few keystrokes away and that is not going to change.

What hasn’t changed is that filters are real products that are not optional for the user and these users have desired outcomes and results. They want clean air for their people and processes with as little hassle as possible. There is so much that goes into making a perfect order for a customer and the best distributor adds a ton of value in this process.

From inventory to packaging, sorting, interfacing with end user IT systems, JIT and all the unusual requests that are the hallmark of the “last mile” to the customer. A good distributor owns the last mile and is continually finding ways to help the end user achieve the results they are looking for seamlessly.

What do you see as the future growth potential of the HVAC filtration market?

I am very bullish on the HVAC filter market in the US and around the world.

I would not have got back in the industry if I wasn’t. The emerging middle class globally is going to create new demand and awareness. Advanced manufacturing and education along with some regulation will drive growth in the US.

www.nafahq.org

As an industry, we have an opportunity to grow our business collectively through education. I think what NAFA is doing with CAFS is a big part of this, but there is more to do in this area. An example would be the impact of the energy costs associated with improper filter selection.

We talk about this a lot. However, I believe, the awareness among end users could be greatly improved which would be mutually beneficial.

Do you see any specific risks on the horizon; more specifically major game changers? What’s our Uber?

I would be very uncomfortable if I were a small business owner who relied on price, delivery and a good relationship with a purchasing agent as their key differentiators. They run the risk of being Amazoned in the same way we are seeing whole industries come under incredible pressure. Several staple items at Whole Foods were cut by 43% on Aug 28. That’s the definition of disruptive.

Additionally, we are seeing companies start to look to provide total solutions. I would not be surprised to see subscription type pricing in the future where facilities would pay for an outcome, in this case clean air, and no longer worry about installation, disposal and monitoring of their filters.

How will the sudden rise of Internet companies affect the supply and distribution of filtration products?

All filter companies are internet companies. The ones that have a storefront have a role to play. It’s very convenient for the residential and small commercial users who know exactly what they want and just want it to show up. It will be interesting to see how these businesses scale over time. Right now, most seem to have relatively low barriers to entry but we are keeping an eye on this segment as we expect to see innovation coming from this channel. ■

Mr. Brandon Ost has over 25 years of experience in the filtration industry and is the third generation of his family to work in the industry. His grandfather, Elliott Larson, founded Midwest Air Filters in 1942 in Chicago and his father, Larry Ost, founded the successor to Midwest Air Filters, Filtration Group, in 1990. Mr. Ost succeeded his father as CEO of Filtration Group in 2000 and served in that role until 2013. In 2010 he had a successful sale of the business to a Chicago based private equity firm and stayed on as CEO until 2013.

Under Mr. Ost’s leadership, Filtration Group grew to 14 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia and was recognized as a leading manufacturer of innovative air filtration products around the world.

Today, Mr. Ost is the CEO of Air Filtration Holdings LLC and, in partnership with The Edgewater Funds and Duchossois Capital Management, is building another world class American filtration manufacturing and distribution business that looks to bring next generation air filter products and services to the global marketplace.

29

• 2” and 4” filter constructed with the same 500 to 600 grams per square meter weight of high activity 85% CTC carbon media used in traditional 12” models • High impact durable plastic frame • Compact design • Lightweight • Saves shipping and storage • Easy installation to existing equipment with little or no modification

NEW HEGA® COMPACT SERIES 2” & 4” High Efficiency Gas Adsorber filtrationgroup.com - 877.344.8326

• Available in four different carbon medias for specific odor removal applications such as...

• VOC’s - Volatile Organic Compounds • Diesel Exhaust • Acid Gases • Ammonia and Amines

Finally... A Cost-Effective & Efficient Solution to PreFilter Medium & High Efficiency V-Bank & Metal-Flanged Filters ( Introducing The VERSA CLIP™ )

VERSA - P™ (2” & 4”) Designed to PreFilter Plastic V-Bank Filters with a 2” or 4” Pleated Filter

VERSA - M™ (2” & 4”) Designed to PreFilter 13/16” Metal-Flanged Metal Header Filters with a 2” or 4” Pleated Filter

Servicing: Commercial/Industrial Air Filter Manufacturers Commercial/Industrial Air Filter Distributors HVAC Contractors Simply the Highest Quality Air Filter Holding Frame Clips and High Efficiency PreFilter Clips Available. Low Cost, Manufacturer-Direct Pricing.

(Toll-Free) 800.637.3033 • (Fax) 413.525.6895 • (Web) www.springfieldspring.com

www.nafahq.org

31

SO ENERGY EFFICIENT, THEY COULD BE FREE! Discover long-term savings when you use CI filters What if you could lower costs and reduce energy consumption with a single product? With performance engineered filtration products from Columbus Industries, you can.

CI filters are ideal for these applications: commercial and industrial facilities; government and educational facilities; paint booth/finishing; hospitals, research labs and pharmaceuticals; airports; electrical manufacturing; and power generators.

Lower operating costs can be achieved by using filters that combine lower initial pressure and higher dust holding capacity. The long-term energy savings will more than cover the cost of the filter.

To request a free energy calculator, visit www.colind.com, click on CONTACT US and type your request in the filtration needs comment section.

g

s

PRESSURE DROP

LOADING CURVE

yS g r e n E

in av

DUST LOADING

2938 State Route 752 • P.O. Box 257 • Ashville, Ohio 43103-0257 Phone: 740.983.2552 • Fax: 740.983.4622 www.colind.com • Email: ci@colind.com

Technology Corner Powered by Permatron Corporation

“SOMEWHERE, SOMETHING INCREDIBLE IS WAITING TO BE KNOWN” Carl Sagan BACKGROUND Breakthrough innovation and technology requires the fastest computers and an extraordinary range of cuttingedge scientific tools that support in-depth research, drive technological breakthroughs, and improve our nation’s competitiveness and quality of life. With 70 years in the making, this laboratory hosts a highly collaborative community of more than 7,000 scientists, 5,500 researchers and students from all over the world to address the most pressing challenges in science, biology and medicine, energy, the environment and national security each year.

CHALLENGES A state-of-the-art laboratory complex made up of over 100 buildings and 2 million square feet of interior space, includes 14 research divisions and joint institute centers. Maintaining precise temperature control throughout the laboratories is critical. The labs rely on a variety of RTUs, economizers, heat pump split systems and portable AC units for continuous, year-round operation.

Situated on 1,700 wooded acres in a suburb of Illinois, this location allows for continued expansion and privacy to protect proprietary research, which are both optimal for its needs. However, it is also surrounded by cottonwood trees, bugs, grass clippings and leaves. When the wind blows, outdoor environmental elements quickly clog HVAC outside air intakes. Maintenance needed a solution

to keep over 100 condenser coils and 100 air intakes clean, to maintain optimal system efficiency. The facility planning manager found that solution in 2010 — with PreVent® filters, and continues to install PreVent on all the air intakes.

RESULTS Filter Services of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, works with the facility’s planning manager to recommend and measure custom sized PreVent filters in a variety of shapes, sizes, framing and mount options.

“It’s a great idea to protect HVAC condenser coils with PreVent screening, especially if you can do it right after new equipment installation.

Magnets will definitely be our primary mount option going forward.”

JIM PODRAZA NATIONAL LABORATORY PLANNING MANAGER

Seven years and counting, the PreVent system substantially reduces maintenance costs. The facility saves manpower hours and downtime now that deep condenser coil cleanings have been minimized.

The filter’s woven electrostatic media effectively captures airborne debris before it can enter the system, and is quickly cleaned in place with a broom by maintenance staff. High efficiency interior 3M Filtrete air filters are able to work longer, reducing change outs. With the PreVent system in place, laboratories and HVAC equipment can operate at peak performance.

Save time with MagnaMount® no-drill installation. PreVent system filters are now quickly installed by inhouse maintenance mechanics using Permatron’s new MagnaMount earth magnets. Prior PreVent installations included labor time to drill and affix the mount clips using permanent screws.

Once the magnetic mount clips are inserted into the filter’s grommets, it literally takes less than a minute to place the screening on equipment and adjust it.

SIMPLY calculate your savings.

Control costs and airborne debris with the PreVent system.

To add up your savings, visit permatron.com/calculator

© 2017 Permatron Corporation. PATENT PENDING

New Certified Personnel NCT

Wellington Alkimin, NCT B.G.E. Service & Supply Ltd Fort McMurray, AB Canada Dennis Anderson, NCT Charles E. Jarrell Contracting Imperial, Missouri Kent Attwood, NCT Lancaster, California Jarret Barnett, NCT SaskCentral Regina, SK Canada Matthew Benigno, NCT Charles E. Jarrell Contracting St. Charles, Missouri James Blackmore, NCT Arizona System Analysis Professionals, LLC Peoria, Arizona Jake Braun, NCT Dream Saskatoon Saskatoon, SK Canada Patrick Brazell, NCT FilterPro USA LLC Florence, Alabama

Jay Buttner, NCT Churchton, Maryland Michael Comer, NCT Charles E. Jarrell Contracting St. Louis, Missouri Craig Conger, NCT St. Peters, Missouri Doug Dykes, NCT Dream Saskatoon, SK Canada Bruce Eichorn, NCT Dream Saskatoon, SK Canada Matt Faulkner, NCT B.G.E. Service & Supply Ltd Fort McMurray, AB Canada Glenn Finke, NCT Charles E. Jarrell Contracting St. Charles, Missouri Michael Kingdon, NCT Charles E. Jarrell Contracting Fenton, Missouri Curtis Leimkuehler, NCT Charles E. Jarrell Contracting St. Charles, Missouri Dennis Marentette, NCT St. Clair Shores, Michigan Keith Mayer, NCT Fenton, Missouri Kevin McDevitt, NCT Robertsville, Missouri Steven McKinney, NCT Arizona System Analysis Professionals, LLC Gilbert, Arizona

34

NAFA Air Media

Cory McMain, NCT Fresh Air Filter Service Inc. San Antonio, Texas Cody Mitchell CAFS, NCT Air Filter Superstore, LLC Boise, Idaho Donnie Monk, NCT B.G.E. Service & Supply Ltd Fort McMurray, AB Canada Eric Niccum, NCT Imperial, Missouri Vishal Rana, NCT SaskCentral Regina, SK Canada Gale Robertson, NCT Maryland Heights, Missouri Craig Schuck Sr., NCT Florissant, Missouri William Scott, NCT SMART Local Union 105 Fontana, California Nic Turcotte, NCT Fort McMurray, AB Canada David Walz, NCT Kelly Services, Inc. Troy, Michigan George Yong, NCT Brookfield Burnaby, BC Canada â–

www.nafahq.org

35

Executive Profile

Bill Hanna

Sales & Purchasing Manager, Ver-Mac Industries, Inc. How did you get your start in the air filter industry?

I was selling steel to Ver-Mac and when Chuck Pursel became terminally ill, I was asked to join the team. I have been with VerMac since November of 1998.

How do you motivate your employees?

Ver-Mac gives our associates a great environment in which to work and grow with continued education opportunities and growth initiatives. Giving the associates a voice, and listening to that voice, we have found, is incredibly motivating.

Bill Hanna, Sales and Purchasing Manager at Ver-Mac Industries, Inc., grew up in Northeast Ohio, and received his Undergraduate Degree at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio and his MBA from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

He has been married to Heidi Hanna for 25 years, with two children: Mack, 12 and Macy 10.

“The air filter industry is filled with some of the greatest people you will ever meet.”

36

Did you have a business mentor and if so, who is/was it?

When I started in this business, I didn’t know much about the air filter industry and had very little time with Chuck before he passed, but Phil McCluskey and Jimmy Tackett were invaluable to my development and understanding in this business. I consider both of them my mentor.

What’s the best piece of business advice anyone ever gave you?

“As a company, and as a person: Do what you do best, and do it better than anyone else” I think this is applicable because at Ver-Mac, we sell metal parts and we will never be a “one stop shop” for all of your filter needs. There are good companies selling expanded metal, and paper products and media, and I’ve become good friends with some of those guys because we never tried to do what they do best.

What is the most challenging aspect of running a filter company?

The people side of our business is always the most challenging. Finding and keeping good people, the right people, is a key to a company’s success.

What do you think is the biggest challenge the air filtration industry currently faces?

The sheer volume of sizes and part numbers cause issues for filter manufacturers and how to fulfill every one of those SKU’s and fulfill them in a timely manner is a huge challenge. Ver-Mac not only recognizes this challenge, but we are moving forward with what we feel will be a viable solution for our customers.

Do you have any words of wisdom for up and coming filter professionals?

Over my 19 years at Ver-Mac this industry has changed significantly with the size of the industry, the consolidation of companies through acquisition and just the complexity of it all; but the air filter industry is filled with some of the greatest people you will ever meet. Customers, suppliers and competitors regularly get together at NAFA events for dinner or a cocktail, or just to catch up. My advice: use the NAFA events to meet and form relationships with the folks in this industry; you won’t regret it.

How has your company benefited from NAFA membership?

NAFA offers Ver-Mac a platform to introduce ourselves, our company and our products to the air filter industry. Additionally, the relationships that we have formed with fellow suppliers, customers and competitors have been a direct result of the NAFA events throughout the years. ■

Ver-Mac was established in 1985. The company has continued to grow as a supplier of wire and metal components for the Air Filter Industry. In 5 years we see ourselves continuing to serve the Air Filter Industry as well as the other industries we serve with high quality, competitively priced products that are delivered on time. www.ver-mac.com.

NAFA Air Media

Joining Hands to Better Serve You Your Source for Complete Air Filtration Solutions

aafintl.com

888.223.2003

Helps Prevent Cottonwood Seed and Other Airborne Debris From Bringing Your Customerʼs Condenser Coils, Cooling Towers and Other HVAC Systems to a Grinding Halt!

FEATURES • Specifically Engineered For Use On High Volume / High Velocity Airflow Systems.

• Amazingly Low Impact on Static Pressure.

• Non-electrostatic – Wonʼt Hold Debris during Cleaning and Wonʼt Load Up Too Quickly.

• Compatible with All HVAC & Cooling Tower Equipment.

• Light, Medium and Heavy Duty Filters with Choice of Quick Release Fastening Systems and Operating Options.

• Up to 15 yr. Service Life.

BENEFITS • Stops Fouling of Condenser Coils, Cooling Tower Sumps, Strainers, Blow-Down Valves and Heat Exchangers.

• Protect Internal HVAC Filters.

• Helps Reduce Energy Cost, Repair Cost, Water Treatment Chemical Cost.

• Simplifies HVAC & Cooling Tower Maintenance.

• Helps Protect Against Equipment Failure, Downtime and Lost Productivity.

• BEST OF ALL – Opens New Filtration Markets and Sales Opportunities for You!

Chiller Coil Intake Filters

Rooftop Unit Intake Filters

Dry Cooler Intake Filters

Air Cooled Condenser Intake Filter

Cooling Tower Intake Filters

Air Handling Unit Intake Filters

Louver Intake Filters

In-ground Intake Grate Filter

Reduces Cleaning To A Few Quick Swipes with a Broom, Brush, Shop Vacuum or, Simply Rinse with a Garden Hose.

Filters Never Need To Be Removed For Cleaning.

It Just Doesnʼt Get Any Easier Than This!

For Information on Becoming an Air Intake Filter Distributor, Contact:

Tel. 513-860-9784 or 248-676-9418 Visit our Website @ www.airsolutioncompany.com Air Intake Filters Are Manufactured By: Air Solution and Newway Companies, Commerce Twp, MI 48382 United States and Foreign Patents Granted - This product is protected under one or more of the following U.S. and foreign patents: 5,370,722 _ 5,529,593 _ 6,197,077 B1 _ 2170244 _ 95904185.6-2113, Other Patents Pending

Cottonwood Air Intake Filter Screens

The Cottonwood Air Intake Filter ®

From the Executive Director Get ready for Generation Z by Michelle Czosek, CAE

Born from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s, Generation Z is now starting to enter the workforce. As I scrolled through some association survey results recently, I came across the first respondents that I’ve seen identifying themselves as part of Generation Z. Just as I’m getting a handle on Millennials and their role in the workforce, another generation is coming into play. As leaders, employers and managers, we know that each generation brings new ideas, expectations and, yes, challenges.

One of the hottest association management (and management, in general) topics around these days is that of capturing and engaging young professionals. As each new generation enters the workplace, associations have to try to figure out what motivates its members, and how that ties into getting them to join, engage and stay. Companies must continually do the same, if they want to avoid employee turnover.

I came across a recent article in Inc. magazine that discussed the eight differences that you should know between Millennials and Generation Z. There were several that I not only found interesting, but thought about their applicability to our association and what we need to keep in mind as we move forward.

The article said that Generation Z will look to on-demand and just-in-time learning solutions. While this was said in relation to college debt and employment stats, this is good information to have on the NAFA radar, as well as your own organization’s radar.

The desire for on-demand education that has already been going on for some time, will continue to grow. NAFA must offer various avenues for members to learn that are available outside of inperson events. The CAFS Tutorial is now available via a recorded webinar series, so instead of needing to attend the tutorial just prior to the exam, members have the opportunity to study at their own pace and return to sections that they may need to review. Technology solutions that were once cost prohibitive have become less expensive and easier to use, which is good news for associations looking to offer online education options. NAFA will continue to look for ways to provide these experiences.

Another interesting difference is that Generation Z will prefer to interact with colleagues face-to-face. While they are still likely to do it digitally through Skype, FaceTime, etc., they want to see who it is they’re communicating with. I hope this bodes well for also interacting face-to-face with their peers at places such as NAFA’s Annual Convention and Technical Seminar. While

40

they want on-demand learning, we should help them understand that learning is best when combined with meeting with people face-to-face at association meetings, in the NAFA booth at AHR and Filtration and at other industry events. While technologies that allow you to see the person you’re speaking to are wonderful, nothing will take the place of the camaraderie and organic conversation that takes place in person.

With the introduction of Generation Z into to the workforce, there will be both additional challenges and opportunities that we should continually monitor. There are a multitude of excellent articles and books that cover the topic of managing multi-generational workforces and the differences between each generation. I encourage you to take a look at what’s out there and think about how it could impact your organization’s workforce, how you relate to co-workers and how that ties in with NAFA assisting you to meet some of these new realities.

If you’re a Millennial or Generation Z, I hope you’ll provide feedback to NAFA leadership and staff on what motivates you and what we can provide to help you make the most of your NAFA participation.

I look forward to seeing you, no matter what generation you identify with, in the NAFA booth #311 at Filtration 2017! ■ Warm regards,

NAFA Air Media