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Austin Hardware & Supply, Inc. Announces Launch of 3rd Generation LifeDefender™ Cabinet Security Frames
Austin Hardware & Supply, Inc. has launched the 3rd generation of their revolutionary LifeDefender™ Cabinet Security Frames. LifeDefender customers were the primary drivers behind this latest version. Austin designers listened to customers when introducing the following additions to the revolutionary safety product:
› An optional key locking feature is now available pre-installed for both the fixed and restocker (a.k.a. "speed-load") frames.
› Tag brackets, an optional inventory control feature that can be pre-installed onto the frame, have been improved with more mounting options and soft, over-molded covers on exposed areas.
› An improved easy-glide tracking system allows panels to slide more easily and consistently within frames of all sizes.
› Panels are now removable and replaceable within the frame, even while the frame is mounted.
› The slider handles have been redesigned smaller while maintaining the same operation and latching function. The smaller size allows the slider to open further, providing an extra inch of access space when the slider is open.
› Hinges are now anodized aluminum to improve the appearance against the frame as well as cosmetic durability.
› To more easily adjust a cabinet's latch clearance and door position, the hinge shims have been improved with all hole locations now slotted, allowing the shims to be added or removed between the hinge and cabinet without removing the hinge screws. › Frames are now available with an optional pre-installed protective film on the outer frame. The film can remain on the frame without affecting the frame function.
› Fixed frame LifeDefender units now include a new tether system to provide an extra connection between the cabinet and frame, which is especially helpful in wooden cabinets.
› Unframed LifeDefender doors (CW series) are now available with pre-engineered motion control options (gas springs or dampers) to move and hold the door in its open position.
LifeDefender Cabinet Security Frames are designed to provide a solution meeting SAE, CAAS GVS, and NFPA safety standards. For more information, please visit LifeDefender by Austin Hardware®.■
About Austin Hardware & Supply, Inc.
Austin Hardware & Supply, Inc. is a wholesale distributor of specialty industrial and vehicular hardware. The company has nine locations throughout the U.S. Serving industry since 1960. Austin Hardware provides innovative hardware solutions with an extensive inventory of top-quality parts, shipped quickly, accurately, and at competitive prices, supported by experienced, professional customer service dedicated to each customer's success.
Midwest Materials Announces the Commission Multi-Million Dollar Stretch Leveling Cut to Length Line, Highlights Commitment to Innovation and Customer Satisfaction
November 3, 2021
MidWest Materials, Inc., a steel service center in Perry, Ohio, held a ceremony to mark the groundbreaking of a new Red Bud Industries Stretch Leveling Cut-To-Length line. The new line will be capable of processing material up to 0.750-inch thick by 78-inch wide and a maximum yield of by 80,000-pounds. The line incorporates the most advanced technologies currently available in the industry, including a hybrid 30-foot Stretch Leveler with a looping pit. This allows the line to operate in start/ stop mode when running thicker materials and in looping mode for 0.375-inch and thinner material. Loop mode significantly increases productivity and throughput while stretching.
The new line will also feature many high efficiency options for processing, maintenance, and packaging. The shear includes a quick-change blade feature that minimizes downtime during blade changes. The new line also includes a Continuous Stacking System, which allows virtually nonstop operation even when discharging finished bundles. When a bundle is completed, the line momentarily stops, but is quickly restarted and continues to operate while the bundle is removed.
The announcement comes on the heels of the recent announcement that MidWest Materials was awarded the 2021 Service Supplier of the Year award for the 4th time from one of the nation’s largest transportation OEMs.
CEO Brian Robbins used the groundbreaking ceremony to highlight the significant investments MidWest Materials has made to satisfy customer demand, embrace technological innovations, and increase employee retention through safety and training initiatives. In addition to the Red Bud Line, MidWest Materials has initiated a multi-million-dollar project to install new 40 tone and 15 ton cranes, new material handling devices, and upgrade existing lines with more advanced safety features (including laser light curtains and dust removal systems).
Robbins pointed out the remarkable achievements of his team, specifically production and maintenance, who worked non-stop throughout the pandemic to ensure critical supply chains for customers remained open and uninterrupted. He pointed out that in the hyper-competitive job market, doing everything possible to attract and retain talent has been a top priority. In the past quarter, MidWest Materials has invested more than 1,200 training hours to improve safety awareness, enable employee advancement, and increase overall quality. “Together, we are stronger than steel. It’s not only our motto, but also our way of life.”
MidWest Materials, Inc., is a premier steel service center serving the metals needs of leading manufacturers across North America. The company will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2022 with the completion of the multimillion-dollar expansion of its production facilities, which currently distributes Hot Rolled, Cold Rolled and Coated steel products. The warehousing and production center in Perry, Ohio also includes a state-of-the-art testing laboratory, direct rail access and a dedicated fleet of trucks. ■
Contact: Melissa Evenhiemer Tel: (440) 637-0414 Email: Melissa.evenhiemer@midwestmaterials.com
Optronics Introduces Industry’s First Multifunction Marker/ Clearance Lamps with Mini-Scene-Light Feature
The first of their kind, Optronics’ new 1 1/4-inch LED Marker/ Clearance/Scene Lights perform clearance/marker functions and provide scene lighting capabilities that illuminate a vehicle’s surroundings when it’s parked in low-light conditions.
Tulsa, Okla., USA — Optronics International, a leading manufacturer of vehicle harnesses, electronic control systems and LED lighting for the global transportation industry, introduced its new MCL16MRHAHB and MCL16MAHAHB LED Marker/Clearance/Scene Lights today. The newest members of Optronics’ MCL16 series family of lights, the unique 1 1/4inch, seven-diode, PC-rated lamps enable vehicles to meet clearance and all marker lighting regulations, but give users an extra lighting bonus. The new clear lens lamps are able to turn white when a truck or trailer is stationary, creating a bright halo of light around the vehicle perimeter.
Whether it’s a last mile delivery vehicle, a work truck, or a parked semi-trailer, when humans perform duties around them, they need adequate lighting. As winter approaches and low-light conditions encroach on work hours, the new MCL16MRHAHB and MCL16MAHAHB LED Marker/Clearance/Scene Lights can create a safer and more productive environment for workers.
Optronics is a leader in multifunction lighting that provides users with multiple combined lighting functions from a single lamp position. In recent years, the company has introduced a number of lamps with combined lighting functions. Consolidation of lamp functions reduces SKUs as well as carrying costs and also completely eliminates the need for separate lamps and for additional holes in vehicle bodies and frame structures. Combination lamps essentially offer the end user multiple LED lamps for the price of one.
“With the simple flip of a switch, our new MCL16MRHAHB and MCL16MAHAHB LED Marker/Clearance/Scene Lights can illuminate the entire periphery of a parked vehicle with bright white LED light,” Marcus Hester, chief marketing officer for Optronics International, said. “Not only will these mini scene lights help workers see potential hazards around their vehicles, but their brilliant white LED light will also help others on the road see a vehicle and those working around it.”
Both seven-diode MCL16MRHAHB and MCL16MAHAHB lights are hard wired and include separate grounding wires and both feature a pliable EPDM grommet. The lamps require only a single 1.4-inch diameter mounting hole.
Both lamps feature Optronics’ unique mini scene lighting capability. The MCL16MAHAHB lamps include a clear lens that is yellow when illuminated in marker/clearance mode, and white when illuminated as a mini scene light. The MCL16MRHAHB lamps include a clear lens that is red when illuminated in marker/clearance mode, and white when illuminated as a mini scene light.
The new lamps will interface with all popular wiring and harness systems, but for those who want to design a lighting system with the new lamps in mind, Optronics can help. Optronics USA Harness makes harness and electronic control systems for a wide variety of commercial applications, and with almost 50 years of experience in vehicle electrification, the company is very adept at customizing systems that are amazingly effective and robust.
“There are more commercial vehicles on the road than ever, and many are now working long into the evening, presenting safety challenges to fleets, owner-operators and workers alike,” Hester said. “This light replaces ID, clearance and marker lights all around the vehicle.”
The lamp’s lens and housing are made of tough polycarbonate material that is sealed and waterproof. The lamp employs a solid-state, surface-mount device (SMD) design that protects its electronics against moisture, shock and vibration. Like all LED products from Optronics, these lamps come with no-hassle, one-diode lifetime warranty protection that will replace the lamp if even one diode fails.
Optronics’ new MCL16MRHAHB and MCL16MAHAHB LED Marker/Clearance/Scene Lights will be available at the end of the first quarter of 2022.
Optronics products are available in the U.S. and Canada through the company’s extensive distribution network of more than 20,000 convenient distribution locations. Users can access individual Optronics distributor websites by simply clicking on their logo icons. For information on international sales and distribution of Optronics products, please contact Dorian Drake at +1 (914) 697-9800, or visit https://www.doriandrake.com.
To view high-resolution product images of the new MCL16CRHAHB and MCL16CAHAHB LED Marker/Clearance/ Scene Lights, please visit http://www.optronicsinc.com/ RESOURCES/ImageGalleries/MCL16SeriesDuo.aspx ■
About Optronics
As the fastest-growing vehicle lighting and harness manufacturer in the U.S., Optronics International attributes its success to delivering better value, better options and better lighting to its customers. Founded in 1972, Optronics International is a premier worldwide manufacturer and supplier of branded industrial and commercial vehicular safety lighting products and premium, custom electrical wiring harnesses for commercial vehicle applications. The company specializes in electrical system and harness design and interior and exterior LED and incandescent lighting for heavy-duty on- and off-highway vehicles, armored couriers, light-to medium-duty trailers, specialized vocational equipment, transit vehicles, RVs and marine equipment. The company’s patented USA-PLUS system provides the most advanced molded harness connections available in the market. The Optronics product catalog is among the most extensive in the industry. Optronics is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and it has an IATF 16949-certified manufacturing facility in Annan District, Tainan, Taiwan. The company also has a plant in Winnsboro, Texas, and ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturing and distribution facilities in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Goshen, Indiana. Learn more at http://www.optronicsinc.com.
Cleveland – October 2021 – Buyers Products Company, a leading manufacturer of work truck equipment, announces the appointment of Bruce Schulte to the position of Municipal Sales Manager for the East Region, effective immediately.
Schulte, who joined the Buyers team in 2019 and brings 20-plus years of commercial and municipal truck experience to the team, will report directly to Frank Dickinson, Director of Municipal Sales.
In his new role, Schulte will assist in bolstering field support for Buyers’ growing line of municipal snow and ice equipment.
As part of this realignment, Jake Weitzenecker will assume the role of District Sales Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Region (southeastern NY, NJ, DE, and MD).
“Jake’s vast knowledge and expertise in commercial truck equipment will support continued growth within the region,” said Steve Dewey, Director of Sales, East. ■ Jake Weitzenecker Bruce Schulte
About Buyers Products Company
Established in 1946, Buyers Products Company has grown to become a leading brand in the work truck industry. Buyers is a multifaceted manufacturer and distributor that specializes in durable truck boxes, heavy-duty towing equipment, hydraulics, controls, all-season trailer accessories and aftermarket replacement parts. The Buyers line of snow and ice equipment includes SnowDogg® snow plows, SaltDogg® spreaders, and ScoopDogg snow pushers. For more information, visit www.buyersproducts.com.
Tredit Tire and Wheel Announces New Location in Iowa
Elkhart, IN – December 15, 2021 – Tredit Tire and Wheel (“Tredit”) announced today that it is expanding it’s operations with a new location in Ankeny, Iowa. The location is the seventh full-scale distribution and assembly center for the company and is expected to start production in January of 2022.
“After extensive review and research about how to accommodate the growth in our markets over the past several years and for the years ahead, it became clear that a new location situated within the midwestern states had become necessary to serve our customer and operational needs.” said Andrew Wuescher, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
The new 80,000 sq. ft. Tredit location will be fitted with state-of-the-art tire and wheel assembly equipment tailored for that market’s product mix. ■ About Tredit Tire and Wheel
Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Elkhart, IN, Tredit is the leading technical innovator, importer, distributor, and assembler of tires, wheels and related accessories to trailer OEMs throughout North America, including recreational vehicle (RV), cargo, utility, marine, horse/livestock, and heavyduty equipment. With multiple locations across the United States, it is uniquely positioned to fulfill the differing local needs of its largest national customers in each of their individual markets. Tredit manages the specialized transportation and logistics aspects of increasingly complex global supply chains to ensure justin-time deliveries to its North American customers. http://www.tredittire.com.
TecNiq Introduces New 4” Round Stop, Tail, Turn, Reverse Light – Perfect Replacement for Existing 4” Standard Sizes
Galesburg, MI – December 2, 2021 – TecNiq Inc. announces their new T42 Stop, Tail, Turn, Reverse light. The T42 is a 4” round, grommet mount replacement, for any standard sized 4” round light. The T42 features (12) Red LEDs, and (4) White LEDs, which meet all FMVSS 108 requirements for wide and narrow vehicles. Available with Amp connector, or Tri-Pole connector – the T42 is designed to be a great looking light that provides Work Trucks, Heavy Duty Trailers, Light Duty Trailers, and more with a high quality, no hassle lamp. The T42 runs on a voltage range from 9-14V DC and allows customers to save time and money with a combination of functions built into one light. The T42 is IP68 rated and hermetically sealed to be dust and waterproof.
The T42 joins TecNiq’s industry leading DOT lighting catalog and gives manufacturers of commercial vehicles another option for their existing customers. In addition, it offers a 100% sealed light for any new customers utilizing these sized lights from TecNiq’s competitors.
“The creation of the T42 is a great example of TecNiq’s ability to deliver what our customers need. With current market conditions, more customers are leaning on TecNiq to help with sourcing challenges. The T42 was specifically created to help a customer continue to deliver vehicles. We constantly encourage our customers to bring forth new ideas and opportunities that we may be able to help with.
Kevin Shaffer, National Sales Manager – TecNiq Inc.
TecNiq’s T42 is available to order now, for samples and specs reach out to their sales team at www. TecNiqInc.com, or (269) 629-4440.
Features:
› Save time and money with our new combination Stop/ Tail/Turn and Reverse Light
› Fits all standard 4” round applications
› IP68 Rated - Dust and waterproof with hermetic seal
› Meets all FMVSS 108 requirements for wide and narrow vehicles
› Reliable performance over 100,000 hours
› Lifetime Warranty ■
About TecNiq, Inc.
TecNiq Inc. is an engineer owned & operated company with a strong commitment to excellence. We begin with a simple belief in offering the greatest value, the highest quality lighting solutions, and great customer care. We use the highest quality LEDs, materials, and offer market leading technologically advanced lighting solutions. From fleet vehicles, construction trailers, boats, emergency response vehicles, heavy or light duty equipment, you can expect your lights to work every time. Our goal is to exceed your product quality expectations. We feel so strongly about our commitment to quality, that we back every one of our products with a no-nonsense Lifetime Warranty.
Voyager Industries, Inc. Announces Purchase Agreement for Facility
November 24, 2021
Brandon, MN -- Voyager Industries, Inc. announces it has signed a binding purchase agreement for a 34,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility on 14 acres of land in Staples, MN. The property, formerly known as the McKechnie Tooling & Engineering building is located in the industrial park off Prairie Avenue Northwest, near the Staples airport.
Voyager Industries, headquartered in Brandon, also operates facilities in Evansville and Pine River, MN. This expansion into Staples will provide much needed space and a skilled workforce to meet the continued growth of their proprietary product lines, Bear Track Trailers™, Black Line®, Titan Deck®, Voyager Dock® and Yetti Fish House™.
“We are thankful for our hardworking and dedicated employees, customers and vendors who have helped put us in the position to be expanding. Our team is excited to join the Staples community as a premier employer, and we’re looking forward to getting to work right away” stated Gary Suckow, President and CEO. “The facility layout fits in well with our manufacturing needs and during the purchasing process we were able to put together a good plan. With relatively few changes and modifications we plan to be up and running within 4 to 6 weeks, or sooner.”
To meet the needs of the expansion, Voyager plans to immediately hire for a number of positions including aluminum welders, fabricators, and assemblers, and that’s just the start. Interested candidates can find more information at www.voyager-industries.com/careers, or by emailing at hr@voyager-industries.com.
About Voyager Industries
Voyager Industries, Inc. is a privately held company located in Brandon, MN. Proprietary brands of Voyager Industries include Yetti Fish Houses™ Voyager Dock®, Black Line®, Titan Deck®, and Bear Track Trailers™. Voyager Industries has 140+ employees, 130,000+ square feet of warehousing and manufacturing space, and four facilities located in Brandon, Evansville, and Pine River Minnesota.
Wil-Ro Focuses on Product Line Standardization, Strategic Financing Partnership, and Organizational Bench Strength to Expand Growth Nationally
Wil-Ro Records 32% Growth in Q3 2021
(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)
Gallatin, Tenn. – October 20, 2021 – Wil-Ro, Inc., a leading truck body manufacturer based in Gallatin, Tenn., marks 32 percent growth in Q3 2021 compared to the same quarter in 2020, shifts focus on product line standardization, inks a strategic financing partnership, and deepens workforce bench to support growth nationwide.
Beginning January 2022, Wil-Ro will reduce its product series suite to solely focus on its core truck bodies within the Landscape Series and Flatbed Series to streamline its production process and improve the lead times for these high-demand truck bodies.
Landscape Series:
› Standard Landscape
› Removable Dovetail Landscape
Flatbed Series:
› Freedom Flatbed
› Patriot Flatbed
› Skirted Flatbed
“We continue to experience rapid growth, and our decision to phase out our Dump Series and Platform Series is a proactive approach to strengthen our organic growth and promote new customer relationships among key markets," said Joshua J. Coster, President and Owner of Wil-Ro, Inc. “Like many other manufacturers, Wil-Ro continues to navigate external forces impacting production, including supply chain delays and steel market volatility, and we are constantly pushing to think creatively and figure out ways to stay ahead of the curve while keeping our customers happy and their businesses thriving."
Adding to its Distributor Partner benefits, Wil-Ro has teamed with Northpoint Commercial Finance to offer innovative floorplan financing options, providing dealers with the credit they need to purchase more inventory and increase profits all around. "Our Northpoint partnership facilitates a healthier revenue cycle for Wil-Ro and our growing customer base,” said Lincoln Curry, Operations Manager at Wil-Ro, Inc. “Our Distributor Partners will have greater access to capital, allowing larger volume truck body orders.”
Over the last two quarters, Wil-Ro added horsepower to its workforce across several departments, including supply chain, engineering, and culture, bringing in new leadership and promoting talent from within, reinforcing its core values and putting people first to foster an environment of excellence.
“Our brand reflects our people and our commitment to craftsmanship—from the front office to the manufacturing floor, our team is stronger than ever, and we are on pace to hit record goals in 2021,” said Ashley Freeman, Chief People Officer of Wil-Ro, Inc. “Our team capitalized on enhancing our brand awareness and community impact through local and industrylevel events, hosting our Inaugural Wil-Ro Truck Show at our factory this summer, and being a prime exhibitor at this year’s NATDA Trailer Show at the Music City Center in Nashville.”
Wil-Ro targets 25+ percent growth goals for 2021 with a sharp focus on the continued expansion of its National Distributor Network and Q4 2021/Q1 2022 plans for facility expansion at its Gallatin, Tenn.-based factory headquarters. ■
About Wil-Ro, Inc.
Crafted in America since 1973, Wil-Ro, Inc. manufactures high-quality truck bodies and trailers for landscaping, hauling, construction, equipment distribution, and farming, as well as outdoor adventure excursions. Wil-Ro's premier truck bodies and trailers come in a variety of standard models as well as custom configurations to fit the needs of customers and distributor partners nationwide.
Headquartered in Gallatin, Tennessee, Wil-Ro focuses on craftsmanship and people, fostering time-honored manufacturing processes to build the strongest, longest-lasting truck beds and trailers in the industry. Forged in the fires of the American spirit, Wil-Ro is American-made and Veteran owned. For more information, please visit wil-ro.com.
