North America Outlook - issue 14

LUXURY LIFE ON THE ROAD

TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

Celebrating a motorhome manufacturing milestone and proudly carrying the family name, Tiffin Motorhomes has built unique, distinctive RVs for half a century

Mike Castle , CEO at Alltech reveals how the company is uniting the agri-food community with science-based solutions to help ensure sustainable nutrition

“Proud to be Digital”

For over a decade, our portfolio of in-house magazines has been lovingly produced, printed, and distributed to our esteemed subscribers across the globe from our headquarters in the UK.

But now we are moving with the times, adopting a digital-first approach by producing online-only publications. A major factor in this decision is to minimize our environmental footprint, reducing the carbon emissions involved in the logistics of print magazine distribution and the resources required therein.

– Ben Weaver, CEO, Outlook Publishing Ltd

Going forward, we will provide print orders of any magazine in-line with the requests of our featured companies, subscribers, and conference & expo partners.

Please get in touch for a print-on-demand quote or visit our website to find out more.

EDITORIAL

Editorial Director: Phoebe Harper phoebe.harper@outlookpublishing.com

Senior Editor: Marcus Kääpä marcus.kaapa@outlookpublishing.com

Editor: Jack Salter jack.salter@outlookpublishing.com

Junior Editor: Ed Budds ed.budds@outlookpublishing.com

Junior Editor: Rachel Carr rachel.carr@outlookpublishing.com

PRODUCTION

Production Director: Stephen Giles steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com

Senior Designer: Devon Collins devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com

Designer: Matt Loudwell matt.loudwell@outlookpublishing.com

Junior Designer: Louisa Martin louisa.martin@outlookpublishing.com

Production Assistant: Megan Cooke megan.cooke@outlookpublishing.com

Digital Marketing Manager: Fox Tucker fox.tucker@outlookpublishing.com

Social Media Executive: Bria Clarke bria.clarke@outlookpublishing.com

BUSINESS

CEO: Ben Weaver ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com

Managing Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com

Sales Director: Nick Norris nick.norris@outlookpublishing.com

Commercial Director: Joshua Mann joshua.mann@outlookpublishing.com

REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Tom Cullum tom.cullum@outlookpublishing.com

PROJECT MANAGERS

Felix Revell felix.revell@outlookpublishing.com

Lauren Robinson lauren.robinson@outlookpublishing.com

Louis Locke louis.locke@outlookpublishing.com

Olando Greenock olando.greenock@outlookpublishing.com

HEADS OF PROJECTS

Callam Waller callam.waller@outlookpublishing.com

David Knott david.knott@outlookpublishing.com

Deane Anderton deane.anderton@outlookpublishing.com

Eddie Clinton eddie.clinton@outlookpublishing.com

Ryan Gray ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Thomas Arnold thomas.arnold@outlookpublishing.com

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Marvin Iseghehi marvin.Iseghehi@outlookpublishing.com

SALES & PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER

Donovan Smith donovan.smith@outlookpublishing.com

SALES MANAGERS

Alfie Wilson alfie.wilson@outlookpublishing.com

Krisha Canlas krisha.canlas@outlookpublishing.com

ADMINISTRATION

Finance Director: Suzanne Welsh suzanne.welsh@outlookpublishing.com

Finance Assistant: Suzie Kittle suzie.kittle@outlookpublishing.com

phoebe.harper@outlookpublishing.com www.northamericaoutlookmag.com

The Open Road

The art of the road trip is a quintessentially American phenomenon. After all, who can dispute the allure of the Great Outdoors combined with the creature comforts of a home away from home?

For recreational vehicle (RV) enthusiasts across the nation, motorhome ownership is not just an asset, but rather a way of life.

Our final issue of the year shines a light on Tiffin Motorhomes, the manufacturer of luxury RVs celebrating 50 years in the business. In an exclusive in-depth conversation commemorating the company’s motoring milestone, we explore how being family-owned and operated makes all the difference with grandfather and grandson duo, Bob and Leigh Tiffin.

“Not many companies make it to 50 years, but we’ve been really fortunate and we’re now looking towards the next 50!”, says Bob Tiffin, Tiffin Motorhomes’ Founder and CEO.

“We have really put our stake in the ground around building beautiful, luxury RVs, particularly Class A motorhomes and Class A diesel pushers, which is what we are known for,” adds his grandson, Leigh.

Elsewhere, our spotlight features take a dive into the North American mining sector, foregrounding two industry associations facing different hurdles whilst confronting the uncertain road ahead.

As the Québec Mining Association advances the region’s status as a responsible source for critical minerals with a dedicated battery strategy to drive the electrification agenda, the state of Wyoming continues to advocate for the inescapable necessity of coal mining in the US energy landscape despite prohibitive federal legislation.

Discover insight from a host of companies across myriad sectors to learn of the journeys they are on today, to both protect and influence our tomorrow – from global industrial packaging specialist Greif, to Alltech, the sciencebased solutions provider ensuring sustainable nutrition for the global population.

Thank you for reading and to all who have participated in our magazines throughout 2022. We hope that you enjoy this issue and Happy Holidays!

Phoebe Harper

Editorial Director, Outlook Publishing

SUSTAINABILITY

BLOW A FUSE, GO NUCLEAR

SCIENTISTS IN THE US have discovered a major breakthrough in nuclear fusion after physicists pursued the technology for decades.

The $3.5 billion experiment took place at the National Ignition Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California, but the main hurdle is to get costs down and scale up the energy output.

Crucially, nuclear fusion does not contribute to climate change, as it produces lesser amounts of shortlived radioactive waste, with far more energy. Although there is a long way to go before it powers homes, it is a step closer to a fusion future.

WEST IS NO LONGER BEST

AMERICA’S BUSIEST PORT is now on the East Coast after the US supply chain was rerouted to New York in a bid to receive shipments for consumers faster and cheaper.

Los Angeles has been the busiest container port in North America for 22 years, moving around 10 million

cargo containers, but for the past three months, the port of New York and New Jersey has been number one, which is a huge economic loss to the state of California.

Presently, 85 percent of the cargo vessels that were bound for Los Angeles are at the East Coast port.

AEROSPACE DELTA DOES BETA

THE US AIRLINE industry is making a healthy comeback after an unprofitable 2020 when Delta Airlines (Delta) reported a record loss.

As the demand for travel is predicted to grow in 2023, Delta expects its earnings to double to as much as $6 per share with cash flow

likely to increase from $2 billion next year to more than $4 billion in 2024.

Profits are aided by passengers’ willingness to pay more for fares, which helps combat increased fuel costs. Delta has raised its Q4 earnings forecast as it expects the total revenue to come in eight percent higher than pre-pandemic levels of Q4 2019.

TECHNOLOGY

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

APPLE IS LAUNCHING

Advanced Data Protection, an endto-end encryption setting for iCloud. The software updates have just been released for iPhone, iPad, and Macs which will help keep information that is stored on the company’s servers even more private.

The key for back-ups only exists on devices, not in Apple’s data centers. For the first time ever Apple Photos, Notes, and iCloud, including iMessage conversations can be encrypted.

ECONOMY

CENTRAL BANK RATE INCREASE

INTEREST RATES ARE currently at their highest level since 2007 as the Federal Reserve (FED) has imposed an increase in an effort to lower inflation.

The US Central Bank increased rates from 4.25 to 4.5 percent, which

The update is good news for Apple users, but it has caused friction between the company and the FBI, as even with a warrant, law enforcement is not allowed to have access to the information.

RETAIL

HAPPY THRIFTMAS!

CANADIAN RETAIL SALES are expected to grow by 5.7 percent this holiday season compared to last year.

The average Canadian household spends CAD$1,308 on gifts, however, there are a growing number of families who want to avoid waste by sourcing Christmas decorations and embracing second-hand gifts from Santa.

is less than the four previous hikes of 0.75 percentage points, indicating the FED is slowing down its fight against inflation.

The rise will make goods even costlier for consumers as businesses try to maintain profit margins, and it means even more expensive borrowing for mortgage holders and those with credit card debt.

Environmentally minded Canadians are reining in their spending this year and resisting the urge to splurge as household waste goes up by 25 percent during the festivities. Zero Waste Canada reported that the planet cannot sustain the ‘shop ‘til we drop’ mentality.

MINING AN ENDANGERED WILDFLOWER is disrupting plans for a proposed mining and mineral exploration in Reno, Nevada. The high-desert ridge is the only place the flower is known to exist, but it is also the site where a lithium mine is planned to help meet the growing demand for electric car batteries.

FLOWER WILTS PLANS FOR LITHIUM MINE

The Tiehm’s buckwheat is standing in the way of President Biden’s green energy agenda, as the plan is to combat climate change through an accelerated transition from fossil fuels to renewables.

Australian mining company, Ioneer, has proposed a 1,000 foot-deep open-pit lithium mine at Rhyolite Ridge, but its development would destroy the plant’s sole habitat.

SMART WAREHOUSING

on the future of automated warehouses

Written by: Heico Sandee, CTO and founder at Smart Robotics

Recent global events have ushered in a new consumer culture of online shopping across the US and whilst the logistics industry has mostly adapted to accommodate the boom in online retail and demand for e-commerce, it has also experienced multiple roadblocks in adjusting for the future. However, with new technologies becoming more freely available, smart warehousing is a viable option for logistics to keep pace with demand from the e-commerce industry.

The U.S. Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce set the estimate of US e-commerce sales for the second quarter of 2022, adjusted for seasonal variation, but not for price changes, at USD 257.3 billion - an increase of 2.7 percent from the first quarter of 2022. However, despite the industry’s exponential growththe warehouse sector is quite late to automation and is now looking at a rapid transition to modern processes - in a bid to ensure the smooth flow of operations across logistics for e-commerce. If transformation in logistics is not taken seriously, the growth of e-commerce could result in a host of ongoing challenges for logistics to manage capacity and demand.

As reported by Notified, “...the global Warehouse Automation Market

accounted for USD 18,937 million in 2021 and is estimated to reach USD 64,639 million by 2030, with a significant CAGR of 14.8 percent from 2022 to 2030.” These statistics indicate that transformation is greatly needed since the efficiency of piece picking in warehouses plays a key role in creating a frictionless course for the logistics to follow.

The surge in demand for e-commerce warehouse and distribution services also raised the question of to which extent the persisting labor shortage in logistics would impact effective supply chain management. Whilst keeping up with consumer demand became a greater priority than ever before, the influx of online shoppers led to serious pain points of transformation within warehouse automation.

Parcel sorting and distribution plays an integral role in efficient service delivery. In preparation for a future where e-commerce reigns supreme, logistics has to reshuffle existing processing and delivery systems to get goods out on time and deliver on the increasingly high expectations of consumers.

Smart warehousing is taking root. Smart warehousing refers to the instalment of robots, cobots and computerized systems in warehouses to complete common warehouse

operations which were previously performed by people. Not only does smart warehousing allow for greater capacity and efficiency in the warehouse, the labor shortage is largely mitigated.

THE SHIFT TOWARDS SMART WAREHOUSING

We’ve experienced a surging adoption of automated processes across the warehousing sector. One driver hereof is the inability of human capacity to keep up with small batch order sorting. The vast number of parcels entering and exiting warehouses each day, let alone the ever-growing e-commerce sales, makes relying on human performance impractical in terms of system efficiency. This has had its share of influence in the shift towards smart warehousing.

THE ADOPTION OF COBOTS

A “cobot” is a smaller, safe to be around, robot. The term “cobot” is short for “collaborative robot”. In warehouses, cobots don’t need to be fenced off, or isolated from human contact - as with traditional industrial machinery, people can directly interact with the cobot. Cobots are designed with the intention to engage in a shared space, integrating with environments where robots and people operate in close proximity. In

Heico Sandee, Chief Technology Officer and Founder at Smart Robotics explores the influence of e-commerce

a bid to increase efficiency, optimize speed and to reduce errors, cobots were developed to fulfil activities such as picking, packing, and palletizing.

ASSISTANCE FROM ROBOTIC SOLUTIONS

Automated picking and sorting designs can commonly be seen in the shape of robotic arms that can handle parcels with the same motions as people, but in greater capacity and with more accuracy. The human labor element is removed from item sorting and stacking, leading to less injuries and faster processing. Robotised help also enables faster return on investment, since processing rates are much greater than what human performance allows for.

Take note, if e-commerce wants to increase productivity and harness the full potential of automation in the warehouse - a clear end-to-end strategy is needed. This will ensure a frictionless experience across the multiple activities involved in the logistics process.

SMALL BATCH ORDER SORTING

Warehouses no longer exist to process bulk orders. With the shift to automation and robotics, orders can now be processed in small batches more easily. Single item processing is also made more economical. Small

batch order sorting can partially be credited to e-commerce promising a convenient shopping experience to their customers.

Picking, sorting and shipping items in small volumes from warehouses to their next destination requires meticulous planning to get right - due to the sheer volume of packages entering and leaving the warehouse. Warehouse solutions, such as automated item pick and place, is therefore a valuable investment to make in ensuring warehouse inventory and mobility can manage the volumes and frequencies against which small batch sorting is conducted.

HOW AUTOMATION IS RESHAPING THE WAREHOUSING SECTOR

Despite the roadblocks, automation in warehouses has a positive spillover effect. A combination of just a few pieces of smart technology can greatly improve productivity, resource usage and eliminate human error. Yet, a certain level of human oversight is needed to ensure that smart systems operate as they should.

The benefit of automation is that it could allow warehouse employees to focus their attention towards higherpriority tasks, instead of spending energy on physically straining and

repetitive tasks, such as parcel picking. However, with intelligent designs in robotics becoming more sophisticated, the future of robotics in the warehouse could very possibly be autonomous.

In conclusion, America’s reliance on e-commerce to deliver frictionless order and delivery experiences has created the fast-growing demand for greater capacity and faster responses in warehouses.

In due diligence, the warehousing sector needs to optimize to meet the standards of smarter warehouses - to keep up with an ever-growing industry.

ABOUT THE EXPERT

Smart Robotics Founder and CTO, Heico Sandee, holds a PhD degree and previously acted as program manager for robotics at Eindhoven University of Technology. With more than 15 years of experience in robotics development, Heico now leads Smart Robotics in developing intelligent, robot-independent software for flexible deployment of automated solutions.

THE FULL PACKAGE

Greif is a global force when it comes to packaging solutions. Patrick Mullaney - Group President of Global Industrial Packaging at Greif - shares what makes the company stand out from its competitors; an unyielding commitment to meeting market needs and delivering outstanding customer service as they strive for sustainability through their circular economy approach

Writer: Phoebe Harper

Patrick Mullaney

Almost every product in the world relies on some form of packaging to reach its final destination. At the vanguard of industrial packaging solutions, Greif stands out as a world leader.

Since its inception in Delaware, Ohio 145 years ago, Greif’s vast footprint has grown to encompass over 12,500 employees spread across 37 countries and over 222 operations. Its business is split into two areas –Global Industrial Packaging (GIP) and Paper Packaging Services (PPS). While PPS is founded exclusively on paper-based products, GIP covers an expansive variety of packaging solutions, including steel drums,

corrugated sheets, and intermediate bulk containers (IBC).

As Group President of GIP, Patrick Mullaney oversees a side of business which is far more global in its outreach compared to the North Americacentric PPS.

“Greif is entirely driven by our market’s needs,” he opens. “We use the needs and demands of our markets as input into how we structure our business.”

For Mullaney, Greif’s vast and wideranging selection of products across all segments of the business and the markets that it serves, are testament to its entirely market-led approach. These markets range from food and beverage packaging to commodity chemicals, health and beauty, to waste and nuclear.

“Whatever we decide to do must have a positive impact in meeting those market needs,” he continues.

Through this versatility and receptiveness to offering the packaging solutions that enable companies to meet their needs, Greif maintains a close and astute connection to the market. For Mullaney, this is one of the three overarching tenets guiding Greif forwards.

“Our operations are led by number one - safety, number two - quality, and thirdly, by the market.”

PRIDE IN PEOPLE

Greif retains the people-centric heritage of its strong family background, after it was founded by the Dempseys over a century ago.

Today, the company preserves a close and communicative connection both with the people behind the business, and of course, with its customers.

“We are always keeping in touch with customers. We undertake frequent surveys and we are currently on the 12th review of our net promoter score (NPS),” shares Mullaney.

As a key metric in determining the

reliability of a certain company and the customer loyalty that it attracts, an NPS of 55 is considered a best-inclass result. At Greif’s latest review, the company scored 65.

“We are extremely well connected, to ensure we’re never underperforming, and always communicating and delivering. Listening to the customer is one thing, and doing is another,” he says.

This commitment is embodied by the company’s vision – to be the best performing customer service company in the world. Previously, this gambit included ‘within industrial packaging’, but this was soon dropped as part of Greif’s ambition to simply be the best customer service company, period.

“We have a huge emphasis on customer service in our organization, which feeds into our product range and how we go about serving our markets,” expands Mullaney.

“Within our PPS business in North America, we’re not quite on the Amazon scale, but we have a vast footprint of locations, collection points and distribution points. You’re never too far away from a great PPS!”

However for Greif, the true backbone of this enterprise are the world-class technical experts and high-performing customer service team behind the operations, with the NPS representing the ultimate barometer of its successes in this area.

SAFEGUARDING

SUSTAINABILITY

Greif leverages its combined strengths to continually advance a sustainability commitment centered on ‘packaging sustainably together’.

“Recycling is obviously a hot topic these days and it’s getting more profile now than ever before,” observes Mullaney.

“We place significant focus on protecting the planet, and we’re looking to grow within the circular economy.”

This is an area that Greif continues to develop in collaboration with various stakeholders, in order to divert used packaging from landfills, preserve resources and reduce the use of virgin materials.

Across both GIP and PPS, recycling is an integral component and a major focus of future development.

“We recover a lot of paperbased packaging from the market. For instance, if you throw out the packaging from your Amazon transit, it gets bailed up, and put at the end of sidewalks across the US. We collect that and transport it to our collection centers to be recycled into the next iteration of the packaging,” Mullaney explains.

Within GIP, multi-use IBCs and steel drums are great examples of formerly single-use products that are now being re-used. In addition, the company uses recycled plastic in its drums.

“Sustainability is the hardest issue in the market right now, since I think people need to realize that there is always a cost associated with it. But at Greif, we focus on looking at the longterm,” he adds.

GOING FOR GROWTH

Looking to the years ahead, Greif has a robust acquisition pipeline that will

“YOU HAVE GOT TO BE OPERATING IN THE RIGHT MARKETS AND FOCUSING ON SERVING THE CUSTOMER’S NEEDS”

– PATRICK MULLANEY - GROUP PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING, GREIF

Greif building in the 1900s

fuel future growth.

“We will continue to invest and build out our footprints. We’re doing that both organically, through acquisitions and also through joint ventures (JVs),” outlines Mullaney.

In the wake of COVID-19, when packaging needs rose to the fore along with pressing supply chain issues, Greif’s robust and reliable supply chain reach will continue to prove indispensable.

For Mullaney, Greif’s priorities are encapsulated by a four-pillar pipeline, founded on developing thriving communities where staff feel safe

and engaged, building legendary customer service, protecting its future through innovation in sustainability, and finally, by ensuring financial strength.

“If you have those first three core commitments in place, the fourth one has a strong chance of success. You have got to be operating in the right markets and focusing on serving the customer’s needs,” he concludes.

Led by these solid priorities, Greif is guaranteed a competitive and prosperous future on the global stage of industrial packaging.

www.greif.com

Steel drum worker

Writer: Jack Salter

Veganism and plant-based diets have been growing at pace in recent years, with an increase in the number of people around the world consuming meat-free food.

The US is no exception as more Americans than ever are looking to incorporate plant-based products into their diet, with an estimated two percent of the population now adopting a vegan lifestyle.

Given many in the country continue

to struggle with issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, it’s no surprise that healthier alternatives to the typical American diet are highly sought after.

What’s more, following a plantbased diet is not only associated with a number of potential health benefits, such as lowering the risk of heart disease and cancer, but also improved animal welfare and a reduced environmental footprint.

Having successfully launched throughout Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific, Future Farm entered the US’ burgeoning plantbased market in 2021.

We speak to Clare Perez, Marketing Director, Global & North America, to find out more about the fast-growing Brazilian plant-based brand and its strategic expansion.

North America Outlook (NA): Firstly, could you briefly introduce us to Future Farm and the company’s vision and mission?

Clare Perez, Marketing Director, Global & North America (CP): Future Farm is a plant-based natural food and lifestyle brand. We were founded in 2019 in Brazil by two entrepreneurs who envisioned a world where people would eat plants, not animals - not a small feat in one of the heaviest

meat consuming countries on Earth, and where the plant-based category had not even started. Fast forward three years and we are in over 30 countries with a successful formula of delicious products with remarkable taste and texture, healthy and clean label ingredients, affordable pricing to democratize the category, and a fun, irreverent brand that people want to be part of. This is our secret sauce to achieving our company mission of changing the way the world eats.

eyes of the market - you’ll be seeing our product and our brand in a lot of places!

NA: Could you tell us more about Future Farm’s recent launch at Amazon Fresh – why was this a strategic move for the company?

this be a major area of focus for the company looking ahead?

CP: We launched in the US with e-commerce only and will definitely continue to focus here. Our target consumers are Gen Z and Millennials; e-commerce grocery is a way of life for these demographics, so we need to be where they are.

NA: Finally, what’s next for Future Farms in the US?

CP: So much! We’ll be announcing a big restaurant/ brand partner soon, and we’re kicking off a New York City menu series this fall where we partner with

NA: How has Future Farm’s entrance into the US market been since its introduction in 2021?

CP: The US is a different ballgame than just about anywhere else - the plant-based category is much more developed than in other parts of the world, the competition is stiff with several strong market leaders, the vast geography makes distribution very complex, and so on. Our approach for the past few months has been to plant seeds with strategic vegan e-commerce partners while building relationships with larger retail and foodservice outlets; similarly, we started small with our marketing but now are ramping up investment to really go big in a few select markets. I think the rest of the year and the start of 2023 will be our true “launch” in the

CP: Amazon Fresh is such an exciting launch for us and is a strategic move both from a distribution point of view and a brand perspective. In one fell swoop, we are available across the country, whereas the long game of building distribution with brick and mortar retailers can mean that it takes years to achieve this same reach. Plus, you have greater ability to tell your brand story in this channel – you can attract people to your brand through your content, your partnerships, your real-world presence and then help them get it to their front door. It puts pressure on us to develop a relationship with the consumer and help him or her discover the brand, but then it’s increasingly sticky because ‘add to cart’ is so easy and convenient for the user.

NA: What role has e-commerce played in the brand’s journey? Will

really exciting chefs in the city for limited-time offer menu items. We’re doing a three-month pop up at Vegan Market by PlantX in Venice, CA, and we’re finalizing a series of sampling activations throughout the country. We’ll also be doing some virtual sampling with our e-commerce partners like Amazon Fresh, GTFO It’s Vegan, Foodservice Direct, and PlantX.

RAISING THE BAR

Spearheading the forefront of innovative engineering solutions in the maritime industry, we speak with John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies

Writer: Ed Budds

BAR Technologies’ (BAR) heritage lies in the former British America’s Cup Team, Ben Ainslie Racing.

Launched in 2017, the company stems from decades of experience at the highest level of competition, with expertise now covering naval architecture, design optimization, computational fluid dynamics, and performance simulation and analysis. This is as well as developing industryleading mastery of control system software design, structural analysis, mechanical, composite and detail design and project supply and supply chain management.

BAR’s mission is to capitalize on this wealth of expertise and transition to the forefront of innovative engineering solutions in three major maritime areas: shipping, workboats and commercial vessels, and leisure marine and yachts.

We delve deeper with John Cooper, CEO of BAR, and discover what the future holds for the exciting and increasingly influential company.

The 30m ProA reduces vertical accelerations by between 35 percent and 70 percent, is between 30 percent and 50 percent more fuel efficient, and therefore produces far less GHG if using similar propulsion methods

lowering carbon emissions in the process.

BAR is committed to improving the sustainability of the maritime industry in terms of social, environmental and economic impact. As a key player in

NA: You recently attended the International Workboat Show in New Orleans, could you tell us about this exciting event?

efficient and ensure passengers travel in comfort without motion sickness, which can affect the ability to work on project sites. The BARTech 30’s main hull design, combined with its swath-style outrigger and active

WindWings by Yaramarine Technologies

“WE ARE NOW FULLY OPERATIONAL IN THE UK AND THE US SEEMS LIKE A NATURAL NEXT STEP FOR THE USE OF OUR INNOVATIONS”

– JOHN COOPER, CEO, BAR TECHNOLOGIES

BARTech

foiling systems, increases the stability of the vessel and reduces its fuel burn, cutting total emissions by 30 percent.

NA: The BARTech 30 is scheduled to begin manufacturing in the US next year, what impacts will this exciting development bring?

JC: Deploying our technology to the US offshore wind market is a great milestone in the company’s development and mission.

BAR originally entered this market to incorporate the broad knowledge of naval architecture, simulation and patented IP into a superior crew transfer vessel for taking technicians to work on wind turbines. The aim is to improve seakeeping and to help make a green energy sector even greener by dramatically reducing fuel requirements.

We are now fully operational in the UK and the US seems like a natural next step for the use of our

innovations.

As the first Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) serving offshore wind farms, the unique hull design and active foiling system increase performance and reduce fuel consumption by up to 50 percent compared to a traditional 24-meter catamaran.

Seakeeping and onboard comfort may seem like a strange priority with regards to a wind farm operation, but they are key elements to enable technicians to carry out assignments in a more stable and comfortable environment. Seasickness in offshore engineers can cost a lot of money if teams need to be brought back to shore unable to have completed their activities.

NA: What other projects do you plan to launch in the US for 2023?

JC: All our innovations are scalable to any international market outside

of the UK, and it’s our vision to offer our carbon reduction technologies to global markets.

In the US, our priority will be the manufacturing and delivery of BARTech 30 vessels to the offshore wind industry.

Additionally, as a consequence of the global Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) regulations coming into force in January 2023, we’ve also seen significant interest from major US lenders, investors and financiers in the shipping industry - all are looking at how they can ‘green’ existing fleets by retrofitting WindWings and new alternative fuels to avoid stranded assets.

We will also be finishing the sea trials of an all-electric foiling leisure boat. This will have the longest range of any electric boat in the market.

Tell us your story, and we’ll tell the world

North America Outlook, Africa Outlook, APAC Outlook, and EME Outlook are digital and print publications aimed at boardroom and hands-on decision-makers, reaching an audience of more than 800,000 people around the world; spanning the full range of industrial sectors.

With original and exclusive content compiled by our experienced editorial team, we look to promote the latest in engaging news, industry trends and success stories from across the globe.

Your company can join the leading industry heavyweights enjoying the free exposure we provide across our platforms with a free marketing brochure, extensive social media saturation, enhanced B2B networking opportunities, and a readymade forum to attract new investment and to help you grow your business.

Visit www.outlookpublishing.com/get-involved for details on how your company can feature for free in one of our upcoming editions.

www.outlookpublishing.com/get-involved

MINING OUTLOOK LIVE

Building on the global success of our regional titles – North America Outlook, Africa Outlook, APAC Outlook, and EME Outlook – Outlook Publishing is proud to be launching a dedicated platform for the Mining & Resources sector.

As mining organizations worldwide confront unprecedented change, embracing technological innovations and incorporating critical environmental sustainability agendas, now more than ever is the time to showcase the strides being taken in this dynamic sector.

A multi-channel brand, Mining Outlook will bring you the positive developments driven by organizations across the global mining industry through our various platforms. Discover exclusive content distributed through our website, online magazine*, social media channels, and dispatches delivered straight to your inbox with a bi-weekly newsletter.

Through this compelling new venture, we intend to foreground the movers and shakers of the industry. To participate as a featured company and join us in this exciting endeavor, contact one of our Project Managers today.

www.mining-outlook.com

SPOTLIGHT ON MINING IN WYOMING

Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Krisha Canlas

The state of Wyoming is the powerhouse of the North American mining sector.

Blessed with a unique geology and a wealth of diverse mineral deposits, Wyoming produces raw materials for industry, energy development and a host of other sectors. Indeed, it was the potential of its vast mineral resources that led to Wyoming’s original successful campaign to gain individual statehood in the 19th century. Today, the mining industry accounts for 30 percent of annual state budget revenue.

As North America’s largest coal producer, Wyoming contributes approximately 40 percent of the nation’s coal.

However, in the current environmental context and the overwhelmingly negative perceptions surrounding the resource, federal legislation is placing this critical industry under threat.

In addition, Wyoming stands out as the leading producer of both trona – processed into natural soda ash and the state’s top international export – and bentonite. Otherwise known as ‘miracle mud’, due to its host of applications, bentonite finds myriad uses in everything from cosmetics to environmental sealants, and is primarily used as the clumping component in cat litter. Both are considered steady industries that are unlikely to diminish in relevance

We dig deep into the fraught context of the North American mining industry and the quandary facing Wyoming as the nation’s largest coal producer

and importance.

Despite the complications facing the state’s coal mining industry, unlocking the full potential of Wyoming’s unearthed resources will be instrumental in driving a renewable, low-emission future.

The US currently relies on nuclear generation for about 20 percent of its energy, and Wyoming represents the leading domestic producer of uranium. But the industry’s heyday of the 1970s is long gone. At that time, Wyoming produced 10 million lbs of uranium a year and the industry employed 5,000 people; today those figures have plummeted to an almost non-recordable level. With

nuclear holding the key to emission-free energy, and environmentally-friendly mining techniques now available using well-fields and pumping techniques, the industry is poised for a comeback.

Similarly, Wyoming boasts significant potential in rare earth minerals – the mining of which is fundamental to the development of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy. The state hosts many companies currently undergoing exploration and development in this future-facing field.

Amidst fraught geopolitical tensions and the imbalance of markets towards China and Russia, the answer for Wyoming, and indeed the US, lies in domestic production.

Trona Mining: Underground Miner, Southwest Wyoming

INTERVIEW: WYOMING MINING ASSOCIATION (WMA)

rare earth elements and minerals, as well as gold.

Travis Deti Executive Director

North America Outlook (NA): Tell us about WMA’s inception – how did it come about and what is its vision?

Travis Deti, Executive Director (TD): The Wyoming Mining Association (WMA) is the state-wide trade organization representing all of Wyoming’s mining companies, excluding oil and gas. We represent the state’s coal and uranium mining companies, and the industrial minerals of bentonite and trona. We are the nation’s leading producer in all four of those categories. We also represent companies that are currently in the exploration and development phase for

Our association is 65 years old, and we are a strong advocacy group for the industry in the state of Wyoming. I have been with WMA for 12 years and leading the organization for the past five. Our goal is advocacy for Wyoming’s mining industry, and we work very closely with our state legislature and our elected officials, the governor’s office and state regulators, as well as the Wyoming congressional delegation to promote and defend it.

Wyoming is a state that is reliant on extraction. The critical revenue generated from mining supports our state and local governments, it funds our education system, and builds our highways and roads. Therefore, we remind our elected officials of the importance of keeping and defending a strong mining industry so that we can continue to run our state.

NA: Could you describe the current industry climate?

TD: We are facing some interesting times right now. At a federal level, extraction, of coal in particular, is not looked upon favorably and the government is actively pursuing measures to keep some of our materials in the ground. In all honesty, it’s tough right now in Wyoming, but the bottom

Travis Deti, Executive Director of WMA unpacks the challenges facing the organization today and future objectives in the face of a prohibitive legislative climate

Trona Mining: Soda Ash Processing Facility, Southwest Wyoming

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line is we need our resources, and to keep developing them.

Today, we find our largest challenge in the coal industry. As the top producer in the US, coal has traditionally been a bedrock fuel for energy production and electricity generation, and we’d like to see it stay in that mix. However, at a federal level, President Biden has made no secret of his plans to shut down all coal plants in the country and replace them with wind and solar. We fundamentally disagree with that approach, but current policy coming from Washington DC is based on keeping that resource in the ground. That’s very troubling for us, and we’re going to fight hard to continue to push our message that coal-fired generation is essential for the US. It is reliable, affordable, and an abundant resource.

On the other hand, Wyoming has plenty of opportunities in other sectors that have risen to the fore with today’s debate on climate change and global events such as the situation in Ukraine and Russia. In terms of nuclear power, we are the top domestic producer of uranium in the US, and that has been an extremely challenging environment recently. Countries such as China, Russia and Kazakhstan have flooded the market with cheap uranium and made it non-economical to produce it in the US. However, I believe that will change with the events currently taking place across the world.

If we are going to continue to have a viable nuclear generation industry, we have to start looking internally at our fuel supplies for domestic uranium. That will benefit the state of Wyoming and we’re already seeing that start to come to fruition. With global climate change and carbon dioxide emissions issues, nuclear energy really is the silver bullet. There is a lot of opportunity for Wyoming in that area - we have companies on the ground, operations in place, and we just need to follow through on it and start producing uranium domestically.

On the industrial mineral side, our natural soda ash industry is one of tremendous growth and a key economic driver. It’s very much in demand and we are seeing the trona industry expand in Wyoming. We currently produce roughly 24,000 tonnes of soda ash per year, and we expect

“WE REMIND OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING AND DEFENDING A STRONG MINING INDUSTRY SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO RUN OUR STATE”

– TRAVIS DETI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WMA

Coal mining: Dragline Operator, Powder River Basin in northeast Wyoming

Uranium mining: drilling with windmills in central Wyoming

Bentonite mining: pet litter processing facility, northeast Wyoming

Bentoninte mining: Big Horn Basin in northwest Wyoming

that to increase. Our competition is mainly synthetic soda ash produced in China, however our markets are strong and we see a lot of opportunity to grow that industry in Wyoming.

Meanwhile, bentonite is unique to Wyoming and again, we are the top producer in the country. The clay of 1,000 uses, we see that industry as steady since it is an incredibly versatile and valuable resource.

Other opportunities are found in the global shift to EVs and renewables – both of which require a lot of rare earth minerals. We have one of the richest deposits of rare earth minerals in North America and we’re working on developing that. Currently, China controls about 97 percent of the global market for that industry. The US has been completely off the playing field in that sector, so we are working on building it from scratch. There is a huge opportunity out there for battery technology and expanding renewable capabilities, and you need those minerals to make it happen. The opportunity in Wyoming is tremendous right now.

Overarching everything is a major challenge which is not unique to Wyoming. It takes a lot of time to develop a new mining operation and that’s mostly due to the regulatory and permitting regimen that we must deal with both at state and federal level. The hoops that you must go through to permit and get a new mine operational are crippling. The good part is that eyes are opening in Congress, and people are gradually recognizing that we need to streamline the process and make it more efficient.

NA: Has the association got any projects in the pipeline that you wish to highlight?

TD: Working very closely with our state regulatory agencies is an ongoing event – our operating sectors meet regularly with regulators to discuss where we can make effective changes in our state regulatory regimen to make our process more effective. It is in the best interests at state level to work together so that we can continue to produce, since production equals jobs and revenue. At a federal

level, we are closely in touch with our state congressional delegation to make sure our voice is heard at the table and our issues are front and center, with the goal to boost production.

NA: Finally, are you optimistic about the future of the mining sector in Wyoming?

TD: I’m always optimistic. The fact of the matter is, the US does production better than the rest of the world. Our mining operations are by far the safest and we treat our workers right. We are conscious of our environment, and that is why our regulatory regimen is so strict, because we value our land and human rights. It does make things more challenging, but rightly so. It’s a balancing act, but the bottom line is that if you want to live the American lifestyle with the level of energy that you expect when you flick a light switch on, it comes at a price. And that is domestic production.

Tel: 307-635-0331 WMA@wyomingmining.org www.wyomingmining.org

QUÉBEC MINING SPOTLIGHT

Avast region spanning over one-sixth of Canada’s total land area, the eastern province of Québec is blessed with a diverse bounty of mineral resources. Indeed, the area provides one-fifth of Canada’s entire mining output.

Gold, nickel, and iron ore stand out as some of its most significant resources, however, Québec is now playing an increasingly important role in the mining of critical minerals, including graphite, lithium, rare earths, zinc and apatite, with very advanced projects in graphite and lithium.

As a mature sector, Québec’s mining industry is wellreputed for its world-class best practices, particularly with regards to health and safety, and its burgeoning recognition as a diverse and inclusive field of employment. Indeed, within the past decade, Québec’s mining workforce has significantly increased its representation of both women and Indigenous communities. Between 2014 and 2020, the number of direct jobs held by each demographic within the industry increased by 42 percent and 69 percent respectively.

Inside the resource-rich territory poised to advance the energy transition with world-class mining practices

Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Krisha Canlas

Combining its diverse mineral wealth with environmental awareness and social responsibility, Québec continues to prove its status on the global mining stage as a responsible mineral source. In terms of renewable energy, the sector is heavily reliant on hydroelectricity, and thanks to its continued foray into critical minerals, it will be integral in driving the energy transition and growing a domestic battery storage industry. The sector today is a hive of activity, with a multitude of innovative projects underway to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, preserve

biodiversity, regenerate wastewater, and restore tailings sites and former mines. Currently, there are multiple mining projects in development across the region, encompassing 17 new gold mines, four new iron ore mines and 14 new projects for critical minerals.

With the government actively advancing a responsible mining agenda through the implementation of a battery strategy designed to boost both demand and investment, Québec’s mining sector is poised to energize Canada’s future.

PHOTO ©MATHIEU DUPUIS

INTERVIEW: QUÉBEC MINING ASSOCIATION (QMA)

Josée Méthot President and CEO

North America Outlook (NA): Can you talk us through the origins of the QMA, how it came about, and its initial vision?

Josée Méthot, President and CEO (JM): The QMA was created 86 years ago. The very first general meeting that gave birth to the QMA, formerly called the “Western Québec Mine Managers Association”, was held on 19th August 1936 with the specific goal of helping to reduce the frequency of accidents in mines. The health and safety of workers was the first and major concern of this new organization, and this is now firmly anchored within companies at every level.

JM: Over the past 86 years, in addition to health and safety, the QMA has evolved by integrating the concepts that are now essential to mining development, namely the protection of the environment, the development of harmonious community relations, human resources, good governance and innovation.

Our mission now is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec. The QMA’s vision is to be a leader and an indisputable reference for a responsible, innovative and competitive mining industry in Québec, within a sustainable development perspective.

The criteria of environmental, social and governance (ESG) are now essential in the mining sector. For this reason, all mining companies in Québec that are members of the QMA are required to join the ongoing improvement initiative known as Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM). This sustainable development program has earned a worldwide reputation and helps companies manage key ESG risks by applying practices that go beyond the legislative and regulatory requirements.

Québec has seen a multitude of innovative projects designed to significantly reduce GHG emissions, preserve biodiversity, regenerate wastewater, and restore tailings sites and former mines.

NA: How has the QMA developed since its inception?

An association born from the need to improve safety in the mines, the QMA is now advancing Québec’s responsible mining agenda. President and CEO, Josée Méthot tells us more

PHOTO ©MATHIEU DUPUIS

JM: Québec has a great variety of minerals. With our use of clean energy (hydropower) and strong regulations regarding environmental protection and our social practices in relation to local communities, in conjunction with the industry’s social and environmental practices, Québec may take its place as a responsible source of minerals.

Québec’s public policies also distinguish us from other mining jurisdictions even within Canada, as the Québec government is eager to position its mining industry on the map as a responsible source of critical minerals. For this, they have adopted a plan for the development of critical and strategic minerals and a battery strategy.

Québec has political stability, and the new mining and tax acts have been implemented for close to 10 years now, so it is widely understood by the industry.

In addition, Québec offers several tax incentive measures to support exploration activities which include deduction of exploration and development expenses, Québec’s flow-through share regime and the tax credit for resources.

The mining expertise and tradition in Québec is also first-class, with well trained workers and good working conditions. Québec has an excellent workplace health and safety record; doing business in Québec means working with people for whom health and safety are a constant concern.

Québec’s other advantages include its highly qualified workforce, which is one of the best in the world. There are Quebecers working in mines all over the world. In addition to the expertise of its workforce, Québec also has excellent training institutions for employees, many research consortia and more than 20 research chairs that help the mining industry to remain innovative. The mining sector can also count on a first-class, province-wide network of more than 4,850 suppliers.

JM: The latest study on the economic benefits generated by the mining industry in Québec, covering the year 2020, confirms the extent of its contribution to Québec’s economy and quantifies the benefits generated in terms of the jobs maintained and created, gross domestic product (GDP), state finances, and the distribution of the benefits in various regions of Québec.

The study provides concrete evidence of the role

NA: Québec’s jurisdiction scored highest in Canada in terms of investment attractiveness on the Fraser Institute. What is it that makes Québec so attractive to investors?

NA: How much of a significant contribution does the mining industry make to Québec’s socio-economic development and growth?

played by the mining industry in the Québec economy. In 2020, mining industry activities in Québec amounted to CAD$12.5 billion, including CAD$11.7 billion for extraction and exploration. The contribution to Québec’s GDP has increased steadily over the period covered by the QMA’s studies on economic benefits from 2014 to 2020, and has now reached CAD$10.5 billion, an increase of 36.4 percent.

In terms of jobs, the study shows that mining in Québec supported 48,187 person-years of employment in the form of direct, indirect and induced jobs, including 15,589 person-years for residents of the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region, 7,585 for residents of the Côte-Nord region and 10,618 for residents of the Montréal and Montérégie regions. Women are increasingly present in the workforce, and the number of direct jobs held by women increased by 42 percent from 2014 to 2020. The situation is similar for workers from Indigenous communities, whose numbers increased by 69 percent over six years.

By updating the study every two years, the QMA can answer some frequently asked questions, such as: how much do governments collect from mining in Québec? The answer for 2020 is CAD$2.4 billion. In other words, mining industry activities generated important fiscal and parafiscal revenues for the two main levels of government in 2020, with a total of CAD$2.4 billion, including almost

CAD$1.8 billion for the Québec government and CAD$620 million for the Canadian government, excluding corporate income tax.

Since our first study in 2014, fiscal and parafiscal revenue for the Québec government jumped by 77.3 percent, from CAD$1.0 billion to CAD$1.8 billion. The most significant factor in this increase was mining taxes, which grew fivefold from CAD$121.1 million to CAD$631.7 million. Mining taxes now represent over 35 percent of the contribution of the mining industry to the Québec government coffers. It is important to note that our gold and iron ore mines made the most substantial contribution, accounting for almost 90 percent of total mining taxes.

JOSÉE

“OUR MISSION NOW IS TO PROMOTE, SUPPORT AND PROACTIVELY DEVELOP A RESPONSIBLE, COMMITTED AND INNOVATIVE MINING INDUSTRY IN QUÉBEC”

–

MÉTHOT, PRESIDENT AND CEO, QMA

Niobec mine

PHOTO ©MATHIEU DUPUIS

NA: What do you find most exciting, and challenging, about the mining sector in Québec?

JM: What is most exciting is the great variety of minerals found in Québec and the sector’s will to put in place best practices. The people of the industry are serious about what they do and how they do it. However, this variety is also the greatest challenge, since it is not simply one size fits all - every mineral has its own requirements and difficulties.

NA: Has the association got any projects in the pipeline that you wish to highlight?

JM: The QMA has recently changed its requirements for TSM implementation by its members. Since the QMA always strives for the highest standards in ESG, it has raised the bar for its members. I am proud of the QMA’s Board of Directors for taking this decision. Since June, our members must obtain level A for 50 percent of the TSM indicators, and if they don’t, they must produce an action plan to show what they will put in place to remedy the situation.

NA: Finally, are you optimistic about the future of the mining sector? How do you see it developing?

JM: The coming years seem promising for the mining industry, in particular thanks to the development of critical and strategic minerals which will play a leading role in the

energy transition and the battery sector in Québec. These metals offer significant potential for wealth generation in the province.

However, we need to process and transform the minerals as well as mine them. For the critical minerals, we must work on the demand side. This means a new value chain must be built, instead of only a mine, so it is difficult to secure their financing as it entails more risks. The government understands that we cannot look at the development of these mines as we do for iron ore or gold, as it is a totally different business model. Hence, the development of its battery strategy to incentivize battery manufacturers or components manufacturers to build their plants in Québec. This way they are able secure the demand for these minerals.

I am also optimistic because there are 36 mining projects currently in development in Québec and there is still a lot of activity to come. With our hydroelectricity and mining practices which are the best in the world, the Québec mining industry is well positioned to supply the planet with clean resources that meet responsible sourcing policies.

QUÉBEC MINING ASSOCIATION

Tel: 418 657-2016 amq@amq-inc.com www.amq-inc.com/en

Westwood Gold Mine, IAMGOLD

Newmont, Eleonore mine

Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd, Kiena project

PHOTO ©MATHIEU DUPUIS

Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world

NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK is a digital product aimed at boardroom and hands-on decision-makers across a wide range of industries on the continent.

With content compiled by our experienced editorial team complemented by an in-house design team, the resultant Outlook Creative Services department ensures delivery to the highest standards in promoting the latest in engaging news, industry trends and success stories across the length and breadth of the US & Canada.

As a bi-monthly publication, North America Outlook constantly has its finger on the pulse of the latest trends, biggest developments and business successes from each corner of the region, epitomized by the diversity displayed across each magazine. It incorporates an annual calendar-tailored front-of-book section, a showcasing segment dedicated to the most fascinating success stories in North America, and an event focus assortment sure to fill executives’ diaries throughout the year. The aligning North America Outlook website is also honed and ready to serve as a host for these facets and much more.

To get involved, please contact Outlook Publishing’s Managing Director, James Mitchell, who can provide further details on how to feature your company, for FREE, in one of our upcoming editions.

LUXURY LIFE

Proudly carrying the family name, Tiffin Motorhomes has built unique, distinctive RVs for half a century. We speak to the executive team celebrating a motorhome manufacturing milestone

Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: David Knott

Recreational vehicles (RVs) have been a symbolic part of American culture for more than a century.

It was way back in 1910 when the Pierce-Arrow Touring Landau, often considered the very first RV, debuted at Madison Square Garden in New York.

By the mid-century, RVs were becoming increasingly comfortable, well-equipped with lighting and cozy home comforts, and for the first time, affordable and accessible to regular US travelers with mass production driving down prices.

The modern RV was beginning to take shape and embed itself in American culture, as a large, powerful vehicle complete with swathes of storage space, countertops, beds, and even fully functioning kitchens.

Together with improved highways and road networks, RVs were opening up the whole of the US to travelers, and were equally used as a base for activities such as fishing or hiking, representing life at a slower pace.

The place of RVs in mainstream American culture and the national psyche was only solidified in the 1980s, as the craze took off in celebrity circles and movies such as the original Blues Brothers which put RVs front and center.

Today, RVs remain ever popular with vacationers hitting the open road, and this enduring American love affair has also been embraced by digital nomads in the modern era of remote work.

Around one million Americans live full-time in RVs, and the steady growth in ownership over the last two decades, up 62 percent since 2001, is showing no sign of slowing down.

Indeed, there has been an even more dramatic rise in ownership since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as record-breaking RV production and strong consumer buying intentions were stirred up by one of the longest-standing American

NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES RVS SO POPULAR IN THE US?

BOB

TIFFIN, FOUNDER AND

CEO: “I think there’s a few reasons why the US population has embraced RVs so much.

“Firstly, it’s because we have a fantastic road system. You can go anywhere in the US by road, and we have a wonderful network of national parks across the country that are made for RVs.

“We are now into the third and fourth generation of US families that have owned RVs, so they have been ingrained and part of families over the years. The RV is a great way to bring the family together, so I think as time goes on, that’s going to be more and more the case.”

traditions – a yearning for the great outdoors.

After the pandemic largely confined many people to their homes for the past two years, RVs have enabled Americans to rediscover the wilderness and all of the health benefits associated with an active outdoor lifestyle, whilst enjoying the comfort and convenience of a home away from home.

“It’s just a lifestyle that once most folks get into, they never want to stop,” says Leigh Tiffin, President of Tiffin Motorhomes (Tiffin).

A manufacturer of Class A and Class C motorhomes since 1972,

Tiffin’s customers reflect this palpable passion for outdoor exploration and travel.

“We see our customers using Tiffin products to travel the country, venture off-grid and go surfing, biking or kayaking, or even as permanent fulltime accommodation. There’s many different use cases for our products,” Leigh shares.

“That’s where our company purpose statement, “Many Adventures, One Dream”, really originates. There are so many different ways to adventure in our products, but we believe that all different customers share a common dream of making lifelong memories,

Southeast Sales, Inc. was formed and incorporated in 2008 in Mississippi, where it operated selling various parts in the RV Industry.

It was purchased in August of 2016 by Denisha H. Tiffin and a partner and started out on a vacant lot with two 12’ x 24’ buildings as an Industrial Supply. One of the main customers was Tiffin Motorhomes as well as other businesses in the RV Industry. From there Southeast Sales, Inc. purchased an old Service Station in downtown Red Bay, AL at 302 5th Ave SW that had been converted to perform repair work on motorhomes where the business remains as of today. Southeast Sales, Inc. has continued to grow. A 9,100 square foot warehouse was built on the vacant lot that housed the two 12’ x 24’ buildings to add more warehousing capability in Belmont, MS.

In January 2020 Denisha Tiffin purchased her partner’s interest in the company and became the sole owner, and it has continued to grow from there. The adjoining property at 306 5th Ave SW was purchased several months later to add to their warehousing portfolio, and the business and product lines continued to grow. Two new Sprinter Vans were added to the fleet to complement the other two vans the company had, an additional Flat Bed truck, pickup truck and a box truck and a minivan comprise the company’s small fleet of vehicles.

Product lines continued to grow as the business gained momentum. Looking into the future the owner began to review other avenues for the growth of the company. Southeast Sales, Inc. wanted to provide the residents of Red Bay and the surrounding area with something different and unusual. This sparked the idea for an outdoor store, with hunting, fishing and camping supplies.

After securing 20 acres of land in the Red Bay Industrial Park, the planning began. The new building has grown from a 30,000 square foot building in the beginning, now a 60,000 square foot building, with a second floor. The building hasn’t been without hiccups though, including supply chain and labor issues. At this point it is beginning to develop along with new product lines to be carried in the store. Knowing that Red Bay, AL has a steady influx of people in the area from different parts of the country due to the Service Center at Tiffin Motorhomes, we began to take these customers into consideration as well as our customers in the local area. The product lines are beginning to expand, in addition to the hunting, fishing and camping gear, Southeast Sales, Inc. will also offer all types of gifts, clothing, footwear, outdoor grilling supplies, outdoor furniture and much more to come.

Stay tuned for the expansion of product lines in the next several months, along with a new name that Southeast Sales, Inc. will continue doing business as Happy Hollow Outdoors.

Many things are under consideration especially since Southeast Sales, Inc. just purchased an additional 60 acres that adjoins the property in the industrial park.

Not only will Southeast Sales, Inc. continue to supply industrial supplies to Tiffin Motorhomes and other industrial customers, we know we will create a shopping experience that will make our entire store a destination for all customers.

FRONT

Manufactured from micro-cellular p olyurethane, the F53 SumoSprings suspension kits are built to immediately improve handling, remove sway, and decrease vibration in your mot orhome.

T his is the zero-maintenance airb ag alternative that lets yo u e njoy th e journey as much as the destination.

®

having fun, exploring the great outdoors, and really enjoying some leisure time with the people that they love the most.”

FAMILY LEGACY

Tiffin was established in 1972 in Red Bay (Alabama) by Leigh’s grandfather, Bob Tiffin, the legendary Founder and CEO of the company, and is proud to be one of the few family-operated motorhome manufacturers in the industry.

Bob was fascinated by RVs and has been a member of the RV Industry Association (RVIA), the leading trade voice of the $140 billion RV industry,

for 30 years.

His three sons, Tim, Lex, and Van Tiffin, all joined the business in 2005, proud to carry on the Tiffin legacy and represent the next generation of the family.

“We have always been a family company to the bone. All of my sons have worked for Tiffin, and my middle son Van is still here. He works in production and makes sure all the motorhomes that come through the final finish are functional,” Bob shares.

“I get to the plant at around 4am every morning, so that tells you how serious we are about our motorhomes.”

As Van’s son and Bob’s grandson, Leigh was born into the company and grew up around RVs and motorhomes from a very early age.

After pursuing a graduate degree in healthcare administration at the University of Alabama, Leigh’s first entry into the RV business in 2014 actually came with his own start-up, Vanleigh RV.

“It wasn’t just a random idea to start an RV company, as I had been around RVs my whole life,” he recalls fondly.

It was Leigh’s idea to create this new venture, together with his father, and serve a new kind of customer: the prospective fifth-wheel owner.

Leigh and Van knew the RV market, having served customers who primarily wanted motorhomes, but that left a significant portion of people empty-handed. Fifthwheel customers are different from motorhome customers, and Leigh and Van recognized this from their experience at Tiffin.

“THE PASSION THAT MYSELF AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE TIFFIN FAMILY INJECT INTO THE COMPANY MAKES A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE TO HOW WE OPERATE”

– LEIGH TIFFIN, PRESIDENT, TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

Bob Tiffin, Founder and CEO (center), with sons Tim, Lex and Van

SumoSprings for the Ford F-53 chassis are what Bob Tiffin lovingly described as the suspension that saved his Gas division, some five years ago. They’re not necessarily the newest kid on the block, but they have quickly become the go-to upgrade to stop body roll, vibration, nose-diving, and make driving these gas motorhomes an enjoyable journey rather than a white-knuckle experience.

SuperSprings International (SSI) has been making suspension to create a better journey since 1996. Starting with steel helper springs that are sometimes used on heavy one-sided coaches, SSI soon developed the SumoSpring – the zero-maintenance airbag alternative with a lifetime warranty. Since its inception in 2006, it has become a standard upgrade in towing upgrades and load support. In addition, SumoSprings are now standard equipment on multiple brand’s Class A Gas motorhomes, with Tiffin being the very first to build a coach with them as standard equipment from the factory. Since then, Tiffin has added SumoSprings

as a standard part of their build to the Wayfarer Class C van and most recently, the offroad capable Cahaba 4WD Class B van.

What makes this suspension upgrade particularly unique is the simplicity of the design and application matched with unrivaled results. SumoSprings don’t use rubber in any way and aren’t filled with air. That means they’re built to be a progressive spring with a very soft initial engagement and as more weight is added, the firmer they become and more they push back. This is what provides comfort and support during regular driving and superior control, vibration reduction, and decreases sway when the road takes a turn.

“We partner with almost every major motorized RV partner out there, and Tiffin was among the first and the best,” says Adam Weisner, SSI President. “We share a common passion to make the customer journey better, and are dedicated to serving people who invest their hard-earned money into what we make.”

With shared roots, experience, and a common vision for providing a superior product and experience to customers, Vanleigh RV was unveiled as the fifth-wheel division of Tiffin in 2019, expanding the Tiffin standard to towable buyers.

Leigh, who has great experience in all facets of RV operations, built Vanleigh RV from the ground up and developed it into an industry leader, before he assumed his current position as President of Tiffin in July 2021.

Aqua-Hot

The Aqua-Hot hydronic heating system offers the ultimate solution for luxury heating in the recreational vehicle industry. With a quiet, fumefree heating system that produces both even, moist heat and continuous hot water on-demand, Aqua-Hot helps elevate the RV experience with luxurious residential style warmth that’s onboard for any adventure. Unlike forced air systems which experience cold spots and dryness, Aqua-Hot systems are designed to offer superior heat coverage across all areas of an RV. Aqua-Hot systems make the RV lifestyle remarkably more comfortable, which is why they are right at home on Tiffin luxury motorhomes.

TIFFIN JOINS THE THOR INDUSTRIES FAMILY

In December 2020, Tiffin announced that it was joining the THOR Industries family, a global leader in RV manufacturing that owns motorhome brands such as Airstream, Jayco, and the Erwin Hymer Group.

THOR Industries’ acquisition allows Tiffin to continue its long-term growth, and enables the family to remain in control and involved in the business, running it in the way they want to for longer.

Though many aspects of the company will not change, Tiffin does anticipate many positive developments under THOR Industries. To name a few, these include expanded innovation, access to capital for facilities and process improvements, and the ability to improve its focus on customer service.

“I’m passionate about this industry, and passionate about our business at Tiffin. I just love our company, what it stands for, our people, our amazing customers, and the fantastic relationships that we have with dealers and suppliers all over North America,” Leigh smiles.

“It has been a passionate career choice. I’ve really enjoyed doing what I do, and obviously now having the opportunity to lead Tiffin is a real thrill. The passion that myself and other members of the Tiffin family inject into the company makes a significant difference to how we operate.”

For Bob, it has always been important that the legacy of the company he founded be protected and managed by someone who understands Tiffin, and he is undoubtedly passionate about maintaining such a great brand.

Having been immersed in Tiffin his whole life, grandson Leigh was the natural choice to assume the role of President, an opportunity that he was both humbled by and incredibly excited about.

As well as a history of delivering ultra-premium amenities, both Aqua-Hot and Tiffin are dedicated to elevating the RV experience through their partnership by emphasizing efficiency, comfort, and flexibility in their products. An Aqua-Hot onboard means a dependable, state of the art heating and hot water system for campsite or off-grid RVing. It ensures the highest resale value in the future and assures RV enthusiasts will have an enjoyable experience as they live out their RV dreams.

Aqua-Hot hydronic heating systems are manufactured in the US at the Aqua-Hot facilities in Frederick, Colorado. 38 years of experience and expertise go into every AquaHot unit made. There are AquaHot options ideal for all sizes of recreational vehicles including Class A motorhomes, Class B camper vans and Class C models. We congratulate Tiffin on their 50-year anniversary and look forward to partnering with them in the future.

Aquahot.com

Vanleigh sidewall installation

Aqua-Hot congratulates Tiffin on its 50 year anniversary and for being able to share in the adventure as a long-standing partner in growth.

“I’m a huge believer that being family- operated is one of our greatest strengths as a company. It’s part of Bob’s legacy and our entire family, myself included,” he emphasizes.

“With regards to the Tiffin brand and family leadership, a lot of times the customer wants to speak to a Tiffin, and they can do that here. Bob and I come in and talk to customers every day, and I think that just gives a bit more of a personal touch.

“I know that if I were making the type of investment that our customers are making in our products, that would make me feel good,” Leigh continues.

PROUD TO BE TIFFIN

With the Tiffin name on every motorhome, building a superior product isn’t just an occupation but a matter of personal pride for the family, a pursuit that it is committed to perfecting.

From the very outset, Bob was adamant that the Tiffin name had to be present on every motorhome produced by the company, to be as transparent as possible with customers and ensure products were produced that the family could be proud to have its name on.

“When we first started, we decided that people needed to know who

Harris Battery

Harris Battery Powers Tiffin Motorhomes to 50 Years

Tiffin Motorhomes puts its all into building a better coach.

It’s not just an occupation… it’s a matter of personal pride and a pursuit the Tiffin family and associates have committed to perfecting.

That’s why the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

You don’t make it to 50 years on your own. Tiffin, one of the few family-operated manufacturers in the industry, is blessed with exceptional business partners.

One such partner is Harris Battery. A family operation itself, Harris shares many traits with Tiffin.

Harris Battery has the Power! Powerful Answers® for commercial, transportation, industrial, and residential engineered battery technologies.

Since being founded in 1979, Harris has customized stored battery systems that maximize output while minimizing environmental impact.

Harris Battery is focused on understanding customers’ needs and aligns its business to meet them.

An example is two new product lines, Harris Solaris residential lithium power and EnerGenie transportation lithium power, particularly relevant to the RV market.

EnerGenie enables consumers to get rid of that money-wasting generator and take control of their destiny for RVs, work trucks, or mobile pet and vet vehicles.

EnerGenie offers the most efficient compact lithium energy storage technology, run with Harris Battery’s proprietary battery management system, that’s compatible with most industry standard inverters and chargers.

No one knows what the future holds. But Harris Battery looks forward to what the next 50 years with Tiffin Motorhomes will bring.

www.HarrisSolaris.com

“THE BIG THING THAT WE DO IS HELP OUR OWNERS BECAUSE IT’S HARD TO MANAGE AN RV, SO WE TRY TO MAKE IT AS EASY AS POSSIBLE”

– BOB TIFFIN, FOUNDER AND CEO, TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

they were buying their motorhomes from and where they were built,” Bob recalls.

“We’ve got those two things on each and every one of our motorhomes – built by Tiffin – so that

TIFFIN – A BRIEF TIMELINE

1910 – In a small town in northern Alabama, the Tiffin family opened their first business – Tiffin Brothers Hardware and Furniture Company.

1941 – Bob’s father Alex started Tiffin Supply Company, a store that sold just about everything needed to build and furnish a house.

1965 – The Tiffin family bought a state of the art cotton gin. To run it, Alex turned to 23-year-old Bob, who took to the machinery and management like it was second nature.

1972 – Tiffin is born, after a new RV business in the area called it quits and was bought by the Tiffin family.

1980S – Bob’s three sons – Tim, Van, and Lex – had all joined the family business after college.

2020 – Tiffin proudly announces that it will be joining the THOR Industries family of companies.

everybody knows who built them and where they came from. We don’t have anything to hide, so we put it right on the outside.

“The hardest thing when we started was that no one knew who we were. We didn’t have any brand recognition, so when you’re starting a brand-new company like we did, and no one knows who you are, it’s pretty tough to break into the market,” he admits.

Echoing the steadfast stance of his grandfather, it means that little bit more to the likes of Leigh to come into work every day and see the family name on the company’s products.

From his perspective, it’s important that the Tiffin brand continues to stand tall and that customers value the business.

“Having a good, strong reputation is imperative because it’s part of who I am as an individual,” Leigh states proudly.

Over the course of 50 years, Tiffin has earned the strong reputation that Leigh refers to by having the best products and customer service in the industry.

Bob acknowledges first and foremost that manufacturing products of the highest quality is the basis for establishing such a reputation.

“If you don’t, then it’s pretty much over, but if you have a decent product that people can use without too

Industrial Finishes

Industrial Finishes has deep connections to the RV industry. Our team members have well over 100 years of combined experience painting and repairing motorhomes and towable RVs.

In addition to our team’s lengthy history supporting the RV industry, our close ties to suppliers provide other unique advantages. Our chemist has direct access to coatings supplier development labs and works closely with their chemists to create and refine products designed specifically for RV production and repair. Our focus and our deep supplier connections allow us to bring innovative, leading-edge products to RV customers that have been designed to meet their specific needs.

Support for the RV community extends from manufacturers to dealerships and repair facilities. We are here to serve the very people responsible for delivering a worldclass paint finish and maintaining its beauty for years to come.

The Industrial Finishes team knows the fiberglass and gelcoat that are used throughout the RV industry, but motorhomes and towable RVs are comprised of much more than just steel and fiberglass. Our extensive knowledge of RV paint and materials includes coatings, adhesives, abrasives, sealants, waxes and polishes, and detail products. For late model and pre-owned coaches, we have a vast database of paint codes and graphics.

Learn more at www.industrialfinishes. com.

Our experts are your experts!

Back in 1972, a new generation of Tiffin motorhomes was born

Never-ending innovation. It’s what makes a Tiffin. Dedication to innovation extends all the way to the paint finish on every Tiffin coach. Industrial Finishes works closely with industry leaders to source new products, tools, techniques and processes to ensure that your Tiffin looks great the day you take delivery and for many years to come. You deserve a coach that shines each and every day. Tiffin customers expect more, and Industrial Finishes is proud to help them deliver.

much trouble, and if you service it to the hilt, then customers are going to come back and stay with you for the long term,” Bob says.

As a family-run motorhome company, Tiffin naturally understands the wants and needs of other families who own, or would like to own, an RV.

For Tiffin, it’s not just about the destination, but the high-quality experience that owners and families take from the journey in their motorhome.

“It’s a big deal for a family to own a motorhome. It’s the closest that they can be together as a group, and if they begin RVing when their family is young, that creates another complete generation for us to sell motorhomes to in the future,” observes Bob.

THINKING DIFFERENTLY

To this day, Tiffin remains headquartered in Red Bay, where Bob originally founded the company and

most of the 2,100 employees go to work every day.

The Tiffin family has always called Red Bay home, so it made sense to build the company in this small, unassuming town.

There is no other place with a greater concentration of Tiffin RV owners congregated in one spot than Red Bay, which also receives visitors all year round from across the country as the home of Tiffin motorhome production and skilled service technicians.

As well as being a family-operated manufacturer, Tiffin’s location is another substantial differentiating factor for the company, as it is situated outside the RV industrial hotbed of Elkhart, Indiana.

It has forced Tiffin to think and behave differently, but Leigh believes this has been advantageous to the company over time, ultimately manifested in its unique, distinctive

Gold Heat

Tiffin Motorhomes is a leading luxury RV manufacturer. They’ve done this through strategic partnerships and understanding that luxury isn’t always found in things that are seen.

Tiffin and Gold Heat radiant flooring have been partners for 10 years. They agree that a carefully crafted customer experience is key. When people choose to travel in RVs, they choose to travel in comfort. Tiffin provides the highest quality experience on the road. Gold Heat elevates this with consistent, efficient warmth from the floor up.

What is luxury without risk? Complete comfort. That’s Gold Heat: reliable comfort radiating from the floor, making every step and ride a luxury you can count on. Radiant heat (like sunrays) relaxes every muscle and keeps blood vessels from constricting. Tiffin knows that even the most beautiful countertops and picture perfect flooring in the world won’t matter if customers are uncomfortable.

Tiffin relies on Gold Heat’s efficient manufacturing. Our custom in-floor heat mats were designed for motorhomes and optimized for efficiency. The mat is based on the provided floor plan, customized to the customer’s specifications. The installation process is simple, too, taking only minutes to keep production flowing. Just lay it out and staple it down.

Gold Heat is proud to bring quality, service, and luxury to unique spaces for over 20 years. We provide customized service before, during, and after installation. If you have a need for radiant floor heat in your space—whether on wheels, a foundation, or anything in between— you have a need for Gold Heat.

goldheat.com

“WE TAKE THESE GREAT COMPONENTS THAT WE SOURCE FROM OUR SUPPLY CHAIN, AND PUT THEM ALL TOGETHER IN A WAY THAT PERFORMS AND DELIVERS ON THE TIFFIN BRAND PROMISE”

– LEIGH TIFFIN, PRESIDENT, TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

products and the way it does business.

“Elkhart is the epicenter of the industry – all the same RV suppliers and manufacturers are clustered

RV SLIDE OUTS

Offering additional living and sleeping space, RV slide outs have very much become an industry standard.

The additional width provided by slide outs is a huge bonus in terms of square footage and leaves RVers feeling less cramped, perfect for families or groups of friends traveling on longer trips.

The extra space and roomier interior created by slide outs can be used, for example, to add items of furniture such as beds or sofas.

“Most of the motorhomes that we build have multiple slide outs. It drastically expands the room and the size of the floor plan,” Bob explains.

“You’ve then got a huge room to work with, and you’re not so tight for space. Some motorhomes still don’t have slide outs, but every Class A motorhome that we build has three or four slide outs.”

together in one area. They do a very nice job, but I do think it creates some groupthink,” Leigh notes.

“At Tiffin, we’re sort of isolated from the RV beltway, and that has forced us to be much more vertically integrated than a lot of our competitors and to do more ourselves. I think it gives our products a distinctive look; one of the reasons why people think Tiffin products have a unique appearance, is because they do!”

Class A motorhomes, including the Open Road Allegro, Allegro RED, Allegro Bus, Allegro Breeze, Phaeton, and Zephyr, are built by Tiffin in Red Bay, as well as the company’s first Super C model, the Allegro Bay.

“We operate our own state of the art paint facility in Belmont, Mississippi, where we paint all of our Class A, Super C, and fifth-wheel models,” Leigh informs us.

Tiffin manufactures its three luxury fifth-wheel models, the Vilano, Beacon, and Ambition, in Burnsville, Mississippi under the Vanleigh RV badge.

“We also have an in-house fiberglass composites manufacturing company, Waterway, in Iuka, Mississippi where we build all of our open mold parts, front caps, rear caps, and engine covers. We’ve produced some really neat composite floors and very advanced technology there.”

Supplying RVs throughout the US

In 1972, Bob Tiffin left the family business that is Tiffin Supply Company (est. 1941) to start up his own business that turned into a family business on its own. Tiffin Motorhomes, now celebrating its 50th year, was open for business and ready to create dreams for its customers.

Throughout the years Bob brought on his sons, Tim, Van, and Lex to help run the business and now of course Leigh has moved into the face of the company.

Through it all, Tiffin Supply has been one of the original suppliers to help keep Tiffin Motorhomes at the forefront of exceptionality and reliability in the RV world.

www.tiffinsupply.com

Good as the Best

Better’n the Rest

and Canada, Tiffin is known for the luxury, innovation, and quality of its motorhomes.

“We have really put our stake in the ground around building beautiful, luxury RVs, particularly Class A motorhomes and Class A diesel pushers, which is what we are known for,” Leigh tells us.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Though Tiffin never set out to be one of the nation’s largest Class

A manufacturers, the company’s success has come from remaining true to itself.

Luxury meets craftsmanship in every detail of Tiffin’s Class A models, which bring new ways to conquer the road.

As Tiffin’s first Class A model, the Open Road Allegro is the RV of choice for first-time owners, to discover new sights, places, and levels of comfort.

It features luxurious design, innovative technologies, quality

construction, and a powerful Ford 7.3 liter V8 engine, providing RVers with everything they could want from a motorhome whilst remaining affordable.

Thoughtful amenities, entertainment options, and opulence abound throughout the Open Road Allegro, as well as a number of energy- and water-saving innovations that ensure life on the road is just like home.

“Our Open Road Allegro is a very popular gas motorhome, if not the most popular in North America. It’s right there at the top, and really has the luxury interior and feel of a diesel pusher,” shares Leigh.

Tiffin’s most popular diesel pusher, meanwhile, is the Allegro Bus. With spacious ceilings and floor plans, the extra room of the Allegro Bus makes it a bestseller among owners who live life on the road.

“WE HAVE REALLY PUT OUR STAKE IN THE GROUND AROUND BUILDING BEAUTIFUL, LUXURY RVS, PARTICULARLY CLASS A MOTORHOMES AND CLASS A DIESEL PUSHERS, WHICH IS WHAT WE ARE KNOWN FOR”

– LEIGH TIFFIN, PRESIDENT, TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

Premier Metal Distributor and Manufacturer

We provide the services, manufacturers, fabricators, service centers and builders needed when they need them.

Our combination of on-site inventory, fabrication technology, and impeccable customer service is what makes us a Premier Distribution and Manufacturing Center.

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It is one of Tiffin’s most advanced coaches ever, with comfort and elegance blending seamlessly with breakthrough technology to take travels to the next level.

The Allegro Bus’ PowerGlide chassis ensures a smooth ride, whilst the standard OnGuard ACTIVE package, with an Advanced Emergency Braking System and Adaptive Cruise Control, makes every mile safer.

Abundant living space, four highdefinition TVs, an integrated Spyder Multiplex System, and handcrafted cabinetry all come as standard on the Allegro Bus. Meal prep is also made easy, courtesy of kitchens replete with high-end appliances, expansive counters and storage space.

“The Allegro Bus has all of the creature comforts you could ever want, and is manufactured in-house here at Tiffin. It comes

with a Cummins 450-horsepower or optional 605-horsepower diesel engine, Allison transmission, and fullwall slide rooms in different lengths and configurations,” Leigh adds.

From the affordability of the Open Road Allegro to the spaciousness of the Allegro Bus, Tiffin is committed to the ultimate RV experience through its Class A models.

RVers can equally experience comfort and craftsmanship on the road in Tiffin’s Class C motorhome, the Wayfarer, which is built at another OEM campus in Winfield, Alabama.

Compact and luxurious, the Wayfarer features Mercedes-Benz technology, and comes with features as standard that are considered upgrades by other RV manufacturers.

“The Wayfarer has been the best-selling Mercedes-Benz diesel platform product for two or three

PowerGlide chassis plant

Morgan Steel is a metal service center and contract manufacturer based out of Memphis, TN. We offer steel distribution, processing, fabrication, and contract manufacturing services to customers from a broad range of industries including manufacturing, fabrication, steel service centers, railroad, truck and trailer, material handling, and more.

Located in the strategic distribution hub of Memphis, TN and operating our own in-house fleet of both day cabs and OTR trucks, we are able to service hundreds of customers throughout Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and beyond on a daily basis.

Morgan Steel stocks and distributes carbon steel products including sheet, plate, floorplate, expanded metal, grating, tubing, pipe, channels, angles, beams, flat bar, square bar, round bar, and more. We can sell and deliver by the piece, bundle, or truckload.

The growing list of services that we offer includes saw-cutting, tube-laser cutting, shearing, flat-laser cutting, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting, press brake forming, CNC machining, manual and robotic welding, and more.

Morgan Steel started in February 2014 with a vision of building a company that is founded on relationships and service. Behind the leadership of owners Scott Morgan, Chris Morgan, and Bob Payne we have been blessed with tremendous growth, from our original

single 40,00 square foot warehouse and less than 20 employees to over 300,000 square feet and more than 200 employees.

We attribute our past, present, and future success to the great relationships that we have built with our suppliers, our customers, and to the hard work and dedication of our ever-growing Morgan Steel team.

Recent growth includes a one-million lb capacity automated sheet warehouse that will supply multiple high-powered 15kw Bystronic fiber lasers, Bystronic BySort part unloading and sorting automation, a state of the art Quality Lab, and two of the first Mazak Optiplex NEO 15kw fiber lasers installed in the US.

Looking to the future, Morgan Steel’s first additional location will be opening in Greenville, TX in the first quarter of 2023. This will allow us to further strengthen our presence in the Lone Star State and surrounding states.

Also opening in the first half of 2023, Morgan Steel is currently working on installing a top of the line powder coating line from Intellifinishing Systems in our new powder coating facility in Memphis, TN near our main headquarters. Designed to help remove bottle necks to our customers’ success, this line will be able to run parts up to 23ft in length and 4,000 lbs through an automated powder coating line.

Come grow with us, the future is bright at Morgan Steel!

www.morgansteel.com

TIFFIN

INNOVATIONS

–AT A GLANCE

Top-of-the-line features set Tiffin apart from the competition.

As an innovator in the RV industry, Tiffin has introduced many unique amenities to enhance the enjoyment of RVers in its motorhomes.

EXTRAORDINAIRE™ SYSTEM –

Exclusive quiet climate control technology that circulates air to maintain the desired interior temperature.

ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING

– LED lighting that preserves the RV’s battery life, using a fraction of the energy of incandescent bulbs.

MULTIPLEX WIRING – Innovative multiplex wiring that sends multiple messages through a single set of wires.

DRY STEP – To keep the ground dry near the entry door, air conditioning run-off is redirected to the driver’s side of the vehicle.

STORE-IT-ALL – Tiffin’s coaches surpass equivalent competitor models in the quality and quantity of storage.

TIFFIN-BUILT COMPONENTS

– Many components are built by Tiffin craftspeople, which guarantees quality, consistency, and easy replacement.

FORM FITTED ROOF – An innovation in motorhome construction, Tiffin’s one-piece fiberglass roof provides a leakresistant barrier.

ARTISAN WOODCRAFTS –

Tiffin’s cabinetry is meticulously handcrafted by its Red Bay master craftspeople.

years now. It is always neck and neck with competitive products offered by Winnebago, and it’s just a great-value motorhome,” Leigh admires.

“It’s got that Tiffin DNA throughout with the luxurious feel, the beautiful cosmetics and décor that we typically use, and it has been very well received.”

50 YEARS OF MOTORHOMES

2022 was an exciting year for Tiffin as the company commemorated its 50th anniversary, a pinnacle of success not always achieved in today’s business world.

“We started in September 1972, so we have been celebrating our 50th year in operation. Not many companies make it to 50 years, but we’ve been really fortunate and we’re now looking towards the next 50!” Bob smiles.

“I couldn’t be any more enthusiastic about Tiffin and celebrating the last 50 years, but also excited about what’s ahead of us,” echoes Leigh.

To kick off the year-long celebrations, the Tiffin Allegro Club, the official membership organization of Tiffin owners, gathered for a 50th anniversary rally at the Sweetwater Events Center in Rock Springs, Wyoming.

Joining the Tiffin Allegro Club can enhance the enjoyment of Tiffin ownership, connecting owners with fellow likeminded RVers. Members are eligible for a number of benefits, including participation in local chapters across the country, opportunities to attend Tiffin rallies, and access to discounted rates from vendors offering RV-related products and services.

Rallies are one of the Tiffin Allegro Club’s most popular activities, and in a week of fun and festivities, the 50th anniversary rally was the largest to date.

It brought together owners from the Class A, Class C, and fifth wheel divisions of the Tiffin family for

Valid Manufacturing

Valid’s commitment to high-quality products and superior customer service has driven an ongoing and valued partnership with Tiffin Motorhomes. For over 11 years, Tiffin has trusted Valid products in their luxury coaches.

This relationship began in 2011, when Tiffin sought a more advanced leveling system for their top-of-theline coach models. The Valid Trueline Leveling System is an industryproven, one-step system for leveling vehicles. With electronic ride height and suspension controls, the system provides superior handling and a smoother ride when compared to traditional air suspension controls. Valid’s team of engineers worked closely with Tiffin to ensure they were completely satisfied with the customized product.

Keeping pace with technology, Tiffin later pursued Valid’s Instrument Cluster to transform their coach dashboards. The high-quality vehicle instrument clusters are customized to each manufacturer’s requirement, and provide key features like advanced integrated diagnostics. Continuing a successful partnership that started with the leveling system, Tiffin now has Valid Instrument Clusters installed in all their PowerGlide Chassis.

Valid continues to develop innovative, state of the art technology for recreational, electric, and specialty vehicle applications. Their in-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities allow them to quickly respond to the changing needs of the industry. Valid’s Infotainment System continues to impress within the market. Like their leveling systems and instrument clusters, their infotainment systems are customized for each manufacturer’s requirements. The intuitive interface and high-quality graphics let drivers easily perform tasks while keeping focused on the road ahead.

Visit validmfg.com for more information.

validmfg.com

seminars pertaining to each brand, as well as food vendors, a giant flea market, ice cream socials, door prizes, bingo, and nightly entertainment.

Two years of planning and organizing went into making this event a reality, which was attended by a staggering 625 coaches from 47 states and two Canadian provinces.

With Tiffin executives on hand, including Bob, it was a golden opportunity for owners to learn more about their coach, make new friends, and be part of an exciting week in the life of Tiffin.

“We had more than 600 Tiffin coaches gathered together for our landmark 50th anniversary rally in June in Rock Springs,” confirms Leigh.

“It was just a phenomenal experience, a really special occasion, and an opportunity to address a large group of our owners.

“We highlighted it again at our annual company picnic, where all

Tiffin employees came together and had a big celebration and a great concert. As we move into the holiday season, we’ll continue to remind everybody of what a tremendous accomplishment 50 years is,” he continues.

The 50th anniversary is not only a source of immense pride for Tiffin’s employees, but something they can gain a lot of confidence and hope from going forwards.

Equally, it lets Leigh know that this group of people can get through just about anything, having survived all the trials and tribulations of the past half a century.

On the lessons learned in that time, Leigh cites a famous quote from renowned American author, Mark Twain, “good judgement is the result of experience, and experience is the result of bad judgement”.

The complex products that Tiffin builds are a sizable investment, but

Apex Graphics

Apex Graphics is committed to delivering the highest quality spraymask and design with exceptional customer service, allowing it to continually grow its market share in the RV industry.

It has partnered with Tiffin Motorhomes since 2005 and plans on continuing to deliver cutting-edge designs that will leave their customers excited about their new motorhome.

• Largest company in the industry supplying full body paint designs and spraymask

• Experienced, creative and customer-focused design team

• Over 100 years of combined RV design and spray mask production experience Elkhart, IN

Custom Glass Solutions

Custom Glass Solutions, LLC (CGS) is North America’s leading producer of large-format, laminated glass.

In addition to laminated glass, CGS manufactures flat, bent and tempered glass, offering a broad range of capabilities and the most diverse selection of products for various transportation segments.

Through its Network business CGS works with insurance companies, fleet operators and vehicle owners to coordinate glass replacement services.

The company operates out of three facilities in Ohio, one in Pennsylvania and one in Oklahoma and employs hundreds of the most talented men and women in the US.

www.customglasssolutions.com

“NOT MANY COMPANIES MAKE IT TO 50 YEARS, BUT WE’VE BEEN REALLY FORTUNATE AND WE’RE NOW LOOKING TOWARDS THE NEXT 50!”

– BOB TIFFIN, FOUNDER AND CEO, TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

50th anniversary rally in June in Rock Springs

as a company that is experienced, well-established, and has been there and done it for 50 years, Tiffin is trusted by consumers to deliver.

“Consumers love the history of Tiffin, and knowing that we’re an expert at what we do. This company has a can-do mindset, and there’s always a solution,” says Leigh.

DRIVEN BY CUSTOMERS

Tiffin does not distribute directly to the consumer, but through a high-quality network of roughly 100 dealers.

“We have the best motorized dealers in North America. I would put our dealer body up against anyone’s,” Leigh acclaims.

Best-in-class customer service nevertheless remains a huge strategic imperative, and no other motorhome company can compare with Tiffin’s ongoing owner support.

Customer service has always been a part of how Tiffin has built the brand and the company, an ethos that has permeated the entire organization and driven quality standards over the years.

NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: HOW WILL ELECTRIFICATION AND HYDROGEN AFFECT TIFFIN’S FUTURE?

LEIGH TIFFIN, PRESIDENT:

“Electrification and hydrogen are certainly buzzwords in our industry. We recognize that they are going to be massive investments, however in many cases, the technology and/or supporting infrastructure just isn’t there for our products yet.

“We do think that in the next five to seven years there will be some viable electrified platforms out there, not only for Class C RVs but potentially even some smaller Class A motorhomes.

“With respect to hydrogen, it certainly seems like a very exciting alternative fuel source for our market. We just don’t have a very good understanding at this point of when those technologies are going to be ready for distribution into the market because none of our major chassis partners have developed anything there yet, nor is the infrastructure widely available.”

EFP

EFP has proudly partnered with Tiffin Motorhomes for over 18 years now.

Our relationship with Tiffin started in 2005 as we began supplying quality roof panels for their RVs. Over the years, the partnership has continued to grow as we meet with them several times each year to touch base and be attentive to their needs.

EFP prides itself on its relationship with Tiffin and consistently strives to provide exceptional service by always working with them to make timely deliveries according to their schedules.

www.efppackaging.com

Velvac

Velvac, Inc. has been an industry leader in mirror and electronic vision systems for recreational and commercial vehicles for more than 85 years.

Throughout our history, we have introduced innovative new products to our served markets – enhancing driver safety and comfort. In recent years, Velvac has brought to the RV market such industry firsts as cameras integrated into OEM mirrors and machine-vision blind spot detection technology specifically developed for RVs.

Velvac is honored to be a long-term supplier partner to Tiffin Motorhomes.

We congratulate the entire Tiffin team on all it has achieved and look forward to being a part of what is yet to come!

T +1 (0) 800 783 8871 www.velvac.com

“It’s one of the reasons why Tiffin has a reputation for building a firstclass quality product. We focus on customer service and quality every single day,” affirms Leigh.

“The primary core value that we communicate to new Tiffin team members on day one of employment is being customer-driven. The customer is always right and drives our business; their desires and needs are what we work our way backward from to create the experience that they expect.”

What Tiffin has always tried to do is to take care of its motorhome owners, through its service departments in Red Bay (Class A) and Winfield (Class C).

Less than a five-minute drive from Tiffin’s production plant, the Class A Tiffin Service and Parts Center in Red Bay is one of many locations that are qualified to service the company’s motorhomes.

The facility has 53 bays manned by knowledgeable technicians, able to assist owners in almost all of their service needs on a first come, first served basis.

“The big thing that we do is help our owners because it’s hard to manage

an RV, so we try to make it as easy as possible,” Bob assures.

“We can explain how things work and we have all the parts here, so if they’ve got a problem, we can make their motorhome 100 percent functional if they come by here. That’s

one of the reasons why we have so many owners coming to the plant here for our service.”

Tiffin is also going to take the next step and introduce new technology into the company’s customer service processes, so that customers have a

“THE PASSION THAT MYSELF AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE TIFFIN FAMILY INJECT INTO THE COMPANY MAKES A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE TO HOW WE OPERATE”

– LEIGH TIFFIN, PRESIDENT, TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

Red Bay plant

Red Bay main plant

real e-commerce experience for parts and support.

“We’re looking to constantly evolve and advance so that we can modernize, be easy to do business with, and make things as seamless as possible for our dealers and customers,” Leigh outlines.

“We have some really exciting plans in the works to continue to upgrade and elevate the Tiffin customer experience. I think that there are a lot of opportunities for us to modernize the way we do business with our dealers and customers over the next 18 to 24 months.

“As well as upgrading facilities and technologies with respect to the customer experience, the primary investments that we’re interested in right now as a company are also centered around what we can do to improve the employee experience,” he adds.

TURNING PARTS INTO PRODUCTS

Assembly is the core business of Tiffin, whose quality products truly begin with the components that it sources from suppliers and partners.

“It’s really our suppliers and partners that deliver what we need to be an assembler,” Leigh recognizes.

“When you look at Tiffin, and what makes us unique and first-rate in terms of quality, it’s the fact that we have very high standards for the suppliers that we partner with, and the components that we use for our products.”

Suppliers are clearly an integral part of Tiffin’s operations and success, as the company’s highly skilled and fully trained RV assemblers take these parts and turn them into something special for the end user.

Nobody appreciates the value of a skilled, experienced team member more than Leigh, having started up Vanleigh RV and learning first-hand the value of a skilled workforce.

“It’s such a tremendous asset to know that we have trained RV builders at Tiffin that are so skilled in their own ways,” Leigh admires.

“WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING TO BE A GREAT CORPORATE STEWARD AND IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF OUR OPERATIONS FOR ALL OF OUR STAKEHOLDERS”

– LEIGH TIFFIN, PRESIDENT, TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

Assembly is the core business of Tiffin

“We take these great components that we source from our supply chain and put them all together in a way that performs and delivers on the Tiffin brand promise.”

The last couple of years have admittedly been challenging from a supply chain perspective for Tiffin, prominently due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, having now been in business for half a century, it is just one of a number of trials and tribulations that the company has emerged from unscathed.

“Looking back, we’ve dealt with almost every kind of problem that could possibly happen to the RV industry,” Bob reflects.

“We’ve had the energy crisis, gasoline shortages, high interest rates, government administrations that haven’t done too well – we’ve had all kinds of issues. No one knows what the future holds; the only thing we have is where we’ve been.”

SUSTAINABILITY PUSH

What the future certainly does hold is a commitment to sustainability, a hot topic for people, businesses and governments the world over in

response to climate change.

Central to RVing traditions are the country’s iconic landscapes, which must be protected for the enjoyment of future generations.

The RV industry has, for example, partnered with local, state, and federal agencies on projects and policies that support public lands and promote responsible visitor practices in the US, and set ambitious sustainability goals.

For Tiffin, sustainability is something that the company is always

pushing to improve upon.

“Last year, we retrofitted all of our manufacturing facilities, that’s over one million square feet, with highly efficient LED lighting,” Leigh reveals.

“We’ve also introduced landfill reduction strategies, and we’ve seen an improvement in our landfill waste by about 25 percent in the last three years. We are always looking to be a great corporate steward and improve the efficiency of our operations for all our stakeholders.”

Burnsville factory

Burnsville factory

LEIGH TIFFIN,

Equally, Tiffin will embark on a raft of other key annual initiatives over the next 12 months, themed around the preservation, evolution, and growth of the company.

“From my very first day at Tiffin, about a year and a half ago, I said the theme that we’re going to pursue is to preserve, evolve, and grow,” outlines Leigh.

“Preserve the core fabric of the company, what we’re known for, the Bob Tiffin legacy and our customerdriven mindset; evolve in a way that says Tiffin is the industry leader in terms of service, quality, and ease of doing business with; and then grow, because everyone wants to be part of something that’s growing, and our dealer partners want to see the value of the Tiffin franchise enhanced

by additional product offerings and new categories that we may not have participated in previously.”

One of Tiffin’s big initiatives is to define a three-year product roadmap, and to continue diversifying its impressive portfolio of RVs.

Indeed, despite being an industry leader in quality and service for both Class A and Class C motorhomes, there is a big emphasis on new offerings.

“There are exciting opportunities for new offerings in our three-year product roadmap, even in the Class A category,” Leigh shares.

“This year, we also want to become the industry leader in terms of paint quality. We’re already very near the top, but we think that we can continue to improve because paint is

such a huge aesthetic feature for our customers; we have a state of the art paint facility, so we really want to take that to the next level.”

Another huge initiative for Tiffin over the next 18 to 24 months is to achieve a 90 percent 48-hour fulfilment rate on dealer parts orders, and to be 100 percent on-time for local manufacturing and servicing.

The company will also continue to improve its customer experience model and figure out how to redefine the Tiffin Allegro Club so that it can be more inclusive and encompassing of all product categories.

“Last but not least, we’re going to take our enterprise resource planning (ERP) system and really support our sales, parts, and service operations in a way that we never have before,” Leigh concludes.

TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

Tel: 256-356-8661 contact@tiffinmotorhomes.com www.tiffinmotorhomes.com

“WE BELIEVE THAT ALL OUR DIFFERENT CUSTOMERS SHARE A COMMON DREAM OF MAKING LIFELONG MEMORIES, HAVING FUN, EXPLORING THE GREAT OUTDOORS, AND REALLY ENJOYING SOME LEISURE TIME WITH THE PEOPLE THAT THEY LOVE THE MOST”

–

PRESIDENT, TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

RADIATING SUCCESS

Radiance Technologies (Radiance) believes that innovation is the fuel that moves us forward to a better tomorrow.

Excelling in developing innovative solutions for defense, intelligence, and civilian customers’ advanced challenges, Radiance brings people together with remarkable technical abilities and deep knowledge of customer missions, then equips them with modern laboratories, tools, and facilities.

Founded in 1999, Radiance now draws on vast experience to continue to serve its aerospace and defense industry customers, with approximately 1,000 employees located across 20 states in the US.

“Our major customer is the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), specifically the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force, however, we provide products and services for numerous customers across the entire DoD and the intelligence community,” introduces Tim Tinsley, President of Radiance.

Radiance specializes in research, development, and test and evaluation areas. Through this, the company’s primary focus is providing novel solutions in modeling and simulation, artificial intelligence (AI), system design and integration, product development, special test equipment, and comprehensive software development.

“Our market portfolio also includes work in aviation, test ranges and complexes, missile systems, cyber systems, intelligence, space technologies, directed energy, and electronic systems,” he adds.

Tinsley sees the aerospace and defense industry as a compelling market to be involved in, now more than ever.

“While the market is shifting as geopolitics transform and new advancements in technology are changing the landscape, the overall outlook for the industry is extremely optimistic,” he observes.

At the forefront of innovative assistance for the defense and intelligence sectors, Radiance Technologies offers a swathe of industry-leading solutions.

President, Tim Tinsley tells

us more

Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: David Knott

Emerging markets such as hypersonics, microelectronics, and space-related technologies continue to drive advancements in almost every facet of Radiance’s work.

Although the industry is currently in great shape, the company is still faced with significant challenges such as supply chain disruptions from prototype to production systems, high workforce attrition, an elevated inflation environment and the need to improve efficiencies from early R&D to the sustainment of systems.

“Given the state of the industry, the successful companies in this market will be the ones that can navigate these risks through innovative and agile business practices, employeecentric initiatives, and cutting-edge technological advancements,” explains Tinsley.

THE RADIANCE UNIVERSITY

Tinsley explains how the infinitely beneficial creation of Radiance University has helped to expertly carve out a unique reputation, serving as a proud differentiator from other defense contractors.

NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY?

TIM TINSLEY, PRESIDENT: “After I received my mechanical engineering undergraduate degree,

my first job was for a large, global paper and wood products manufacturing company. That was a great experience in a high-volume, high-quality atmosphere. I’ve since translated that mindset of efficient high performance to my career in aerospace and defense.

“Although our company doesn’t perform high-volume manufacturing, we generate numerous prototypes and low-volume hardware and software solutions for our customers. Simultaneously, we are creating innovative technology solutions while looking forward to optimized design for manufacturability, efficient supply chain management, and product sustainment.”

“I’ve spent over 18 years at Radiance and believe that we are different from other similar contractors. Radiance is a great place to build a career, and we invest in people starting on day one and equip them for employee ownership and career success through learning and development initiatives offered through the Radiance University.”

The Radiance University provides talent development for the company’s employees across the nation.

Since Radiance operates in many high-technology areas, it utilizes a workforce spanning every working generation. Therefore, having a team that is ready and agile is a top priority to ensure that the company remains ready to serve the entire nation.

Radiance

At Stephenson Endeavors Corporation (SEC), these values are the bedrock of our success. They are our commitment to our customers, the nation, and to the security of the Arctic. For more than 40 years, our people have led the way in providing for our nation’s defense in some of the most extreme environments on land, sea, air, and space.

Our stewardship of the Arctic and the dramatic environmental changes taking place there will drive our national security and future prosperity. We use basic and applied research in fields like advanced analytics, cyber security, and cutting-edge sensing to build the systems of tomorrow that support development and use of this fragile environment while respecting the people and places that have made it so unique.

Driven by climate change, the Arctic’s challenges demand solutions in national defense, environmental protection, and sustainable economic development. SEC’s best-of-breed approach to technology support to the federal and state governments acknowledges the special requirements for operating in this stressful and sensitive environment.

SEC’s core competencies in systems engineering and modeling and simulation support the search for advanced solutions from across the gamut of technology and its intersection with human needs and problems. With the opening of the Arctic, SEC’s expertise with the new requirements for domain awareness in the Arctic is critical for protecting Indigenous boundaries and fishing rights while opening up the Northern Passages to

navigation. Game-changing advances are needed in fields such as terrestrial and communications, environmentally-sensitive hydropower generation, and proliferated sensing—and SEC is at the forefront of this development. The new Arctic Strategy is our blueprint for the future.

Our Vision Serve as a trusted leader in the Arctic region by focusing on our areas of established expertise— leadership, communications, cybersecurity, and strong relationships in the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.

Our Mission Source and facilitate private and public partnerships to protect our vital interests in the Arctic and incubate an Arctic development agency for technology innovation.

Our Research Identify, design, and develop strategies and tools that sustain Indigenous economies as well as the goals of various stakeholders in encouraging and supporting the traditional economic activities of Indigenous peoples while providing much-needed technological advancements.

For more information: Stephenson Endeavors Corporation Intertech Park, Box 5 2031 Kings Highway Shreveport, LA 71103-3600

Mission.

The university deploys a variety of techniques to provide the learning and development opportunities that employee-owners desire to continue to build mastery into their disciplines. It offers the coordination of employee-led technical communities, full reimbursement in higher-level education for strategic capabilities and an on-demand learning tool for small-skill development. This educational tool provides multiple systems and avenues of learning initiatives to meet every employee where they are in their career journey.

Radiance also invests heavily in leadership development, achieved through a tiered program to build better leaders and

ensure a sustainable future for all employee-owners.

“Equipping our team to be great leaders, pursue technical mastery, and participate in the culture of ownership is a win-win. Radiance benefits from ensuring new hires launch successfully in our organization and ownership culture,” Tinsley elaborates.

“In doing this, we can successfully move in the same direction, sharing the same vision and values. Offering Radiance University to our employeeowners isn’t just a perk – we consider it a strategic part of a healthy talent pipeline.”

Elsewhere, Radiance continues to invest in a multitude of products and services through a robust internal

A TRUSTED LEADER AT THE VANGUARD OF AMERICA’S SPACE SECURITY SOLUTIONS

Stephenson Stellar Corporation (SSC) – a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization operating in the public interest – undertakes applied research and development of assured and resilient cyber capabilities to allow freedom of operations for our nation’s space systems.

In support of the DoD, SSC delivers state of the art technical solutions focused on cybersecurity, space systems, systems engineering, machine learning, and wireless technologies. With a nationwide presence, the corporation delivers professional services focused on solving complex engineering problems in the cyber and space domains for the benefit of the warfighter.

SSC experts are researching – as well as developing – secure space solutions to protect US space assets from illegal access and exploitation. Activities and projects include the following:

• Advancing capabilities of artificial intelligence and machine learning;

• Enabling cyber experimentation against ground-based FlatSats and an on-orbit constellation of spacecraft;

• Collaborating with Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to expand its 5G Independent Testing Laboratory – a reconfigurable, adaptable, and virtual environment – to provide remote access to external entities for testing security approaches and system validations.

For more information on how SSC can reinforce space assets:

Stephenson Stellar Corporation, 2031 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71103

T 318.390.3772

E ssc@stephensonstellar.org

Stephenson Stellar Corporation

STEPHENSONSTELLAR.ORG

“WHILE THE MARKET IS SHIFTING AS GEOPOLITICS TRANSFORM AND NEW ADVANCEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY ARE CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE, THE OVERALL OUTLOOK FOR THE INDUSTRY IS EXTREMELY OPTIMISTIC”

– TIM TINSLEY, PRESIDENT, RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES

Hillside Composites

Hillside Composites is uniquely positioned to enable effective deployment of composites across multiple industries - from meeting unique performance needs with custom layups to reducing cost and lead time through consulting on part design.

We have experience working with a wide array of composite materials, fastening strategies, and assembly techniques, as well as in-depth knowledge of composite part manufacturing – including milling, grinding, and abrasive waterjet machining.

We also manufacture and maintain an inventory of composite plate, enabling rapid turnaround and streamlined quality control - from prototyping to large production runs.

www.hillsidecomposites.com

research and development (IRAD) program, with the goal of pioneering innovative techniques and systems in the areas of microelectronics, directed energy, and distributed training systems.

This is parallel to several other employee-centric initiatives such as a very active Young Professionals group and the newly launched Women Engaged in Leadership, Enrichment, and Defense (WE LEAD).

The goals for these initiatives are to develop and support new and existing employees through education and training. This allows for an increase in knowledge and understanding of the aerospace and defense industry, promotes internal and external community engagement and helps to foster personal growth and development of the workforce.

ADVANCING INFRASTRUCTURE

Currently, Radiance is preparing to expand its infrastructure and facilities

in Huntsville, Alabama.

“This expansion includes a vast new research and innovation center that will significantly increase our ability to perform basic research, prototype design and development, system integration, and comprehensive system testing,” details Tinsley.

“We are also excited about our expansion into the National Capital Region with the opening of a new office space in Crystal City, Virginia,” he continues.

Additionally, the company plans to continue investing in substantial upgrades to all business processes and tools. This will ensure

levels of scaling, as Radiance continues to grow and diversify its technology portfolio and geographic footprint across the nation.

Strategic partner and supplier relationships play a key and significant role in Radiance’s success and have enabled this measured expansion. As a provider of critical and complex solutions to DoD customers, Radiance is continuously looking to leverage the unique skills and capabilities available in the market to enhance and maximize the solutions offered to customers.

Tinsley explains how at Radiance, “a trusting team approach is the

appropriate

“SPACE-RELATED TECHNOLOGY IS AN AREA THAT WE FEEL IS POISED FOR IMMENSE GROWTH DUE TO THE DEPTH AND BREADTH OF OUR CAPABILITIES”

– TIM TINSLEY, PRESIDENT, RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES

Troupe Company Inc. is a design and manufacturing firm based in Huntsville, Alabama. We are proudly woman-owned and offer a range of precision sheet metal parts fabrication and finishing capabilities. Our services include machining, TIG Welding, laser cutting, and more. At the heart of JL Troupe Company is our team of qualified, trained and dedicated professionals who are more than ready to deliver the right solutions for your organization’s needs.

best approach. This means that we place a heavy emphasis on fostering collaborative relationships with our partners.

“We view our strategic partners as an extension of the capabilities we can offer our customers. When our partners are successful, Radiance is successful. This eventually leads to our ultimate goal - the success of our customers.”

EMPLOYEE-OWNED AND PROUD

As a 100 percent employee-owned company, Radiance’s team has significant exposure to how the company operates, details on why decisions are made, and insight and a voice in where the company goes in the future.

“Our unique approach empowers our employees and provides a direct correlation to recent surveys that show over 97 percent employee approval ratings for the company and

the leadership team,” affirms Tinsley.

Further to this, Radiance recognizes employees in various other ways including annual awards for technical and administrative excellence, collaboration, leadership and management.

The Spirit of Radiance award was established to recognize employees that exemplify the core values of the company. The chosen winner must demonstrate a strong belief in employee ownership, strive to constantly improve the company culture, and serve as a strong ambassador for the company both internally and in the wider community.

Important to both the company culture and social responsibility, is the way in which Radiance provides numerous opportunities for its employees to be active participants in their local communities.

“For example, Radiance Gives is an employee-run charitable organization benefiting the communities where

KODA Technologies

KODA provides engineering and analytical services to solve nationalpriority technical challenges.

We focus on advanced technology development and the modernization of products that protect our military forces, homeland, and allies.

KODA supports space exploration, such as NASA’s mission to bring Mars samples back to Earth.

We specialize in systems engineering, integration, and testing for aerospace systems, using advanced methods such as digital engineering.

Offering subject matter experts coupled with analytical capability in on-site laboratories, we bring full-scale technical solutions to our customers. KODA is a proud small-business partner to Radiance Technologies.

www.kodatech.com

Whaleio

Whaleio is one of the highly skilled technology companies providing software and prototyping support for Radiance’s wide network of technical professionals.

As a seemlessly integrated hardware and software development team, Whaleio designs, develops and integrates video, graphical, and hardware-interfacing solutions for some of Radiance Technologies’ high energy laser contracts.

As a technology company, Whaleio provides commercial and government industry customers with purpose-built software/hardware applications and engineering support in the areas of embedded devices, edge and web computing, and artificial intelligence. www.whaleio.com

Radiance University

our employee-owners work and live,” Tinsley outlines.

“With our company’s core values as its North Star, Radiance Gives seeks to improve our communities by inviting a culture of strong social responsibility, doing the right thing, and serving our neighbors,” he says.

The Radiance Gives initiative works to align community needs with opportunities for employee engagement and distribution of resources. Through this organization, employee-owners are able to lead and serve by contributing pre-tax dollars to fund grants for eligible organizations, participate in volunteer

opportunities, and provide supplies to those in need through various drives and collections.

SPACE TECHNOLOGY – THE FINAL FRONTIER

“Looking forward, we see several opportunities to continue to diversify into new sectors, as well as experience organic growth within our current markets. Our ability to convey our solutions and capabilities from one agency customer to another is important to both Radiance and our government customers,” Tinsley reveals.

He goes on to predict two key areas where the company will see the most growth over the next 12 to 18 months.

“Space-related technology is an area that we feel is poised for immense growth due to the depth and breadth of our capabilities. Additionally, digital technology is essential for us to effectively implement our solutions for our customers.”

In this way, Radiance looks to employ numerous methods to digitally transform, optimize, and streamline solutions for customers. This includes AI and machine learning

Radiance is a proud employee-owned company. Employee-ownership has benefits to customers and workforce. Radiance Technologies is singularly focused on providing game-changing solutions to the most challenging requirements.

(ML), utilization of cloud technology for easier access, implementation of new technology, and comprehensive digital engineering practices including model-based system engineering.

Always looking to advance its space-related portfolio, Radiance continues to support the Air Force Institute of Technology and Air Force Research Laboratory with missionlevel development and analysis of a new space-based concept for the Security Support Provider Interface (SSPI) program.

The concept is to use on-orbit satellites that directly convert direct current power supplied by solar panel arrays into radio frequency energy for space-based power beaming.

With such an array of expansion and advancement planned for the near future, much of which will be space-related, the sky really is the limit for Radiance.

Tel: 256-704-3400 www.radiancetech.com

Spirit of Radiance award

INGENUITY IN THE DNA

Evolving from a small-shop operation into one of the largest thermoforming companies in the world, Plastic Ingenuity is the ultimate expert in packaging solutions. We find out more with Chief Revenue Officer, Sakif Ferdous

Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: David Knott

In today’s sustainability-focused world, it has become more vital than ever to understand how everyone can better contribute to a circular economy within the plastic and packaging industries.

In the US, the industry currently finds itself under a glaring spotlight, subject to constant scrutiny for its environmental impacts. The tremendous benefits that plastics provide, from providing sterile barriers for critical healthcare solutions to minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from food spoilage, are being weighed against the critical issue of plastic waste.

In this fraught context, Plastic Ingenuity has equipped itself with in-house sustainability experts and a specialist team dedicated to understanding and navigating circularity best practices, acting as guides, consultants, and innovators to help meet current and future initiatives.

In the last two years, Plastic Ingenuity has doubled down on its ongoing commitment to creating a circular economy for its products. The company has achieved this by partnering with industry organizations to increase recycling access, investing in more sustainable thermoforming solutions, and helping many of its customers to reach their sustainability goals.

“The sustainability aspect is very important to me and is one of the main reasons I find this space so exciting. As packaging manufacturers, we must play our part in creating solutions that are practical, backed

by science, and have a meaningful impact on the environment,” opens Sakif Ferdous, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of Plastic Ingenuity.

Joining the manufacturing industry straight from college, Ferdous explains how his focus has always been on solving customer pain points

and creating products that addressed their most important needs.

“In custom thermoforming, we can truly design solutions that meet the unique needs of each customer. Plastic Ingenuity’s designers often work directly with our clients to create solutions that exceed our customers’ expectations and anticipate their future needs.”

BECOMING AN INDUSTRY GIANT

Now with seven strategic locations, Plastic Ingenuity has risen exponentially through this competitive industry to emerge as one of the largest custom thermoformers in North America.

“Our experience, global reach, and genuine dedication to our customers allow us to bring any packaging vision to life, scale the product, and create a partnership that lasts beyond that product’s lifecycle,” elaborates Ferdous.

In manufacturing thermoformed packaging solutions for food, healthcare, and consumer goods, almost all the company’s products are custom designed for a specific customer and application.

Headquartered in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, Plastic Ingenuity has swiftly capitalized on its success, expanding across six other manufacturing locations in the US and Mexico, with plans for more soon.

“Our newest manufacturing location opened last year in Tooele,

Utah and is focused on high volume, sustainable, food packaging applications,” Ferdous adds.

In 2022, Plastic Ingenuity proudly celebrated its 50th anniversary and now continues to grow its business alongside a focus on recruitment. Currently, the company hosts over 850 dedicated employees, who have enabled its ongoing prosperity.

As a vertically integrated custom thermoformer, Plastic Ingenuity builds its own tools, extrudes its own materials, and heavily customizes its

own machines. It is these qualities that allow the company to be extremely nimble, often transitioning customers to market in weeks instead of months or even years.

ENHANCING SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEYS

For the last two years, Plastic Ingenuity has endeavored to engage its customers across the food, healthcare, and consumer goods segments, with the goal of understanding their most urgent and significant needs when it comes to sustainable packaging.

“Each of our customers is at a different point in their sustainability journey. While some are just starting to define their goals, others have established and publicized commitments that they are aspiring to meet,” Ferdous explains.

These subsequent conversations provided key insights into what Plastic Ingenuity and other packaging providers can do to help customers

“AS PACKAGING MANUFACTURERS, WE MUST PLAY OUR PART IN CREATING SOLUTIONS THAT ARE PRACTICAL, BACKED BY SCIENCE, AND HAVE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT”

– SAKIF FERDOUS, CRO, PLASTIC INGENUITY

MORE THAN PLASTIC AND PACKAGING – PLASTIC INGENUITY SERVICES

INNOVATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING

Plastic Ingenuity thinks strategically about the markets it serves, where trends are heading, and how the company’s packaging solutions can creatively anticipate and solve future challenges.

SPEED-TO-MARKET

Creating its own machines, extruding its own materials, and taking care of everything in-house, means a more streamlined process that helps Plastic Ingenuity to get customer packages to market faster.

LONG-LASTING PARTNERSHIPS

Plastic Ingenuity treats every project as its own and strives to be an extension of the client’s team. The company is there to support and guide, offer expertise and provide industry knowledge, to create a packaging solution and partnership that lasts.

JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY

It’s not often that issues are encountered, but Plastic Ingenuity has always got its clients covered. It is the company’s commitment to these customers to be on-site within 24 hours of a problem arising, providing the support that is both expected and deserved.

achieve their unique sustainability objectives. Responding effectively to this research, Plastic Ingenuity launched a complete suite of circularity services designed to assist customers wherever they might be on their sustainability journey.

“We also took the most significant findings from our conversations and published our first Thermoform Circularity Report earlier this year, with the next edition to be released shortly,” he adds.

The inaugural report is the culmination of a year-long effort to discover and thoroughly analyze the drivers, goals, and challenges associated with the transition to a circular economy for thermoforms.

This is alongside the launch of the Plastic Ingenuity circular newsletter,

a quarterly publication focused on ongoing conversations in the sustainable packaging space.

ADDING CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY

Plastic Ingenuity has enjoyed significant volume growth over the last few years, mainly due to a lasersharp focus on providing customers with a consistent supply of parts even during the most challenging supply chain circumstances.

“Since 2020, our compounded annual growth rate has been over 15 percent, and as we have expanded, we have invested in all our US locations – adding lines, upgrading equipment, and expanding our footprint,” Ferdous reveals.

The largest recent investment for

the company arrives in the shape of the newest plant in Tooele, Utah.

“This plant has been designed for sustainable, high-volume food packaging applications – so we are outfitting it from the get-go with equipment to process, extrude, and thermoform PCR PET,” explains Ferdous.

Another vital area of investment for Plastic Ingenuity is within its healthcare segment, where the company continues to create innovative thermoformed solutions for its pharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostics customers.

Plastic Ingenuity’s thermoforms are implemented to accelerate product development, speed up manufacturing processes, and bring new therapies to market quickly and efficiently.

UTILIZING TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

The importance of teamwork is essential in today’s multidisciplinary world of manufacturing, with collaborative problem-solving representing a crucial element of business. In this way, the dedicated staff at Plastic Ingenuity continue to exist as the company’s most crucial asset, described by Ferdous as “our biggest differentiator and the most important piece of the puzzle.”

Plastic Ingenuity has always been engineer-led and greatly values technical expertise.

“We now possess a staggering amount of technical experience in-house, for example, the average tenure of our design engineering group is over 25 years,” he confirms.

Priding itself on being the collective problem-solvers and supporters that the company’s customers can turn to for their packaging solutions,

– SAKIF FERDOUS, CRO, PLASTIC INGENUITY

Plastic Ingenuity’s technical teams are empowered to work directly with customers, functioning as extensions to their in-house packaging teams.

“All our employees are encouraged to come forward with ideas on how to make the business better, and we regularly implement these recommendations in the spirit of continuous improvement,” Ferdous adds.

Since inception, to recognize everyone’s contributions, Plastic Ingenuity has exercised its discretion to return 42 percent of net profits back to its employees every year as bonuses. This is an option the leadership team has uptaken annually

and has been a culture-defining cornerstone of Plastic Ingenuity’s philosophy since the very beginning.

“This is the reason our employees have a real sense of ownership in the company. Everyone is directly incentivized to do what is best for our customers and personally take it upon themselves to get things done. Through pandemics, supply chain issues, and natural disasters – our team always finds a way.”

DELIVERING A PROMISING FUTURE

Year after year, Plastic Ingenuity’s primary objective remains consistent - to make its plants as safe as possible

“THROUGH PANDEMICS, SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES, AND NATURAL DISASTERS – OUR TEAM ALWAYS FINDS A WAY”

for its employees.

“We aim for zero accidents across our operations and strive to get there through process improvements, designing out hazards, and automating difficult tasks,” sets out Ferdous.

“Beyond this, my priority is to keep growing our revenue to make the

most of our recent investments. We will be expanding our presence on the west coast through our Tooele plant, doubling down on sustainable packaging, and building out our healthcare capabilities to achieve this goal,” he adds.

Having worked diligently with its customers to collectively overcome a

medley of challenges in recent years, Ferdous remains extremely grateful for this ongoing support.

“Together, we have redesigned parts for better manufacturability, qualified new materials to lower costs, moved tools between plants to create efficiencies, and even worked out better shipping and logistics solutions,” he reflects proudly.

“We really are at our best when we can truly partner with our customers – and our customers appreciate it too.”

HY-TEKTHE FUTURE OF LOGISTICS

The supply chain sector is continually evolving to fulfill the demands of growing online retail and e-commerce. We speak to the executive team at Hy-Tek Intralogistics and take a look at the company delivering automated solutions to companies across the US supply chain space

Writer: Marcus Kääpä Project Manager: David Knott

We would be lost without the support of the supply chain industry.

With the festive season only days away, it falls on the sector and the myriad players and systems within to fulfill the holiday spirit and connect people with goods and packages en masse. In this industry, using the latest technology and most efficient systems is critical to the long-term success of logistics operations and the supply chain’s continued fluidity.

Specialists in systems integration are the masterful minds behind a company’s smooth operation, efficiency, and overall business growth, utilizing supply chain expertise to solve complex business problems for companies of all sizesenter Hy-Tek Intralogistics (Hy-Tek).

THE PERFECT WHEEL

With headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, Hy-Tek provides state of the art distribution and fulfillment solutions to simplify and improve businessto-business (B2B) and business-toconsumer (B2C) growth. Hy-Tek’s leading supply chain solutions solve multiple, complex business problems for companies in every state of the

WHY HY-TEK?

With more than 59 years of business success, Hy-Tek designs to client objectives and helps guide them toward the future. Whether Hy-Tek creates a concept from scratch or enhances current facilities, the company uses data and a thorough understanding of client operations to develop unique solutions.

Motivated by high expectations, Hy-Tek aims to provide costeffective, efficient solutions that exceed client expectations.

Industries served:

• Wholesale

• Retail

• Manufacturing

• Parcel

• Health and beauty

• Food and beverage

• E-commerce

• Third-party logistics

US, who work with the Hy-Tek team to delight their customers and create a more efficient warehouse system.

Hy-Tek is the result of various specialized companies that integrated to form the company today. Since 1963, Hy-Tek and its best-in-class industry partners –including manufacturers of industrial equipment, conveyor systems, automated storage and retrieval systems– have provided customers with turnkey solutions. From customized storage systems to preassembled buildings and off-the-shelf products, Hy-Tek’s experienced team of consultants, software developers, engineers, account managers, operations specialists, installers, controls engineers, and project managers partner with customers to enhance productivity, streamline processes and boost profitability.

Moving into the millennium in 2002, Hy-Tek expanded integrated systems to focus on opportunities across the US, opening an office in Hebron, Kentucky and assembling a team of experts to manage the business.

“20 years ago, our objective was to create what we call the “perfect wheel” because the process was much slower at the time,” introduces Sam Grooms, CEO of Hy-Tek. “We were trying to do everything with the logistics services business, from consulting and software to

DEHNCO

What sets successful businesses ahead of the pack?

Their ability to think and plan one step ahead.

At Dehnco, we help businesses prepare for whatever comes next, with intelligent, integrated equipment solutions.

The warehouse is a complex work environment that requires an integrated approach. All of the parts, pieces, and systems need to work in harmony, complementing each other to enhance productivity and improve workflow. At Dehnco, we encourage our dealers, clients, and users to think about the workstation as a dynamic, living breathing site — a space that’s always changing, growing, and evolving.

But why is thinking about integration so important? Our industry exists in a constant state of flux and change. Trends, technologies, and market conditions dictate the pace, and we’re tasked with how to adapt. And when the pace accelerates, the businesses who are ready to adapt and evolve are the ones who thrive.

When you design with integration in mind, you’re always one step ahead. There are several advantages to designing for integrative function. Integrating — versus overhauling or rebuilding — will save your business valuable time and money. When you’re able to quickly pivot or seamlessly add or subtract elements of your work area, you can focus on the job at hand instead of worrying about starting from scratch.

To learn more about our equipment offerings and our commitment to modular, innovative solutions, visit our website.

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Are you ready for what’s next?

In an industry that innovates at a lightning pace, the ability to evolve has never been more important.

At Dehnco, that’s at the core of what we do. With exible, forward-thinking design, our equipment evolves to meet pack-and-ship’s most rigorous demands.

implementation, electrical installation, and programmable logic controller (PLC); anything within the realm of what it takes to produce an integrated system within a distribution center.”

For Grooms, it was – and remains - Hy-Tek’s imperative to create bespoke, fast-running, and seamless systems. Compared to the company’s ramping up of systems development in the early 2000s, the present day offers a far greater wealth of technological opportunity when it comes to implementation and increasing efficiency.

“There was a far more limited range of things to incorporate in the realm of material handling in the past,” Grooms affirms. “A perfect example of this is collaborative robotics, unavailable 20 years ago but fully integrated into what we do today. We specialize in optimizing and automating systems within a warehouse or distribution center –this is intralogistics.”

REVOLUTIONARY ROBOTICS

The turn of the decade saw the world collectively experience a new kind of challenge; COVID-19 impacted almost every industry and highlighted to companies the importance of a smooth-running supply chain.

On top of offering its various consulting services and solutions, Hy-Tek has risen to the challenge by supplying businesses with warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation management systems (TMS), enterprise resource planning (ERP) integration, and real-time visibility and reporting software during this period, helping clients refine and evolve their warehouse functionality.

“Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a recent and dramatic period that hangs around the industry, but right now, the supply chain sector is receiving unprecedented notoriety,” explains Sandy Stephens, Executive Vice President of Software and Consulting.

Action Industrial Services

Letter from the president…

Hy-Tek has always been a part of my family. My father was a founding partner and president for many years. When we started our dock/door company in 2006 we worked closely with Hy-Tek. This led to the formation of Action Industrial Services. Through the years we have partnered with Hy-Tek on numerous projects from liquidations, conveyors and mezzanines to storage and rack systems.

We have formed a national network of vendors and contractors. We stock dock and door equipment as well as pallet racking and many other material handling products at our locations. We look forward to partnering with you to fulfill your material handling and dock needs.

Columbus - 1985 Oakland Park AvenueColumbus, Ohio 43224

Newark - 283 East Main Street - Newark, Ohio 43055

www.ActionIndustrialService.com

FMH Conveyors

FMH Conveyors considers Hy-Tek Intralogistics one of our most valued channel partners. Through this 33 year relationship, we have collaborated together on multiple distribution and retail solutions.

The consultative approach of both companies helped customers in diverse markets expedite their supply chain, integrate automation and drive greater productivity throughout their operations from conception to implementation.

At FMH Conveyors, we are committed to creating customized, omni-channel solutions that are as unique as the companies we serve, across a broad range of industries

www.fmhconveyors.com

“The challenges that you hear in the mainstream media around the supply chain – labor shortages, increasing wages, moving products through transportation networks –have certainly been real, especially in the past two years, but these are the things that Hy-Tek addresses with services and products. In this way, it has been a great time to be operating in the supply chain industry; with notoriety and challenge comes opportunity.”

According to Stephens, recent years have seen an unparalleled

HY-TEK – THE WAREHOUSE OPTIMIZATION PROCESS

PLAN AND CONSULT

Develop executive goals, DC strategies, Capital Planning, growth phases, budgets and objectives.

DESIGN

Engineer the systems, develop the budgets for each phase, assemble all the stakeholders, and detail the implementation plans.

BUILD

Implement the technologies and information systems, manage project procurements, detail the implementation plans, and develop the documentation and training materials.

IMPLEMENT

Manage the system start-up, train, support the go-live, audit and optimize the performance, and assist in customer acceptance.

SUPPORT

Support the mechanical, electrical, and information systems, train the customer teams, and establish the ongoing communication protocols for service and modernization efforts.

advancement in robotics that Hy-Tek has leveraged to its advantage and to the success of its partners and customers. Swift, efficient, and reliable picking systems are changing the face of supply chain operations across the US, with COVID-19 proving the need for online retail and e-commerce and consequently fueling the demand for the most advanced logistics systems.

“The pandemic really showed retail companies the necessity of online shopping and the importance of fulfilling e-commerce capability,” Stephens continues. “This has created a boom for our business. The number of projects we are currently working on compared to pre-COVID-19 levels is extraordinary.”

A secondary effect of the pandemic period has been companies realizing the importance of building inventory to combat potential waning supplies. COVID-19 delivered a huge shock to the supply chain and logistics space, with many businesses around the US unable to replenish dwindling stock during this challenging time.

In light of this, Hy-Tek has and continues to see a dramatic increase in demand for its solutions and believes that this trend will only continue onward and upward, with robotic systems at the forefront.

INNOVATION AND EXPANSION

Order picking, the central backbone of any fulfillment center, is becoming increasingly automated through robotics, boosting accuracy and productivity. Robotics is rapidly growing within the e-commerce and distribution space, helping optimize supply chain processes, and it is undoubtedly a time of expansion for Hy-Tek.

Recently, the company celebrated the grand opening of its 20,000-square-foot Innovation Lab, representing a new level of service in the sector.

“Our Innovation Lab includes

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Speedrack

Speedrack is a leading supplier of pallet racking and storage systems that has been at the forefront of the storage products industry for over 68 years. From pioneering our tubular design to the first e-commerce optimized storage and distribution storage solution, innovation is built into our DNA. Speedrack’s approach to business emphasizes lasting partnerships with a select group of customers and distributors.

Hy-Tek Intralogistics is one of those partners. Throughout the years, Speedrack and Hy-Tek have successfully supplied numerous solutions to our clients from selective racking to e-commerce focused pick modules.

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an 800-location goods-to-person system; many systems in the field operate anywhere from 12,000 to 80,000 pick locations. Therefore, the 800-location Innovation Lab gives customers great insight into how a larger system would perform,” explains Donnie Johnson, President of Integrated Systems at Hy-Tek.

“The Innovation Lab is a tremendous demonstration space as well as a research and development lab with a mini distribution center within it. We can receive a product, enter the information into our WMS, and simulate the product movements through a facility. The Innovation Lab boasts five different methods of storage and picking, as well as standard sortation of cartons within the lab.”

Hy-Tek’s mission is to deliver the right solutions for clients based on where they are today and focus on where they are going. To accomplish this, Hy-Tek uses an integrated platform of expertise and technology

called IntraOne. The platform provides flexibility and allows them to adapt to an ever-changing landscape of business requirements and rapidly evolving technology.

A key element of the IntraOne Platform is Hy-Tek’s ability to deploy its adaptable software to integrate, manage, balance, optimize and provide a holistic view of all the activity within a facility.

The software combines WCS (conveyor control), WES (optimization and execution), as well as WMS (Warehouse Management) at a site or network level. Additional capabilities like transportation management, cartonization, and carton labeling solutions are also available.

Where Hy-Tek’s services and solutions have traditionally served companies operating in retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, and wholesale, the company’s core offering is also being deployed in alternative spheres, such as food and

beverage and health and beauty.

Whether the need is to modernize a facility or process to boost performance or decrease downtime, Hy-Tek helps improve system efficiency and flexibility that safeguards product integrity while reducing losses from damaged goods. For health and beauty products, visibility and safety are critical to product transportation, and Hy-Tek provides unique solutions that are highly accurate and secure.

“When it comes to medical products, for example, it’s crucial to track batches of serial numbers for each product and other details involved in inventory movement; this is not required in retail,” Johnson elaborates.

“It’s been a great opportunity for Hy-Tek to demonstrate our more advanced capabilities of tracking large quantities of data. This level of specificity allows customers to meet strict reporting requirements such as expiration dates.”

“TO SUPPORT OUR CUSTOMERS’ LONG-TERM GROWTH, WE WILL CONTINUE TO INVEST IN THEIR FUTURE WHICH WILL LEAD US TO BECOME THE LARGEST AND MOST RESPECTED AGNOSTIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATOR IN THE US”

– SAM GROOMS, CEO, HY-TEK INTRALOGISTICS

RECOGNIZING EXPERTISE

Hy-Tek offers clients the advantage of a dedicated project engineering team and a staff of specialists in project management, system implementation, and integration. Whether in need of a warehouse storage retrofit – or a turnkey integrated system for a new facility – clients can rely on Hy-Tek’s professionals to deliver results.

Hy-Tek’s work is built for businesses and designed for people. Indeed, over the company’s 59 years of business success, people have been at the center of the company and continue to make it what it is today.

“We make sure that they are incentivized throughout the year to reflect this because our success relies on our people,” says Mark Bruner, Executive Vice President of Operations. “For example, our customer service teams are engaged from the beginning of the project, and they remain involved to help them

optimize their systems and maintain high productivity levels.

“We also focus on social and philanthropic functions to get our employees involved. Our goal is to create new and unique ways to bring everybody together and aim to foster a culture of inclusion, personal relationships, and comradery.”

Hy-Tek recognizes that its people are at the center of its operations and the company’s future growth. High value is placed on interconnectivity and transparency between the business and its employees, keeping everyone in the loop and up to date.

“We always try to keep our employees informed and looking forward to the next activity, which forms a vital part of Hy-Tek’s positive culture. We celebrate our victories and recognize those who have gone above and beyond in what they do because we understand our people are at the core of Hy-Tek’s success,” states Bruner.

AIMING FOR GROWTH

Hy-Tek’s success and growth have been accelerated by its recent acquisitions; Hy-Tek has integrated six new business units in the space of around 15 months. On top of this substantial expansion, the company is continuously improving internal systems to benefit Hy-Tek and its clients.

“In addition to leveraging our scale and standardizing our business systems and processes, we fully intend to become the largest agnostic systems integrator in the US,” said Grooms.

“Hy-Tek wants to be the best provider for any solution a client can ask for, and we do whatever it takes to see a job done right, fulfilling the need of the client.”

HY-TEK INTRALOGISTICS

Tel: 800-837-1217 www.hy-tek.com

WireCrafters provides our customers with creative solutions for their safety, security, and storage needs, while meeting commitments with exceptional quality by people who care.

TAKING CARE OF DELAWARE

Project

Our mission to improve the health of our community one life at a time is an admirable one.”

Serving a growing population of more than 450,000 residents is Bayhealth, central and southern Delaware’s largest health system. Healthcare has always been the devoted passion of President and CEO, Terry Murphy, whose career in the industry began more than 40 years ago.

Bayhealth is expanding its healthcare services and programs to improve the health of Delawarean communities, as Terry Murphy, President and CEO explains

Writer: Jack Salter |

Manager: Felix Revell

“Since my first day in healthcare, I fell in love with the industry and more importantly, fell in love with the people,” Murphy says.

“A lot has changed, but the one thing that is ever-present is the conviction and passion I see in the faces of our physicians, nurses and staff.”

Around 500 physicians and 4,000 members of staff are employed by Bayhealth to carry out the mission outlined in Murphy’s opening statement, and their conviction has been more profound than ever amid unprecedented challenges.

“In the past two years the industry has faced the COVID-19 pandemic and staff shortages, but people in healthcare never give up or surrender to the challenges. It’s that spirit that keeps me coming back day after day,” emphasizes Murphy.

Bayhealth provides a full continuum of care for its patients, with service lines including orthopaedics, cardiovascular and neurosurgery to name just a few. However, the staff shortages alluded to by Murphy are driving up healthcare costs throughout the country and making it harder for hospitals to deliver care.

Crothall Healthcare

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NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: WHAT CHALLENGES FACE BAYHEALTH WHEN IT COMES TO STAFF AND RECRUITMENT?

TERRY MURPHY, PRESIDENT AND CEO:

“We look at staffing challenges as an opportunity to rethink the roles we had in the past and what roles we need for the future.

“We’re exploring new innovative ways to partner with nearby vocational schools, higher education institutions and community organizations that specialize in helping people find work. Among the many programs we are offering right now are student loan repayments for new hires, covering the cost of tuition, books, and time in class for students who commit to joining Bayhealth when they complete a program or graduate.

“Relocation support is also offered to nearly every new hire who is willing to move to Delaware, and we are offering generous sign-on bonuses for many hard-to-fill positions.”

Rather than wringing hands over this, Bayhealth put together a special team of operational leaders and cross-functional workgroups to look at restructuring and reimagining workflows.

“We have improved our estimated date of discharge, remain focused on reducing the average length of stay for patients, and restructured how we move patients through our hospitals and facilities in quicker, more efficient ways without sacrificing quality or safety,” Murphy informs us.

Creating a clean and efficient hospital environment takes a purpose-driven and highly trained workforce that cares deeply about patient safety and the experience. At Crothall Healthcare, we keep people at the center of our business. We focus on recruiting, engaging, and retaining the best in the industry because it’s our employees who deliver the safe, clean environments and high-standard patient experiences our clients have come to know and expect.

Crothall is a Compass One Healthcare organization. Our people culture separates us from the competition with best practices in learning and development, highlighted by our latest 2023 Training Apex Award. They feel recognized, empowered, and engaged through our Positive Impressions training and GEM recognition programs. Crothall people have also endorsed our selection as one of Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare every year since 2009, most recently placing Compass One Healthcare in the Top 10 among healthcare organizations nationwide.

Learn More:

www.crothall.com

INNOVATIVE CAMPUSES

Bayhealth comprises two hospital campuses, Kent and Sussex, complemented by dozens of primary care and speciality practices as well as a walk-in clinic.

The Bayhealth Sussex Campus is an immense source of pride for the company, a state of the art facility opened in February 2019 to replace the old Milford Memorial Hospital which had served the community for generations.

“We designed an innovative new hospital fully capable of meeting all the community’s needs. We approached this in the way we approach everything at Bayhealth

– we saw it as an opportunity to create an efficient and cutting-edge fullservice hospital,” recalls Murphy.

Little did Bayhealth know at the time that the Sussex campus would play such an important role in caring for the community when COVID-19 cases began to surge locally, with the new intensive care unit (ICU) fully equipped and staffed by the very best doctors and nurses.

“The emergency department and ICU, as well as the hospital itself, is larger than the Milford campus was. In all honesty, I’m not sure it could have handled the pandemic anywhere near as well as the new Sussex campus,” Murphy says.

Bayhealth, like all healthcare organizations, faces ever-rising costs while trying to improve healthcare quality and still investing in essential EHR/EMR software upgrades.

Bayhealth worked with its ITSM solution provider RightStar and BMC to help drive down overall IT service management costs while providing a transformational digital experience to hospital employees.

RightStar completed a BMC Helix ITSM cloud migration from the Remedy on-premise system resulting in a modern toolset including the BMC Digital Workplace Advanced portal, with an estimated $50,000 yearly savings from reduction in overall IT infrastructure costs.

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Zones, LLC

Zones is proud to be a prime IT solution partner of Bayhealth, central and southern Delaware’s healthcare leader.

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At Bayhealth and with you, we work every day to earn the right to be your First Choice for IT™.

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Sussex campus lobby interior

Sussex campus

“We had an entire floor of the Sussex campus that wasn’t complete when the pandemic hit, so we worked with the state of Delaware to get permission to build that floor out in real time so we could treat more patients.”

The Sussex campus was truly a blessing and a lifesaver throughout the pandemic, and has been named as one of the top hospitals in the country when it comes to delivering safe, highquality care.

Once open, a new command center will integrate patient bed placement among other operational imperatives across both the Kent and Sussex campuses.

The command center will be fully equipped with a hotline for nurses and care teams to call when they need help with getting patients into a bed.

“I’m so proud of the work we are doing at Bayhealth, which we may not have undertaken had it not been for the challenges we were facing.

The challenges give us the incentive, but our leaders and team saw the opportunities,” Murphy shares.

TOTAL CARE

Access to healthcare resources in rural areas can often be scarce and require patients to drive long distances to receive the care they need.

In response, Bayhealth is also preparing to launch a new, innovative approach to delivering care in rural communities with the opening of Bayhealth Total Care in February 2023.

The first of its kind in the

community, Bayhealth Total Care is a free-standing emergency and urgent care hybrid facility with diagnostic and imaging capabilities that will make primary and specialty care available closer to home for those who live nearby.

“Innovation is at the heart of Bayhealth Total Care, and it’s the project we are most excited about right now,” states Murphy proudly.

“We strategically picked a location that is central to three nearby towns, and selected services that we knew residents in those communities needed access to.”

“INNOVATION IS AT THE HEART OF BAYHEALTH TOTAL CARE, AND IT’S THE PROJECT WE ARE MOST EXCITED ABOUT RIGHT NOW”

– TERRY MURPHY, PRESIDENT AND CEO, BAYHEALTH

Exemplifying the importance of Bayhealth Total Care to the community is a nearby athletics complex, where hundreds of families gather on the weekend during the summer months and throughout the year for soccer games among other sporting events.

As a community sponsor of the complex, Bayhealth learned that when a child is injured at the field, they are often life-flighted via helicopter to a nearby hospital because there’s nothing close by.

“As you can imagine, this is a costly way to acquire care and it’s not ideal when your child is injured,” explains Murphy.

“But as of February 2023, that won’t be the case anymore. Children in need of care will be just minutes away from Bayhealth Total Care, which means faster, more efficient care for families.

“Nearly every project in recent years, from the opening of our Sussex campus to Bayhealth Total Care, keeps the needs of patients at the center of our work,” he continues.

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

In another first for the community, Bayhealth recently launched the Graduate Medical Education (GME) program in 2021 to help train and educate the next generation of physicians.

GME will grow over the next few

years, ultimately resulting in hundreds of new physicians practicing in communities facing staff shortages.

“I am so proud of the program and of our clinical leaders for not only stepping up to help our next generation of physicians learn and grow, but also finding new ways

White Coat Ceremony, Kent Campus

Bayhealth Sports Physicals

to bring more physicians to our communities,” Murphy says.

Being a regional healthcare leader means understanding and valuing the importance of caring beyond hospital and clinic walls.

Bayhealth’s Population Health initiative focuses on clinically integrating community health and wellness into the healthcare delivery system in central and southern Delaware.

“We utilize public health data, our discharge data, a bi-annual community health needs assessment as well as community consumer research to help us stay attuned to the needs of the people we serve,” reveals Murphy.

Just this past year, Bayhealth has

provided free physicals to school-age children and is providing flu shots throughout the community.

The company is also awaiting the delivery of a new mobile health clinic, fully equipped with exam rooms, hearing booths, and minor lab and diagnostics equipment.

Bayhealth is also the premiere sponsor of 302 Food Rescue, the first ever food rescue program in the US that helps food banks access perishable items and get them into the hands of those who might otherwise go without a healthy meal.

A simple-to-use mobile app will help local restaurants or grocery stores that have perishables for pick up to reach a volunteer driver, who

“rescues” the food and brings it to a food bank in real time. Clients will also be able to use the app to request food and find the closest food bank to their home.

The first and only health system to help create this program, Bayhealth will serve as the model for other such programs across the US in the years ahead.

“KEEPING OUR PATIENTS AT THE CENTER OF EVERY DECISION WE MAKE IS CORE TO OUR CULTURE AND MISSION AT BAYHEALTH”

– TERRY MURPHY, PRESIDENT AND CEO, BAYHEALTH

Kent campus

Sussex campus

Bayhealth is the premiere sponsor of 302 Food Rescue, the first ever food rescue program in the US that helps food banks access perishable items and get them into the hands of those who might otherwise go without a healthy meal.

“Addressing the social determinants of health such as lack of access to healthy meals is fundamental to our mission of improving the health of our community one life at a time,” Murphy notes.

“We stepped up to make this program possible and knew we had to do something about this lack of access. Nutritious food nourishes our bodies and minds, and plays an important role in keeping people healthy and helping to heal the injured or sick.”

BEST PATIENT EXPERIENCE

In addition to the expansion of Bayhealth’s services and programs, the company is committed to creating

the best patient experience across all facilities.

“We want the Bayhealth experience to be unique, meaningful, and customized to each person’s needs,” Murphy tells us.

For example, in partnership with Bayada Home Health, Bayhealth ensures a seamless transition of care from the hospital to the home when a patient is discharged.

This partnership has been in place for many years, and will be grown and expanded in the long term to provide more services.

Bayhealth also partners with PAM Health to provide post-acute hospital care to discharged patients that require rehab services.

“PAM Health and Bayhealth are opening a new PAM facility in Georgetown, Delaware in the coming months, and we are breaking ground on a freestanding PAM facility at our Sussex campus before the end of 2022,” Murphy concludes.

BAYHEALTH

Tel: 302-674-4700 marketing@bayhealth.org www.bayhealth.org

TREATMENT IN ALIGNMENT

Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Felix Revell

The main reason for complete alignment with physicians, staff, patients and the community is very simple: to provide the best patient care possible.”

Alignment between these healthcare stakeholders is one of the key differentiating factors of Nutex Health Inc. (Nutex) according to Chairman, CEO and Founder, Tom Vo.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas and founded in 2011, Nutex is a physician-led healthcare management and operations company with approximately 1,500 employees nationwide and comprises two divisions: Hospital and Population Health Management.

The former currently owns and operates 22 healthcare facilities in eight different states, whilst management, administrative, and other support services are provided by the latter to affiliated hospitals and physician groups.

Having worked as an emergency room (ER) physician in both large and small hospital systems in Houston, Vo

recognized the critical need for access to medical care that Nutex’s facilities throughout the US now provide.

“At the time, everyone had to go to a central location in order to get care. The thought was if we could bring medical care much closer to the communities where people lived, that would be extremely valuable. So that was exactly what we did!” he recalls.

PHYSICIAN PARTNERSHIPS

Physicians dissatisfied with their local hospital system and in need of a change often reach out to Nutex. Whether their working conditions are below standards, job satisfaction is poor, or their pay is low, Nutex enters the picture and partners with these physicians to help build hospitals in their communities.

So far, the company has partnered with over 200 physicians who are given an equity stake in the hospital and the opportunity to invest in the project, so they have total skin in the game. This makes physicians both a medical partner and a financial one.

“It creates a complete alignment

In partnership with physicians, Nutex Health Inc. is improving and expanding access to healthcare.

Tom Vo, Chairman, CEO and Founder, emphasizes the need for complete alignment

– TOM VO, CHAIRMAN,

AND FOUNDER, NUTEX HEALTH INC.

so that if the business does well, the physician does well, and if the business fails, then the physician loses out,” explains Vo.

“The strategy has worked out very well so far as most of our physician partners are much happier in their personal and professional lives, and we have helped to extend their careers as physicians.

“These partnerships have been lifechanging for our physician partners. You cannot operate a company with unhappy doctors, nurses and employees; they have to be happy, comfortable and content. Once you have that, then you’re going to have happy patients,” he continues.

Alignment with physicians is therefore key for Nutex in order to treat patients well and execute the company’s mission of providing the best medical care in the community.

Patients are the biggest beneficiaries of Nutex’s alignment model, as physicians are naturally

incentivized to go the extra mile and treat patients better.

“We see this in all of our hospitals’ reviews on Google, Yelp and Facebook. Every single one of our hospitals is rated at least 4.5 or above,” Vo acclaims.

“How do you provide the best patient care? It’s really simple: by making sure that the people who treat those patients are well aligned, taken care of, happy and satisfied.”

AUGMENTING TECHNOLOGY

Of equal importance to Nutex is technology, which the company utilizes to help its physicians and nurses to operate more efficiently.

For example, its cloud-based proprietary technology platform aggregates data across multiple information systems, settings and sources to create a holistic view of each patient and provider.

Vo believes that Nutex will be the future of healthcare, and technology

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WG Consulting

Nutex Health contacted WG Consulting in July, 2021 to assist them in going public from a financial reporting standpoint. WG has been proud to partner with Nutex through their IPO in April, 2022 and post-IPO as Nutex faces the challenges of being a public company.

Public company requirements that WG assisted with include:

• Conversion of private-company financial statements to SEC compliant

• Facilitation of external audit process

• Proxy filings

• Interim Controller

• ERP implementation

• Internal controls review

• Due diligence of reverse merger target

• Technical advisory

• Forecasting and budgeting

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IT services that keep patients first.

“HOW DO YOU PROVIDE THE BEST PATIENT CARE? IT’S REALLY SIMPLE: BY MAKING SURE THAT THE PEOPLE WHO TREAT THOSE PATIENTS ARE WELL ALIGNED, TAKEN CARE OF, HAPPY AND SATISFIED”

CEO

important, it doesn’t replace the secret sauce that is our people. It is a tool that we use in order to provide the best patient care,” Vo emphasizes.

“Almost every single decision that we make is related to patient care. Our philosophy is that once patient care is taken care of, then everything else will follow suit, and that has been working for the last 11 years.”

EXPANDING FOOTPRINT

Nutex plans to open at least 20 locations over the next few years, effectively doubling the company’s current hospital footprint.

All of these locations, which are either under development or in the latter stages of construction, will make a difference in the lives of people in these communities.

“We are the only company in the country that operates small hospitals that can be easily and cost-effectively placed anywhere,” Vo tells us.

“Most of these new locations were brought to us by local physicians and healthcare leaders who requested that we open hospitals because of deficiencies in the local market. We’re very excited about the expansion; the whole reason why we became a public company was so that we could expand.”

For new and existing hospitals, Nutex also plans to create Independent Physician Associations (IPAs) to help drive volume as well as reduce medical costs.

Owned and operated by the Population Health Management division, IPAs are small business entities that unify groups of small physician practices, reducing overheads and allowing them to act as a whole when making business decisions.

“It’s a network of primary care doctors that would feed the hospital, forming a micro healthcare system within each location,” details Vo.

“There is a fair amount of work that goes in every time we open up a new location, but it’s absolutely worth it because we think that local physicians, patients and communities need it.”

Hospitals opened up by Nutex not only bring expert care to each community, but disrupt any medical monopolies in the area.

Monopolies bring about complacency and an unwillingness to change, so when Nutex enters the market, local hospitals have to adapt and elevate their patient care and customer service in order to compete.

“It results in a win-win situation for both the community and the patients. In addition, more healthcare means more businesses that are willing to move to the area, increasing commerce as a result of our entry into the market,” Vo informs us.

“Healthcare is a stimulus for other businesses; in other words, it’s hard for communities to grow and attract new businesses unless there is sufficient healthcare to take care of all the workers and a safety net available to help employees when they get sick.”

This was exemplified in recent times by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many medical facilities were not open to the public.

In response, Nutex ramped up its facilities and operations during the pandemic and became a safety net for many patients that otherwise would not have been taken care of.

AN EFFICIENT FUTURE

COVID-19, seasonal viruses, and an aging population are just a few reasons why there is an urgent need for healthcare services in the US.

“We also have a large problem with staffing both physicians and nurses. Healthcare is definitely a challenging industry to be in, but also a rewarding

– TOM VO, CHAIRMAN,

one,” says Vo.

AND FOUNDER, NUTEX HEALTH INC.

Despite the challenges, Nutex’s goal is simple: to continue its growth trajectory whilst providing value for shareholders, constituents, partners and employees.

Healthcare going forwards is going to be geared more towards much smaller hospitals, according to Vo, with less patients gravitating towards larger medical centers.

“I think smaller hospitals could probably take care of 70 to 80 percent of everything that needs to be taken care of, and when there are more complicated cases, we could refer them to bigger medical centers,” he outlines.

“Currently, the system is inundated with patients and is not efficient, so our goal is really to bring efficiency. We are part of the future, and our aim is to put as many of these small hospitals out there as possible so the masses have access to medical care.”

NUTEX HEALTH INC.

Tel: 713-660-0557 info@nutexhealth.com www.nutexhealth.com

“WE ARE THE ONLY COMPANY IN THE COUNTRY THAT OPERATES SMALL HOSPITALS THAT CAN BE EASILY AND COSTEFFECTIVELY PLACED ANYWHERE”

CEO

The opening gambit of Michael Baron, Executive Director at Wisconsin Diagnostics Laboratories (WDL), encapsulates the peoplecentric mission that runs through the core of the clinical and anatomical pathology laboratory services provider.

A clinical laboratory with a team of 450 members, WDL is a subsidiary of the Milwaukee-based organization Froedtert Health and represents the central laboratory for its parent company’s health system. Currently, WDL services more than 40 hospitals, 900 long-term care facilities, and 200 physician practices across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.

“We provide an extensive test menu to meet the many testing needs of our customer base,” Baron continues. Currently, WDL is striving to achieve ISO15189 certification by early 2023, as a reflection of its overarching commitment to providing the highest quality of testing services.

STRENGTH IN PEOPLE

This quality of service extends not just to the laboratory itself but also to the standards that WDL holds itself to in its relationships with clients. Indeed, Baron cites the company’s “strong” client services team as a key

THE TEST OF QUALITY

Writer: Phoebe

Project Manager: Felix Revell

The focus on providing for the best care of the patient is our primary driving goal.”

We unpack the importance of education and vendor partnerships with Michael Baron, Executive Director at Wisconsin Diagnostic Laboratories, as the company progresses to becoming ISO15189 certified

Harper

AUTOMATED SYSTEMS

BACT/ALERT® VIRTUO®

Fully-Automated Blood Culture

System

bioMérieux’s best-in-class blood culture system re nes laboratory work ow and maximizes e ciency with its automated loading and unloading, and automated ll volume measurement for adult bottles. With fast results to move onto ID/AST testing and comprehensive reporting and analytics, the VIRTUO provides clinical insights you can trust.

BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® TORCH

Molecular Syndromic Testing

The BIOFIRE TORCH System is the latest advancement in molecular infectious disease diagnostics. BIOFIRE TORCH tests at the molecular level by using multiplex PCR technology to deliver results that are rapid, accurate, and comprehensive. The scalable con guration addresses the needs of any size of lab and is compatible with six infectious disease panels on the BIOFIRE System.

VITEK® MS PRIME

Identi cation in Minutes

VITEK MS PRIME is a true evolution of the MALDI-TOF (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight) technology for microbial identi cation. This new technology o ers ultrae cient routine work ow through its automated, continuous load and go with 16-slide capacity, urgent slide prioritization, and automated ne tuning. VITEK MS PRIME helps drive informed results by providing fast and accurate ID results.

VITEK® 2

Same Day ID/AST

The VITEK 2 system is the complete package for fast and accurate microbial identi cation and antibiotic susceptibility testing. The VITEK 2 platform provides greater automation while increasing safety and eliminating repetitive manual operations. The VITEK 2 can allow laboratories to provide same day susceptibility testing which can help reduce overall costs and provide positive patient outcomes.

MANUAL METHODS

ETEST® MIC Determination

ETEST is an AST solution that provides an MIC in an accurate, and cost-e ective way. ETEST o ers a exible diagnostic solution to test newer drugs, detect emerging resistance, and helps clinicians guide and manage therapy.

CHROMID®

Resistance Screening and Identi cation bioMérieux o ers an extensive range of chromogenic media for the simultaneous culture and identi cation of antimicrobial resistance. CHROMID provides clear, easy to read media that can be used by trained sta to aid in prevention e orts to control the spread of resistance in an institution.

DATA ANALYTICS

CLARION™

A secure, cloud based clinical informatics software for diagnostic stewardship. CLARION provides a holistic view of relevant lab and clinical data visualized by integrating siloed lab and hospital information systems into a single data management application. CLARION visualizes the data in multiple easy-to-use dashboards

MYLA®

bioMérieux’s agship middleware solution, MYLA, monitors instruments in real-time to provide work ow management and enhancements. MYLA delivers an array of reports in the Statistical Reporting dashboard.

differentiator at WDL, in providing an avenue for all customers to discuss any inquiries regarding their individual testing needs with a staff member.

Equally as important is WDL’s emphasis on providing a rewarding, comfortable and empowering workplace for its own people.

“The focus on teamwork and meeting team member well-being is paramount to WDL’s success,” affirms Baron.

As such, the company seeks to create a working environment where employees look forward to coming to the laboratory to work. WDL then leverages this reputation as a useful recruitment tool in guaranteeing a sustainable workforce, alongside representing the company at various job fairs, university events and by presenting at the ASCLS conference.

“We are hiring the best qualified NCT (non-certified tech) candidates who have demonstrated good teamwork, flexibility, and an ability to meet the challenges of a high-volume laboratory,” he says, adding that WDL is currently looking to further develop the role of a laboratory assistant to be incorporated into its operations.

“We are committed to hiring the best team members and dedicated

to growing their skills, as each team member has a developmental plan.”

UNLOCKING EDUCATION

The developmental plans assigned to individual members of staff embody how WDL prioritizes opportunities for education and training.

Baron’s own background highlights the myriad opportunities that can be unlocked through the right education, as he began to pursue a career in clinical laboratories in 1991 after exiting the US Army. At the time, the Rockford Memorial Hospital in Illinois offered an opportunity for Baron to join their clinical chemistry laboratory.

“They agreed to train me on the job and provide classroom instructions with the chemistry lab Medical

Director as my instructor. I was excited at the time to gain employment where I could help hospital patients and have an opportunity to grow the clinical laboratory,” he recalls.

After five years at Rockford, during which time Baron excelled and undertook his Chemistry ASCP Certification Exam, he pursued his ambitions for leadership roles in clinical laboratories, which soon followed at SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories where he eventually progressed to the position of Laboratory Director.

Today, as Executive Director of Operations at WDL, his responsibilities comprise chemistry, toxicology, hematology, coagulation, microbiology/molecular, anatomic

WDL AND ISO CERTIFICATION

MICHAEL BARON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: “WDL has initiated the process to become ISO15189 certified, which further demonstrates our commitment towards providing high quality testing. We aim to achieve certification in early 2023. This will include the redesign of our quality management system, refining our change management program, and establishing a robust CAPA. The drive to provide the highest quality of services is a top focus for us as we strive to achieve ISO15189 certification.”

BIOMÉRIEUX INNOVATION DRIVES GAME-CHANGING DIAGNOSTICS

bioMérieux has grown to become a pioneering leader in the field of in vitro infectious disease diagnostics. Innovation is one of the core pillars of the bioMérieux growth strategy, rooted in a longstanding entrepreneurial tradition. For nearly 60 years, the company has been innovating to drive progress in pathogen detection and identification.

“Infectious diseases are one of the major threats to humankind. Their emergence and spread are dramatically accelerated by climate change and globalization,” said Andrew Hemmert, PhD, Senior Vice President for bioMérieux molecular BIOFIRE® R&D programs. “The risk of finding ourselves unarmed to face ultra-resistant bacteria is now a reality. Diagnostics is a game changer in this fight. By innovating diagnostic solutions, we help clinicians improve patient care and we help industries prevent contamination of the food and pharmaceuticals they produce.”

bioMérieux R&D teams combine their knowledge of microbiology with emerging techniques and new technologies to combat infectious diseases worldwide. At bioMérieux, innovation aims to reach two priority goals:

1. Increase the medical and predictive value delivered by diagnostic tests.

2. Improve laboratory workflow and optimize overall operational performance.

As an example, bioMérieux received US Food and Drug Administration clearance for three new groundbreaking products in 2022 alone. In May, bioMérieux received De Novo authorization from the FDA for its BIOFIRE® Joint Infection Panel. This syndromic panel tests for 31 pathogens implicated in most acute joint infections, along with eight antimicrobial resistance genes to optimize antibiotic therapy and stewardship.

bioMérieux also received FDA clearance for the VITEK® MS PRIME, a MALDI-TOF (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight) system for routine microbial identification that enhances productivity for faster time to results and improved patient management.

And in July, bioMérieux announced the FDA clearance of its innovative VIDAS® NEPHROCHECK® assay to detect kidney stress in patients at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI).

bioMérieux worldwide facts at a glance:

• €3,376m annual sales FY21

• 14 R&D centers worldwide

• 1.5 percent of sales reinvested in R&D

• Operations in 45 countries

• Customers in more than 160 countries

• 13,000 employees

www.biomerieuxDIRECT.com

pathology, flow cytometry and the cytogenic departments.

WDL’s own education initiatives remain an important area of focus for the years ahead, by developing its non-certified tech program, apprentice program and establishing a training program for the aforementioned laboratory assistant role.

PRIDE IN PARTNERSHIPS

Partnerships are a key avenue used by WDL to develop opportunities for education, adopting an alternative approach to training clinical laboratory team members. This is evidenced by the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Apprenticeship program with Milwaukee Area Technical College and the Department of Workforce Development’s Wisconsin Apprenticeship program, both of which were initiated by WDL.

Baron shares that the company is now looking to enter into an education agreement with its key business partner – Roche – to develop clinical laboratory education solutions for other facilities.

“Roche recognized our progressive approach towards supporting non-certified technical staff to gain necessary classroom education to support their development and ultimately achieve ASCP certification,” he says.

Sharing a platinum account agreement, Roche is an instrumental partner in providing chemistry and immunology testing platforms for WDL’s entire laboratory testing system, including its large automation line, associated instrumentation, and the scaled instrument platform to meet the testing needs of each laboratory.

This partnership rose to the fore during the turbulence and disruption of the recent pandemic, as Roche

“WDL’S FOCUS ON MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE PATIENT IS OUR ORGANIZATION’S RELENTLESS DRIVER AND DIFFERENTIATES US IN THE CLINICAL LABORATORY SERVICES ARENA”

– MICHAEL BARON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WISCONSIN DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORIES

supplied the 6800 model molecular instrument that supported the completion of approximately 1,200 COVID-19 tests per day of the 5,000+ tests performed at the peak of testing.

“Roche was a key partner in providing COVID-19 testing supplies to help support our testing needs. Further, they maintained the supplies for the chemistry systems without disruption to testing requirements,” shares Baron.

Thanks to its robust relationships with vendor partners, WDL was able to urgently respond to the testing challenge and exercise the lab’s highvolume capacity to provide a 24-hour turnaround from the time of arrival at the lab with a reliable outcome.

A HEALTHY FUTURE

In retaining its status as a clinical laboratory founded on quality service,

WDL had recently undergone a major remodeling of its core lab area to improve workflow efficiency.

“The core lab had its first remodelling facelift, which has allowed additional instrument replacement and the improved efficiency with work cells by testing speciality,” Baron elaborates.

“The anatomic pathology lab has followed suit, where we have added work stations and gained the same workflow efficiencies with flexibility of the workspace.”

This remodeling is set to continue across the microbiology and molecular laboratory space into the years ahead, alongside the implementation of an electronic inventory system to further improve the efficiency of lab supply ordering and maintenance.

By so doing, WDL continues to

establish a favorable workplace that combines the welfare of its workforce with an uncompromising commitment to the quality of its testing services on behalf of all clients.

Baron draws to a close by returning to the humanitarian concern for quality care that lies at the heart of all clinical laboratories.

“A clinical laboratory career allows one to support patient care, which brings much pride and satisfaction.”

AP block preparation

Roche line with NCT Roche line

HEALTHCARE, DELIVERED

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare has become a focal industry that has had to rapidly evolve to the global challenges that have arisen.

Technology and logistics have been two of the most crucial spheres of development to companies during this period, after the impact of national lockdowns and restricted social interaction. In Canada, these have proved to be critical to the success of healthcare entities, especially considering the vast travel distances and rough terrain across the country, ensuring that the national population has continued to receive professional medical services.

Within the space, Switch Health continues to leverage technology to deliver secure, compliant, frustrationfree healthcare experiences. Established in 2017, Switch Health is on a mission to create equitable and affordable healthcare access to patients no matter who they are, where they are, what they need, or when they need it.

TESTING TECH

Switch Health is a technology company and platform at heart, making healthcare testing and diagnostics

accessible to all Canadians no matter their location.

It is the view of Switch Health that a patient should not be at a certain point of care in order to receive care, leading to the company’s decentralized testing model, discreet home kits, and telehealth experience looking to cover a multitude of areas from general health and wellness to COVID-19 and sexual-related health – the foundational platform for the company.

Switch Health originally focused on operating healthcare initiatives in disease management with a specific focus on diabetes, pooling and sharing data to help monitor patient records and progress.

“One of our first-ever activities was with cohorts of people afflicted with diabetes, and building and connecting data stores via data bridges,” begins Marc Thomson, Co-CEO of the company. “For example, somebody afflicted with diabetes may have two or three tools they use to manage their ailment, involving data collection and data storage, with data being collected in two or more locations depending on what they were monitoring.

“Our ethos is to create an experience where patients

Healthcare is evolving. We take a look at Switch Health, the Canadian health technology player enabling accessibility across the country, and speak to executive members of the company helping to guide forward a 21-century view of healthcare

Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Felix Revell

can access a wealth of their own data and share this with physicians and their healthcare teams – a healthcare ecosystem.”

PIONEERING THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC

Switch Health’s ethos was the foundation from which the company grew, trusting patients to self-monitor and self-report to medical professionals, and enabling insights and information to pass back and forth between the two parties. In this way, patients and professionals work together to reach a diagnosis and result whereby the former is involved and up to date with their diagnosis, while medical staff gain a greater understanding of individual patient needs.

Today, Switch Health is a key operator in the Canadian healthcare space, having utilized its technological and digital advantage to help patients across the country before, during, and in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians began adopting new technologies during a period where it became important to be more proactive about one’s health,” Thomson says. “There was an incredible amount of growth within Canada, specifically with the adoption of health technologies and deeper industry partnerships to further access to innovative care.”

“While the past three years have been incredibly challenging for our healthcare system, it has also been a disruptive force that has pushed all of us to adopt new

“WE SIMPLY WANT TO PROVIDE THE BEST SERVICE FOR ANYONE IN CANADA, AND EVEN BEYOND”

– MARC THOMSON, CO-CEO, SWITCH HEALTH

DILIAN

ways of delivering care – especially via partnerships between government and broader industry. Within this, Switch Health is helping to guide the industry towards a more 21st-century view of healthcare,” continues Dilian Stoyanov, Co-CEO of the company.

“COVID-19 came out of nowhere, and we realized that we had a lot of infrastructure and technology partnerships, as well as know-how with public systems and industry partners to scale a nationwide testing program for the pandemic. This started with the province of Ontario, which then scaled to a border testing program at 114 land borders, and onto all of Canada’s major airports.

“We are now taking our developed platform and using it in the area where we started, decentralized diagnostics and testing for a variety of ailments. We believe that we can apply our experience in health logistics and diagnostics to achieve better access and outcomes for people who traditionally have not been as well served in

the past.”

Prior to Switch Health’s operations in the healthcare industry, patients had access to telehealth and other forms of remote healthcare services, yet the company remains a pioneer in facilitating self-diagnostics at home under medical supervision on a large scale, including active translation services in over 235 languages.

Combining open communication, collaboration and monitoring between patients and medical professionals, and diagnostic assurance through sample collection and delivery, Switch Health draws a line between wellness and healthcare, delivering the scale of the former and the precision of the latter.

COLLABORATION IN THE FIELD

Following substantial success in helping patients and facilities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Switch Health took the step to further its services through

“SWITCH HEALTH IS HELPING TO GUIDE THE INDUSTRY TOWARDS A MORE 21 ST CENTURY VIEW OF HEALTHCARE”

–

STOYANOV, CO-CEO, SWITCH HEALTH

rbc.com/community

At the heart of every community, you’ll find organizations fueled by committed people who are passionate about building a better future for us all. We are inspired by our friends at Switch Health and their continuous efforts to bring care to you –wherever you are. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. VPS110284 90780 (07/2022)

acquisition and integration, bolstering what it offered the Canadian healthcare industry.

“As we looked to the future of our company and our vision to bring diagnostic laboratory testing to all Canadians regardless of their location, it made sense to vertically integrate certain parts of our business,” explains Thomson.

The company acquired Bio-Test Laboratories in April 2022. Bio-Test is an accredited and licensed laboratory located in Ottawa, Ontario and is one of six community labs within the province, and has over 50 years of experience in the lab space.

“So, what we have is the merging of two entities; on the Switch Health side, we have the ability to collect a specimen from home through logistics, kits, and communications, but on the Bio-Test side we have an experienced laboratory that specializes in diagnostics,” he continues. “By combining these elements, we are able to bring a modern logistics experience to healthcare, as well as enabling greater access.”

This is an especially important mission in Canada, where rural and remote locations often couple with rough terrain and infrastructure difficulties, making direct travel and visitation to healthcare facilities more difficult for the average patient.

Switch Health leverages Bio-Test’s ISO-certified

The best way to support a community is to be a part of it.

A large part of establishing the logistical side of the company was based on its ability to implement a reliable turnaround time of pick up from anywhere in Canada

services to validate tests such as HPV, STI, and many others, helping as many people as possible with accessible diagnostic testing.

ACCESSIBLE ANYWHERE

Incorporating seamless and efficient logistics services into operation was a key aspect of Switch Health’s vision, and one that has been critical to the organization’s success throughout the COVID-19 period and into the present.

According to Thomson, a large part of establishing the logistical side of the company was based on its ability to implement a reliable turnaround time of pick up from anywhere in Canada to delivery to centralized partner laboratories for testing and diagnosis.

“We pulled together networks into one platform and scaled them to service provinces across the country,” he elaborates. “Partnering with Uber was a no-brainer, as well as creating our own network of drop boxes that people can access and use themselves.

“For more isolated places in Canada you are not going to find Uber services, however, we wanted to still be able to provide a fantastic service with partners such as Purolator which allowed us a faster turnaround of shipments, and consequently with these additional partners we ended up serving around 95 percent of Canada within 24 to 48 hours.”

OPENING HEALTHCARE TO THE WORLD

This mixture of speed and quality service is a core focus of the company moving forward and an aspect of Switch Health that will be continually built upon into the future. It is imperative for the company that samples and

specimens collected from patient homes are taken to laboratories with a swift and efficient turnaround.

“We simply want to provide the best service for home diagnostics which means continuing to have a clinical oversight throughout the process – which is novel in our space,” Thomson says. “We do have international aspirations, and while there are many competitors out there, we are bringing a unique feature to home diagnostic solutions.”

Furthermore, Switch Health will be introducing some new tests to the market and expanding its locations, including a five-acre 8,000 square-foot facility which will become an innovation hub.

“This facility will house another laboratory focused on research and development,” Stoyanov says. “Some of that research and development includes collaboration with leading companies in cancer detection and pandemic preparedness through innovative rapid testing technologies.”

For Switch Health, every Canadian is important. This is shown in the company’s ability to provide services and support across digital and telehealth platforms, whether people have or lack connection to the internet, Switch Health can reach and help them.

Switch Health also supports American Sign Language, as well as 235 other languages, making the company’s technologically accessible services not only scalable globally, but also accessible to anyone, anywhere.

Tel: 1 (888) 966-6531 contact@switchhealth.ca www.switchhealth.ca

“WE ARE ABLE TO BRING A MODERN LOGISTICS EXPERIENCE TO HEALTHCARE, AS WELL AS ENABLING GREATER ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH BOTH GOVERNMENTS AND BROADER INDUSTRY”

– MARY LANGLEY, CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER, SWITCH HEALTH

AT YOUR SERVICE

Writer: Ed Budds Project Manager:

With the right vendor, outsourcing delivers real, tangible results that can impact an organization in several meaningful ways.

Support services often take a backseat to the core aspects of a business, but they’re critical for a company’s ability to provide a great experience — whether it’s for patients, students, passengers, guests, or residents.

While staffing is often the main challenge for these services, it requires more than just a staffing solution to have a truly successful program.

HHS focuses on building teams and programs that operate efficiently and effectively while seamlessly integrating into its clients’ cultures. To maintain success, these services go well beyond simply providing staffing.

The teams deployed by HHS are led by industry experts who implement custom service programs designed for specific client facilities. The company then takes on all financial

HHS thrives in implementing support services for a raft of varying industries. Whether its customized solutions for aviation, education or healthcare, the company excels regardless

Felix Revell

and operational responsibilities, including hiring, training, and quality assurance.

A HISTORY OF EXPERIENCE

Founder Jim Spry began working in the outsourced hospital housekeeping business in 1964 with Red Top, Inc. - the company that pioneered hospital housekeeping support services. After helping Red Top, Inc. flourish into a national organization, Spry moved on to alternative ventures within the same field, eventually leading him to create his own company in 1975 - Hospital Housekeeping Systems.

Known today as HHS, the company remains a private, family-owned business dedicated to caring for its

team members and providing honest, quality-driven service to its many customers.

What began as a hospital housekeeping organization with just a single customer has since expanded to nearly 1,000 clients across five additional industries: aviation, education, government, hospitality, and senior living. This is alongside a multitude of other services including housekeeping, food, and facilities.

HHS’ unwavering focus has been on growing organically, with the vast majority of the company’s expansion coming through the power of reference and word-of-mouth.

Refusing to allow the company’s focus to slip away from current customers, HHS trusts that its

Ace Janitorial

We at Medama Solutions would like to take an opportunity to first thank HHS for the services for our company.

We have always appreciated the dedication of HHS to moving forward into the future of hospitality. Having business terms with a professional partner like you is indeed a positive verity to our firm.

All things considered, our team here at Medama Solutions are contributing all their efforts to meet high expectations for all our valued customers. We pride ourselves on our hard work and dedication to making every critical project a great success.

www.acejan.com

Food Service Resources

“Specializing in Healthcare Foodservice”

Food Service Resources has specialized in healthcare foodservice for more than 35 years. Located just outside Atlanta, FSR distributes its specialty products throughout continental USA. We provide stock and customized printed patient menus, diet office tray slips, specialty labels, nutritional care menu inserts, and messaging cards to the hospital and extended care markets. Our in-house Graphic Design Team can assist you with a personalized menu to enhance your patient satisfaction.

As your complete patient traytop provider, FSR offers tray covers, diet color coded meal kits, tumblers, side dishes, eco-friendly disposables, customized anti-bacterial wipes, pocket napkins, and other options to fulfill your traytop needs.

Food Service Resources is a veteran owned small business.

www.fsrfoodservice.com

Another Medama Miracle

From humble beginnings, to evolving nextgen technology, our Brooklyn-based company has lots to offer from coast to coast. To keep the wheels rolling, our veterans in floor care are here to disrupt the way the cleaning industry approaches cleaning. With the help of our chemists and over 100 years of experience, we invest heavily in technology that will allow us to achieve better results with lower turnaround times.

Why Choose Us?

The Medama Floor care program is a fully integrated package for practically any type of floor in the current marketplace, that is designed to produce a finished product to the customer that will include clean, beautiful, shiny floors.

Medama is a unique line of floor and all-purpose cleaners, coatings, and strippers that is taking healthcare by storm as it means less work for staff, freeing their time for other projects. Our experienced team can help establish coverage and innovation for your dayto-day environment.

Our reputation and the benefits of Medama floor care are spreading at lightning speed and we now have our program placed in hundreds of hospitals across the country.

Salomon R. Park View Hotels

Medama Solutions

1365 61st Street, Brooklyn, NY 11219 www.acejan.com

“Specializing in Healthcare Foodservice” HHS HEALTHCARE

Food Service Resources is a leading provider of healthcare printed solutions to independently and government managed hospital foodservice departments and to facilities managed by food management and group purchasing organizations. Our extensive library of art can offer immediate alternatives to your patient menu or we can design your menu, your way.

Choose Food Service Resources to complete your patient traytop needs. No matter the system you may use, FSR has the options needed to enhance your service.

Food Service Resources is a veteran owned small business Phone: 800-367-4421 Website: www.fsrfoodservice.com

“The results we get using Medama® products totally exceeded our expectations.”

collective commitment to quality service will always lead to the right opportunities.

As the organization continues to grow rapidly, HHS recognizes it is of vital importance to never lose sight of what has historically brought success: proactively solving problems for customers and caring for the needs of its team members.

Remaining true to these values as growth continues requires HHS to maintain high standards, continuously learn from mistakes, and foster a culture of proactive service and care.

UPGRADING HOSPITAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Every element of a team within a hospital, from clinicians to floor technicians, contributes to the overall patient experience. For this very reason, HHS employs the approach of learning what makes each hospital it works with unique, and engineering customized programs that help provide a great experience for every patient. More broadly, HHS keeps hospitals safe and clean while giving every patient the care and attention they deserve.

A one-size-fits-all approach will never accomplish the

specific needs of patients or achieve the desired performance outcomes. HHS therefore views every new client as a blank canvas, before customizing tailored services to fit.

EVS programs are meticulously engineered by HHS based on the unique aspects of a partnered facility — such as bed count, square footage, floor types, and the operational requirements of every department, for example, radiology, ER, and oncology. In this way, hospitals receive a tailored service program that creates an unparalleled experience when paired with HHS.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies in the healthcare space

‘BY CREATING AN IMMACULATE AND CLEAN ENVIRONMENT AND PROVIDING AN EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE THROUGH SERVICES SUCH AS WAYFINDING AND PASSENGER ASSISTANCE, HHS HELPS REINFORCE CONFIDENCE IN THE QUALITY OF ITS CLIENTS’ AIRPORTS’

HHS MISSION, VISION, VALUES AND ONEHHS

MISSION

• To be successful in identifying and serving customer needs.

• HHS believes support service programs and solutions are not one-size-fits-all.

• The overarching company mission drives HHS to create customized solutions that best fit the needs of each customer.

VISION

• To be forward thinking in creating solutions for customers.

• The industries HHS serves are dynamic and ever-evolving, which requires the company to think outside the box as it crafts tailored solutions.

• With more than 45 years of support service experience, HHS implements best practices along with new solutions to create a perfectly crafted program for each partner.

VALUES

HHS aspires to be...

• Honest

• Problem solvers

• Quality driven

• Team oriented

• Proactive

• Adaptive

• Dedicated

• Balanced

• Humble

• Diverse

ONEHHS

OneHHS is HHS’ internal organization philosophy, which embodies values, culture, and guiding principles. This philosophy drives performance as managers, team members, and partners for customers.

Though HHS spans the globe, it’s the sense of community that connects all its work, no matter which industry is being served or service line is provided for.

has additionally created several opportunities to help hospitals operate more efficiently.

Key to HHS’ operations is the way in which the company harnesses the latest innovations in areas such as robotics, floor care processes, and communication software to ensure access to everything needed to best serve patients, staff, and the community.

CREATING SAFE AND EFFICIENT AIRPORTS

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted customer expectations of hygiene, from being satisfied with the appearance of what is considered sanitary to a hyper-awareness of true cleanliness.

HHS works diligently to leverage infection prevention best practices from its expert healthcare division, drawing on nearly five decades of cleaning experience to create an environment at facilities such as airports that meets the company’s high clinical cleanliness standards.

Each airport has unique needs and challenges, and HHS takes responsibility to understand what those are and provides specifically tailored solutions. With a foundation of safety and a focus on customer service, HHS has become a true premium solutions partner for the commercial airport sector.

The moment a customer steps into an airport, they’re making judgments and assumptions about the facility’s ability to keep them safe. By creating an immaculate and clean environment and providing an excellent experience through services such as wayfinding and passenger assistance, HHS helps reinforce confidence in the quality of its clients’ airports.

CHANGE SOWING THE SEEDS OF

Alltech is uniting the agri-food community in working together for a planet where science-based solutions help ensure sustainable nutrition for the global population. We dig further into this vital mission for natural revitalization with COO, Mike Castle

Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Lauren Robinson

In recent years, a constant onslaught of geopolitical tension and economic instability has inevitably impacted the agricultural industry and all of its customers in a critical way, but, as a private and family-owned business, Alltech remains steadfast and focused on building success for the long term.

“We believe the current challenges, including the continued effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruption, inflation and the war in Ukraine, underscore the importance of being a trusted partner and solutions provider,” introduces Mike

Castle, COO of Alltech.

Situated amongst a context of rising raw material prices and volatility in supply, Alltech’s nutritional technologies and services support agriculture producers in being able to maximize their investment in animal feed or crop inputs.

We firmly believe agriculture has the greatest potential to shape the future of our planet.”

“LEARNING IS A LIFELONG JOURNEY, AND IT IS OUR AIM TO CULTIVATE CURIOSITY AND INSPIRE INNOVATION”

– MIKE CASTLE, COO, ALLTECH

By producing many of our products in house, we have visibility and control chain.

At Huvepharma®, our key strengths lie in our fermentation and technical over more than half a century at our European manufacturing sites.

After the completion of a new fermentation plant in Peshtera, Bulgaria, we fermentation capacity of over 10,000 m3 - one of the largest in the world.

Huvepharma® is easy to do business with. We’re reliable, knowledgeable, focused on production animals.

Despite the tumultuous economy and the immense variety of hurdles encountered within the industry, Castle believes the US continues to be an exciting place to work within the agriculture sector.

“As a nation, we are seen as a leader on many innovative fronts, in areas such as product development, supply chain, digitalization and automation, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and being able to deliver new and novel techniques to our business here in the US, which has become the testing ground and platform for many of our innovation efforts abroad,” he adds enthusiastically.

As COO, Castle brings integration to Alltech’s global operational and support teams, ensuring that they work in alignment and collaborate towards the company’s ambitious goals for growth and the ‘Planet of Plenty’ company vision.

During his nearly 20-year tenure at Alltech, Castle has travelled extensively, lived abroad in Europe, and held myriad roles.

DRAWING FROM A PROUD HISTORY

Originally founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist, Dr Pearse Lyons, Alltech delivers smarter, more sustainable solutions for agriculture. Utilizing a diverse portfolio of products and services, the company helps to improve the health and performance of plants and animals, resulting in better nutrition for all and a decreased environmental impact.

“We are a global leader in the agriculture industry, and our team produces specialized ingredients, premix supplements, feed and biologicals, backed by science and an unparalleled platform of services,” acclaims Castle.

PLANET OF PLENTY

MISSION:

• Elevate the agri-food sector. It’s critical to recognize agriculture’s ability to address several of the most significant issues that the planet faces — nutrition, human and animal well-being, and the preservation of natural resources. Alltech does this by telling the true, yet little-told stories about the passionate people who are working within the agri-food sector to create a Planet of Plenty.

• Inspire farmers, ranchers and producers to embrace new technologies, business models and improved farm management practices.

• Create new business models to help Alltech’s customers and grow its business.

VISION:

What started as one company’s vision has become a call for collaboration. Planet of Plenty is a vision of promise, possibility and positivity for the future. It’s Alltech’s belief that a world of abundance is achievable, but it requires everyone working together.

It’s a vision that must be led by science, technology and a shared will to make a difference — to plant trees that this generation will never see grow. Sustainability means taking positive action today for the success of tomorrow. It’s a pursuit where there’s always room for improvement and new ideas.

Alltech has 5,000 talented staff members worldwide

Huvepharma® is a privately owned, global animal health company headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria. The company consistently enjoys double-digit annual growth resulting from our intensive internal evolution and numerous strategic acquisitions. Since its establishment in 2005, the US affiliate has grown to become the largest subsidiary and employs more than 300 people. Huvepharma®, Inc. is headquartered in Peachtree City, GA.

What We Do

We serve the US livestock industry by providing an expanding portfolio of veterinary products, feed additives, vaccines, and other products primarily for poultry, swine, and cattle. We are committed to improving production animal performance and welfare while enhancing food safety and protecting our environment.

Huvepharma® has more than 50 years of experience fermenting and manufacturing animal health products. We have in-house capabilities for every step in the production process, starting with strain identification and finishing with the delivery of finished products.

Creating Close Relationships Across the Supply Chain

At Huvepharma®, we are creating closer relationships among all our stakeholders that are mutually beneficial, balanced, and built on trust. Our people, products, and services directly impact the wellbeing of livestock and the global food supply. With these close, harmonious, and long-term relationships within and beyond the supply chain, we deliver value to customers, partners, and the environment.

We are grateful for our customers and partners like Alltech®, that support our mission of providing the agri-food sector with necessary solutions while maintaining a stable and sustainable supply chain.

Quality Beyond our Products

Meeting the needs of our customers is the top priority at Huvepharma®. We devote significant resources to the development and production of our products, as well as to our customer support services. From technical questions about medication dosages or logistical questions about order delivery, a subject matter expert will be available to assist.

Our Technical Services teams are composed of recognized veterinarians and nutritionists across the poultry, swine, and cattle industries. We realize for our customers and partners to get the full benefit of our products, the relationship must extend past the point of sale. In addition to technical support, Huvepharma® offers a wide range of services such as assays/lab analysis, data storage platforms, employee education, and others to ensure maximum value.

Shaping Livestock Solutions

This is our brand message and core mission. We ‘shape’ via our commitment to innovation and progress. ‘Livestock’ are our end users; production animals are our focus. We are ‘solutions’ driven. We make a difference, and we deliver results. Our world-class, in-house production capabilities give us a unique level of agility to respond to changes in the market.

Strengthened by more than 40 years of scientific research, Alltech carries forward a legacy of innovation and a unique culture that views challenges through an entrepreneurial lens.

As a proudly family-owned business, the company can adapt quickly to its customers’ needs and focus on advancing innovation.

“With our team of more than 5,000 talented staff members worldwide, sharing our purpose of working together for a ‘Planet of Plenty’, together we can provide nutrition for all, revitalize local economies and replenish the planet’s natural resources,” Castle sets out boldly.

Headquartered just outside of Lexington, Kentucky, Alltech has grown to serve customers in more than 120 countries, boasting five bioscience centers and operating over 80 manufacturing facilities across the globe.

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE CORE

Back in 2019, at The Alltech ONE Conference, Dr Mark Lyons, President and CEO of Alltech, shared his new vision for the company and invited the event’s 3,500 attendees to join in working together for a ‘Planet of Plenty’. 30 years ago, his father, Alltech’s founder Dr Pearse Lyons, took to the stage at the very same conference.

Castle recalls how, “he committed Alltech to a guiding principle, emphasizing the importance of delivering benefit to animals, consumers and the environment. He fervently believed that the well-being of each depended on maintaining harmony between all three.”

It was a radical idea at the time, so radical in fact that some customers walked straight out of the conference. However, it is this drive to achieve positive change and disruptive spirit

Anduro Manufacturing

Durable, attractive and ecofriendly woven polypropylene bags, delivered in record time.

Anduro Manufacturing is a worldwide leader in providing high quality polywoven bags to the pet food and animal feed markets and other global industries.

Since founding the company more than 12 years ago, Anduro’s CEO, Marc Datelle, has been focused on the ecological sustainability of his company and the products it produces. This means making bags that can be recycled and using up to 30 percent post-consumer recycled material in the manufacturing process. “We are also continuously searching for methods and materials that contribute to increasingly sustainable products without reducing quality or speed to market.”

In 2021, during a worldwide supply crisis and a global pandemic, Anduro delivered bags to customers at a staggering 99 percent on-time rate. This was despite clogged ports, materials shortages at some manufacturers and workforce interruptions.

How did Anduro pull this off? It was a combination of carefully drawn contingency plans, quick adjustments in materials inventory management throughout the pandemic, and a much shorter ocean-passage for its bags, from the company’s manufacturing plant in Honduras to Gulfport, Mississippi.

Since that record-breaking year, Anduro has been experiencing significant growth in market share and demand for its products.

As a result of that growth and the continued demand for additional volume in polywoven bags and other market solutions that Anduro brings to the marketplace, Anduro is doubling its Honduran manufacturing footprint by late 2023/early 2024 –while increasing vertical integration and more than doubling its in-house production capacity. The new space will also provide for the expansion of Anduro flexible packaging offerings.

SPEED AND QUALITY? THEY’RE IN THE BAG!

Anduro-made bags are built for strength and safety from environmentally friendly woven polypropylene. And they’re printed to pop off the shelves with vibrant colors and the highest resolution.

Nobody’s faster to market than Anduro. Call us today and your new bags can be delivered to your plant in just 45-60 days. That’s much faster than most other suppliers could even dream of delivering.

And when you’re thinking about that, remember Anduro is a company you can rely on. During Covid and the ensuing worldwide supply chain crisis, we maintained a 99% on-time record while others were stuck at-anchor in west coast ports.

There’s literally no better bag to carry your product to market.

– MIKE CASTLE, COO, ALLTECH

that has propelled Alltech to the forefront of agricultural sustainability.

Alltech has directed a lasersharp focus towards three key pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social, which the company aims to balance in order to support not only those who share the planet today but those who will inherit it tomorrow.

Agriculture exists as an integral component of all three pillars, from ensuring there is enough nutritious food for all to enabling local economies and communities to thrive.

Signifying another exciting milestone in Alltech’s longstanding mission to develop sustainable solutions for agriculture, the company recently appointed its first Vice President of ESG, Tara McCarthy, as an expression of dedication to advancing sustainability within both the business and supply chain.

“Further to Tara’s appointment, we are committing to the Science

Based Targets initiative, a robust and externally validated framework. Within this framework, we aim to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 46 percent and those of our value chain by 28 percent by 2030,” expands Castle.

TRUST IN EDUCATION

Continuous emphasis on education is the beating heart of Alltech as a company.

“We are investing in the future through the science labs we create, our global competitions in the arts and sciences, and unique professional career paths,” Castle explains.

“Learning is a lifelong journey, and it is our aim to cultivate curiosity and inspire innovation. This is the only way we will be able to face the challenges of tomorrow; every day can be an opportunity for discovery.”

Acting efficiently on this motive, Alltech regularly supports at least one new state of the art science

Merck Animal Health

Parasite Control Proves Productivity in U.S. Beef Production

A recent study undertaken with funding from Merck Animal Health has shed light on the benefits of parasite control within U.S. Beef Production, in terms of both environmental and economic impact.1

The research compares the reproductive and growth data from animals within two different production systems – one with no parasite control, and the other including the parasite control compound Fenbendazole.

It examines the sustainability of livestock systems, considering the determining factors of economic viability, environmental responsibility, and social acceptability. These three metrics define the success of the U.S. beef industry as it continues to fulfill the dietary needs of a growing population, whilst also confronting consumer concerns regarding animal welfare in using chemical compounds to control disease.

The economic impact was calculated based on feed usage for beef production at national market prices, whilst environmental impact was determined based on the nutrition and metabolism of beef cattle to quantify resource use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from producing 800lb hotcarcass weight beef.

Analysis of a no-parasite versus parasite control beef production system resulted in a need for 17.6 percent increase in cattle needed to meet beef demand, a 15.9 percent increase in acres needed, and a 13.3 percent in increase in GHG. There is additionally an estimated 15.5 percent greater water use for no-parasite treated cattle.1

The extra boneless beef (3,400 lb) produced from the average US beef herd (40 cows) using parasite control would supply 19 families with their annual beef demand.

A conclusive takeaway from the research affirmed that the withdrawal of Fenbendazole resulted in reduced productivity, whilst also decreasing both environmental and economic sustainability metrics.

Through effective parasite control, Merck Animal Health works for its clients by protecting both their herd, and their bottom line.

1 Capper, J. L. 2012. Is the grass always greener? Comparing resource use and carbon footprints of conventional, natural and grass-fed beef production systems. Animals 2:127-143.

“OUR NATURAL RESOURCES MAY BE FINITE, BUT HUMAN INGENUITY IS INFINITE”

Alltech research lab

Cooperia (shown here) is one of the most prevalent internal parasites in U.S. cattle herds. And infected calves experience 7.4% less average daily gain.1

Choose SAFE-GUARD® (fenbendazole) when you deworm to take out more profit-eating parasites.

SAFE-GUARD is shown to kill 98.7% of worms, remaining powerful and effective, even in the face of avermectin resistance. Ivermectin on the other hand, is only 45.9% effective.1 That’s a lot of worms left behind to feast. Talk to your veterinarian about switching from ivermectin (or any other -ectin dewormer) to SAFE-GUARD – the right choice for your cattle and ROI.

BITE BACK AT KILLMOREWORMS.COM

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use in beef calves less than 2 months old, dairy calves and veal calves. A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in pre-ruminating calves. Additionally, the following meat withdrawal and milk discard times apply: SAFE-GUARD Paste: Cattle must not be slaughtered for 8 days. For dairy cattle, the milk discard time is 96 hours. SAFE-GUARD Suspension: Cattle must not be slaughtered for 8 days. For dairy cattle, the milk discard time is 48 hours. SAFE-GUARD En-PRO-AL Type C Medicated Block: Cattle must not be slaughtered for 11 days. For use in beef cattle only. SAFE-GUARD 20% Protein Type C Medicated Block: Cattle must not be slaughtered for 16 days. For use in beef cattle only. SAFE-GUARD Type A and other medicated feed products (pellets, cubes, freechoice mineral, or free-choice liquid): Cattle must not be slaughtered for 13 days. For dairy cattle, the milk discard time is 60 hours.

1 Stromberg BE, et al. Cooperia punctata: Effect on cattle productivity. Vet Parasitol. 2012;183(3-4):284-291.

MAHCattle.com • 800-521-5767

© 2022 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved. US-SFG-200400001

Dr. Mark Lyons, President and CEO of Alltech, opened the Alltech ONE Conference to both live and virtual global audiences.

< Governor Andy Beshear visits Alltech headquarters in Nicholasville, KY. with Dr Mark Lyons, President and CEO of Alltech and Deirdre Lyons, Co-Founder and Director of Corporate Image, Design and Construction at Alltech.

Country lane poultry farm

Pfeifer beef cattle farmers Minnesota pig farm

The building blocks of animal nutrition.

Mosaic Feed Ingredients help animals improve the digestion of food, build stronger skeletal systems and enhance lean muscle growth. Which means larger, healthier profits for your company.

To learn more contact: Everett Jones l Mosaic Feed Ingredients Everett.Jones@mosaicco.com Ph: 813-500-6735

laboratory for a Kentucky primary school. Since 2007, 12 primary school laboratories have been completed.

“Our work in these schools does not end when the last new glass beaker is placed in the lab. We connect members of our research team to assist teachers with special projects and events, both in-person and online,” Castle tells us.

“Children are excited to see real scientists, and the teachers can show their students how careers in science can be achieved,” he adds.

Alltech scientists also have a continuing involvement with STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) clubs and agriculture programs at local schools, as well as those located in different countries around the world.

Other educational opportunities with Alltech include the Alltech Career Development Program, Young Scientist Competition, and the Innovation Competition.

Alongside this external education,

Alltech spends a great deal of its senior leadership time on developing young leaders and maintaining and nurturing the company’s entrepreneurial culture, while also recognizing its business leaders and key objectives on a global weekly call that the owner and Group CEO hold every Friday.

ENSURING A HOPEFUL FUTURE

Currently, Alltech continues to diversify its business within the animal nutrition space into new markets and species, and will pursue the rapid expansion of its biological crop business with new manufacturing locations and capabilities to meet future product launches.

As Alltech looks to 2023 and much further into the future, Castle believes that the company has every reason to be confident.

“No industry is more integral to planetary health than agriculture. From the nourishment of people and

animals to the restoration of natural resources, our global team members are committed to advancing the development of science-based, sustainable food systems to nourish our planet,” he elaborates.

“We are continuously inspired by the great challenge the world has presented us, to produce enough safe, nutritious food for all, while caring for our animals and sustaining our land, air and water for future generations,” Castle continues, highlighting the unwavering dedication that Alltech possesses for enacting meaningful change.

“Our natural resources may be finite, but human ingenuity is infinite.”

1 859-885-9613 Alltech.com

WELL CONSTRUCTION TRANSFORMED

Improving well construction relies on the optimization of casing and liner string installation. Dan Shute, CEO of Volant, highlights how its flagship casing running tools have become the centerpiece of an evolving portfolio of hardware and digital offerings that provide safe, efficient, and effective running solutions

Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Olando Greenock

Our business focus is to increase the efficiency, reliability, safety, and technical quality of the casing installation process, which is exactly what is needed to improve the responsible recovery of oil and gas reserves.”

When it comes to well construction, there are a multitude of risks, equipment, and personnel requirements associated with traditional casing and liner running activities.

Casing, the largest pipe and permanent part of the wellbore provides structural support for the well and isolates its contents from the surrounding formation.

Since 2001, Volant has specialized in casing system installation, focused on transforming the way oil, gas and geothermal wells are constructed, and reducing the risks without sacrificing quality or time.

Volant’s portfolio of manufactured products and digital solutions remove people from harm’s way, advance industry practices, and reduce environmental impacts both during the well construction process and throughout the well’s lifespan.

“Our equipment is reliable and easy to use. As a result, we enjoy a significant global market share with our top drive casing running tools,”

continues Dan Shute, CEO of Volant.

Based in Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, Volant operates in one of Canada’s richest oil provinces and has leveraged this to become a technology leader in casing installation.

Global energy requirements correlate directly with population, which is still increasing, particularly in developing nations. Alternative energy deployment at a meaningful scale requires more time, technology development, and investment than is possible in the timeframe targeted by many governments and advocacy groups. Forcing an accelerated energy transition would drive ongoing inflation in developed countries causing many families to face decisions between food and heat. Depriving underprivileged people of affordable energy would have even more devastating consequences.

Given this, Shute believes that oil and gas will remain necessary for many more decades to come.

“I live in Alberta, work in the oil and gas industry, and support the responsible development and use of hydrocarbons. It’s not that we don’t think there’s a place for alternative energy, but it’s really important to do everything we can in the oil and gas sector and do a better job at getting from where we are to where we need to be,” he observes.

Jiangyin Xinyu Forging

Living in the heart of the Alberta oil and gas industry, we understand what our partners need.

Jiangyin Xinyu Forging specializes in open die and close die forging manufacturing and we have been a trusted supplier to our North American clients for nearly 20 years. With our North American headquarters located in Edmonton, Alberta, we have genuinely appreciated the opportunity to provide solutions to our clients in face-to-face settings pre- and post-COVID-19.

We are your trusted forging experts when there is no compromise for quality and delivery schedule. When it comes to forging manufacturing, safety and quality continue to be our top noncompromised priorities. Impeccable attention and care are paid throughout the entire manufacturing process to ensure strict compliance to customer specifications and high expectations. Thorough inspections in accordance with our API Q1 quality system are completed for all productions.

We are a one-stop shop, whether you are looking for forged parts supplied in heat treated, rough machined or finished machined condition.

We, Jiangyin Xinyu Forging, are experienced in manufacturing, and supplying forged components to the oil and gas, mining, automotive and nuclear sectors.

We deliver products to your door. Our local presence in North America can help ensure that your products are delivered directly to your door.

We value partnerships. Partnerships are the heartbeat of our business. We greatly value partnerships with our clients and are extremely honored to have Volant Products Inc. as a key strategic business partner.

xinyuforging.com

Xinyu dedicates all its e orts into manufacturing quality products to surpass customer expectations. We commit, complete, and deliver client satisfaction each and every day.

CRTi® AND CRTe® FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Compact, mechanical design removes multiple people and equipment from the rig floor.

• Incorporates multiple functions into a single service and single piece of equipment, reducing non-productive time.

• Mechanical activation by top drive control using TAWG® technology allows the tools to be operated by the driller.

• Ability to rotate, reciprocate, fill and circulate casing and liner strings reduces downhole friction.

• Self-energized in torsion as well as hoisting to prevent slippage in either application.

• Dies are designed to maximize the contact with the casing, ensuring no slippage or distortion of the casing or liner.

STRENGTH IN DISCOVERY

The vast majority of Volant’s 150 employees are based in Edmonton, and their capabilities are deeply rooted in technology.

“Volant is really a technology company, and our historic strength is in the space of discovery,” Shute tells us.

“That means discovering problems that do not yet have solutions, discovering the solutions that can be brought to bear, and discovering mechanical designs, software and services.”

Volant, whose equipment is simple to use and tough enough to withstand even the harshest conditions, offers robust technologies that are designed, tested and manufactured in-house.

Offering industry-leading capacity with the smallest footprint available for casing running or drilling operations, is Volant’s flagship CRTi® (internal grip) and CRTe® (external grip) casing running tools.

Equipped with TAWG® - torque activated wedge grip technology – these tools are fully mechanical and designed for casing running or

drilling on top drive equipped rigs to makeup and breakout casing connections, reciprocate, fill, circulate, and cement casing and liner strings, enabling personnel and equipment to be removed from the rig floor and helping to avoid instances of stuck pipes.

“As well trajectories become more complex, it is increasingly difficult to get casing or liner strings to the target depth of the well,” explains Shute.

“By reaching target depth more reliably, we are improving the immediate economics and the responsibility with which we’re developing hydrocarbon assets.”

From rig up to rig down and every step along the way, CRTi® and CRTe® casing running tools reduce nonproductive time and put control in the hands of the driller, resulting in improved safety and enhanced efficiency.

As the most widely used top drive casing running tools in the world,

Merchant Machine Tools

Weiler is a family owned company who manufactures manual and CNC lathes in Germany.

The E series models are cycle controlled lathes offering both manual and CNC advantages. Weiler is known for its high quality construction and easy to use controller.

The versatility of the E series Weiler makes small batch, repair and prototype work extremely efficient.

Weiler is the top selling flat bed CNC lathe in the energy industry as North American manufacturers and repair facilities have adopted them as the industry standard.

Metalworking Solutions (MSI) Inc. is dedicated to taking the time to listen and understand our customers’ capabilities and limitations so we can cater the perfect solution to those needs.

By blending our channel partners’ new and innovative revolutionary technologies we are able to provide the best possible recommendations for all machining applications.

We believe the success of our company is dependent on the quality of our people and their commitment to putting our customers’ needs first. Our relationship with our partners allows us to best serve our customers.

Volant’s technology is proven where it matters in the real world of field operations and has been a catalyst in the oil, gas and geothermal well industry’s shift towards simpler and less labor-intensive casing running operations.

“With a single piece of equipment, we have removed people from harm’s way and reduced the number of people needed at the drilling rig, which improves safety,” Shute acclaims.

“The beauty of a mechanical top drive casing running tool compared to a hydraulic casing running tool is that the drillers themselves are the operators of the tool. In doing so, you remove third-party operators who are not part of the team, don’t know the rhythm of the rig, and as a result improve safety significantly.”

Volant at the core is a technology company, and it’s the commitment to customers and the industry that drives the evolution of its casing running tool portfolio.

of experience, to have more confidence in their casing running abilities.

Equally, a quality cement job is vital to ensuring uninterrupted zonal isolation and long-term well integrity.

Volant’s suite of cementing equipment offers operators, drilling contractors, and service companies the flexibility desired while maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and reliability.

NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: HOW ARE YOU CHANGING THE PERCEPTION OF THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY?

DAN SHUTE, CEO: “We change the complexion of the rig floor, by taking people out of harm’s way and putting machines in high-risk locations. In turn, we reduce the number of people who need to travel to and from the rig.

“On the environment side, we can minimize the time required for a rig to install a casing string. In some cases, tens of hours are trimmed off a casing run.

“When we trim time off a casing run, that translates directly into less diesel fuel used to power the rig. When we enable our customers to reach target depth more reliably they can access more hydrocarbons using the same well, resulting in not just an economic improvement, but an efficiency improvement in reservoir development.

“We let our people know that they should be proud to work in a part of the oil and gas industry that is actually improving the way we develop resources.”

This is evident in their latest casing running tool advancement with the recent launch of Volant’s ActiveSET™ and vCAM™ technology. This new tool design has been developed with the driller experience in mind, making an easy-to-operate tool even easier, reducing and simplifying the steps required to function the tool and empowering every driller, regardless

Where pumping cement through the top drive is to be avoided, the Volant cement swivel provides a means to introduce cement below the top drive, through a side-entry port.

Compatible with both the CRTi® and CRTe® casing running tools, the cement swivel offers a long wear life and reduces maintenance requirements due in part to its selfcleaning internal geometry.

Since its initial launch, VolantRED has evolved into a useful planning tool, an advanced realtime tool, and a quality control tool.

DAN

DIGITAL EFFICIENCY

and becomes a permanent part of the well structure, so we offer a cement swivel that allows cementers to connect to the casing while still allowing it to rotate,” Shute shares.

“We believe that rotating the casing during cementing is the best way to displace the drilling fluid and replace it with cement. When you’re fracking a well, hydraulic isolation really matters; rotating the casing increases the short-term productivity of the well and the overall productivity of the asset.”

Volant not only provides tools to get casing and liner strings to their target depth, but an evolving suite of digital solutions, optimizing casing installation decisions and improving overall well integrity.

In 2017, Volant fully commercialized its first proprietary digital software called VolantRED™, where RED stands for Real-time Engineering Deployment. The software was initially developed with support from one of Canada’s largest oil companies to enable more effective and efficient installation of slotted liners in thermal wells.

As a planning tool, the software performs engineering calculations to predict running loads and resulting combined loads that will be applied to the pipe body, casing connections, and completion elements. It provides a comprehensive and rational basis for selecting centralizers, specifying fixed or floating centralizers, and rotating casing during installation.

As a realtime tool, in addition to the thermal well applications for slotted liner installation, VolantRED has been further enhanced for use on extended reach drilling (ERD) wells to enable comparison of the actual casing running job to the plan. If the operation is trending towards installation problems, there is ample opportunity to intervene and do something different before wasting valuable time.

“OUR BUSINESS FOCUS IS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY, RELIABILITY, SAFETY, AND TECHNICAL QUALITY OF THE CASING INSTALLATION PROCESS”

–

SHUTE, CEO, VOLANT

As a quality control tool, VolantRED provides an enduring quality record demonstrating compliance with combined load limits for connections and other completion components.

While VolantRED was initially developed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of sub-surface casing and liner installation, the same data could also be used to identify opportunities for efficiency gains in tubular running operations on the surface.

Volant’s TRUE™ (Tubular Running Efficiency) Analysis breaks down the in-slip casing running cycle into segments and reports on the distribution of time used during each cycle, eliminating uncertainty regarding rig time utilization.

“TRUE™ Analysis is characterized by taking measurements from the drilling rig that are already available on the data stream and doing engineering calculations on those measurements in real-time to better inform the casing installation process,” Shute explains.

“We can tell you how many joints per hour you averaged on the job, and how long each joint took to prepare and lower into the wellbore. We can identify where there are inconsistencies, and opportunities to build efficiency and consistency.

“It has enabled us to really refine our product offering, simplify the way our equipment works, and actually improve our efficiency,” he adds.

On the subject of efficiency, Shute highlights automation as one of the tools being increasingly offered to operators by drilling contractors.

Less than a year ago, Volant established a digital solutions department, whose first mandate is to develop an instrumentation system

for its casing running tools. Once available, instrumentation will enable users to integrate Volant equipment with rig automation systems.

“We believe that there is going to be more automation, not less, on drilling rigs in the future, and part of our digital solution offering is casing running tool instrumentation,” outlines Shute.

“We are very excited about the impact of software and instrumentation on the utility of our hardware solutions, and the way service is delivered at the drilling rig. Our top priority is to leverage digital solutions to help our customers further improve their efficiency and the quality of their wells.”

REACHING TARGET DEPTH

– DAN SHUTE, CEO, VOLANT

“BY

MORE RELIABLY, WE ARE IMPROVING THE IMMEDIATE ECONOMICS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY WITH WHICH WE’RE DEVELOPING HYDROCARBON ASSETS”

CASING MADE SIMPLE

Such mechanical design and casing installation expertise is what drives the discovery of technology at Volant, which is then embedded into the company’s hardware, software and services.

Whilst this expertise is often complicated and difficult to apply, Volant works hard to take complexity and apply it within simple equipment and tools that are accessible to a broad audience.

“We believe that this is a significant part of why we enjoy a really great market share,” affirms Shute.

Likewise, Volant knows that strong and effective teams are key to the company’s success, in an atmosphere where everyone can learn, grow, and be respected.

“If you were to step inside Volant, you would find a culture where our staff are interested in making each other successful. It’s one of the purest forms of teamwork that you can have, where you’re genuinely looking for ways to help each other,” Shute says.

“We also place customer service

right at the top of our priority list. It’s one of the three cultural pillars that we teach our staff internally, and we deliver on our promises.”

Supplier and partner relationships present another snapshot of the culture at Volant.

Carbon steel tube, for instance, is the material used for HydroFORM centralizers, and the company has worked diligently with pipe mills to deliver the high-quality steel required for this application.

Similarly, building relationships with suppliers of CNC machine tools used for manufacturing complex parts will enable ongoing improvement to Volant’s business. The best relationships include investment by suppliers in technical support and training that drive operational excellence.

Finding such relationships that are based on communication and openness, and the trust that comes from that, has been a key part of enabling Volant’s growth.

“Supply chain management has been a challenge globally, so when we

find suppliers that are able to maintain strong communication with us to deliver what we need, when we need it, and of the quality Volant and our customers expect, we are better able to realize success,” acknowledges Shute.

Driven by doing the right things for the right reasons, Volant is also increasing its communication with operators, understanding that they are the ones who ultimately decide what technology is used to construct their wells.

“Marketing to operators, and building their understanding of the technology that’s available to them, is absolutely a key part of transforming well construction,” he concludes.

VOLANT

Tel: +1 780.490.5185 info@volantproducts.ca www.volantproducts.ca

THE BRIGHT SPARKS OF POWER

Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Louis Locke

Every day, We Empower Possible.”

For integrated solutions provider Voltyx, this core mandate is achieved in a simple way – by helping its customers to enhance the safety, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability that they rely on to meet their changing energy needs.

“Our success is built on a foundation of well-leveraged resources and competencies, which enables us to drive reliability back to our clients,” continues Vice President of Engineering, Ryan Cross.

Voltyx emerged as its own corporate entity through the alliance of two major solutions providers in the US power industry. The coalition between Electric Power Systems (EPS) and North American Substation Services (NASS) continues to prove an electric combination, as Voltyx’s industrial prowess accelerates in modernizing electrical infrastructure across North America.

Leveraging the joint strengths of both EPS and NASS, Voltyx consolidates over 45 years of experience in the safe and reliable provision of testing and engineering

Ryan Cross

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services for high-voltage clients, with 20 years of unrivaled knowledge in supporting the maintenance and repair of substations respectively.

THE POWER OF FAMILY Voltyx’s integrated approach in providing comprehensive solutions is the company’s greatest differentiator. Indeed, Voltyx stands as a kind of umbrella brand, encompassing the individual complementary strengths of five different operating entities.

In addition to both EPS and NASS, the “Voltyx family” comprises the NOMOS, Transformer Lifecycle Services (TLS), and EPS Technology (EPST) brands.

“The Voltyx family is united at the core by the drive to provide exceptional engineering, cyber security, testing, transformer services, grid equipment, and electrical maintenance services,” Cross elaborates.

Together, the entire Voltyx footprint

THE VOLTYX FAMILY

The five different brands united under the Voltyx name include:

EPS – Specializing in engineering, cyber security, electrical acceptance testing, commissioning, and maintenance testing for a wide range of clients including renewables, data centers, utilities, and commercial, industrial and institutional facilities.

NASS – Nationally recognized experts, specializing in transformer and substation apparatus installation, services, and repair.

EPST – Specialized in electrical acceptance testing, commissioning, and maintenance testing for a wide range of clients including utility, generation, renewables, industrial, transit, data centers, and commercial facilities.

TLS – Independent provider of protection and control services to the electric utility industry throughout the US.

NOMOS – Renowned designer, manufacturer, and supplier of specialty power transformer control cabinets to the electrical utility and industrial arena since 1989.

spans a team of over 1,600 members of staff - 130 of which are engineers35 branch offices, 700 fleet vehicles, 55 oil processing rigs, protection and control laboratories, an oil testing facility and a state of the art training facility.

“Through our internal communication, dedicated project and account management, and similar yet different robust offerings, we bring expertise to all of our clients so that they can consolidate vendors to gain efficiencies under the Voltyx family of companies,” he explains further.

This integrated operating model makes all the difference in allowing Voltyx to deliver bespoke tailored solutions to cater to the distinct and varying needs and workforce requirements of its customers across the US.

“OUR SUCCESS IS BUILT ON A FOUNDATION OF WELL-LEVERAGED RESOURCES AND COMPETENCIES, WHICH ENABLES US TO DRIVE RELIABILITY BACK TO OUR CLIENTS”

– RYAN CROSS, VICE PRESIDENT OF ENGINEERING, VOLTYX

VOLTYX IN A CRISIS

When Hurricane Ian devasted the state of Florida in September 2022, severe flooding left millions without electricity. Shortly after it was deemed safe for disaster recovery crews to enter the area, Voltyx brand, EPS, received a call from an existing utility client requesting assistance at their submerged substation.

“Restoring service to this utility grid with equal parts urgency and safety was at the forefront of all involved. EPS technicians arrived at the customer site to assist the client in assessing floodwater damage. The techs soon discovered the substation was waist-deep, with waters continuing to rise,” recalls Cross.

Using quick wit and resourcefulness, the EPS team entered the submerged substation with floodlights and a kayak. Flood waters combined with significant debris had ruined the client’s equipment, which the EPS technicians recorded with photos and other first-hand findings in a report just hours later.

“In the 72 hours after EPS’ technicians were deployed into the hurricane-impacted substation, the client was able to better assess the damage to their equipment, enabling them to strategize in record time and re-energize their substation, restoring power to their customers. If it were not for their resourcefulness, the client may have had to wait far longer to create an appropriate course of action to discover the state of their equipment and repair it, therefore delaying the process of restoring power to their valued customers.”

ACCELERATING EDUCATION

In terms of meeting workforce requirements, Voltyx takes great pride in implementing sufficient training and development within its own team to ensure that staff are working reliably, and above all, safely.

“Voltyx deeply invests in our people by providing state of the art learning experiences that support the full life cycle of our employees so we can attract and retain the best in the industry,” shares Cross.

“We believe in engaging blended learning methodologies and learning journeys that enrich over time throughout each employee’s career.”

By so doing, Voltyx engages with and empowers employees on a continual trajectory of opportunity and development.

The brand new Voltyx Academy facility represents the physical embodiment of this commitment, where both digital and in-person learning will be delivered across leadership, sales, and technical fields, with an emphasis on safety as the common thread throughout.

“Our new academy will also host a customer ideation think tank where the thought leaders in energy from Voltyx spearhead traction for solving both current and future industry problems,” Cross outlines.

Drawing to a close, Cross returns to the clear intention that unites every brand within the Voltyx family.

“Our goals are to provide the safest, most reliable service to our partners in the electrification of everything, and be the destination employer for talented people that are looking to advance their career in the power industry,” he concludes.

VOLTYX Tel: 855-459-4377 info@voltyx.com www.voltyx.com

THE REAL ASSET

At the vanguard of renewable energy management on a global scale, Exus Partners delivers operational optimization to minimize losses and maximize revenues. We find out more with Partner and Head of Asset Management, Dhaval Bhalodia

Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Louis Locke

We are working with the objective of becoming North America’s largest independent renewable energy asset manager.”

The renewable energy sector across the US is one defined by challenges as much as it is by opportunities –from developmental roadblocks that can disrupt the progress of any new project, to the recently introduced federal tax incentives that are cause for much excitement.

As a result of the passage of investment tax credit (ITC) and production tax credit (PTC), favorable conditions abound that have created an avenue for new players, such as traditional oil and gas companies, to dip their toes in the renewable energy sphere.

But these new entrants, including large conglomerates, all require a reliable partner of choice in order to bring their projects to fruition and keep their assets protected.

Enter Exus Partners (Exus).

Despite the North American ambitions laid clear by the opening statement of Partner and Head of Asset Management, Dhaval Bhalodia, Exus is well-established as a leading player on the global stage.

With a total of 10+ gigawatts (GW) Assets under Management (AuM) comprising a portfolio that spans several countries, (Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, Brazil, US, Canada, Mexico and Turkey), Exus is one of the largest independent asset managers in the world.

Pursuing a dynamic trajectory of growth, the Exus team continues to grow across new geographies, complementing the company’s seven office locations in Madrid, Lisbon, Porto, Pittsburgh, Mexico City, São Paulo, and Istanbul.

GOING FOR GROWTH

As an independent investment and asset management firm, it is Exus’

NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: TELL US ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE BIG SKY WIND FARM?

Dhaval Bhalodia, Partner and Head of Asset Management:

“Big Sky was sold as a full package repowering with about 40 percent increase in annual energy production (AEP), and Exus was able to further optimize by selecting a better technology that actually increased AEP by 60 percent. Of course, that change involved re-permitting and redoing much of the development work, however Exus was able to provide a full suite of services to our client Vitol and successfully complete the project. In summary, we provided the following:

• Full suite development and permitting

• Solar, solar panel and inverter

• Turbine selection optimization and layout (full M&A services)

• Help client with negotiation of ESA (equipment supply agreement) for both turbines and solar, and EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contract

• Help client with negotiation of the Power Purchase Agreement

• Provide full wrap construction management services

• Provide full wrap asset management services

• Provide balance of plant services

• Provide energy management services.”

impressive track record of growth that is a standout factor in the market. The company has significantly increased its portfolio from 2.8GW AuM in 2019, to 4.4GW in 2020, 9GW in 2021 to 10.7GW in 2022 year to date.

“Exus’ astonishing growth over the last few years testifies to the company’s ability to differentiate itself and be the go-to asset manager for renewables,” states Bhalodia.

From a global perspective, Exus is pursuing the ambitious goal of integrating over 4GW of additional AuM into its portfolio within the next 12–18 months.

“Our vision is to create a global platform for the management of renewable energy assets for third party investors,” he continues. “To do this, we will also increase our capacity in countries where we already have a presence alongside entering new markets (i.e. Eurasia region, Chile and Colombia).”

For Bhalodia, this global reach

EXUS PARTNERS AND THE DATA-DRIVEN DIFFERENCE

Innovative technical capabilities are a key differentiator for Exus. To drive analysis and optimize performance, the company has developed in-house its unique BlueSky monitoring platform.

The system aims at complete automation using smart analytics, developed using years of experience. It utilizes best practices and processes that have been learned over the years from the Exus global platform. With allencompassing tools, processes and procedures, BlueSky can quickly and efficiently resolve issues and improve performance.

represents a key differentiator for the company, and an advantage that will only strengthen as the company continues to grow.

“Exus’ rapid geographic expansion has been pushed partially by investors’ mandates to explore new opportunities. Therefore, the firm can quickly enter new markets if needed and leverage its global presence to ensure the financial success of the investment,” he elaborates.

THE EXUS ADVANTAGE

Complementing this expansive geographical coverage, is the diverse and comprehensive range of services that Exus is able to provide its clients. These are encompassed by several firms working within the overall enterprise that collaborate and cooperate to give the ultimate client service. The various departments include the M&A Team, Asset Management Team, Energy Management Team, Development Team and Construction Management Team.

“Exus offers a full range of services

throughout the life cycle of the asset, from origination and structuring to operation and life extension strategies. Therefore, clients are comfortable in knowing they have a partner making sure their best interests are looked after,” Bhalodia shares.

This is reflected in the diverse client base that Exus serves, demonstrating the firm’s ability to adapt and customize its services depending on the needs of each different investor.

Bolstering this diversity is the industry experience that Exus brings to the table, combined with an innovative, forward-thinking attitude. Both partners and employees within the company carry an average of 15 years’ experience in the renewable energy industry.

“We are focused on maximizing investment returns and risk reduction for each portfolio of assets. For this purpose, our team is continuously growing its technical expertise, adapting to new industry trends and offering deep knowledge on

innovation for special projectsbattery storage, hybridization, life extension and hydrogen – increasing the value of our projects for our partners.”

Exus leverages these pre-existing capabilities with innovation to deliver operational optimization.

“We utilize our years of experience in extracting additional value out of assets under management as well as advanced systems and tools. To finetune the technical performance of our assets, we continuously innovate and take advantage of advanced datadriven approaches.”

PARTNERS IN INNOVATION

The years ahead are defined by dynamic activity for Exus, across its varying fields of expertise.

Within wind energy, later this month, Exus North America will begin work on a 160 megawatt (MW) wind farm near Houston, Texas, due for completion in a year’s time.

“This is a new build, and we are happy to work with a new client

– DHAVAL BHALODIA, PARTNER AND HEAD OF ASSET MANAGEMENT, EXUS PARTNERS

and help them achieve successful completion as we did in the past for other projects”, Bhalodia tells us.

Turning to solar, Exus will be acquiring more than 500MW of earlystage solar development projects that will be developed using its in-house expertise.

“Over the next year, we will also continue to build a world-class development team that will be capable of supporting any of our clients’ development needs - early stage, late stage or greenfield,” he adds.

Adjacent to this, Exus will continue its foray into battery storage.

“Exus is actively looking to build a battery storage capability and will be acquiring one or more battery storage development projects in New England. Our unique ability to provide asset management and commercial services is a natural fit to be successful in the storage space.”

Bhalodia goes on to share that the next 12-18 months will be instrumental in taking on several new projects

within battery storage, as Exus builds its expertise in development, operation and the deployment of battery power.

“Additionally, we will undertake two to three more repowering projects. The development and permitting work has begun, and the repowering is slated to start and be completed in 2024. With this, we are adding more to our resume of successful repowering.”

With an ever-increasing roster of successfully completed projects to its name and further innovation on the horizon, Exus will continue to energize a global renewable future on behalf of its clients.

EXUS PARTNERS info@exuspartners.com www.exuspartners.com

“OUR UNIQUE ABILITY TO PROVIDE ASSET MANAGEMENT AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES ARE A NATURAL FIT TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE STORAGE SPACE”

CENTRAL WALK MARCHES INTO CANADA

Premier retail operator, Central Walk, is proudly hiking up its capacity for retail space in Canada.

The company has just added a third British Columbian regional shopping center to its portfolio, with its recent acquisition of Tsawwassen Mills from real estate titan Ivanhoé Cambridge. Alongside the fashion-focused Mayfair Shopping Center in Victoria and Woodgrove Center in Nanaimo, which receives 5.6 million visitors per year, the shopping centers join the Arbutus Ridge Golf Course in Central Walk’s Canadian collection.

After coming into possession of each retail center, Central Walk comes closer to understanding the requirements and standards of operational success in the heavyweight sector of Canadian real estate.

The Canadian retail market faces its own challenges due to the country’s sparse population density, with approximately 38 million people recorded in Q1 of 2021 and roughly four people per square kilometer (km).

“These numbers are a clear indicator of the long-term challenges for Canada’s physical retail industry,” states Andy Wang, CEO of Central Walk.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the retail industry hard in the last few years, altering the way consumers shop. Instead of brickand-mortar stores, many are turning to online counterparts. Central Walk is now overcoming this adversity by renovating the shopping center experience for consumers.

EXCITING TIMES AHEAD

Despite Canada’s lack of density, there is no shortage of foreign investments, attracted by many elements such as a stable government, a healthy legal system, a highly educated workforce, and abundant natural resources.

“Canada will be a foremost immigration destination for a long

As the future of North American retail lies in the consumer experience, Central Walk is transforming shopping centers into multifunctional one-stop hubs.

We find out more with Andy Wang, CEO, and Valen Tam, Director of Investments and Asset Management

Writer: Rachel Carr Project Manager: Callam Waller

ANDY WANG,

time to come, which will only benefit the Canadian retail industry from a macro perspective. A high degree of marketization and developed manufacturing and service industries incentivize investments,” cites Wang.

“The rise of consumer demand for personalization and e-commerce’s growing suppression of physical retail has become a difficult tide to overcome, particularly because the homogenization of retail models has stiffened institutional management adaptability and reactivity over the past two decades,” he explains.

Nevertheless, Central Walk is tenacious in the pursuit of meeting new and growing customer needs and remains poised to grasp golden opportunities to team up with progressive consumers and retailers to drive the reinvigoration of the shopping center concept.

“I have no doubt that institutions will shake off this rigidity, but it will be extremely exciting to see how they

each reposition themselves over the next few years,” says Wang.

DIGITAL BEGINNINGS

Today, Wang is the CEO of Central Walk, overseeing and realizing the directives of shareholders and the board chairman. Wang began his career in digital media marketing, which was in its infancy at the time.

Tasked with optimizing and making sense of the department’s project expenditures, it was the analysis of data that initially fueled Wang’s interest in retail.

“The study of complex data to identify key components critical to success was and will always remain my passion,” he states.

Working his way up over the years, through operations, leasing, general management and branching into executive roles, he was exposed to even more data to ponder and try to make sense of. “The more complex it got, the more I fell in love with retail; it

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Kennedy Landscaping

Kennedy Landscaping and Central Walk Tsawwassen Mills are tackling the climate challenge together. We use battery-powered equipment to care for outdoor spaces on the property and are expeditiously working to phase out all of our gaspowered equipment.

Since our partnership began, Central Walk Tsawwassen Mills and Kennedy Landscaping have teamed up to restore millions of square feet of landscape by replacing and planting thousands of trees and shrubs. Our partnership has allowed us to make a net-positive impact on our immediate surrounding environment.

“WE EXPECT TO CREATE SPACES WHERE OUR CUSTOMERS, FAMILIES, AND FRIENDS ARE HAPPY TO STAY FOR TWO TO THREE HOURS”

–

CEO, CENTRAL WALK

TSAWWASSEN MILLS

The acquisition of Tsawwassen Mills is the first on the mainland which puts it in the spotlight of Canadian retail. It brings numerous benefits to Central Walk, and if previous investments are anything to go by, it will be a mutual gain.

Tsawwassen Mills is situated in one of the most sought-after regions, Greater Vancouver, however, it does have other cultural significance.

“We have the privilege of working with landowners Tsawwassen First Nations (TFN), one of the most progressive First Nation groups in Canada,” says Tam.

“As a company focused on assimilating into the Canadian North America world, there is no better opportunity to increase our knowledge and better understand how we should respect and contribute to Canada, than to work closely with those who have been its stewards since time immemorial.

“Considering the exceptional welcome that the TFN has given us, we cherish this opportunity and friendship even more,” he continues.

is truly the most humbling, complex, and unfathomably influential in the real estate sector,” he reflects.

CENTRAL WALK-THROUGH THE BUSINESS

Central Walk’s passion is to maximize the potential of shopping centers with the objectives of prosperity and inclusivity. As it strives to innovate with new commercial strategies, the company has a clear business philosophy of “building urban space with business intelligence”.

“Central Walk conducts a full range of in-house commercial real estate investment and management work,” says Wang. Add-on values include investment underwriting, leasing, concept design, structural planning, operations management, and marketing.

The company has specialized in the investment and management of retail shopping centers in Asia for over 20 years. It is with this wealth of knowledge of the industry that

Central Walk can skate straight onto Canada’s business arena as one of the top heavyweights of real estate owner-operators.

“Under the guidance of our board chairman, we have held unyielding commitment and passion towards the research, development, and practice of new retail ideas, and we hold dearly our partnerships with industry peers,” Wang adds.

CENTER PARTING

Western Canada’s leading retail operator differentiates itself by embracing new cultures and communities. With 25 years of overseas experience under its belt, Central Walk entered the Canadian North American market in 2020 as a student of the industry.

“What sets us apart is our attitude. We were cognizant that retail had different leaders, retailers, and culture here,” says Valen Tam, Director of Investments and Asset Management, Central Walk.

Tsawwassen Mills

Tsawwassen Mills

“Rather than enforce our ideas of old, we determined from the onset that our goal was to keep an open mind, absorb, and learn anew. We inject our own creativity and bring our brand of engagement to the communities that our assets serve, but assimilation was the priority; there

was no way to succeed without first becoming one of the same populaces we wished to engage,” he adds.

Instead of feeling apprehension towards competition, Central Walk set the goal of partnering with competitors sooner rather than later. For Tam, this includes fellow investors, brokers, service providers, and operators.

Tam recognizes that Canada is a developed country with a disproportionately underdeveloped population and real estate in comparison to most other first-world nations.

“Its future will require the joint efforts of the various levels of government, its citizens, and its real estate companies. We are just one of the latter and recognize that many of our peers are institutions with tremendous history, led by generations of leading executives,” says Tam.

“We are not their competition; we are their allies, now and in the future,

and together we can contribute positively to Canadian retail and communities a little more each day.”

VISION OF THE FUTURE

Central Walk has a vision to reimagine retail concepts by incorporating services, fusing the shopping and entertainment experience, which will reshape the post-pandemic landscape.

Due to the differing requirements of diverse societies in the areas surrounding Central Walk shopping centers, it is impossible to predict the exact form of facilities required for each location. No doubt, entertainment will feature in each property, and will be tailored to all aspects of life to satisfy the needs of the consumer.

As the company experiments with bespoke merchandise mixes, Tam thinks services will include anything from theater and salons to foods and events as Central Walk centers move

to one-stop shopping hubs.

“This is our chairman’s vision, although I cannot comment on the exact form of entertainment or service, as each property and its surrounding communities have varying needs,” adds Tam.

Central Walk’s continued expansion into Canada will not stop due to

global inflation. “We are constantly seeking potential opportunities to grow our portfolio. In the meantime, it is our priority to vigorously tweak our business and management models in the coming year,” says Wang.

The consumer experience features heavily in the future for the company with “mixed, multi-functional concept

spaces that engage our communities in cultural entertainment, foods, art, and technology,” as Wang affirms.

“We are making it our initiative to put forth all efforts to transform our centers into engaging hubs that can match the lifestyle, aesthetics, and personalities of their communities,” he concludes.

With a dynamic future ahead, Central Walk will continue to support growing businesses and strengthen its partnerships in the industry.

250.390.2721 Info@centralwalk.com www.centralwalk.com

“WE ARE CONSTANTLY SEEKING POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW OUR PORTFOLIO. IN THE MEANTIME, IT IS OUR PRIORITY TO VIGOROUSLY TWEAK OUR BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT MODELS IN THE COMING YEAR”

– ANDY WANG, CEO, CENTRAL WALK

Woodgrove Center in Nanaimo

TRULY DEVOTED TO TELECOMS

Headed by President and CEO, Erich Schlegel, TrueNet Communications is the total broadband solutions provider at the forefront of telecoms technology

Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Yamin Khan

We live in a digital world that is advancing at an almost unfathomable pace.

Today’s state of the art technology advancements require robust networks that are capable of transferring data instantaneously, whilst everything from new scientific breakthroughs to home automation demands more internet bandwidth than ever.

“Digital technology has evolved society rapidly thus far, and it will be fascinating to see what further advancements will be made,” notes Erich Schlegel, President and CEO of TrueNet Communications (TrueNet).

TrueNet, an infrastructure engineering and specialty contractor based in Jacksonville, Florida, takes great pride in the fact that its services are a critical element in the evolution of society.

Expertise in engineering design has been delivered by TrueNet to broadband, wireless, telecoms and enterprise customers since 1985.

WHAT MAKES TRUENET DIFFERENT?

NIMBLENESS – TrueNet’s culture of empowering employees allows it to quickly respond to customers’ needs and excel at fast-track turnarounds. Every opportunity is approached with urgency to make sure deadlines are met and objectives are fulfilled.

STABILITY – Combining more than 30 years in business with the world’s third oldest IT company provides TrueNet with unparalleled scope and resources. A wholly owned Fujitsu company, TrueNet works with the largest communication companies on some of the world’s largest installations.

TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP – Few companies can match TrueNet’s core proficiencies or ability to deliver innovative solutions that leverage the knowledge gained from designing and supporting generations of networks.

CUSTOMER FOCUS – Everyone likes working with TrueNet, who forges effective and mutually beneficial partnerships that last for decades.

EXPERIENCE – Established in 1985, TrueNet’s client list includes leading cable MSOs, wireline carriers, international network OEMs, and enterprises.

SCALABILITY – With over 350 associates on staff and hundreds more available through staff augmentation services, TrueNet can scale to meet virtually any project size.

ABOUT US

Since we started 15 years ago, we have completed hundreds of projects throughout America including many 5,000-mile projects for CISCO, Commscope and other companies. We believe in excellence, following best practices like valuing customers’ time, having a pleasant attitude and providing knowledgeable and useful resources. We take things a step further to exceed, rather than just meet expectations.

•

•

THE REASONS WHY WE ARE YOUR BEST CHOICE

We offer a dedicated team for every customer and every project.

We provide QC for every process.

We have an in-house design and drafting team that can complete projects of any size.

We meet growth needs.

Our team of 60+ professionals can support any COAX / xPON project.

We will provide a tailored Design and Drafting service, a solution to help you achieve the goals for your business.

“In

Appointed as the CEO of TrueNet in 2016, it was the opportunity to play an important role in society that initially drew Schlegel to telecoms.

“The internet and dot-coms were still very new, and it was exciting to be involved in watching the capabilities of the internet burgeon into what it is today,” he says.

“The longer I spend in telecoms, the more I understand just how complex the global communication network really is and how important it is to everyone’s daily lives. There is never a dull moment and there are boundless opportunities to adapt and innovate.”

THE FUJITSU FAMILY

Schlegel’s telecoms career started at Fujitsu Network Communications (FNC), of which TrueNet is a whollyowned subsidiary.

FNC, the world’s fourth-largest IT services provider and third-oldest IT company, is part of the global Fujitsu

Group (Fujitsu).

As a member of the Fujitsu family, TrueNet is able to provide end-to-end services and industry-leading total broadband solutions.

“TrueNet really benefits from being part of the Fujitsu family. Fujitsu has a great purpose – to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation – which is a beacon for us at TrueNet to follow in the services we provide to our customers,” Schlegel tells us.

“I believe Fujitsu’s deep connection to society and customers is a big

differentiator. We truly act to help our customers achieve their goals and improve life for people around the world; that spirit of partnership with our customers is why Fujitsu and TrueNet have existed, adapted, and thrived for so many years.”

Originally focused on providing outside plant (OSP) cable design services, TrueNet has evolved tremendously as the industry has matured and grown into an essential part of modern life.

The company’s services have expanded over the years as a result,

– ERICH SCHLEGEL, PRESIDENT AND CEO, TRUENET

“DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY HAS EVOLVED SOCIETY RAPIDLY THUS FAR, AND IT WILL BE FASCINATING TO SEE WHAT FURTHER ADVANCEMENTS WILL BE MADE”

COMMUNICATIONS

and TrueNet is now a valued strategic partner of many telecoms companies across the US and Canada.

“We now offer robust technical services that span planning, design, construction and maintenance of our customers’ OSP infrastructure,” outlines Schlegel.

INVESTING IN THE INTERNET

A clear goal of bringing affordable and reliable high-speed internet to everyone in the US has been set by the Biden administration.

To help make this goal a reality, the $42.45 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program will expand high-speed

internet access to unserved or underserved areas by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs.

“The BEAD grant is just one large piece of the government’s strategy to offer high-speed internet to every American household, with its main focus on rural areas,” Schlegel informs us.

“The overall infrastructure bill includes over $400 billion of funds that will come in the form of loans and grants. This massive injection of capital will generate activity within the telecoms industry unlike anything we have ever seen before.”

Schlegel is a strong proponent of

BEAD, as it will only provide more opportunities for US citizens to access the unlimited resources that the internet provides.

In doing so, it will encourage all telecoms providers to re-evaluate how they approach their growing networks.

“TrueNet has gone through great diligence over recent years, challenging traditional practices and methods that have existed for decades,” Schlegel shares.

Well over $5 million has also been invested by TrueNet in the last three years on equipment, vehicles, tools and facilities to support its customers in Arizona and Nevada.

There is a tremendous need for competent, full-service construction in the telecoms sector, and TrueNet continues to expand its capabilities and capacity.

New features continue to be developed, for example, on TrueNet’s proprietary project management and data analytics tool, TrueQ Pro, to further enhance the company’s ability to manage large numbers of projects and transactions with a high level of accuracy.

TrueNet has also invested in drone and data management technologies, to collect large volumes of field data and easily translate it into useable outputs for customers, such as mapping and permits.

“These investments are enabling much faster cycle times, and providing a more complete data set that can be used for reference without return trips to the field, which are extremely costly,” Schlegel explains.

TENETS OF SUCCESS

Equally, the company has invested in building up a robust team to manage and execute wireless deployments, including tower climbing capabilities which are in high demand across North America.

The staff at TrueNet, from executives to individual contributors, are the heart and soul of the business

and the team continues to grow.

“We have some of the best 500+ people in the telecoms industry. As well as developing new technologies, we have heavily invested in young talent to ensure the longevity and success of our business,” reveals Schlegel.

There are several fundamental tenets that TrueNet tries to follow, the first of which is giving people the tools they need to do their job well.

This encompasses everything from equipment, computers and the office environment to training and

mentoring, and is “vital to the success of each employee’s success,” Schlegel affirms.

Decision making, meanwhile, is kept at the lowest possible level by TrueNet, as the telecoms industry places high value on the speed of execution.

“For us to stay competitive and to help our customers achieve their goals, then we must be quick and nimble. Unnecessary bureaucracy adds no value to our business.”

TrueNet also has robust programs to enhance the employee experience,

which include competitive benefits, formal performance and annual compensation reviews, as well as ongoing education and training.

“All of these programs, and more, help our employees to grow and feel valued as part of the TrueNet team,” says Schlegel.

Subcontractor and supplier networks are just as integral to the success of TrueNet, with the majority of subcontractors having been valued partners for many years.

To Schlegel, it’s important that not only employees, but partner networks understand the TrueNet vision and what it aspires to accomplish in the industry.

“Everyone from our upper management team to individual contributors and subcontractor partners fully understands that we stand by our work and take pride in the fact that our customers know us above all for our results,” he smiles.

PLANS OF ACTION

Over the years, the leadership at TrueNet has also created action plans that focus on key stakeholders.

This exercise has been made part of

the company culture, with all TrueNet leaders taking full responsibility to execute these action plans.

“We don’t just strive for a strong balance sheet; we also want to be a valuable contributor to society and do our part in making this country great,” Schlegel states proudly.

“Some of these initiatives include diversity hiring programs, charitable donations, and green initiatives,” he details.

Likewise, cultivating a culture in which people want to come to work and be proud of the company they work for is one of TrueNet’s main goals.

“Aside from our efforts to improve employee benefits each year, this may be one of the more challenging tasks, but with the right leadership team and a mentality of always listening intently, our team members feel that they have a voice in the company,” offers Schlegel.

“I can’t thank our employees enough for taking so much pride in their work. None of this works without them and their dedication to the company.”

This will remain the case as TrueNet

continues to be versatile and ready to assist customers with their everchanging objectives.

The success of TrueNet’s customers ultimately ensures the longevity of the company, and tangentially creates excitement for employees to be working for such a dynamic organization.

“The process of building and maintaining the country’s telecoms infrastructure is overlooked as something that just magically happens,” Schlegel concludes.

“When a subscriber turns on their television to watch one of the 1,000+ channels of content, or searches the internet, they just expect it to work instantly.

“We are one of the companies that makes this magic happen.”

TRUENET COMMUNICATIONS

Tel: 904.777.9052 sales@truenetcommunications.com www.truenetcommunications.com

Edward Verbakel, CEO

CULTIVATING THE FARM OF THE FUTURE

Controlled-environment agriculture is being recognized as the most efficient method of choice for farming and horticulture. Originating from the Netherlands, we take a look at VB, and speak to CEO Edward Verbakel about greenhouse advantages and recent developments in Europe and the US

Writer: Marcus Kääpä Project Manager: Liam Pye

Our history is filled with examples of innovation across a thousand practices, but few have been as important as those great steps made in the pursuit of food.

Turn the clock back to the Neolithic Revolution in around 13,000-10,000 BCE, a time when animal husbandry led humanity to be masters of the herd rather than the hunt, a smarter, more efficient, and less dangerous practice. Thereafter in 9,000 BCE, our ancestors dwelling in the Fertile Crescent (east of the Mediterranean Sea spanning multiple Middle Eastern countries) turned their minds to the plough, lapping over the soil in waves to keep earth fresh and fertile to host seeds and grow crops. Agriculture had begun in full bloom, setting in stone the food-centric path of early, settled civilization.

From such dawn-era knowledge, agriculture has adapted across the world. One only has to look at the iconic terraced hill farms of ancient

Wari (and later Incan) culturetechniques that are still used around the world due to their efficiency and success.

Today, such tiered (or vertical) farming methods are not only applicable but represent the future of smart farming, as the most economical use of energy and resources while limiting environmental impacts, in exchange for the highest yield of consumable produce. Smarter farming methods are the key to our future, and this truth is being realized across the globe.

“The world’s population is growing; there is more demand for safe, healthy food all year round, and this is coupled with the necessity of combatting climate change, and the consequential demand for food produce that uses less energy and water, as well as a reduced transport footprint,” introduces Edward Verbakel, CEO of VB.

The son of a company founder (Aad Verbakel), Verbakel is a second-generation family member in an executive position within VB, and has led the company for almost 20 years, managing projects that have been built for clients around the world.

“Modern greenhouses are the way forward; they use 20 percent less water than field-grown crops, use up less space for more produce through tiered farming, and are now considered as assets by investors and capital funds due to their value in the agricultural sector.”

OVER 50 YEARS OF INNOVATION

VB operates three primary divisions: horticulture, climate and energy. Within the rapidly changing horticulture sector, VB is an industry leader in providing greenhouse solutions that make use of the latest and best technology and design, and

Van der Ende Groep

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“MODERN GREENHOUSES ARE THE WAY FORWARD... AND ARE NOW CONSIDERED AS ASSETS BY INVESTORS AND CAPITAL FUNDS DUE TO THEIR VALUE IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR”

–

EDWARD

VERBAKEL, CEO, VB

Edward Verbakel, CEO, pictured center, converses with Jim Murphy, Chairman of Mighty Vine (right) and Patrik Borenius, CEO of Green Automation

EDWARD VERBAKEL, CEO: “Around 12 years ago, VB started to explore opportunities to replace fossil fuels for the greenhouse industry, as we used volumes of natural gas in the Netherlands. It was a very affordable option back then but obviously not very sustainable because there were a lot of pollutants that made it damaging to the environment – CO2 levels were high – and looking towards alternatives is what led us to the geothermal industry.

“So far, VB has been involved in 17 out of the 23 active geothermal wells in the Netherlands, most of which are connected to greenhouses, with others feeding industrial solutions, houses or other areas. Today, almost 20 percent of the glass surfaces of our greenhouses make use of geothermal heat rather than traditional forms of energy, which is a large step towards becoming more sustainable.

“We believe that this model can be used in international markets as long as we remain informed and aware of the rules and regulations in each particular country we operate in to collaborate and succeed in this area.”

can weather even extreme conditions.

Initially founded as a heating supplier to the horticulture industry in 1966, J & A Verbakel Verwarming was started in the Netherlands by two brothers, Joop and Aad Verbakel, with company activities later branching abroad to places such as Belgium, Germany, France, and even in the US.

As the company diversified into greenhouse building projects in 1983, the name changed; what had been Verbakel – Bomkas following a business acquisition of Bomkas Greenhouses in the Netherlands, thereafter became VB, and today the company stands as a specialist in constructing sustainable plants and projects, the center of which are its greenhouses.

“We specialize in the design and build of such greenhouse projects, and we are also active in the energy solutions space, geothermal heating plants, and in other areas such as football stadiums,” Verbakel tells us. “There is currently an energy crisis in which high-tech horticulture requires substantial volumes of energy for heating, cooling and lighting.

“Industries need to become more sustainable; geothermal heat can replace some of the fossil fuels, yet the scale is needed to benefit from these sources. VB is well aware of the domestic Dutch requirements to realise the geothermal sources and has ambitions to bring this knowledge

into other markets. However, this will require local partners that are well informed about the local rules and regulations related to these heat mining activities.”

VB’s greenhouse projects are built from the ground up and delivered with professionalism and the promise of bountiful yield, answering the demand in the agriculture industry for smarter and better methods of farming.

SMARTER FARMING

The reason why greenhouses are becoming a core focus of the agricultural and horticultural industries is clear for those who invest in such sectors. For Verbakel, smarter agricultural practices and the sustainable use of energy is key to improving the yield and longevity of food production, and at a structural level, greenhouses are fundamental to this success.

“The availability of food within a large population combined with climate change and the ambition to reduce miles makes it a very interesting topic, especially when combined with the significant attention being placed on controlled-environment agriculture (CEA),” explains Verbakel.

“A field is vulnerable; crops are at the mercy of the weather with the potential to be impacted by storms or exposed to drought conditions, for example. In terms of water usage and pesticides, fields use a lot more water

NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE USE OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY IN YOUR GREENHOUSES?

Mighty Vine Tomatoes

Van der Horst uses its own paints that meet high environmental and sustainability requirements. www.rvdhorst.nl

MARKET LEADER GLOBALLY ACTIVE INNOVATIVE

than CEA, while also having to make use of more pesticides due to crop exposure to the open air.”

The smarter and more sustainable methods of greenhouse farming are shown by the circular use of resources, exemplified by the resource cost to produce the humble tomato.

According to Verbakel, a field-grown tomato requires up to 20 times more fresh water than a greenhouse-grown tomato, and the water that such greenhouse-grown fruit and vegetables do not consume is recaptured, cleaned and ready to be used again, while in the field, excess water is soaked into the earth along with pesticides and fertilizer that impacts the soil levels. The retrieval and cleaning of this water from an open field requires far more energy, effort and time than that reused from a greenhouse.

“Not only is tiered farming the origin for less water, less space and more produce, but it is the expected future form of farming,” Verbakel adds.

For more than 55 years, Glasimport Greenhouses BV has been a leading supplier of glass to an uncountable number of hectares of greenhouses in the world.

Glasimport Greenhouses BV is the exclusive worldwide supplier of VETRASOL® diffused glass

Operating worldwide from the Netherlands, R. van der Horst B.V. is a spraying company specializing in heating pipes and construction materials for greenhouse horticulture.

Backyard Farms

“Nowadays, we are able to use less water and less space due to high-efficiency methods that use less water and less labor. The shortages in daylight and climate are being compensated by advanced technological solutions in a controlled environment.”

Then there are the disadvantages of such labor and field-grown produce shelf life in traditional agriculture. The fact that produce has to bridge distances before it reaches an area where it is being consumed is an issue brought to the forefront of traditional field agriculture.

“Areas with open agricultural fields are not particularly the areas where most of the population lives, and so there exist costs, not only in travel and to the environment, but also shelf life,” Verbakel details. “Meanwhile, our clients are using our technology to grow and bring better quality foods to a more demanding consumer 365 days a year, keeping produce fresher, increasing shelf life, and reducing waste.”

Traditional field farming entails more rigorous and less efficient labor, making employment a less attractive prospect. The difference between working low to the ground, exposed to the elements, compared to the easy access to efficiently grown (sometimes tiered) produce leads to longer-term employment and happier personnel.

“On top of this, greenhouses are seeing new trends of automation and robotization, and are more receptive to such advancements,” Verbakel adds. “CEA allows for a greater level of control and monitoring and is built for the automation of processes, as well as making use of technology that maximizes yield potential and prediction at all times of year, such as LED lights that spread much lower heat so as not to impact the temperature of greenhouses, while increasing light levels to promote growth.”

BUSINESS ACROSS THE POND

Although VB’s roots sprouted in the Netherlands and Europe, the company is branching further afield. Across the pond, the US is a hub of activity for the company and its expansion plans, with VB having successfully undertaken multiple projects for US-based clients and many more promising developments in the pipeline.

“The North American market is a focus for VB. We have a rich history in the US, having been active there since 1971,” Verbakel tells us proudly. “VB has references in over 25 states and works for companies who are each the best in their class.”

In recent years, VB has completed projects for Little Leaf Farms, Mighty Vine Tomatoes, Bushel Boy Farms, Backyard Farms, and Village Farms, as well as with its Atrium Agri partner for Green Empire Farms, Pure Flavor,

Maroa Farms, and App Harvest in the CEA space.

“Little Leaf Farms has been our respected client since they started their first building in Devens, Massachusetts, in 2015. We have built five consecutive times for them,” Verbakel continues. “The latest greenhouse expansion in McAdoo, Pennsylvania, will integrate Little Leaf Farms’ best-in-class technology, including energy efficiencies across heating, cooling, lighting, advanced data analytics and hands-free automated growing systems.

“Little Leaf Farms employs hydroponic production for its lettuce which is grown under glass and uses captured rainwater, natural sunlight, up to 90 percent less water than field-grown greens, and no harmful pesticides.”

VB has decades of history in North America, going back to Verbakel’s

“OUR CLIENTS ARE USING OUR TECHNOLOGY TO GROW AND BRING BETTER QUALITY FOODS TO A MORE DEMANDING CONSUMER 365 DAYS A YEAR, KEEPING PRODUCE FRESHER, INCREASING SHELF LIFE, AND REDUCING WASTE”

– EDWARD VERBAKEL, CEO, VB

father who undertook his first project on Long Island (New York State), and from there grew the business and helped lead it to what it has become today.

“The North American market is the most important continent that we are focused on at the moment. We are fortunate to experience a good exchange rate and a relatively stable economic climate between Western Europe and North America, not only in the US, but also in Mexico and Canada where we remain active,” Verbakel says.

“When VB began in the US, we delivered solutions to produce domestic plants and flowers, but later in the 2000s we made a shift towards the vegetable market. The US is behind when you look at the greenhouse surface per capita, and this is demonstrated by the country’s food imports and substantial field

farming industry, so there remains a great deal of potential in the market for greenhouse developments.”

SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

The US will remain VB’s focal market, given the size and scale of farming across the country and the potential of the sector.

Moving forward, VB is aware that business security is an important aspect of success, which in turn allows the company to continue advancing the agriculture and horticulture industries, helping them develop and become more efficient, eco-friendly, and economical.

“We are aware that we are doing well, but we can still do better,” Verbakel reflects. “Another thing to remember is both profitability and the robustness of the company, as to become more sustainable it

is important to be economically justified; you should not overspend on trying to become a better supplier and have a lower profile of existence or a lower outlook for a healthy future.

“Looking to the years ahead, together with our clients and partners, we will create a sustainable future by using fewer natural resources while producing fresh healthy vegetables and beautiful flowering plants. Our short-term goal is to maintain key customer relations and increase customer satisfaction.

“Under the Atrium Agri umbrella, we have the capacity and leverage to take on very large-scale greenhouse projects and bring them to successful completion.”

VB Tel: +31 174 522 222 info@vb.nl www.vb.nl

Leigh Tiffin President, Tiffin Motorhomes

“Recognize that it is a small industry. Word of mouth really matters, and RVers like to talk to one another about their experiences, so always put a huge premium on a phenomenal customer experience, customer service and support. Additionally, go where you can find a highly skilled, trained workforce because these are handmade products at the end of the day, and they require skill and talent to put them together. Last but not least, find a great leadership team because it really does start at the top. Bring in like-minded people that want to deliver that customer experience. It's easier said than done, but if you can do all that you've probably got a great shot at it.”

Terry Murphy

President and CEO, Bayhealth

“With healthcare and caring for others, there is no other work that can provide you with such professional and personal satisfaction. Our work is extremely meaningful and provides the greatest of rewards. It can be challenging at times and it’s not for the faint of heart, but if you are looking for a career filled with meaningful purpose, healthcare will definitely give you what you’re looking for.”

Ryan Cross

Vice President of Engineering, Voltyx

“The electrification of everything has created an exciting time within this industry. It’s a time that provides the opportunity for personal and professional growth while simultaneously helping to change the world. For someone looking to get into a world-changing growth industry, my advice is really

quite simple - add value. Add value to your employer, employees, customers, co-workers, etc., everyone you interact with. People that add value have the ability to create growth opportunities for themselves.”

Tom Vo

Chairman, CEO and Founder, Nutex Health Inc.

“My general theme to new entrepreneurs is find a solution to a problem that will benefit society. Once you find this solution, never, ever give up.”

Dan Shute

CEO, Volant

“If you understand what matters to the person who's ultimately writing the cheque, in our case it's oil and gas operators, and you maintain a focus on what's best for the operator, it will build trust, confidence success and profitability in the long term, even if it feels like it might be hurting you in the short term.”

What advice would you give to an entrepreneur entering your industry?

To round off each issue, we ask our contributing business leaders for their views on the same question

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