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EDITORIAL
Head of Editorial: Jack Salter jack.salter@outpb.com
Deputy Head of Editorial: Lucy Pilgrim lucy.pilgrim@outpb.com
Finance Assistant: Victoria McAllister victoria.mcallister@outpb.com
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CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE AND INGENUITY
Welcome to our 24th edition of North America Outlook.
We hope that our US readers had a joyous 4th July filled with festivities to celebrate American independence. This latest issue is as vibrant and eclectic as the spectacular firework displays that sparkled in the skies of North America to mark this special occasion.
Shining bright on the front cover is Inglett & Stubbs, one of the most progressive and innovative electrical contractors in Atlanta.
Founded in 1954, the company is also celebrating an important milestone of its own as it achieves seven decades of excellence in electrical construction, which has allowed it to play a critical role in the development of the Georgian state capital and the Southeast US.
With a successful history spanning more than half a century, Inglett & Stubbs also enjoys the advantages of a dynamic team.
“Our tradition of accomplishment and the sustained growth of our people have secured our position in the market and ensured a promising future for both Inglett & Stubbs and our customers,” sets out President, Miller Chalk.
Leveraging more than half a century of experience, Castonguay Blasting offers turnkey drilling and blasting, along with explosives supply and technical services, to the mining and construction sectors.
We learn about the recent successful projects that have proven the top-of-line quality of the company’s offering.
“We feel there is a place for us in the market. We are not only an explosives distributor but also an explosives user; we know what the customer needs,” states Yuri Alexandre, CEO of Castonguay Blasting.
Increasingly aware of its role in the green energy evolution, meanwhile, is Rising Edge Group, a high-voltage electrical contractor providing full-scale engineering, procurement, and construction solutions within the energy industry.
As North America witnesses a considerable evolution in renewable power, contractors such as Rising Edge Group have a responsibility to effectively implement green infrastructure.
“Renewable energy is rapidly changing everything, from the way we generate power to the way we operate the grid. As such, there is a lot of work to be done and I firmly believe that all players within the industry are up for the challenge,” notes President, Jason King.
Elsewhere, this issue spotlights Invest Turks and Caicos, Ruan Transportation Management Systems, QinetiQ Target Systems, and much more.
We hope that you enjoy your read.
Jack Salter
Head
of
Editorial, Outlook Publishing
FEATURES
56 SHOWCASING LEADING COMPANIES
Tell us your story and we’ll tell the world
CONSTRUCTION
58 Inglett & Stubbs
A Proven Past, a Bright Future
Redefining electrical construction
82 American Structural Concrete
Trusted Partner, Proven Leader
Providing lasting concrete solutions
MINING
92 Castonguay Blasting
Leaders in Blasting
Ready to take on challenges in a growing industry
100 Superior Silica Sands
Every Grain Counts
Supplying high-quality sand products to the industrial and energy sectors
ENERGY & UTILITIES
108 Rising Edge Group
At the Cutting Edge of Energy
A major contributor to green energy infrastructure
120 Chaberton Energy
Navigating the Energy Transition
Responsibly
Rapidly growing solar development
SUPPLY CHAIN
128 Ruan Transportation Management Systems
Transporting the Future
Integrated supply chain solutions for business needs
138 BMS Moving and Storage
Moving On Up
Superior moving and storage solutions
MANUFACTURING
146 QinetiQ Target Systems
Navigating a Complex Threat Environment
The next generation of defense manufacturing
154 Arrowquip
Equipped to Handle Cattle
Best-in-class livestock equipment
160 Nexus RV
Building Your Dream
Superior motorhomes that continue to thrive
160
168 CPI Aero, Inc.
First-Rate Aerospace Assembly and Integration
Combining a small business culture with global corporate capabilities
174 Yakima Products Inc.
Designed for Adventure
Traverse the open road in style
178 Dorsey Trailer
A Trailblazing Journey
Over a century of specialty trailer production
184 Lockheed Martin
Ahead of Ready
At the forefront of threat detection
FOOD & BEVERAGE
204 GCG
Flavorful Connections
Elevating travel and culinary experiences
210 Calbee America
Harvest the Power of Nature
Snacks with the best natural ingredients
GOVERNMENT & EDUCATION
218 City of Fort Lauderdale
Climate Control in a Coastal City
Building better Floridian foundations
HEALTHCARE
230 Switch Health
Care From Anywhere
Facilitating accessible healthcare across Canada
A PARTNERSHIP IS PARAMOUNT
PARAMOUNT GLOBAL
IS holding talks with other entertainment companies about merging its Paramount+ streaming service with an existing platform. If a deal is reached, it may spark a new wave of streaming partnerships that could stabilize the entire media industry as companies are now focused on better monetizing content.
For instance, Comcast recently introduced a $15-a-month bundle, which includes Peacock, Netflix, and Apple TV+ for its cable, broadband, and mobile customers.
Additionally, industry leaders are also considering windowing movies and TV series through different streaming services at varying price points.
A SUSTAINED STAY IN SPACE
NASA AND BOEING are further extending the Starliner space capsule’s visit to the International Space Station (ISS). After years of delays, the ‘Calypso’ capsule recently lifted off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with several leaks emerging during the
A FORCEFUL PERFORMANCE
US SOFTWARE GIANT, Salesforce, has voted against its compensation plan for top executives. This comes after shareholder advisory groups raised concerns about equity awards granted to its CEO, Marc Benioff.
In January, the board’s compensation committee granted Benioff a second long-term equity award worth $20 million, recognizing the company’s successful transformation actions and performance. This followed a total salary of $39.9 million, including additional stock, option awards, and non-equity incentive plan compensation.
Moreover, Salesforce shares are currently at their strongest since 2011, with its net income jumping to $4.1 billion in the fiscal year from $208 million in the previous year.
25-hour flight. In a separate issue, some of Starliner’s thrusters delayed docking by initially failing to start.
Furthermore, Boeing’s crew flight test was the first time a Starliner had carried human cargo, specifically NASA astronauts. The day-long mission has since turned into weeks, with a return date yet to be determined. The spacecraft docked at the ISS on 6th June, however, NASA insists that the astronauts are not stranded.
WESTJET PLANES HEADED SOUTH
CANADA’S WESTJET HAS canceled hundreds of flights, affecting an estimated 49,000 passengers, after failing to reach an agreement as unionized mechanics go on strike. The decision to down tools comes a day after Labor Minister, Seamus O’Regan, directed the Canada
WEIGHT LOSS COMPANY EXPANDING
NOVO NORDISK IS building a $4.1 billion North Carolina facility to boost the output of its weight loss drug, Wegovy, the diabetes treatment, Ozempic, and other injectable therapies.
Demand for the medications has outstripped supply over the past year, spurring intermittent shortages in the US. The company already has three operational sites in the state, and its new manufacturing plant, which will fill and package syringes and injection pens, is expected to be completed between 2027 and 2029.
Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to impose binding arbitration to solve outstanding collective agreement issues between the Calgary-based airline and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). Around 680 workers participated in the strike action against the airline. The union remains engaged in dialogue with the CIRB to resolve the impasse, which follows two weeks of turbulent discussions on a new deal.
Rival drugmaker Eli Lilly, producer of Zepbound and Mounjaro, has also committed billions of dollars to increasing its production capacity. Similarly, it already has several production plants in North Carolina.
TECHNOLOGY
COPY CHAT
OPENAI AND MICROSOFT are currently embroiled in a federal court case for alleged copyright infringement after being sued by the Center for Investigative Reporting (CIR). The suit, filed in New York, asserts that OpenAI trained ChatGPT to trawl the internet to provide answers to users’ queries, often relying heavily on information pulled directly from news stories.
This follows similar cases in which various newspapers and authors allege intellectual property violations. However, not all news organizations want to fight it out in court. Time magazine and News Corp have announced a deal allowing OpenAI access to current and archived articles. At the same time, Reddit will partner with the company to use the posting website’s content to train AI models.
ECONOMY
FINANCIAL OUTLOOK
DATA RELEASED THIS month shows that Canada’s GDP grew by 0.3 percent in April, with growth increasing in 15 to 20 sectors. Advanced estimates show GDP increased a further 0.1 percent in May due to manufacturing, real estate, rental and leasing, finance, and insurance.
While April’s growth was driven by rebounds in wholesale trade, mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction, and manufacturing. The retail industry also assisted the burgeoning economy, led by the food and beverage sector and gasoline stations, which had previously reported declines in March. However, the slowdown in May is likely to reflect an acceleration in inflation.
Transforming Healthcare with Real-Time Video Technology
Real-time video technology is more significant than ever, especially in the healthcare sector, where it is revolutionizing patient care and clinician productivity.
Howard Wu, CEO of Whereby, discusses the importance of telehealth
in an ever-digital world
Writer: Howard Wu, CEO, Whereby
At Whereby, we believe that realtime video technology has the power to transform and improve everyday life. Our collaboration with medical providers over the past few years has given us valuable insights into evolving telehealth trends
Telehealth enhances both physical and mental healthcare by offering patients more choices, encouraging proactive health management, and
leading to better long-term outcomes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one in eight people experience a mental disorder globally, and there has been a significant rise in digital mental health and telehealth services. This highlights the potential for substantial growth and innovation in care delivery. Prioritizing mental health is part of the public discussion, as are the benefits of supportive therapies and services. As demand grows, numerous platforms are emerging to modernize and expand mental health care, with real-time video calling technology playing a crucial role in this digital transformation.
ENHANCING THE PATIENT EXPERIENCE
Regardless of rural or urban location, patients can now access treatment with just a click. Telehealth offers increased flexibility in appointment scheduling and reduces logistical challenges, as a two-hour visit to a practitioner can now be replaced by an instantly available 15-minute consultation.
According to research from McKinsey, virtual consultations not
only enhance the accessibility and convenience of healthcare but also maintain or improve the quality of care delivered, particularly for chronic and mental health conditions. The “subjective well-being” of patients significantly improves when teletherapy and telecoaching are part of their treatment. The convenience and flexibility of virtual consultations lead to a more positive care experience, alongside significant time and cost savings through reduced waiting times and travel expenses. By integrating virtual care options with traditional in-person visits, patients are more likely to proactively seek care. This hybrid approach enhances the speed, efficiency, and quality of treatment. Across millions of patient interactions, these behavioral changes can significantly impact public health.
INCREASING CLINICIAN EFFICIENCY
Improving patient care and experience is central to healthcare transformation, but the industry also benefits significantly. With a global shortage of quality care providers, hospitals, practitioner networks, and
individual offices are stretched to capacity, causing patients to wait months for procedures and attention.
Telehealth consultations can help address this issue. A report from the Mayo Clinic shows high satisfaction among clinicians regarding video consultations, with more than 80 percent indicating that telehealth improved the timeliness of care for their patients. By conducting a large percentage of consultations via video, practitioners can triage early, manage routine issues remotely, and augment complex treatments with frequent, less time-intensive visits.
This approach enables practitioners to better manage their time and resources. Many initial appointments do not require a physical examination, and some types of care may never need face-to-face consultations.
The mental healthcare industry, in particular, is embracing virtual communication, with virtual therapy sessions proving as effective as in-person consultations.
LEVERAGING AI FOR ENHANCED CARE
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into telehealth platforms to enhance the quality and efficiency of care. One notable application of AI is the real-time transcription of patient sessions. This allows practitioners to focus more on patient interaction rather than note-taking, improving the accuracy of records and ensuring that important details are not missed.
AI-powered transcription services can analyze and summarize key points from consultations, making it easier for clinicians to review patient information and plan subsequent treatments. These automated services can also identify patterns in patient data, offering insights that can lead to more personalized and effective care.
However, building solutions that allow AI to capture and summarize conversations while preserving patient confidentiality and complying
with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations is complex.
Ensuring data security and privacy is of crucial importance. In response to these challenges, there is a nascent trend toward shifting AI models from running in the cloud to running locally on devices. This technological change holds the potential to address some of the privacy and sensitivity issues by keeping sensitive data local. In the short term, the solution will likely involve a hybrid approach, combining both cloud and local processing to balance security and functionality. By leveraging AI for tasks like transcription, telehealth platforms can create a more streamlined, efficient, and user-friendly experience for both patients and practitioners. This integration of AI is a crucial step in enabling high-quality, secure, and reliable virtual care while protecting resources and enhancing the user experience.
OVERCOMING TECHNICAL HURDLES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK
Connecting patients and practitioners across diverse geographies presents challenges. It requires substantial investment in secure, reliable, lowlatency real-time video infrastructure, which is costly to set up, optimize, and maintain. Additionally, patients need to access the service even if they lack the latest hardware or technological confidence, requiring an intuitive, comfortable, and safe user experience. Achieving this level of usability demands a significant, time-consuming technical investment. Despite these challenges, the incorporation of real-time video technology in healthcare is revolutionizing patient care and clinician productivity. By improving patient experiences, utilizing AI for enhanced care, and overcoming technical obstacles, telehealth platforms are creating a more accessible and efficient healthcare
system. The future of telehealth looks promising, with ongoing innovations poised to further enhance its capabilities and reach.
As we move forward, it is crucial for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients to embrace and support the continued growth of telehealth. By doing so, we can ensure that the benefits of telehealth are realized, leading to improved health outcomes, greater accessibility, and a more efficient healthcare system overall. The impact on public health will be significant, paving the way for a future where high-quality care is accessible to all, regardless of location.
ABOUT THE EXPERT
Howard Wu is the CEO of Whereby, a leading video conferencing API for telehealth platforms. Whereby enables the seamless integration of secure, user-friendly video calls, ensuring patient confidentiality and regulatory compliance. Whereby has over 800 paying customers, including telehealth platforms such as Unobravo, Tebra, Accurx, and more. Wu has previously been a leader at large technology companies such as Google, T-Mobile, and Amazon.
OTORING INSPIRING GREATNESS
As everlasting titans of the automotive and luxury industry, we speak to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas about the evolution of its brand image to attract a younger clientele. President and CEO, Martin Fritsches, steers us through the company’s new era
GREATNESS
As a luxury stalwart, the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars (Rolls-Royce) brand has been synonymous with quiet sophistication and engineering prowess since its inception in 1904 when it launched its first-generation vehicles, sparking over a century of innovation.
Today, the iconic brand has reached a turning point, ushering in a new era of clientele with an evolved visual identity, unparalleled bespoke capabilities, a personal and intimate customer experience, and an elevated product range.
A decade ago, the age of RollsRoyce owners was, on average, in the high fifties. However, this number has continued to drop rapidly over the last five years to as low as 43 today.
This notable fall is a result of the experiential marketing of the brand and the innovative range of vehicles it launched during this period.
“We aim to approach a younger audience with our new product range. Initially, we produced sedan-based vehicles, which were not attractive to the American market, so we transferred to a broader range that is much more appealing,” introduces Martin Fritsches, President and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas.
The change in product strategy achieved the goal of attracting a younger audience across the US, including in California, Texas, Florida, and the Midwest, as well as Canada.
Indeed, the organization has strategically located itself across North America and purposefully collaborated with partners who share and transmit the Rolls-Royce lifestyle and values.
SUBTLE SOPHISTICATION
Over the past decade, the company’s vehicles have been intentionally launched in a way that directs the brand image toward a new generation of drivers.
“With the right product, people are more willing to invest in ultra-luxury
and feel it is okay to drive a RollsRoyce, rewarding themselves for their success,” Fritsches states.
Recently, the launch of the Black Badge Cullinan showcased an elevated driving experience and brought to the fore a new sleek and modern design. As such, the range still possesses all the regular comforts and engineering capabilities while being more discreetly powerful.
“The comparisons between the regular Cullinan and the Black Badge are not obvious right away. It’s more subtle with Rolls-Royce; you get all the comfort and technology at a particular price point, but it’s not in your face,” he affirms.
From a design perspective, the Black Badge Cullinan offers more carbon fiber elements and darkened features, such as the grill and RollsRoyce badge.
This attracts a newer, broader audience as it speaks to a darker alter-ego and those with a night-time lifestyle, once again connecting with younger generations.
Elsewhere, the Black Badge Ghost has a sedan structure, offering slightly different driving capabilities compared to its Cullinan counterpart.
“For me, this is our most approachable product, with lots of state-of-the-art technology. It offers a very smooth drive, almost like a magic carpet ride,” expresses Fritsches. However, similarities can be found in both models’ size, as well as their incredible power and driving characteristics.
BESPOKE AND PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE
Globally, Rolls-Royce delivers just 6,000 commissions a year, about a third of which are delivered to North American clients.
Therefore, due to the company’s incredibly small clientele, it is able to efficiently deliver a highly personalized and bespoke customer experience.
Interacting on a one-to-one basis is incredibly important to RollsRoyce Motor Cars Americas, as client
CREATING A LUXURY COMMUNITY
A key part of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas is its unique digital platform, Whispers – the only place where the brand’s clients from around the world can connect and interact with each other online.
“This is an incredible platform that gives our team, including myself, the opportunity to get in touch with clients directly,” insights Fritsches.
However, Whispers goes a step beyond an ordinary social media platform, offering many functions and features exclusively to Rolls-Royce owners. In addition to communication, users can control their cars through the app and gain access to exclusive information, including recent updates, new technologies, and more.
Whispers’ offerings extend to a comprehensive concierge service, which provides access to world-class events, travel experiences, and other luxury elements.
The app has been so successful that clients have begun to set up their own social subgroups to organize themselves in a safe and exclusive way.
Whispers goes a step beyond an ordinary social media platform
satisfaction, networking, and genuine authenticity with each customer have become increasingly paramount.
The brand therefore strives to invest quality time into each client, meet them in person, and understand their needs through a high-touch approach.
Thus, incorporating customers’ ways of life and habits into each vehicle is key to the company’s success and sustainability.
“Once you have a better understanding of your clientele, you can be more assertive in offering the right specifications and delivering highly bespoke products with a personalized element,” Fritsches explains.
Therefore, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas can attend to its clients’ needs in a timely fashion to create the right product that fits the desired specifications.
“ONCE YOU HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR CLIENTELE, YOU CAN BE MORE ASSERTIVE IN OFFERING THE RIGHT SPECIFICATIONS AND DELIVERING HIGHLY BESPOKE PRODUCTS WITH A PERSONALIZED ELEMENT”
– MARTIN FRITSCHES, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS AMERICAS
Its intimate, one-to-one relationships feed into a greater ecosystem that allows the company to create the most bespoke product offerings available.
PRESTIGIOUS EVENTS
The Rolls-Royce brand avoids conventional forms of advertising, such as TV and online, and instead prefers to acquire clients by interacting with them directly at a plethora of high-end events.
For instance, next month at Pepple Beach, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas will host an exclusive dinner for more than 100 of its clients, hosted by Fritsches, alongside other members of the global management team.
“This is an incredible platform where we will not only showcase our bespoke products but also have intimate meetings with our customers, where we can start their journey and begin the creation of new commissions,” he reveals.
Alongside this, the company also holds smaller regional luxury events in areas such as South East Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach, to capture potential clients and let them interact face-toface with the brand.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas also invites clients to other events throughout the year, such as wine festivals, polo matches, golf tournaments, and other local festivities. Most notably, it has even hosted a dinner at a Formula 1 race for 20 of the brand’s most prestigious customers.
“We hold close relations with our patrons, to the point where a key part of my role is to keep in touch and meet them at events throughout the year.”
INSIGHTFUL INNOVATION
More recently, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas has made significant efforts toward becoming electrified by the end of the decade.
“WITH THE RIGHT PRODUCT, PEOPLE ARE MORE WILLING TO INVEST IN ULTRA-LUXURY AND FEEL IT IS OKAY TO DRIVE A ROLLS-ROYCE, REWARDING THEMSELVES FOR THEIR SUCCESS”
– MARTIN FRITSCHES, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS AMERICAS
In 2022, it launched Spectre, the brand’s highly anticipated first fully electric vehicle (EV), which attracted a fresh client base committed to owning an EV.
This also opened up the brand to a wider demographic, many of whom were younger drivers who wanted the latest sustainable vehicles.
Since October 2023, the company has delivered close to 500 EVs in the Americas, complementing its beloved bespoke capabilities with new technologies that allow the iconic brand to stay up to date with the
latest market needs.
As Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas continues to drive the region forward with its state-of-theart technology and superior style and aesthetics, it will continue to invest in the quality of the brand, a hallmark of its differentiation compared to other luxury automotive organizations.
“We will continue to invest in our brand by prioritizing quality time with customers and encouraging a successful and exclusive network,” concludes Fritsches.
PIONEERING INNOVATION IN AEROSPACE AND BEYOND
With over 40 years of experience in the ever-evolving aerospace industry, Unison stands out as a leader of innovation and reliability
Writer: Jack Salter
Every two seconds, an aircraft equipped with Unison technologies takes off somewhere in the world, underscoring the company’s pivotal role in global aviation.
Unison, a GE Aerospace company, has thus established itself at the forefront of providing differentiated controls and engine performance monitoring products in the aviation, defense, and space segments.
Having developed products and services for three generations of aerospace propulsion systems, Unison
is committed to ensuring reliable operation in high-temperature and high-vibration engine environments.
With a robust workforce across several locations worldwide, the company operates seven manufacturing plants and four Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) overhaul/repair stations, ensuring its advanced systems and components maintain the highest standards of quality and performance.
This extensive network enables Unison to deliver unparalleled support and solutions to its customers,
reinforcing its reputation for excellence in the aerospace industry.
“Our customers look to us to solve the toughest problems in advancing the future of sustainable aviation and affordable space,” opens Kranthi Tata, President and CEO of Unison.
“This puts an immense responsibility on us to prioritize safety, quality, and performance for our customers, delivering precise and scalable innovations to tackle their most formidable challenges.”
Unison’s product portfolio includes advanced ignition and fluid delivery systems, thermal management solutions, power generation, sensors and switches, harnesses, and air turbine starters, each engineered to provide the highest level of performance under the most challenging conditions.
Innovation and excellence are exemplified by Unison through its advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities. By investing heavily in expanding the quality, performance, and reliability of its current products while developing next-generation technologies, the company is committed to enabling the future of flight.
INVENTING THE FUTURE OF FLIGHT
With a mission deeply rooted in ensuring the well-being of every individual, Unison’s portfolio of products is a testament to its values of excellence, reliability, and humanity.
From state-of-theart ignition systems
Kranthi Tata, President and CEO
to innovative components, every product Unison develops is infused with a sense of purpose – to elevate the human experience and ensure a safe return home.
“Flying connects us to the people we love, transports us to the places we dream about, protects and defends us, and brings the world closer together. Our mission is to lift us all to even greater heights,” states Tata, who embodies the company’s ethos of innovation and excellence.
Tata’s journey to the helm of Unison is as inspiring as it is impressive.
Growing up in India, he was the son of a hardworking farmer and a dedicated teacher, both responsible for igniting his passion to make a difference in the world.
With dreams of becoming a naval fighter pilot, Tata charted a path that combined his passion for aviation with his aptitude for technology. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Bharathidasan University and later earned a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University.
With nearly 25 years of experience in industrial business, Tata has led teams and managed operations across multiple countries, bringing a wealth of knowledge to his role at Unison.
His leadership is characterized by a deep respect for people, building a culture of continuous improvement, and an
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE
Engineering expertise and customer partnerships are key elements to the success of Unison, whose engineers follow a meticulous and structured design process.
This rigorous approach includes comprehensive design reviews, manufacturability assessments, and project/design tollgates. These stages involve subject matter experts both internally and across the industry, as well as cross-functional business teams to ensure a holistic and thorough evaluation.
Governed by well-defined procedures and instructions, these reviews guarantee adherence to technical requirements, process controls, and configuration management.
One of Unison’s key strengths lies in the colocation of its design engineers at the sites where products are built. This proximity fosters direct interaction between commercial, design, and manufacturing teams, ensuring seamless communication, highquality outputs, and the prompt resolution of any issues that arise.
unwavering commitment to solving tough customer problems with technological advancements and lean operations. He is likewise very committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and gets his inspiration from his wife and two daughters.
With Tata at the forefront, Unison is not only shaping the future of aerospace with a safety first approach, but also exemplifying the values of leadership, resilience, and innovation that define the modern aviation landscape.
PRIDE IN ITS PEOPLE
At the heart of Unison’s success in the aerospace industry is its steadfast
pride in its people. The company recognizes that its greatest asset is not its cutting-edge technology or advanced manufacturing processes, but the dedicated individuals who bring their expertise, creativity, and passion to work every day.
Unison’s commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for its employees is a cornerstone of its business strategy, driving innovation and ensuring sustained excellence.
The diverse tapestry of Unison’s skilled professionals is not only embraced but celebrated, as it brings a wide range of perspectives and ideas to the table.
Unison understands that innovation thrives in an environment where different viewpoints are encouraged and valued. This inclusive culture is instrumental in solving complex problems and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in aerospace manufacturing.
The company therefore invests heavily in the continuous development of its employees to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, which is crucial in an industry as dynamic and demanding as aerospace.
Whether navigating the complexities of global supply chains or pioneering new technologies, it is the people of Unison who drive the company forward, embodying the core values of integrity, innovation, and excellence.
ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING AND CERTIFICATION
Environmental testing is crucial for validating the functionality, durability,
and reliability of Unison’s component designs under the harsh conditions they are expected to endure.
Each engineering site is equipped with in-house test facilities for environmental qualification and product certification, operated by experienced test personnel.
These facilities conduct a wide array of tests, including:
• Vibration testing: To simulate the stresses encountered during operation.
• Mechanical shock testing: To assess component resilience against sudden impacts.
• Thermal testing: To ensure performance across a range of temperatures.
• Electrical testing: To verify electrical integrity and functionality.
• Waterproof testing: To confirm resistance to moisture and water ingress.
• Humidity testing: To evaluate performance under varying humidity levels.
• Lightning and EMI/EMC testing: To ensure electromagnetic compatibility and resistance to electromagnetic interference.
Additionally, Unison utilizes endurance test cells and setups to confirm component operability over extended durations and high cycles. These tests simulate typical and extreme operating conditions, providing assurance of long-term reliability and performance.
The company’s commitment to delivering high-performance solutions is matched by its support for aftermarket mechanical and electrical repairs.
“No one knows Unison better than Unison. Utilizing our original equipment manufacturer (OEM) equipment and expertise, we ensure every repair meets the highest
standards and performs at its best,” prides Engineering and Technology Leader, Josh Friedman.
A PARADIGM OF PRECISION AND INNOVATION
Over the years, Unison has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver, cementing its reputation as a leader in aerospace manufacturing.
At the core of Unison’s capabilities lies its commitment to cuttingedge technology and continuous
improvement. The company’s manufacturing processes are infused with advanced automation, robotics, and data analytics, enabling unparalleled precision and efficiency.
This technological backbone ensures that every component produced meets the stringent quality standards necessary for aerospace applications, where even the smallest imperfection can have significant consequences.
Unison’s facilities are equipped with advanced machinery
UNISON KEY PRODUCT LINES AT A GLANCE
Unison is comprised of seven key product lines that integrate engineering design, manufacturing, and aftermarket services:
IGNITION SYSTEMS – Unison’s state-of-the-art ignition systems have not only ignited rockets but also played a critical role in bringing astronauts home safely on numerous space missions.
POWER GENERATION – The company’s permanent magnet generators (PMGs) boast millions of hours of proven field experience and deliver best-in-class power density and reliability.
SENSORS AND SWITCHES – Speed and temperature sensors and limit and pressure switches are designed for the most demanding environments and crucial for ensuring safety and performance in critical aerospace operations.
HARNESSES – Engineered for integral applications exposed to high temperatures, vibration, and electromagnetic interference, Unison’s customized harness solutions are a testament to its innovative approach.
FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEMS – Through a design assist program, Unison works closely with customers to optimize designs for producibility, resulting in highly efficient and durable fluid delivery systems.
THERMAL MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS – In the realm of thermal management, Unison offers advanced air-cooled oil coolers and heat exchangers designed to provide effective thermal regulation, ensuring the optimal performance and longevity of aerospace components.
AIR TURBINE STARTERS – Unison, through its industrial brand TDI Tech Development, is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacturing of unique twin turbine powered air starters.
that support a wide range of manufacturing techniques, from traditional machining to additive manufacturing. This versatility allows Unison to produce complex and high-performance components that are essential for modern aerospace systems.
Moreover, Unison’s workforce is a blend of seasoned professionals and forward-thinking engineers who bring a wealth of experience and innovation to the table. The company places a strong emphasis on continuous
learning and development, ensuring that its team is always at the forefront of technological advancements.
Unison’s relentless pursuit of excellence means it remains a key player in the aerospace industry, capable of meeting the evolving needs of its customers and the challenges of the future.
“FLYING CONNECTS US TO THE PEOPLE WE LOVE, TRANSPORTS US TO THE PLACES WE DREAM ABOUT, PROTECTS AND DEFENDS US, AND BRINGS THE WORLD CLOSER TOGETHER.
OUR
MISSION IS TO LIFT US ALL TO EVEN GREATER HEIGHTS”
– KRANTHI TATA, PRESIDENT AND CEO, UNISON
NAVIGATING TODAY
Today, the mission of Unison is clear – to deliver innovative, reliable solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and performance.
The aerospace industry is proving to be more demanding than ever, requiring the highest level of quality and a future focused on innovation.
commitment to excellence is reflected in our comprehensive product portfolio, which is designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern aerospace and industrial applications,” affirms Alok Patel, Product Management Leader at Unison.
With modern aircraft and engines becoming increasingly technologically advanced and sophisticated, it necessitates the development of more complex systems and components.
“Now is a pivotal time in the aerospace industry. With travel
Kranthi addresses GE Aerospace
continuing an upward trajectory, and the rapid growth of commercial space launches, this further emphasizes the opportunity for emerging sustainable products and technologies,” echoes Tata.
To harness the opportunities ahead, Unison has outlined several key business priorities. Central to its strategy is the development and empowerment of its people through GE Aerospace’s proprietary lean operating system, FLIGHT DECK.
The FLIGHT DECK system is designed to foster a culture of continuous improvement, efficiency, and excellence, ensuring that Unison’s workforce is well-equipped to meet evolving industry demands.
“FLIGHT DECK is the ‘how’ - how we bridge strategy to results, and how we implement over time to deliver sustainable results. That is what matters most for our customers and shareholders,” Tata tells us.
With a mission deeply rooted in ensuring the well-being of every individual, Unison’s portfolio of products is a testament to its values of excellence, reliability, and humanity.
From state-of-the-art ignition systems to innovative components, every product Unison develops is infused with a sense of purpose – to elevate the human experience and ensure a safe return home.
SUSTAINABLE AVIATION
By heavily investing in the expansion and enhancement of its product capabilities, Unison is not only addressing the current demands of the aerospace industry but also paving the way for future advancements.
The company’s dedication to rigorous engineering practices and comprehensive testing reiterates its commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative solutions that will define the future of flight.
Through its advanced systems, global reach, and visionary leadership,
Unison is charting a course for a future where aviation is safer, more efficient, and more reliable than ever before.
As the company continues to soar to new heights, its impact on the aerospace industry today, tomorrow, and to come remains undeniable.
“Our ambition is to be the leading
provider of differentiated controls and engine performance monitoring solutions in aerospace, defense and space segments, meeting the needs of our customers and supporting the future of sustainable aviation,” concludes Tata.
BASEBALL SWINGS INTO LONDON
Acore focus of Major League Baseball (MLB) is to create opportunities for fans outside of the US to experience and connect with the sport.
This has been achieved by playing games around the world, with over 200 MLB games played in 11 different countries and territories over the last 30 years.
The MLB World Tour, as it is now known, was created to showcase teams and players to a global fanbase and is bringing the most historic professional sports league in the US to four international destinations in 2024 – London, Mexico City, Seoul, and Santo Domingo.
MLB returned to the former in June for a two-game series at the iconic London Stadium, as the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies clashed in the UK capital.
Whilst all 30 Major League Baseball teams are based in the continental US and Canada, efforts have been made to bring the sport to a broader global audience, as demonstrated by the latest London Series
Writer: Jack Salter
This was the third edition of the London Series, which forms part of the MLB World Tour and was first contested in 2019 between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
After a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs faced off last year in the much-anticipated comeback of the popular series.
DEBUT VICTORY FOR THE PHILLIES
Impressively, despite the young history of the London Series, the 2024 event attracted over 100,000 fans, demonstrating the continued global growth and success of MLB outside of North America.
The Mets and the Phillies traveled back across the pond with one win a piece under their belts as the London Series once again delivered on its promise of box office entertainment and edge-of-your-seat drama throughout the whole weekend.
This was the Phillies’ first ever trip outside North America and the Mets’ fourth, having previously played in Mexico, Japan, and most recently in Puerto Rico in 2010.
It was the Phillies, making their international debut, who came out on top in the first game between the two National League East rivals with a convincing 7-2 victory on a crisp Saturday evening in London.
In front of almost 54,000 fans, which speaks volumes of the job MLB has done in attracting a global audience, the Phillies posted 11 hits, including three home runs.
The capacity crowd’s contagious energy was bolstered by Bryce Harper’s memorable knee slide celebration, as if he had just scored a Premier League-winning goal, after he hit a fourth-inning dinger deep into the right-field seats to tie the game.
The Phillies fed off Harper’s energy and rallied for five more runs in the inning, complete with a three-run homer by Whit Merrifield, matching their highest-scoring inning of the season.
Though the Mets didn’t go down quietly and loaded the bases with one out in the ninth against right-
quickly ended the threat by getting J.D. Martinez to bounce into a gameending double play.
LONDON SERIES LEGACY
A nail-biting 6-5 victory for the Mets in the second game brought the 2024 London Series to an end in thrilling fashion.
The tightly-contested game culminated in an anxious ninth inning, with both teams mounting rallies, but an extremely rare base-loaded double play by Luis Torrens ensured the Mets avoided successive crushing defeats at the hands of their rivals as they each headed home with a win.
Though this year’s edition of the London Series has now ended, there is still plenty on offer for baseball fans in the country.
For anyone who wants to get involved long after the final out, the MLB London Series Legacy Program, established in 2023, aims to bring more opportunities to play and participate.
A range of initiatives have been developed to help bring baseball to more people and locations than ever before.
Greater cooperation and funding across the sport through new outreach and school programs, for example, will create playing opportunities for tens of thousands of children and young people.
In addition, the MLB London Series Legacy Program will help build capacity within club and community playing networks, support and improve pathways for elite player development, and provide targeted support to expand and improve baseball and softball facilities.
With more players, fans, officials, and volunteers than ever before – a number that only continues to grow – the program will promote physical and mental well-being, engage young people in underserved communities across the country, and create a stronger, more robust baseball system.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS INVESTMENT SPOTLIGHT
More than just fun in the sun, the virescent Turks and Caicos Islands offer unparalleled investment opportunities for individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses alike in search of a promising future
Boasting an international reputation for blissful white sand beaches, lush vegetation, and pristine marine life, the Turks and Caicos Islands are a haven for travelers and connoisseurs of luxury.
In addition to the islands’ status as a tropical oasis, it proudly showcases a strong and growing economy, a probusiness environment, and generous government-backed tax incentives, making the territory an attractive location for those both foreign and domestic seeking new and promising investment opportunities.
Currently, the majority of investments that make up the Turks and Caicos Islands are driven by the tourism, fishing,
and offshore finance industries. However, as observed over the past 10 years, the territory’s GDP has been dominated by investments in hotels and restaurants, financial services, transport, and real estate – aptly displaying steady national growth.
Despite being classified as a British Overseas Territory, the Turks and Caicos Islands lie in close proximity to the US, Canada, and the rest of the islands of the Bahamas, using the US dollar as its primary currency.
It is home to approximately 58,000 residents and one of the fastest-growing economies in the Caribbean, with an estimated annual growth rate of 3.5 percent.
This substantial increase is bolstered by the islands’ potential for new, expanding, or relocating businesses supported by the government in the form of tax incentives.
To add to the territory’s appeal, the islands have no income, capital gains, estate or inheritance taxes, and no corporate taxes associated with real estate investment.
With a propitious future, investing in the islands offers unsurpassable, pro-business opportunities in a plethora of sectors, with tax incentives and encouragement for entrepreneurs, investors, and dreamers alike. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) remains fully supportive of foreign direct investment (FDI) which is committed
to fostering a favorable business climate. In fact, many of the largest businesses in the nation are foreign-owned or established by immigrants.
Alongside these invaluable investment opportunities, the quality of life in the Turks and Caicos Islands is a bonus for both foreign and domestic investors. The climate is sublime, consisting of an average of 350 days of sunshine per annum, and the territory is made up of 40 islands of sumptuous greenery, crystal-clear waters, and friendly people.
Angela Musgrove, CEO, Invest Turks and Caicos
INTERVIEW:
INVEST TURKS AND CAICOS
Helping individuals and companies navigate the path to investing in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Invest Turks and Caicos offers an experienced and knowledgeable team to provide clients with confidential guidance and support every step of the way to capitalize on investment opportunities within the stunning collection of islands.
Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos, is extremely proud to be able to promote the business opportunities available on the islands and attract investment that will ultimately improve the quality of life for the people of Turks and Caicos. She tells us more about the current investment landscape and the organization’s priorities for the future.
North America Outlook (NA): Firstly, what is your take on the current investment landscape across the islands? Have there been any new major challenges or developments since we last spoke in January 2023?
Angela Musgrove, CEO (AM): The investment landscape in the Turks and Caicos Islands is dynamic and attractive, particularly in sectors such as tourism, real estate, and financial services. We’re also excited about TCI Finance, our new flagship initiative that aims to protect, promote, and develop our financial sector, setting the stage for the Turks and Caicos Islands to become a premier financial hub.
As we broaden our economic horizons, we’re actively exploring growth in sectors such as agriculture and fisheries. Despite the challenges that come with our reliance on imports for these developments, we’re tackling these hurdles head-on through strategic partnerships and refining our regulatory frameworks. In doing so, we’ve committed to building a more resilient and diverse economy for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
NA: What differentiates the Turks and Caicos Islands from other nations in terms of investment opportunities?
AM: The Turks and Caicos Islands are a highly appealing investment destination thanks to several distinctive attributes. Our strategic geographic position makes us a vital conduit linking Europe and North America, enhancing opportunities in logistics and transportation. As a British Overseas Territory, we benefit from a stable political climate and a reliable legal system, offering investors a secure environment conducive to sustainable business ventures. Investors can also take advantage of attractive incentives for temporary and permanent residence tailored to meet the needs of qualified investors.
Moreover, significant tax benefits, including the absence of capital gains, corporate, or personal taxes, enrich both our high-net-worth investors and the local community alike. The stunning natural beauty of our islands not only draws tourists but also supports ventures in marine
Turn Your Dreams into Reality
Since 1984, the Building Materials Limited (BML) Do It Center has been a beloved cornerstone of the Turks and Caicos Islands, originally opening its doors on Grand Turk Island. Ken and Abby Adams, the visionary founders, saw a need within the community for a reliable home improvement outlet and responded with dedication and passion.Thanks to the high-quality products, competitive prices, and outstanding customer service, their dream flourished, leading to the opening of a second location on Providenciales. This expansion is a heartfelt tribute to their unwavering commitment and hard work.
With a dedicated team of 200 staff members across its locations, BML Do It Center has become the go-to destination for home improvement and hardware supplies in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their extensive product range caters to every need, whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast. From concrete blocks,
chain link fencing, and structural lumber to exterior and interior doors, flooring, and plywood, there’s something for every project.
BML Do It Center doesn’t just stop at providing materials; they offer a suite of services to make your projects easier and more enjoyable. Need a new key cut or a screen repaired?
They’ve got you covered. If you’re searching for that perfect paint color, their advanced color matching technology can recreate almost any shade from a flat, dry sample. Dreaming of a perfect kitchen or bathroom?
BML Do It Center’s design services can bring that vision to life. Their Design Center and Showroom is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Customers can explore an impressive array of ceramic tiles, natural stone, mosaics, carpets, and more, all under one roof. For those requiring equipment, BML Do It Center ensures a smooth
and hassle-free experience with their well-maintained selection of construction equipment and tools. Knowledgeable staff are always ready to assist with picking out, assembling, and delivering the necessary items. Additionally, their Providenciales location offers a comprehensive fleet of low-hour, work-ready machinery and power equipment for rent. From Terex Cranes’ Boom Truck to the Backhoe Loader, they have everything you need to get the job done efficiently. This year, the company is celebrating 40 years of service and being a continuous revolutionary force in the Turks and Caicos Islands. At BML Do It Center you’re not just a customer; you’re part of a family that has been building and growing together for four decades. Whether you’re embarking on a major construction project or a small home improvement task, you can trust BML Do It Center to be there every step of the way, turning your dreams into reality.
“THE INVESTMENT LANDSCAPE IN TURKS AND CAICOS IS DYNAMIC AND ATTRACTIVE, PARTICULARLY IN SECTORS SUCH AS TOURISM, REAL ESTATE, AND FINANCIAL SERVICES”
– ANGELA MUSGROVE, CEO, INVEST TURKS AND CAICOS
research and ecotourism. Additionally, the high quality of life, underscored by top-notch healthcare and educational facilities, positions the Turks and Caicos as not just an ideal place for investment but also a wonderful home for investors and their families.
NA: Are there any new trends that have arisen over the last 18 months that are currently transforming the investment industry? If so, how are you responding to them?
AM: Investors are increasingly taking into account environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions due to the emphasis on sustainability in the business environment. The
completion of the National Physical Development Plan is a significant achievement as it ensures wellcoordinated initiatives and clear guidelines for land use, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation throughout the country. This plan provides a framework for maximizing investment benefits and promoting sustainable growth across various sectors.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s (TCIG) proactive approach to embracing sustainable development goals (SDGs) demonstrates our commitment to sustainability. By integrating the principles of the SDGs into our development efforts, we prioritize initiatives that support economic prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship.
A di erent path
Thirty minutes is all it takes
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NA: Can you tell us about the Turks and Caicos Islands Investment Policy 2023?
AM: The investment policy emphasizes creating a conducive environment for local and foreign investors. Its goal is to strategically channel investments toward sectors and areas that contribute to the growth and development of the Turks and Caicos Islands, aiming to achieve a high quality of life for all citizens, residents, and future generations.
The policy promotes sustainable growth by encouraging investments in tourism, agribusiness, financial services, and energy generation. Additionally, sectors such as information and communication technology (ICT), transportation, and storage can be targeted as secondary priorities. The government, through Invest Turks and Caicos, will also provide pre-packaged investment offerings to broaden and deepen development opportunities across the islands. Additionally, the policy introduces enhanced incentives for locally owned businesses and priority development areas, along with new considerations to strengthen direct domestic investment and stakeholder engagement.
FACTS ABOUT THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
• Cockburn Town is the capital city
• English is the official language
• The territory is home to approximately 40 islands and cays, with only eight actively inhabited
• Famous pirate Anne Bonny used the islands as a hideout
• The islands have the third-largest barrier reef system in the world
• The waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands are home to the oldest excavated European shipwreck in the Northern Hemisphere
• The islands boast 230 miles of pristine, white beaches
• The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to the widest blue hole in the world
• The islands became a British Overseas Territory in 1973
• The economy is primarily based on tourism, offshore financial services, and exporting seafood
• Between January and April, Caribbean humpback whales migrate through the Turks Head Passage
Leading the Charge to Sustainability in Turks & Caicos
Nestled within the idyllic setting of the Turks and Caicos Islands, where azure waters meet pristine beaches, environmental preservation is not merely a choice but an essential responsibility. The region’s tourism industry, vital for the local economy, relies heavily on its natural beauty. HAB Group, which includes Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, The Regent Village, Turks and Caicos Water Company, The Cay Club, One Grace Bay, Provo Water Company, and Eco Habitat Ltd (the dedicated environmental arm), is leading the way in sustainable practices.
At the core of HAB Group’s sustainability strategy lies a commitment to using modern technologies and innovative solutions to reduce our environmental impact while improving efficiency. Central to this ethos is our dedication to reducing reliance on conventional energy sources in favor of embracing renewable alternatives.
Leading the charge at our head office, HAB has implemented a range of sustainable measures, from pioneering paper-free endeavors to installing natural-light Solatubes and electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
Underscoring the club’s commitment to conservation, Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club has wholly embraced the power of its solar electricity grid. Through the installation of solar panels and advanced energy storage systems, the club has significantly reduced its reliance on traditional fossil fuels. Moreover, our water utility company has spearheaded the adoption of EVs as part of its broader sustainability initiatives. By transitioning its entire fleet to EVs, the company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat air pollution. In tandem with this transition, Provo Water has established charging stations throughout its premises, facilitating seamless integration of EVs into its operations and promoting the widespread adoption of clean transportation solutions.
Our group emphasizes the importance of green design and packaging. HAB has opted for eco-friendly bags and packaging, and embraced paperless billing procedures.
Central to HAB Group’s ethos is a commitment to employee engagement and empowerment. Through ongoing training programs and the establishment of a dedicated green team, employees are actively involved in new “green” projects
within the organization. By fostering a culture of social responsibility and innovation, we encourage our workforce to contribute to meaningful sustainability efforts, thereby inspiring positive change throughout our group.
Looking ahead, we remain focused on the future and are actively exploring new solar projects to further diminish our reliance on traditional power sources.
In essence, our sustainable business initiatives encapsulate the triple bottom line - people, planet, and profit. By aligning financial success with environmental and social responsibility, HAB demonstrates its commitment to creating a sustainable future for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through continued innovation, collaboration, and dedication, we remain steadfast in our mission to lead the charge towards a more prosperous future for all.
These elements are integral to creating a sustainable economic landscape that is competitive, inclusive, and forward-looking, ensuring that the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a premier destination for discerning investors and that it provides a framework for the active participation of domestic investors.
NA: Why is local domestic investment a crucial aspect of the policy, and how is Invest Turks and Caicos encouraging it?
AM: Direct domestic investment is a crucial aspect of the national investment policy as it fosters economic stability, encourages entrepreneurial endeavors, and facilitates wealth retention within the local community. Invest Turks and Caicos plays a vital role in encouraging local domestic development by providing a range of support and incentives. These include offering technical assistance, financial aid, and development concessions to local entrepreneurs and businesses.
“AS WE BROADEN OUR ECONOMIC HORIZONS, WE’RE ACTIVELY EXPLORING GROWTH IN SECTORS SUCH AS AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES. DESPITE THE CHALLENGES THAT COME WITH OUR RELIANCE ON IMPORTS FOR THESE DEVELOPMENTS, WE’RE TACKLING THESE HURDLES HEAD-ON THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND REFINING OUR REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS”
– ANGELA MUSGROVE, CEO, INVEST TURKS AND CAICOS
WHY INVEST IN THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS?
STRONG ECONOMY
• The islands boast an S&P Sovereign Credit Rating of BBB+ and one of the fastest growing economies in the Caribbean.
PRO-BUSINESS INVESTMENT CLIMATE
• The government supports at all levels, including the provision of investment incentives in priority sectors.
STRONG LEGAL SYSTEM
• A British Overseas Territory with a strong and effective judicial system based on English Common Law.
EFFECTIVE REGULATION AND COMPLIANCE
• Compliant with International Monetary Fund (IMF), Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. Committed to the US and UK Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and early adoption of the Common Reporting Standard.
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
• Prime undeveloped land available for tourism and residential projects across 40 small islands and cays.
We also provide educational programs and workshops to build business acumen and financial literacy among residents. Invest Turks and Caicos recognizes there is a need for an investment policy modality that will establish conditions that seek to change the status quo by encouraging and facilitating meaningful domestic participation in the development process. A crucial aspect of the National Investment Policy is the implementation of a distinct investment framework that prioritizes domestic investment, providing incentives and support that enables Turks and Caicos Islanders’ businesses to adopt more efficient and innovative practices, which improves their competitiveness and long-term success. This is a key priority for TCIG.
It is recognized that growth and diversification within the economy require both FDI and domestic sources of investment. The policy emphasizes that these two forms of private investment will reinforce each other to the
EASY ACCESS
• Extensive direct air routes, including twiceweekly flights from the UK and over 150 weekly flights to and from US and Canadian cities.
FIRST MOVER OPPORTUNITIES
• Many business sectors are underdeveloped, presenting a great opportunity for entrepreneurs.
ATTRACTIVE INCENTIVES
• Temporary and permanent residence status is available to qualified investors. No direct corporate, personal, capital gains, or inheritance taxes, and no exchange controls.
QUALITY SKILL POOL
• The workforce comprises 50 percent of the population.
EXCELLENT QUALITY OF LIFE
• World-class beaches with great outdoor activities under the Caribbean sun, modern healthcare centers, full-service banking, a welldeveloped telecommunications network, and an exceptionally low crime rate.
The Turks and Caicos Islands, known for its awardwinning beaches and pristine waters, are not just a tropical paradise but also a burgeoning hub of aviation activity welcoming more than 662,000 thousand air travelers to our Shores in 2023.
Established in 2005 Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) is a dynamic organization overseeing the archipelago’s airports and spearheading significant redevelopment projects to ensure these hubs meet world-class standards and keep pace with growth.
The Turks and Caicos Airports Authority Established in 2005, manages six airports, each serving as a vital gateway for tourists and locals alike.
The Howard Hamilton International Airport, on Providenciales, is the crown jewel and main hub for international flights.
In a bold move to enhance its aviation infrastructure, the TCIAA is embarking on an ambitious redevelopment project to transform the Howard Hamilton International Airport. This (PPP) project aims to transform the airport into a state-of-the-art facility capable of accommodating approximately 2.5 million passengers and larger aircraft, positioning the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier travel destination in the Caribbean.
The redevelopment includes expanding the runway, constructing a new terminal building, and upgrading the airport’s technological capabilities. These improvements will enhance operational efficiency and elevate the passenger experience, offering more amenities, faster processing times, and a more comfortable environment.
The other airports are JAGS McCartney International Airport which serves the capital of Grand Turk, providing essential connections between the islands. Norman B. Saunders International Airport, is posed for the restoration of international air connectivity at the backdrop of its epic the fishing industry. Clifford Gardiner International Airport, Henry Leon Wilson Airport, and Eric Arthur Airport are also under TCIAA’s management is crucial to the economic and social fabric
of the islands, ensuring seamless connectivity and contributing to the islands’ growth and development.
Nikeva Ariza emphasizes TCIAA’s commitment to its values, known as the Six Beatitudes: innovation, collaboration, respect, integrity, loyalty, and growth.
THE CORNERSTONE OF TCIAA
The real MVPs of TCIAA are our dedicated team members. Their hard work and commitment to excellence are the driving forces behind our success. It’s not just about building better airports; it’s about building a better future for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. “We take much pride in the development of our local human resources through training and empowerment,” says Godfrey Smith CEO of TCIAA. This commitment to local engagement ensures that the growth is sustainable and benefits the community.
A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD
With the redevelopment of Howard Hamilton, Norman B Saunders and Clifford Gardiner International Airport, and a continued focus on excellence in airport management, the TCIAA is poised to elevate the Turks and Caicos Islands’ status on the global stage. These efforts will not only enhance the visitor experience but also drive economic growth, create jobs, and ensure the islands remain a top destination for travelers worldwide.
BACKGROUND
A significant milestone in TCIAA’s history was acquiring Howard Hamilton International Airport from the Provo Airport Company (PAC) in April 2010 for $30 million. This acquisition included JAGS McCartney International Airport, ensuring these critical assets are managed for the benefit of the Turks and Caicos Islands
benefit of the islands through the improvement of skills, increased wage rates, technology transfers, economic spin-offs, and commercial and more efficient managerial and marketing practices.
NA: What business sector opportunities does Invest Turks and Caicos offer to companies looking to invest?
AM: Invest Turks and Caicos encourages investment across several sectors, such as tourism, real estate, financial services, agribusiness, health, and wellness, such as wellness centers or retreats, marine industries, information and communication technology, and energy generation.
NA: Can you tell us about the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) program and its objectives?
AM: The MSME program is designed to increase the local economy by fostering the growth and sustainability of small businesses. Its core objectives include enhancing the competitiveness of MSMEs, improving access to financing, and providing technical assistance. MSME is a flagship program for Invest Turks and Caicos, providing support to eligible small businesses throughout the islands. By prioritizing MSMEs, TCIG is investing in the innovation and adaptability that small businesses bring, which are essential for sustainable economic growth and competitiveness in the global market.
“THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS ARE A HIGHLY APPEALING INVESTMENT DESTINATION THANKS TO SEVERAL DISTINCTIVE ATTRIBUTES. OUR STRATEGIC GEOGRAPHIC POSITION MAKES US A VITAL CONDUIT LINKING EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA, ENHANCING OPPORTUNITIES IN LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORTATION. AS A BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORY, WE BENEFIT FROM A STABLE POLITICAL CLIMATE AND A RELIABLE LEGAL SYSTEM, OFFERING INVESTORS A SECURE ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS VENTURES”
–
ANGELA MUSGROVE, CEO, INVEST TURKS AND CAICOS
Key Benefits of Banking with Turks & Caicos Banking Company
Key Benefits of Banking with Turks & Caicos Banking Company
Our institution is a private bank handled in the traditional Swiss way, focused on efficient and convenient customer service.
Our institution is a private bank handled in the traditional Swiss way, focused on efficient and convenient customer service.
The Bank manages portfolios with a wide spectrum of products including but not limited to the following services:
The Bank manages portfolios with a wide spectrum of products including but not limited to the following services:
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NA: How do you empower your staff and recognize the contributions that they make?
AM: Our staff play a crucial role in our organization’s success. We prioritize creating an empowering environment where every team member feels valued and motivated. We foster this through training programs tailored to enhance professional and personal growth. To recognize our staff, we have implemented a range of performance-based initiatives that align with our values.
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS BUSINESS SECTOR OPPORTUNITIES
The proximity of the islands to the US and Canada, coupled with direct flights to the UK and many Caribbean countries, are encouraging a rapid growth in tourism, with visitor arrivals for 2019 surpassing one million.
These business sectors include tourism and development, niche tourism, convention center development, agriculture and fisheries, and manufacturing.
NA: What corporate social responsibility practices do you partake in, and how do they affect your investment inquiries?
AM: Our community engagement efforts include supporting local education and helping build a strong and vibrant community. These affect our investment inquiries by creating an awareness of Invest Turks and Caicos and highlighting our commitment to fostering local development. This, in turn, attracts potential investors who are interested in contributing to and benefiting from a thriving community.
OVERVIEW OF THE MSME PROGRAM
• A total of 3.6 million in benefits awarded
• 1.5 million cash grants
• 1.4 million duty concessions
• $712,000 in technical support
• 180 awardees
NA: Looking ahead, what are your key priorities for the coming year?
AM: We embody our mission statement as we progress with the implementation of our strategic plan. The digitization of processes remains a key focus for us to ensure our operations become more efficient and streamlined. By leveraging digital technologies, we aim to
enhance our service delivery, reduce turnaround times, and improve the overall investor experience. This commitment to digitization not only increases our internal productivity but also provides a seamless and user-friendly interface for our clients and stakeholders.
NA: How do you see Invest Turks and Caicos developing as you look toward the future?
AM: We have a keen focus on the development of our financial services sector and investment promotion on the sister islands. Having implemented our strategic plan, we remain committed to attracting and facilitating diverse investments through targeted promotional activities, continuous staff development, and fostering an enabling business environment.
Internationally recognized for its idyllic shores and flourishing tourism sector, we explore the expansion of Anguilla’s other key industries and how the island is emerging as a major player in the offshore financial services and investment space
Situated in the Caribbean Sea, Anguilla has been a cherished tourist destination and travel hotspot for decades, heralding sandy beaches and sparkling waters. However, the island has made considerable efforts to position itself on the global stage, particularly through its progressive and strong regulatory environment which encourages FinTech enterprises and enhances offshore financial services, boasting an attractive hub for foreign direct investment (FDI).
Indeed, major corporate organizations and notable individuals are drawn by the privacy, financial incentives, and tax benefits afforded by Anguilla. More specifically, the economic make-up of the island allows industries to efficiently diversify their assets and capitalize on their investments.
Meanwhile, Anguilla’s oceans are not only a charming
tourist feature but also herald a flourishing fishing industry. Lobster fishing, in particular, plays a vital role as it is a local delicacy, often adorning the menus of the island’s top restaurants and a sought-after dish for tourists.
As a cornerstone of Anguilla’s thriving tourism sector, the construction industry has helped cater to the rising demand of increased travelers, working hard to erect hotels, resorts, and other major attractions to meet the island’s growing infrastructure requirements as a luxury tourist destination.
Relatedly, the island’s manufacturing sector is set for growth as it includes a wide range of sub-sectors including block making to support the construction industry. Additionally, Anguilla’s boat building sector is a small but noteworthy contributor to the national economy and holds a firm place in the island’s cultural traditions. Again,
much of the boat building industry comprises small-scale businesses rather than sizeable complex operations, which helps sustain the generational methods used to create beautiful boats and keep the important heritage alive.
Looking to the future, Anguilla is becoming a prominent player in the growing global FinTech industry, particularly given the rise in artificial intelligence (AI) and sharp increase in demand for web addresses as more businesses leverage the advantages of the internet. According to recent developments, many of the web addresses have utilized the local domain ‘.ai’ in line with recent technological advances, which further contributes to Anguilla’s GDP.
As such, the island is utilizing its strengths in the tourism sector to further bolster neighboring industries and place Anguilla on the map for financial investors.
GOVERNMENT OF ANGUILLA – MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INTERVIEW:
We speak to Dr. Ellis L. Webster, Premier of Anguilla and Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Health, about the Government of Anguilla’s efforts to progress the island’s industrial landscape and the ministry’s work in attracting FDI and maintaining steady financial growth
The Government of Anguilla’s current mission is to harness its technological advancements to empower the island’s industries and build the future of the business landscape around the local community.
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development is primarily responsible for maintaining a balance between the nation’s stable economic growth via international investment, whilst also ensuring that public funding and domestic expansion are maintained in the interests of the island’s residents.
North America Outlook (NA): Firstly, can you talk us through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development’s role in the Government of Anguilla and its overall mission?
Dr. Ellis L. Webster, Premier of Anguilla and Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Health (ELW): My ministry handles a wide range of functions, including developing sound fiscal and economic policies, the stewardship of public finances, tax administration, positioning Anguilla as an international financial services center, attracting FDI, and overseeing the national social security system.
Our mission is to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development while ensuring sound public finances. I delivered the 2024 budget address under the theme “Anguilla’s Blueprint: Harnessing Technology, Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders, and Building the Future”. This theme encapsulates our intention to leverage the power of technology as a key pillar of the island’s economic growth. Coupled with our resolve to build human capital, improve access to good healthcare, invest in modern public infrastructure, and our commitment to sustainability, Anguilla is well positioned for future prosperity.
NA: What is your current take on the investment and business climate in Anguilla today?
ELW: For innovative, progressive, and dynamic investors, the island presents diverse opportunities for investment. Anguilla’s luxury tourism brand is the cornerstone of its economy. Therefore, while we continue to encourage investment in luxury resorts and boutique hotels, diversification within the sector is welcome. We are also a prime location for investment in marina development, ecotourism in keeping with our sustainability efforts, and education. Regarding the latter, we are pleased that several medical schools and universities have chosen to make Anguilla their home.
Additionally, as we place our people at the center of our development, we encourage external investors to partner with the local people to increase food production. One of our top priorities is improving food security and we therefore invite more investment in areas such as hydroponic and organic farming, expansion of the fishing sector into more pelagic fishing, and even aquaculture, which can reduce pressures on the nearshore fishery.
We are also seeking investment in processing plants that can, for example, transform fresh fish into smoked or canned produce and convert the by-products of agricultural produce and fish into sellable goods, creating more employment opportunities for our people.
We have also incentivized the manufacturing industry as we view this as another potential pillar of economic growth. This sector is currently characterized by smallscale, local operations but there is potential for significant expansion in a way that supports our sustainability goals.
Substantial capital investment has been made in the development of the main cargo port at Road Bay, and our goal is to introduce another deep-water harbor soon.
We believe Anguilla is well positioned geographically to serve as a logistics and supply chain hub. Additionally, there is the potential for ship repair and maintenance services to be offered with suitable investment.
Our government is committed to a green economy and has placed a greater focus on renewable energy. However, the general populace remains concerned about energy costs and the slow transition to renewables. We want to see accelerated progress in this area that provides a viable alternative energy source for the average person. We are, however, mindful of our sole electricity utility company and encourage collaboration to achieve mutual success.
With excellent internet connectivity, the rise in AI, and the attention being received for Anguilla’s ‘.ai’ domain, we are poised to become a center for technology and innovation, offering tremendous potential for developments in FinTech.
Generally, our government has supportive policies aimed at bolstering numerous prospects for investors. However, they should be aware that the limited market size and economic vulnerability to external shocks all require careful planning and robust risk mitigation measures. With a strategic investment approach and the government’s collaboration, the investment environment in Anguilla can be both rewarding and sustainable.
NA: How does the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development play a fundamental role in the promotion of trade in Anguilla?
ELW: The ministry is responsible for developing and implementing policies that create a conducive environment for trade and investment. This includes establishing a regulatory framework to attract reputable businesses, providing incentives, and ensuring a stable
macroeconomic environment.
The ministry also promotes Anguilla as an ideal destination for investment. We engage with potential investors, highlighting opportunities in sectors like tourism, FinTech, renewable energy, food production, manufacturing, and other emerging industries. We ensure investors are informed and offered personalized guidance and support.
We try to streamline the investment process by offering favorable tax benefits and simplified business registration procedures. These measures are designed to reduce barriers to entry and enhance the ease of doing business on the island.
NA: Following this, could you provide an insight into Anguilla’s introduction of a special economic zone (SEZ)?
ELW: The SEZ was established a few years ago and currently operates virtually, transitioning to a physical zone in the next 12 months. It is designed to attract international businesses and investors by offering a favorable business environment with exceptional incentives.
The SEZ aims to establish Anguilla as a premier hub for global commerce and innovation, and the types of businesses that can operate in the zone include:
• Global IT and software organizations.
• Activities auxiliary to financial services, except insurance and pension funding.
• R&D, including applied research and other professional, scientific, and technical activities.
• Production and manufacturing of products for SEZ-based businesses inside the zone or in other jurisdictions.
The Benjamine Group of Companies (BGC), a unique amalgamation of Caribbean Juris Chambers (CJC), Benjamine Company Services Ltd (BCS), and Cube Credit Services (Cube), stands out in the industry for its comprehensive range of services. We are proud to offer a holistic service experience, covering legal, corporate, and real estate services, as well as essential functions like visa and passport applications, notary public, and commissioner of oaths services.
At BGC, our corporate structure is designed with you in mind. We take a clientcentric approach, ensuring a seamless amalgamation that caters to your specific requirements across the legal, corporate, and real estate domains.
Our ethos is to provide personalized service tailored to your unique needs, making you feel valued and important. What truly sets us apart is our team of experienced and dedicated professionals. They are knowledgeable but also approachable and welcoming, creating a warm and familial atmosphere for our clients. Their expertise and approachability will make you feel comfortable and confident in your dealings with us.
Jacinth Jeffers - jacinth.jeffers@benjamine.ai
Patricia Hodge - pathodge@benjamine.ai P.O. Box 328 The Valley Anguilla 1-264-497-3470 | www.benjamine.ai
The financial landscape in Anguilla offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing for the establishment of a diverse array of companies tailored to individual needs.
BCS is affiliated with CRES, which facilitates efficient company formation processes. Furthermore, BCS is a proud member of the Anguilla Financial Services Association (AFSA).
BCS exhibits prowess in company management registration, company registration services, work permits, business license assistance, nominee director services, and ship registration, with a distinct focus on yacht registration in Anguilla. We pledge prompt company registration within 24 hours and unwavering adherence to statutory and regulatory compliance. Below is a summary of the services provided by BCS:
(1) Company Registration Services
The registration fee includes: Government fees
• Articles of Incorporation
Affiliations:
Caribbean Juris Chambers (CJC)
CJC’s affiliations with BCS and Cube uniquely position us to provide comprehensive legal and corporate solutions. These partnerships facilitate meeting the diverse needs of our clientele and ensure a seamless integration of legal and corporate services.
For more information about CJC, please feel free to visit our website: www.benjamine.ai
BCS guarantees legal and regulatory compliance for its clients’ companies through the provision of the following services: Collecting Due Diligence Documents
• Preparing minutes and Resolutions
• Other Administrative duties, including preparing and filing annual returns and economic substance returns.
BCS has over two decades of expertise in registering vessels in Anguilla, ensuring the provision of dependable and adept services.
Cube Credit Services (Cube)
Cora Benjaminbcs@anguillanet.com | www.benjamine.ai P.O. Box 328 The Valley Anguilla
Cube is a duly registered auctioneer in Anguilla with a three-decade track record of providing auctioneering services to a wide array of clientele, including banks, estates, and receivers. As an affiliate of CJC, Cube delivers a comprehensive suite of financial and property management services.
The following outlines the array of services offered by Cube:
• Debt Recovery:
• Legal Collaboration:
• Regional Debt Recovery:
• Credit Checks:
• Auctioneers:
• Real Estate and Property Management:
• Credit Collection Reports:
Kay Gumbs info@cubeauctions.com cubeauctions.com
P.O. Box 328 The Valley Anguilla 1-264-497-3470
Benjamine Group of Companies (BGC)
Benjamine Company Services Ltd (BCS)
ANGUILLA’S ATTRACTIVE INVESTMENT CHARACTERISTICS
• Low taxes
• Political stability
• Sound democratic institutions
• Idyllic environment
• High literacy levels
• Low crime rate
• Geographical location and connectivity
• Good quality of life
- Education
- Healthcare
- Internet
• Commitment to sustainability
• Technical and vocational secondary education, including higher education.
• Call centers.
What is special about the SEZ is that it offers increased incentives for businesses and fast-tracked processing for any required licences or permits.
NA: Could you provide examples of some recent milestones and success stories from key industries in Anguilla?
ELW: The island has seen several recent milestones and success stories across key industries that highlight its growth and development. Notable examples include:
Awards and recognitions:
• World Travel Awards: Anguilla was named the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination at the World Travel Awards, reflecting its commitment to providing top-notch luxury experiences for visitors.
• Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards: Anguilla was awarded the Best Island in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Bahamas for four consecutive years by Travel + Leisure. This recognition is testament to the warmth of Anguilla’s people and the extraordinary products we offer.
• Top beach destinations: Shoal Beach, Meads Beach, Rendezvous Bay, and Maundays Bay continue to receive accolades as some of the world’s best beaches, attracting tourists from around the globe.
Tourism initiatives:
• Access: We have significantly improved airline travel to Anguilla, with daily direct flights now available from Miami and the prospect of additional flights in the very near future. Furthermore, since most of our visitor arrivals are currently via sea, we recently opened the new Blowing Point Ferry Terminal, a modern facility which reflects our image as a top-class tourism destination.
• Eco-friendly resorts: Several resorts on the island have implemented sustainable practices, including solar energy utilization and waste reduction programs. These initiatives have garnered international recognition, enhancing Anguilla’s reputation as a sustainable travel destination.
• Marina development: The government completed a marina development scoping study in 2018. We are pleased to have two developers commit to the introduction of marinas in Anguilla as a way of diversifying our tourism offering.
FINANCE
International financial center:
• Regulatory enhancements: Anguilla has strengthened its regulatory framework to ensure compliance with international standards, making it an attractive destination for financial services. The introduction of new legislation has boosted investor confidence and attracted new businesses.
• Digital asset business regulations: The government has introduced legislation for the regulation of persons conducting digital assets business, positioning Anguilla as a forward-thinking jurisdiction in the FinTech sector.
TECHNOLOGY
• Domain registration: The island is the proud owner of an AI domain. With the recent growth in AI, there has been an exponential increase in domain registrations that have notably improved the government’s revenue collection and enabled us to invest more in public services such as education and healthcare.
Tech
start-ups and innovation:
• Incubation programs: With the recent establishment of tech incubation programs, such as the Anguilla tech start-up initiative, the country is poised to support the growth of local start-ups focusing on areas such as software development, FinTech, and e-commerce.
• Digital connectivity: Investments in digital infrastructure have improved internet connectivity across the island, facilitating remote work and attracting digital nomads.
E-Government services:
• Online services expansion: The government has expanded its internet presence, allowing residents to access a wide range of services online. This digital transformation has improved efficiency and accessibility for citizens and the business community.
NA: Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development is involved in that you would like to highlight?
ELW: To enhance our infrastructure and economic landscape, two key areas of focus are the recent public investment in airport development and private investment in marina development. These are potential game-
changers for Anguilla and pivotal for boosting tourist arrivals and overall economic growth.
The Government of Anguilla has recently committed substantial resources to the expansion of the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport. This project aims to improve its capacity and facilities, making it better equipped to handle increased air traffic and larger aircraft. Enhanced airport infrastructure is expected to facilitate greater accessibility for international tourists and corporate travelers, thus driving growth in the tourism sector and creating new business opportunities.
Another major initiative is the recent commitment of FDI to marina development around the island. These projects are set to significantly upgrade the country’s maritime infrastructure, providing state-of-the-art facilities for yachts and luxury vessels. The development of these marinas is not only expected to attract visitors looking for a different experience and boost the local hospitality industry, but also promote Anguilla as a premier destination for yachting and sailing enthusiasts.
NA: How do you see Anguilla’s economy developing in the coming years?
ELW: I am pleased with our steady recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a record number of tourist arrivals, which bodes well for the future, as we expect Anguilla’s economy to remain largely tourism based. However, we do not believe it is prudent to be solely dependent on tourism, so we are committed to economic diversification and will take a strategic approach to achieve this.
The state of the economy is interlinked with other factors and our efforts in those areas will also be critical for our financial trajectory. Our government is making strategic investments in safety, crime prevention, governance, land management, immigration, food security, renewable energy, and the digitization of public services. Additionally, our investment in education, and particularly technology integration, will prepare our people for the future and our focus on building resilient and efficient public infrastructure will serve as a cornerstone for growth. My ministry is also leading the charge in new consumer protection legislation, which will codify the rights and responsibilities of consumers and suppliers and provide the former with improved protection from exploitation.
Economic growth is only meaningful if our people are the beneficiaries. We always strive to ensure they are empowered to take advantage of new opportunities, their needs are met, and interests safeguarded.
NA: Finally, what are the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development’s key priorities going forward?
ELW: Prudent management of the public purse is always
a priority for us; we have a clear path for our island’s economic future, focusing on sustainable growth. Our aim is to acquire and retain FDI through attractive investment policies, streamlined processes, and targeted incentive packages. We will, therefore, be making improvements to our current offerings that will enhance the investor experience.
We also want to encourage a thriving local business community that supports innovation and diversification. The ministry is introducing new policies to promote business development and support the emerging manufacturing sector in particular. We will offer financial incentives and support other ministries and agencies to offer training, business incubators, and mentorship programs to help local entrepreneurs succeed.
Moreover, we want to boost efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness in both the public and private sectors. We’ll encourage digital technology adoption, support R&D, provide incentives for innovation, and offer budgetary support for the implementation of e-government initiatives to improve public services.
I believe we are on the right path to prosperity, and I am excited for the future.
NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK is a digital product aimed at boardroom and hands-on decision-makers across a wide range of industries on the continent.
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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.
A PROVEN PAST, A BRIGHT FUTURE
It is the ongoing mission of Inglett & Stubbs to be the contractor that consistently exceeds its clients’ expectations. No matter the size of the job, the company has the resources to complete the work in a professional, thorough, timely, and cost-effective manner. We catch up with President, Miller Chalk, about its latest developments and strategy for the future
Writer: Ed Budds
Project Manager: Michael Sommerfield
Our business is as strong as ever, and I’m told by our people that all the problems we are experiencing now are the kind that we have been looking to solve in our first seven decades of business.
“We celebrated our 70th anniversary this year, and the demand for our services is overwhelming, while our target markets are booming in Atlanta, and we are in a great position to begin work on a lot of exciting upcoming projects.”
As Miller Chalk, President, alludes to in his opening statement, Inglett & Stubbs is a recognized leader in the electrical construction industry.
Indeed, the company is consistently ranked in the top 50 electrical contractors in the US by EC&M magazine.
Remarkably, with a history of successful electrical construction projects spanning more than half a century, Inglett & Stubbs also enjoys the advantages of a dynamic team of young and seasoned professionals made up of electricians, technicians, foremen, engineers, project managers, and more.
Miller Chalk, President, Inglett & Stubbs
“Our tradition of accomplishment and the sustained growth of our people have secured our position in the market and ensured a promising future for both Inglett & Stubbs and our customers,” Chalk sets out.
HISTORY OF SUCCESS
Founded in 1954, Inglett & Stubbs has since developed into one of the most progressive and innovative electrical contractors in Atlanta.
Historically, the company’s focus has been on the city’s metropolitan area, specializing in healthcare, commercial, industrial, institutional, telecommunications (telecoms), information technology (IT), and co-generation projects.
With its main headquarters located in Mableton, Georgia, the company now also specializes in hospitals, mission-critical projects, sports and entertainment, fiber and copper
cabling, off-site construction, and preventative maintenance.
“In recent years, our expertise on high-end, technically challenging projects has resulted in securing contracts on both a national and international basis, and we emphasize cost efficiency within all of our work,” Chalk acclaims.
“Paired with our past performance and superior quality, this has resulted in a high percentage of our workload being negotiated,” he adds.
A team of expert foremen that are experienced in all aspects of electrical construction make up the heart of the company’s field operations, and many of these proficient professionals have been with Inglett & Stubbs for their entire careers.
As such, the company operates on the conviction that the electrical contractor is a key member of the construction team on any project.
“We know that all team members must work together to provide the best finished projects in the most cost-effective manner for the end user. We work with the most prominent architects, engineers, and general contractors in the US, and we constantly strive to maintain excellent relationships with our customers,” Chalk elaborates.
SAFETY FIRST
After acquiring vast levels of electrical experience, Inglett & Stubbs now impressively maintains a 0.69 experience modification rate (EMR) which gauges past injuries and future risk.
“We are proud that this rating lies well below the 1.0 EMR industry average,” Chalk shares.
“Our rating is kept low by maintaining safety as a priority and the main focus of our daily business.
“We recognize that electrical power work remains within the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s Focus Four Outreach Program and is consistently listed in the top 10 most dangerous occupations by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, so we strive every day to promote a safe work environment,” he details.
This relentless diligence begins with Inglett & Stubbs’ safety directors, instructors, and coordinators, and trickles down through each and every employee.
“Our proactive approach makes Inglett & Stubbs one of the safest contractors in the industry.”
The company is also now hosting training classes for its customers and others in the industry who are interested in understanding arc flash risks and the requirements of NFPA 70E and 70B.
TEAM ADVANCEMENT
Without a doubt, it’s the people at
“OUR TRADITION OF ACCOMPLISHMENT AND THE SUSTAINED GROWTH OF OUR PEOPLE HAVE
SECURED OUR POSITION IN THE MARKET AND ENSURED A PROMISING FUTURE FOR BOTH INGLETT & STUBBS AND OUR CUSTOMERS”
– MILLER CHALK, PRESIDENT, INGLETT & STUBBS
Inglett & Stubbs that continue to set the company apart and define its ongoing success.
“We have an incredible team and they have gotten even stronger over the past year through formal and informal development and strategic additions to the team. Alongside this, our alignment with our vision and values has grown as well,” Chalk tells us.
Drawing on a firm sense of unity in its senior leadership team, Inglett & Stubbs now finds itself a year and a
half into working within its “System and Soul” business operations framework, which has helped the company to both become and stay aligned.
This successful framework is designed to support and grow both the system and the soul of a business to create key breakthroughs.
Growth creates complexity, and even the best teams struggle to be effective without a clear structure, direction, and collective goals.
Building Resilient Impact
Born during the first Industrial Revolution, Schneider Electric boasts over 180 years of enduring dedication, expertise, and the combined strength of acquired business.
Developing innovative, connected technologies and solutions for safety, reliability, efficiency, and sustainability, the company continues to deliver success and technological breakthroughs at every level.
Throughout history, we have led the way in strategic choices and innovative solutions, with business acquisitions that have built our unique position and time-tested technology portfolio.
Our company’s purpose is to create impact by empowering everyone to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all.
At Schneider Electric, we call this Life Is On.
With a mission to be the trusted partner in sustainability and efficiency, we are proud to be a global industrial technology leader bringing world-leading expertise in electrification, automation, and digitalization to smart industries, resilient infrastructure, future-proof data centers, intelligent buildings, and intuitive homes.
Anchored by our deep domain expertise, Schneider Electric provides integrated, end-to-end lifecycle artificial intelligence (AI), enabling the company to offer comprehensive industrial Internet of Things (IoT) solutions with
connected products, automation, software, and services, delivering digital twins to enable profitable growth for our customers.
We are proud to be a people company with an ecosystem of 150,000 colleagues and more than a million partners operating in over 100 countries to ensure proximity to our customers and stakeholders.
At Schneider Electric, we embrace diversity and inclusion in everything we do, guided by our meaningful purpose of a sustainable future for all.
We don’t make energy; we make you save it.
“We believe that access to energy and digital is a basic human right”
– Schneider Electric
POWERING THE NEW ELECTRONIC WORLD
We believe that access to energy and digital technologies is a basic human right.
Our generation is facing a tectonic shift in energy transition and industrial revolution, catalyzed by a more electric and digital world, which is key to addressing the climate crisis.
One of the ways in which Schneider Electric is facing this change headon and building a more sustainable future is through our Electricity 4.0 initiative.
Together with our customers, we are building the new electric world by providing smart energy across homes, buildings, data centers, industries, infrastructure, and grids.
Schneider Electric is uniquely positioned to join the dots
180+ years of history and innovation
With a story written by generations of people who have transformed Schneider Electric, and the world, for almost two centuries, our company’s heritage empowers us to innovate at every level, ensuring Life Is On.
• 1836 – The Schneider brothers acquire mines and forges at Le Creusot, France. Two years later, Schneider & Cie. is created.
• 1891 – Having become an armaments specialist, the company launches itself into the emerging electricity market.
• 1919 – The business expands into Germany and Eastern Europe via the European Industrial and Financial Union.
• 1949 – In-depth restructuring takes place after World War II.
• 1981 – 1997 – The company divests from steel and shipbuilding and focuses mainly on electricity through strategic acquisitions.
• 1975 –The Schneider Group acquires an interest in Merlin Gerin, one of the leaders in electrical distribution equipment.
• 1999 – The group develops installation, systems, and control with the acquisition of Lexel and adopts its current name.
• 2000-2009 – The company goes through a period of organic growth and acquisitions in new market segments.
• 2003 – The Square D by Schneider Electric brand celebrates 100 years of know-how and innovation in electricity and automation management, now focusing on electronics through strategic acquisitions.
• 2010-present – Schneider Electric further reinforces its position in software, critical power, and smart grid applications.
between them all for a future that promises more sustainability, resilience, and efficiency. Specifically, we believe that electricity makes energy more ecofriendly.
Proven to be three to five times more efficient than other sources, electricity is the most promising energy and the best vector for decarbonization. By 2040, the share
of electricity in everything we do will double, reaching approximately 40 percent of final energy consumption, with six times more electricity being generated from solar and wind. Additionally, utilizing digital innovation allows the invisible to become visible by eliminating waste and driving efficiency. Digital technology such as metering and monitoring enables us to see how
we are using our energy. Smart devices, apps, analytics, and software allow us to go a step further and deploy smart energy more efficiently, meaning we can address a huge amount of untapped potential for energy savings.
Schneider Electric is proudly accelerating the pace at which we can address climate change through agile digital innovation and efficient electricity solutions.
Having recently been named the 2024 Most Sustainable Company by TIME Magazine, we are going further, faster, by boosting innovation whilst expanding our digital, end-to-end solutions in all stages of the lifecycle.
SERVING CUSTOMERS IN A NEW DIGITAL ERA
Schneider Electric is proud to partner with channel partners, such as contractors, in order to better serve its customers’ various needs.
We help grow businesses by providing direct access to exclusive resources and technical support through our Electrical Contractor
Portal that helps companies boost productivity and expand their footprint even further.
Recent events have shown us that relentless, even turbulent change, is the new normal, and despite the wide variety of different jobs electrical contractors perform, their businesses still face remarkably similar challenges in the face of accelerating technological change.
Schneider Electric is here to help you embrace emerging trends and build a relationship of mutual trust and benefit with clients in order to boost competitiveness, gain recurring revenue, and grow your company to its full potential.
Additionally, we help customers put electrical safety first by providing access to our technology, tools, and expertise. Explore how our solutions contribute to hazard reduction and develop a safety plan to reduce, eliminate, and control the risks and consequences of electrical and nonelectrical incidents.
At Schneider Electric, we recognize
“Our mission is to be your trusted partner in sustainability and efficiency”
– Schneider Electric
that our customers have an array of codes, standards, and regulations that impact their safety, energy efficiency, and day-to-day business operations. As our products and services are designed to help meet the challenges often posed by these regulations, we boast a team of professionals who dedicate themselves to the codes and standards needed to fully comprehend what is changing and how these changes will impact customers.
To provide even further solutions for customers, our experts have produced numerous technical papers and bulletins that help businesses better understand the codes and standards systems as well as many of the technical requirements for these procedures. We work within the system to make sure that the new technologies and approaches to resolving customer’s energy needs are properly addressed in the codes and standards.
Alongside working with customers on the appropriate regulations,
Schneider Electric offers useful online tools, calculators, and visual configurations to make selecting the right product faster and easier. This includes the DigestPLUS online catalog, product selectors, cross reference tools, power system design and selection, industrial and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) tools, and data center tradeoff tools, alongside many others.
Making the most of our energy and resources, Schneider Electric is here to bridge progress and electricity for all, ensuring Life Is On by being the trusted partner in sustainability and efficiency.
Contact Details
Customer Care Centre: 0330 587 8030
Website: se.com
INGLETT & STUBBS
Using this method of working, Inglett & Stubbs believes in helping its teams design clear structures and develop cadences for their most important activities.
“We do a great job at giving people the room and resources to empower themselves to make changes. We spend a lot of time trying to figure out new and improved ways to show recognition and appreciation, and we can and will do better in acknowledging and appreciating our teams that continue to make us shine,” he gushes.
DEVELOPING ATLANTA
Over the past 40 years, the Atlanta area has experienced heavy growth and expansion of its cultural centers, educational facilities, entertainment hubs, and sports venues.
Inglett & Stubbs has been honored to participate in the construction of many of these major iconic projects throughout the region.
“WE CELEBRATED OUR 70 TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR, AND THE DEMAND FOR OUR SERVICES IS OVERWHELMING, WHILE OUR TARGET MARKETS ARE BOOMING IN ATLANTA, AND WE ARE IN A GREAT POSITION TO BEGIN WORK ON A LOT OF EXCITING UPCOMING PROJECTS”
– MILLER CHALK, PRESIDENT, INGLETT & STUBBS
“We have worked on constructing galleries and sports facilities, as well as the modernization of many of the best-known stadiums, museums, and performing arts centers statewide,” Chalk outlines.
“We at Inglett & Stubbs are continuously innovating, with stateof-the-art products and installation methods which allow us to meet the demands of building an array of unique signature facilities. We hold our construction methods, management systems, and field workforce to the highest standards so that we are prepared for the challenges that come with highprofile projects,” he confirms.
With a history that is unquestionably proven, the company has positioned itself to be a superior electrical contractor in the field of sports, entertainment, and cultural building construction for years to come.
HELPING UPGRADE HEALTHCARE
Healthcare is a critical and everpresent division of the electrical construction market.
Since its inception, Inglett & Stubbs has worked diligently to make this market segment a focal point of its business and has completed a wide variety of projects ranging from new hospitals to small one-room MRI additions.
Inglett & Stubbs works in most of the key medical facilities in metropolitan Atlanta and the surrounding areas, and on many hospital campuses the company maintains a full-time workforce to perform maintenance duties as well as ongoing construction projects.
In this way, the company has been maintaining several facilities for over 30 years, making customer satisfaction its highest priority.
As working in a healthcare facility requires a high level of expertise with
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Inglett & Stubbs is proud to support charitable organizations in the Atlanta community as part of the company’s increasing corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.
As successful professionals, Inglett & Stubbs truly believes that it is the duty of the company to give back through interoffice fundraisers, community events, and organizational involvement. Some of the causes that have been supported over the years include:
• Adopt a Mile
• Alzheimer’s Association of Georgia
• American Heart Association
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
• Habitat for Humanity
• JDRF
• Mattie Freeland House
contamination control measures, Inglett & Stubbs therefore keeps facilities fully functional during invasive renovations and works with existing electrical distribution systems to minimize downtime.
“We take great pride in our ability to perform and succeed in these highly technical and clinical environments,”
Chalk affirms.
“We have developed long-standing relationships with our healthcare partners built on trust, respect, and confidence. We at Inglett & Stubbs take pride in that and continue to expand our medical capabilities in order to exceed client expectations,” he follows.
BUILT ON COMMITMENT
Firstly, could you provide a brief insight into MEI Rigging & Crating’s service offerings?
MEI Rigging & Crating (MEI) is a national provider of rigging, machinery moving, millwrighting, mechanical installation, storage and warehousing, and crating and export packaging services. MEI can move, install, and relocate machinery or equipment of any size. Whether it’s a single piece, a complete process line, or an entire plant, we are able to move it. MEI manages significant storage and warehousing capacities for longterm or just-in-time delivery.
Operating across North America for over 30 years, how would you say the rigging and machinery sector has evolved since the inception of the company?
Historically, rigging and equipment installation were often viewed
as discrete activities within an established project schedule. However, changes in construction methods and trends — including prefabrication and modularisation, decreased just-in-time delivery to job sites, rising demand for secure long-term storage and equipment monitoring, and an emphasis on collaborative delivery methods — have made rigging a more strategic function than it was 30 years ago. The most successful projects now engage riggers early and often in the design phase to unlock significant scheduling and cost efficiencies.
Positioned as one of the largest providers of rigging and machinery moving in the region, how does the business differentiate itself from other players in the industry?
MEI operates 18 locations across
14 states, has three decades of experience across a wide range of industries, and has a relentless focus on safety and quality. We provide over three million square feet of storage space nationwide. Through a superior portfolio of services and problem-solving capabilities, we minimize complexity and provide outstanding value to our customers.
Finally, how do the collective brands of the organization ensure that the needs of its customers across the US are met?
MEI strategically seeks to merge with rigging providers that not only enhance our technical expertise and delivery capabilities across the nation but also share our vision of excellence, market leadership, and enduring value. The strength of our family of brands – MEI, A&A Transfer, A&A Machinery Moving, Able Machinery Movers, Dunkel Bros Machinery Moving, and Harnum Industries – enables us to expertly meet the needs of our local customers, while pooling our resources and equipment to deliver the same exceptional service across a national footprint.
“WE WORK WITH THE MOST PROMINENT ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS IN THE US, AND WE CONSTANTLY STRIVE TO MAINTAIN EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR CUSTOMERS”
– MILLER CHALK, PRESIDENT, INGLETT & STUBBS
To date, Inglett & Stubbs’ healthcare facilities include hospitals, cancer treatment, radiology, surgical, and women’s centers, emergency departments, central energy plants, and medical office buildings.
A DIVERSE PORTFOLIO
Inglett & Stubbs prides itself as a multifaceted electrical contractor, and due to the variety of construction opportunities that exist within colleges and universities, these facilities have been identified as further optimal places to display and
enhance the company’s construction knowledge.
As such, because of its dedication to being part of this burgeoning environment, Inglett & Stubbs has sought and completed numerous successful projects on many campuses in North Georgia.
The company’s long history of higher education projects varies widely, from site lighting contracts and electrical utility infrastructure to sports stadiums, teaching and laboratory buildings, research facilities, student centers, and more.
“Inglett & Stubbs has developed project managers who specialize in this field,” Chalk prides.
“We are very proud of our excellent reputation and work every day to earn repeat customers with each institution. We do this by always increasing our project diversity and adding value to the overall construction team,” he continues.
DATA CENTER CONSTRUCTION
Inglett & Stubbs has been working in the data center construction industry for almost 40 years.
“Our first major project was built in 1985 in Alpharetta, Georgia, where we also constructed the first major Tier 4 data center in 1994 for UPS,” Chalk recalls.
“Since then, we have worked on numerous major data center projects in Georgia and across the US. Our expertise in this field has also led us to collaborate on projects in South America,” he adds.
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Inglett & Stubbs acts as a designassist team member in many of its projects, lending its experience to owners, engineers, and general contractors. This collaboration leads to long-term relationships in the form of renovations, upgrades, expansions, and maintenance contracts.
“We attribute the majority of our success and knowledge to the collaborative nature of these projects. Our experienced team can assist with all aspects of data center design, construction, and maintenance.”
Inglett & Stubbs works on all project sizes, from small computer rooms to large, dedicated facilities.
“Some of our customers work with us to design a small single generator system, while other clients utilize large, dedicated utility services paired with dozens of generators and UPS modules. We work to meet the needs of our customers, whatever they may be,” Chalk emphasizes.
MODULAR PRODUCT DESIGN
Across the board, Inglett & Stubbs’ modular approach brings innovation to the way that its clients design, build, and maintain electrical and low voltage systems.
“Our in-house design team can customize and optimize electrical set-ups so that each component fits precisely and seamlessly interconnects with other systems. We can engineer products that drive efficiency and enhance productivity within the project footprint,” Chalk excites.
As such, the company uses the latest technology and its construction expertise to design solutions that meet specific needs. Meanwhile, its expert team leverages the latest virtual reality (VR) technology to create immersive design experiences.
“Our modular manufacturing services help gain a competitive advantage in rapidly changing markets. Our modular solutions will
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allow our customers to optimize resources, minimize waste, and improve production capabilities.”
The manufacturing teams of Inglett & Stubbs are made up of skilled union labor workers that ensure the highest level of quality for the finished product. This process involves design and coordination, schedule planning, manufacturing control, production quality assurance, and testing.
After the manufacturing process is complete, the company’s logistics services team manages the delivery to ensure a seamless and efficient transition from production to site location. This process also involves strategically planning for just-in-time delivery to help minimize storage fees and requirements.
“We can self-deliver locally and have strategic partnerships with top-notch logistics providers to offer flexible delivery options. Our team will handle all modular components with the utmost care during transportation,
“WE ARE VERY PROUD OF OUR EXCELLENT REPUTATION AND WORK EVERY DAY TO EARN REPEAT CUSTOMERS WITH EACH INSTITUTION. WE DO THIS BY ALWAYS INCREASING OUR PROJECT DIVERSITY AND ADDING VALUE TO THE OVERALL CONSTRUCTION TEAM”
– MILLER CHALK, PRESIDENT, INGLETT & STUBBS
and design and plan packaging to ensure that it arrives safely and ready for installation,” states Chalk.
MULTIFACETED MANAGEMENT
Regarding the multifaceted management of a project, Inglett & Stubbs splits this process into the three key areas of budget, schedule, and material cost.
“We believe that quality begins in the pre-construction stage, which is used to accumulate information into
a format effectively managed and accessed by the field,” says Chalk. This information is managed using work packets and tradesman manuals to bridge the gap in quality standards.
Each manual consists of equipment-specific drawings, specifications, and approved submittals, the latter of which are condensed to only include information pertinent to the installation. These manuals are
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NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: WHAT HAS HAPPENED AT THE COMPANY SINCE WE LAST SPOKE IN MAY 2023?
Miller Chalk, President: “Our Pre-Construction Director, Holly Wilson, joined us in the spring of 2023 and has taken that team to the next level. They have been very busy this year pricing new work and leading us through a successful software transition.
“We worked with Mark Wojcik of East Park Avenue Talent Consulting to build a talent acquisition plan, which led to the hiring of our first ever recruiter, Natalie Armstrong. She has been a great addition to the team and is doing a good job of adding much-needed talent to our field teams.
“Additionally, we brought Kyle Crossfield into the office as our Electrical Services Consultant, with the task of educating our customers. I felt a great responsibility to help our customers understand the risks and requirements of working on and maintaining their electrical equipment, so I’m proud of how our safety team jumped in to lead in teaching a class that we are now hosting quarterly as well as on location where needed.
“Elsewhere, our modular team continues to grow and add value to our projects, and we are seeing a lot of exciting new opportunities.
“Finally, we hired a former long-time employee, Thomas Alexander, to come back and lead our quality assurance group. He has updated our policies, developed our software, and built a team to support the highest possible quality across all projects.”
updated with common issues and best practices throughout the project,” he continues.
Inglett & Stubbs provides all parties with a full plan of activities and durations to be plotted on the master construction schedule. Critical
milestone dates such as equipment delivery, equipment energization, system testing, and system checkout are all plotted.
“We develop a load schedule to monitor the work progress on a week-by-week basis, which allows
us to address all scheduling issues immediately to ensure on-time project delivery.
“Our project management team also develops a cost accounting structure broken down by systems and phases. This enables us to monitor the budget, delivery, and installation of each critical component of the project,” says Chalk.
By tracking costs, Inglett & Stubbs is able to identify budget changes quickly and accurately, whilst savings can be identified so that the owner can spend resources on other items or areas. If overruns are anticipated, the company provides alternatives to bring the project back within budget.
Inglett & Stubbs regularly tracks current market conditions for commodities including copper and aluminum (wire), steel (conduit, cable tray, boxes, and fittings), electrical devices and equipment, and PVC (conduit).
In this way, the company issues a request for proposal (RFP) to major vendors of these products to support acquiring and supplying them, and to offset and mitigate extreme price increases.
CHARITY AND COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
One of the company’s greatest sources of pride is how it has supported many charitable organizations.
Over the years, Inglett & Stubbs has supported many charities in the Atlanta region, raising funds and awareness as part of a deliberate endeavor to increase its CSR practices. These include interoffice fundraisers, local community events, golf tournaments, and other initiatives.
“We set up a charity team to steer our decisions around the organizations we give to and volunteer with. In the past, we would select one charity a year to support; this year, we are financially
SCOPE MANAGEMENT
Inglett & Stubbs has a plan in place to deliver a successful project before even being awarded it.
The company’s pre-construction teams are then already working on identifying the correct deliverables for the project and establishing a detailed milestone schedule.
Inglett & Stubbs’ pre-construction team works hand-in-hand with building information modeling (BIM) and prefabrication methods to ensure that the critical first phases of the project always stay on track.
The company then develops an overall strategy to support a wellplanned path for construction. High level goals for pre-construction include several crucial steps:
• Establish the right deliverables to be successful.
• Complete the deliverables on a planned milestone schedule to ensure the information and tools are available as needed to support construction.
• Align contractor-furnished and owner-furnished equipment to support the construction schedule.
• Coordinate the prefabrication efforts with owner-furnished equipment.
supporting three organizations and working on additional volunteering opportunities,” Chalk informs us.
“We are blessed, but the needs around us are great and we are excited to partner with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Free Bikes for Kids, and Sunrise Ministries to help those in need in our community,” he tells us passionately.
The company has given its unwavering support to the former for many years, as the charity continues to complete crucial work in the Atlanta community and benefits people across the world with its research.
Inglett & Stubbs has also been honored to support the Alzheimer’s Association of Georgia, and through its incredible fundraising efforts has donated over $400,000 to help stamp out this pervasive disease.
Fundraising efforts have equally supported Atlanta’s Children’s Hospital, with over $100,000 donated to help fund cancer research efforts.
Furthermore, Inglett & Stubbs’ field and office staff have previously volunteered through both financial donations and boots on the ground to assist in building three Habitat for Humanity homes for deserving local community members.
On top of this, the company is also working with several high schools that offer work-based learning and was previously named Newton County Schools’ Work-Based Learning Employer of the Year.
“We have supported high schools through conduit bending and other electrical classes, careers fairs, and hiring graduates. This has been a great program for us to be part of because it provides a workforce that is motivated and interested in the trade, and we have had many of these students join our team full-time after graduation,” Chalk explains.
ARTHUR M. BLANK HOSPITAL
One project that perfectly surmises the company’s beliefs and achievements is its work on the new Arthur M. Blank Hospital.
Made possible through a generous $200 million donation from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, the hospital is part of a transformative $1.5 billion project that will be a huge leap forward in how it cares for children in Georgia.
The 1.5 million square foot (sqft) facility, slated to open in late 2024, will be located at the northeastern corner of the North Druid Hills suburb.
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Designed to take advantage of research-proven healing views of nature, the Arthur M. Blank Hospital will include one tower with two wings and additional operating rooms, specialty beds and diagnostic equipment to meet anticipated patient needs, and space for clinical research, clinical trials, and overall patient care.
The North Druid Hills Campus, where the new hospital will be located, also includes the Center for Advanced Pediatrics, support buildings, and plans for more than 20 acres of greenspace and walking trails.
“Construction on the vastly impressive new hospital began in 2020 when we partnered with one of our largest competitors, Cleveland Electric (Cleveland), in a joint venture agreement to take on the project. It is the largest hospital to be built in Georgia,” notes Chalk.
The company was able to incorporate prefabrication into all areas of the project, and the prefabricated
headwalls were built in a warehouse, with the Inglett & Stubbs and Cleveland team working alongside plumbers and the drywall contractor.
“We prefabricated mixed trade racks with the sheet metal, plumbing, and mechanical piping contractors,” he enthralls.
CONTINUING THE LEGACY
Inglett & Stubbs has now established its reputation and prominent standing within its field of electrical construction expertise.
“In terms of the future of the company, our focus remains on off-site construction, from preconstruction and virtual design and construction (VDC) to prefabricated and modular methods. We will continue to grow that side of the business, which truly sets us apart from others in the market.
“We take a lot of pride in our history and the people who built the foundations that we are privileged to
start from. The recent anniversary was a great time to stop and celebrate,” Chalk finishes.
“Bringing our people and their families together is something that we plan to do more regularly. 70 years on, our team has more energy and willingness to change and innovate than ever before.”
A leading provider of structural concrete solutions, American Structural Concrete boasts a dedicated team of professionals across the Southeast US. Jeremy Cantrill, Senior Vice President, tells us how the company doesn’t just pour concrete but provides lasting solutions
Writer: Lauren Kania | Project Manager: Kierron Rose
Having constructed some of the most recognizable concrete structures in the Southeast US, American Structural Concrete (ASC) prides itself on delivering over 30 years of high-quality, reliable, and innovative concrete services that last a lifetime. This allows clients to rest easily knowing their projects are in safe, durable hands.
Built on the foundation of extraordinary innovation and experience, ASC is nationally renowned for being a knowledgeable consultant, trusted partner, and cutting-edge industry leader.
“We specialize in the construction of commercial and industrial structures and offer a comprehensive range of services, including
design, construction, and project management,” introduces Jeremy Cantrill, Senior Vice President.
Comprised of seasoned and experienced professionals, ASC boasts a world-class team that has completed hundreds of structural concrete projects across the country while remaining true to the company’s commitment to always deliver the highest quality work on time and within budget.
When a client needs a structural concrete job done on schedule, safely, and correctly the first time around, ASC is the company to contact.
What sets the business apart is its unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. ASC leverages state-of-the-art technology
and innovative construction techniques to deliver superior results.
“Our experienced team, attention to detail, and ability to customize solutions to meet specific client needs further distinguishes us within the industry,” prides Cantrill.
Driven by its strong values and dedicated mission to keep any and all promises made, ASC aligns with its clients’ goals to help bring their visions to life through valueengineering and in-depth planning of traditional cast-in-place structures, hybrid CIP/Precast parking decks, industrial, and tilt-up structures.
THE CORNERSTONE OF EXCELLENCE
Cantrill has been enthralled with construction since early childhood, as both his father and grandfather had careers within the lucrative industry. Having recognized his passion early
on, he decided to pursue a degree in construction management at the University of Cincinnati.
“As part of the curriculum, the internship program provided me with an opportunity to obtain experience in the field, which would ultimately become the most essential part of my education,” he insights.
“Being in the field gave me the knowledge and information I needed for the work in the classroom. Actually doing the work is essential to being able to manage it.”
This experience made the transition from classroom to workplace feel seamless, granting Cantrill the confidence and experience to work his way up from Assistant Project Manager to Senior Vice President.
“The process of performing every duty along the way has provided me with the expertise needed at all levels of my career.”
Cantrill’s progression is a direct reflection of the importance ASC places upon internal promotion and recognition.
The business is steadfast in its belief that fostering a culture of growth and development within its structure not only benefits its employees but strengthens the overall organization.
“By promoting from within, we retain valuable institutional knowledge and ensure our leadership is well-versed in our company’s values and operations. Recognizing and rewarding hard work motivates our team and contributes to a positive and productive work environment, which is integral to our success and longevity.
“We achieve this through open communication, professional development opportunities, and a supportive culture that values each employee’s contribution,” details Cantrill.
“WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON EMPLOYING A DEDICATED TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS COMMITTED TO DELIVERING HIGH-QUALITY, DURABLE CONCRETE STRUCTURES”
– JEREMY CANTRILL, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, AMERICAN STRUCTURAL CONCRETE
with its various partners and suppliers.
“Our supply chain operations are a critical component of our business. We have developed a robust and efficient network that ensures the timely delivery of high-quality materials to our project sites,” Cantrill comments.
By offering competitive benefits, regular training programs, and team-building activities, not only are employee satisfaction and retention increased, but productivity and project outcomes are also significantly benefitted.
UNITING COMMUNITIES AND INSPIRING GROWTH
Currently, the construction industry is experiencing a notably dynamic period of growth and innovation.
“Advancements in technology,
sustainable building practices, and an increased focus on infrastructure development make it an exciting time to be involved in the field,” enthuses Cantrill.
“The industry’s evolution towards more efficient and environmentallyfriendly methods opens up numerous opportunities for companies like ours to lead and innovate.”
ASC’s ability to remain at the top of its field while continuing to incorporate new technologies is, in part, due to its crucial relationships
This system involves meticulous planning, strong logisitical capabilities, and the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances rapidly.
The company views its partners as an extension of its own team and prioritizes building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. ASC works closely with suppliers to ensure all materials and equipment meet its stringent quality standards and engages in collaborative planning to anticipate and mitigate any potential disruptions. As a result, the business can provide confident, consistent results for its clients.
NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK:
COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT THE COMPANY’S CORE VALUES AND HOW THEY ENSURE THE SUCCESS AND LONGEVITY OF ASC?
JEREMY CANTRILL, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT: “Our core values at ASC include integrity, innovation, quality, and teamwork. These values are the foundation of our success and longevity.
“Integrity ensures we maintain the highest ethical standards in all our dealings. Innovation drives us to continuously improve and adopt new technologies. Quality is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring our projects meet the strictest standards. Teamwork fosters a collaborative environment where every team member contributes to our collective success.”
“OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM, ATTENTION TO DETAIL, AND ABILITY TO CUSTOMIZE SOLUTIONS TO MEET SPECIFIC NEEDS FURTHER DISTINGUISHES US WITHIN THE INDUSTRY”
– JEREMY CANTRILL, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, AMERICAN STRUCTURAL CONCRETE
“Open and transparent communication with our partners is essential, helping us address any issues promptly and coordinate effectively,” expands Cantrill.
Additionally, ASC is dedicated to sustainability and working with suppliers who share the same commitment. By prioritizing ecofriendly materials and practices, the company reduces its environmental footprint and supports its clients’ sustainability goals.
“Partnering with innovative
companies allows us to stay at the forefront of the industry, offering advanced materials and technologies that enhance the efficiency, durability, and sustainability of our projects.” By nurturing strong partnerships with suppliers, ASC ensures that it delivers projects on time, within budget, and to the highest degree of quality. These relationships are a cornerstone of the company’s operational strategy and play a critical role in its ability to meet and exceed client expectations.
ASC SERVICES
TRADITIONAL FORM AND TURNKEY FRAME: ASC’s award-winning turnkey frame and formwork projects stand amid the country’s skylines, with its project teams delivering start-to-finish craftsmanship.
HYBRID POST-TENSION STRUCTURES: This construction provides clients with the highest value and all of the benefits of poured-in-place construction but with faster schedules at a competitive up-front price with lower long-term costs.
TILT-UP: This construction method has become one of the most costeffective ways to erect industrial warehouses, manufacturing plants, big box retailers, and more.
INDUSTRIAL: Industrial construction crews tackle the biggest and most specialized projects in the industry. ASC possesses the know-how and versatility to deliver solutions for the most challenging industrial projects.
CONSTRUCTING A CONCRETE FUTURE
As ASC continues to look toward a durable, long-lasting future, it is engaging in more exciting and innovative projects around the Southeast US.
One recently commenced site is the new Jacksonville Shipyards Project - comprising both the Four Seasons Hotel and private residence – in Jacksonville, Florida, which has redefined luxury in the region and features world-class amenities and exceptional design.
“Our role in this prestigious project highlights our capability to deliver high-end, sophisticated structures
that meet the strictest standards of quality and elegance,” prides Cantrill.
Additionally, ASC is currently participating in the Centennial Yards Development in Atlanta, Georgia – one of the largest mixeduse developments in the city that aims to revitalize the area with new residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces.
“Our involvement in this transformative project underscores our commitment to contribute to the urban landscape and support sustainable, community-focused development. This is particularly special to us as it aligns with our vision of creating vibrant, liveable spaces
that benefit the community and promote economic growth.”
Together with its team of fieldexperienced preconstruction managers and operations staff, ASC is excited about the future outlook of projects that are currently in the design stage which will come to fruition in the near future.
In the immediate years ahead, the company is looking to continue to build upon the exceptional abilities of its world-class team by adding personnel and promoting from within. Strengthening its headquarters in Georgia and regional office in North Carolina, as well as strategically introducing additional regional
offices, will allow ASC to increase its project portfolio and form strategic partnerships to enter new markets.
“This strengthening and expansion will enable us to serve a broader client base and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the construction industry,” concludes Cantrill.
Tel: (678) 301-2400
info@americansc.com www.americansc.com
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LEADERS
LEADERS IN BLASTING
Yuri Alexandre, CEO, tells us why Castonguay Blasting is wellpositioned to take on the industry as a leader in drilling and blasting for the mining and construction sectors
Writer: Jack Salter
Project Manager: Lauren Robinson
Being from Quebec, I feel the industry is ours to develop.”
There are many business opportunities in Canada for anyone willing to work hard and be creative, according to Yuri Alexandre, CEO of Castonguay Blasting (Castonguay). Indeed, the country is privileged to be sitting on numerous natural resources and critical minerals strived for by many around the world, now and in the future.
Yuri Alexandre, CEO
“Our advantage, being local, is that we know our environment such as the terrain, weather, culture, and communities. I feel we are well positioned to take on the industry,” affirms Alexandre, who has been with the company for 10 years.
Founded in 1971 in the city of Sherbrooke, the company now offers turnkey drilling and blasting, along with explosives supply and technical services, to the mining and construction sectors, leveraging its 50+ years of experience in the field.
Across its active offices in Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland, and Labrador, as well as South America, Castonguay employs around 300 people who are at the core of the company and commended by Alexandre as some of the best in the industry.
“We have built an internal team of engineers, technicians, and operators that specialize in what we do. This allows us to offer the best
practices and technical approaches to our customers, apply the highest standards, and respect industry laws and regulations,” he informs us.
“Our company has always been good with people, and as a result, we have multiple staff members with a long history at Castonguay. For example, one of our employees celebrated 39 years of loyal service this year!”
SAFETY, RESPECT, QUALITY, AND EXCELLENCE
Complemented by a fleet of 65 drill rigs and bulk explosives delivery equipment adapted to large mining and quarrying appliances, Castonguay fulfills multiple customer demands and delivers high-quality results.
“Our above-average standards and core values of safety, respect, and quality make us leaders in our field,” acclaims Alexandre.
The former is achieved through
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORTS
Active both in Canada and abroad, Castonguay cares about protecting the environment and works hard to preserve it by keeping its impact to a minimum.
To do so, the company favors biodegradable products, prioritizes the use of fuel-efficient equipment, ensures dangerous substances are handled and disposed of efficiently, and complies with dust emission standards, vibration limits, and the control of projections during its drilling and blasting operations.
Operating safely and responsibly is key to the success of Castonguay. Following legislative requirements as well as its own environmental policies, the company ensures the preservation of valuable resources.
Castonguay’s environmental objectives:
• Lower its carbon footprint
• Prevent spills
• Employee awareness training
• Minimize waste
• Efficient use of resources
• Environmental reporting and compliance
• Paperless technologies
rigorous health and safety training and the application of regional government standards and regulations in the workplace, which prevent harm to both employees and surrounding communities.
Castonguay also does its best to keep the use of dangerous substances to a bare minimum, pinpoint and eliminate risks, and respond adequately in case of an emergency or accident.
“We are accountable in regard to safety and production commitments and take a lot of pride in servicing our customers well, being comprehensive, and reacting quickly to their requests,” Alexandre smiles.
Respect is given to employees and clients by offering the best working conditions and solutions, whilst suppliers are likewise respected through honest and fair business transactions.
Quality and excellence,
“OUR CUSTOMERS KNOW THEY CAN DEPEND ON US FOR RELIABLE DRILLING AND BLASTING SERVICES, AND MORE RECENTLY, EXPLOSIVES SUPPLY”
– YURI ALEXANDRE, CEO, CASTONGUAY BLASTING
meanwhile, have been synonymous with Castonguay for over half a century, be it drilling and blasting services or, more recently, explosives supply.
Using proven methods and stateof-the-art equipment, the company offers clients superior quality results, whatever the project type or scope, as well as excellent customer service.
AREAS OF GROWTH
Quebec is a big growth market for Castonguay, who recently signed an agreement in 2020 with US explosives
manufacturer, Austin Powder, to become their exclusive distributor for the province.
Since then, the company has increased its fleet of bulk delivery equipment every year and tackled two turnkey mining contracts, in which it delivers full drilling and blasting services as well as 100 percent of the explosives.
“We also provide these services in the aggregates industry, where we offer both rock-on-ground services as well as direct explosives sales to customers,” Alexandre adds.
CASTONGUAY SERVICES
MINING – In open pit mines, taking advantage of the ore’s grade and avoiding excessive dilution are complex tasks that require the intervention of drilling and blasting experts.
Having worked closely with many mining companies worldwide, Castonguay’s team of specialists has acquired highly specific knowledge in this field.
Combined with one of Canada’s most important equipment fleets, this expertise allows the company to easily adapt to production variations and unpredictable weather conditions.
In short, Castonguay is capable of tackling short timeframes and complex projects, making it a leader in the field of open-pit mining.
QUARRIES – Castonguay always works closely with quarry operators, thus making sure that the material’s fragmentation is appropriate, the quarry is blasted in the most efficient way, and laws and regulations are respected.
Over the years, its methods have been adapted to meet the demand for work near populated areas. The company offers internal technical services and uses technologies such as blasting software, drones, deviation measuring devices, seismographs, and more to monitor blasting activity and ensure every blast is safe and optimized.
CIVIL
ENGINEERING
– Whether it be major hydroelectric projects, construction of mining infrastructure and site leveling, or piping system installations, Castonguay undertakes a wide range of civil engineering works.
To date, these projects have been successful and proven the top-of-line quality of the products and services provided by Castonguay, who plans to continue to grow this portion of the business in the coming years.
“We feel there is a place for us in the market. We are not only an explosives distributor but also an explosives user; we know what the customer needs,” states Alexandre.
Castonguay’s relationships with the likes of Austin Powder, as well as Sandvik and Epiroc for drilling equipment, are based on respect, communication, transparency, and continuous improvement.
“They are our main suppliers and part of our success, and we believe we are a good customer for them.
“The relationships we maintain are extremely important to us. It is also vital to communicate this to employees to ensure a culture of respect and communication is maintained at all levels,” Alexandre emphasizes.
“OUR ADVANTAGE, BEING LOCAL, IS THAT WE KNOW OUR ENVIRONMENT SUCH AS THE TERRAIN, WEATHER, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITIES. I FEEL WE ARE WELL POSITIONED TO TAKE ON THE INDUSTRY”
– YURI ALEXANDRE, CEO, CASTONGUAY BLASTING
SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT
The company recently renewed its fleet of drilling equipment with a significant amount of investment into the latest technologies.
On various customer sites, Castonguay currently operates drills equipped with GPS positioning technology, remote operation capabilities, autonomous functions, and pressurized cabins.
This, along with a fleet of exclusive drilling rigs built in-house, allows Castonguay to access rough terrain and still be capable of drilling large diameters using down-the-hole technology.
These rigs are mainly used for the development phases of mining projects where accessibility is a
challenge and ore dilution is critical.
“We will keep investing in explosives delivery equipment, drilling rigs with the latest technologies, and our company culture to attract and retain top talent,” Alexandre tells us.
Developing and improving the business with top talent and equipment is Castonguay’s key priority for the rest of 2024 and beyond.
“We want to add more explosives delivery equipment to our fleet in order to grow in this sector. We also look forward to mastering new technologies and using them to their full potential; our goal is to stay ahead in our industry and benefit our customers,” he concludes.
In doing so, Castonguay will need to find ways to be cost-effective
and keep the industry profitable as it contends with high inflation and increasing operating and capital expenses.
Tel: 705 693-3887
Fax: 705 693-3854
castonguay.ca
7/24
Covering
EVERY GRAIN COUNTS
Superior Silica Sands, a leading supplier of high-quality products for the industrial and energy sectors, is dedicated vision to provide efficient, cost-effective industry solutions.
Billy Ray Smith, CCO, and Stefan Hochegger, CFO, tell us
Writer:
Lily Sawyer | Project Manager: Lauren Robinson
GRAIN
sand dedicated to its solutions. us more
The sand mining industry in North America is currently experiencing a transformative period marked by innovation and sustainability.
As such, it emerges as a stimulating trade environment with rising trends that focus on digital transformation, automation, and environmental stewardship.
“Companies are increasingly adopting advanced technologies to enhance their efficiency and reduce environmental impacts,” introduces Billy Ray Smith, CCO of Superior Silica Sands (SSS).
Over the years, SSS has garnered attention for its diverse range of high-quality sand products, alongside its dedication to customer service excellence and innovative industry solutions.
The company’s primary asset is a sand mining facility near San Antonio, Texas, from which it operates two state-of-the-art sand plants.
The industrial plant provides a wide range of products for use in the construction, sports, and industrial (CSI) market segments, equating to over one million tons (t) of sand per year.
The second plant is SSS’s Frac Sand Division, which provides highquality mesh sands for horizontal hydraulic fracturing applications and vertical wells for the Eagleford formation.
Today, the Frac Sand Division has an annual output of around 3 million t and has the capacity to load-out 15,000 t of sand daily.
Stefan Hochegger, CFO of SSS, is motivated by a long-standing belief that the sand mining industry is not merely about extracting resources but contributing to a larger mission of bettering human lives.
As SSS’s burgeoning success in the ever-expanding US energy sector continues to be felt, this belief is undeniably becoming a reality.
KEY PRODUCT OFFERINGS
As the US industrial and energy sectors evolve, the demand for innovative and reliable solutions grows.
“At SSS, the work we do in mining is fundamental to this progress, supplying essential materials that drive innovation and development,” Hochegger states.
In its provision of sands for the CSI and oil and gas industries, SSS’s product diversity is keenly felt.
“Our extensive portfolio of construction sand includes brick and block, stucco, cement, roofing, masonry, ready-mix, specialty, and all-purpose,” Smith details.
The company’s industrial sands provide material for glass, foundry, and filtration, whilst its sports sand products are often used on golf courses, artificial turfs, and volleyball courts.
“SSS is the leading supplier of construction and topdressing sand for the US Golf Association (USGA) in Texas, having completed over 300 courses in the last 10 years alone,” he prides.
In addition, the company is able to customize and blend its standard sand products to create a unique and individually tailored product – an unusual and competitive advantage.
NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY?
Billy Ray Smith, CCO: “I have been involved in the energy industry in one way or another my whole life. My initial exposure was through my father, who managed a small oil field service company that supplied trucking and workover rigs to the Permian Basin. I was fascinated by the size and scale of the equipment, and that fascination has never left me.
“After obtaining my degree in petroleum engineering from Texas Tech University, I started my career as a field engineer for the oil field services company, Halliburton. I experienced the highs and lows of the energy business very quickly and, over the course of the next 30 years, developed some very meaningful relationships.
“These relationships afforded me the opportunity to move farther upstream in the supply chain, which brought me to the mining sector about eight years ago. The mining world is not just about advanced equipment – it plays a pivotal role in enabling energy independence in the US.”
MINING FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
In recent years, the US mining industry’s role in supporting widespread national energy independence cannot be overstated.
“By ensuring a stable and reliable supply of critical minerals, SSS empowers the US to develop its energy resources more efficiently and sustainably,” Smith outlines.
Motivated by its desire to contribute to national energy independence, SSS’s provision of raw materials for domestic energy production reduces the country’s reliance on foreign energy sources and minimizes associated geopolitical tensions.
“Energy independence not only strengthens our economy but
enhances our national security by reducing the need for military engagements overseas to secure energy supplies,” Hochegger adds.
Having spent the last decade working in companies that support the oil and gas industries, Hochegger has cultivated a profound appreciation for the critical role energy plays in modern society.
“Over the years, I have witnessed first-hand how energy contributes to economic growth, technological advancement, and community development,” he emphasizes.
By supporting energy independence, SSS hopes to create a foundation for technological innovation and community development to offer a more secure future for all.
TEAMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
Just as diverse as SSS’s product offerings is its client base, which ranges from oil and gas majors and concrete ready-mix companies down to a small nursery plant shop on the north side of San Antonio.
In addition, an efficient and dedicated team instills a sense of quality and care into every facet of the company, something Smith believes sets SSS apart from the competition.
“Our biggest asset is our people –a team of around 125 professionals who are committed to excellence in both service and sustainability,” Smith confirms.
Furthermore, SSS’s dedication to continuous improvement and innovation ensures that it remains at
the forefront of the industry, always striving to exceed expectations and contribute positively to society.
By investing in cutting-edge technologies, the company seeks to produce the highest quality products with minimal waste.
“In short, people and processes are our key differentiators,” he surmises.
Whilst its team and technologies provide a robust foundation for SSS’s success, its supply chain operations are equally integral.
“We place great importance on building strong, collaborative relationships with our partners and suppliers,” Smith divulges.
SSS’s supplier relationships are based on trust, transparency, and shared values.
By working closely with its suppliers, the company is able to ensure the consistent quality and timely delivery of materials which, in turn, allows it to meet the needs of clients.
NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK:
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY?
Stefan Hochegger, CFO: “I have spent the last decade working in companies that support the oil and gas industry, where I have gained a deep appreciation for the critical role energy plays in our economy and national security. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand how energy contributes to economic development, technological advancement, and community growth.
“One of the key reasons I became interested in the mining industry is its direct impact on achieving energy independence for the United States. By supporting energy independence and driving economic growth, we create a foundation for technological innovation and community development.”
PEI-FAB, LLC has a reputation for excellence in safety, craftsmanship, and quality control. PEI-FAB services include in-house fabrication, engineering, new construction, plant modifications, and maintenance support. We understand the importance of our customers’ operations, and will work diligently to minimize downtime on all projects. PEI-FAB works closely with our vendors, having established solid relationships in many aspects of our industry. PEI-FAB has been in business since 2018.
Safety is our first priority in all aspects. PEI-FAB’s team members are our most valuable assets.
www.northamericaoutlookmag.com/work-with-us
“WE PLACE GREAT IMPORTANCE ON BUILDING STRONG, COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR PARTNERS AND SUPPLIERS”
personal safety and well-being in a small community we serve,” Smith divulges.
SSS provides this community support through one of its largest customers, demonstrating how many of the company’s customer relations and CSR responsibilities are intrinsically linked.
our employees grow and achieve their full potential,” he reveals.
The company culture at SSS is one of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration, in which every team member is encouraged to share ideas and take the initiative.
– BILLY RAY SMITH, CCO, SUPERIOR SILICA
SANDS
SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE
Within the mining industry, a strong emphasis on community engagement seeks to ensure that operations contribute positively to local economies and livelihoods.
As such, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is at the heart of SSS’s operations.
Not only does it engage in conservation initiatives at the plant, such as the preservation of on-site vegetation and water, but it is also actively involved in initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life in local communities.
“For example, we have been supporting a program that promotes
In addition, SSS maintains that people are the cornerstone of its success.
As such, it is deeply committed to empowering its people and recognizing their important contributions.
“We invest in continuous training and development programs to help
TODAY’S SUCCESS, TOMORROW’S EXPANSION
SSS’s dedication to innovation and continuous improvement is tantamount to its success.
“We believe that staying ahead of industry trends and constantly seeking new ways to improve our processes and products is crucial,” Smith outlines.
SSS’S MISSION, VISION, AND COMMITMENT
MISSION: To use its entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality, reliability, service, and integrity to be the most trusted supplier in the industrial and energy industries.
VISION: To provide customers with the most efficient, costeffective solutions for growing their business while providing a safe, stable, and rewarding work environment for employees.
COMMITMENT:
• To deliver the highest quality sand products at great value.
• To consistently deliver the highest level of customer service.
• To respond immediately to issues.
• To build long-term relationships with reliable, dependable people.
• To remain a trusted partner to its clients with the highest ethical standards.
In this way, the company has spent the past two years increasing its throughput capabilities and its ability to generate fit-for-purpose blends.
“We increased our throughput by more than 50 percent, which has allowed us to focus multiple sales channels simultaneously,” he discloses.
Additionally, in terms of utilizing fitfor-purpose blends, SSS has identified the glass, foundry, and filtration markets in the US and Mexico as an area of growth.
“Mexico is one of the largest glass manufacturers in the world,” Smith points out.
In the coming year, the company’s key priorities include further expanding its operational capabilities, continuing to build a strong employee base, and providing best-in-class, quality products and services.
Another of the company’s unique goals is to emerge as the most interesting and valued workplace in San Antonio.
“With our growing leadership development program, alongside our reputable interaction with both employees and customers, I believe we’re well on the way to achieving this,” he concludes.
AT THE CUTTING ENERGY
EDGE OF ENERGY
Within an industry landscape that increasingly favors renewable energy options, Rising Edge Group, a major contributor to green energy infrastructure across North emerges as a force to be reckoned with. President, Jason King, outlines his company’s burgeoning success
As the world’s energy sector continues to evolve, industry players face both challenges and opportunities in the widespread push towards green energy.
While undertaking significant work to implement effective, sustainable electrical infrastructure, utilities across North America are expected to maintain or even improve the reliability of power.
One such company that has become increasingly aware of its role in the green energy evolution is Rising Edge Group (Rising Edge), a high-voltage electrical contractor providing full-scale engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) solutions within the energy industry.
Founded in 2002, the business has been in operation for over 21 years, initially providing commissioning and testing services for major utility clients in Alberta, Canada such as ATCO Energy, AltaLink Management LP, EnMax, and more.
“As we developed, our toptier commissioning and testing services quickly confirmed our status as a competent, qualified, and knowledgeable contractor,” introduces President, Jason King.
This led to the company’s clients supporting its growth to include additional substation-related services like EPC.
Facilitated by its burgeoning success, Rising Edge expanded its service territory from the west coast of Canada to the east before beginning to serve locations in the US.
Having grown from only a small handful of employees to a 500-strong team of professionals, Rising Edge currently boasts locations across North America, including Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, St. John’s, Labrador City, Fredericton, Newport Beach, and Raleigh.
Providing unparalleled client services and solutions to assist in the fortification of high-voltage electrical infrastructure in North America, the
company is founded on the principles of client-centric solutions, exceptional customer service, and a robust safety culture.
“At Rising Edge, we continue to lead and grow our organizations with these principles at the forefront of every decision we make,” King proudly adds.
A COMPETITIVE EDGE
Rising Edge’s clientele today consists of large-scale utilities, renewable energy developers, oil and gas operators, and industrial customers. These include, but are not limited to, Southern California Edison (SCE), Berkshire Hathaway, AltaLink Management LP, Newfoundland and
Labrador Hydro (NL Hydro), RES, NextEra Energy, Suncor, Mosaic, and Iron Ore Company of Canada.
To effectively serve its clients, Rising Edge’s vast plethora of services includes EPC for highvoltage electrical assets, substations, and transmission and distribution networks. It also provides facility maintenance and turnarounds, panel fabrication, e-house manufacturing, and grid fortification.
“Our competitive edge is felt through the efficiency of our integrated processes and applications, which directly impact a project’s execution and lifecycle,” King prides.
Rising Edge recognizes that each
NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN THE ENERGY AND UTILITIES INDUSTRY?
Jason King, President: “I am a mechanical engineer with over 20 years of experience in the utilities industry, having begun my career with a local utility on the east coast of Canada after graduating from university.
project must be accurately planned, scheduled, resourced, managed, tracked, and documented, which is critical for completion and meeting client standards and specifications.
“Ensuring we meet their contractual obligations by providing complete, on-time, and on-budget services is paramount,” he emphasizes.
Other competitive advantages that set the company apart include its integrated systems, robust safety and quality program, and consistent project management cycle.
“Our integrated systems give clients the ability to analyze and assess a project throughout its lifecycle by yielding real-time data outputs that accurately display the actual cost of a project in its initial stages, when under construction, and when forecast for completion,” King reveals.
This can be attributed to the integration of advanced software and programs that interact to provide an efficient flow of data.
“I spent the first 14 years of my career in client-facing roles, gaining a unique perspective of the industry and supporting local communities in the province
“This is where my passion grew – finding positive solutions for an ever-growing sector that required
“I joined Rising Edge’s Atlantic operations as Division Manager in 2018 to help develop the company’s footprint in Atlantic Canada and cement it as a coast-to-coast business.
“The reason I joined this field is down to it being a dynamic, fast-paced environment where no two
“I love the challenge of being part of the solution, adapting to the ever-increasing demands of our energy infrastructure, incorporating greener energy, and pushing towards an environmentally-friendly system that is reliable and
Safety is equally at the core of Rising Edge and entrenched in its culture, as evidenced by the organization’s exceptional, longestablished track record of safely delivering projects that comply with regulatory requirements and meet client expectations.
“This is managed through a robust quality program that houses a large library of procedures and best practices where all work is inspected and approved against our internal standards,” he details.
In addition, Rising Edge understands that every project is unique and presents different challenges; ensuring the project lifecycle is consistent, repeatable, and flexible is therefore crucial to its successful management.
As such, the company has developed a unique proprietary software application that standardizes project management for maximum efficiency.
“OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE IS FELT THROUGH THE EFFICIENCY OF OUR INTEGRATED PROCESSES AND APPLICATIONS, WHICH DIRECTLY IMPACT A PROJECT’S EXECUTION AND LIFECYCLE”
– JASON KING, PRESIDENT, RISING EDGE GROUP
A RENEWABLE REVOLUTION
As North America witnesses a considerable evolution in renewable energy, King notes the responsibilities that utilities and contractors have in effectively implementing green infrastructure.
“Renewable energy is rapidly changing everything, from the way we generate power to the way we operate the grid. As such, there is a lot of work to be done and I firmly believe that all players within the industry are up for the challenge.”
King outlines how the energy sector requires contractors to execute projects within wind, solar, and battery electrical storage systems (BESS) and connect new energy
solutions to the grid.
He also points out how additional contractors will be required to support anticipated grid upgrades, which will ensure it can handle new forms of energy.
“The responsibility is not just on the contractors – suppliers are also needed to manufacture critical equipment while utility companies must understand how to operate the grid with new inputs and upgraded systems,” he adds.
The list of parties that support the widespread implementation of renewable energy is endless, and the industry is therefore actively innovating and improving its products, services, and solutions in response.
However, despite the numerous benefits provided by renewables, they also present a degree of uncertainty due to the inability to control sources such as wind or solar power.
Additionally, given the geographic location of many renewable energy sources, extensive transmission lines will be required to transport energy, while back-up generation from combustion sources will be required to provide a consistent supply during periods of increased consumption.
To address this, and present solutions to overcome the potential barriers of widespread renewables usage, the global energy sector is developing new storage ideas, batteries, hydro pumps, and hydrogen capabilities.
“The rapid advancement of renewable energy technologies is driving innovation, economic growth, and creating new job opportunities,” King excites.
Telecommunications Solutions to Meet All Your Needs
Proudly offering a full range of telecommunications services to the utilities industry in Western Canada, primarily Alberta, Utilicom Technologies Ltd. is comprised of experienced and dedicated professionals ready to help you with your next project
With over 70 years of combined experience providing telecommunications (telecoms) solutions in the utilities industry, Utilicom Technologies Ltd. (Utilicom) is a premier go-to provider for all of your installation, commissioning, and maintenance needs.
Offering comprehensive infrastructure analysis and communications solutions that are tailored to meet or surpass your requirements, Utilicom proudly provides a vast range of telecoms services.
The company’s team of knowledgeable industry experts work in unison to provide diverse clients with the solutions they need, no matter how extensive or demanding.
This hard work, commitment to excellence, and customer service focus is what our customers have come to expect and why they choose to continue to work with us on their many projects.
Our ability to provide cost-effective, hassle-free solutions is due to the team’s fantastic attitude and our mission to provide the best quality installation and service possible.
Within Utilicom, we have offices in Calgary and Sherwood Park, allowing us to respond to our clients’ projects anywhere in the province of Alberta. Additionally, we have the capacity to engage in telecoms projects in British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
We pride ourselves on our extensive history of providing our clients with highquality, reliable, and innovative telecoms solutions, allowing them to be confident in the fact that they are in safe and trusted hands.
COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE UTILITY INDUSTRY
As a provider for the utility industry, we
“Our team is comprised of a knowledgeable group of individuals who work in unison to provide our clients the solution they require”
– Utilicom Technologies Ltd.
install, commission, and maintain all types of telecoms equipment.
Specifically, we offer a variety of different services, including project management, construction and installation, testing and commissioning, project supervision and acceptance, product procurement, service and maintenance contracts, network engineering, substation telecoms, voice networks, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) networks, fiber optics, wireless access, microwave radio links, and DC systems.
Additionally, we are a licensed dealer for two-way Hytera DMR radios that combine a rich heritage with cutting-edge R&D, built to perform and last a lifetime. We also operate Utilinet, a wide-area IP-linked radio network Hytera XPT 3 frequency, six-channel system in Calgary and multiple sites in Southern Alberta.
“Our commitment to excellence and customer service focus is what our clients have come to expect and why they continue to work with us on their projects”
– Utilicom Technologies Ltd.
Utilinet radio coverage 2024
What do customers have to say
about Utilicom’s services?
“I must bring to your attention the exceptional quality of the telecoms equipment installation work recently completed by Utilicom at 138s Windy Flats and 266s Series Capacitor.
“The racks were originally wired by our R&S subcontractor and were, by my evaluation, acceptable and ready for installation.
Utilicom took the racked gear, added value in the way the R&S sub-cabling was adjusted on the racks, and went above acceptable standards for inter-rack cabling.
“I was honestly taken aback by the neatness and quality of the installation work at 266s Series Capacitor. I would highly recommend having the SNC telecoms engineers go to these sites and review the work, take photos, and inspect the attention to detail and workmanship that can be produced.
“I want to commend Utilicom for such high-quality work. Utilicom makes SNC-Lavalin look good.”
“As a project manager who has used Utilicom on many projects, I can say they offer a service that is at the top of what I’ve seen in the industry. They offer extensive experience and are able to solve complex problems when presented. They are dependable, flexible, and have been able to meet project deadlines even when facing tight timelines or schedule changes. They display a quality of work and professionalism, allowing me to rest assured that their project scope is getting done on time and right the first time.” Terry McCreadie, Rising Edge Group
“Spark Power has been using Utilicom as the sole service provider for the telecom scope execution of our utility projects.
“I had the opportunity to work with Utilicom and the team on multiple projects. The company has always provided excellent service and supported other functions while accommodating project constraints.
“Utilicom’s attention to detail, along with excellent documentation, really stands out in making our customers satisfied. I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for Utilicom’s great partnership and service in executing our utility project.” Ganga Ramaiah, Spark Power
“Utilicom Technologies is a top-notch company to collaborate with. Their commitment to excellence, innovative solutions, and professionalism make them a pleasure to work alongside. With Utilicom, you can expect timely communication, reliable support, and dedication to meeting your needs effectively. Their expertise in technology solutions ensures that projects are delivered with precision and efficiency, making them an ideal partner for any business endeavor. Not only do Utilicom technologies excel in quality and service, but they also offer competitive pricing. Their commitment to delivering value ensures that you get the most out of your investment. With Utilicom you can trust you’re receiving high quality solutions at a reasonable cost, making them an excellent choice for any project.”
With Utilicom’s vast experience base as a team, alongside our complementary skills, we are able to confidently and reliably provide the best solutions for clients.
The Utilicom team is comprised of hardworking and dedicated people who boast a wide variety of technical backgrounds and years of expertise within the industry. Having dealt with a wide range of equipment used by the utility sector, we have experience with radio communications, including microwave, fiber optics communications, and support
services such as DC power source units, remote monitoring, and alarming.
Additionally, Utilicom is capable of splicing, testing, and troubleshooting OPGW and AD fiber cables for utilities and private networks, including MPLS and DWDM. Recently, we have introduced the Mimomax Tornado family, consisting of the Tornado, Tornado X, and Tornado XR, which help enable connectivity to people and critical infrastructure. The Mimomax Ubiik products offer a wide area of Licensed and unlicensed private LTE networks.
Utilicom also offers Cambium Networks products in point-to-point and multipoint wireless products in all spectrums. These products provide rapid control and feedback for SCADA networks and meet the exacting standards required for critical voice backhaul, ultimately bringing peace of mind to mission-critical communications customers.
If you are looking for comprehensive infrastructure analysis and communications solutions tailored to exceed your needs, contact Utilicom today!
Brent Lauman, TC Infrastructure Ltd.
COMMUNICATIONS
As Rising Edge continues to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, it is not only playing a role in building a cleaner and more sustainable future but also ensuring the longterm viability and resilience of North America’s energy systems.
STAFF AT THE CENTER
Rising Edge’s motto is ‘our people are the business’.
With 500 active members and counting, each therefore plays an integral role in contributing to the company’s success.
“We don’t sell gadgets or goods; we sell our service, which places importance on the people at the core of our business,” King asserts.
The staff at Rising Edge are empowered by the knowledge that their work directly contributes to the success of the organization. Each team member cultivates a sense of personal responsibility to participate, solve problems, communicate, and always seek ways to improve.
“Our people have a clear direction for their roles and responsibilities, and we ensure they are provided with all the tools, knowledge, and support required to be successful.”
Furthermore, leaders at every level of the company are empowered to improve processes, innovate design, and continuously adapt to offer a better service.
“Our highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce provides the best high-voltage services in the industry,” he prides.
Led by management staff with direct field experience and deeprooted knowledge of Rising Edge’s internal practices and processes, the company collaboratively provides the highest quality workmanship.
Importantly, all Rising Edge personnel are trained, assessed, and certificated to conduct the tasks associated with their position.
“With over 20 years of industry knowledge and experience, we ensure
IN-HOUSE SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
As part of its corporate services offering, Rising Edge supports clients within its supply chain by procuring critical assets, from transformers and switchgears to medium-voltage collection cables and basic nuts and bolts.
Where required, the company’s procurement team strategizes, plans, and executes equipment and materials purchases to facilitate project execution schedules while meeting the specifications of every item purchased.
The benefits of having an in-house supplier management program include:
QUALITY CONTROL – Greater control over the quality of materials purchased enables Rising Edge to meet client and project requirements by establishing robust standards guided by industry best practices.
IMPROVED COMMUNICATION – Direct, uninterrupted, and easy communication channels between engineering, field, estimating, and project management teams allow for continuous improvements to be implemented on every project, which helps cultivate a solutions-based approach to reduce potential risks.
RISK MANAGEMENT – Better management of the risks associated with supply chains through proactive strategies, such as bulk ordering materials with long lead times, purchasing materials far ahead of project execution, and finding alternative suppliers.
COST SAVINGS – Rising Edge’s in-house procurement team means it can negotiate better pricing, terms, and conditions. This results in improved efficiencies and reduced overhead costs, which translates to more value-driven projects to provide clients with additional savings.
EMA Electromechanics is an MV and HV circuit breakers manufacturer based in the United States and Argentina. In the US, we manufacture in the US of the high-speed GROUNDING BREAKER, a patented technology created to mitigate ISLANDING OVERVOLTAGE in the MV collection circuits of renewable generation facilities. In wind, solar and BESS facilities, during a line-to-ground fault or a load rejection, the MV collection circuit may be islanded with one or more inverters connected in order to commit to the voltage ride-through (NERC PRC-024), creating undesired overvoltages. The Inverters’ islanding detection method (IDM) might misoperate, remaining connected for some cycles, putting cable insulation, cable splices and surge arresters at risk.
The high-speed grounding breaker provides the fastest and clearest shut down signal to all inverters at the same time, avoiding unnecessary ridethrough and undesired over voltages, being a reliable protection against TOVs and trapped charge in cables. EMA offers 38kV vacuum grounding breakers and conventional circuit breakers for outdoor applications up to 3,000 Amps.
that all personnel who continue to work with us gain experience, expertise, knowledge, and skills that are unattainable elsewhere in the marketplace,” King divulges.
To reward their hard work, the company recognizes staff contributions through various means, from personal recognition to a ‘Nectar points system’, career development opportunities, and end-of-year profitsharing bonuses, amongst others.
way it conducts its operations and executes projects.
“We firmly believe in making a positive impact on the communities and environments in which we operate,” King confirms.
For example, Rising Edge’s dedicated health and safety program ensures the well-being of employees, clients, and communities.
The company focuses on safety in all aspects of its operations and implements strong protocols
footprint and reducing its impact on the locations where it operates.
“We adhere to sustainable practices and take mitigation measures to prevent negative environmental impacts.”
Rising Edge’s corporate social responsibilities involve actively engaging with local communities, organizations, and events. The company ‘gives back’ by employing local residents, investing in colleges and universities, making charitable donations, and volunteering.
Its ethical practices include conducting each project with the highest standards and acting with integrity and accountability in every aspect.
From Concept to Completion
Establised in 1976, Bow Ridge Steel Fabrication is a family-owned and operated company, now proudly in its third generation. We are dedicated to understanding and fulfilling our clients’ needs throughout every project phase.
Bow Ridge Steel Fabrication has the versatility to take on projects of all scales, functioning as a fabricator, designer, engineer, project manager, or construction manager. Our group of companies provides comprehensive services and expertise, ensuring that we meet and exceed our clients’ requirements and expectations.
www.bowridgefab.ca
Our business ethos is grounded in three core principles: - Safety - Quality - Schedule
www.northamericaoutlookmag.com/work-with-us
“We adhere to all relevant laws and regulations while promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the business and maintaining open and honest communication with our stakeholders,” King explains.
PROJECTS AND BEYOND
A major part of its project portfolio, Rising Edge is currently executing three wind farms in Alberta which have the potential to be secured imminently.
The first site, a 136 megawatt (MW) facility that includes a total of 22 wind turbine generators, is located near Whitla.
“For this project, we are executing the EPC of a 138/34.5 kilovolt (kV) collector substation and 44 kilometers (km) of 34.5kV underground collector systems. We anticipate reaching project completion this year, and we’re making great progress on both elements,” King confirms.
The second solar farm project
near Bow Island aims to connect an existing wind farm, currently generating 300MW, to the utility’s proposed substation.
It seeks to support a tie-in of renewable energy with the electrical grid, through which Rising Edge is responsible for the EPC of a 240/34.5kV collector substation.
“This project is nearly complete and is currently at the closeout stage for commissioning tests, quality inspections, and contract reviews.”
Rising Edge’s third wind farm project, although not located in Alberta, utilizes the province’s resources to support and execute the work. Located near Kipling, Saskatchewan, the project is developing a 200MW wind power facility.
Rising Edge’s involvement includes installing 106km of collector systems to 36 wind turbines, the EPC of a 230/34.5kV substation, material management, underground utility
Specialty Fabrication in Calgary
crossings, splicing and terminations, and testing and commissioning.
In addition, Rising Edge is participating in another large-scale solar project - a 93MW solar farm located near Drumheller.
“We are providing EPC services for the solar facility, including control building fabrication and utility connections to three 25kV lines,” King surmises.
A BRIGHT FUTURE
Amidst a stimulating industry landscape, Rising Edge cites the widespread push towards sustainable innovation as a source of increased opportunity. As a major industry player, it anticipates a bright future.
“Given our rapid movement within the renewable energy industry, it’s hard to pinpoint any one project that
RISING EDGE DIVISIONS – AT A GLANCE
Rising Edge operates under a group of companies, each specializing in a specific discipline and located strategically across North America. The divisions are broken down as follows:
1. ALBERTA – Providing a full service offering for the province of Alberta and neighboring territories such as British Columbia and the Yukon.
2. SASKATCHEWAN – Supplying the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
3. ATLANTIC – Offering services in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, with plans to expand into neighboring provinces.
4. CALIFORNIA – The company’s first US-established operation provides full energy services in California with additional union support for neighboring states.
5. HIGH-VOLTAGE SOLUTIONS – Rising Edge’s latest division in North Carolina serves clients’ high-voltage needs.
6. ENGINEERING – Based in Alberta, this division exclusively provides engineering services to the company’s sister sites. Licensed and registered in various provinces and states, it can support any client or project regardless of location.
Each division has a unique balance of customizable client approaches based on geographical differences and needs, while maintaining a consistent project execution strategy.
Given Rising Edge’s existing reputation for excellence and its burgeoning presence in the renewable energy sector, the industry can certainly anticipate an electrifying future. truly excites us – they all do,” King fondly reflects.
Continuing to fulfill its reputation as a client-centric and solutions-based organization, the company’s projects, ranging from commissioning tests to full-scale EPC wind farms, are all undertaken with the utmost care and attention to detail.
In addition, as obtaining more large-scale renewable projects in the US becomes an increasingly attractive prospect, Rising Edge is on track to secure further US contracts for 2024 and beyond.
Looking to the future, it is focused on a number of key objectives, such as supporting and growing its existing relationships with clients in both the utilities and renewables spaces.
“Over the past year, we have hired a Vice President (VP) for our operations in Eastern Canada to assist our mandate to expand in the area,” he outlines.
Since the appointment, Rising Edge has established a third office in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and continued to grow its presence in Atlantic Canada while also entering Ontario.
“Another priority is growing our footprint in the US. As we currently base our operations out of California and North Carolina, we aim to have a third office open by the end of the year and have hired a VP for our US operations to support this growth,” King concludes.
Tel: +1-403-202-8751 risingedgegroup.com
NAVIGATING THE ENERGY TRANSITION RESPONSIBLY
Rooted in its values of creativity, excellence, and humanity, Chaberton Energy is dedicated to creating sustainable, renewable energy solutions. We discuss navigating the energy transition while remaining socially responsible with Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer, Erica Brinker
Writer: Ed Budds
Project Manager: Kierron Rose
With the ever-increasing concerns over climate change, the energy transition has become a major area of emphasis for policymakers, businesses, and world leaders. As a result, the renewable energy industry has grown and become more critical to global infrastructure than ever.
In light of this evolving landscape, Chaberton Energy (Chaberton) has been on the front lines of numerous trends sweeping the US energy industry.
There has never been more interest in and demand for community and commercial solar power, which has contributed to the incredible growth that Chaberton has witnessed in the last four years since its inception in 2020.
Headquartered in Maryland, the employee-owned public benefit corporation is focused on developing sustainable infrastructure and renewable projects to enable the transition to clean energy, reduce pollution, and provide economic benefits to residents and businesses.
“Our work ranges from site
conception to full operations, emphasizing distributed energy, community solar, and commercial and industrial initiatives,” says Erica Brinker, Chief Commercial and Sustainability Officer at Chaberton.
“We are primarily a community and commercial solar project developer. We work with companies looking to deploy solar on their property to save money and meet their sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. On the landowner side, we enable consumers to generate revenue for their property while supporting their fellow
neighbors. Locally generated energy helps both the landowner and the surrounding community save money on their utility bills and often helps support low to moderate-income families,” she shares.
In January 2024, Chaberton reached an important milestone of 100 solar energy sites under contract in less than four years and now boasts a pipeline of 1.5 gigawatts (GW) in active opportunities.
Today, the company is present in Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Illinois, New Mexico, and several other states across the US, as well as Italy.
Chaberton executive team - May 2024
“AS A FAST-GROWING AND RELATIVELY NEW SOLAR DEVELOPER, WE HAVE BEEN SO PLEASED TO WATCH OUR PROJECT PORTFOLIO AND TEAM GROW”
– ERICA BRINKER, CHIEF COMMERCIAL AND SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER, CHABERTON ENERGY
Chaberton works in harmony with the communities where the company deploys its projects and is proud of its approach, which deeply values the people who make these projects possible, including employees, landowners, neighbors, customers, and partners.
NAVIGATING INDUSTRY CHANGE
Companies with ESG or sustainability goals are looking for ways to decarbonize, and Chaberton is on hand to help them meet their targets. However, meeting targets isn’t always as easy as it might seem. There are many obstacles to making solar happen, including the challenges associated with building out the utility grid and interconnection to the electrical infrastructure.
“The issues we see with interconnection threaten to delay the energy transition due to the complexity of the work required to make these projects happen. Chaberton thrives on the complications associated with the work, and we have developed skills to manage the headwinds that often pop up during project development. While we would ultimately like to see the interconnection processes become more streamlined and simplified, these challenges have also resulted in our development of a community impact team that works side-by-side with the local leaders and residents to drive projects to the finish line that are cost-effective and in line with community priorities.”
“In our business, it is important that we partner with utility
companies to find the best solutions to bring projects online in the most efficient way,” Brinker sets out.
Chaberton thrives at systematically addressing complicated challenges and partnering with stakeholders to solve problems together.
“I got my start in the solar industry on the utility-scale side, where you can practically develop projects anywhere in the world. In joining Chaberton, what surprised me the most is that every state and utility has its own unique requirements. In about half of the states, there aren’t even community solar programs yet, which leaves a lot of room for opportunity. For the states that do have policy and regulation, the programs are as different as the states they are in,” she explains.
Habitat for Humanity program
CHABERTON IN NUMBERS
FOUNDED IN 2020
The company is now four years old and was founded by Stefano Ratti, Senake Gajamera, and Mike Doniger.
700+ MW DIRECT CURRENT (MWDC) UNDER SITE CONTROL
Focused on high-value community solar and select commercial and industrial offerings, Chaberton has secured site control on over 650 MWdc and growing.
100+ PROJECTS
In early 2024, Chaberton reached 100 projects under site control, an incredible accomplishment in just four years of business.
1.5GW
Chaberton is working through a development pipeline of nearly 1.5GW of opportunities under assessment or negotiation.
Counties and municipalities can also have an impact on whether community solar is possible, as it requires developers like Chaberton to quickly become experts in the ways to do business in any given location. Furthermore, this makes the lead time to project completion long and fraught with complication.
“My hope for the industry is that we find ways to make interconnection to the utility grid easier so we can bring more solar to markets quicker.”
PROUDLY SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is something that Chaberton takes extremely seriously. The company firmly believes that the way it does business and how it thinks about its impact is integral to everything it does.
“If you look at our portfolio of projects, virtually all of them feature pollinator habitats, which help restore bee and bird populations and increase the biodiversity of surrounding farms. For our businessto-business customers, we help them to decarbonize by deploying solar in their own operations,” Brinker tells us.
Chaberton’s thoughtful approach to projects extends to engaging with community members, policymakers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the company is meaningfully addressing their concerns.
“We work to understand community priorities so that projects create value. This extends to our Chaberton Cares program, where we provide direct benefits to the communities we serve by funding local non-profit organizations. For every megawatt (MW) of new community solar capacity we develop, the program provides $5,000 in funding for local organizations,” Brinker states.
Elsewhere, even in its project design capabilities, Chaberton endeavors to make meaningful improvements to the way the industry thinks about deploying renewable energy to the grid. This is where the company’s in-house engineering experts drive major impact to solar projects.
“With the same amount of land, we are able to design projects with up to 20 percent more productivity. We have a world-class engineering team that optimizes projects using proprietary software; this maximizes project returns and enhances environmental benefits.”
FUTURE PRIORITIES
Chaberton’s priorities for the next year are to continue to grow its pipeline, while simultaneously getting new projects over the finish line.
“We expect to continue our growth in both the community and commercial sides of our business. As solar has become more recognized as a viable energy solution, we will continue to expand, whether through new markets or new capabilities. We are always thinking of ways to diversify what we do,” Brinker tells us.
“As a fast-growing and relatively new solar developer, we have been so pleased to watch our project portfolio and team grow. Our team
We proudly support Erica Brinker and Chaberton Energy in their commitment to bring renewable energy projects to local communities.
troutman.com
Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP
CHABERTON MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES
MISSION – To deploy best-in-class clean energy projects that create opportunities for the company’s communities and stakeholders.
VISION – A future powered by clean energy, with equitable participation and opportunities for all.
VALUES – Creativity, excellence, and humanity.
of Chabertonians are second to none in this industry. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without our team of experts who are passionate about creating more opportunities for generating clean energy,” she says. Another priority for the company is to continue to push for favorable
www.northamericaoutlookmag.com/work-with-us
policies for business-to-business commercial development and community solar.
State policies are critical to the success of community solar, with the likes of Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Illinois adopting favorable policies that can help it grow. As such, many of these policies incorporate requirements that projects are built in low and moderate-income communities.
More broadly, as Chaberton continues to work to curb greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change, it must also think about what the clean energy transition means for society at large. Evidently, producing clean energy equitably in a socially responsible way is essential to the success of the energy transition.
“Chaberton is growing at a rapid pace, and it often feels as though we are building the plane as we are flying it. In this highly entrepreneurial environment, I get to be creative in
problem solving, wear many hats, and develop an incredible team to drive to our goals. The role here feels like the perfect confluence of being purpose driven, meaningful, and challenging,” Brinker concludes.
“The future is bright for solar and the broader renewable energy sector, and I am so proud to be a part of it.”
The global resource for supply chain professionals and organizations
Building on the global success of our regional titles – EME Outlook, Africa Outlook, APAC Outlook, and North America Outlook – Outlook Publishing is proud to introduce a digital magazine and web platform, dedicated to the supply chain sector.
As supply chain 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, Supply Chain Outlook brings you the positive developments driven by organizations across the global supply chain industry through its various platforms. Discover exclusive content distributed through its website, online magazine, social media channels, and dispatches delivered straight to your inbox with a bi-weekly newsletter.
Through this compelling new venture, we 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.
TRANSPORTING THE FUTURE
Jeremy Carmichael, Vice President of Operations at Ruan Transportation Management Systems, provides us with a deep dive into how the company has become a leader in the transportation and logistics industry, relentlessly committed to excellent service and continuous improvement
An industry partner that collaborates like a co-worker; a logistics provider that thinks like a shipper; a business that feels like a family.
This is the mindset that Ruan Transportation Management Systems (Ruan) has proudly lived and abided by for over 90 years.
Founded by John Ruan at the tender age of 17 during the Great Depression, the company was born out of an attempt to support his family after his father’s passing, spurred by John’s drive to find success despite the myriad challenges at hand.
Within months of trading in the family car to buy his first truck, John turned that one truck into three, and just two years later, he was running a
fleet of a dozen trucks throughout the Midwest.
Today, the company is still in family hands and continues to operate and lead according to its founding principles of integrity, hard work, innovation, quality customer service, and compassion.
“We are one of the largest privately held companies in the transportation and logistics industry, known for our comprehensive integrated supply chain solutions,” introduces Jeremy Carmichael, Vice President of Operations.
“We offer a range of transportation and logistics services tailored to meet the needs of various industries with a focus on providing efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solutions.”
Ruan operates across the US with a range of products and services that include dedicated contract transportation, managed transportation, value-added warehousing, and brokerage support.
If a product has to be transported by a truck – and almost everything does – there’s a good chance Ruan has hauled it.
The company serves a diverse range of industries and products, such as retail, food and beverage, medical and pharmaceutical, manufacturing, metals, chemical and industrial gases, mining, earth products, and bulk agricultural.
“Our customers range from small businesses to large multinational corporations, reflecting our ability
to handle various transportation and logistics needs,” expands Carmichael. Ruan is a proud leader in providing tailored transportation and logistics solutions. With a robust service offering, extensive network, and a strong focus on customer satisfaction, the company continues to be a trusted partner for businesses looking to optimize their supply chains and transportation operations.
A DYNAMIC INDUSTRY
“What started as a summer job in college turned into a career of 28 years and counting,” reflects Carmichael.
Having begun working for UPS in 1996 as a package handler loading trucks on the morning shift,
Carmichael quickly found his passion and flourished within the industry, taking on a variety of fast-paced, problem-solving leadership positions before making the leap to Ruan in 2021.
“What attracted me and has continued to pique my interest in the industry comes down to a few key factors. The people are fantastic, driven, and work together to solve collective problems, the pace of change is invigorating, and continuous improvement is a challenge I thoroughly enjoy.
“Finally, the relationships built within the industry last a lifetime, and it truly is a network I enjoy working with. I love providing and executing solutions that work and experiencing
customers’ delight in response to excellent results!”
Currently, the supply chain industry is experiencing several dynamic and transformative trends, making the adventure as exciting as ever.
Some of these evolutionary changes include new technological advancements, a shift toward alternative fuel vehicles, exploring the use of hydrogen fuel cells and biofuels as opposed to traditional fossil fuels, and the perpetual demand of e-commerce.
Additionally, customers are increasingly prioritizing convenience, comfort, and connectivity in their transportation choices, leading to the development of more user-centric solutions and services.
“The transportation industry is at a pivotal moment, characterized by rapid innovation, significant investment, and a focus on sustainability. For professionals in the field, this is a time of great opportunity to influence the future, work on cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to addressing some of the industry’s most pressing challenges,” insights Carmichael.
TAILORED TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS
With a history spanning nearly a century, Ruan has become recognized for its reliability and excellence in the transportation and logistics industry.
Its long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, safe service, and innovative solutions sets it apart from the competition.
“We differentiate ourselves through our integrated and customized services, strong safety focus, advanced technology, skilled workforce, customer-centric approach, sustainability initiatives, and proven track record,” prides Carmichael.
“Collectively, these factors contribute to our ability to provide exceptional value to our clients and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.”
Additionally, Ruan’s guiding principles, which consist of people first, safety focus, exceptional performance, enduring partnerships, and continuous improvement, allow the company to be confident in providing unrivaled expertise, uncovering insights, sharing knowledge, and tailoring solutions designed to enhance efficiency and deliver results.
These guiding principles are integral to the company’s operational strategy and business model.
“By engaging in these objectives, we have built a resilient and dynamic organization. This approach not only leads to high levels of customer loyalty and satisfaction but also drives long-term growth and sustainability in a highly competitive industry,” explains Carmichael.
Equally as important to the longevity and success of the company are Ruan’s supply chain operations and partnerships with its suppliers.
As well as offering a full suite of supply chain services, which allow clients to streamline their operations and improve overall efficiency, the company manages the entire transportation process, providing customers with a single point of contact and accountability.
NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: WHAT ONGOING PROJECTS IS RUAN CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
Jeremy Carmichael, Vice President of Operations: “A current project that is substantial in nature and of great interest to many of our customers is focused on optimization and empty miles reduction.
“Through the efforts of our team, paired with our vast and wide network in which we are able to align freight solutions, we have reduced empty miles by 37 percent and helped one of our largest customers recognize a seven-digit reduction in annual expenditure over the past 24 months.
“We also continuously strive to provide additional value through our extensive thirdparty relationships to enhance our customers’ experiences by generating revenue-sharing opportunities.”
TRUCK COUNTRY IS PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR DEDICATED BUSINESS PARTNER, RUAN TRANSPORTATION. RUAN IS A DYNAMIC CUSTOMER THAT IS DEVOTED TO BEING THE BEST IN THE TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY.
Our partnership with Truck Country began in 2015 with the acquisition of Freightliner trucks. Since then, they have been a strategic partner, providing exceptional vehicles and support. Their involvement includes driver and technician training and keeping our team proficient and up-to-date, which has been vital to our operational efficiency and overall growth.
At Truck Country, we take a different approach to marketing trucks through our Corporate Fleet Sales program. We are not here to simply sell you trucks. We are here to build long, sustaining business partnerships. We deliver:
• Expert account management
• Dedicated uptime support
• Quality delivery process
Scan to learn more about Truck Country’s Corporate Fleet Team and what we can do for your fleet.
“BY ENACTING FAMILY-CENTRIC VALUES IN OUR DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS, WE CREATE A POSITIVE WORKPLACE AND DRIVE SUSTAINED BUSINESS SUCCESS THROUGH LOYALTY, INTEGRITY, AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT”
– JEREMY CARMICHAEL, VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS, RUAN TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Ruan collaborates closely with its partners to ensure seamless integration and coordination across the supply chain, seeking to establish mutually beneficial relationships and focusing on long-term growth and success for all parties.
“Our supply chain operations are the cornerstone of our ability to deliver high-quality transportation and logistics services,” details Carmichael.
“The company’s success is heavily
reliant on strong partnerships, which are essential for ensuring reliability, innovation, risk management, and cost efficiency. By fostering collaborative relationships, Ruan optimizes the supply chain, enhances service, and achieves long-term success.”
DRIVING TOWARD A BETTER FUTURE
Ruan’s history as a family-owned business significantly shapes its company culture and daily operations.
RUAN TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AT A GLANCE
• Founded in 1932
• 300+ operations nationwide
• 5,000 team members, including 4,200 truck drivers
• Ongoing commitment to quality and process improvement
• 24/7 customer care
• 1.5 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space
• $1.75 billion in total revenue
• 4,000 late-model power units
• 10,000 trailers owned and operated
Ruan was operating back in the 1940s
Kevin King receives Driver of the Year Award 2024
Ruan’s first haul of gravel in the 1930s
Fitzgerald Collision Repair brings an innovative approach to Class-8 collision repair. FCR utilizes an assembly line process with customized fleet solutions, parts warehousing, and individualized customer service to reduce downtime for fleets and owner-operators.
When a truck or trailer wrecks, the fleet managers or owners most often have them towed to the nearest body shop for repairs. The number of trucks down across the US can be sizable for larger fleets.Thus, the fleet managers must work with several vendors to obtain estimates, acquire parts, and manage the repairs process until completion which can take 30-60 days.
These logistical challenges result in lost revenue for the company, especially when the average cost of an asset is $750 per day. The goal at FCR is to eliminate the logistical challenges and provide fleet managers and owneroperators with unsurpassed turn times and superior customer service.
FCR is not a typical body shop, the repair process resembles an assembly line.
Each technician is trained for a specific
Melissa Tallent – VP of Sales 931-200-8025
melissat@fitzgeraldcollision.com
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Web: fitzgeraldcollision.com
The Nation’s #1 Collision Repair Center
task whether it be estimating, frame repair, mechanics, panel replacement, refinishing, painting, inspection, electrical, or detailing.
From the beginning, Fitzgerald Collision Repair wanted to specialize and focus on Freightliner Cascadia and International trucks. Their parts warehouse stocks over $4million in OEM parts at all times providing FCR with an edge that eliminates parts delays. Their team is able to provide customers with superior customer service, quality workmanship, and a strong awareness that excessive downtime is not an option.
FCR also has an in-house transportation team with 12 units that pick up across the US. Why would a company tow a wrecked truck across the US? The answer is simply to save money.
Fitzgerald Collision takes pride in having the best turn times in the industry: light damage 1 -3 days; medium damage 4-7 days; and heavy damage 8-15 days. FCR takes pride in every vehicle they repair, understanding that when a customer hands over a vehicle, they are giving FCR their trust.
FCR’s mission is to be the industry leader in high quality collision repair. Every day they strive to exceed industry standards and customer satisfaction.
Their facilities include three different 75,000+ sqft repair shops staffed by skilled and verified technicians who specialize in all aspects of truck and trailer repairs.
~ Robert Fitzgerald
The cultural mindset that has been embedded in the company since its inception includes characteristics such as a close-knit community with open communication, long-term commitment to both employees and customers, and strong core values that emphasize integrity and ethical practices.
Additionally, it highlights employee development and recognition that results in low staff turnover, flexibility, and the ability to quickly adapt to market changes and customer needs, encouraging an appropriate
work-life balance, community service and philanthropy, and transparency and trust to enhance morale and engagement.
“Our identity as a family-owned business fosters a supportive, ethical, and community-oriented environment that values long-term relationships with employees and customers alike,” enthuses Carmichael.
This ethical and communityoriented work environment goes hand-in-hand with the corporate responsibility (CSR) practices Ruan engages in.
The company’s involvement in CSR initiatives showcases its strong commitment to making a positive impact on society and the environment and is integral to Ruan’s identity and success, further reflecting its dedication to being a responsible corporate citizen.
“Through philanthropic efforts, environmental stewardship, employee initiatives, ethical business practices, and community engagement, we not only contribute to the betterment of communities but also reinforce our values and commitment to
“WHETHER IT’S THROUGH DEVELOPING NEW TECHNOLOGIES, CREATING SMARTER SOLUTIONS, OR OPTIMIZING LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAINS, THE POTENTIAL FOR IMPACTFUL AND REWARDING WORK IN TRANSPORTATION HAS NEVER BEEN GREATER”
– JEREMY CARMICHAEL, VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS, RUAN TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
sustainable and responsible business operations,” details Carmichael.
Ruan has explored and implemented numerous sustainable practices into its business, including alternative fuel options like compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG), biodiesel blends, and renewable hydrocarbon diesel,
as well as utilizing wholly electric yard tractors in multiple operations.
Since embarking on this journey, Ruan has significantly reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Additionally, the company has continued to purchase biodiesel blends since 2014, resulting in further CO2 emissions reductions.
As the company looks towards the future, its key priorities encompass safety excellence, growth and expansion, technology enhancements, sustainability, employee development, and operational excellence.
“We aim to achieve specific targets, expand our market reach, drive continuous improvement, and increase our leadership position in the transportation and logistics industry, while ensuring that Ruan remains a forward-thinking, responsible, and successful company in the years ahead,” concludes Carmichael.
Tel: (866) 782-6669
communications@ruan.com
www.ruan.com
Orange EV
As a company that values professionalism and dedication to customers above all else, it is no wonder
BMS Moving and Storage has grown exponentially since its inception. President and COO, Scott Harvey, tells us more
Afamily-owned company with a long and well-established history, BMS Moving and Storage (BMS) is committed to achieving industry excellence.
Founded in 1944, the family-owned company witnessed significant transformation under the leadership of David Caruso, who in 1980 took the helm of Ace Moving & Storage, as it was then known.
Since then, BMS has expanded from a single site to 17 locations across the
US, strategically situated on the east and west coasts and with corporate offices in Florida.
“This growth has solidified our reputation as a leading provider of comprehensive transportation,
warehousing, and logistics services,” introduces Scott Harvey, President and COO.
As the largest agent for Bekins Van Lines, which provides the business with access to a network of other moving companies, BMS’ extensive range of services comprise household and commercial moving, local and long-distance relocations, and interstate moves.
“Our core focus is centered around serving the general public, including an extensive military moving program with specialized moving and storage solutions,” he adds.
As such, in many of the markets where it operates, BMS is considered the highest-rated service provider for the nation’s military members.
In terms of commercial services, BMS handles traditional office moves as well as specialized services for warehousing and workplace logistics.
As one of the few independently owned transportation companies in the industry with multiple locations, BMS’ personalized touch and commitment to quality contribute to its reputation for excellence.
DEEP-ROOTED DEDICATION
Having started his journey with BMS over 24 years ago sweeping warehouse floors to fund his college education, Harvey embodies the company’s ethos of dedication and hard work.
“I AM DEEPLY PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR CUSTOMERS, TEAM, COMPANY, AND THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE. WE ARE GROWTHORIENTED AND COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING NOTHING LESS THAN BEING THE BEST AND MOST RESPECTED IN THE INDUSTRY”
– SCOTT HARVEY, PRESIDENT AND COO, BMS MOVING AND STORAGE
David Caruso
Throughout his career at BMS, Harvey has worked his way up through various roles including moving, driving, general management, sales, and corporate positions, before assuming the role of President in 2017 under Caruso’s careful mentorship.
“I am deeply passionate about our customers, team, company, and the industry as a whole. We are growth-orientated and committed to achieving nothing less than being the best and most respected in the industry,” he asserts.
Today, BMS offers a variety of specialty moving services. These include a full blanket-wrap service and specialized home protection for local household moves to ensure the safety and security of its clients’ possessions throughout the moving process.
Additionally, the company offers a wide array of storage solutions, including both long-term and short-term options, 24/7 monitored warehouses, as well as climate-controlled warehousing for specific markets.
“On the commercial side, we provide comprehensive warehousing, office moving, and installation services handled by highly experienced tradesmen.”
As such, BMS’ professionalism and dedication to its clients is second to none.
“Our goal is excellence at every level,” Harvey states confidently.
TOP TIER TECHNOLOGY
As a long-standing company, BMS has witnessed significant industry evolutions in its time, including the incorporation of new technologies
to better understand and meet its customers’ needs.
“Modern technology has revolutionized how we route our trucks, manage transportation lanes, and provide real-time data to our customer base,” Harvey imparts.
BMS utilizes advanced and innovative systems for dispatching purposes to reach out to its customers and conduct efficient inventory warehousing.
One of the company’s key innovations has been the development of a proprietary system designed to enhance storage offerings for its commercial customers.
“This system has enabled us to offer more cost-effective storage solutions and increased availability in highdemand markets across the US,” he reveals.
Furthermore, the company’s fleet of 300+ trucks feature air-ride suspension, e-track capabilities, and the latest technologies such as interior and exterior cameras, electronic
NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: WHAT DIFFERENTIATES BMS FROM THE COMPETITION?
Dedrick
Hill, General Manager – San Diego, California branch:
“Despite the distance between our sites, what really hits home for me about working at BMS is knowing that the General Managers and corporate team are just a phone call away.
“These connections are more than just business; they’re genuine friendships, daily phone calls, and even a bit of friendly competition. This sense of connection between all the locations in a company the size of BMS is a first for me in my lifelong career in the moving industry.”
Andrew
Hernandez, General Manager – Tucson, Arizona branch: “At BMS, it is common to hear from everyone across the company. There is always a direct line of communication open to chat or tackle problems head-on; that’s the backbone of our operation.”
identification (e-ID) to monitor driver hours, and real-time updates on engine issues.
In addition to new technologies, BMS’ commitment to fostering a company culture that promotes leadership, growth, and entrepreneurship has been instrumental in attracting top industry talent.
“Our dedicated team share our vision of prioritizing customer needs and delivering exceptional service.”
While customer satisfaction is paramount to the company, BMS recognizes its service providers as the backbone of its operations.
“Their dedication and expertise are essential to delivering superior services to our customers and ensuring our commitment to excellence is consistently met,” Harvey divulges.
NO STRESS WITH BMS
This exceptional company culture and focus on providing firstclass customer service is what differentiates BMS from the competition.
BMS FACTS
80+ years in business
300+ company-owned trucks
1.6 million sqft of warehousing space nationwide
19+ miles of commercial racking within its facilities
750+ background-checked employees
“Our culture fosters open communication, allowing each and every staff member the opportunities to ask questions and receive support.”
Combined with genuine care for one another and a healthy sense of competition between branches, this creates an environment in which BMS’ teams thrive.
The company’s motto – ‘No Stress with BMS’ – further cements its dedication to addressing its customers’ needs.
“This is not just a slogan, but the driving force behind our customer experience,” Harvey points out.
BMS strives to relieve the stress associated with moving house by ensuring each customer interaction and service is geared towards making the process smooth.
“Our commitment to a stress-free experience sets us apart and makes us a preferred choice for many,” he enthuses.
In addition, BMS places high
priority on the safety of its workforce, especially given the physical nature of the work.
As such, it has a dedicated safety and compliance department responsible for ensuring the company is continually up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices.
“Our drivers are safety-minded. It is not unheard of to see BMS drivers stop on the road to help stranded motorists or other long-haul drivers,” Harvey prides.
“Our crews also undergo rigorous training and retraining programs focused on safe heavy lifting techniques and overall workplace safety.”
This continuous education helps BMS to ensure its employees are well-equipped to handle the physical aspects of their jobs.
“By prioritizing health and safety, we not only protect our workforce but also enhance the quality of service we provide to our customers,” he explains.
PROUD TO SERVE
BMS Moving + Storage
Specializing in National Transportation Including Moving and Storage
DAVE VOIGHT, CIC, CRM dave.voight@assuredpartners.com
PROJECTS AND BEYOND
Amongst BMS’ notable clientele is the celebrity hotspot of California.
The company is currently managing the relocation of a high-profile client’s 50,000 square foot (sqft) residence, including handling an extensive and valuable art collection, demonstrating BMS’ professionalism and competence.
It is also engaged in various other significant projects, such as providing installation services for well-known establishments, warehousing for major furniture distributors, and moving services for major universities.
“These projects underscore our versatility and commitment to serving our diverse clientele,” Harvey reflects.
Beyond its projects, BMS is making significant investments in several key areas, including new equipment, comprehensive training programs, and advanced technologies.
“Our philosophy is to never be satisfied with the status quo; we strive
to lead the moving industry rather than follow it,” he prides.
As a growth-oriented company, BMS is therefore continuously looking to expand. In the past five years alone, it has added four new locations whilst consistently growing its corporate team.
These strategic investments underscore BMS’ commitment to innovation, leadership, and providing top-tier services.
Looking ahead, the company’s key priorities are centered on diversifying its service offerings and enhancing its capabilities to better serve both commercial and consumer clients.
“For our commercial customers, we aim to expand our services to include additional project delivery and management solutions on a nationwide scale.”
This will enable BMS to meet a broader spectrum of needs and provide more comprehensive support for commercial clients.
On the consumer side, meanwhile, the company is investing in new equipment and advanced techniques to ensure the best possible protection for its customers’ personal items, which will maintain its high standards of care and efficiency.
Additionally, BMS plans to invest heavily in furthering its staff training.
“By embracing new techniques and technologies, we aim to enhance the overall customer experience and maintain our position as a leader in the moving and storage industry,” Harvey concludes.
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NAVIGATING A COMPLEX THREAT ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
Protecting the national security interests of customers, QinetiQ Target Systems delivers industry-leading solutions designed and developed for threat replication, military operational training, and weapon system tests and evaluations. We learn more about the company’s manufacturing excellence with Director of Operations, Alan Short
Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Michael Sommerfield
he ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed how manufacturing organizations
Forced to contend with widespread skills shortages, global manufacturers are finding it increasingly difficult to hire staff in a timely manner, with candidates seeking increased flexibility, enrichment, and development in new roles rather than traditional rewards and remuneration. Elsewhere, the increased digitization and adoption of automated technologies in manufacturing continues at pace, positively impacting responsiveness, productivity, and waste reduction.
Even in manual manufacturing environments, the industry has witnessed growing levels of automation connecting the shop floor with the point of sale, alongside the use of data and analytics which enable modeling and pre-emptive decision-making.
Within the vast defense manufacturing sector, these current trends abound.
As the worldwide threat landscape is constantly evolving, more sophisticated aircraft are being developed, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) use is growing, electronic warfare and swarm tactics are on the rise, and supersonic anti-ship missiles are becoming more prolific.
Additionally, with the emergence of anti-ship ballistic missiles and new hypersonic threats, it can seem impossible for defense manufacturers to keep pace.
Using mission-led innovation, the overarching goal for leading North American manufacturer, QinetiQ Target Systems (QTS), is to be the chosen defense partner around the world, helping shape the future of the sector by solving real-world problems.
“As an internationally leading provider of uncrewed air and surface autonomous platforms, we protect
NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: WHAT FIRST INTERESTED YOU IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY?
Alan Short, Director of Operations: “I started my career as a graduate recruit in quality and process engineering with a couple of large US-based organizations, where I enjoyed the experience of starting up new facilities in Scotland, the UK, and Mexico.
“I then moved to a start-up medical device organization in the former, spending nine years helping to grow and develop the team. During this time, I was afforded my first exposure to the supply chain, product transfer, and the challenges of bringing a new product to market. Being a start-up company also meant I got involved in many different aspects of the business.
“I then spent several years working in various high-growth medical device organizations, establishing supply chains and manufacturing operations to support their growth, where I learned the value of process disciplines, planning, and risk management before joining QTS in April 2023.
“My interest in manufacturing stemmed from my time at university. While studying engineering, I spent some of my education in industry at a car plant, where seeing a product follow the culmination of many different processes intrigued me.
“I have learned to value the objectivity of manufacturing, the fulfillment of a plan, and the need for teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout my career.”
the national security interests of customers by delivering top-of-therange solutions.
“Designed and developed for threat representation, our products help ensure operational readiness in militaries across the globe,” introduces Director of Operations, Alan Short.
In this way, QTS expertly designs, develops, and manufactures uncrewed vehicles and supporting equipment for weapon system tests and evaluations. These include aerial and surface targets, customizable payloads and towed targets, launchers, and ground control stations.
Additionally, QTS also offers a range of global field services, including custom target operations, global livefire exercises, and vessel maintenance services for end-to-end training applications.
“With worldwide capability, our customer base is global, with NATO and AUKUS, a security partnership for the Indo-Pacific region between Australia, the UK, and the US, primarily utilizing our product and service offerings,” adds Short.
“At present, we have 150 to 200 employees in the business working both remotely and spread across our two manufacturing facilities in Alberta, Canada, and Ashford, UK.”
QinetiQ manufacturing operations, Ashford, UK
Building on Your Design!
Wilson Process Systems – EMS Services for the UK and Beyond
Wilson Process Systems, a privately owned UK electronics subcontractor, has been supporting local and overseas customers for well over 40 years. Born in the late 70s from bare PCB fabrication, it has evolved into a well-established CEM.
With this consistent growth, Wilson has continued to expand its footprint into two sites covering 28,000 sqft based in Hastings, East Sussex, where joint Managing Directors, Tim and Nick Wilson, pride themselves on offering an agile and responsive service, with a company ethos of ‘right first time’ and ‘automation where possible’, which has led to proven success over many years. Wilson is also a big advocates of making ‘doing business easy’, which is reflected in its customer base ranging from Cummins, VMS and Kantar, across such industries as industrial control, communications, medical and digital signage.
Key general services include both surface-mount and automated through-hole assembly through a suite of universal equipment, whilst also offering specialist services including automated conformal coating, resin encapsulation and thermal testing where electronic systems require extra protection against ingress and the environmental conditions they reside in. Automated selected soldering is also available alongside a standard reflow process, aqueous washing and AOI (automated optical inspection).
To complement the automated portion of the business, Wilson boasts a 40+ strong team of IPC trained operators, dedicated to the second stage build process. With almost all PCBA’s requiring hand assembly in various forms, Wilson can call upon resources which capture 100 percent component coverage of both PCBA and any ‘Box Build’ system. To enhance this further, tests can be included if required from simple ‘go, no-go’ to full functional tests.With all
this combined, concludes a complete selection of resources, which is invaluable to fulfill Wilson’s core competence when supporting customer needs.
It’s this combined ability to offer a full PCB assembly service that’s able to cope with dynamic demands from clients that has made Wilson Process, one of QinetiQ Target Systems’ UK partners of choice for the past 12 years. Over this time, both companies have experienced changes in technologies, challenges in material supply, and exponential demand due to global politics.The support offered by Wilson has played a key role in allowing QinetiQ to develop, manufacture and release new products where the emphasis has been on economical, ultra-reliable PCBAs.
Tim Wilson commented, “we’ve been supporting all our customers with consistent quality for over three decades, helping engineering teams with DFM (design for manufacture) to improve ‘right first time’ prototypes that lead into volume production. This is especially important when considering maximum productivity for high mix PCBAs, or boards requiring conformal coating.
We’ve also promoted collaboration between our procurement team and partner customers to establish a robust supply chain to ensure continuity whilst helping manage inventory, which over the past three years has seen multiple challenges keeping both materials and assembly flowing”.
Whether it be small batch production, urgent samples or scheduled monthly drops, full procurement or free-issue, Wilson is geared to perform. If you want to know more about how Wilson can support your business, please visit www.wps.co.uk
Banshee Aerial Target drone
Jet 80 demo launch, Spain
Towing Jet 40s, Norway
KEY CAPACITY MILESTONES
Towards the end of 2023, QTS reached an incredible milestone in the production capacity of its signature product – the 9,000th Banshee Aerial Target drone. The target formed part of the British Royal Navy’s Project Vampire, providing a low-cost, high-performance uncrewed aircraft system for the program.
“By the end of this year, we are on track to accomplish the landmark of 10,000 units produced! This is a testament to the continued quality we deliver and another achievement
we look forward to celebrating,” Short enthuses.
Furthermore, by meeting the increasing demand for advanced autonomous systems, the development of QTS’ multi-role autonomous boat (MRAB) is progressing on schedule.
This vessel, featuring remote autonomous operation with crewed and uncrewed functionality, is set to be unveiled in late 2025, manufactured in partnership with Zodiac Hurricane.
The boat’s key features include
single-user control with integrated autopilot and antenna farm capabilities, remote access to critical sensors, payloads, engine information, and vehicle command, alongside powered onboard batteries and a robust onboard safety system.
Elsewhere, the company has started to decentralize its manufacturing systems, supporting its single route to market strategy.
“First, we are setting up a North American supply chain for our aerial targets. As we take this forward to other products and regions, this will
“ONE OF THE CHALLENGES I ENJOY AT QTS IS BALANCING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS AND SUPPLY CHAIN WITH AN INCREASING PORTFOLIO OF PRODUCTS” – ALAN SHORT, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, QINETIQ TARGET SYSTEMS
“AS AN INTERNATIONALLY LEADING PROVIDER OF UNCREWED AIR AND SURFACE AUTONOMOUS PLATFORMS, WE PROTECT THE NATIONAL SECURITY INTERESTS OF CUSTOMERS BY DELIVERING TOP-OF-THE-RANGE SOLUTIONS”
– ALAN SHORT, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS,
include developing a nuanced supply chain that has the capacity and capability to support the region with the highest customer demand whilst enabling other areas of less demand to leverage the benefit of investment and lower unit costs,” he explains.
VALUING THE SUPPLY CHAIN
The diverse range of specialist materials and components that are part of QTS’ products means the company heavily relies on its welloiled and efficient supply chain, meticulously compiled over time to
QINETIQ TARGET SYSTEMS
form a smooth, reliable operation.
“Our supply chain partners’ support and performance were a key contributor in achieving a record year in aerial and surface targets. The importance of our partners will continue to increase with the level of technology in our products,” Short elaborates.
This requires a mature relationship in which QTS supports the supply chain’s investment in capability, as the company aims to treat partners how it would like to be treated by its own customers.
“We have focused heavily on building beneficial relationships with our key suppliers in the last year, including exploring mutual sharing of cost and productivity improvements and establishing agreements where risk is shared and mitigated,” he adds.
“We still have a way to go, but we are taking a holistic view of order and inventory management, knowing this will yield long-term benefits. We are already seeing significant improvement in the metric of on-time in-full (OTIF) and working capital.”
As an organization, QTS recognizes
QinetiQ Hammerhead flares
QinetiQ Hammerhead disembarking from Naval vessel
QinetiQ Hammerhead Hotnose
QinetiQ Hammerhead lineup
SC Aerofina SA develops research and design, production, testing and evaluation, maintenance and integrated customer support for:
• Devices, equipment, life-saving appliances and pyrotechnical devices for military, aerospace, terrestrial and naval systems. It participates in all major aviation programs: IAR 330 PUMA, IAR 330 PUMA SOCAT, IAR 316, MiG 21 LANCER, IAR 99, and IAR 99 SOIM.
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that its impact reaches far and wide into the supply chain and is therefore embedding policy and action into its supplier onboarding, contracting, and ongoing governance.
FLEXIBLE AND RELIABLE
With the leading ability to create and deliver customized solutions and fully integrated systems worldwide, QTS gives its customers the flexibility and futureproofing they need to stay ahead.
This client-focused approach sets the company apart from other manufacturers and industry peers, as it can effectively respond to requirements using the talent and exceptional resources in its state-of-the-art engineering facilities in the UK and Canada.
“One of the challenges I enjoy at QTS is balancing the development of the manufacturing operations and supply chain with an increasing portfolio of products,” references Short.
Sos. Fabrica de Glucoza nr. 2-4, Bucharest, Sector 2, 020332, Romania
“This requires us to continually develop standardization and rigor in our product transfer processes, upskill and progress the team, become more flexible and responsive in manufacturing, and increase supply chain capability. It is a multifaceted challenge, and I am very happy with how we are rising to tackle it,” he acclaims.
Responding to a wide range of world events and continuing to support its customer base compounds QTS’ need for flexibility and responsiveness. To date, the company’s success can be attributed to this adaptability and will continue to be crucial in how it responds to customers’ needs and maintains a respected reputation within the industry.
Moving forwards, QTS’ primary role as an operations team boils down to delivery.
“We are targeting unit output increases of 10 to 25 percent,
depending on the site. We will also build upon the fantastic momentum we made in productivity improvements during the last financial year, continuing our exciting journey in lean manufacturing,” Short concludes proudly.
UK: 01233 505600
CANADA: +1 403-528-8782
qtsmarketing@qinetiq.com
www.qinetiq.com/targetsystems
EQUIPPED TO HANDLE CATTLE
From chutes to custom cattle working systems and pens, Arrowquip has been creating best-in-class livestock equipment since 1988. The company’s executive team come together to tell us more
Writer: Lily Sawyer | Project Manager: Michael Sommerfield
Guided by its mission to influence the global cattle handling industry through the practical application of animal science and welfare standards, and to increasing producer safety and profitability with innovative equipment, Arrowquip emerges as a cattle handling equipment company with a difference.
Deeply invested in its vast dealer network, Arrowquip provides ongoing support for each of its partners by
equipping them with the tools that they need to thrive.
Supported by a 160-strong base of dedicated employees, the company produces manual and hydraulic cattle chutes, alleys, tubs, feeders, and more for its global market.
“We manufacture equipment at our head office in Manitoba, Canada, then send it off to our various dealers across North America and Europe to sell to ranchers,” introduces CEO, Mark Firth.
Arrowquip’s core company values are rooted in fairness, togetherness, and industry agility, whilst the business strives to continue to help the cattle industry to succeed through its products.
AN INDUSTRY WORTH IMPROVING
As beef is a mainstay of the world’s current food ecosystem, Arrowquip is trying to improve this important industry.
As such, potential challenges that arise are tackled by the company with a sense of excitement and a growth mindset.
“Something can only be exciting if it is challenging! Maintaining the status quo only drives complacency, low energy, and a mood of losing,” outlines CIO, Jerry Langrell.
With herd cow inventories at an alltime low and the highest cattle prices the industry has ever seen, Arrowquip
NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO FOR INSPIRATION?
Jerry Langrell, CIO: “Inspiration at Arrowquip is not just from one source. We get it from each other – we’re a group of people with similar passions that align around a few core values, and that creates inspiration!
“Our end users’ shared experiences, combined with interactions with clients during our after-sales service, have provided great insight and endless inspiration for our teams.
“But that’s not all we have. As we observe the global industry, we look into the future and that provides timely inspiration.
“Furthermore, there are a few world-renowned cattle handling experts that have committed their life to enhance and educate this industry. Their knowledge and insights have been a great inspiration, propelling us to design systems that are built for cattle, not just the operator. In other words, we create something where you get voluntary movement from the animal as opposed to using force or fear.
“Beyond that, it’s just plain hard work and our daily commitment to ensuring a better future for ranchers. It’s what gets us out of bed in the morning and provides that sense of worth when the day is done!”
recognizes that this makes for a challenging business environment, however, it is also a landscape with great opportunities for those that can see ahead.
“The introduction of beef production at small levels is gathering momentum, attracting newcomers to the industry,” Langrell points out.
Local production and supply is currently flourishing across the world, which gives producers more control over their product and drives forward their marketing efforts.
This, in turn, brings higher quality food into the hands of consumers and provides larger returns for local producers.
“Further to this, it is exciting to see the dairy industry partnering with the beef industry. This will grow our overall reach and ensure our voice in the world is heard,” he enthuses.
Arrowquip’s constant exploration of the market, coupled with its interactions with end users, brings the company real-life feedback in order to
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ARROWQUIP CLIENT CARE – AT A GLANCE
• At Arrowquip, a dedicated client care team works hard to ensure every customer is satisfied with the equipment they receive.
• The department is quick to get to the bottom of an issue and fix it promptly – for example, if a customer calls and they have an issue with their chute.
• Arrowquip recognizes that an issue can usually be resolved through a phone call, but it goes to great lengths to assist customers when this is not the case.
• For example, the company has seen recent instances of the client care team engaging in video calls with customers to help them resolve their issue.
stay relevant in today’s ever-changing industry environment.
“If it’s not broke, we fix it! We have global thinking and access to best practices, learnings, and new developments. Furthermore, our ability to network across the globe is a catalyst for change,” Langrell elaborates.
In addition, Arrowquip has taken an automotive approach to manufacturing of late, as it builds quality and repeatability into every product it manufactures. In this way, the company is able to provide an industry-leading warranty for every product.
Ensuring the safety of both the animal and the operator is of utmost importance to how Arrowquip develops and services its equipment. Therefore, the company leaves nothing to chance and creates immediate action when it receives feedback from customers.
PRODUCTS, PARTNERS, AND INNOVATION
In late October last year, Arrowquip launched a line-up of over 30 new products, a step change that had never before been achieved in the company’s history.
Impressively, Arrowquip was able to implement its new product portfolio in less than two weeks.
“Our ability to integrate our continuous product innovation is one of our key differentiators,” says Chief Manufacturing Officer (CMO), Dallas Cornell.
The company’s new line-up of Arrowlock cattle chutes is drastically different when compared to its previous line of Q-Catch chutes.
Firstly, the Arrowlock chutes are longer, taller, and wider. The head gate is also now designed using a ratchetlooking mechanism that gives users a more secure hold on their livestock
and requires less force.
“A manual cattle chute that can truly do it all is available for your ranch!” Cornell declares.
Arrowquip’s suppliers and valued dealer partners are considered the backbone of the company, and its chutes are all built at its headquarters in Canada with exclusively North American-made parts.
“We value our suppliers’ commitment to providing quality parts on time and their flexibility to our changing
demand,” he enthuses.
Primarily due to its dealers’ timely and reliable services, Arrowquip is able to maintain its noteworthy commitment of a four-week turnaround from order to delivery.
Product placement is also important to the company, whilst dealers across North America, the UK, and France allow Arrowquip to touch the lives of ranchers around the world.
“Our impact on this industry would not have been possible without our network of dealers. They not only make the equipment accessible, but are passionate advocates for ranchers,” Cornell imparts.
UNPARALLELED INDUSTRY KNOW-HOW
As a company deeply involved in all things cattle, over half of Arrowquip’s innovation team currently either have a family ranch or have been personally involved in the agricultural industry at some point in their careers. As such, its know-how in this sector is unparalleled.
“Two of our engineers actually test our products on their own ranch!” Langrell reveals.
With an engineering team that boasts both hard and soft skills, Arrowquip is able to relate to both its customers and internal departments on several levels.
“While many engineering teams isolate themselves and let their hard skills and personalities take precedence over communication and collaboration, our engineers are fully integrated and involved in every
department,” he prides.
The company believes that this integrated approach breaks down walls, builds trust, and leaves egos at the door, which has given Arrowquip the ability to build speed, creativity, and fun into its operations whilst solving its customers’ challenges on a daily basis.
Going forward, the company’s key priorities include continuing to innovate and improve its products, expanding its market reach, and maintaining its commitment to exceptional customer service in the agriculture industry.
“We aim to hit specific growth targets and goals, expanding our presence in both new and existing markets. We aim to reach 50,000 ranches and offer families a product they can be proud of for generations to come,” Firth summarises.
Diversification and expansion into new product lines or markets are also part of the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Of late, an upgraded manufacturing facility has provided Arrowquip with the capacity to meet growing demand and innovate its product offerings, and it is excited about the opportunities that lay ahead.
“We will continue to inspire tomorrow’s rancher by solving problems today,” he concludes.
Tel: 1-866-383-7827
marketing@arrowquip.com
arrowquip.com
BUILDING YOUR DREAM
Manufacturing superior of first-class dealers, fastest-growing motorhome Donati and David Middleton, and outline its plans
Writer: Lily Sawyer |
Project Manager:
superior motorhomes and operating through a network dealers, it is no wonder Nexus RV has emerged as the motorhome company in the US. Co-Founders, Claude Middleton, reflect on the business’s recent successes plans for continued product innovation Manager: Michael Sommerfield
The recreational vehicle (RV) industry in the US has witnessed exponential growth in recent years.
An ever-expanding cultural phenomenon that has arguably become as important as baseball or apple pie, RVs are loved across the nation.
Certainly, the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to this unprecedented industry growth, ushering in four years of equivalent sales in a threeyear period.
“During this time, we saw some big shifts in our customer base and the usage of our products,” opens Claude Donati, Managing Member of Nexus RV, which has experienced unmatched growth in the US.
The pandemic witnessed many Americans leave the office to embark on country-wide road trips whilst working from home, creating three record-breaking sales years for the RV industry, culminating in 600,000 vehicles sold in 2022.
“However, the challenging part of this rocket growth is that we are now amidst a correction period,” President
of the company, Dave Middleton, points out.
“There is an old saying in the RV industry - you are either stepping on the accelerator or slamming on the brakes. We are currently slamming on the brakes,” he adds.
Therefore, as Nexus RV operates in a sector currently experiencing increased interest rates and inflationary factors, the business continues to raise the bar by improving product quality and upgrading its units with all-new interior design.
A recent industry slowdown has afforded Nexus RV the time to reflect and adjust to the way it engages with retail customers.
“With this new environment comes new approaches; new floorplans,
chassis, interiors, technologies, services, and warranty support systems are at the top of our to-do list.”
Now, as the industry anticipates an impending revival, the company is ideally positioned to take on more market shares due to its continuous innovation and evolution.
BEST-IN-CLASS MOTORHOMES
Located in Elkhart, Indiana, Nexus RV is a privately held motorhome manufacturer. The company was founded in 2010 by Middleton and Donati, initially operating directly out of its factory to serve customers for seven inaugural years.
In 2018, Nexus RV elected to update its business model and begin selling through a high-quality dealer network.
NEXCLUSIVE FEATURES
Before sale, 100 percent of Nexus RV’s vehicles go through a ‘camping simulation’. This is a 6-hour process which ensures that all systems are operational on both generator and shore power, includes a full plumbing test of the gas and water as well as a drive and rain test. In addition, each Nexus RV vehicle benefits from the following:
• HSLA steel, which is proven to be 72 percent stronger than aluminum.
• Exclusive double AZDEL Onboard® composite materials used in the sidewalls and roof, as opposed to wood.
• A one-piece wrapped fiberglass roof, which ensures no seams from fasteners on the vehicle radius.
• Gel-coated glass, fused with a composite backer for durability.
• Each opening framed in HSLA steel to minimize squeaks and leaks.
• Sherwin Williams RV-specific primer, paint, and clear coat applied, to ensure there is no flaking or dripping.
• A galvanized steel storage compartment with rubber storage mats installed, providing protection for your personal items.
Furthermore, each vehicle’s sidewalls, floors, and slide pieces are vacuum bondlaminated and constructed with HSLA.
HSLA is a type of alloy steel with low carbon content which provides superior mechanical properties and resistance to corrosion.
“YOUR FAMILY WILL FEEL SAFE WITH OUR PRODUCTS. WHEN YOU DRIVE OUR UNITS, YOU DON’T GET THE ‘WOBBLY BOX’ FEEL YOU MIGHT GET WITH UNITS THAT USE LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM”
– DAVE MIDDLETON, PRESIDENT, NEXUS RV
“This change allowed us to grow exponentially and become the fastestgrowing motorhome company in the US,” prides Donati.
With a clear focus on Class C and Super C product manufacture, the company’s range today includes vehicles built on chassis manufactured by Ford, General Motors (GM), International®, and Freightliner Custom Chassis.
Known for having the best built motorhomes on the market, Nexus RV
proudly implements a best-in-class construction philosophy, epitomized by its high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel-framed units.
“No other manufacturers use this framing strategy, which creates a 72 percent stronger structure when compared to aluminum, awarding our units with higher safety standards and enhanced driving quality,” he asserts.
In addition, by using no wood products in its vehicles’ roofs and
sidewalls in favor of AZDEL Onboard® composite, a lightweight alternative, Nexus RV offers its customers improved insulation and higher R-values, and lower road noises. By using true heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducting, Nexus RV is able to transfer air from the front to the rear of the unit for continuous ventilation. Moreover, this system allows for the easy cleaning of ducts for those that battle with breathing issues.
High strength low alloy steel
Steel frame openings
One piece wrapped fibre glass roof
Galvanised steel rubber storage compartments Talon gel-coated glass
Sherwin Williams RV paint job
“IF WE’RE ABLE TO EXPAND AS A BUSINESS, THIS WILL INCREASE OUR BUYING POWER AND ALLOW US TO LOWER OUR OVERHEADS TO ACHIEVE MORE COMPETITIVE PRICING”
– CLAUDE DONATI, MANAGING MEMBER, NEXUS RV
“We are also the only manufacturer using galvanized storage bins and wrap-round fiberglass roofs in our Class C Mini Homes.
“Better materials last longer and work better for our customers,” Donati emphasizes.
ONGOING INNOVATION
As a company that prides itself on building the best-constructed, safest, and most durable motorhomes in the industry, Nexus RV is dedicated to delivering a broad range of vehicles to its audience.
“Overall, your family will feel safe with our products. When you drive our vehicles, you don’t get the ‘wobbly box’ feel you might get with units that use lightweight aluminum,” Middleton outlines.
The quality of Nexus RV’s products can be attributed to its constant dedication to innovation and ability to adapt to needs and trends within the industry.
As such, for the first time in 15 years, the company is building on the SRV2 chassis from Freightliner for its Wraith Super C unit.
“This project seeks to provide the best alternative for our customers to buy Super Cs under $200,000,” excites Middleton.
In fact, Nexus RV boasts the number one best-selling Super C under this price point, chosen by 54 percent of the market, which positions the company as a strong option for first-time RV buyers or those impacted by recent market inflation.
In addition, the business is considering entering the Class B market, which will provide customers with even more cost-effective options.
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CONTEMPLATING THE FUTURE
Nexus RV does whatever it takes to ensure its customers remain happy. As such, it has tripled its workforce of late, whilst Middleton has focused his time investing in customer care.
“We’ve added some software components to our customer care activities, and we monitor social media like a hawk to ensure we can immediately address any potential issues,” he expands.
In addition, the company’s strong supplier relationships have helped it remain at the top of its game by providing access to global market information.
NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK:
WHAT CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) PRACTICES DOES THE COMPANY PARTICIPATE IN?
Claude Donati, Managing Member: “In 2021, we established a company-wide goal to give back to the community.
“We committed to a local domestic shelter, Safe Haven, that is run by the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). Recently, our 100-strong team of associates attended the facility to take part in a renovation of the entire shelter.
“As a result of our involvement in this important community project, we spend a lot of time collecting clothes, food, and raising money to support the shelter.
“When we first made the announcement of our commitment to Safe Haven, I had several employees notify me how happy they were to help as they had used the shelter during difficult times in their life.”
“Our local vendors are an incredible source of information, and their proximity allows us to rely on their expertise to improve our design.”
Recently, some of Nexus RV’s biggest suppliers have become global, adding value by way of international reach.
Furthermore, exclusive relationships, such as the company’s work with Navistar on the MV chassis, allow the company to benefit from healthy and multifaceted industry connections.
Going forward, Nexus RV recognizes that future innovation must start with its chassis manufacturers, such as Ford, GM, and International®.
Currently, it is also taking small steps to prepare for the electrification
of the RV market, but until then, it remains in wait.
“The stumbling block for transitioning towards the electric vehicle (EV) market continues to be the range of vehicle. Currently, there are several chassis’ companies building electric chassis, but due to the limited battery supply, these can only go around 100 miles before recharging is required. The recharging takes around eight hours making this application unrealistic to RV users,” Donati notes.
Having grown exponentially since its inception in 2010, Nexus RV plans to expand its current portfolio to provide the company with alternatives should one market experience a downturn.
“If we’re able to expand as a business, this will increase our buying power and allow us to lower our overheads to achieve more competitive pricing,” he concludes.
Tel: 574-970-0848
cdonati@nexusrv.com www.nexusrv.com
FIRST-RATE AEROSPACE ASSEMBLY AND INTEGRATION
Combining a small business company culture with global corporate capabilities, CPI Aero, Inc. is diligently solving the needs of North America’s defense and commercial aerospace sectors. We find out more from members of the business’s senior leadership team
Writer: Lucy Pilgrim | Project Manager: Michael Sommerfield
We are a small business with a family atmosphere, but the company behaves and is organized as a large corporation.”
The opening words of Dorith Hakim, CEO, President, and Board Director of CPI Aero, Inc. (CPI Aero), perfectly encapsulate the ethos and
world-renowned capabilities of the aerospace manufacturing company, operating in the upper echelons of the sector in North America.
CPI Aero’s outstanding presence in the industry is underpinned by the legacy of its founder, Art August, whose humble family business
Dorith Hakim, CEO, President, and Board Director
AEROSPACE INTEGRATION
worked hard to serve the growing aerospace sector in the early 1980s.
August subsequently grew the company’s order book before deciding to go public in the early 1990s, approximately a decade after CPI Aero’s inception.
“The heritage of our founder is still present; his name remains attached to the facility, and his legacy is still evident in CPI Aero today,” states Jay Mulhall, Vice President of Business Development.
When taking the company public 30 years ago, the abbreviation CVU was used as its stock ticket number, referring to a long-standing aviation term: ceiling and visibility unlimited – the optimum conditions for flying a plane. This was subsequently
used as the theme for growing and developing the business and has remained CPI Aero’s stock symbol to this day.
Being a small business allows the company to be flexible and nimble
in its operations, while its structure, similar to those found in much larger organizations, means that it can meet the demands of its customers on relatively large, complex contracts.
“We like the fact that we’re a lot faster than a larger corporation and able to react to issues ahead of time,” Hakim highlights.
DELIVERING DEFENSE CAPABILITIES
CPI Aero primarily operates as a buildto-print manufacturer, specializing in the assembly and integration of complex mixed commodity aerostructures and aerosystems for the US Department of Defense (DoD) and other defense and commercial customers.
“We work mainly in structural assembly, which means we build all kinds of assemblies that go on or in fixed and rotary wing aircraft,” Mulhall informs.
The company’s primary operations include the mechanical assembly and integration of aircraft components into a larger structure.
CPI Aero assembles the structure from components or sub-assemblies –such as sheet metal parts, composite assemblies, machined parts, and hardware - procured from suppliers before integrating other components, also either procured directly from suppliers or manufactured at the company.
This includes wiring harnesses, hard tubing, insulation, ducting, actuators, sensors, or heating and cooling systems. This allows CPI Aero’s customers to take its products and integrate them immediately into their next higher assembly.
The integrated and assembled parts include wing, fuselage, and engine structures, doors and control surfaces, fuel system components, airborne pods, and much more, which are structurally built up from both metallic and composite parts.
Across the commercial arm of CPI
EA-18G Growler
Jay Mulhall, Vice President of Business Development
Aero, the company primarily works with aircraft structures in support of the business and executive jet market. The scope and scale of these aerostructure and aerosystem assemblies are perfectly aligned with CPI Aero’s capabilities and facilities. In support of the defense market, the number of aircraft CPI Aero’s customers produce per year is also well aligned with the company’s capabilities.
“The defense market is really in our wheelhouse, particularly as the business continues its growth into airborne pods, unmanned and autonomous vehicles (UAVs), and missile systems,” offers Mulhall. These products are primarily used on aircraft that support intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The US DoD and the defense sector’s original equipment
“WE ARE PURPOSEFULLY ORGANIZED TO SUPPORT OUR CUSTOMERS AND THE PROGRAMS THEY HAVE TRUSTED US WITH AND MAKE THE NECESSARY INVESTMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED LONG-TERM PARTNERS”
– DORITH HAKIM, CEO, PRESIDENT, AND BOARD DIRECTOR, CPI AERO, INC.
manufacturers (OEMs) sell products across the US and international markets through allied nations, thus expanding CPI Aero’s geographical reach.
Indeed, a large majority of the company’s overall revenue is generated through its presence in the defense sector.
“We track the important programs of the US DoD and identify the awarded prime OEM companies as potential customers of CPI Aero. We have good insight into this market and
are already supporting the US Air Force directly and most of the major OEMs,” Hakim outlines.
Another discriminator for the business is its manufacturing engineering organization and organic expertise in tool design and fabrication.
Whether it’s responding to new product development by leveraging 3D printing for rapid prototyping or coordinating the fabrication of CPI Aero-designed large assembly tooling, the company is ready to partner with customers on products
that span the production lifecycle, from new designs through full-rate production and into sustainment.
CPI Aero is likewise very wellversed in cybersecurity, making all the necessary investments to comply with required standards. This is a particular focus in the defense sector due to the associated high cybersecurity risks.
BECOMING A MEMBER OF THE TEAM
CPI Aero nurtures a special relationship with customers, as it supports them in design specializations as they execute new concepts.
The company provides its customers with design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) expertise, allowing them to focus on their design of products that best accomplish the mission at hand.
“Our clients know that they can count on CPI Aero’s experience in building and integrating products, and we are often an extension of their integrated product teams (IPTs). These partnerships become very important and the foundation of wellexecuted programs,” Mulhall adds.
“We love when a customer comes to us with a new product so we can help
them mature the design and make it more affordable and faster to produce while maintaining the highest quality.”
Because CPI Aero is wholly dependent on the supply chain to feed the detailed parts that it assembles and integrates, supply chain management is at the heart of everything it does, from sourcing and kitting for the assembly floor to selling kitting and supply chain management as a service to OEM customers and the US Air Force.
“We manage large, complex bills of material in support of new aircraft production or repair and overhaul programs for several of our customers.
We become a one-stop shop for thousands of part numbers, aggregated into hundreds of kits, which get delivered to their factories or repair depots at just the right time to get integrated onto the aircraft,” expands Mulhall.
“It also means that we see the full lifecycle of a product, making it easily maintainable after it’s delivered to an end user,” explains Hakim.
STAYING UP TO DATE
The company has witnessed the industry’s technological advancements, progressing from its initial workings with two-dimensional
DEVELOPING A TALENT
PIPELINE
CPI Aero takes a proactive approach to developing a talent pipeline and hiring individuals based on their personality and determined work ethic.
“We often consider whether they fit into the culture and the type of environment they need to work in. That way, we can always train them with the necessary skills,” divulges Mulhall.
Regarding the structural mechanics segment of the company, CPI Aero runs a series of apprenticeship programs in which it hires students who have recently graduated from high school and introduces them to a specialized program. Here, graduates spend several weeks learning the basic skills and nurturing the right mindset and mechanical abilities to complete the job efficiently.
Additionally, CPI Aero’s small business ethos means that its workforce is maintained through talent retention and fostering a family culture.
Lockheed Martin F-35
drawings and incredibly simplified technical information.
Today, CPI Aero utilizes threedimensional electronic mediums that have eliminated many timeconsuming steps, thus speeding up the sourcing of complex engineered components and the methodization of the assembly and integration of finished products.
“It mitigates mistakes and misinterpretation, making it faster and easier to create a high-quality product through a seamless process that connects customers to CPI Aero and CPI Aero to its suppliers digitally,” Mulhall adds.
Moreover, aircraft design has adapted to industry changes since the company’s inception over 40 years ago, as evidenced by the types of materials that are used to create component parts including lightweight composites and metallic alloys that provide greater strength. There has also been a considerable
CPI AERO’S POD CAPABILITIES
A significant portion of CPI Aero’s aerosystems assembly and integration product line is airborne pods.
Some pods are delivered to customers with just the structural assembly while others are fully integrated into a turnkey deliverable product, which means that the customer only has to install their proprietary payload – such as a camera, radar system, or other prime mission equipment - and then deliver it to their end-user customer.
CPI Aero puts its pod products through rigorous testing that includes pressure testing, electrical testing, and full dimensional tolerance control.
The pod offerings come in a range of sizes and maturities. For instance, a few of the company’s pods are at the end stages of the program, while some are in the design, first article, or flight-testing stage, and others are moving into full-rate production. CPI Aero is able to leverage the lessons learned on earlier programs and apply them to the newer programs.
“We are recognized in the industry for supporting these types of integrated products, not just because of our technical expertise, but because of our consistent quality delivery to our customers,” notes Hakim.
effort in the sector to design larger parts to cut assembly costs. One example is the move from sheet metal build-ups to larger machined metallics and engineered composite parts. Indeed, aerospace manufacturing has moved toward simplification, waste
reduction, and faster manufacturing processes.
“It has been incredible to see the industry evolve, and CPI Aero has been front and center on this journey to faster, more streamlined manufacturing,” insights Hakim.
A SERVICE-DISABLED, VETERANOWNED SMALL BUSINESS
Valco is a service-disabled, veteran-owned aerospace company located in Southwest Oklahoma. Since its founding in 1989, Valco has supplied Military, commercial, and general aviation needs worldwide. AS9100 and NADCAP accredited,Valco specializes in aerospace sheet metal forming, component assembly, and heat treatment.
OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND
CPI Aero’s success in staying up to date with innovation can be attributed to the fact that it is not afraid to invest in the right opportunities to support burgeoning market growth.
“This is something that I’m very passionate about. We are purposefully organized to support our customers and the programs they have trusted us with and make the necessary investments to be considered longterm partners,” affirms Hakim.
The company’s workforce is specifically organized into programled integrated product teams that are focused on customer requirements and staffed by all the required subject matter experts in areas including program management, engineering, production control, supply chain management, and quality.
This ensures that resources are used effectively and professionals remain focused on their mission to support bespoke manufacturing
Our customers include: CPI Aero, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Bell Flight, Sikorsky, and Piper Aircraft.
Phone: 580-255-4300
Website: www.valcomfg.com
Address: 1009 Boren Rd, Duncan OK 73533
offerings. It also provides an easy point-to-point interface with various functions within customers’ organizations, making for more timely and efficient communications and issue resolutions.
This particular structure also removes all communication barriers as managers are located in close proximity to the manufacturing process and can physically see the product being built, which means they can address any potential issues quickly and are held accountable for their program performance.
“The beauty of being a small business is we don’t have to worry about functional barriers. We’re a program-led company that focuses on individual strengths and functional skillsets,” observes Hakim.
With this clear mindset and devoted mission, CPI Aero will continue to invest in the company and its people going forward as it witnesses abundant future business opportunities.
Additionally, its flourishing reputation has helped drive its growth and ability to exceed customer demands while also maintaining the highest standards.
“We’re not so hyper-focused on growth that we’re going to take our eyes off flawless execution,” ends Mulhall.
“I joined the company two-and-ahalf years ago, and in that time we have turned the company around. CPI Aero is a different business from what it was five years ago, and the journey doesn’t stop today,” Hakim concludes.
Allowing customers to focus on what matters most – the thrill of the outdoors – Yakima Products Inc. has a proud history of providing trusted solutions that transform the way people travel and enjoy the open road
Whether you are heading out camping, biking, hitting the water, or taking the family on a holiday road trip, Yakima Products Inc. (Yakima) believes that any adventure, regardless of the destination, creates shared experiences and memories between loved ones that last a lifetime.
Having begun as a passion project in 1973, Otto Lagervall, an avid inventor and paddlesports enthusiast, began creating handmade foot braces for canoes and kayaks in his family’s small machine shop, located in the company’s namesake city in Washington, embarking on a 50-year journey that would take Yakima across the globe.
Boasting a history of making bold moves in the name of new horizons, the company has worked hard, embraced challenges, and taken risks to continue to lead the niche market with the same enthusiasm and innovative mindset it was conceptualized with.
Yakima’s trusted solutions have transformed the way people travel. Indeed, the company is a trendsetter in its sector, packing heritage, safety, design sensibility, and street smarts into every product.
Together with its network of respected retailers, the business proudly provides its customers the freedom to wander, the right to be unruly, and the confidence to go rogue.
Traveling the winding road home, the memories and connections made with friends and family remain long after the trip ends. Yakima handles roof racks, LocknLoad systems, and roof boxes in order to keep its customers’ minds on the joy of the journey.
GEARING UP FOR TOUGHNESS
For over five decades, Yakima has placed a high emphasis on the design philosophy behind its many product offerings.
Its first consideration when formulating a new product is the
people using it. The company contemplates the possible challenges individuals may face when carrying their favorite gear and focuses on creating innovative solutions to solve these hurdles.
Due to this well-rounded approach, Yakima’s products are intuitive, longlasting, and easy to use by all.
When finding a perfectly fitted roof rack or box, the company’s dedicated in-house team is committed to fitting vehicles no matter the shape, make, or size to ensure rack solutions are available for nearly every car on the road.
Yakima even goes as far as to offer
Vehicle Finder, a customizable online tool that allows its users to visualize which product will work with their vehicles, making the perfect choice
YAKIMA’S PROMISE
Regardless of the destination or adventure, Yakima helps to get its customers, their friends, and all of their gear to the desired spot, allowing people to focus on what really matters – creating memories to last a lifetime.
easy and navigable.
While it is one thing to design a great rack, it’s quite another to build one.
That is why the company has highly skilled design engineers who pair years of mechanical experience with expert-level material knowledge to ensure that the best performance and longest lifespan can be guaranteed.
With the motto of tried, tested, and true, once Yakima has built a roof rack, the product goes through rigorous and merciless testing in order for the company to confidently say it will stand up to whatever a customer puts it through.
From snow-peaked mountain passes to rural dirt roads, the business has tested and fine-tuned every one of its products to last. That’s why Yakima can offer all of its bike racks, ski racks, roof boxes, and other products with a five-year limited warranty.
EMBRACING THE THRILL OF THE UNTAMED
Yakima offers a range of products and services to its wide customer base, including crossbars, LockNLoad roof racks, bike racks, winter sports racks, water sports racks, roof racks, accessories for camping, and 4x4 racks and accessories.
YAKIMA’S HISTORY
1973 – The company was founded by Otto and Jeanne Lagervall in Yakima, Washington. Otto’s first claim to fame was the invention of the foldable metal music stand. Yakima introduced its first national product, the Gold Rush Bar.
1979 – Steve Cole and Don Banducci purchased Yakima, envisioning a better future for hauling recreational sporting equipment. They moved Yakima to Arcata, California, and began fitting gear on cars.
1984 – Yakima’s brand promise held true when it built aerodynamic fairings for all race vehicles at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Yakima was also the official rack supplier for the 7-Eleven cycling team, who won nine gold medals.
1995 – Yakima’s first locking fork bike mount, SteelHead, was introduced.
2005 – The company moved its headquarters to Oregon and vowed to keep friends in cars and keep Portland weird.
2008 – HoldUp and SwingDaddy, two new hitch racks, were released to the public and received critical acclaim. Yakima engineers soared 62 feet to win Red Bull Flugtag in Portland, going down in history.
2010 – Kemflo Group purchased Yakima, Whisbar, and Prorack, with all three brands then selling in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
2018 – Yakima US and Yakima Australia exist as sister companies. The former continues to produce cargo management systems products while the latter engineers off-road capabilities. The brand now sells in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Middle East.
“OUR STORY IS MORE OF A JOURNEY, BECAUSE WE’VE NEVER BEEN GOOD AT SITTING STILL. AFTER ALL, WE DON’T HAVE WILD SIDES; WE HAVE WILD SOULS”
– YAKIMA PRODUCTS INC.
LockNLoad roof racks, in particular, are the strongest and quietest heavyduty roof rack systems on the market, with a load rating of 75 kilograms (kg) per bar and end caps featuring a tiedown point rated at 100kg each.
With an aerodynamic shape and rubber load-protector strip, the LockNLoad roof rack is designed in Australia with the idea being that if it can survive the harsh outback touring conditions Down Under, it can survive anywhere.
The result is a heavy-duty roof rack that can handle endless highways, gravel roads, rugged deserts, and steep mountains without breaking a sweat.
Most importantly, the LockNLoad roof rack features a built-in bottle opener, allowing customers to crack open a cold drink after a long drive.
Complementing the gamechanging innovation of the LockNLoad roof racks, Yakima offers
additional accessories for all kinds of camping trips.
The company provides roof boxes and racks to ensure customers don’t have to worry about getting their gear, friends, and family safely to the campsite, allowing them to truly enjoy all the outdoors has to offer.
The roof box allows experienced and novice campers alike to take all the equipment they need in a safe, secure, and efficient storage box that boasts a sleek, aerodynamic design and is compatible with nearly all car models.
For those who love to go off-road, reliable materials and products are a necessity. As such, the company’s roof racks and accessories are timetested and built not just to last, but to thrive.
From curving mountain roads to long stretches of isolated highways, Yakima products endure when the going gets tough.
Greenline Outdoor is a professional company specializing in designing and manufacturing outdoor products, such as rooftop tents, folding gazebos, camping products, etc. Our company possesses an incredible team of professional designers, structure engineers, and samplers who have proudly been involved in this line of work for more than 20 years. We are the first manufacturer in China to produce rooftop tent products since 2004 and have the most complete serials of soft top and rooftop tents, alongside newly developed models. Our vast experience allows us a strong ability to innovate all kinds of new outdoor products. Many professional clients for roof tents are OEMs due to our reliable quality and services.
brought the Dorsey Trailer dream to life. enables it to go from strength to strength the demands of the road every time
Manager: Michael Sommerfield
Since its founding in 1911, Dorsey Trailer (Dorsey) has established itself as one of the premier trailer manufacturers in the US.
Over 110 years ago, a pioneering company set out on a mission to create the most resilient custom trailers. This unwavering commitment continues today, with highly skilled artisans in Elba, Alabama, devoting themselves to manufacturing an extensive range of trailers built to withstand the exacting standards of the open road.
With a long-standing reputation for innovation, high performance, great value, top-notch quality, and exceptional durability, the Dorsey brand continuously evolves to cater to its customers’ diverse needs.
Leveraging extensive experience, cutting-edge computer-aided design (CAD), knowledgeable employees, and a state-of-the-art facility, the company prides itself on producing trailers that are not only safe but also highly reliable.
Its reputable and enduring features anchor Dorsey’s long-standing presence in the local community and have contributed to its status as an esteemed company that has played a vital role in the area for many decades.
Elba, a city in a picturesque landscape, boasts a rich and diverse history intricately entwined with the Dorsey narrative.
The company’s presence has its roots deeply embedded in Elba and spans back to the 20th century, shaping and sustaining the city’s economy.
Furthermore, Elba was established by residents who have called it home for generations, while many businesses in the area play a crucial role in fostering vibrant and sustainable communities.
A PROUD HERITAGE
What started out as a small machinery repair shop quickly flourished, gaining a reputation for reliable and efficient service in the booming timber industry.
With the rise of automobiles and the decline of horse-drawn buggies, the shop seamlessly transitioned to become the city’s go-to destination for car maintenance.
By 1920, Dorsey was producing 20 to 30 logging units a day and soon began designing and building its own products. In the 1930s, the company’s engineers developed its first commercial freight trailers.
Even during the Great Depression from 1929 to 1941, Dorsey’s sales increased every year, and by the end of the decade, the Dorsey name was synonymous with durability and safety from coast to coast.
The Korean War in the 1950s saw the plant relocate and expand to meet military and commercial demands.
In the 1960s, as the Cold War plunged the US into the missile age,
TRAILERS MANUFACTURED BY DORSEY
ALUMINIUM – Giant flatbed and drop flat
STEEL – Flatbed, drop flat, beavertail, lift hauler, extendable steel flat, and extendable steel drop
stopped producing reefer trailers and vans and focused on the growing demand in the flatbed market.
By 2022, Propst Companies had gradually taken over Dorsey. The following year, it invested in new equipment, and several office and plant upgrades, including a new webbing plasma machine, and 401(k) plans were added to employee benefits packages.
DURABLE AND DEPENDABLE
Dorsey is recognized for its unyielding quality, reliability, and commitment to advanced design and precision engineering.
trailer perfectly matches the buyer.
The company recently unveiled a brand-new 55,000 square foot (sqft) manufacturing facility strategically positioned just a mile from its corporate headquarters.
This has propelled Dorsey’s total footprint to over 850,000 sqft, enabling it to meet the surging demand for its trailers. The increased production capacity not only fulfills market needs but also creates 50 new job opportunities.
Dorsey was called upon to design and build rocket transporters and electronic vans and erect equipment to support various missile programs on the ground.
In 1980, Dorsey built a variety of reefer and van trailers, including notable and recognizable products for the country band Alabama, hauler vans for NASCAR, and perhaps most famously, the Dorsey Van in the hit TV show Knight Rider.
However, Dorsey changed direction in 2007 when Jeff Pitts, Owner of Pitts Enterprises, purchased the company.
Over the next few years, Dorsey
Its specialist technicians, who are trained and registered to meet customers’ needs, also offer expert advice and trailer maintenance and repairs. Moreover, a portion of Dorsey’s success can be attributed to its focus on specialty trailers and customization, with optional toolboxes, dunnage racks, ramp kits, and lift axle kits being offered.
Dorsey also provides accessories such as lights, fire extinguishers, fenders, and mud flaps, while decals, paint, and other finishing touches can be implemented towards the end of the production process to ensure each
The primary emphasis is on utilizing the facility to build 53-foot (ft) refrigerated aluminum trailers to transport perishable foods, as well as open-top wood-chip trailers designed for specific transportation needs.
A dedicated dealer network has also contributed to elevating Dorsey to the status it enjoys today.
A CORNERSTONE OF THE COMMUNITY
Dorsey has strong roots in Elba and a solid relationship with its residents. As one of the fastest-growing platform trailer manufacturers in the US and an industry driver for the rest of the state, the city appreciates its accomplishments and the value it adds to the community.
Together with the Elba Public Library, Dorsey has teamed up to support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Coffee County, which provides free books to children in the area.
In May, Dorsey discovered that the way to the heart is through the stomach, with pizza delivered by one of the company’s employees to Elba Elementary School and Elba High School as a thank you during Teacher Appreciation Week.
DORSEY PARTS CLUB
As a company that stocks a wide selection of essential semi-trailer repair parts, joining the Dorsey Parts Club is a must for customers who want to take advantage of deals for their vehicles. A premium membership guarantees exclusive access to early bird sales, new arrivals, and other special offers.
Joining the community means being part of an insider group that shares extensive industry knowledge about semi-trailers, drawing from over 110 years of experience.
Dorsey Parts Club offers a comprehensive list of vendors, providing nearly every part for all different types of semi-trailers, making networking easy. Members also get priority access to great deals.
Meanwhile, special events offer significant savings, and the list ensures members have early
“PEOPLE MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT DORSEY, PUTTING QUALITY FIRST IN EVERY STEP OF THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS”
– DORSEY TRAILER
Contributing to the Elba economy by employing team members in and around the area, Dorsey incentivizes its staff to achieve production goals.
Reaching these objectives is reflected in employee benefits and each paycheck.
Dorsey exceeded its targets in 2022 as a result by producing 3,025 trailers, 14 percent more than the predicted 2,650.
Last year, Dorsey hosted an
and production achievements but also highlighted the collaborative efforts that solidified the company’s position as an industry leader.
From raising funds for Dorsey employees and their families battling cancer and saluting veterans to celebrating work anniversaries and handing out candy at the annual ‘Pumpkins on the Square’ in downtown Elba, the company engages with its crew and citizens
AHEAD OF READY
As geopolitical instability grows, the demand for rapidly evolving technology and maximizing throughput is more important than ever.
Global security and aerospace company, Lockheed Martin, specializes in defense technology, solving complex challenges, advancing scientific discovery, and delivering innovative solutions that help its customers keep people safe.
Lockheed Martin’s all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate its delivery of transformative defense technologies.
“Our customers face threats that require us to deliver innovation at scale and with greater agility than ever before to address their toughest challenges,” opens Chandra Marshall, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Radar and Sensor Systems.
The leader in every domain in which its customers operate — air, land, sea, space, and cyber — Lockheed Martin has an unparalleled understanding of client missions.
To meet their needs, the company is digitally transforming its operations throughout the design and production process, ensuring the greatest efficiency without sacrificing quality.
“A joint force is a connected force, and our vision for 21st Century Security® weaves 5G technology through our proven platforms and combines them with the most
Identifying, tracking, and dealing with threats is imperative in national defense. Chandra Marshall, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Radar and Sensor Systems, details how the company is at the forefront of threat detection
Writer: Jack Salter | Project Manager: Michael Sommerfield
advanced commercial technologies to increase capability and connectivity,” Marshall outlines.
RADARS AND SENSOR SYSTEMS
Lockheed Martin’s business, the majority of which is with the US Department of Defense and federal government agencies, comprises four core areas specializing in defense technology – Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), Space, and Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS).
Radars and sensor systems fall within RMS’ mission-first portfolio, along with rotorcraft technology, command and control, combat simulation and training, advanced cybersecurity, and undersea systems.
As the global choice for advanced radars and sensors, Lockheed Martin has a rich history of providing cuttingedge systems that are the proven, preferred air surveillance solution for more than 45 nations on six continents – and growing.
The company has established a broad legacy of producing highperforming, solid-state radars required for integrated air and
missile defense (IAMD), long-range surveillance, early warnings, and counter-target acquisition.
“Over the past 60+ years of delivering radars, we have proven that each system meets the technical requirements defined by the customer,” acclaims Marshall, who is responsible for the entire radar and sensor portfolio for domestic and international customers.
“With the incredible growth in our radar line of business, we are always finding ways to improve efficiency, apply digital technologies, and invest in product innovation to outpace the dynamic threats our customers face.”
Evolving threats demand that the company delivers modernized defense systems that are integrated using seamless and resilient networks.
Threat deterrence always begins with detection, and as escalation from bad actors increases, the US military and its allies need expansive radar systems that can adapt quickly to a range of potential threats in various landscapes.
Lockheed Martin is the trusted partner of armed forces across the
NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: HOW DID YOU GET INTO AEROSPACE, RADARS, AND SENSOR SYSTEMS?
Chandra Marshall, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Radar and Sensor Systems: “Protecting and supporting our armed forces and bringing them home safely to their families will always be a priority to me.
“Having grown up in a family that served in every branch of the service, this is in my DNA.
“After several years working in state and federal administration, it was time to put that mission into action. When a position opened at Lockheed Martin, I jumped at the chance to be a part of the organization.
“Working in the defense community is my way of supporting the men and women risking their lives for our freedoms.”
world for its reliable, upgradeable systems designed to operate in the digital age.
The company’s advanced radars and sensors, which also work with existing critical defense networks to keep cities, countries, and citizens protected from adversarial threats, perform surveillance, tracking, classification/discrimination/ identification, fire control engagement, and kill assessment.
IDENTIFYING THREATS
Keeping the US and its allies safe requires a mature and progressive network of systems that flag incoming threats.
“Threats can mean many things – it could be a missile, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), aircraft, rocket, artillery, mortar, or maybe even something else,” notes Marshall.
“Radars are critical components of a defense system; they are the eyes that are responsible for identifying those threats and providing early warnings.”
Today, radars are trusted around
the world by many defense forces and networks on all battlefields – in the air, on the ground, in space, or at sea.
Lockheed Martin delivers systems that focus on situational awareness against the full array of evolving battlefield challenges.
“The capabilities that our radar and sensor systems provide ensure warfighters have full spectrum protection while on the battlefield and for homeland security,” Marshall informs us.
Whilst Lockheed Martin has delivered tailored solutions for the world’s most challenging national security missions for over a century, the company’s heritage of radar and sensor excellence dates back to the 1960s.
Since then, its long-range air surveillance radars have been in continuous service, demonstrating the radar engineering and program management capabilities of Lockheed Martin.
Among the portfolio’s core capabilities are ease of integration, harnessing the most advanced
next-generation technologies, and building modularly with open architecture principles – Lockheed Martin is therefore setting the course for future radar design and development.
“Our radars are also designed with high commonality across the portfolio, leveraging decades of performance, design enhancements, and end-user feedback.”
VAST RADAR PORTFOLIO
There are a number of key radars in the Lockheed Martin portfolio, including the new Variable Aperture Digital Radar (VADR), a software-defined sensor that can be reprogrammed to emulate different adversary systems and training events.
In March 2024, the US Air Force Advanced Range Threat System Variant 3 (ARTS-V3) program awarded Lockheed Martin an initial $276 million contract to develop and produce VADR.
This new contract expands the
company’s radar superiority for X-band and C-band radars, which VADR will leverage to train aircrews for engagements against adversarial threats.
“ARTS-V3 enhances our product line and demonstrates that we are continuing to lead the way in next-gen radar capability,” Marshall insights.
“Our radar technology directly contributes to the overall strength of the US military. It continues to be our top priority to focus on 21st Century Security®; this includes training our troops with the most advanced systems to best protect our homeland.”
Elsewhere in the Lockheed Martin portfolio, TPY-4 is a multimission, ground-based radar for air defense surveillance that can operate in contested electromagnetic environments and provides the ability for warfighters to detect and track current and emerging threats.
“Our proven performance and reliability will encourage customers to strongly consider TPY-4 as a solution to augment their existing capability as the threat space evolves,” emphasizes Marshall.
TPY-4 was selected in March 2022 for the US Air Force’s ThreeDimensional Expeditionary LongRange Radar (3DELRR) program, and in November 2022, the company signed a contract with the Royal Norwegian Air Force to acquire
several TPY-4 radars.
Thus, Norway became Lockheed Martin’s first NATO partner outside the US for its TPY-4 radar as part of the P2078 NORSE program, which will replace existing radars as they become obsolete.
The main mission of P2078 NORSE is to enhance the military surveillance capability of Norwegian and adjacent airspace through the replacement of legacy systems with a solution that meets future needs.
“We look forward to offering TPY-4 to solve the evolving challenges of international partners,” Marshall urges.
COMMONALITY IN DESIGN
Norwegian industry has been a crucial partner in the development of the TPY-4 radar, with Lockheed Martin leveraging an extensive supplier base in the Scandinavian country.
In particular, the company’s relationship with KONGSBERG Defense & Aerospace (KDA) resulted in the production of the first TPY-4 that included the Platform Electronics SubSystem (PES) built by KDA, a critical element in the foundation of this next-generation sensor that meets and exceeds current customer requirements for long-range surveillance.
TPY-4 also has the capability to be a solution for the modernization efforts of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
AN/APY-9 radar
SPECIALISTS IN TOUGH TECHNOLOGY FOR TOUGH TERRITORIES AND TERRAINS
In San Diego, Core Systems is an expert in providing top-of-the-line, rugged industrial and military-grade technology solutions
Whether providing cuttingedge equipment for industrial operations or reliable technology for military applications, Core Systems can meet the unique requirements of organizations with critical needs.
As a reliable partner, the company specializes in manufacturing best-in-class rugged industrial computers, displays, handheld units, and other systems that can withstand shocks, vibrations, humidity, and extreme temperatures.
With two premier vertically integrated production facilities equipped with top-tier engineering and fabrication teams, Core Systems stands out for its comprehensive strategy towards product development and integration. This approach ensures that every aspect of its products is meticulously designed and tested to meet the highest standards.
From the conceptualization phase to the meticulous environmental
testing stage, Core Systems manages every aspect of the process in-house. It also has a complete machine shop on the premises, which enables it to rapidly create prototypes and tailor products to meet clients’ precise requirements.
In addition, it builds and integrates systems with Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) boards, which are used for artificial intelligence (AI) purposes. Moreover, the metal shop executes computer numerical control (CNC), punch fold, paint, and welding, and has its own environmental testing, integration, and cable manufacturing facilities.
Core Systems has achieved a significant milestone by successfully participating in the renowned Lockheed Martin HDR-G program, a testament to its capabilities.
This program, known for its advanced data processing and communication capabilities,
trusted Core Systems’ expertise to deliver robust and reliable solutions.
By being chosen for rack integration, the company played a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless integration and functionality of critical systems. The HDR-G program relies on Core Systems’ expertise to deliver robust and reliable solutions.
Renowned for its distinctive, rugged military-grade versions of the top server brands in the market, such as repackaging Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), CISCO, and Arista, Core Systems stands alone in providing this service. This exceptional offering underscores its engineering prowess and unwavering commitment to delivering solutions that surpass industry standards.
SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS
Core Systems is a highly regarded company that specializes in providing cutting-edge hardware
solutions and advanced AI technology to military forces across the globe. We create the only rugged HPE servers that support certain AI capabilities. Furthermore, machine learning (ML) is designed to adapt to ever-changing and challenging environments, enhance security, and safeguard robust encryption for sensitive data. At the same time, AI-powered simulation offers realistic combat training scenarios. Rugged systems are built with extreme durability in mind to withstand harsh conditions.
With its innovative technology, Core Systems has gained recognition and adoption from
military forces worldwide, including the Army, Navy, and other defense agencies. The company’s solutions have proved to be highly effective in enhancing the accuracy, speed, and reliability of military operations, thereby increasing the safety and success of personnel on the ground.
Through ongoing R&D, Core Systems continues to push the boundaries of AI technology, enabling military forces to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge. Its commitment to excellence and an unwavering focus on safety and
security make it a trusted partner for military forces worldwide.
With a relentless focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, Core Systems has a proven track record of success.
A portfolio of groundbreaking solutions ensures that the company is committed to its vision of empowering its customers to achieve their goals.
As an industry leader in technological innovation, Core Systems is dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industrial and military sectors globally.
Core Systems follows a design strategy that involves collaboration with its engineering team to ensure efficient product realization, whilst its world-class mechanical design engineering team provides product design. The next stage of the process involves a vertically integrated facility that enables rapid prototyping capabilities. After that, an on-site product test laboratory validates each new design to meet military specifications (MIL-Specs). Product assembly occurs at Core Systems’ facility with multiple production floors. Additionally, every product comes with a standard warranty and lifetime support.
CORE CAPABILITIES AND APPLICATIONS
Core Systems has extensive experience in commercial and defense programs spanning aerospace, transportation, military, security, and intelligence across the land, sea, air, space, cyberspace, and joint all-domains. The company has expertise in developing mission-critical systems for various applications
designed to meet environmental demands and adapt to an everchanging battlefield. Its history dates back to 2007 when it created sensor signal processing for defense applications, missioncritical airborne systems, and other purpose-built systems that exceeded expectations.
Core Systems provides a diverse selection of top-quality openframe racks, server racks, and enclosures suitable for a wide range of missions. In addition, the company offers integration services that involve assembling a fully configured rack cabinet system ready for deployment on the same day it is shipped. Its team of experts is always available to help select the best
cabinet for specific mission requirements.
Specializing in developing mission-critical systems for various applications, Core Systems’ solutions are designed to meet the environmental demands of each unique mission and adapt to the constantly changing battlefield.
With a strong track record of creating sensor processing systems and designing and developing mission-critical airborne systems for various military and defense applications, the company is a trusted leader in the industry.
Core Systems’ portfolio of rugged solutions and one-off designs is
purpose-built to exceed mission expectations. It adapts to the battlefield’s changing demands to ensure its products perform optimally in any environment. From advanced radar technology to improving intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, it is committed to providing customized solutions that meet the unique needs of military operations. Dedicated to ensuring excellence from start to finish, Core Systems offers a reliable solution for every possible military application with precision, expertise, and unmatched reliability on the battlefield.
DESIGNS FOR MULTIDOMAINS TAILORED TO MILITARY NEEDS
Core Systems has a rich experience in creating robust computing solutions for the military. Its portfolio includes a wide range of projects with both commercial and defense programs. The company works closely with all military branches, designing customized solutions that suit specific deployments and ensuring that every challenge is met with innovation.
For years, Core Systems has worked tirelessly to create secure and reliable solutions for military aircraft, navigation, and other airborne applications. The company’s advanced computing solutions, including highdefinition displays and SWaPC-optimized mission computers, are among the most powerful and dependable in the world, designed to withstand the most challenging environments and ensure the safety and security of military personnel.
Taking pride in its commitment to providing industry-leading products tailored to meet specific needs, Core Systems ensures
that customers can complete their missions efficiently and confidently.
Core Systems delivers rugged, reliable technology for multidomain operations worldwide. It showcases its ability to overcome complex problems with versatile systems that thrive in extreme environments. It also has a long history of creating defense solutions for naval platforms built with size and safety in mind.
As the US Space Force continues to make great strides and push
APPLICATION-SPECIFIC DESIGN REVOLUTIONIZING MILITARY APPLICATIONS
Core Systems’ cutting-edge applications include:
• Military aircraft systems
• Training and simulation
• ISR
• Joint all-domain
• Radar
• Land systems
• Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)
• Signals intelligence (SIGINT)
• Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR)
boundaries in the field of space exploration, Core Systems is proud to work alongside NASA in developing cutting-edge computing solutions designed to withstand outer space’s harsh and demanding conditions. The team is committed to providing the necessary tools and technology to support space missions at all orbit levels, ensuring that astronauts and researchers can access reliable and efficient computing resources while exploring the final frontier. The military’s primary concern is the growing speed of cyber threats worldwide. Core Systems has spent years diagnosing, preventing, and solving these threats, providing multi-domain solutions that can operate independently or together across mission-critical infrastructure. The company ensures that systems operate without interruption and that missions are covered at all attack points.
Collaborate with Core Systems to blend cutting-edge technology with dependable systems to meet modern military demands.
The radar represents a leap in performance over Lockheed Martin’s FPS-117 radars, which have been operating continuously in NORAD’s North Warning System for over 30 years, and is well-suited to detect the smaller, faster-emerging threats of today.
“Our radar portfolio thrives on several key attributes, including commonality across radars, softwaredefined architecture, and the ability to easily integrate with existing defense systems,” states Marshall.
Lockheed Martin’s radars are designed with a high degree of commonality to enable sustainment efficiencies and significant cost savings for customers. TPY-4, for example, significantly leveraged the blueprint of Sentinel A4, a highperformance replacement of the aging legacy Sentinel A3 radar.
“Our scalable technology has resulted in significant international interest in both the Sentinel A4 and
HOW DO RADARS WORK?
TPY-4 radars to replace older assets that simply cannot be upgraded to match what our next-generation systems are offering.”
Sentinel A4 provides significant improvements to its predecessor’s existing capability against cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems, and rotary wing and fixed wing threats.
This includes the ability to detect rocket, artillery, and mortar (RAM) threats, provide RAM points of origin and impact locations, and add protection against electronic threats.
Sentinel A4 will be incorporated into the National Advanced Surfaceto-Air Missile System (NASAMS) for the National Capital Region (NCR) and is considered the radar of choice for nations looking for IAMD solutions.
PROVIDING CRITICAL SECURITY
In addition to Sentinel A4’s role of protecting warfighters in combat, the new radar has been selected to protect NCR and support the defense
Radars transmit and receive high-frequency radio waves to detect and track things that may not be visible to the naked eye.
The data collected by radars helps operators in the field to make informed decisions about what to do next.
In national defense, radars are imperative to the security of armed forces and civilians because they provide early warnings against adversarial threats.
STEP ONE: TRANSMIT – Radars send out narrow beams of electromagnetic radio waves in short or long pulses via a transmitter.
STEP TWO: REFLECT – Those waves can be intercepted and reflected, which helps radar operators to determine many features of detected objects such as distance, direction, speed, shape, and range, to name a few.
STEP THREE: RECEIVE – The receiver accepts the returned energy of the radio waves and measures the time elapsed since the transmission. The distance, or range, of that object is calculated by measuring the total time the radar signal takes to make the trip to the target and back.
STEP FOUR: DETECT, CLASSIFY, AND ACT – All this digital data is then processed in real time to determine the range and trajectory of detected objects, as well as their threat level.
of Guam, a US island territory in Micronesia.
The new radar’s integration with NASAMS for NCR’s air and missile defense capability will provide critical security to vital strategic assets.
“Sentinel A4 with NASAMS for the NCR will be a tower-mounted, fixed air defense asset to detect the latest threats of our adversaries,” Marshall shares.
“Placing Sentinel A4 radars on towers to detect today’s modern threats and protect high-priority assets can be easily duplicated by other services and partner nations around the world.”
Utilizing the latest in gallium nitride (GaN) technology and a digital active electronically scanned array (AESA) architecture, Sentinel A4 provides both 360-degree and stop-andstare capabilities with a 75 percent increase in range over the legacy system.
It also offers high performance in all conditions with the ability to detect threats amid bad weather, complex terrains, and contested environments.
“Lockheed Martin has been investing in GaN technology for radar applications since 2002 and was the first to produce radar systems featuring GaN with TPS-77 in 2015 and Space Fence, which became operational in 2020,” highlights Marshall.
In order to integrate with a broader defense system, Sentinel A4 interfaces with command and control, and sends collected data to help the user determine the next step in the engagement and protect the defended area.
Sentinel A4 works with the US Army’s current IAMD Battle Command System (IBCS) and Forward Area Air Defense C2 (FAADC2). Providing data to these two C2 systems allows them to leverage critical information to determine the best course of action to address a threat.
IMPORTANCE OF RADARS TODAY
The threats to military and civilian assets are advancing every day.
In this volatile global environment, the US military and its allies look to advanced radar systems that can protect them as they perform various missions and adapt to an ever-changing landscape.
Lockheed Martin has decades of experience in developing and delivering ground-based, naval, and aerial radars designed to integrate seamlessly into existing systems.
IBCS talks to the US Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2, and as the primary sensor for IFPC, Sentinel A4 is integral in supporting critical asset protection.
COUNTER-FIRE SUPPORT
Then there is the TPQ-53 radar system, which has a rich history of protecting the US for more than a decade.
With proven experience in counterfire support, the solid-state phased array detects, classifies, tracks, and determines the location of enemy indirect fire.
TPQ-53, which can be rapidly deployed, emplaced, and displaced, has consistently maintained greater than 95 percent operational availability, and Lockheed Martin
continues to modernize and increase the capabilities of the radar as threats evolve.
For example, the company has added multi-mission capability, which enables the detection of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and other small threats, as well as added air surveillance capability for the medium-range detection of fixed wing, rotary wing, and UAS threats.
“We have been working with the US Army on TPQ-53 for over a decade, and our partnership continues to be one of excellence as we support operations, maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to deliver outstanding performance and reliability,” prides Marshall.
In late 2023, meanwhile, Lockheed Martin was contracted to extend the
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life of the Royal Danish Air Force’s two TPS-77 long-range transportable radars.
Expected to receive a mid-life upgrade by mid-2025, TPS-77 operates 24 hours a day, provides continuous high-quality 3D surveillance on air targets, and offers superior long-range detection and 360-degree azimuth coverage.
“Lockheed Martin was awarded the initial Danish contract in 2005 for two TPS-77 radars to enhance Denmark’s air surveillance capabilities. The systems are stationed at fixed sites but can be quickly redeployed when
LOCKHEED MARTIN’S PARTNERSHIP WITH CORE SYSTEMS
Lockheed Martin has a strong history with Core Systems dating back to 2018.
Core Systems represents the epitome of a strong small business partnership, as they provide the back-end command and control for Lockheed Martin’s radar systems.
“Core Systems remains committed and has ebbed and flowed with us through customer needs and industry changes,” attests Marshall.
Beyond delivering on time and to specific requirements, Core Systems has also invested heavily to support Lockheed Martin. This includes a large production facility that has been built in California.
“They know how critical their contributions are to Lockheed Martin and our government customers, ultimately playing a major role in overall homeland defense. Core Systems is a great partner with great capability – they keep coming back and stepping up to help us.”
required,” Marshall expands.
TPS-77 is in service worldwide in Australia, Brazil, Estonia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Latvia, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea, the UK, and the US.
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
Lockheed Martin’s Long-Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR), designed and developed for the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA), is the next generation of ballistic missile defense. LRDR provides precise tracking and unparalleled discrimination of missile threats combined with simultaneous space domain awareness.
Just recently, LRDR was officially handed over to MDA in preparation for an operational capability baseline (OCB) decision and the final transition to the warfighter.
“This milestone represents years of dedication to MDA’s mission to protect our homeland. LRDR is a cutting-edge asset providing the benefits of both low and highfrequency radars for an innovative approach to searching, tracking, and discriminating targets,” says Marshall.
The radar is able to simultaneously search and track multiple small objects, including all classes of ballistic missiles, at long range and under continuous operation.
LRDR’s discrimination capability allows it to identify lethal objects, such as enemy warheads, and differentiate them from non-lethal decoys. Along with other elements of the Missile Defense System (MDS), which LRDR is integrated into, the radar conserves the number of ground-based interceptors (GBIs) required for threat engagement.
“OUR CUSTOMERS FACE THREATS THAT REQUIRE US TO DELIVER INNOVATION AT SCALE AND WITH GREATER AGILITY THAN EVER BEFORE TO ADDRESS THEIR TOUGHEST CHALLENGES”
– CHANDRA MARSHALL, VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER, LOCKHEED MARTIN RADAR AND SENSOR SYSTEMS
The highly adaptable LRDR features an open systems architecture designed to be scaled and extended to counter evolving threats without changing the hardware design.
Exemplifying this open systems architecture is LRDR’s added capability in support of hypersonic defense, giving decision makers actionable information to make fast, timely decisions.
In addition to missile defense, the radar system supports space domain awareness by monitoring satellites orbiting the Earth and detecting, tracking, and identifying active or inactive satellites, spent rocket bodies, and debris.
SECURING THE FINAL FRONTIER
Rightly lauded for its primary mission of missile defense, LRDR’s secondary mission of space domain awareness was once considered a tranquil final frontier.
Now, however, space has emerged as the latest – and arguably the most complex – domain for military operations.
The US faces a number of challenges in this new domain today, from counterspace technologies and space debris to orbital congestion and the rapidly advancing space capabilities of adversaries.
To enable the US to monitor and
TPS-77 radar
safeguard its vital space assets, ensure the peaceful use of outer space, and maintain a technological edge in this critical domain, the need for robust space domain awareness has never been more urgent.
Space domain awareness is fundamental in achieving the cornerstone responsibilities of the US Space Force (USSF) – preserving freedom of action, enabling joint lethality and effectiveness, and providing independent options.
The USSF doctrine, which states that “obtaining and maintaining domain awareness is fundamental to successful operations in any environment”, underscores the importance of SDA.
Government agencies lead in space domain awareness with the most discerning radar technologies
and software known to mankind.
LRDR, one of three technologies that are revolutionizing the frontier, has successfully passed several space domain awareness events in recent months, confirming the radar’s warfighter capabilities.
These events, which give information on how the radar behaves during a resident space object (RSO) environment as well as future capability upgrades, are intended to provide early use of LRDR to USSF and US Space Command (SPACECOM) prior to its transition from MDA, which is planned for later this year.
DETECTING DEBRIS
Along with LRDR, Space Fence is another technology that provides crucial support for military and
commercial space operations as well as long-term benefits for the US and its allies.
A key contributor to space domain awareness, Space Fence provides information that USSF needs to make informed decisions and take actions to protect key assets in orbit.
Space Fence is now the world’s most advanced radar, providing detection, tracking, and accurate measurement of space objects, including satellites and orbital debris primarily in low Earth orbit (LEO).
Today, LEO is crowded with active satellites and thousands of pieces of debris due to collisions and the deterioration of defunct satellites and rocket boosters.
That debris threatens both the commercial satellites relied upon for everything from weather
“LOCKHEED MARTIN HAS PIONEERED MUCH OF THE TECHNOLOGY THAT EXISTS IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRY’S RADAR SYSTEMS TODAY, THEREFORE SETTING THE BAR TO DETER ADVERSARIAL THREATS AND ANTICIPATE EVOLVING BATTLESPACES”
– CHANDRA MARSHALL, VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER, LOCKHEED MARTIN RADAR AND SENSOR SYSTEMS
forecasting and banking to global communications and GPS navigation, and the military assets that help to monitor and protect nations around the world.
Space Fence is now actively tracking satellites and discovering objects as small as a marble in LEO, making it a key contributor to space domain awareness.
Not only does Space Fence permit the detection of much smaller microsatellites and debris than current systems, but it also significantly improves the accuracy and timeliness with which satellite operators can detect space events and make better informed decisions about how to expend precious resources to maneuver and avoid collisions.
Building Space Fence in the
remote Marshall Islands was a great engineering accomplishment and a huge advancement in radar technology to enable dramatically increased orbital debris awareness, critical to protecting national security assets in a complex 21st Century Security® threat environment.
Lockheed Martin’s iSpace™ software, meanwhile, provides command and control and battle management capabilities for customers in all arenas that operate in the space domain.
These systems, developed by Lockheed Martin, provide the ability to detect far more debris than previous technologies could, and with greater accuracy, providing timely and actionable information to protect key assets in orbit.
SPY-7 SUPERIORITY
LRDR technology has equally been leveraged and scaled for Lockheed Martin’s SPY-7 land and maritime radar product line.
“The SPY-7 radar product line uses LRDR technology to enhance overall strength against evolving threats,” Marshall explains.
“Providing 24/7 coverage, SPY-7 is a superior deterrence asset available for land and maritime applications around the world.”
A software-defined multi-mission radar, SPY-7 allows the rapid and efficient insertion of new capabilities and techniques, offers a threefold improvement in performance compared to current radars, and boasts advanced missile defense features that can’t be matched by any competitor.
Lockheed Martin successfully demonstrated SPY-7 in April 2024 for the Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV), as the radar’s tactical hardware and software tracked objects in space. This served as a critical milestone as the technology will act as the cornerstone for Japan’s national defense.
LOCKHEED MARTIN –IN NUMBERS
Approximately 122,000 employees in the US and internationally
345+ facilities
13,300 active suppliers in every US state
890+ suppliers in over 52 countries outside the US
It also verified the maturity of SPY-7, which is fully interoperable through the Aegis Combat System (ACS), and marked the beginning of comprehensive performance testing prior to delivery to Japan. Such vigorous testing will minimize risk and ensure the nation receives a fully integrated and calibrated system as quickly as possible.
“The Japan Ministry of Defense will field two ASEVs equipped with the SPY-7 radar system,” Marshall announces.
SPY-7 has already been radiating and tracking air and space objects at Lockheed Martin’s New Jersey facility since 2018. Japan, Spain, and Canada have also signed up to use SPY-7 in a sea-based capacity to protect their citizens.
“The world is changing rapidly, and countries need a radar that can evolve with it – SPY-7 is that radar,” she affirms.
“We are experts in radars; we’ve
built and fielded them in all kinds of terrain. Wherever a partner may want this capability, we can work with them to realize that successfully.”
GROWTH OF PROJECTS AND PEOPLE
In addition to the roll-out of SPY-7, Lockheed Martin is looking ahead to growth through a strong pipeline of business.
One of the company’s top goals is to make sure it delivers quality products when customers require them.
“It’s that simple. Today’s warfighting environment and rogue threats are evolving every single day, and we help our customers bring solutions to the warfighters that will ensure safety and well-being. What we do is critically important, and I’m so proud to be a part of it,” Marshall beams.
“We have worked, and will continue to work, in concert alongside our customers and suppliers to find
creative ways to ensure we can deliver products that keep military and civilians safe.”
To enhance the detection and protection of threats, it is imperative that Lockheed Martin’s systems continue to talk to each other and elevate how they collect and use data to predict and respond to what’s coming next.
“The speed of relevance is what will keep our homeland and our allies’ homelands safe from adversaries, and the Lockheed Martin radar and sensor portfolio is already a center of excellence, prepared to meet and exceed those demands,” she adds.
The company works tirelessly to make sure it is meeting the needs of not only its customers, but also the workforce.
Advocacy is of great importance to Marshall to ensure each individual is challenged, rewarded, fulfilled, and has the chance to grow within the company.
“In an organization as big as Lockheed Martin, it’s critical that we pay attention to all those who are working on our customers’ missions as if they were their own,” she sets out.
Today, supply chain disruption and labor shortages are some of the most challenging issues in the defense industry.
Filling open positions is therefore something that is also focused on daily by Lockheed Martin, who has been collaborating with economic development organizations and industry to address hiring needs and skill gaps.
“We continuously work to ensure competitive salaries, exciting work, and an overall great work environment,” enthuses Marshall.
Furthermore, there are many opportunities for women in the workplace, especially in manufacturing.
Lockheed Martin today is far more inclusive than it was in the past and recognizes the value of having a more
diverse working environment.
“I’ve personally seen a lot more diversity over my career, and with that, I’ve witnessed a direct correlation to the strength and growth of our organization.
“Investment in our teams, whether through our formal mentorship initiatives, apprenticeships, continuing education, or training and leadership programs, is a given here,” Marshall concludes.
Exclusive, appetising content, delivered straight to your inbox
Adding to the success of its regional titles; Africa Outlook, EME Outlook, APAC Outlook, and North America Outlook, Outlook Publishing is proud to introduce a new platform dedicated to the food and beverage sector.
A multi-channel brand, Food & Beverage Outlook serves up all the positive global developments driven by companies across the food and beverage industry. Discover exclusive content presented through its website, social media channels and dispatches, delivered straight to your inbox with a bi-weekly newsletter.
Through this compelling new venture, Food & Beverage Outlook foregrounds the movers and shakers of the industry by confronting unprecedented change, showcasing technological innovations and incorporating critical environmental sustainability agendas.
To participate as a featured company and join us in this exciting endeavor, contact one of our Project Managers today.
FLAVORFUL CONNECTIONS
Food and beverage is a constantly changing industry, driven by what people want – more sustainability, better health options, and greater convenience.”
This sentiment, as voiced by Bruno Barrientos, COO of GCG, rings true as the world begins to shift towards more modern, eco-friendly, and nutritious food options.
One of the most prominent locations where this dietary transition can be observed is in the fast-paced, ever-busy environment of an airport.
GCG, a leading strategic partner that offers personalized and comprehensive solutions across the aviation, industrial, institutional, and culinary sectors, is paving the way for this cultural shift one airport at a time.
Operating in 22 countries and 30 cities across the US, Caribbean, and Latin America, the company’s history dates back to the 1950s, from which it has evolved into its current status as a multinational organization.
“We are committed to delivering exceptional food and travel experiences that enhance every customer’s journey,” attests Barrientos.
“Personalization and flexibility are key for ensuring we meet our customers’ specific needs and goals. We don’t adhere to a one-size-fits-all approach; our standard is defined by exceptional quality and the tailored objectives we achieve for each customer.”
The company’s adaptability and dynamic service offerings are evident through its four businesslines - sky dining, airport dining, aviation support, and culinary.
A trusted partner and one-stop shop for the airline and aviation industries, alongside other corporate customers, GCG has led the way in food and beverage for 70 years. Bruno Barrientos, COO, tells us more
Writer: Lauren Kania | Project Manager: David Knott
Sky dining, specifically, specializes in providing onboard dining experiences; airport dining manages airport restaurant concessions tailored to passenger needs and tastes; aviation support encompasses a full range of airport ground services; and culinary offers catering services to both public and private institutions.
“Our success is driven by a multicultural team of over 5,500 members, each specializing in diverse technical and administrative roles, with a constant focus on personalization,” details Barrientos.
With a client base that includes major airports, top-tier airlines, multinational companies, and governmental institutes, GCG is committed to delivering strategies and tools that meet customers’ needs and propel them into the future with confidence and clarity.
BUSINESS-CRITICAL TURNKEY SOLUTIONS
Having worked in the restaurant industry since the very beginning of his profession, Barrientos found himself exposed to the airline catering industry in Central America before moving to Florida, where his career at GCG’s headquarters took flight.
Quickly following this, the company executed a diversification strategy to become a stronger partner for its airline customers and provide an alternative to onboard meals for passengers, offering convenient solutions at airports in the Latin American and Caribbean regions.
“The growth, development, and interest in the food and beverage industry was my main career project and where I started the journey that is now being executed and led by a fantastic team of executives and team members,” prides Barrientos.
Currently, GCG is experiencing an exciting time as a dynamic environment propels the company to continuously innovate and develop new solutions.
NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: HOW DO YOU EMPOWER YOUR STAFF AND RECOGNIZE THE CONTRIBUTIONS THEY MAKE?
Bruno Barrientos, COO: “Our employees are the backbone of our operations, and we are deeply committed to empowering and recognizing their contributions.
“We achieve this through comprehensive training programs, competitive benefits, and a culture prioritizing continuous improvement. Our engagement initiatives include feedback exercises that are crucial for maintaining our high standards of service and fostering ongoing innovation.
“To celebrate both individual and team achievements, we have established a robust recognition program that not only motivates our staff but also strengthens our commitment to a culture of excellence.
“Open communication is a cornerstone of our philosophy; we host regular town hall meetings and feedback sessions, ensuring every member has a voice and can share their ideas and concerns.
“GCG is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion through various initiatives, such as scholarship programs that help our employees and their families advance their careers. Our commitment extends to promoting gender equality and empowering women, which is reflected in our workforce, comprising over 40 percent women.”
By adapting its culinary, sky dining, and airport dining services around its customers’ evolving needs, the company is aiming to enhance its various airline experiences offered across public and private institutions, airports, and onboard services.
“We’re thrilled by the opportunities ahead and are dedicated to offering our customers new, innovative options that elevate their dining experiences.”
GCG has been able to maintain its reputation for providing exceptional dining services that complement the luxury and convenience of modern air travel over the course of its 70-year history due to its constant attention to customers’ needs and desires.
“We prioritize using high-quality ingredients, providing digital solutions, and maintaining culinary excellence led by renowned chefs. Our offerings are meticulously crafted to appeal to the diverse tastes of global travelers, blending local flavors with international cuisines,” expands Barrientos.
With a strong emphasis on customization, GCG’s added value lies in its flexibility and capability to create bespoke solutions that cater to the airport’s demands and optimally address the preferences and needs of their passenger base, considering timing, local context, and operational specifications.
SOLUTIONS BEYOND COMPARE
GCG is currently working toward reshaping airport dining into a delightful journey for travelers worldwide through several key innovations, technological advancements, and culinary prowess.
This includes cultural immersion and local cuisine, sustainability initiatives, digital menus and ordering systems, contactless payments and services, and smart ordering and pick-up solutions.
“By integrating these trendsetting approaches and leveraging
technology to its fullest potential, we are reshaping airport dining into a truly memorable experience for travelers,” highlights Barrientos.
These initiatives can be seen within the company’s key projects, such as the recent acquisition of the operations of an international food company in Colombia, marking a significant milestone in GCG’s strategic expansion.
“We have introduced new catering production facilities that serve leading national and international airlines across major Colombian cities,” Barrientos points out.
“This project is pivotal as it fortifies our regional footprint and advances our service offerings to meet the
growing demands of our clientele.”
Additionally, the company has secured a new concession contract at Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten, allowing it to launch five new locations and a VIP lounge within the airport’s recently renovated, mega yacht-inspired food court.
“Our aim with this project is to craft unique dining experiences that reflect St. Maarten’s rich culinary tradition while catering to the diverse tastes of travelers. This initiative aligns with our goal to become the preferred partner in airport dining, setting new standards for excellence and customer service.”
GCG AT A GLANCE:
• 23 million+ meals served annually
• 25,000+ flights assisted on the ground annually
• 40+ airport restaurant concessions
• 130+ airline customers
• Working with 500+ business partners
• 5,500+ team members
• 30 stations across the Caribbean and Latin America
Both projects are testament to GCG’s commitment to growth and ability to provide high-quality, tailored dining solutions across the region.
Alongside its culinary and dining offerings, the company provides ground handling services through its aviation support business line – a key component of GCG’s comprehensive capabilities.
The company provides a range of services including baggage handling, aircraft cleaning, cargo management, and passenger assistance, with the goal of ensuring the efficient and smooth operation of airport logistics, elevating the traveler experience and operational efficiency, and becoming an integral solution for all commercial airlines, private aviation, and local customers.
“As we look to the future, we plan to expand our ground handling services into new markets, enhancing our reach and capability. This expansion is aligned with our broader business strategy of growth and innovation,” insights Barrientos.
A HIGH-FLYING FUTURE
One of the most crucial components to GCG’s success and longevity is the relationships it maintains with suppliers and partners.
“We collaborate with over 2,000 partners, which is essential for maintaining a steady, high-quality supply of materials and services across our business lines,” explains Barrientos.
“These partnerships enable us to manage costs, drive innovation, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.”
Equally as important to the company’s core values are GCG’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices, which strengthen its overall operational sustainability and positively impact the communities in which it operates.
“We are dedicated to environmental conservation and implement practices that minimize our ecological footprint,” asserts Barrientos.
Notably, the company has recently expanded its renewable energy efforts in the Caribbean, with
photovoltaic (PV) systems installed across seven countries totaling 1.3 megawatts.
GCG’s commitment extends beyond environmental efforts to substantial community involvement. It works closely with local farmers, communities, and suppliers to support sustainable agriculture by providing the necessary resources and training to improve their livelihoods.
“We also focus on food security by providing meals to communities in need, especially during emergencies or disasters,” continues Barrientos.
Through these diverse activities, GCG aims to positively impact society while fostering a culture of responsibility and sustainability within the company.
As GCG continues to look ahead to the coming years, it is entering into a phase of evolution as a brand and company, seeking to expand into new regional and international markets.
A key focus will be enhancing its digital offerings, alongside the exciting announcement of an upcoming launch of an e-commerce platform.
“We remain committed to integrating sustainable practices throughout our operations, ensuring that our growth aligns with our environmental responsibilities.
“These strategic priorities are designed to strengthen our market position while maintaining our focus on personalization and excellence, and offering our customers integral solutions with multiple services,” concludes Barrientos.
www.northamericaoutlookmag.com/work-with-us
HARVEST THE POWER OF NATURE
THE NATURE
Dedicated to providing North America with delicious snacks containing the best and most natural ingredients since 1966, Calbee America emerges today as one of the nation’s largest snack brands
Writer: Lily Sawyer | Project Manager: Ben Weaver
With a long-standing history of excellence, Calbee America is proud to be a major part of the global Calbee brand.
Initially founded in Japan in 1949, Calbee quickly grew to become the country’s largest snack food company.
Soon after, in 1966, the brand was launched in North America as one of the region’s very first Asian snack companies, with Calbee America first appearing in Hawaii before quickly gaining popularity nationwide.
1970 saw Calbee America introduce Shrimp Chips to US audiences, which is now widely enjoyed in the country due to its savory, umami flavor.
Further to this, Calbee America’s flagship brand, Harvest Snaps, is currently enjoyed in 14 million households and counting across the US and Canada. Made from natural, plant-based ingredients, Harvest Snaps truly encapsulates the company’s mission to harvest the power of nature and offer consumers a guilt-free, healthy snack option.
As it continues to grow across the US, Calbee America is determined to maintain its strong grasp on both the North American and Asian snacking markets.
EVOLVING PALATES
Citing subtle changes in the nation’s palate to a broader range of Asian flavor profiles, Calbee America has introduced a growing selection of Asian-inspired snack products to the US over the years, including Shrimp Chips, JagaRico, Takoyaki Ball, My Pote, and Jagabee.
More recently, the brand has
expanded the distribution of its Asian snacks into mainstream US grocery and convenience stores. This aligns with a general rise in demand for Asian flavors, which can be observed in the recent widespread uptake of food items from the region such as sushi and ramen.
As such, Calbee America is able to offer these products across Asian supermarkets in North America, such as HMart and Mitsuwa Marketplace, alongside major US stores such as Costco and Walmart.
The widespread availability of these snacks in the US is also in response to an increase in the country’s Asian population seeking brands that they recognize from their childhood. In this way, Calbee America has capitalized on a growing market.
At the same time, the company has noted a prominent rise in the nation’s healthy snack category of late, a movement that its flagship brand, Harvest Snaps, is ideally placed to cater for across the US as a nutritious fruit and vegetable-dense option.
Alongside its broad range of Asian snack options, Calbee America therefore arguably monopolizes today’s US snack market and continues to benefit from a robust business model that capitalizes on emerging trends.
STREAMLINING US DISTRIBUTION
To effectively distribute its vast range of snack products across North America, especially those manufactured overseas, Calbee America operates through a highly efficient logistics and supply chain network.
Specialty Oils Are Our Specialty
Could you introduce me to Ciuti International and provide an overview of its value-added competencies, products, certifications, and location?
Ciuti International stands as the premier specialty cooking oil importer and bottler, forging strong partnerships with farmers and producers globally to deliver exceptional, authentic, and competitively priced products directly from the source.
Nestled in the foothills just outside Los Angeles, our manufacturing plant is certificated:
• USDA Organic
• Non-GMO Project Verified
• Orthodox Union Kosher
• SQF Level 2 certified
The above specialty or conventional oils and vinegar are then distributed from our facility through four divisions:
• Retail
• Foodservice
• Bulk Ingredient
• Private Label
That’s fantastic – I’m curious how Ciuti got started; what’s your superhero origin story?! And where are you now?
Going back in time - our story begins with the family-owned company’s roots in Sicily, Italy, where extra virgin olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet.
Ciuti was founded to share our heritage by bringing authentic Italian extra virgin olive oil to the United States. Inspired by the success of our olive oil and driven by loyal customers’ demand for more of these genuine products, we have expanded from a single ingredient to the diverse offerings we have today.
In the company’s second generation, through Ciuti’s ongoing commitment to quality, authenticity, and exceptional customer value, we grew our range to provide a comprehensive assortment of specialty oils and pack sizes by building on years of experience and strong global partnerships.
Now, to the present day, Ciuti has expanded to its +100k square foot (+9300 sq mt) state of the art, rail- served facility strategically situated just outside the Seaports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, within the US’s largest distribution hub at Rancho Cucamonga, California. This prime location enables Ciuti to efficiently serve the nation and export packed-in the USA products internationally. Whether under our brands or custom private label, Ciuti is dedicated to our customers’ success.
Does Ciuti International offer any specialty products, varieties, or ingredients? Does the company use any innovative processes to acquire unique flavors?
‘Specialty Oils Are Our Specialty’ is our motto, and we mean it:
• Avocado Oil – High in mono-unsaturated fats (the good fats) with a neutral flavor profile and high smoke
point has made Avocado Oil the fastest growing oil in the industry. As one of the largest importers of Avocado Oil in the USA and one of the first in the industry to offer Avocado Oil as a staple ingredient. Our Avocado oil is expeller pressed, naturally refined and can be used for frying, as a base in a marinade or drizzling over a salad.
• California Organic EVOO – Produced from olives that are 100% grown in California, harvested and pressed the same day to ensure maximum quality and freshness; Ciuti California Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil hails from the famed Napa Valley region and is bottled at Ciuti’s southern California factory to ensure sustainability and traceability from farm to factory.
• Award-winning infused oils – Our Lemon infused Avocado Oil recently won an award with the Specialty Food Association. We offer a diverse line of infused oils, Garlic, Basil, Lemon, Chili Pepper, along with any of our base oils and we can do custom flavorings as well.
Following that, could you talk about the company’s capabilities?
Ciuti International has listened to our customers’ needs over the years and that is what has allowed us to build a diverse range of capabilities. We can provide all our products in any of our pack sizes, from small 250ml glass retail products to gallon and JIBS for Foodservice, all the way to totes and tankers for our customers’ Bulk/Industrial needs. We can help our customers build their own private label line without committing to truckloads and provide a unique offering of products. Being a domestic supplier allows us to have stricter quality controls, shorter lead times, and flexibility with packaging and offerings. Packaging options include:
• Glass Bottles/Jars
• PET Bottles/Jars
• HDPE Jugs
• Tin Cans
• Jug-In-Box
• Drums
• Totes
• Road Tankers
Six fully automated lines accommodate orders of all sizes, from single pallets to full truckloads 250 ML bottles, to 275 GL Totes, ensuring we can scale to meet any requirement. Our facility holds 4,000,000lbs, over 1800MT, of storage capacity to provide a reliable supply of readily available inventory.
What would you say differentiates Ciuti International from the competition?
Versatility – Ciuti offers truckload quantities at pallet minimums, allowing customers to fill their trucks with tremendous variety of specialty oils. Only Ciuti’s singular niche combines fast, reliable, US-packed products with strict quality standards.
Variety – available in organic, non-gmo, kosher, or conventional grades/origins of:
- Avocado Oil
- Canola Oil
- Coconut Oils
o Organic Extra Virgin
o Organic Refined
- Corn Oil
- Grapeseed Oil
- Olive Oils
o Extra Virgin
o Pure
o Pomace
- Nut Oils
o Almond
o Hazelnut
o Pistachio
o Walnut
- Rice Bran Oil
- Sesame Oil, Toasted
- Soybean Oil
- Sunflower Oils
o Organic High Oleic
o High Oleic
o Mid Oleic
o Regular Sunflower
o Linoleic
- Blended Oils
o Custom Blends
- Flavor Infused Oils
Availability – An abundance of storage capacity and a variety of product offerings allows us to react to our customers’ needs. We provide short lead times measured in days, not weeks or months; can combine a variety of pack sizes and oils helping eliminate warehousing needs for our customers, avoiding long lead times from overseas and ensuring dependability as a supplier. We ship less than truckload, truckload, tankers, and flexitanks, so we can help scale to meet any customer’s needs.
You’ve talked about the retail, food service and bulk ingredient divisions - could you tell us more about the company’s Private/White Label division?
We understand the trust instilled in Ciuti when our Private/ White Label partners ask us to procure the premium sourced oils we pour into their products, meticulously pack them at our SQF-certified facility, and finally brand them with their company’s mark.
• Our commitment to quality ensures these products are available across our entire range, consistently better than or matching the quality of National Brand Equivalents, and always with bulletproof, on-time reliability for in-full short domestic fulfillment lead times to beat deadlines.
• One-stop-shop freedom to choose from a diverse selection of oils, bottles, and sizes, allowing packaging customization from start to finish. Whether you prefer glass bottles, PET bottles, HDPE jugs, tin cans, or another format - we provide flexibility to meet specific needs.
• Our full-time in-house graphic designer is available to assist in creating a distinctive label or developing a complete branded specialty oils line. This personalized service ensures your products pop on the shelves and resonate with your target audience.
• From concept to shelf in a few weeks. That’s the promise.
At Ciuti, we are dedicated to turning vision into reality, so we’ve streamlined the entire white-label process within weeks. Our goal is to provide exceptional service value and premium-quality products that enhance your brand’s reputation and build market presence.
ABOUT CIUTI INTERNATIONAL
Ciuti International has grown into a premier supplier of specialty oils by developing our customer base through trust, quality and service. We’ve developed an array of offerings and pack sizes aiming to be a one-stop shop for all our customers’ needs. Our ability to source in bulk direct from producers and farmers allows us to offer consistent quality, traceability from farm to table and competitively priced products. Servicing all three market segments, retail/foodservice/bulk ingredients, offering private label and branded items in a variety of pack sizes has set us apart from our competitors – contact Ciuti and let us help you with your specialty oil needs.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA USA
+1-909-484-1414
sales@ciuti.com www.ciuti.com
In January 2023, having faced considerable challenges such as supply chain shortages during the COVID19 pandemic, the company made the executive decision to introduce in-house inventories for its Asian products at two of its US warehouses.
Prior to this, many of Calbee America’s Asian snacks came from overseas and were supplied to supermarkets across the US by a single national distributor.
As this was no longer logistically viable due to the company’s expansion, Calbee America elected an external distributor to supply the nation’s Asian supermarkets, whilst the company itself handled shipping to domestic stores.
As such, Calbee America benefits from optimal operational and logistical efficiencies. One point of contact
CALBEE AMERICA BRANDS
HARVEST SNAPS – A crunchy snack made with real ingredients. Available in over 14 flavors and varieties, including:
• Snack Crisps
• Crunchy Loops
• Crunchy Puffs
JAGARICO – Pairing hearty potatoes with fresh flavors. Available in:
• Original
• Double Cheese
• Hokkaido Butter
• Umami Seaweed
• Sukiyaki
MY POTE – A gluten-free snack made with US-grown potatoes. Available in:
• Garlic Herb Butter
• Himalayan Pink Salt
• Onion Soup
• White Truffle
ONION RINGS – Crispy, crunchy onion flavor snacks, always baked and never fried.
presides over the distribution of the company’s Asian snack products, and another over its domestic brands, meaning one salesperson manages each account and a dedicated distribution arm supplies each store.
By streamlining its supply chain and logistics, Calbee America has been able to remain at the top of its game as it continues to expand.
FRUGRA – A healthy granola snack combining grains and seeds with sweet, dried fruit. Available in:
• Original
• Reduced Sugar
SHRIMP CHIPS – A healthier take on the classic Asian snack. Available in:
• Original
• Hot Garlic
• Wasabi
• Yuzu and Black Pepper
• Siracha Mayo
POTATO CHIPS – Crinkle-cut chips full of mouthwatering flavors, such as:
• Seaweed and Salt
• Hot and Spicy
• Honey Butter
• Pizza
TAKOYAKI BALL – Grilled octopus flavor puffs reminiscent of Japanese street food.
JAGABEE – Wholesome, natural-cut potato chips resembling French fries. Available in:
• Lightly Salted
• Ketchup
CONTINUOUS PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Innovation and product development play a big part in defining Calbee as a competitive global brand.
Founder Takashi Matsuo was deeply passionate about R&D, which today forms an integral part of the company’s corporate DNA.
In this way, a dedicated R&D team in Japan is focused on continuous product development such as the ongoing evolution of JagaRico to include new flavors, sizes, and packaging options throughout the years.
In addition, the brand’s acute awareness of varying international market preferences enables it to cater to different tastes across the numerous destinations it serves.
For example, research indicates that US consumers generally seek spicier, heavily seasoned snack products, whilst the Japanese market tends to prefer more subtle flavors.
By understanding such minute market preferences, Calbee has been able to uniquely tailor its products for different international audiences, ensuring it continues to remain a firstchoice snack brand for all.
An awareness of the rising demand for brand transparency has also led to Calbee America rebranding its Harvest Snaps Selects to Harvest Snaps Crunchy Puffs to better represent the line’s identity as a plantbased snack.
At the same time, the company has recently released a line of freeze-dried
CONNECTING YOU TO GLOBAL MARKETS
At XPT Grain we leverage our comprehensive global market knowledge and production expertise to create the most advantageous grain marketing opportunities for you.
Through our established and highly valued relationships, XPT has successfully opened and expanded new markets for Western Canadian grown organic and conventional grains.
Our company takes pride in its proactive approach and responsiveness in addressing the often diverse and unique needs of our producers and buyers. Quality and traceability measures begin in the fields and are strictly upheld through to the customer.
Our commitment extends beyond transactions, as we strive to be a trusted partner in this business. By offering personalized service and tailored solutions, we navigate the complexities of the market to maximize value for our customers.
From the initial discussions to the final delivery, XPT Grain is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of service and product excellence.
fruit, such as sliced apples, strawberries, grapes, and bananas, to align with growing demand amongst parents in the US for healthier snacks for their children.
A BRIGHT FUTURE
As it continues to grow, Calbee America anticipates great things on the horizon, especially given the impact social media and globalization have had on the Calbee brand.
In the 2023 Japanese fiscal year alone, the Harvest Snaps family increased its social media following by 12 percent, whilst the overall Calbee brand grew by a staggering 207 percent.
Calbee America’s strategy for future growth includes continuing to develop its domestic healthy snack brands and products, such as Harvest Snaps, whilst maintaining its strong grasp on the US Asian snack market by introducing novel flavors and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
CALBEE AMERICA –A BRIEF HISTORY
1949 – Founded in Japan, Calbee was first known as Matsuo Food Processing Co., Ltd.
1955 – The company name was changed to Calbee Confectionery.
1966 – Calbee Confectionery began exporting overseas to Southeast Asia and Hawaii.
1967 – Calbee Confectionery started exporting Shrimp Chips to North America.
1970 – The brand established a North American subsidiary focusing on
From its national production facilities in California and Mississippi, the company plans to continue to launch new products, flavors, and co-manufacturing facilities across the US.
the region’s snack market, where it established its first overseas base.
1973 – As its headquarters relocated to Tokyo, Calbee Confectionery was rebranded simply as Calbee as it sought to develop a worldwide market.
2012 – Calbee North America was established across sites in Oregon, Mississippi, and California.
2019 – Calbee North America acquired Warnock Food Products.
2023 – Calbee North America and Warnock Food products merge to become Calbee America as we know it today.
Thus, Calbee America will continue to capitalize on its burgeoning success as a recognized brand as well as its US customers’ thirst for new and unique snacks.
CLIMATE CONTROL IN A COASTAL CITY
Striving to ensure the implementation and maintenance of sustainable practices and the improvement of infrastructure, Alan Dodd, Director of Public Works for the City of Fort Lauderdale, discusses plans and priorities
Writer: Rachel Carr | Project Manager: Tom Cullum
CONTROL CITY
Florida, the southernmost state in the continental US, not only boasts the mainland’s longest coastline but is also home to the picturesque waterfront city of Fort Lauderdale.
Known as the Venice of America, with 165 miles of extensive waterways, 50,000 registered yachts, and 100 marinas, it is no wonder Fort Lauderdale is the world’s yachting capital and hosts the largest boat show globally.
Located just 30 miles north of Miami along the Atlantic Ocean, the city is the third-most populous in the metropolitan area, with 182,000 citizens.
“WE CONTINUE TO STRIVE TO BE A SUSTAINABLE GOVERNMENT AND ENCOURAGE ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES IN OUR COMMUNITY”
– ALAN DODD, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE
Widely recognized as a popular tourism destination with a strong hospitality industry, Fort Lauderdale’s economy diversifies into marine, manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, high technology, avionics and aerospace, and film and television production.
The city has seven miles of beaches,
104 parks, and numerous greenspaces, with an average year-round temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit and 3,000 hours of sunshine annually. The gateway to the Everglades, the Greater Fort Lauderdale area, encompassing Broward County, hosts more than 13 million overnight visitors yearly.
Additionally, nearly four million cruise passengers pass through Port Everglades per annum, making Fort Lauderdale the third-largest cruise port in the world, whilst the city also caters to sports enthusiasts with its recently developed facilities.
“In the past few years, the city has been a growing center for sports with the new world-class Aquatic Center, the Florida Panthers’ new IcePlex practice arena, the Chase Stadium that is home to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, The Fort pickleball stadium, and the latest multimilliondollar investment – the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center,” introduces Alan Dodd, Director of Public Works for the City of Fort Lauderdale.
A CLEANER AND GREENER URBAN ENVIRONMENT
The Public Works Sustainability Division is diverse and includes fleet
services, solid waste and recycling, environmental and regulatory affairs, stormwater operations, and sustainability and climate resilience.
Acutely aware of the need to maintain a green and eco-friendly city, the City of Fort Lauderdale’s environmental programs embrace the fundamental principles of sustainability. Indeed, its Urban Forestry Master Plan (UFMP) has many environmental and social objectives, including being aesthetically pleasing.
“While our urban forest provides 26 percent canopy, we are initiating UFMP to strategically plant new trees to reach a goal of 33 percent canopy by 2040. It will consider how climate change will impact which trees we can plant, Fort Lauderdale’s location in a migratory bird flyway, and the desire to provide greater shade for a more walkable and cooler community,” Dodd explains.
Recently, the Arbor Day Foundation recognized Fort Lauderdale as a Tree City USA, marking the 45th year this distinction has been achieved.
“We have been able to benchmark our accomplishments against state and national rating systems.”
The City of Fort Lauderdale has achieved the LEED for Cities Gold certification as designated by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and
been certified as a Florida Green Local Government by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGCB).
“Our fleet is consistently ranked in the top 50 green fleets in North America. We continue to strive to be a sustainable government and encourage eco-friendly practices in our community,” Dodd prides.
COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE
Fort Lauderdale’s position at the epicenter of climate change impacts is reflected in the initiatives implemented by the city’s Public Works Department.
“We have seen close to a 200 percent rise in the number of days where temperatures exceed 90 degrees since 1970, therefore increasing the risk for the elderly and other groups that are most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses,” informs Dodd.
“WHILE OUR URBAN FOREST PROVIDES 26 PERCENT CANOPY, WE ARE INITIATING UFMP TO BE STRATEGIC IN PLANTING NEW TREES TO REACH A GOAL OF 33 PERCENT CANOPY BY 2040”
– ALAN DODD, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE
With 300 miles of coastline along its waterways, Fort Lauderdale is particularly exposed to rising sea levels as extreme high tides overtop seawalls and flood low-lying roadways. Rising seas also elevate the groundwater table, reducing the ability of rainfall to seep naturally into the ground.
“We are now experiencing heavier and more intense rainstorms, including microbursts, that quickly overwhelm drainage systems and cause short-term flooding. Our infrastructure was largely built in the 1960s and 1970s and wasn’t designed for these conditions; we must,
therefore, adapt existing systems sooner rather than later to meet the demands of tomorrow,” he observes.
To meet this challenge, the City of Fort Lauderdale has initiated a vulnerability assessment to determine risks and propose options to mitigate impacts, including capital improvements, back-up generators, redundant systems, and contingency plans.
“We are updating master plans and designing new water, stormwater, and other infrastructure to incorporate newer standards that address future conditions and ensure more resilience to mitigate the risks of climate
change. We’re also working with the Urban Land Institute to develop road elevation criteria for decision-making, completing a flooding vulnerability study, and starting a net zero planning process,” Dodd affirms.
IMPROVING EFFICIENCY
The adoption of a net zero policy aligns the City of Fort Lauderdale with many leading cities across the globe that have signed up for campaigns such as ICLEI 150 Race to Zero, Florida Race to Zero, and Ready for 100.
The city is currently engaged in developing a plan to support the City Commission’s 2021 goal of achieving net zero for city operations by 2040 and community-wide by 2050.
“Our city’s leadership understands that climate change impacts, especially rising sea levels and extreme rainfall, will continue to increase without significant reductions in carbon emissions,” reports Dodd.
Already piloting different electric
in partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale
• Delivery of Clean, Reliable Water | To eliminate contaminants and color, Prospect Lake will apply and deliver the latest proven technology, providing a fully compliant and efficient treatment plant that provides safe, sustainable, affordable and highquality potable water for the City’s residents and visitors.
• Collaborative Project Delivery | From design and construction through facility operations and maintenance, we will work closely with the City and the community with existing City employees providing the workforce at the new facility.
“The group that has come together to design and build this project is among the best in the industry. Through the talents of these world-renowned experts, over the next two years, we’ll build a top-of-the-line plant that will produce crystal-clear water.”- Mayor Trantalis
• Expedited Delivery | From design to distribution, our team will develop and construct the PLCWC in just 42 months, with an expected commercial operations date of September 2026.
• Enduring Legacy | With a design that meets the standards for a Category 5 hurricane, and through proper care and maintenance, Prospect Lake will provide clean, high quality water for generations of Fort Lauderdale residents and visitors. Together, we are building an enduring legacy that will promote the health and well-being of the local community.
Developer’s of the Prospect Lake Clean Water Center, one of the largest Public Private Partnerships in U.S. History
LEVERAGING STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT
Managing large, complex infrastructure requires advanced modeling of water, wastewater, and stormwater systems to understand how they perform throughout the day.
Extensive Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems monitor flow rates, pump station status, rain and groundwater levels, and other factors to rapidly respond when issues arise.
The City of Fort Lauderdale is also implementing an asset management system to track performance, maintenance, and repairs to become more proactive rather than reactive in the lifecycle management of infrastructure.
When replacing or constructing new infrastructure, the City of Fort Lauderdale strives to use proven, advanced technology that is more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and capable. This includes the decision to use nanofiltration membranes in the new water plant, the construction of a $20 million vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) facility to produce oxygen for the sewage treatment plant, and the use of monitoring wells and tide stations to track groundwater and sea level conditions.
vehicles (EVs), the city is expanding its charging infrastructure to serve its fleet and exploring efficient renewable energy generation opportunities.
“Once the net zero plan is finalized, implementation to meet our 2040 goal can move forward strategically. Port Everglades is under the jurisdiction of Broward County, and they have pursued several improvements in the terminals and cargo ports to reduce fuel use, limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and improve energy efficiency,” he details.
Furthermore, the city has included energy and water efficiency in designing the new Public Safety Building and park improvements.
“Where feasible, we incorporate renewables as part of these designs;
most recently, we approved the construction of a solar array at Warfield Park.
“Solar power appears in other unusual applications, such as street lighting and parking meters. We have pursued variable speed pumps at aquatic facilities and wastewater lift stations to reduce energy consumption,” Dodd reveals.
As Fort Lauderdale is substantially built out and has a high-water table, opportunities for green infrastructure are limited.
The city’s 9.1-acre River Oaks Stormwater Preserve combines a reconstructed wetland with functions to improve the ability to manage the quality and quantity of stormwater and provide a natural habitat.
COMMUNITIES AND THE CITY
Fort Lauderdale’s City Commission has prioritized infrastructure and resilience, providing close to $1.6 billion for capital improvement projects since 2018.
These investments have increased infrastructure resilience and capacity, as miles of aging pipes have been replaced, roads and damaged sidewalks have been paved, seawalls have been raised, and new stormwater systems have been constructed.
“In 2023, we entered into a publicprivate partnership to construct the Prospect Lake Clean Water Center, replacing the 70-year-old Fiveash Water Treatment Plant,” Dodd discloses.
The new $485 million plant, which is currently under construction and designed to withstand Category 5 hurricanes, will use modern nanofiltration and ion exchange technology to eliminate watercolor issues and remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
“To integrate the plant into our water system, we will invest an additional $181 million to upgrade the distribution network, wellfields, and storage capacity. It will produce up
to 50 million gallons per day when operations begin in 2026.”
Fortify Lauderdale, meanwhile, is a $500 million program to accelerate stormwater improvements and protect the city’s most vulnerable neighborhoods from flooding and climate change-associated risks. It was developed following an unprecedented weather event in April 2023 when the city received 26 inches of rainfall in 12 hours, flooding several areas.
“Recognizing the need to accelerate efforts to protect residents from future flooding, the program will provide advanced stormwater systems in 17 vulnerable neighborhoods, involving extensive collection systems, pump stations, higher seawalls, one-way tidal valves in outfalls, and pollution control devices,” Dodd assures.
The work is being completed
NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: IS THE CITY PROACTIVE OR REACTIVE REGARDING HURRICANE SEASON AND EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS?
Alan Dodd, Director of Public Works: “The hurricane season in South Florida extends from the start of June to the end of November, presenting a genuine risk to our city should one of these powerful storms hit. It has become routine for families to build hurricane preparedness kits and stock supplies in case a hurricane strikes our community.
“From local through to federal level, we review response plans, develop contingencies, and provide robust capabilities to reduce the impacts and allow for the quickest possible recovery. Months before the season starts, each city department develops extensive emergency response plans, identifying the equipment and resources needed to properly respond to an event.
“In addition to staff preparation, we have several emergency support contracts to quickly augment our capabilities, along with mutual aid agreements with nearby cities and municipalities. Every aspect of the plan is rehearsed and coordinated, from the initial damage assessment through to debris removal and the restoration of communities.”
on an expedited timeline, with all construction to be finalized within 10 years.
“We are also designing a living seawall as part of a retrofit for the city’s signature downtown riverwalk. The city already provides several curbside residential programs to collect yard waste for composting, on-demand recycling of electronics, and a weekly cart service for traditional recyclables,” he explains.
Furthermore, to bolster its sustainability efforts, the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Take5 program educates residents on the correct items eligible for recycling.
The Take5 program conducts audits to reduce contamination and educate the public on what five items belong in the recycling cart. The City Commission is also interested in pursuing a policy that mandates recycling for commercial properties.
FORTIFYING THE FUTURE
Like many other municipalities, Fort Lauderdale is a growing city with aging pipes and infrastructure that were not designed for current demand or environmental conditions.
Over the past five years, the city, its residents, and elected officials have developed a better understanding of the condition of its systems and the need to replace and upgrade the current infrastructure.
“This has led to a willingness to increase water, sewer, and stormwater rates, providing greater funding for these critical programs and allowing us to replace close to 40 miles of pipes, construct 15 miles of new systems, replace and upgrade several pump stations, and begin construction of a new water treatment plant.
“Over the past year, we awarded contracts for two large
neighborhood-wide stormwater improvement projects and will award three more in the upcoming year, along with completing modeling and initial designs for all neighborhoods in the Fortify Lauderdale program,” details Dodd.
Moreover, efforts to reduce inflow and infiltration in the system will be accelerated to create more capacity at the city’s wastewater treatment plant and replace older, high-risk water and wastewater pipes.
“We completed our first utility underground project this year that reduces the risk of power outages during hurricanes and will expand the program to other neighborhoods.
Beyond the capital projects we have planned, we will grow the number of project managers in our Engineering Division and increase our operational staff to improve our ability to maintain and repair systems,” he concludes.
Residents are already experiencing a significant reduction in pipe breaks and failures, enhancements to stormwater systems, and improved service from the Public Works Department.
However, the job is not yet finished, and plans for the subsequent year are in place as efforts to modernize Fort Lauderdale’s systems continue unabated.
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CARE FROM ANYWHERE
Facilitating accessible healthcare across Canada by leveraging modern-day technological conveniences, we revisit Switch Health, whose CEO, Marc Thomson, enlightens us on its latest innovations
Marc Thomson’s creative flair and eye for identifying patients’ needs are some of the key attributes that led to his role as CEO of Switch Health.
Thomson ambitiously began his career journey in marketing, working with a number of notable advertising firms, specifically operating in the direct-to-consumer (D2C) and business-to-business (B2B) sectors in the telecommunications (telecoms) industry.
Equipped with invaluable knowledge and experience, he began to experiment in entrepreneurship along with his partners. In 2017, after multiple business barriers, Switch Health rose to fruition as it began to gain traction in diabetes treatment and testing.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Switch Health conceptualized the idea of decentralized collection kits. Following the pandemic and the widespread use of remote testing, many unique opportunities began to emerge for the company as the advantages of its products were more greatly recognized.
With its tremendous work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Switch Health was able to significantly grow its research and technology capabilities, ultimately providing the opportunity for the business to become a vertically integrated entity through the acquisition of an established medical laboratory in Ontario, where it still operates today.
PATIENTS’ BEST DIGITAL EXPERIENCE
A key part of Switch Health’s success lies in its ability to address the most pressing issues facing the healthcare industry and its many indirect participants in a patient-centric manner.
The Canadian healthcare sector differs from its US counterpart in regard to patient acquisition and the marketing of medical organizations. Therefore, at the time of its establishment, Switch Health differed from other businesses in its field with a focus on both laboratory and at-home testing.
Beyond the D2C opportunities, the company’s innovative take on specimen collection and traditional testing lends itself well to remote workplaces looking to enhance healthcare options for their employees, therefore decreasing workplace absenteeism to seek medical attention.
For clinical research organizations and pharmaceutical companies, Switch Health’s product offering facilitates broader reach and faster turnaround times in clinical trials for approvals and ongoing evaluation.
Meanwhile, its huge investments in the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) have elevated the company in recent years, uniquely presenting its patients with unmatched privacy and autonomy by leveraging digital delivery and hasslefree transactions.
“Our overarching concept stems from the question of –what if the simple task of a blood draw appointment, which can be unnecessarily cumbersome, could be as easy as your last best digital experience?” Thomson shares.
Switch Health’s methods would significantly cut down the time to visit a physician’s office for specimen collection and, in some cases, eliminate it all together. Earlier detection of certain ailments could lead to improved patient outcomes with lower costs to healthcare systems and insurers, and reduce time away from the workplace.
In today’s digital world, those living in Tier 1, 2, or 3 markets can get almost anything delivered within a very short timeframe. Switch Health therefore strives to utilise this modern, everyday retail concept for healthcare, transforming the lives of
“OUR OVERARCHING CONCEPT STEMS FROM THE QUESTION OF – WHAT IF THE SIMPLE TASK OF A BLOOD DRAW APPOINTMENT, WHICH CAN BE UNNECESSARILY CUMBERSOME, COULD BE AS EASY AS YOUR LAST BEST DIGITAL EXPERIENCE?”
– MARC THOMSON, CEO, SWITCH HEALTH
millions across the country.
“Instead of taking two days to get a booking for a blood draw, what if it was almost instantaneous, with a kit delivered to your door within an hour? Depending on where you’re located, you can then ship it back via the same method after you’ve completed the test,” he adds.
As such, Switch Health centers around marrying individuals’ best digital experience with the ultimate healthcare UI and UX to ease the patient journey.
PRIVATE PROACTIVE HEALTHCARE
The company expertly navigates the pressures between private and public healthcare, with the growing difficulty of regulatory restriction putting pressure on the latter and ultimately slowing down critical innovative processes.
On the other hand, private healthcare institutions suffer from the encouragement of certain testing or healthcare types that may not be completely necessary but demonstrate profitability and progress on the bottom line.
With this in mind, Thomson is happy to witness a growing cultural acceptance of what he calls ‘private proactive healthcare’ which has begun to emerge in the Canadian healthcare industry. The company has seen significant uptake in this space from large employers, many of whom have remote work sites that require flexible healthcare options. Other significant clients include insurance and pharmaceutical businesses looking for alternatives to in-person visits.
“We are playing on the periphery of these
two actors, where we integrate with public systems but also offer private testing and other additions to the public testing space for at-home convenience; all while underpinning our testing options in true medical and scientific research and necessity.”
COMBATING GEOGRAPHICAL BARRIERS
Since last speaking to Switch Health 18 months ago, the company has majorly progressed its healthcare testing technology.
Most significantly, the launch of the human papillomavirus (HPV) collection kits was one of the first pivotal changes in the organization.
“It was a pivotal moment in which we were proud to be building something for a community,” Thomson expresses.
Switch Health’s HPV collection kits provide an attractive alternative as they are free of in-person
engagement and far less invasive than other more conventional testing methods for cervical screening.
Additionally, the HPV tests have been very successful in rural and remote areas, having a meaningful impact on women as they experience a renewed sense of privacy and convenience in comparison to standardized testing. Larger customers include remote community clinics in various provinces as well as private sector employers who want to make convenient testing available for employees.
In North Ontario, for example, the company supports remote areas that don’t have the scale or population to warrant the implementation of core lab equipment and specialty testing.
“Communities in these regions are far from urban markets, so we send them collection devices that they can ship back to us. This means that we are able to provide cervical screening in these regions and detect HPV before it becomes cervical cancer, which is key,” outlines Thomson.
“Knowing that we are making a measurable, impactful difference to communities that may not have had access to this kind of support previously is why we are in business,” he adds.
ELIMINATING BUREAUCRACY TO STREAMLINE EFFICIENCY
Switch Health’s staff base consists of a tight-knit collective of hardworking professionals. As such, the company operates an ownership method in which teams are managed solely by their heads of department.
“There are, of course, some key performance indicators (KPIs) that our managers need to hit, but other than that, it’s a pretty open lane,” comments Thomson.
Therefore, every department lead has full management autonomy to operate how they want in order to meet the outlined KPIs. This also means that any unnecessary bureaucracies are eliminated, making management engagements as efficient as possible.
“By doing this, they build trust with us, and we build trust with them,” he adds.
“Every time a new corporate client comes on board, we are all hands on deck to address their immediate and long-term needs with executable solutions.”
LED BY THOUGHTFUL RESEARCH
Following the launch of Switch Health’s HPV collection kit, a substantial level of R&D was put into other test types and collection modalities.
Setting the tone for the company’s operations going forward, Switch Health further invested research into blood testing and how this could be conducted successfully at home through dried blood spots.
As part of its research, the organization specifically analyzed dried blood spot collections in comparison to an in-person blood draw for a variety of analytes.
One such analyte that was successfully validated at Switch Health’s Bio-Test Laboratory was
CORE VALUES
hemoglobin A1C. This dried blood spot test can be ordered online for those with diabetes or individuals who wish to know more about their metabolic health.
The patient simply uses the provided lancets to prick their finger and draw blood onto the blood spot card prior to sending it back to the lab. The ease in which the test can be completed at home has proven to transform the lives of those with diabetes who regularly use Switch Health’s hemoglobin A1C blood test. Additionally, as part of its R&D, the company is currently wrapping up research using microtainers for hormone testing.
Switch Health is also hoping to usher in a new era for the business with a female-focused fertility suite.
Effecting change, both big and small – From launching large-scale, first-tomarket solutions to seemingly small incremental steps, Switch Health views change simply as progress in a never-ending quest for accessible healthcare.
Harnessing the power of technology to power healthcare – Through innovation and automation, the company can unify a digital-first world with a patient-first experience.
Building products that it’s proud of – Switch Health solves real-world problems for real-world people.
Giving back to communities – Whether creating economic opportunities through jobs or partnering with local organizations, Switch Health’s dedication to serving communities is part of its DNA.
“We are in the final stages of developing a microtainer test to be used at home which tests the levels of anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) test, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin – the four analytes that indicate a woman’s fertility status,” says Thomson.
As a result, women can have a greater understanding of their fertility and seek help if test results are not favorable.
Switch Health continues to expand its fertility R&D for both females and males, laying the foundation for the next phase of the business. The company intends to offer microtainer and dried blood specimen collection methods to clinical research organizations and pharmaceutical companies to expand the scope of human trials for various medications seeking approval.
All samples are processed through validated methods at Bio-Test Laboratory in Ottawa. As the pharmaceutical sector looks to expand the diversity of individual patients and increase patient enrolment in trials, Switch Health could provide a simple solution to expedite this essential research work.
DEPENDABLE DELIVERY
As the company continues to grow, its focus lies in expanding its at-home kit offering as well as its laboratory technology capabilities.
Switch Health’s Bio-Test Laboratory
Your Trusted Pathology PartnerWhere Science is integrated with Care.
Tel: 416-449-2166
Ext 1255
Tel: 1-800-263-4489
Fax: 416-449-2543
alpha@alphalabs.ca www.alphalabs.ca
For over fifty years, Alpha has been delivering patient-centred, quality medical laboratory testing services. Alpha recently expanded its Diagnostic Pathology division to create a Pathology Centre of Excellence, leveraging state of the art facilities, next generation equipment, innovative technologies and a wide range of Immunohistochemistry and special stains. Our Centre is supported by our highly skilled staff and well-respected, specialized medical and scientific pathology team.
At Alpha, we value our clients and work to build collaborative partnerships, offering transformative technologies, systems, and services that result in positive outcomes for all. Alpha’s aim is to empower physicians and patients with accurate, reliable, timely results.
has been operating and servicing Ontario for over 50 years. With the uptake in the company’s decentralized collection kits nationwide, the business is looking to scale its laboratory technology capabilities even further.
Over the next five years, Switch Health strives to continue to expand its core business offerings and its current testing capabilities to provide better care to Canadian individuals and pharmaceutical companies looking to develop the therapeutics available in the country.
One key to this short to mediumterm progression is a stable supply chain network. Indeed, robust and reliable supplier partnerships are not just necessary to the success of Switch Health, but the laboratory sector as a whole.
The company sources items globally for its medical devices and collection kits. As such, Switch Health is blessed to have solid logistics partners and providers who have
repeatedly proved their reliability.
“We had the ability to test out our providers during the pandemic, as we were able to see who could really handle the extra pressure on their business and get things done. All our partners who stuck with us during this process still work with us today,” Thomson expands.
“Switch Health and the Bio-Test Laboratory actively work with larger customers to rapidly provide customized solutions to their needs while adhering to the highest standards of medical validity and regulatory requirements.”
PAVING THE WAY
The company continues to undertake key R&D at its laboratory to unlock new test and collection types which would ultimately lead to more examinations being completed in the comfort of patients’ homes.
Switch Health will also continue to launch a greater amount of valuable
screening tests. For instance, the company is currently developing an at-home test for oral forms of HPV, as recent findings suggest that throat HPV is one of the fastest-growing diseases in men.
Although the business recognizes that there are limits to providing home diagnostic collection kits, Switch Health strongly believes that providing patients with options outside of traditional brick-and-mortar healthcare is vital and a step in the right direction.
“It’s a lofty goal, but if you aim somewhere, even if you get 50 percent of the way there, that’s still an achievement,” Thomson proudly concludes.
Tel: 1-888-966-6531
contact@switchhealth.ca switchhealth.ca
THE FINAL WORD
To round off each issue, we ask our contributing business leaders for their views on the same question
What traits do you look for in an employee?
Alan Short
Director of Operations, QinetiQ Target Systems
“The ability to satisfy the role's requirements with relevant or transferable training and experience is a must. I then look for synergy with the rest of the team.
“Each team I have worked with is different, and it is critical to maintain that delicate ecosystem. When discussing the role with candidates, I prefer a conversational style and a differentiator for me is someone who has taken the time to consider the challenges they may face in the role and articulate their experience of those challenges.
“I really like it when people have the confidence to talk about a mistake they have made and the learnings they have taken from it. After all, we
have all made them and they are the best opportunity to learn.”
Jason King
President, Rising Edge Group
“At Rising Edge Group, we look for people who embody our core values and demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, integrity, accountability, and teamwork.
“We value and highly regard individuals who are safety-conscious, responsible, accountable for their actions, prioritize attention to detail and continuous improvement, and are self-starters. We always look for team players who are collaborative, adaptable, and able to work effectively in a dynamic and fastpaced environment within the group and the industry.
“Overall, we seek individuals who share our values and are passionate about making a positive impact in the high-voltage electrical industry.”
Claude Donati
Managing Member, Nexus RV
“We are always looking for hardworking, respectful, and intelligent team players that love to solve problems and are motivated by the success of those around them.”
Billy Ray Smith
CCO, Superior Silica Sands
“We look for people that are always seeking to improve, have shown the ability to meet problems head-on, and most importantly enjoy servicing the customer.”
Jeremy Carmichael
Vice President of Operations, Ruan Transportation Management Systems
“The traits that I look for in a good leader are integrity, visionary thinking, effective communication skills, adaptability, decisiveness, collaboration and team building, and a commitment to development and achieving results.
“Leaders must demonstrate honesty, ethical behavior, and transparency in their actions and decisions. They must be reliable and trustworthy, which is essential for building trust with team members, customers, and partners. A good leader must also have a clear vision for the future, the ability to develop and communicate strategic goals, and embrace and drive innovation to stay ahead in the industry and continually improve.
“Lastly, I look for leaders who can set clear, achievable goals, work diligently towards them, and ultimately get results!”
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