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Industry News - January, 2021

  • Taking Away Asphalt Silo Gate Pains With FLO Automatic Greasing Systems

    Taking Away Asphalt Silo Gate Pains With FLO Automatic Greasing Systems

    Mississauga-based greasing solutions expert, FLO Components Ltd. is currently working with several Asphalt companies to install Automatic Lubrication Systems (ALS) on their asphalt storage silos.
    FLO’s Marketing Specialist, Gabriel Lopez explains; “At an asphalt plant, a truck drives underneath the silo and the asphalt is dropped into the truck body, which is then trucked to where the Paving crew is laying down the asphalt.  The silo has a door or “gate” at the bottom, which has to be able to open and close repeatedly as the Plant fills the trucks.  The hinges or bearings on these gates must be properly lubricated, because a stuck gate can be catastrophic.”
    “If it gets stuck closed, you have a truck underneath that cannot get material to transport over to the asphalt crew and everything stops.  Even worse, if the gate gets stuck open, it will empty the entire silo of very hot asphalt into the truck (overfilling), onto the ground and typically even onto the scale.  The truck has likely pulled away.  Hopefully nobody has gotten hurt, but you are left with a lot of clean-up and potential environmental and safety issues, and again, all paving stops.”  
    There are serious costs and major downtime associated with a stuck silo gate.  “If it’s happened to you, you’ve felt that pain.” According to Lopez, the costs incurred if a piece of paving equipment breaks down on the job and forcing the crew laying down the asphalt to stop production, is over $2,500 per minute.  A stuck gate would similarly shut down that lay down crew, incurring the same costs or more if repairs and clean-up are required.
    Currently on many silos, the points needing grease are “remote-lined” out to the side of the gate according to Lopez.  However, “It’s not just a case of walking up to a grease point and hooking up a grease gun”, he says.  Trucks have to be able to get underneath the gate, so these points are typically 20’ in the air - a man lift, ladder or something else to elevate the worker is required to grease those points.  This leads to potential safety risks, use of harnesses and other safety measures and rental of man lifts.  Furthermore, greasing through remote lines can’t be done during production, so it’s either before or after, potentially causing worker overtime.  
    FLO’s solution is to use an Automatic Lubrication System to lubricate the four main points of the gate.  The ALS is a self-contained grease lubrication system that typically gets mounted on one of the support structures or I-beams of the silo.  It is a fully monitored system, with a grease reservoir and 120V pump at ground level, a single supply line running up to a distribution valve mounted underneath the silo, and heat-resistant feed lines running to the bearing points.  Operation of the ALS is tied into the start of production and is programmed to run on timed (adjustable) intervals.  The pump comes on periodically and a small measured amount of grease is sent into the individual bearing points, while the silo is operating.  This is one of the biggest advantages of ALS, Lopez says; “Because the bearing is turning when it receives the grease, you get much better coverage and far better protection”.
    “The Silo Lube System helps eliminate the stuck gate scenario and all the drawbacks of using remote grease lines, and additionally gives you all the standard benefits of an Autoluber – less downtime, increased productivity, improved worker and environmental safety, etc.  It’s just another way FLO, as the saying here goes, is ‘helping to take away our customers’ pain’.”

    About FLO Components
    FLO Components Ltd. is an automatic greasing systems specialist and the leading supplier of "Total Lube Solutions" to major manufacturers and truck and heavy equipment users in Ontario and Manitoba.  Established in 1977, FLO uses application expertise and qualified service technicians to provide cost effective Solutions for all types of lubrication and fluid handling applications and help clients reduce unscheduled downtime and improve productivity.  FLO Components' Solutions include: systems design, auto lube systems, hammer lube systems, general lube equipment, specialty lubes, onsite service & installation, lube audits, lubrication training, scheduled on-site maintenance programs, and a factory authorized warranty & service facility. For more information on FLO’s products or services, please contact the Customer Service Department TOLL free at (800) 668-5458, e-mail [email protected] or visit online at www.flocomponents.com.
    Source: FLO Components

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    Jan 29, 2021 - 4 years ago

  • New Dealership Names Reflect Powerful Partnerships With Dawson Group Companies

    New Dealership Names Reflect Powerful Partnerships With Dawson Group Companies

    Since the beginning of 2019, the Dawson Group has been working hard to bring their family of companies together under one banner. Our International and Idealease dealerships are the last two in the family to make this transition.
    Effective immediately, IRL International Truck Centres and IRL Idealease will operate as Dawson International Truck Centres and Dawson Idealease.
    The new names reflect the company’s membership as part of the Dawson Group, which is a group of interconnected companies with a common vision and purpose — driving prosperity by safely connecting our communities.
    The rebranding of the companies was born out of a desire to unify as a group and to reflect the Dawson Group motto, “We’re better together.” 
    “We are all excited to be under the same name,” said Charlie Beck, Vice President of Operations for Dawson International Truck Centres and Dawson Idealease. “It’s not just a new name and logo to us, it’s the idea of unity and operating as one.”
    “Each company and individual that works for the Dawson Group has their own area of expertise and the collaboration has kept this group thriving over the past 98 years.”
    “This unity allows us to further diversify and educate.  A great example for Dawson International Truck Centres, would be becoming a national safety mark approved, body installer.  This service allows us to better support our road maintenance company with their large volume of plow and dump truck purchases, while giving us the opportunity to provide even greater value and support to our customers.”
    “Being part of a group this size, also gives us greater buying power, allowing us to be more competitive.  The more successful we are, the better partners we become to our customers and contributing more and more to their success.”
    Other companies in the Dawson Group include Dawson Road Maintenance, Dawson Construction and Dawson Civil. Learn more about the Dawson Group at www.dawsongroup.ca. 
    Source: Dawson Group

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    Jan 28, 2021 - 4 years ago

  • Partnerships BC To Operate As Infrastructure BC With Expanded Mandate

    Partnerships BC To Operate As Infrastructure BC With Expanded Mandate

    Partnerships BC is announcing today that the organization will now operate as Infrastructure BC, which better reflects the services provided by the Crown Corporation.
    “As we build and recover from COVID-19, our government is committed to getting British Columbians back to work with good paying jobs in the construction industry,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Finance. “In Budget 2020, we committed $22.9 billion in infrastructure spending, the highest capital spending in B.C.’s history. Infrastructure is a big part of our plan to keep B.C. moving ahead – building schools, hospitals, roads and more affordable housing that our growing province needs – and into recovery.”
    “Infrastructure BC is the provincial centre of expertise supporting the planning, procurement and implementation of public infrastructure projects,” explains Dana Hayden, Infrastructure BC Board Chair.
    Operating since 2002, working with owners, the crown agency has led 61 completed project procurements throughout Canada with a value of $21.4 billion.
    Through Infrastructure BC, government will begin to provide information about approved projects, as well as those under consideration – including those in early stages of planning that may not receive government approval. This will come in the form of an information brochure updated each year in spring and fall, which will allow private sector firms to better plan and compete on projects.
    “The construction environment of today requires a broad spectrum of procurement options. Infrastructure BC will assist government and project owners in selecting the best delivery model to build complex projects such as highways, bridges, schools, and hospitals,” states Mark Liedemann, Infrastructure BC President and CEO.

    Quick Facts:

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    Jan 27, 2021 - 4 years ago

  • Prepare For Winter

    Preparing your truck fleet for winter
    Establish procedures and practices for winter-specific trip inspections.
    Photo credit: WorkSafe BC / Khalid Hawe.

     

    Fleet operators and owners have an important role to play in keeping their drivers safe in winter conditions.
    By Marnie Douglas, WorkSafe BC

    Driving on B.C.’s highways during the winter months can be dangerous, particularly if you drive for work and need to be out on the road, rain or shine.
    But staying safe in winter conditions is more than just checking the forecast and driving conditions — fleet operators and owners must ensure their vehicles are winterized and that drivers are prepared and educated in what to do in winter conditions.
    “Our message is prepare for winter,” says Mark Ordeman, manager, OHS Consultation and Education Services, WorkSafeBC. “We want employers to be prepared for changing conditions and winter driving starting in October. It’s so important to be having those conversations now with your drivers.”
    The number of work-related crashes in B.C. climbs sharply in winter months — from 482 on average in May, to 670 in November. B.C.’s mountain ranges, changing elevations, and unpredictable weather make it one of the most demanding winter driving environments in North America. For more than half the year — from early October to late April — weather
    conditions can change from summer-like to winter over the course of several hours, adds Ordeman.

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    Jan 26, 2021 - 4 years ago

  • Families That Work Together…To Give Families A Hands-Up

    FRONT PAGE STORY: This is the story of a diverse group of family-owned businesses coming together to assist families that they do not know…and possibly will never know…who are facing a time of need. By Ronald Mullins

    Inland CharityDRIVE Team 2021
    The Inland Group delivered TEAM Construction Management’s new CASE TV450B Compact Track Loader

      

    The world has left 2020 behind and launched into the year 2021 with renewed optimism. 

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    Jan 25, 2021 - 4 years ago

  • Semi-Truck Trailer Orders Surge in Q4

    Semi-Truck Trailer Orders Surge in Q4

    While many businesses unfortunately continue to struggle amid the COVID-19 pandemic, others — including Stoughton Trailers, LLC — are experiencing tremendous sales growth and boosting their staffing. Sales secured through several new dealers contributed to the fourth quarter’s dramatically increased order volume, as well as new fleet customers and existing customers across all markets. The majority of semi-trailers sold were dry vans, designed to hold palletized, boxed or loose freight.
    “Despite the unpredictability we saw in the spring and early summer due to COVID-19, our business and industry have swiftly recovered and even thrived," said Stoughton Trailers Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy Sanders. "The fact that we’re experiencing such a large order volume increase for van trailers reinforces the health and resilience of our company, and the trust customers have in our brand.” Trailer sales declined from April to July as fleet customers became apprehensive about purchasing equipment in the first several months of the pandemic. However, orders began to rebound in August and have steadily grown from there, Sanders said. “Customers have since gained confidence that the freight business will remain strong and are investing in trailers as well as utilizing our Stoughton Lease rental trailer fleet,” he said. A second factor resulting in greater order volume is the shift of more freight toward online order delivery. The industry requires more trailers to manage the logistical challenges of increased parcel shipments.
    The sharp order increase will keep trailer builders and other staff steadily busy through 2021, Sanders said. To attract new employees, Stoughton Trailers increased its hourly base pay for several important entry-level and skilled positions: assemblers, $16; machine operators, $17; and welders, $18.25. The company continues its aggressive recruiting effort that began in September, with the hopes of hiring several hundred workers in the coming months. Candidates may visit stojobs.com for a complete list of employment opportunities.

    About Stoughton Trailers
    Stoughton Trailers is a top 10 international supplier of semi-truck trailers. The Wisconsin-based, family-owned company designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of dependable semi-truck trailers used for over-the-road trucking, as well as agricultural trailers and other specialty transportation equipment. It provides one-stop build, finance, rental and fleet management solutions through world-class responsiveness and design value. For more information, visit StoughtonTrailers.com. 
    Source: Stoughton Trailers

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    Jan 22, 2021 - 4 years ago

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