The Future of Manufacturing in Post Modern Times	December 11, 2007
Posted by Don Dunnington at 04:00 PM | Comments (0)

PowderandBulk.com publisher Joe Taylor suggested it would be fun to do one of those year-end articles, maybe predicting what will happen in the New Year. Like, "Ohio State's football team won't be humiliated in the 2008 BCS bowl the way it was in 2007." (Joe couldn't help reminding me of how wrong I was in taking his dinner bet on the OSU-Florida game at the beginning of this year).

"Those who live by the crystal ball end up eating glass," an economist friend once warned me. So while I feel it's way beyond my limited powers to predict 2008 sports winners or the economy, I'm a bit more comfortable reflecting on what I've learned this year. In thinking over 2007, one thing stands out: the number of outstanding manufacturing facilities I've seen across the U.S. I've visited the manufacturing facilities of Gundlach Equipment Corporation in Belleville, Illinois, Pennsylvania Crusher's manufacturing plant in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Jeffrey Specialty Equipment Corporation's plant in Woodruff, South Carolina, and Premier Pneumatics in Salina, Kansas. 

Every one of these facilities is dedicated to producing capital equipment that in turn is used to add significant value to the processes where they are employed. Two of them, Jeffrey and Penn Crusher, have been manufacturing industrial equipment for more than 100 years. All have skilled workers, excellent engineering, design and production capabilities, and all have experienced steady growth over recent years.

There was a period in these post modern times when manufacturing was in decline, but it's been a growth business for these manufacturers. Talk to Mark Kohler at Gundlach or Marty Bates at Penn Crusher, and they'll tell you about how they've worked to increase production and shorten lead times for their parts and equipment. Since becoming part of K-Tron International's Size Reduction Group, Mark and Marty, along with their counterparts at Jeffrey, and most recently Rader, have begun collaborating to develop best practices and share production resources.

At a recent visit to Penn Crusher in Cuyahoga Falls, a suburb of Akron, Ohio, Marty Bates talked about how Penn Crusher has begun working with Jeffrey to improve the manufacturing capabilities of Rader, which was acquired in September of 2007. It doesn't take long in talking to Marty, or in walking through the factory and talking to the people you meet on the floor, to come to the conclusion that these folks in Ohio like making things. And they're good at it, too. So here's my observation for 2007 and fearless prediction for 2008: for those who have the skill, there's a very good future in manufacturing.

As for Ohio State: whatever happens, Buckeye fans had a better run than expected this year. No one picked OSU to be in the BCS, and if they can stay off the cover of Sports Illustrated they have a shot this time. Joe Taylor wouldn't bet a dinner on the game this time; so that's a good sign. I'm sure I'd find some folks at the Penn Crusher plant in Cuyahoga Falls who'll be rooting along for Ohio State on January 7, 2008, when they meet LSU at the Superdome in New Orleans.

Happy New Year to all and "Go Buckeyes."
Don Dunnington
Blog Moderator

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Message to engineers ...... "step up and assume a leadership roll"	October 26, 2007
Posted by Joe Lewis at 09:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

I recently was able to speak in front of a group of 40 engineers representing some 1,000 years of experience in bulk solids material handling at the October meeting of the HMHS (Houston Material Handling Society).  This was truly a humbling experience for me ....... and one I took very seriously so I was not going to present a commercial.

A friend of mine recently wrote an Op-Ed for an automation magazine and in his editorial he said some things that I really identified with and I felt the HMHS engineers could benefit from so I started of the meeting with some quotes from Dr. Peter Martin's editorial in the September issue of InTech magazine where he stated that "engineers must step up and assume a leadership role within their companies by helping drive new levels of business performance". 

He further stated that the reason most companies don't understand the true benefit of the engineering discipline is that "most financial systems cannot measure the improvements" that engineers make.  I decided that my discussion about "recent directions in level monitoring and measurement of bulk solids" needed to provide these engineers some tidbits they could use to "add value" to their companies performance.

Want to know more? Click here for the rest of the story.

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Guided wave radar in next-generation Ethanol plant	October 03, 2007
Posted by Joe Lewis at 10:07 AM | Comments (0)

The latest generation of an Ethanol producing plant is just about to go on-line in Wisconsin.  The news story and video can be found at the link here.  In addition, guided wave radar is instrumental at this facility and used to measure changing levels of corn in various conditions.  The benefit of guided wave radar is its continuous measurement capability, moderate cost, ease of installation and start-up.  Guided wave radar technology is used in a wide variety of applications in many different industries.  It's universal appeal is another reason for the fact that it is growing in popularity and use by some 21% per year (according to a recent VDC market study and report).

Want to see more?  Click here.

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Ethanol Production - Level Measurement Solutions	August 16, 2006
Posted by Joe Lewis at 02:19 PM | Comments (0)

Recently E-85 was added to the list of fuels being sold by two local Johnson Oil Shell fuel stations in the area in which I live.  For those of you that haven't been paying attention, gasoline prices have risen substantially in the past 24 months and Ethanol has become increasingly popular as an alternative fuel.  Auto manufacturers are ramping up to manufacture more and more FFV's (flexible fuel vehicles) that can run on "E-85", a fuel that is 85% Ethanol and 15% gasoline.

E-85 is a lower cost fuel at the stations I have seen it offered at.  At these stations regular gasoline is priced at $3.09 per gallon while E-85 is $2.49 per gallon.  What vehicles can run on E-85?  How is Ethanol made?  Why is there so much energy (no pun intended) being put into ramping up the availability of Ethanol and E-85?  All of these, and more, questions can be answered by a quick review of a free "white paper" made available by Monitor Technologies LLC.

The "white paper" is available free of charge by visiting the web page and downloading it.  Click here.  In addition to information about the Ethanol industry, this white paper reviews the production process used in "dry mills" that produce Ethanol from corn.  The white paper also identifies key players in the design and construction of Ethanol production facilities and solutions available for monitoring and measuring various material levels within a typical Ethanol production facility.

Joe Lewis
Vice President
Monitor Technologics LLC
800-766-6486
jlewis@monitortech.com
www.monitortech.com
www.flexar.info

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K-Tron International Launches Corporate Web Site	August 14, 2006
Posted by Don Dunnington at 04:34 PM | Comments (0)

Today I had the pleasure of helping to launch a new corporate web site for K-Tron International at www.ktroninternational.com. This is neither the largest nor most complex web site I’ve been involved with over the last decade at K-Tron, but it marks a significant milestone for the company.

For more than ten years www.ktron.com has served both our process industry customers and the investment community. That first web site has seen many enhancements and substantial growth over the years, becoming a multi-lingual communications medium where visitors find product or investor information, ask questions, and request quotes for new equipment, parts and training.

The move to an independent web site for K-Tron International is an important step in providing an appropriate environment for telling K-Tron’s story to the investment community. When www.ktron.com was launched at the beginning of 1996, we were a feeder company, and it was natural for K-Tron’s investor relations to be part of the feeder web site. Today we have the K-Tron Process Group, comprised of feeders and vacuum conveyors, and the K-Tron Size Reduction Group, comprised of three crusher companies: Pennsylvania Crusher, Gundlach and Jeffrey.

Just as K-Tron has been a leader in the industries it serves, it has been a leader in adopting Internet technologies that support our global brands and their continued growth. With the launch of www.ktroninternational.com, we now offer visitors a corporate web site that more fully reflects our growth as a company.

Don Dunnington
Moderator

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Not to beat the dead horse ......	July 24, 2006
Posted by Joe Lewis at 11:11 AM | Comments (0)

I don't mean to labor over this topic.  I know there are some people that enjoyed and benefited from the 2006 Powder and Bulk Solids show (PBS) in May of this year.  That's the show located in Rosemount, IL that is a fraction of the size it used to be a decade ago.

I believe there are actually good trade shows, those that can generate a reasonable cost per lead and provide a venue for increasing brand recognition, while giving attendees something worth making the trip.  I believe that for mature businesses the PBS in Rosemount has outlived its usefulness (as it currently exists) and the new owners should look at making some changes to improve attendance and reduce exhibitor cost per lead numbers.  Perhaps they will, or will they?  Take a look at the 2008 show website. Click here.  Doesn't look any different to me yet.  They don't even give any data from the 2006 show to promote how great it was. 

Want to take a guess at the 2006 attendance?  I asked and got a rough number.  It's less than 4500.  Now, let's compare that to some other shows that exist for the powder and bulk solids processing area.  Recently in June of this year there was another trade show held in the Chicago area.  This was the National Plastics Expo.  NPE 2006 was very well attended with about 64,000, up 2% from the previous NPE 2003.  Our experience with NPE produced leads that were a fraction of the cost of those produced at the PBS and the NPE leads were, generally speaking thus far, much better with orders already booked as a result of the show totaling a dollar value multiple times the expense of the show.

The Future

So what will change for 2008 at the PBS?  Well I think we might get a glimpse at the Southeast Regional Powder Show coming up in April 2007 where Cannon Communications, who focuses only on manufacturing events, will be combining PackExpo, Plastec, PBS and a couple of other manufacturing shows all together to increase the attendance significantly.  Wow, this might just be worth it in 07 and 08.  I guess we'll see.  I think we'll take a more conservative approach to both of these shows and keep our costs down, while treating them like the regional shows they truly have become.

One final note.  Regarding Cannon Communications?  The fact that I could ask about the attendance numbers and actually get a straight answer is a great step forward.  Never happened before.  It seemed like the attendance numbers were a secret, and in fact I think they were because the numbers had been declining steadily for years and Reed never really was able to fix it.  Here's an early hurray for the new owners, who I hope will continue to improve these shows for both attendees and exhibitors!  We'll see.

Here's our show schedule for upcoming 2007!  Click here.  You can add us in the Southeast Regional Powder Show too.

Joe Lewis
Vice President - Marketing & Sales
Monitor Technologies LLC
www.monitortech.com
www.flexar.info

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K-Tron International Again Named to FSB 100 List of America's Fastest-Growing Small Public Companies	June 27, 2006
Posted by Don Dunnington at 05:28 PM | Comments (0)

For the second year running, K-Tron has been listed among America's fastest-growing small public companies by Fortune Small Business (FSB) Magazine.

This is the sixth annual ranking of the nation's top 100 small public companies as measured by earnings per share growth, revenue growth and total return to investors. The companies are screened by Zacks, a financial research firm, and the list includes companies with annual revenue of less than $200 million and a stock price of more than $1.00. They are ranked based on the past three years' earnings per share growth, revenue growth and stock performance. The FSB 100 excludes banks and real estate firms. 

K-Tron was ranked No. 77 on the 2006 list and No. 69 on the 2005 list. In a related article, "Growth guru," K-Tron CEO Ed Cloues was featured for his role in guiding K-Tron and two other companies into the FSB 100 ranks. Fortune cites Ed’s “gift for acquisitions” as one of the factors that makes his “the name that shareholders love to see.”

To my mind, there are two characteristics--patience and humility--that distinguish Ed’s leadership style, that make him the miracle worker of Fortune’s article. He is very patient. He is willing to wait for the right opportunity, and he’s willing to walk away when things don’t work out as expected. And he’s a genuine guy, humble in a way that allows him to see the hidden value, in people and companies.

Finding our value, I think, is the secret to real growth. It’s true for people as well as for our companies: when we focus on growing our value, all the other good things follow.

Don Dunnington

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Are Trade Shows Really Necessary?	May 03, 2006
Posted by Joe Lewis at 02:06 PM | Comments (0)

Most companies invest yearly expeditures into marketing efforts at  a variety of trade shows.  The company I work for exihibits at a few key shows each year.  Expense associated with trade shows seems to continue to rise year-to-year, attendance at some shows continues to drop year-to-year and most customers (no matter what busines your company is in) increasingly use the Internet and websites to do research, gather data and place orders.

Are physical trade shows soon to become extinct in our industry?

Continuing to invest in trade shows is something I evaluate each year.  We have evolved our display strategies and tactics and have managed to keep expenses down, leads up and (as a result) keep our cost per lead as low as possible.  Many manufacturers, 450 according to the trade show PR, will be exhibiting at the Powder Bulk Solids show next week.

We are making our final adjustments to our display and plan to introduce and demonstrate no less than three new product offerings along with a new exhibit.  This trade show has evolved over the years and several years ago was changed to an every-other-year schedule.  I think all exhibitors applauded this change and most attendees probably did too.

So, here we are on the eve of the 2006 PBS exhibit and conference.  Do you plan to attend?  Have you utilized some of the new tools that the exhibit management offer at their website to help plan your visit?  I'd love to hear your opinion about how useful trade shows are to you in your day-to-day work. 

HERE'S YOUR PERSONAL INVITE: Stop by booth # 2039 and look me up and I'll give you or arrange for a personal review of our new products!  I hope to see everyone there.

Joe Lewis
Vice President - Marketing & Sales
Monitor Technologies LLC
jlewis@monitortech.com
www.monitortech.com
www.flexar.info

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Grain Dust Explosions DOUBLED in 2005!	March 28, 2006
Posted by Joe Lewis at 03:53 PM | Comments (1)

That's right.  According to a professor at Kansas State University and a representative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there was a total of 13 grain explosions reported in 2005.  This compared to only 6 in 2004.

Unfortunately these thirteen explosions had 2 deaths and 11 injuries associated with them.  They were spread around the country, with three in Minnesota alone.  Other states where these explosions occurred included North Carolina, Kentucky, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma and Washington.

Causes of these explosions are still partly unknown, 5 out of 11.  Known sources include welding/cutting, extensions light, bearing failure and static electricity.

So, how do we prevent these catastrophic failures from occurring.  The loss of life is irreplaceable.  The cost of the damage runs over $500K in most instances.

Here's a link back to a couple of other related blog postings that provide more information about dust explosions and also about silo failures (an explosion qualifies).

Silo Failures and Dust Explosions (last post on this page)

Let's work together make 2006 much safer,
Joe Lewis
Vice President - Marketing & Sales
Monitor Technologies LLC
jlewis@monitortech.com
www.monitortech.com
www.flexar.info

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World Of Concrete Show - What Happens In Vegas Stays In Vegas?	January 30, 2006
Posted by Joe Lewis at 10:20 AM | Comments (0)

What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay there.  In fact, contrary to this marketing phrase used by most Las Vegas businesses today, most everything actually leaves Las Vegas at some point in time or another.  That's true of the recent World of Concrete exhibit.  Most all of the attendees and exhibitors have left and are back at work using the new ideas and solutions they found at the show.

2006 Exhibit Sets Record

According to recent announcements, the World of Concrete show held in Las Vegas on January 17-20, 2006 shattered all previous records for attendance, being up by 15% over the 2005 show.  Over 80,000 attendees rolled into the show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, to see over 1,800 exhibitors.  The exhibit space was phenomenal, over 800,000 square feet.  This show is reported as the largest show in its 32 year history.  Wow!

And the show promoters and producers didn't spare any expense.  The exhibit was heavily promoted through the construction industry media and the record breaking celebration included the awarding of the 80,000th registered person a trip to the World of Concrete show in 2007, including air, hotel and more.

Show Review

The 33rd World of Concrete exhibit offered a wide variety of attractions and special events.  Exhibits are not limited to indoor halls, such as at the Powder Bulk Solids show in the Chicago area every two years.  The WOC show includes numerous outdoor exhibits and this year occupied an additional outdoor parking lot.  On display outside includes concrete pumping trucks and many other large concrete construction exhibits.

And the WOC is not just about exhibits.  The show also provides top quality seminars.  This year 50% of the seminars were brand new topics.  Along with this renowned educational program, the show floor provided numerous examples of users, customers, vendors and suppliers all working together to solve problems and address the challenges facing the concrete construction industry.

Here's what some of the attendees have to say:

"You can find absolutely everything you need in one spot"

"I am absolutely finding everything I need.  In fact - I am finding more than I need."

And the exhibitors?  Well, they seem pretty happy too.  Our exhibit, though small (10 x 10), was well received by our visitors.  The leads we received more than met our expectation.  Not only did we have a good number, but the quality was great!  People are ready to buy, came with something in mind and really appreciated the approach of helping them solve their problems.  We are very glad we exhibited and this was our third year. 

WOC Show New Product Introduction

We introduced our latest continuous level measurement solution for use in concrete plant inventory management solutions.  This product, Flexar guided wave radar continuous level measurement system, was well received by our prospective customers.  We plan to be back again in 2007 and probably for years to come.  We serve the concrete batch plant segment of this industry and sell level indicators, inventory management systems and bin fluidization equipment (aerators) to our customers.

We thank everyone who attended this show and everyone that had the opportunity to give us a few minutes to discuss solutions that we can provide.

Joe Lewis
Vice President - Marketing & Sales
Monitor Technologies LLC
jlewis@monitortech.com
www.monitortech.com
www.flexar.info

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How Important is a Good Website?	January 09, 2006
Posted by Joe Lewis at 10:54 AM | Comments (0)

Market research tells us that process engineers, purchasing professionals and many others increasingly turn to the Internet as the number one way of finding information about products, technology and other industry information.

In a previous blog post dated August 24, 2005 (click here, then scroll down) I discussed the various aspects of searching the Internet and also provided a white paper designed specifically to help those that have the arduous task of searching for information on the world wide web. But sometimes you don't need to search, you have a website address and it's easy to go the supplier site and get the information you want. Isn't it?

Charateristics of a Good Supplier Website

What makes a good supplier website? Well everyone I speak with tell me the following characteristics are present at any good website.

• The site easy to navigate. You can intuitively find your way around the site with ease.
• The menu structure contains the type of information you need. It focuses on products, applications and solutions.
• The site contains a high level of technical data, even if some of this data is protected in a section dedicated for bonafide users.
• Information about the company focuses on the people who serve their customers.

The site contains a variety of ways to make contact. The supplier is quick to respond. Use of tools like an online chat is available.
You find the depth of information you need, immediately. Interaction with the supplier is quick and easy.

Unfortunately, not all equipment and systems manufacturers understand the importance that quick, convenient and complete access to vital information is to process engineers, plant managers, maintenance techs and purchasing personnel.  I'd like to cite a couple of examples of what I think are good websites.  One is the Hyperphysics website I cited in an earlier blog post.  It's a wealth of technical information and it's all easy to find. 

One powder and bulk solids equipment website I like is K-Tron's.  It is simple to understand, easy to navigate and provides some great technical information and data on solutions.  Another great website is IBM's "Express Portfolio" website.  Not only does it provide a guided tour through their offering by either Industry or Solution, but it uses some of the best and neatest web technology.  Take a peak at this stie.... it's pretty cool and very informative.  It's also an award winning site.

Now for the brief ad:  At Monitor Technologies we strive to meet your immediate and long term needs with information that you need........ fast and complete. Take a look at our website and let us know what you think.  Also, take a look at the Flash website for latest continuous level measurement product, the Flexar guided wave radar continuous level measurement system at Flexar.  Do we meet all your needs? What else could we do to serve you? Let me know

Here's what one of our website users had to say recently: "I have visited Monitor's website a few times in the last few days and have to say that it's one of the most informative solids handling equipment sites I've visited. It's easy to navigate, but more importantly, it provides an extremely high level of technical detail in a straightforward, well-organized way. I wish more supplier sites were like it!"

Joe Lewis Vice President - Marketing & Sales
Monitor Technologies LLC jlewis@monitortech.com

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Does Your Car Run On Alternate Fuels?	December 20, 2005
Posted by Joe Lewis at 01:19 PM

Ethanol?  Ever heard of it?  At this point in time most people have heard of Ethanol.  Many gas pumps have fuel that actually contains at least 10% Ethanol.  And this may be just the beginning.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Ethanol is an alcohol based fuel that can be used as an alternative to fossil-fuel (that's a term that could be discussed in and of itself: click here) gasoline.  Ethanol is produced by fermenting and distilling crops such as corn that are starch based and have been converted into simple sugars.  It is usually used to increase octane and increase the quality of emissions.

In many parts of the midwest Ethanol is blended with gasoline to make a low concentration Ethanol containing fuel called E-10.  However, while this reduces gasoline consumption and improves emissions, E-10 is not considered an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992.  The best alternative fuel made with Ethanol is called E-85, which is 85% Ethanol and 15% gasoline.  In addition, there is an even higher blend of Ethanol-based fuel called E-95 (95% Ethanol).  These both qualify as alternative fuels under EPAct.

While this is all good news and you can read further about all of this by clicking here, the bad news is that there aren't many vehicles that can run the E-85 and higher fuels while almost every vehicle I know of (including my Pontiac Grand Prix) can run E-10 very well.  Here is a quick list of some of the vehicle models that can handle E-85, click here.  Even if yours is listed you better investigate it further by consulting your owners manual and dealer before pumping it.

The point to this discussion is not necessarily from the emission standpoint for I am not a wacko environmentalist as Rush Limbaugh would call them.  In fact, while I disagree with the term "fossil fuel" I love racing (especially drag racing) which can consume a large quantity of fuel.  But then, the most exciting and fastest cars run top fuel.  Guess what?  It's not gasoline they're burning.  In any case, my point is in regards to what a great opportunity Ethanol production is for the grain processing segment of the powder and bulk solids industries.  And many of your companies, including mine, benefit.  Take a look at this website for the industry trade publication called BioFuels and see how many news stories involve biofuels and Ethanol, click here!

Within the Ethanol production process their is both solids and liquid handling processes.  Process equipment, components and systems are all required to make an Ethanol or BioFuels plant run.  And we here in the U.S. are poised to consume more Ethanol in the next several years than we might imagine.  And guess what?  It's corn based for the most part.  Living here in northern Illinois I can tell you that one thing we have a lot of here in the U.S. is corn crop.  The use of E-85 and E95 fuels will help reduce our dependency as a nation of gasoline.  How much?  I don't know, but we need an increasing number of cars to be able to run the fuel and we need more distribution points around the country.

One company very involved in the Ethanol plant design and construction (and there are others but I am mentioning one for the sake of being breif) is ICM.  ICM is "one of the premier design/engineering firms for Ethanol processing facilities in the world".  ICM and their supply and contracting partners design and build Ethanol plants and the equipment and components contained therein.  We're pleased to be associated with them as a supplier of level controls.  For more insight into the dry handling part of the Ethanol production process I refer you to ICM's website section on this subject by clicking here

So, call your senators and congressmen and support the grain processing bulk solids industry by lobbying more funding for Ethanol production, the requirement of vehicles that can and do run with E-85 and E-95 fuels and an increase in the distribution apparatus required to deliver these fuels to the consumer like you and me.

Thoughts about this?  Write and let me know.  Thanks!

Merry Christmas,
Joe Lewis
Vice President - Marketing & Sales
Monitor Technologies LLC
jlewis@monitortech.com
www.monitortech.com

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"White Papers" Are Great Tools For Assessing Vendor Expertise	December 08, 2005
Posted by Joe Lewis at 03:32 PM | Comments (0)

Q.What’s a “white paper”?

A.The term “white paper” is derived from the term “white book” (a government publication of position/policy on a topic). Winston Churchill wrote one of the most well known white papers in 1922.  It stated Britain’s position regarding Palestine in the middle east.

www.palestinefacts.org/pf _mandate_whitepaper_1922.php

A white paper promotes a particular position or solution. White papers, though they have roots in politics, are a valuable tool to introduce technological innovations, products and solutions.  They are a tool for process engineers to use in assessing a vendor’s expertise.  White papers used in industry today are written to put forth a supplier's position and knowledge in a particular area of expertise, such as powder conveying, silo design or even level measurement and monitoring instrumentation.

A good industrial "white paper" will be somewhat generic in content and will not simply be a promotional story.  It will generally offer valueto the process engineer by providing information and education.  In will provide a recomendation or suggest a solution to a problem.

Monitor Technologies LLC is a leading supplier of level monitoring and flow detection solutions for powders and bulk solids.  Our solutions serve a wide variety of industries; including plastics processing, concrete and aggregates, grain and feed processing, food processing and others.

In addition, we are the leading producer of “white papers” for use by customers in better understanding specific topics related to instrumentation and specific level measurement for powders and bulk solids.  Our "white papers" are written as generic educational documents.  They illustrate our position on the subject.

For example, the white paper “Technology Review – Continuous Level Measurement of Bulk Solids and Powders” highlights the challenges in measuring the level of powders and bulk solids and the pros and cons of the various technologies available today.  It also discusses the challenges regarding “real world accuracy” in volume/weight terms and compares level measurement solutions to those provided by weighing systems.

In this white paper we conclude with a four-step guideline for use in selecting the correct solution for your specific application.  You can download this and other white papers at www.monitortech.com/papers.shtml.

Current white papers available:
•	Hazardous Locations – A Primer
•	Technology Review – Continuous Level Measurement Of Powders And Bulk Solids
•	Researching The Internet
•	RMI/VMI Systems – A SecureCare™ Solution

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Say Goodbye to 'Hurricane' and 'Soder' and Hello to the K-Tron Process Group	December 06, 2005
Posted by Don Dunnington at 08:39 AM | Comments (0)

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The Silver Lining...	October 04, 2005
Posted by Joe Lewis at 01:45 PM | Comments (0)

As millions of people from the gulf coast to the eastern seaboard of the USA know each year, we are still in the hurricane season.  These awesome storms illustrate the fierce power of nature and the uncertainty of being in their path.  The recent hurricanes Katrina and Rita have had devastating impact, both in terms of the impact on the lives of those in their path as well as in financial terms.  I continue to pray for those so negatively impacted by this natural disaster and at the same time look forward to the good that can come from it as we recover, help the victims and re-build.

Has your business been impacted by this directly or indirectly?

In addition to the impact on our country's petroleum refining capacity and fuel distribution system, how many industrial businesses have been severely crippled and/or shutdown?  I haven't heard any statistics but I can't help but think of the production facilities in the chemical, plastic processing, aggregate production, food and other industries that handle powder and bulk materials that have had their production temporarily stopped and facilities lightly or severely damaged. 

What about the trickle-down effect?

All of the plants and industrial businesses that have been closed or have had their production stopped or substantially reduced because of a displaced workforce have stopped, temporarily, buying raw materials and components they need to manufacture their products.  Their suppliers have been impacted, haven't they?  Is the economy and demand for powder and bulk solids material handling and processing equipment so strong that we haven't felt the effect?  Or have we?

The Silver Lining

Even given the negative impact of this natural disaster and the impact on our fellow citizens one can't help but think about moving forward, restoring order and prosperity to those areas hardest effected.  This requires re-building, retrofitting, new construction, new plant and new equipment.  While we have the continued opportunity to show our compassion, kindness and love for those that continue to suffer (and this is a wonderful opportunity), I feel our country, economy and industry will be even stronger than before.  The industries we all serve or participate in will have new and added opportunities.

Note of Caution in My Optimism

What concerns me for the long term is the continued rise in interest rate by the Fed.  The last rate increase was the eleventh straight since June 2004.  This pushed the rate to its highest level since the summer of 2001.  Much of our manufacturing industries had been in a recessionary state for months if not a couple of years at that time, precipitated in part, I believe, by the persistent raises of rates by the Fed.  Will this raising of rates continue?  I remain cautiously optimistic about our economic future.

Joe Lewis
Vice President
Marketing & Sales
Monitor Technologies LLC
Phone: 800-766-6486 or +1-630-365-9403
Email: jlewis@monitortech.com

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Keeping Faith : Guiding Principles	August 29, 2005
Posted by Joe Lewis at 01:57 PM | Comments (0)

Keeping your "faith" in the workplace impacts how we perform as an employee, supervisor, manager, and owner or boss by any other name. It also impacts how the company we work for performs in the markets it serves. What do I mean by "faith"? Another word for it might be the "religion" you prescribe to, or your "guiding principles". So, how does THAT relate to your job?

An example of "guiding principles" relating to work

1.  Take leadership from those in authority over you. This means that, while being required to provide "counterpoint" opinions at times, we should follow the lead of the final decision maker so long as it is not contrary to law.

2.  Work sincerely. As we perform the work that is asked and expected of us we should do this to the best of our ability, not just performing "eye service". This means that we should work diligently and for the good of our employer at all times, not just when the boss is around or "looking over our shoulder". We should work to the service of our employer, not just to promote our own self.

3.  Supervisors, managers, owners and bosses of all types should show mutual honor and respect to all employees without partiality. Impartial bosses will not treat employees different from each other.  That doesn't mean that everyone is always treated the same.  We are all unique employees with different roles, having different authority and compensation. In addition, some employees may not choose to take advantage of an opportunity presented to them, while others might.  Some employees may perform well, justifying rewards, while others may require discipline as a result of their performance.  Impartial means "fair", but not necessarily "the same".

4.  Supervisors, managers, owners and bosses of all types should not threaten (actively or passively), be abusive or be inconsiderate.  The authority given to the boss should be executed with justice and grace.  People work best (providing no "eye service") when they are treated "fairly", without threats, without abuse and with consideration.

My "faith"

So, where did the above points come from? These points are my beliefs or "guiding principles" based upon my "faith". I am a believing Christian.

While I am still a sinner, I have repented from my sins. I still sin, making tons of mistakes every day. I am corrected by circumstances, friends, loved-ones, co-workers and my boss. I ask forgiveness from God and those I have treated harshly or have wronged. God always forgives me because Jesus paid the price for my sins past, present and future when I accepted Him and gave my life over to Him.  I work by the above principles everyday.

Relating "guiding principles" of people to company performance

You may not agree with all that I have said above, but you’ll probably agree that the principles we carry within us effect all aspects of our lives. They can even effect and impact how our company is perceived in the marketplace. Take customer service. Think about a company that you have dealt with in the performance of your job that you really like to work with. Have you got one in mind? What is it about THAT Company that you really like? When you think of that Company do you think things like:

- They’re easy to work with.
- Their people really seem to care. 
- They're honest and treat me fairly.
- I get someone to take care of my problem quickly.
- They stand behind their products.
- I wish all the suppliers I worked with were just like them.  

Now compare these attributes with the points on "principles" made earlier. Can you detect a link? People make up a company. The "guiding principles" and "faith" determine how the people behave, including how they behave with their company’s customers.

A challenge

Evaluate your suppliers by considering your experience with them and by examining the "guiding principles" of the people. If you are NOT satisfied, may I suggest a change?

Tell me what you think

I enjoy hearing from people with similar or different views. I hope this blog has been thought provoking. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

 Joseph Lewis - Joe Lewis is the Vice President - Marketing & Sales for Monitor Technologies, a company specializing in level measurement and inventory management solutions for a wide variety of bulk solids industries.  He has more than 30 years of experience in process measurement and control instrumentation in a variety of marketing, sales, engineering and management roles.  He is a published author in a variety of measurement areas and has led the marketing and sales team at Monitor for the past eleven years.  He was born in Rhode Island and holds a BS in electrical engineering from Roger Williams University and an MBA from Bryant University. He is a born-again Christian, married with four children and has resided in the Dixon, IL area for the past thirteen years.

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Finding What You Want ....	August 24, 2005
Posted by Joe Lewis at 01:49 PM | Comments (0)

How many of you remember when the Internet was just beginning to have mass appeal in the mid-late 1990's?

Whether you remember when the Internet hadn't been named yet (I believe back in the 1960's when it truly began at the U.S. DOD) or whether you just came to the Internet yesterday (where the heck have you been?), it is and has been one of the fastest growing and useful research tools ever imagined! 

I don't profess to be an expert by any stretch of my imagination, however, in every bit of market research I have seen that deals with this subject, as well as in all the market studies I have conducted here at Monitor Technologies, one thing is for sure ....  most everyone will tell you that the Internet has become their number 1 tool for finding information on a wide variety of subjects. 

Do you agree?  Probably.  But, do you know how to find what you are searching for on the Internet?  If you said "yes" and you think you just simply go to your favorite search engine and enter a few keywords, think again!

As I was pondering the question of how to find information that I was searching for one day, I thought it would be worthwhile to have a business acquaintance of mine (a consulting engineer) document his thoughts, ideas and methods of "Researching The Internet".  It turned out to be so valuable that I wanted to share it with everyone I knew.  You'd be surprised how much you may not know, or how much I did not know.

Free White Paper 

The result is a "white paper" that is available to you at no charge from Monitor Technologies LLC.  You can download it at http://www.monitortech.com/webseminar/WebSeminar_Mar05.pdf

In addition, if you want to get the most out of this "white paper" I also suggest you take some time and view the web seminar on the same subject produced by Monitor Technologies LLC in the Spring of 2005.  It can be viewed at http://www.monitortech.com/wseminars.shtml.

Give me your comments

Take a look at these tools (the "white paper" and the "web seminar") then comment on this blog.  What do you think?  Do you have any tips for researching the Internet that you'd like to share?

Joe Lewis, Vice President - Marketing & Sales
Monitor Technologies LLC
Phone: 800-766-6486 or +1 630-365-9403
Email: jlewis@monitortech.com

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PEBCO Opens New Manufacturing Plant	August 02, 2005
Posted by at 04:11 PM | Comments (0)

Paducah, KY -- PEBCO Inc. announces the recent opening of their new manufacturing plant in Kentucky - AAA Fabricators, LLC.

 

The new 40,000 square foot factory is strategically located near PEBCO® Corporate Headquarters in Paducah, Kentucky and complements the existing 25,000 square foot facility.

 

The plant manufactures all of the company's products which include: Mass Flow Feeders - Rolling Slide Gates - Rolling Blade® Gates - Diverters - Telescopic Chutes - Dustless Loading Spouts - Cleveland Cascade® Chutes - Uni-Load® Chutes - truck, train, barge and ship loading systems - and other fabricated equipment.

 

For additional information, contact:

W. Edward Barker, President & CEO

Phone: (270) 442-1996

Email: barker@pebco.com

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Embracing New Technology Is Good Business and Good PR	July 23, 2005
Posted by Don Dunnington at 05:31 PM | Comments (0)

Wired Magazine (July 18) reports poker-playing robots have just completed the first World Poker Robot Championship.  In commenting on the event in his blog, Online Public Relations Thoughts, PR consultant Jim Horton contrasted how at least one Las Vegas casino has embraced threatening technology, rather than trying to fight it the way the music industry fought file sharing. Horton wrote:

"In spite of talk about the need to change and to keep up with competition, most industry leaders don't like change.  They want to freeze competition around a set of rules and play by those rules far into the future.  The telephone industry worked exactly like [that] until deregulation.

Rapid technological change upsets economic models and injects mortal risk into the game of business. No wonder most industries would rather fight than switch."

And while Binion's, the Las Vegas casino that hosted the robot poker series, was largely motivated by the publicity, they also recognized that embracing new technology will eventually help grow their business.

We recently saw a similar effect, but in reverse order, at K-Tron when we introduced the Bulk Solids Pump (BSP).  This is a feeder unlike anything that has come before, and in this case the technology was embraced foremost for the sake of pushing feeder technology forward. The PR that followed BSP's introduction was an added bonus.  On the day the BSP announcement was published in the Powder and Bulk Dot Com Newsletter, we saw an unprecidented jump in traffic on ktron.com.  Since then BSP has been featured on magazine covers and has help propel K-Tron in winning numerous awards.

Is there a technology out there that's going to alter your business? Certainly the Internet, from e-mail to the World Wide Web, demonstrated that some technologies impact the way we all do business.  Will blogs and RSS also have revolutionary consequences for us all?  It could be harmful to the future of your business (and to your ability to promote your business) to bet against it.

Don Dunnington

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