New Software Puts Equipment Design Engineers in the Driver’s Seat

Traditionally, engineers live and work in an abstract world that is composed of mathematical equations, physical laws, and other academic entities. Operators of heavy equipment like bucket loaders and dump trucks have a better understanding of how materials as coal, ores and soil actually behave and “feel” in real world applications. New co-simulation software created … Read more

Wal-Mart Executive Explains Why It Now Wants More “Made in USA” Products

Part of the reason Wal-Mart has become America’s biggest retailer is because of its rock bottom prices, many of which were made possible by sourcing products overseas, especially in China, where products can be produced far more cheaply than they can be here. Last year, the company announced it would be spending more than $250 … Read more

Container Ships Ram into Each Other, Explode in Kaula Lampur

Two enormous cargo container ships collided in Port Klang near Kaula Lampur, Malaysia, causing a massive explosion and fire to break out on both ships. The collision occurred about 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 28 when the San Felipe, a ship belonging to the Hamburg Sud line that carries a maximum of 9,000 cargo containers, brushed … Read more

OSHA Issues $145K Fine for Multiple Violations at Illinois Trucking Terminal

Officials at Central Transport found out the hard way that when inspectors from the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration order you to make changes to improve safety at your trucking terminal, you should probably do it. On October 23, the federal regulatory agency hit the trucking firm with a fine of $145,420 for multiple … Read more

Forklift Accident Lands One Man in Hospital, Another in Jail

A forklift accident at a Minnesota equipment testing company resulted in one worker suffering severe injuries and a second being arrested on alcohol-related charges. The incident occurred Monday, October 20, at MTS, a company that creates equipment for mechanical testing and simulation that is located in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. When police arrived on the scene, … Read more

World’s Largest Materials Handling Company Gobbles Up NZ Tech Firm

Daifuku, the world’s largest materials handling companies, announced that it is buying an 80% stake in one of its biggest competitors in the airport baggage handling systems industry: BCS Group, New Zealand’s 11th largest tech firm. Daifuku — which is headquartered in Osaka, Japan, and has an annual turnover of $2.3 billion — reportedly wants … Read more

US Investment Firm Bails Out World’s Largest Mining Drill Maker

Boart Longyear, world’s biggest provider of drilling equipment and services, had been hit hard by the recent global slowdown in mining. The company — which is based in Utah but whose stock is traded on the Australian exchange — has been teetering on the brink due to mining companies slashing their exploration spending due to … Read more

Should You Let Your Workers Dress Up for Halloween?

Halloween offers a fun, affordable and safe way for companies to strengthen the bonds they have with their employees. Allowing employees to wear their Halloween costumes to work is an easy way to boost employee morale and improve worker job satisfaction. There are benefits and disadvantages to allowing Halloween dress-up in the workplace. On the upside, … Read more