There is much going on in the world of hydraulics, pneumatics and electronics motion control, from technology introductions and industry advancements to new trends and industry leaders. Each week the Power & Motion team collects some of the latest industry news to help keep our readers up to date on what's happening in the fluid power and motion control sectors as well as the industries they serve.
Bosch Rexroth Announces Departure of CEO
Gregory Gumbs, President and CEO of Bosch Rexroth will leave the company July 1. He joined in late 2020 and helped increase growth for the North American region while also working to improve the company's competitiveness and create a customer- and people-focused culture.
Reinhard Schaefer, currently Executive Board Member, will join the North American board to aid with the transition and find a successor to Gumbs.
"This decision was not taken lightly," said Gumbs in the company's press release announcing his departure. "I have great respect for the leadership team, our associates and channel partners across North America. I am very confident in the strategy and in our talented team which will ensure continued success and positive outcomes for our customers and the business. It has truly been an honor and privilege for me to serve and lead this team."
Dr. Steffen Haack, CEO of Bosch Rexroth AG thanked Gumbs for his leadership in the role and noted the importance of the North American region to the company as a whole. He added "the leadership team in the region has a strong foundation to continue the significant growth path we are on."
Crane Engineering Acquires Professional Pump
Crane Engineering, a Midwest-based provider of fluid power technology solutions, has acquired Professional Pump Inc., a distributor of pumps and fluid process equipment. With this acquisition, Crane Engineering will be able to expand its number of service locations to now include its headquarters and OptiFlow Design Center in Kimberly, WI and service centers in:
- Burnsville, MN
- Grand Rapids, MN
- Belleville, MI.
Belleville-based Professional Pump serves customers in the industrial, sanitary and municipal markets in Michigan and Northwest Ohio. It provides application engineering as well as repair and service of rotating equipment.
"Professional Pump has an outstanding team of high-caliber people who align well with our values and culture," explained Lance Crane, CEO of Crane Engineering, in the company's press release announcing the acquisition. "We can learn from one another to enhance our customer experience, deliver more value to our customers, and elevate Crane Engineering’s leadership position in the Midwest."
The Lee Company Announces New CEO
The Lee Company has announced Marietta S. Lee, the granddaughter of the company's founder, will take over the role of President and CEO on July 10, coordinating with the company's 75th anniversary. She will assume the role from William W. Lee, son of the founder and Marietta's uncle, who is retiring but will remain Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Marietta will be the company's first female President and CEO, and will help to continue the tradition of it being a family-lead business. She joined the company in 2001 as Assistant Facilities Manager before moving on to other roles with increasing responsibility including Facilities Manager, Vice President of the Restrictor Group, Vice President of the Industrial Microhydraulics Group, Executive Vice President and COO.
Marietta earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Georgetown University, a Juris Doctor Cum Laude from Catholic University and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from the University of New Haven.
READ MORE: How Do We Attract More Women to Fluid Power and STEM?
Walvoil Makes Leadership Announcement, Receives Visit from Italian President
Walvoil has announced its President and CEO Fabio Marasi has been appointed Chief Executive Officer for parent company Interpump Group Spa. His promotion was confirmed during the company's annual Shareholders' Meeting at the end of April.
Marasi will maintain his role at Walvoil and continue to be involved with the day-to-day business as before while taking on new responsibilities as Interpump Group CEO.
Shortly after this leadership news, the company also celebrated Labour Day on April 29 along with other companies and citizens of Reggio Emilia where Walvoil is located. As part of these celebrations, the company's Corte Tegge site in Cavriago (Reggio Emilia province) was visited by the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella. He did so as part of a series of visits to other companies which are in the Reggio Emilia Mechatronic District which Walvoil said in its press release announcing the visit is a flagship of the national industry.
The Walvoil site is currently undergoing an expansion project — more space is being added to its production plant while construction of a new Innovation Center is also taking place which the company intends to make the headquarters for its research and development division. Walvoil plans for the expanded facility to be open in June in time for the company's 50th anniversary.
During his visit, President Mattarella saw the plant to learn about production of Walvoil's products as well as learn about future initiatives in research, sustainability, education and attracting younger generations into the workforce.
"Recognition to a network of diverse companies — there are over 400 in the district — but often complementary, united by a single vision: to pursue sustainable and shared technological growth. Companies that are based on a capital of trust and a high degree of complicity," commented Alberto Rocchi, President of Walvoil's Mechatronic Group, in regards to the visit from President Mattarella and the importance of Reggio Emilia's Mechatronic District to the livelihood of the region.
Technical Services Developing Cooling System for Hydrogen Vehicles
The move to electrification is bringing the need for new cooling technologies to keep all systems on a vehicle performing in an optimal manner. As such, Technical Services — a developer of thermal management systems — is working with other industry partners to develop a cooling system for a hydrogen fuel-cell range extender used in emergency vehicles.
Technical Services and its partners will work over the next 3 years to understand the unique needs of this application and then develop an appropriate cooling system. The company plans to collect an extensive amount of data to fully understand the duty cycles of each vehicle type for which the cooling system will be used – an ambulance, fire engine and road sweeper.
"This is an incredible opportunity for Technical Services to not only share its expertise in cooling architecture but also to play an integral role in the advancement of zero emission specialist vehicles," said Andrew McMahon, Sales and Engineering Director, Technical Services, in the company's press release announcing its participation in the project.
Work on the cooling system is part of the HYER POWER Project, a UK government funded research and development effort to help with the advancement of zero-emissions vehicles.
Sure Grip Controls Opens Second Production Facility
Sure Grip Controls Inc., a subsidiary of Bailey International LLC, recently opened a new production facility in Victoria, British Columbia. The facility is located in the Vancouver Island Technology Park and will help increase manufacturing capacity over 40% to enable the company to better meet rising customer demand for its products.
The new facility includes more space for development and testing of new products and technology concepts as well.
"This new location increases production capacity in one of our fastest growing product lines and represents Bailey’s strong commitment to our electronics business. This facility helps us strengthen our leadership position in electronic controls and will enable additional new product offerings," said Kevin Baker, CEO of Bailey International in the company's press release announcing the opening of the new facility.
Locating the new facility in the Vancouver Island Technology Park provides access to the area's technical and communications infrastructure which will aid testing and development. The facility is also certified that it maintains sustainable business practices, an increasingly important criteria for many manufacturers.
