Supplier News

© AA+W | stock.adobe.com

Heil announces tech training certification program

Heil, the Chattanooga, Tennessee-based refuse truck body manufacturer, announced the release of the Heil Nexteligence Connected Tech Certification Program on Jan. 2.

According to the company, the Nexteligence Connected Tech Certification Program is a four-tiered system that recognizes technicians who have achieved significant technical knowledge and skill in the maintenance of Heil equipment. Certification requires a combination of:

• Basic to advanced level Connected Tech training in the troubleshooting of hydraulic and electronic systems, which can be achieved using the Nexteligence Online Learning System;
• Specific and detailed product training on all critical systems relevant to Heil refuse vehicles and 3rd Eye camera/digital systems, administered either at the Heil factory or a customer location. Classes include structured classroom and hands-on modules; and
• Post-training “shop-time” work requirements, so that company management can provide critical feedback on work experience.

“Turnover and loss of skilled technicians can seriously impact equipment uptime,” Pat Carroll, president of Environmental Solutions Group (ESG), of which Heil is affiliated, states. “With the Nexteligence program, fleet owners now have the tools they need to train technicians in today’s highly competitive job market and can choose the method of learning that works best for the technicians, including online options.”

The ability to accurately troubleshoot problems affecting modern garbage trucks means less downtime, less money expended on the wrong parts and more uptime for the vehicles in question.

“The technology in Heil products continues to evolve, and we have implemented the Nexteligence Connected Tech program to help technicians improve their understanding of the hydraulic, electronic and pneumatic systems employed on Heil garbage trucks,” Jennifer Testa, vice president of enterprise transformation at ESG, says. “The key to furthering the development of technicians is providing the foundational knowledge of these systems via the Nexteligence Online Learning System. Increasing understanding of hydraulic and electronic principles, digital controllers and troubleshooting allows students to move faster and retain more knowledge when they get to the advanced product training courses. When these trainings are combined with shop-time experience, one of four levels of certification can be achieved.

“The Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers of Connected Tech Training are designed to instruct technicians based upon experience level, enhancing their knowledge of the systems critical to trucks in their fleet. As part of the curriculum, technicians choose the training modules that apply to the specific Heil models operating in their fleet, making the training more relevant to them from day one with fleets reaping the benefits of faster repair times from more skilled technicians.”

The program also includes the Platinum tier for those who want to become expert trainers within their organization. Platinum-level technicians at Heil dealers provide factory-level technical support and can administer official Nexteligence training to their customers, keeping them ahead of changes and increasing dealer communications with their end users, the company says. To achieve Platinum status, these students are required to travel to the Heil factory for an intensive hands-on exam where they are required to troubleshoot and repair a vehicle with multiple system issues.

“Reaching the Platinum tier includes a very comprehensive one-on-one exam with an expert Heil technician and will also require the demonstration of class facilitation skills. The technicians that pass Platinum-level certification will represent the most thoroughly trained technicians in the refuse industry today,” Testa says.

The pricing of the program depends on the preferred method of training, the company says, with online courses starting at $1,074. Heil is working with its nationwide dealer network to ensure dealers have Nexteligence Connected Tech-trained technicians on staff to better serve their customers. In addition, fleet owners are encouraged to enroll their technicians in the program through their dealer to increase the proficiency of their mechanics and service technicians.

Steinert appoints new chief technical officer

Steinert GmbH, Cologne, Germany, has appointed Markus Reinhold as its chief technical officer (CTO). Steinert, which was founded in 1889 in Cologne, specializes in sensor-based sorting technology and magnetic separation.

Uwe Habich currently serves as Steinert’s CTO. According to a news release from Steinert, Habich plans to move to a strategic business development position at the company. Reinhold transitioned to the CTO position in January.

“We are delighted to have been able to attract Markus Reinhold for scheduled succession within our management team,” says Peter Funke, CEO of Steinert Group. “We would also like to thank our CTO, Uwe Habich, for having successfully shouldered responsibility for developments and innovations for over two decades.”

Reinhold, who has a doctorate in engineering, has about 20 years of experience in international plant construction and mechanical engineering and has held various management positions in the past, according to a news release from Steinert. The strategic focus of the CTO is technology management, product development and setting up modern internet of things customer services.

Wastequip names new chairman of the board

Wastequip, a waste handling equipment manufacturer based in Charlotte, North Carolina, has appointed Marty Bryant as chairman of its board of directors. Bryant has served as Wastequip’s CEO and a board of directors member since 2012.

“Under Marty’s leadership as CEO, Wastequip has continued to grow its market share and introduce industry-leading products,” says Tenno Tsai, managing director at Miami-based H.I.G. Capital. “I am excited about Marty’s expanded role as chairman of the board of directors and look forward to continued growth. H.I.G. would also like to thank Andreas Gruson for his service as he moves on to pursue other business ventures.”

BaleForce joins American Baler distribution network

American Baler Co., Bellevue, Ohio, has announced that BaleForce Recycling Equipment, Milton, Ontario, will sell and support the baler manufacturer’s products, providing baler sales, parts, service and repair services.

BaleForce Recycling Equipment also provides conveyors, grinders, shredders, densifiers, compactors and rigging services.

“American Baler is the top provider of balers for the markets we serve,” says Jim Guest, president of BaleForce Recycling Equipment.

Mike Schwinn, sales manager for American Baler, says, “We are delighted to have Jim Guest and his team at BaleForce selling for us. They are very strong in the warehouse/distribution center market, corrugated and packaging industry and recycling markets.”

American Baler is a leading manufacturer of balers used in distribution centers, manufacturing and recycling centers.

Metso announces new appointments to executive team

Metso, Helsinki, announced Jan. 2 that it has made new appointments to its executive team.

Giuseppe Campanelli has been appointed president of the company’s Minerals Services business area and will now reside as a member of Metso’s executive team. Previously, he was a member of the company’s Minerals Services business area management team heading Professional Services.

Kalle Sipilä has been appointed president of the Pumps business area and has also been named a member of Metso’s executive team. Previously, he was operationally in charge of the Pumps business area and served as head of Finance and Business Control of the Minerals Services business area.

Mikko Keto, who was the president of Metso’s Minerals Services and Pumps business areas and a member of the Metso executive team, terminated his employment with the company on Jan. 1.

“I want to congratulate Giuseppe and Kalle for their appointments and wish them welcome in the executive team. At the same time, I want to thank Mikko for successfully driving profitable growth while heading the Minerals Services business area,” Metso President and CEO Pekka Vauramo says.