- Mecalux is eyeing UCF Interlake to expand its position in the storage market. The Spanish provider of racks and automated storage systems has acquired an option to buy UFC Interlake Holding Co., the holding company that includes Interlake Material Handling and United Fixtures Co. Purchasing the option, for which it paid $7.5 million, gives Mecalux the opportunity to acquire 100 percent of UCF Interlake Holding during the second half of 2008. Mecalux says the purchase of the option reflects its aim of enhancing its presence in the Americas.
- Saddle Creek has created a new non-asset-based logistics division, which will be known as Saddle Creek Transportation Services. The new division complements Saddle Creek's asset-based transportation network, providing additional inbound and outbound capacity and providing a single stop for the company's transportation customers. The new entity offers truckload, less-than-truckload, flatbed and consolidation services.
- Ozburn-Hessey Logistics has promoted Bob Spieth to president of contract services. Spieth has more than 16 years of experience in the logistics industry and has been with OH Logistics for seven years, including stints as CIO and vice president of operations.
- NxTier Technologies, a supply chain and logistics software specialist, has appointed George Henrich director of sales for supply chain solutions. Henrich was formerly vice president of sales for Quantem Logistics Services.
- The National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) has named John Gentle as its executive of the year. Formerly the transportation affairs leader for Owens Corning, Gentle is now president of John A. Gentle & Associates, a consulting company for shippers, carriers and brokers.
- Schneider Logistics has promoted Tyler Ellison to vice president and general manager of Schneider Transportation Management. He previously was vice president of the Global Client Group at Schneider National.
- Keith Lovetro is the new executive vice president of marketing for the U.S. operations of DHL Express. Lovetro, who will also serve as a member of the Express U.S. management board, brings more than 25 years of experience to his new role, most recently as president and CEO of FedEx Freight West.
- Port Jersey Logistics, a New Jersey-based provider of services that include warehousing, transportation and freight brokerage, has promoted two of its own. Frank Dempter is the new vice president of operations. He began his career in 1985 with Tyler Distribution Centers, a Port Jersey company. Also promoted is James Lowman, a 27-year veteran of the company. Lowman is now operations manager.
- AL Systems, a supply chain software and integrated systems supplier, has hired Mark Kushner as its vice president of operations. He will lead the project management, engineering, customer service and production teams. Kushner has more than 15 years of industry experience, most recently with Systech International.
- Jim Nairn has been named to the newly created position of vice president of supply and logistics at Harper Brush Co., which sells brushes, brooms, squeegee products and accessories. Nairn will oversee the supply and logistics operations at the company's three facilities, located in Iowa, California and North Carolina.
- Supply chain consultant KOM International has appointed Dan Goodwill project director—transportation. Goodwill will be responsible for the firm's North American transportation services projects. During his career, Goodwill has served as president of Yellow Transportation's Canada division and president of Clarke Logistics.
- James Malcolm Clarke is the new vice president of corporate services and chief financial officer for Railinc, a company that provides real-time interline data for the railroad industry. Clarke brings extensive experience in finance, strategic planning and operations management to his new job.
- Lauth Property Corp. has hired Marc Lotter as public relations manager. Lauth is a development and construction company that builds industrial facilities, including distribution and manufacturing buildings.
- Brad Boehler, director of product safety for Skyjack, has been named chair of the ANSI A92.6 subcommittee. That subcommittee deals with safety standards for self-propelled elevating work platforms. Skyjack manufactures aerial work platform products. Boehler has been an active ANSI committee member for the past four years.
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Wreaths Across America