Monthly Archives: May 2014

Solberg Receives THINC! Innovation Award

May 29

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Solberg THINC

L – R: Solberg’s Jerry Borowski, Dave Pelton, and Mitch Hubert Receive the THINC! Innovation Award – Product

May 21, 2014

Press Release – Global Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Solberg Receives THINC! Innovation Award
Company Recognized for RE-HEALING™ Foam Product Innovation

Green Bay, Wisconsin – The Solberg Company, the world’s foremost innovator of firefighting foam concentrates and systems hardware, announced the company was one of five Northeast Wisconsin regional companies and organizations named winners of the first Insight Innovation Awards at the 3rd Annual THINC! Event held May 20, 2014.

Recognized globally for its environmentally-friendly firefighting foam concentrates and foam suppression systems hardware used in industries ranging from aerospace and aviation to petrochemical and utilities, The Solberg Company caught the eye of the judges and received the Innovation Award for “Product.”

“We are honored to receive this award,” said Dave Pelton, Vice President – Global Marketing of Solberg. “We are profoundly committed to developing high performing foam products that have an environment-friendly profile to protect and safeguard life, property and the environment.”

Called RE-HEALING™ Foam, the high-performance, environmentally-friendly foam concentrate is the first significant innovation in firefighting foam since the 1960s, when synthetic-based foam concentrates replaced foams based of animal proteins for use on Class B fuel fires. RE-HEALING Foam is also used to prevent re-ignition of exposed fuels and provides vapor suppression.

“We felt it was a necessary step in the evolution of firefighting foam products that a new technology was brought forward.  Something new and innovative that moved the fire protection industry in a different direction.  It’s been our goal to take those kinds of innovations and couple them into existing products and new product that we develop in order to make the most sustainable and cleanest products that we can for our customers,” said Solberg’s General Manager, Steve Hansen.

Coordinated and hosted by Insight Publications LLC, Appleton, THINC! (Technology & Human Innovation Networking Conference) was designed to shine the spotlight on innovation in the New North (Wisconsin) region. A total of 43 companies were nominated for the Insight Innovation Award. Other award categories were: People, Process, Planet and Integrating Innovation.

Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with operations in Bergen, Norway, and Sydney, Australia, Solberg (an Amerex Corporation company) has been involved with the manufacture of firefighting foams since the mid-1970s. Solberg’s unique technology and foam systems hardware is preferred by customers in the aerospace, aviation, chemical, defense, energy, fire services, marine, mining, oil and gas, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, pipeline, solvent & coatings and utilities industries.

About Solberg

Solberg is an Amerex Corporation company with a European heritage. The company is a global one-stop resource for firefighting foam concentrates and custom-designed foam suppression systems hardware and accessories. Solberg offers environmentally sustainable fluorosurfactant and fluoropolymer-free foam concentrate products, an innovation in Class B firefighting foam and traditional firefighting foam concentrates. Solberg’s people and processes are committed to quality, service and safety along with environmental responsibility. This philosophy enables the company to flourish while delivering innovations and value. More information can be found at: www.solbergfoam.com

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McWane Pipe Used to Replace Bridge

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Recently, McWane’s ductile iron pipe was installed to replace a 300-foot-long bridge near Hanceville, Alabama (Cullman County). For the job, the types of pipe used were 695 feet of 10-inch Tyton Joint Class 350 – Cement Lined, and 636 feet of 12-inch TR Flex Class 350 – Cement Lined.

Ironically, the bridge that was being replaced also used McWane Tyton pipe and had been lain over 20 years ago!

The bridge approaches on State Route 91 at the Broglen River, northeast of Hanceville. So, if you are ever in that area, think of McWane and remember that our pipes successful helped make that bridge possible!

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Meet McWane: Terri Evans, Manchester Tank Bedford

May 26

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Terri Evans

Terri Evans

It was a long hot summer in 1972 when a 12-year-old Terri Evans began helping her brother mow the grass and maintain the landscaping at what would become the Manchester Tank Bedford facility. It was called Extruded Alloys back then and their mother worked as the Executive Secretary/Personnel Assistant. A few years later, Extruded Alloys closed the plant and Brunner Engineering eventually reopened the facility as an ASME Pressure Vessel manufacturing facility and Terri’s mother regained her former position. By 1987, Terri’s mother retired and Terri applied for the opening. E.B. Martin, the personnel administrator at the time, took Terri under his wing and became an invaluable mentor. He saw her potential and took the time to help develop it.

“I have had various mentors throughout my career, each having an impact on different aspects of my professional growth, from management skills, communications skills and technical skills. And while all of my mentors have played a role in my ability to reach my goals, there are two that stand out above the rest. E.B. Martin being the first to see my potential and now Larry Bowers is my mentor challenging me, encouraging me, teaching me things I wouldn’t have otherwise known,” said Terri. “This gives me the confidence to be effective in my job every day.”

Terri’s highly analytical mind, her commitment to quality and her Hoosier work ethic have proved to be a fearsomely effective combination – helping her rise through the ranks despite changes in facility ownership including Manchester Tank’s purchase of Brunner in 2000. She also continued her professional development using the company’s tuition reimbursement program to take college courses part time while raising her family and working full time, and in 2007 Terri earned a BS in business management. The climb from the ground floor (literally) to management took time, and along the way Terri learned not only the intricacies of our businesses, but also the wisdom, discipline and perseverance necessary to excel. Today she’s assistant group environmental compliance director responsible not just for the Bedford facility, but a number of other manufacturing and distribution centers as well.

“Watching Terri’s professional development and being able to play some small part in that development has been one of the highlights of my time with McWane,” said Corporate Environmental Director Larry Bowers.

Today, Terri is paying it all forward, sharing her knowledge and experience with those around her. Tiffany Smith, MTE Bedford’s Environmental Manager, had this to say about Terri:

“I have been so fortunate to begin my career under the tutelage and guidance of Terri. When I took my position shortly after graduation, I was overwhelmed, but Terri always took the extra time needed to help me to succeed. Her mentoring has improved my skills, enhanced my potential for professional growth and given me renewed confidence. I am grateful for each day that I have to learn from her.”

So are we all!

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Tyler Pipe & Coupling Holds “The Right Stuff” Challenge

May 22

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Tyler Pipe Right Stuff ChallengeThe Wellness Committee at Tyler Pipe and Coupling in Marshfield, Missouri, recently rolled out a new team wellness challenge called  the “Right Stuff” challenge. The challenge will run from May 11 to August 15, and has 3 categories to develop habits by doing the “Right Stuff” for health.  

 Category #1 has 4 parts which include:

  • Drink half of your body weight in ounces daily; 
  • Exercise 30 minutes or more daily;
  • Eat a healthy breakfast daily – Grams of Carbs that are equal to or less than Grams of Protein; and
  • Get 7 or more hours of sleep nightly. 

Team members earn 1 point for each “Right Stuff” habit – up to 4 points daily and up to 28 points per week which they keep track of on a weekly score card.

Category #2 – Greatest percentage of weight loss

Category #3 – Most inches lost

Monthly prizes will be awarded in each of the three categories and team members will have the opportunity to win in each or all categories. Grand prizes will be awarded at the end of the Right Stuff Challenge.  

Gineine Rust provided a very interesting and informative presentation about the benefits of drinking water, exercise, eating a healthy breakfast and getting adequate sleep. She then measured and weighed participants for the Challenge. Gineine will assist by maintaining the “Top Secret Binder” with the recorded measurement numbers throughout the challenge.

Tyler Pipe and Coupling “CHALLENGES” other McWane facilities to do the “Right Stuff,” too!

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TransPerfect Wins Global Technology Award at World Trade Week NYC 2014

May 21

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TransPerfectAs posted on Transperfect.com

TransPerfect Wins Global Technology Award at World Trade Week NYC 2014

Award Recognizes Companies Who Demonstrate Leadership in Employing Technology to Advance Global Business

NEW YORK, NY, May 19, 2014 – TransPerfect, the world’s largest privately held provider of language services and translation-related technology solutions, was named the winner of the Global Technology Award at World Trade Week NYC 2014.

Each year, the President of the United States declares the third full week in May “World Trade Week.” During this week, trade organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders come together on both a national and local level to advance international trade in the U.S. The New York tri-state area’s World Trade Week event kicked off on May 12th and featured a full agenda of educational seminars, global business networking events, and an awards breakfast that recognized exemplary achievements in the local business community. The theme of this year’s event is “Using Technology to Grow Your Business Globally.”

The Global Technology Award is presented to a company in the New York metropolitan region for leadership in using technology to advance business globally. Award winners are independently nominated and then selected by the World Trade Week NYC steering committee. In selecting the winner, the committee looks at the company’s overall global growth and how that expansion was enhanced by the innovative application of technology solutions.  

According to Nancy Ploeger, President of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and member of the World Trade Week NYC steering committee,

“Providing innovative technologies and services to help companies succeed in the global marketplace is TransPerfect’s stock-in-trade, but they also practice what they preach. We were impressed by their consistent dedication to international expansion and their creative application of technology to streamline their internal processes and enhance the overall experience for their clients worldwide.”

TransPerfect Co-CEO Liz Elting, added,

“We’d like to thank the World Trade Week NYC steering committee for honoring us with this award and for their intense dedication to promoting cross-border commerce. TransPerfect got its start in Manhattan, and we would not be where we are today without the incredible support of the New York business community.”

About TransPerfect
With annual revenues of more than $400 million, TransPerfect is the world’s largest privately held provider of language services and technology solutions. From offices in more than 85 cities on six continents, TransPerfect offers a full range of services in 170+ languages to clients worldwide. With an unparalleled commitment to quality and client service, TransPerfect is fully ISO 9001 and EN 15038 certified. TransPerfect has global headquarters in New York, with regional headquarters in London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit our website at www.transperfect.com.

http://www.transperfect.com/about/press/transperfect-wins-global-technology-award-world-trade-week-nyc-2014

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TransPerfect plays a major role within the McWane company by translating our website. We would like to express our gratitude for your services and also our congratulatory praises for your big win. Way to go, TransPerfect; keep up the great work!

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Clow Valve Hydrant Makes Perfect Jungle Gym

Hydrant Jungle Gym Kids growing up today have lots of gadgets and video games to keep them occupied, but sometimes they just want to get outside and climb on something!

Case in point: Clow Valve Payroll Clerk, Debbie Smith’s grandson, Kaden Almond, joined by Clow HR Clerk, Annie Hol’s son, Casey, and Clow Payroll Supervisor/Maintenance Supervisor, Holly/Travis French’s daughter, Khloe, thought this Clow hydrant would make the perfect jungle gym.

Although that is not the intended purpose for the hydrant, we are glad to see our products making people happy!

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Meet McWane: Steve Flora, McWane’s International Man of Industry

May 13

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Steve Flora

Meet Steve Flora…Have skills (and guitar), will travel…

Steve started with McWane in 1996 at M&H Valve in Anniston, Alabama, and quickly became engineering manager. He also knew a few licks on the guitar, which always helps. A few years ago, Steve was asked to join a McWane working group headed to China on a fact-finding mission. Steve, who had spent four years in Taiwan as well as on other foreign assignments, knew the mission would be a great opportunity for McWane and he jumped at the chance.

Today, Steve’s been living in China for nearly two years working for McWane. Since moving, Steve has established a crack team in Beijing working to identify quality suppliers for McWane’s heavy tooling demands; helping design new products such as a novel solid wedge valve; ensuring quality control; and representing McWane’s growing interests in the region. Of his time spent in China, Steve says,

“I believe the China group has become an integral and productive part of the McWane family.”

Because of the time differences between Beijing and the U.S., Steve has a very demanding job 0 but knows how to blow off steam in world class style. He straps on an electric guitar and leads his own rock band at a local Beijing club called Eudora, a place that attracts American ex-patriots, travelling business delegations and locals in-the-know.

“I look at it as my way of providing some cultural exchange with the Chinese,” Steve noted. “I also spend a lot of time meeting with our employees and customers that visit the McWane facilities. They always know they’re welcome to find me in our offices or playing at the Eudora.”

Steve also happens to have the world’s most understanding wife – which helps when you work more than 5,000 miles from home.

“Yeah,” Steve admitted. “She’s very understanding. We see each other every 5-6 weeks. Happily, she’s flexible working for American Airlines, which lets her travel to China as often as she can.”

Keep on rockin’ China for all of us here at McWane, Steve!

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Get Healthy with McWane!

 

Spring is here and summer is quickly approaching, so now is a great time to get out and get involved in some type of physical activity! Hannah has a few great tips to help keep your body in tiptop shape and to help you maintain a healthy well-being.
Hannah Health Tips - Exercise 1

 

 

 

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Fava Beans with Red Onion and Mint Recipe

May 1

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Fava Beans with Red Onion and Mint

Healthful eating is never so easy as it is in the spring. With fresh fruits and vegetables flourishing, you only need minimal preparation to bring out maximum flavor. From salads to sides, entrées to desserts, here is one of our wholesome springtime favorites: Fava Beans with Red Onion and Mint!

3 cups peeled shelled fresh fava beans (2 ½ pounds in pod)
1 teaspoon plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 medium red onions, chopped
Fine sea salt
Generous handful of mint, roughly chopped (about 1/2 cup)

1. Cook fava beans with 1 teaspoon oil in boiling unsalted water until tender, 6 to 8 minutes, then drain.
2. Cook onions in remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring, until just crisp‐tender, about 4 minutes.
3. Add beans and cook until just heated through, then season with sea salt and pepper.
4. Toss in mint. Serve immediately.

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