kyle brown
Fort Collins
Clawhammer Supply: Makers of the highest quality, most affordable, and user friendly BIAB brewing equipment in the universe.
Articles by kyle brown
Opinion: From automation to imagination: Empowering employees through AI - Springfield Business Journal
It’s no surprise that artificial intelligence has become a key topic in nearly every industry conversation and boardroom discussion. As organizations test automation and generative tools, it’s easy to see AI as just another way to save time and cut costs, but if that’s the sole objective, leaders risk overlooking something much more important: the chance to change how their people work, think and create. The reality is that AI will take over some tasks, and sometimes entire roles.
Adoptable Rescue Dogs in MN
Each and every face below is looking for their new family. Scroll through and click on any dog you're interested in to read their bio. When you've found the perfect rescue dog to adopt, fill out the application linked in the animal's profile. From there, the dog's foster will be in touch for the next steps.
Quantum Resilience
Think about the last significant change you faced: a career pivot, relationship shift, or unexpected challenge. Did it throw you off balance? Maybe it made you anxious, uncertain, or even fearful about what was coming next. If you're a high achiever, such a reaction probably felt even more intense because you're used to relying on clear goals, measurable outcomes, and predictable pathways to guide your sense of success and self-worth. But here's the liberating truth: Uncertainty isn't your enemy.
State Issues Consumer Notification for Thousand Hills Beef Products from Lakewinds Food Co-op in Richfield
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is notifying consumers of a recall of Thousand Hills Local Farms beef products from Lakewinds Food Co-op of Richfield due to metal contamination. This recall is being issued after staff at the Richfield Lakewinds location and a customer identified metal shot or BBs in beef products. It is unknown at this time how the contamination occurred. The recalled product was sold fresh (not frozen) from the Lakewinds Food Co-op located at 6420 Lyndale Ave S.
Missing parts
When it comes to managing water, farmers already have plenty of stresses to worry about. This season, in addition to allocation or availability, they’re also dealing with a continuing contraction of the market around irrigation equipment parts and maintenance. The supply chains around those products tightened during the pandemic.
Thoughtful Reopening
Kyle Brown, IBM Fellow, CTO Cloud Architecture, IBM Cloud and Cognitive Software E. G. Nadhan, Chief Architect and Strategist, North America, Red Hat Reopening after a long closure is an opportunity (Image: Wikimedia commons) Thousands of businesses in the US and around the world are starting the process of bringing back their furloughed IT staff and getting back to business. However, the process of reopening creates a unique opportunity for reinvention that many large enterprises rarely get.
Italy announces quarantine affecting quarter of population
“For Lombardy and for the other northern provinces that I have listed there will be a ban for everybody to move in and out of these territories and also within the same territory,” Conte said. “Exceptions will be allowed only for proven professional needs, exceptional cases and health issues.” There was chaos and confusion in the northern Italian city of Padua in the Veneto region as word spread late Saturday evening that the government was planning to announce the quarantine.
Chiorino continues to grow with new HQ
WASHINGTON—Chiorino Americas has seen continued growth since the opening of its new headquarters in Suwanee, Ga. The 52,000-sq.-ft. facility opened in 2018 and now supports a brand new team of 12, President Bert Flieger said at the NIBA annual meeting, which was held recently at the Gaylord National Hotel in Washington. Chiorino built the facility through an investment of more than $1 million and moved into the headquarters from its Newark, Del., location, Flieger said.
John Grasmeyer focuses on education for NIBA
Among his other goals is analyzing NIBA's membership structure to support growth in the association into the future. The constant challenge is to continue to bring value to members, where NIBA has a 94 percent retention rate, he said. While he always expects some change in affiliates, the focus has to remain on the core members in preventing turnover. "From distributors to manufacturers, it's very important that we keep that low, and then we continue to bring value," Grasmeyer said.
Reveyron partners with Beltservice for distribution
WASHINGTON—Beltservice Corp. is partnering with Reveyron to distribute its products in North America and provide factory level service in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. for Reveyron slabs and fabricated products. The move is part of an effort to expand on Beltservice's lightweight conveyor belting, Paul Hirschmann, director of lightweight products, said at the NIBA annual meeting, held recently at the Gaylord National Hotel in Washington.
NewAge becomes fully employee owned
Southampton, Pa. — As it reaches 65 years in business this year, NewAge Industries also has another reason to celebrate. It became fully owned by its employees through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The company, which manufactures plastic and rubber tubing, started down the path to employee ownership through its CEO Ken Baker in 2006. But Baker learned about using ESOPs to provide for his employees years earlier, he said.
NewAge becomes fully employee owned
SOUTHAMPTON, Pa.—As it reaches 65 years in business this year, NewAge Industries also has another reason to celebrate. It became fully owned by its employees through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The company, which manufactures plastic and rubber tubing, started down the path to employee ownership through its CEO Ken Baker in 2006. But Baker learned about using ESOPs to provide for his employees years earlier, he said.
From GIE Expo 2019: To the dogs
Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI, at Mutt Madness Dogs hold a special place in the hearts of many turf care professionals, whether it’s a crew mascot or a golf course guardian. GIE+Expo attendees got a chance to bring a new dog home at Lucky’s Mutt Madness, which was held in the Freedom Hall of the Kentucky Exposition Center during the show.
Tire Society panel focuses on the future
AKRON—Changes in the tire industry will be driven by future trends in the larger automotive industry like electric and autonomous vehicles. The Tire Society's panel covered some of those changes in "Tire Industry Re-alignment: Necessities to Mobility Market Trends," held Sept. 11 at the 38th Annual Tire Society Business Meeting and Conference on Tire Science and Technology at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. The panel was moderated by Ric Mousseau, lead tire modeling engineer for General Motors.
Rapidly changing tire industry reliant on diverse skill sets
AKRON—While the tire industry is watching developing megatrends like electric and autonomous vehicles, it should focus on realistic usage and bringing in new skills, said Robert Asper, director of core system engineering, product development for Bridgestone Americas.
Smithers to renovate Akron building as new headquarters
AKRON—Smithers will be moving into a new headquarters by mid-2020 on North Main Street in downtown Akron as part of a collaborative effort with the city and others. Renovation of the 63,000-sq.-ft. building includes construction of a new research and development building in the range of 25,000 square feet, with a total investment of about $16.9 million, according to Smithers.
Bridgestone to work on moon rover wheels
TOKYO — Bridgestone Americas Inc. is preparing to take its partnership with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to new heights. The firm is working with JAXA and Toyota Motor Corp. to develop equipment for an international space exploration mission to the moon by 2029, said Nizar Trigui, chief technology officer for Bridgestone Americas. Bridgestone has been working with JAXA for about 10 years, consulting on projects relating to mobility in space.
Bridgestone to work on moon rover wheels
TOKYO—Bridgestone is preparing to take its partnership with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to new heights. The firm is working with JAXA and Toyota Motor Corp. to develop equipment for an international space exploration mission to the moon by 2029, said Nizar Trigui, chief technology officer for Bridgestone Americas. Bridgestone has been working with JAXA for about 10 years of communication, consulting on projects relating to mobility in space.
Tire industry should prepare for megatrends
FAIRLAWN, Ohio — While the tire industry is watching developing megatrends like electric and autonomous vehicles, it should focus on realistic usage and bringing in new skill sets, Robert Asper, director of core system engineering and product development for Bridgestone Americas Inc., told those attending the Tire Society meeting in Akron.
Tire industry should prepare for megatrends
AKRON—While the tire industry is watching developing megatrends like electric and autonomous vehicles, it should focus on realistic usage and bringing in new skill sets, said Robert Asper, director of core system engineering and product development for Bridgestone Americas.
Rubber Division passes torch, names Lakisha Miller-Barclay executive director
AKRON—Lakisha Miller-Barclay wants to use technology and outreach to bring the rubber industry to a wider audience and young professionals in her new position as ACS Rubber Division executive director. Miller-Barclay will take on the new role when Ed Miller, who has been executive director for about 19 years and the only individual to hold the title, retires on Jan. 15. She is currently director of finance and administration and has already started the transition with Miller's help, she said.
Wacky World of Rubber: 'Rim of the World' has surprising rubber references
Though it might not feature tires as much as some other high-action summer movies, even a kid-focused 80s sci-fi throwback movie like "Rim of the World" has plenty of rubber products to go around. For our Wacky World blog, I've been watching films from the perspective of rubber and plastic products, and this edition took me to a new Netflix original movie about a group of preteens banding together to fight against supernatural elements.
Elasto Proxy reaches higher with new certification
BOISBRIAND, Quebec—Elasto Proxy's new AS9100 certification is opening new markets for the custom rubber product fabricator and distributor. The certification allows the firm, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, to break into the aerospace industry as Elasto Proxy continues a growth phase, said Roberto Naccarato, sales and marketing manager.
American Roller brings on investment group
STAMFORD, Conn.—American Roller Co. L.L.C. is ready to grow after taking on Hamilton Robinson Capital Partners as its new investment group. Hamilton recapitalized American Roller in February, investing an undisclosed amount into the company to fuel a growth strategy, said Dan Cahalane, American Roller CEO and president.
Lubrizol restructures group under Life Science brand
WICKLIFFE, Ohio—Lubrizol is reorganizing its Personal, Home and Health Care business lines while completing its acquisition of Bavaria Medizin Technologie GmbH, a German producer of intravascular and nonvascular devices. The Personal, Home and Health Care business lines are being grouped together under the company's new Lubrizol Life Science brand, according to a company news release. The move includes its medical device contract manufacturing business Vesta Inc.
Trinseo: Innovation a key to sustainable tires
BERWYN, Pa.—Sustainability as an industry is a growing demand for tire producers. And a more sustainable tire industry starts with better building materials and collaboration, said Sandra Hofman, director of technology and innovation, synthetic rubber, for Trinseo. "I think at the moment we're seeing this big wave hitting us. We see that the auto industry is changing," Hofman said.
Tiarco adds H.B. Fuller unit to strengthen business
DALTON, Ga.—Tiarco, a subsidiary of Textile Rubber & Chemical Co. Inc., purchased H.B. Fuller's surfactants, thickeners and dispersants business to broaden its product offerings, according to Kevin Nolan, Tiarco vice president and general manager. The $71 million deal brings H.B. Fuller's business segment into the group as Tiarco-RST (Rheology & Surfactant Technologies) as of July 1, he said.
Wacky World of Rubber: 'Hobbs & Shaw' loves its tires
Summer blockbusters often enjoy putting high-performance cars through their paces in intense chase scenes, and "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" is no different.
Rogers plans market growth for Griswold
MOOSUP, Conn.—One year after Rogers Corp. acquired Griswold L.L.C., the two companies are finding new ways to integrate and benefit each other. That interaction is part of what makes Dave Sherman, senior product line manager at Rogers, excited to take on a new role as sponge senior product manager for Griswold, a manufacturer of custom engineered cellular elastomer and high performance polyurethane, he said.
Capacity relief still far off for silicone
Ravenna, Ohio — Silicone supply in the U.S. is still strained, and isn't likely to improve within the next two years, according to Erick Sharp, CEO and president of Ace Products and Consulting L.L.C. Sharp described the challenges facing the overall market in part of Ace's free "Silicone Market Analysis" class offered through its iLearn Innovation Institute.
Elkem builds on health care offerings
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.—Elkem Silicones USA Corp. is on a "full court press" into the long-term implant side of the health care market, said Mike Goglia, health care market manager. That growth means additional products and an expanded support staff, Goglia said in an interview at the recent Healthcare Elastomer Conference in Schaumburg, Ill. "We have a full product portfolio for that marketplace, for long term. That's LSR, adhesives, RTVs and HCR," he said.
Capacity relief still far off for silicone
RAVENNA, Ohio—Silicone supply in the U.S. is still strained, and isn't likely to improve within the next two years, according to Erick Sharp, CEO and president of Ace Products and Consulting L.L.C. Sharp described the challenges facing the overall market in part of Ace's free "Silicone Market Analysis" class offered through its iLearn Innovation Institute.
Prosco Inc. debuts 3D-printed wiper system
GURNEE, Ill.—Prosco Inc. is using a new technology to solve an old problem in the rubber roller market. The firm launched the 3D Way Wiper, a 3D-printed wiper and oiler system, at the Rubber Roller Group meeting in Cincinnati.
Action Technology adds certification for tubing line
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.—Action Technology is in growth mode as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, according to Sales Manager Kevin Volden. The Tekni-Plex Inc. business makes rubber and plastic products like aerosol and pump components, and invested resources toward achieving National Science Foundation certification for some of its polypropylene and polyethylene tubing products. Volden discussed these activities at the Healthcare Elastomer Conference in Schaumburg, Ill.
Elastomers face new challenges in medical
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.—Developments for elastomers in the health care market will be driven by large original equipment manufacturers investing in wearable medical devices, according to Marie Crane, health care market leader for DuPont. Crane covered the changes in the elastomers market for health care in her presentation "Connected Healthcare Transformation" at the Healthcare Elastomer Conference in Schaumburg, Ill.
Kaman to sell distribution unit
BLOOMFIELD, Conn.—Kaman Corp. will sell its distribution segment to affiliates of Littlejohn & Co. L.L.C. for total cash consideration of $700 million. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and working capital adjustments as well as regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2019, according to a Kaman news release. The deal is not subject to shareholder approval.
Communication, trust key to being a better customer
CINCINNATI—Learning to be a better buyer will help balance your business, according to Dan Laur, president of Laur Silicone Inc. He showed the importance of building trusted communication channels and establishing relationships with vendors during his presentation at the Rubber Roller Group meeting in Cincinnati. "Are we really taking the time to let our vendors know what's really important to us? Are we letting them help us?" he said.
Connected devices push medical industry
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.—The future of health care means a focus on design for consumers and collection and management of data, said Bill Betten, president of Betten System Solutions. He talked about the growth and changes of the medical device market in his presentation "The Evolution of Digital Health" at the Healthcare Elastomer Conference in Schaumburg.
Wacky World of Rubber: Spider-Man uses plenty of high-tech toys with rubber parts
Once upon a time, superhero movies were a natural fit for rubber and plastic products. Before the advent of affordable CGI (even if you don't have the resources of, say, Disney), those of the cape and cowl set often had to rely on molded props of one kind or another to sell the action. That's saying nothing about their use in the design of the costumes themselves.
Lord outlines low-lead alternative products
CINCINNATI—Lord Corp. proposed alternatives for some of its legacy Chemlok adhesive products as part of its low-lead initiative, with the deadline coming up next year. JR Nordstrom, application engineer for Lord, covered the changes during his presentation at the Rubber Roller Group Meeting in Cincinnati. Lord will stop making its Chemlok legacy products that have lead formulated into the batch, he said. The company hasn't formulated any new products with lead as an ingredient in 15 years.
Remco shows off hybrid automated products
CINCINNATI—Grandview, Mo.-based Roller Equipment Manufacturing Co. Inc. is bringing new capabilities to the rubber roller market with new products such as its GY Limited Automation series. General Manager Mark Andrews talked about the new offerings from Remco, which designs and manufactures extrusion and finishing systems for strip building, at the Rubber Roller Group meeting in Cincinnati. The new GY LA model brings an upgrade to the control system for grinding machines, Andrews said.
Specialty Silicone Products Inc. expanding work force to chase growth
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.—Almost a year after being acquired by Heico Corp., Specialty Silicone Products Inc. is expanding its work force by at least seven positions. The new hires are a part of a push for growth during the next 6-12 months, Dominic Testo, SSP business development manager, said in an interview at the Healthcare Elastomer Conference in Schaumburg.
Lean processes may have greater impact than ISO certification
CINCINNATI—ISO certification has its benefits, but other business approaches might be more useful, according to Charlie Neff, president of Friction Coating Corp. in Clinton Township, Mich. If customers aren't requesting ISO certification, looking toward lean manufacturing practices could have a bigger impact, Neff said in his presentation "ISO Certification—I jumped in with both feet, should you?" at the annual Rubber Roller Group meeting in Cincinnati.
Continental, Nokian set to open tire plants in North America in 2020
DAYTON, Tenn.—Nokian Tires and Continental A.G. are making progress and are on schedule for new manufacturing facilities in North America, increasing capacity and incorporating new technology. Both companies are aiming for 2020 commercial production deadlines for their facilities, which are both located in the southern U.S., with Nokian in Dayton and Continental in Clinton, Miss.
PTG Silicones builds a team for growth
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.—PTG Silicones is preparing for another year of growth by making sure the right people are in the right roles. The fluid control and sealing technology company moved four people into new leadership positions during restructuring in the last year to allow employees the space to work to their strengths, President Brendan Cahill said at the Healthcare Elastomer Conference in Schaumburg,. "That's been a huge benefit to us, and really to our customers," Cahill said.
Simtec adds clean room to its Florida operation
MIRAMAR, Fla.—Simtec Silicone Parts has added a Class 8 clean room within its Miramar facility. The 1,000-sq.-ft. clean room, the company's first at the facility, comes as a response to requests by new life science industry customers, Managing Director Frank Dilly said. Simtec's overall facility is about 86,000 square feet.
Wacky World of Rubber: Godzilla not keen on rubber products
Usually for the Wacky World blog, I've been sharing odd rubber band-based projects that I've found online. But I'm taking a break from that to take on another project that we dabble in occasionally: movie reviews rating a film not on its accomplishments as a work of art, but how it features rubber products. I went into "Godzilla: King of the Monsters" expecting plenty of rubber to work with, given the series' long history of using latex and rubber materials to build costumes and for other effects.
Passaic Rubber Co. celebrates 100 years, looks to future
WAYNE, N.J.—As Passaic Rubber Co. celebrates its 100th year in business, the firm continues to grow. The contract manufacturer for rubber parts has added new equipment at its 70,000-sq.-ft. facility in Wayne, and is looking to expand in the next few years, said Jeff Leach, chairman and chief operating officer, during an interview at Rubber Roller Group's general meeting in Cincinnati, held May 5-7.
Living Smarter: The Interconnected Home
Smart homes have long been touted as the future of building. But now even existing homes can be turned smart—and it's easier than ever. Ever since The Jetsons first graced TV screens in 1962, many have dreamed of telling their house to turn off the lights. Or getting the coffee machine to brew you a cup, from the comfort of your bed, on a winter morning. Home automation has gradually become part of the modern building industry, whether it's a security camera or a remote speaker.
Living smarter: The interconnected home
Credit: CC0 Public Domain Smart homes have long been touted as the future of building. But now even existing homes can be turned smart—and it's easier than ever. Ever since The Jetsons first graced TV screens in 1962, many have dreamed of telling their house to turn off the lights. Or getting the coffee machine to brew you a cup, from the comfort of your bed, on a winter morning.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with kyle
Contact kyle, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack