VFsync PMAC motors are engineered to provide precise, synchronized movement across multiple axes, making them an ideal solution for operations that demand exact velocity control and consistent performance. The permanent magnet technology enables these motors to operate in perfect synchrony with input AC frequency, ensuring that the output speed remains constant and accurate regardless of load or voltage fluctuations. Unlike traditional AC induction motors, the VFsync design minimizes energy loss and optimizes control, making it an ideal choice for users seeking to increase system performance while reducing environmental impact.

The core function of Bison’s VFsync PMAC motors is to convert electrical energy into highly controlled mechanical movement, supporting seamless integration into automated systems that require dependable and repeatable operation. Compatibility with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) allow for precise speed regulation and smooth acceleration. This functionality enables VFsync PMAC motors to outperform conventional motor solutions in applications where torque consistency, quiet operation, and dynamic responsiveness are critical. Designed with rugged construction and advanced materials, VFsync motors support long service life and minimal maintenance requirements, adding long-term value and reducing downtime across the equipment lifecycle.

Made in North America, Bison’s VFsync PMAC motors reflect a commitment to localized manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain reliability. This regional production capability ensures timely delivery and responsive support, making them a dependable choice for OEMs and system integrators operating across an expansive range of market sectors and applications. Whether driving pumps, conveyors, compressors, or other load-sensitive mechanisms, these motors provide a future-forward solution engineered to adapt to increasingly stringent efficiency standards and control expectations.

With the VFsync PMAC motor line, Bison reinforces its position as an industry leader by combining energy-smart innovation with robust mechanical design. By offering a solution that bridges the gap between traditional induction motors and more complex servo systems, VFsync PMAC motors provide users with a unique advantage in applications requiring efficiency, reliability, and value. As the material handling industry continues to evolve, Bison remains dedicated to powering smarter systems through reliable, application-ready motor technologies that meet the challenges of today while anticipating the demands of tomorrow.

Bison supports companies under growing pressure of tariffs. The company provides cost-effective, high quality products made in the USA & North America, backed by unparalleled North American manufacturing, engineering and customer support.

About Bison®

For more than 100 years, Bison®, an AMETEK business, has helped customers differentiate their products by developing robust, flexible and durable motors, blowers, and pumps under the brand names – Bison® Gear Motors, Lamb® Vacuum Motors, Nautilair® Combustion Blowers, Prestolite Motors Brushed DC Motors, ROTRON® Regenerative Blowers, ROTRON® Transportation and Windjammer® Brushless Blowers.

Bison® engineers thrive on technical challenges and provide customers with collaborative, customizable and optimized fluid-moving, fractional and integral horsepower solutions.

Bison® has worldwide sales representative support, research facilities and manufacturing plants in North America and Asia. The company is headquartered in Kent, Ohio.

Bison® is a business of AMETEK – a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.0 billion.

TubePro Tubular Drag Conveyor

Operational flexibility is a key advantage of the TubePro. The conveyor can move product vertically, horizontally, at any angle, and around corners, with effortless configuration of inlets and outlets to fit specific facility layouts. Customizable run lengths and bend angles allow the TubePro to meet the unique needs of every installation, and Hapman’s application engineers work directly with customers to develop the most efficient layout for each project.

Product is transported en masse between flights, exposing it to minimal turbulence and reducing the risk of abrasive degradation. This gentle movement preserves material quality during transfer. The TubePro operates at high torque and low speed, resulting in energy-efficient performance and lower operating costs. The conveyor can also stop and restart while fully loaded, minimizing waste and reducing downtime during operation.

Durability is built into every TubePro system, with heavy duty Schedule 40 pipe construction, slotted round flanges, and continuously welded, offset flanged connections that create an interlocking pipe structure for long service life. The TubePro offers several options to further enhance performance and adaptability. Multiple chain and flight options, including round link, drop forged rivetless, and engineered sealed pin chains, are available to reduce fatigue, wear, and elongation, supporting a wide range of applications. Available enhancements include the Airknife, Chain Hammer, Brush Box, and Self-Cleaning Discharge Gate.

The Airknife uses a focused stream of air to remove residual material from the chain and flights, ensuring a clean and efficient operation. The Chain Hammer provides mechanical agitation to dislodge stubborn material, further reducing buildup and carryover. The Brush Box, typically used for waste material, utilizes dual spinning brushes to remove stuck debris from flights and chain, helping prevent carryover and ensuring thorough cleaning. The Self-Cleaning Discharge Gate is an intermediate discharge point that can be installed at any location along the carry side of the tube conveyor, allowing for full discharge. The Vibrating Hammer can be placed at discharge points to free material that might otherwise cling to the chain flights.

With its combination of gentle handling, energy efficiency, robust construction, and a range of adaptable features, the TubePro Tubular Drag Conveyor provides a dependable and effective solution for bulk material handling. Facilities can rely on the TubePro to maintain product quality, streamline operations, and support safe, dust-free material transport across a variety of industries.

About Hapman

Hapman is a global leading designer and manufacturer of custom bulk material handling equipment for a variety of industries. With 80 years of experience, Hapman provides innovative solutions that improve efficiency and productivity in material handling processes.

The Importance of Machine Guarding

Machine guarding is essential in environments where heavy machinery, high-speed equipment, and hazardous tools are used. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), machine-related injuries account for a substantial percentage of workplace accidents. Common incidents include entanglement, crushing, cutting, and even fatal injuries caused by moving parts.

Effective machine guarding mitigates these risks by providing a physical barrier between workers and hazardous components such as blades, gears, and belts. It also prevents debris and materials from being ejected during operation, protecting nearby personnel. Beyond physical safety, well-maintained guarding reduces liability and demonstrates a company’s commitment to employee welfare.

Types of Machine Guards

There are several types of machine guards, each tailored to specific applications and equipment:

• Fixed Guards: Permanent barriers that provide robust protection against moving parts. Commonly used on conveyors, gears, and cutting tools, these guards are simple, reliable, and cost-effective.
• Interlocked Guards: Equipped with sensors that shut down machinery when the guard is removed or tampered with. This ensures that workers cannot access hazardous areas during operation.
• Adjustable Guards: Flexible solutions designed for machines that require frequent adjustments. These guards can be repositioned to accommodate various tasks without compromising safety.
• Self-Adjusting Guards: Often found on woodworking equipment, these guards adjust automatically based on the size of the material being processed, maintaining a consistent barrier.

Machine Guarding Standards and Compliance

Compliance with safety standards is not optional; it’s a legal requirement. OSHA outlines specific regulations for machine guarding under standard 1910.212, which mandates that moving parts must be shielded to prevent injury. Additional guidelines from organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) provide detailed specifications for guard design and implementation.

Failing to meet these standards can result in significant penalties and, more critically, endanger the lives of workers. Regular audits, inspections, and employee training are essential to ensure compliance and maintain a safe working environment.

Innovations in Machine Guarding

The evolution of technology has introduced innovative solutions in machine guarding, enhancing both functionality and usability. Modern guards now integrate advanced materials, ergonomic designs, and automation for improved efficiency and worker convenience.

• Smart Guarding Systems: Equipped with sensors and IoT capabilities, these systems monitor machinery in real time, providing alerts for potential hazards and maintenance needs.
• Transparent Guards: Made from durable, shatter-resistant materials like polycarbonate, these guards allow operators to visually monitor machine operations without compromising safety.
• Ergonomic Designs: Guards are increasingly designed with user comfort in mind, reducing physical strain during operation and maintenance.

Benefits Beyond Safety

While the primary purpose of machine guarding is to protect workers, its benefits extend far beyond safety. By minimizing accidents and downtime, guarding systems contribute to increased productivity and cost savings. Efficiently guarded machines experience less wear and tear, reducing maintenance needs and extending equipment lifespan.

Moreover, a strong safety record enhances a company’s reputation, attracting skilled workers and fostering trust among clients and stakeholders. Investing in high-quality guarding systems is not just a regulatory necessity; it’s a strategic business decision.

Implementing Effective Machine Guarding

Implementing an effective machine guarding program requires a comprehensive approach:

• Hazard Assessment: Identify potential hazards associated with machinery and prioritize areas requiring immediate attention.
• Guard Selection: Choose appropriate guarding solutions based on machine type, operational requirements, and worker interaction.
• Training and Awareness: Educate employees on the importance of machine guarding, proper usage, and reporting procedures for damaged or missing guards.
• Regular Maintenance: Inspect and maintain guards regularly to ensure they remain functional and compliant with safety standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay updated on technological advancements and regulatory changes to enhance your guarding systems over time.

Conclusion

Machine guarding is an indispensable element of workplace safety, protecting workers from harm while boosting operational efficiency. As industries continue to adopt advanced technologies, the integration of innovative guarding solutions ensures that safety standards evolve alongside progress. By prioritizing safety through effective machine guarding, businesses can create secure, productive environments where employees thrive.

The new UNITOWER cnc from KASTO provides a significant productivity benefit for users looking to automatically feed their CNC machining centres: It continuously supplies the machines with fully loaded pallets, allowing employees to prepare fixtures and workpieces simultaneously at separate workstations. Operators can load the storage tower during machine operation. This eliminates costly downtimes, and the entire system, including high-cost metal-cutting machines, can operate operator-free for extended periods, such as at night, if designed for continuous operation.

Companies can connect several metal-cutting machines, regardless of the manufacturer, to one tower storage system. The UNITOWER CNC can be connected fully automatically to several setup stations and transfer stations through traversing units and roller conveyors. The overhead gantry crane (OGC) transfers the machine pallet which is loaded with fixtures and workpieces to a transfer trolley. The transfer trolley automatically takes them to locations assigned by the control system. Partially and fully machined workpieces are returned to intermediate or final storage in the same manner.

The system is based on KASTO’s UNITOWER tower storage system, which has demonstrated great success over many years. Towering at heights of up to 20 metres, the system provides maximum storage space within a minimal footprint. The UNITOWER cnc can house shelves with machine pallets measuring up to 3,000 millimetres long and 1,500 millimetres wide. Depending on the load size, it can store one or two machine pallets. Thanks to the practical zero-point clamping system, users can select the loading height up to a maximum of 1,700 millimetres, maximising the available space. Another benefit: The zero-clamping system’s impressive cost-performance ratio makes it particularly appealing when compared to machine tables. With a load capacity of five tonnes per storage compartment, even heavy workpieces can be stored. Pallets are handled by an OGC with a crossbeam. In comparison to paternoster systems, this system offers the advantage that only the respective cassette needs to be moved, rather than the entire stock. Not only does this ensure fast access times, but it also saves energy thanks to efficient drives.

Intelligent control system and simple operation

The UNITOWER cnc is managed by KASTOlogic, KASTO’s software for warehouse management and production control. The software makes sure that the necessary workpieces are provided to the correct CNC machine according to the specific order. It checks for the availability of all required NC programs and tools, monitors the production processes, calculates completion dates, and determines the optimum order-handling sequence. Malfunctions can be easily and swiftly corrected through remote maintenance, ensuring reliable operation of the entire system.

The UNITOWER cnc excels in regards to ergonomics by minimising manual handling of workpieces, some of which weigh several tonnes. This not only protects employees’ health but also frees up time for other tasks. With its modular design, the storage system can be expanded virtually without limitation – a major advantage for growing companies. KASTO utilised extensive experience from its own production when developing the UNITOWER cnc. This makes the tower storage system a sustainable automation solution for manufacturers in all industries.

When developing the UNITOWER cnc, KASTO utilised extensive experience from its own production. A practical solution emerged, which the company also uses itself. Anyone interested is invited to visit the company’s headquarters in Achern to see the compact storage system in action and discuss its potential with the on site experts.

About KASTO

The KASTO Group, located in Achern in Baden, Germany, (KASTO Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG) specialises in sawing, storage, and automation technology for metal bar stock. The company is the world market and technology leader for metal sawing machines, semi-automatic and automatic storage systems for metal bar stock and sheet metal, automated handling equipment for metal bars, sheets, and cut-pieces including the necessary smart software. With 180 years of experience, KASTO is one of the oldest family-owned companies in Europe. 170 patents, more than 140,000 sawing machines sold across the globe, and over 2,400 installed automated storage systems are a reflection of the company’s success. Besides the subsidiary plant in Schalkau located in Thüringia, KASTO also operates subsidiaries in England, France, Singapore, China, Switzerland, and the USA, and has sales and service partners in many other countries.

For more information, see:www.kasto.com

The new plant in northwest Morocco is intended to be a model for energy optimization, while simultaneously significantly increasing Stellantis’ production capacity for battery-powered vehicles and hybrid models across the Peugeot, Citroën, and Fiat brands. The newly designed paint shop can handle 30 bodies per hour, a rate identical to the first Kenitra plant, which Dürr built in 2019.

Conserving water, chemicals, and heating energy

Stellantis opted for Dürr’s patented RoDip^® rotational dip process for pretreatment and cathodic electrocoating. This innovative method rotates the bodies around their axis, providing exceptional corrosion protection since the dip curves can be individually adapted to different body types, optimizing the immersion, flooding, and draining process. RoDip^® consumes much less water, fewer chemicals, and less heating energy than other technical solutions since the conveyor system eliminates the need for inclined tank entrances and exits. This shortens the immersion tank length by up to six meters and reduces tank volume. Lower energy and material consumption also reduces operating and unit costs.

Forty percent fewer carbon emissions

In addition to electrocoating, the Stellantis Group will debut the EcoInCure electric oven featuring innovative air flow conduction that heats and cools car bodies evenly from the inside out. This unique design reduces thermal-structural stress and lowers car body heating time by up to 30 percent. The latest generation of the EcoInCure in the Kenitra plant makes fossil-fuel independence possible by operating with green electricity for an environmentally friendly approach. Compared with its gas-powered counterpart, the electric EcoInCure reduces paint shop emissions by 40 percent, significantly reducing the carbon footprint.

Repurposing for optimum resource use

Stellantis is also enhancing efficiency by adopting wet-on-wet technology, saving both time and energy. The extensive process, which includes two-tone painting across three exterior painting stations, utilizes robots and application technology from existing Italian plants. These robots are equipped with EcoBell2 applicators to integrate seamlessly with existing equipment. In addition, technical equipment, such as air supply units, heaters, and conveyors, are transported from Europe to Morocco for reuse. Repurposing production technology from other plants is a sustainable approach that maximizes resources. In addition, repurposing is a suitable building block for constructing a paint shop within challenging time and cost constraints, all without compromising coating quality and performance.

About Dürr

The Dürr Group has been established in the United States since 1970 and currently employs approximately 1,400 people. From the Campus with a state-of-art validation, testing, and training center in Southfield, MI, Dürr USA represents four of the five divisions. Paint and Final Assembly Systems offers equipment for painting and assembly processes, while Application Technology provides paint, sealants and adhesives application systems. Dürr’s Clean Technology Systems division is leading in air pollution control, noise abatement systems, and battery electrode coating lines. Dürr has three locations in the US: Dürr Systems, Inc. in Southfield, MI, and De Pere, WI; Durr Universal, Inc. in Stoughton, WI. The subsidiary Schenck USA Corp., with headquarters in Deer Park, NY, and additional locations in Hudson, MA, and Southfield, MI, offers balancing machines, vibration and condition monitoring systems, spin testing and services for the aerospace, automotive and general industry. The customers of Dürr USA include automotive and commercial vehicle manufacturers, as well as their suppliers, and a diverse group of other industries like the chemical or wood industry. HOMAG Machinery North America operates the production facilities for HOMAG Group in Grand Rapids, MI, which is also the base for the sales and service company Stiles Machinery Inc. The HOMAG Group produces machinery and equipment for the woodworking industry.

The Dürr Group is one of the world’s leading mechanical and plant engineering firms with particular expertise in the technology fields of automation, digitalization, and energy efficiency. Its products, systems, and services enable highly efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes – mainly in the automotive industry and for producers of furniture and timber houses, but also in sectors such as the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, medical devices, electrical engineering, and battery production. In 2023, the company generated sales of €4.6 billion. The Dürr Group has around 20,000 employees and 141 business locations in 33 countries, and it operates in the market with five divisions:

• Paint and Final Assembly Systems: paint shops as well as final assembly, testing, and filling technology for the automotive industry
• Application Technology: robots and products for the automated application of paint, sealants, and adhesives
• Clean Technology Systems:air pollution control, coating systems for battery electrodes, and noise abatement systems
• Industrial Automation Systems:automated assembly and test systems for automotive components, medical devices, and consumer goods as well as balancing and diagnostic technology
• Woodworking Machinery and Systems:machinery and equipment for the woodworking industry

Dorner (www.dornerconveyors.com), a Columbus McKinnon brand, is a global leader in conveyor automation system design, manufacturing and integration. Showgoers who visit Dorner at PACK EXPO will have the chance to see many of its packaging automation solutions in action.

PACK EXPO 2024 takes on added excitement this year with the sneak preview of Dorner’s newest conveyor, the C³ Belted Curve Conveyor. The C³ utilizes FDA approved fabric belting to facilitate both a 90-degree and 180-degree curve. The C³ is a key breakthrough for companies across a multitude of industries that need to maximize footprint while improving overall throughput in the facility. Because of the FDA approved belting and stainless bed plate this product complies with BISSC standards making it perfect for any bakery or confectionary production setting.

PACK EXPO attendees will see several other conveyor solutions in action, including the AquaGard GT, a meticulously designed infeed and outfeed conveyor ideal for accumulation-type applications to prevent bottlenecks in industries such as packaging, bottling, dry food processing and part handling. All components (except motors) are either stainless steel or FDA-approved plastics, which are ideal for operating in environments that require wipe-down or occasional washdown cleanings of the conveyor.

The AquaGard GT integrates features and benefits such as powered transfer units, flush side tails, and pre-engineered transfer modules, among others that in-house machine builders cannot match. The conveyor is competitively priced and comes with a short 10-day lead time.

The AquaGard GT will be highlighting its capabilities while integrated with a fully functional loop with Infinity and Bi-Flow accumulation tables from Garvey, a fellow Columbus McKinnon brand. Garvey (www.garvey.com) is a recognized leader in the conveyor and accumulation industry, serving customers of all sizes primarily in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and household product industries.

A versatile machine, the Infinity uses Garvey’s patented technology to accumulate and sort unstable products at high speeds into a single or multi-lane configuration. The Bi-Flow uses opposing conveyor movement to create a buffer for product accumulation in a small footprint. The loop also includes Dorner’s FlexMove Helix and Wedge conveyors which allow vertical product movement to maximize a smaller footprint. This demonstration illustrates the seamless integration Dorner and Garvey can bring to industries worldwide to maximize production in accumulation-type beverage applications.

Additionally, Dorner is demonstrating the capabilities of its DualMove conveyor, which utilizes twin-strand timing belts to precisely place, orientate, and transfer pallets to workstations for robotic or human interaction. DualMove is a fully configurable conveyor with seven different pallet lengths and widths and several accessory modules, allowing operators to customize it to specific applications. Because of the variety of pallet sizes, it can carry a load of up to 100 lbs. per pallet, making it perfect for small to medium-sized appliances / products that require assembly and packaging.

Dorner will also feature the versatility of the low profile 2200 Series in its own operating loop. The 2200 Series features a stronger, single-piece frame design that reduces the overall number of needed stands. The frame is a Universal T-Slot compatible with industry-standard hardware, making attaching accessories and guiding fast and simple. The 2200 Series loop moves product through 90° turns as it diverts items quickly and accurately into various lanes with the use of Precision Move technology. At the show, viewers will see the 2200 Series loop demonstrate its capabilities by conveying jellybeans.

For modular monorail conveyance, montratec is the brand to see. A Columbus McKinnon brand, German-based montratec is a leading manufacturer of modular monorail systems for transport and process automation for numerous industries. This loop will be demonstrating its intralogistics solutions that minimize cycle times and maximize customer operational throughput. montratec solutions use asynchronous movement of shuttles that allow products to be moved independently in multiple directions at varying speeds to balance production lines, increasing flexibility and productivity. montratec also brings a higher level of cleanroom certification that expands market access in the battery, EV, life sciences, electronics, and semiconductor industries.

Another loop will highlight Dorner’s sanitary platforms. The AquaPruf VBT (Vertical Belt Technology) conveyor, designed to move bulk products in straight-up 90° sanitary applications, features a proprietary staggered sidewall belt designed to increase pocket capacity and improve product release. The AquaGard LPZ Conveyor can be configured with one or two fixed angle points that allow the conveyor to accommodate a variety of height and angle requirements.

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The F Series 4-post mechanical VRC offers maximum flexibility in carriage size, capacity, and traffic patterns, allowing loading and unloading from all 4 sides. Featuring an unlimited carriage size, with a minimum size of 6 feet wide and 6 feet 6 inches long, the F Series can lift large and bulky loads that cannot be accommodated by other lifting means. Its ability to reach any floor level maximizes facility use and provides greater material handling operational flexibility.

Featuring a standard travel speed of 18 feet per minute (FPM), the F Series can be customized to accommodate speeds of up to 400 FPM, making it an essential part of automated, high-speed/high-cycle material handling applications used in continuous cycle operations – 24/7/365.

The F Series comes with a lifetime structural warranty and is built with quality construction that offers reliability and long-term performance, ensuring less downtime. It can be hot-dipped galvanized or fitted with epoxy finishes to withstand extreme weather conditions and temperature fluctuations and enhance corrosion resistance for use in harsh outdoor or wash-down environments.

To ensure worker safety and protect material payloads, the F Series features numerous built-in advanced safety features, including limit switches that shut down the motor and engage the brake when the switch is tripped or power is lost; motor overload protection; chain sensors that prevent slack chain from jumping the sprockets; and safety cams that prevent unintended carriage descent. The units conform to ASME B20.1 Safety Standards.

About PFlow Industries

As the vertical reciprocating conveyor (VRC) industry founder in 1977 and key author of state and federal codes, PFlow has literally written the book on VRC design and safety. Backed by the strength of the industry’s largest and most experienced dealer network, the largest in-house engineering and technical support staff, and dedicated in-region sales team, PFlow is the industry’s trusted VRC partner. Proudly claiming 20,000 units in operation, PFlow has the experience to ensure your project’s success. PFlow also designs and manufactures Cartveyor® shopping cart conveyors, designed for high-volume cart transport in multi-level retail environments.

The LNS Fox HM2 mist collector is available in 3 sizes: 330, 700 and 1250. Each model has a 3-stage filtration system beginning with a washable, metallic mesh that removes chips and larger water-soluble coolant particles. The second stage is a centrifugal/dynamic function that captures mist droplets created by the first stage. A multi-media design in the third filtration stage removes any remaining mist to an average efficiency above 99% per the AFNOR NFX 44-060 standard.

The HM2 Series integrates with existing V-Series, F-Series and future LNS Chipblaster high pressure coolant systems, enabling users to mount the unit on the high-pressure device, the machine tool or on a stand next to the CNC machine.

This latest generation of LNS Fox mist collectors joins other LNS air filtration systems including the WS2 and WM2 Series that eliminate mist and smoke from oil-based, synthetic or neat oil coolants, and the HE electrostatic oil mist collector for wet machining applications using straight oil.

LNS designs, manufactures, sells and supports air filtration systems, bar feeders, chip conveyors, work support devices, and coolant management worldwide.

Michael took his first steps into the workplace at just 15 years old, working in construction. However, Michael knew that further education was important and, after initially intending to build a career in advertising photography, advice from a college advisor led to Michael taking a business degree in marketing. This move would forge a lifelong career in marketing.

While studying marketing at Wichita State University, Michael worked part-time at an advertising agency for experience. After graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors, this important work experience led to Michael taking on the role of an advertising account executive, planning promotional strategies for companies involved in banking, restaurant chains, and manufacturing.

A further six years of night classes led to Michael obtaining a master’s degree in business administration, with a major in marketing and a minor in psychology and accounting. The new qualifications led to a move away from advertising communication and into target marketing campaigns involving local and state governments, insurance, and international retail companies. The high-profile aspect of his role included working closely with Chambers of Commerce, state government, U.S. Congress, and ambassadors of foreign countries.

Michael’s experience and construction background then led to a career move to a national cabinetry manufacturer as the Director of Research and Development. This included managing the company’s extensive trade shows, which involved the building and disassembly of 30 by 60-foot two-story exhibits.

Michael’s career path eventually led him to a local Wichita manufacturing company as the Sales and Marketing Director until he met Bob Bunting, the CEO and President of Bunting Magnetics Co. This proved to be Michael’s career defining moment.

Assuming the role of Bunting’s Marketing Manager, Michael oversaw all aspects of marketing, including the management of over 15 small and midsized trade shows each year. With a focus on company growth and following implementation of a personality assessment tool to get the right people in the right positions, Michael was identified as “The Big Picture Guy” and was promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing. This involved setting longer term strategies that would take several years to execute.

Soon after, following unexpected changes within the team, Michael assumed the additional roles of Sales Manager and Territory Manager. Despite the significant workload, Michael successfully retained those roles for the next five years.

This was a period of evolution for Bunting Magnetics Co., with a focus on sales growth and profit maximization. One initiative tasked Michael with reducing marketing costs by 30%, which he achieved in part by moving all advertising services in-house rather than through an agency. A task only possible due to Michael’s previous agency experience. Without compromising on brand-building and lead generation, marketing costs were cut by 40% in the year.

In 2007, Bob Bunting identified an opportunity producing flexible dies for narrow web and folding cartons, and to gain market share in the manufacture of magnetic cylinders. The following year, Michael left his position as Director of Sales and Marketing to take on the new challenge as General Manager of the Flexible Die Manufacturing Facility. He was tasked with overseeing construction of the new manufacturing unit and startup in just eight months.

After eight months, Bunting produced the first flexible dies and launched the product at the 2008 Label & Narrow Web trade show in Chicago. This was an incredible achievement made more difficult by the country’s banking crisis at the time.

The business evolved into largely magnetic printing cylinders under Michael’s management. Breaking into the sector was challenging due to entrenched competition, but Michael identified that reducing the lead time was a key selling point. Michael and his team worked hard towards reducing lead times by as much as 50% reduction. By 2015, the Bunting machine shop was manufacturing magnetic cylinders at capacity, operating two full shifts with mandatory overtime. The magnetic cylinders business remains a core part of the Bunting product portfolio to this date.

Michael returned to the role of Marketing Director of Bunting in mid-2018 and oversaw the rebranding of the business. However, Michael requested that he continue in his role as Printing Product Manager, despite the increased workload. This sense of responsibility and commitment to the cause is reflected throughout Michael’s career. Michael relinquished the Printing Product Manager position in 2023 and retires while in the role of Bunting’s Marketing Director.

Since joining Bunting in 2001, Michael has been a key member of the management team overseeing the company’s evolution. Bunting has made many company acquisitions, including Magnet Applications (UK and U.S.), Master Magnets (UK), e-Magnets (UK), and MagDev (UK), and owns four manufacturing facilities and one distribution center across the U.S. and UK.

Over 23 years Bunting’s product portfolio has evolved from small MagSlide® conveyors to ultra-strong magnetic separators including the Stainless Steel Separation Conveyor (SSSC) and Eddy Current Separators.

During his Bunting career, Michael has made many new friends who were either employees or customers. He specifically regards Bob Bunting as an inspirational figure throughout his time at the company. The two have maintained a very close working relationship, travelling the world together with a focus on growing the business.

“I really don’t know that I’ve ever met a man fairer and more honest to the people who worked for him,” explains Michael. “I have seen him stand up for many people in tough situations, and it doesn’t take long to realize that as long as people do the job they were hired to do, he would offer his support to them no matter what the circumstances.”

Retirement does not mean stopping for Michael and he has plans to travel, both in the U.S. and overseas, as well as working on projects at home using the carpentry skills developed when he first started work as a 15-year-old.