Caldwell News


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    August 28 2024

    The items on this list maintain an in-stock status so you can be sure that inventory is avaialable when you need it. Orders for in-stock items ship same-day if placed by 11 a.m. CT. For large orders, or known scheduled replenishment orders, please consult your assigned customer service representaive so we can be sure to respond to unusual demand as quickly as possible.

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    August 27 2024

    Not all lifting points are created equal. When it comes to lifting operations, safety, reliability, and efficiency are non-negotiable. Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing, or any industry where heavy lifting is part of the daily routine, choosing the right lifting equipment is crucial – critical to worker safety and load protection. Among the many options available, RUD lifting points stand out as a top choice for professionals worldwide. But what makes them so much better? Let's explore the reasons why people choose RUD lifting points over the competition. 1. Uncompromising Quality and Safety Standards Safety is paramount in any lifting operation, and RUD lifting points are synonymous with safety. Known for their high-quality, German engineering and manufacturing processes, RUD ensures that each lifting point meets or exceeds stringent international safety standards. This focus on safety and reliability gives professionals peace of mind, knowing that they’re using equipment designed to minimize risks and protect both people and property. 2. Innovative Design and Engineering RUD’s commitment to innovation is evident in the advanced design and engineering of their lifting points. They continuously invest in research and development to bring cutting-edge solutions to the market. For example, the RUD ACP is the world's very "first intelligent lifting point." The unique RUD spring mechanism and no-stop bracket elimintes the possibility of dangerous transverse loads. Simply eliminates it. RUD's alliances with research institutes, universities, suppliers and customers, combined with the extraordinary amount of rigorous, in-house testing performed, ensures a continued evolution in quality and performance. 3. Versatility Across Applications No two lifting jobs are the same, which is why versatility in lifting equipment is crucial. RUD offers a wide range of lifting points designed to meet diverse needs. But versatility does not mean that one-size-fits-all. Sometimes it means you need an anchor point designed specifically for fall protection. Or, perhaps, you need a custom-length bolt to fit for a particular through-hole. RUD can accommodate. This extensive product range of bolt-on points and weldable options allows businesses to find exactly what they need for specific applications, ensuring that they can handle even the most challenging lifting tasks with confidence. 4. Durability and Long Service Life Durability is another key factor that sets RUD lifting points apart from the competition. Made from high-quality materials and crafted with precision, these lifting points are built to last. They are highly resistant to wear, corrosion, and fatigue, which means they can withstand the rigors of heavy use in harsh environments. The result? A longer service life and reduced need for frequent replacements, leading to cost savings in the long run. 5. Global Reputation and Certification … with American Availability RUD’s reputation extends far beyond their home base in Germany—they’re recognized and trusted globally. This global reputation for excellence is one of the key reasons why so many professionals choose RUD over other brands. And because such a wide range of lifting points are in stock and ready to ship at Caldwell’s Rockford, IL, distribution center, rigging distributors can count on the ability to get what they need without delay. 6. Exceptional Customer Support and Service In addition to offering top-tier products, Caldwell provides outstanding customer support for RUD in the US and Canada. Whether you need technical advice or after-sales service, Caldwell’s team is there to assist. This level of support is invaluable, particularly in industries where proper installation and ongoing maintenance are critical to both safety and performance. 7. Customized Solutions for Unique Needs Sometimes, off-the-shelf products just don’t fit the bill. Caldwell and RUD understand this and offer customization options to meet unique lifting requirements. If you need a custom bolt length, for example, Caldwell can cut a bolt to your specifications and have it out the door to your customer the same day, if ordered by 11 a.m. And, if you’re dealing with complex loads, unusual angles, or specific environmental conditions, RUD can provide tailored solutions that perfectly match your needs. This flexibility ensures that you’re always equipped with the right tools for the job, no matter how specialized your lifting operation may be. Really, the Question is “Why Not RUD?” When it comes to lifting points, RUD is a name that stands out in the industry for all the right reasons. Their commitment to quality, safety, and innovation, combined with their partnership with industry-leading Caldwell, a versatile product range and strong customer support, makes them a preferred choice for professionals around the globe. Whether you're looking for durability, reliability, or customized solutions, RUD lifting points offer the performance and peace of mind that you need to get the job done right. For more information about how RUD lifting points can benefit your specific lifting applications, feel free to contact Caldwell at 815.229.5667 or contact@caldwellinc.com.

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    The Caldwell Group Inc. has hired Steve Mueller as regional sales manager. It is the second time the below-the-hook and material handling equipment manufacturer has hired to the role this year, having recruited Teddy Berman as its first ever hire as a direct employee in a territory in January. Mueller brings a wealth of experience to the position, including over two decades at Fastenal, a fasteners and industrial supplies distributor. He will be responsible for offering the full range of Caldwell products, in addition to Renfroe lifting clamps and RUD lifting points, to the Upper Midwest area, covering North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Northern Illinois. Mueller said: “Having spent 22 years [at Fastenal], I have a deep-rooted enjoyment of technical sales and supporting distribution, developed in a similar role that covered the same geography. The synergies between old and new roles are great. However, my focus is now firmly switched to in-the-field Caldwell representation. I will be supporting our distributors with end-user visits and participation in customer events, while delivering product expertise across our broad range of equipment.” Darrin Noe, director of sales and marketing, said: “We were looking for someone to reinforce our connectivity with our distributors in the Upper Midwest and Steve is the perfect guy to re-hoist the Caldwell flag in the region. He has outstanding personality traits and combines them with a solid work ethic. Steve is personable, well-rounded, grounded, and easy to talk to. Throw in his extensive industrial knowledge and it’s a great recipe for success.” Mueller’s work will dovetail with Berman’s efforts in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee regions, where he also represents the full brand trifecta. As widely reported, Caldwell continues to hire to sales-focused positions, making sure distributors and end users find it easier to do business with the company than any other lifting manufacturer. Assembling the right team is a critical part of that mission, Noe emphasized. Steve Mueller can be contacted at smueller@caldwellinc.com.

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    July 18 2024

    What happens when you realize you need a custom lifting solution to make a project work right? If you've spent any time as a rigging distributor, crane operator, contractor, plant manager or project engineer, you know that the need for specialized, customized lifting or transport equipment is quite common. Safe lifting is a non-negotiable, and devices that perform the work are critically important. Even with the thousands of standard options at a BTH lifting device manufacturer like Caldwell, a specific project or process often calls for something that needs a specific lifting solution. Sometimes you simply need a minor modification to an existing product, like adding an additional set of holes to a lifting beam for a specific spread. While other times you may need to start with a rough drawing on the back of a napkin and rely on the Caldwell engineering crew to dive in and create something that's never existed before, like a transport carriage for a lunar lander. Either is OK, because no matter what the complexity level, all custom projects follow a similar process: Step 1: Complete Caldwell's Application Evaluation to give us some basic information to start with and email it to us. Step 2: Begin the conversation with our expert team. With your information in hand, one of our Technical Service Reps will give you a call to discuss everything about your processes, your plant, and your priorities. Worried that you haven't done this before? Don't be. The Caldwell team has created thousands upon thousands of custom lifting devices for some of the most demanding clients in the country. Step 3: Let the engineers get to work. Following ASME guidelines and armed with decades of industry experience, our mechanical and electrical engineers create the drawings exactly to your custom specs. Step 4: Review and sign off on a final design. After a collaborative process, the approval is yours. Step 5: Sit back while Caldwell starts the build. This is where the fun starts! Caldwell’s skilled fabricators, welders, electricians, and assemblers turn those drawings into reality. Step 6: Trust the testing process. Now is the time we make sure it all works like it’s supposed to, meeting ASME standards and your expectations. Step 7: Take delivery and put that custom equipment to work. Ready to get started? We can't wait to talk to you. contact@caldwellinc.com 815.229.5667

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    June 01 2024

    Renfroe, part of The Caldwell Group Inc., has launched a 2024 Buyer’s Guide, featuring lifting clamps for plates and sheets, pipe, curved plate, angle iron and beams and drums. By choosing a Renfroe by Caldwell lifting clamp, customers are investing in 80 years of experience, expertise and industry knowledge that makes a huge difference to their workload, allowing them to carry out their jobs easier and making their bottom line stronger. J.C. Renfroe was founded by shipyard worker Joseph Renfroe and his four sons in Jacksonville, FL, in 1940, making lifting clamps based on an innovation to improve safety. Notable achievements include using Renfroe clamps to move over 900 million tons of steel when building St. Louis Arch in 1963 and helping to pick the wreckage of the Space Shuttle Challenger off of the ocean floor in 1986. Caldwell acquired J.C. Renfroe in 2014, moving its operations to Rockford, IL, where the world-renowned clamps continue to be produced today. The addition of the lifting clamp category allows Caldwell to provide a total lifting solution to the rigging industry. Caldwell continues to serve rigging shops, crane dealers, construction contractors, transportation suppliers and material handling professionals who support crane operators worldwide. “Customers always ask for catalogs because while some might consider it ‘old school’, they are easy to transport in their vehicles and take to jobsites. Users never need a cell signal to access the Buyer’s Guide and it’s easier to compare a couple of different models just by turning the pages. It’s also easier to get a feel for the range of sizes available for each clamp,” said Doug Stitt, president, Caldwell. Featured in the Buyer’s Guide are almost 70 of the most popular sizes and styles of Renfroe clamps, in stock every day, as well as a full list of rebuild kits. In-stock models are easily identified with a clearly marked orange label. When you inspect and maintain a Renfroe clamp in accordance with the provided operator’s manual, Renfroe will also repair or replace a faulty clamp at no expense to the purchaser. The Renfroe 2024 Buyer’s Guide is now available online as a PDF download or request a paper copy here: https://www.caldwellinc.com/caldwell-catalog-library

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    Rockford, Illinois-based The Caldwell Group Inc. helped Vita Inclinata Technologies Inc. celebrate deployment of its 100th product unit. Caldwell manufactures the spreader beam component of the propulsion (fan) driven suspended load system (Vita Load Navigator) for its Broomfield, Colorado partner. The remote-controlled product allows crane operation crews to precisely (to one degree) control and orient loads without relying extensively on guylines or being in the critical path of the load. The system dynamically adjusts to load sizes, crane movement, and wind conditions, allowing high-precision lifts even in the most challenging environments. The load navigator is available in five versions in 20t (7 ft. and 11 ft.) and 40t (7 ft, 11 ft., and 15 ft.) capacities. In each instance, the centerpiece is Caldwell’s Dura-Mod modular spreader beam, a versatile, lightweight alternative to fixed and multiple-point below-the-hook solutions. Delivery of the 100th system chimes with Caldwell’s ongoing 70th anniversary celebrations; the company has grown into one of the largest manufacturers of below-the-hook lifting devices in North America. Founded in 1954 by inventor and tinkerer Leslie Caldwell, who designed, fabricated, and sold special lifting slings, it has expanded the product line and, today, is a reputable manufacturer and distributor of custom lifting solutions, worldwide. During the early days of Vita Inclinata, co-founder and chief technology officer, Derek Sikora, recognized Caldwell’s solution-oriented mindset, which convinced him that a synergy was possible. The efficient and safe lifting of loads with cranes has always been a challenge for the industry, which Vita and Caldwell are now jointly solving. “Several years ago, Derek reached out and gave us the background story about Vita and we were captivated. This is a cool product, there’s a need for it, and it’s fun to work on it. It’s been great to be a part of this journey. We started collaborating on conceptual designs and the rest is history,” said Darrin Noe, director of sales at Caldwell. Dan Mongan, senior sales engineer at Caldwell, added: “The beams are perfect for integration into such an innovative solution. Each spreader system consists of a pair of end units and drop links, and two upper and lower shackles to make the shortest possible configuration. From there it is a simple case of combining intermediate spreader sections to achieve the required span.” The load navigator system offers direct user-controlled positioning using a wireless control pendant and features a position hold function, that keeps the load stable in a pre-set orientation, despite wind or slewing impacts on the load. Vita Inclinata reports up to a 20-50% increase in productivity, depending upon load parameters. During the development phase of the product, Preston FitzRandolph, aerospace engineer II at Vita, had the opportunity to go on an East Coast demo tour with Sikora, where he experienced firsthand how the operators were trying to use the system and its limitations. At that time, there were strict operating requirements that needed to be followed, and deviation would lead to lackluster performance. It became evident that the software control algorithm needed to be adaptable to a wide range of lifting team preferences, load sizes, rigging options, system configurations, and environmental conditions. FitzRandolph said: “I remember when Derek gave me the requirements for the agnostic controller. The main prerequisite was that the system needed to perform regardless of the load dimension, wind conditions, and rigging. However, we couldn't test it at the time because we didn't have a spider crane. So, we spent a lot of time at crane yards, trying out different iterations of the pendant until we got it right.” The collaboration between these two organizations has resulted in a highly efficient lifting technology that guarantees the safety and precision of lifting operations, and its success can be attributed to the complementing expertise and ingenious spirit of Caldwell and Vita. Caption: The Vita Load Navigator is a propulsion driven suspended load system.

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    March 13 2024

    Rockford, Illinois-based The Caldwell Group Inc. is celebrating 70 years. The below-the-hook and material handling equipment manufacturer will mark the occasion with a series of events, culminating in a late-summer gala with customers, partners, suppliers, and staff. Founded by Leslie Caldwell in 1954, as a maker of lifting slings, the firm has expanded and moved several times over the decades, now occupying two large manufacturing and warehouse facilities. The company has been shaped by numerous acquisitions and collaborations, including the purchase of the J.C. Renfroe lifting clamp business and a strategic partnership with RUD to bring lifting points and other products to the U.S. and Canada. Today, Caldwell employs over 120 people. Doug Stitt, president and CEO, said: “Not only have we existed for 70 years, but we have evolved and developed what we provide to the marketplace. “We’ve contributed to how people lift and move things, and how they can do it more safely. We’ve been able to provide a great place to work and created a community, so it’s really a celebration of all our people, suppliers, and customers that have supported and contributed to success and longevity.” He added: “Business becomes tougher and tougher every year, it seems, so taking some time to appreciate our accomplishments is worthwhile. Nothing can be taken for granted in today’s marketplace. It’s important to celebrate significant milestones because it pays respect to all those who helped build the company and those that are currently working towards the next 70 years. “It’s crazy to think we started out with sewing machines making slings and now we are one of the leading fabricators of welded, steel lifting products.” Recent highlights include partnering with Majestic Steel USA to deliver coil grabs, sheet lifters, and hooks for a facility in Arkansas; expanding the series of RUD ACP-Turnado lifting points by adding Max and Supermax versions; and designing a 2,500-lb. capacity transport cradle, to facilitate final assembly of Intuitive Machines’ lunar lander, Nova-C. The wider portfolio includes an assortment of below-the-hook lifters, for handling beams, coils, and sheet; mill-duty lifters; Posi-Turner load rotation equipment; vacuum lifters; construction lifters; fork truck attachments; jib and gantry cranes; Rig-Release remote releasing hooks, Dura-Lite composite lifting products; Renfroe lifting clamps; and RUD lifting points. Stitt added: “Yes, the products we offer are different now, but we still focus on quality; we still focus on helping our customers solve problems, and we are still integral in keeping safe lifting at the forefront. We’ll continue to introduce new products and services for our customers, but I expect the next 70 years to focus on building quality products and providing our customers with the best overall experience possible—that’s what matters.”

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    When you choose RENFROE by Caldwell, you get more than a top quality lifting clamp. You get more than 80 years of experience, expertise, and industry knowledge that make a difference. These built-in benefits make your job easier, your end users happier, and your bottom line stronger. Choose RENFROE for: LIFETIME WARRANTY: When you inspect and maintain RENFROE clamps in accordance with the provided Operator’s Manual, RENFROE will repair or replace a faulty clamp at no charge for the lifetime of the purchaser. MADE IN THE USA: Rockford, IL-based fabricators, welders, assemblers, and painters proudly deliver quality clamps that are inspected and load tested before they leave our facility. FREE FREIGHT: You get free freight on LTL/small package shipments to standard U.S. ground destinations. IN-STOCK AVAILABILITY: Almost 70 of the most popular sizes and styles of RENFROE clamps and Rebuild Kits are in stock every day, when you need them. No waiting on import inventory.

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    March 04 2024

    There is no disputing that Renfroe clamps are built for the long haul. They are qualitity pieces of equipment that stand up to tough use in some pretty tough conditions at dockyards, steel processing facilities, busy manufacturing floors. In fact, they have a lifetime warrantly when they are properly used, inspected, and maintained. Follow the steps below to get the most out of each clamp. Inspect clamps per ASME B30.20 standards. A visual Every Lift Inspection is required each time the clamp is used. A more in-depth Frequent Inspection can be required daily, weekly or monthly, depending on the clamp’s service class. And, recorded Periodic Inspections can be required quarterly, semi-annually or yearly, depending on service class. See a video of how to perform an inspection here. Establish a good maintenance protocol. Ensure all employees know how inspections work. Provide them with adequate time and training to perform those inspections. Clearly identify requirements and get your safety team involved with ongoing monitoring of the program to make sure it continues as designed. Know when to repair, rebuild or replace. Know your options when you find a lifting clamp that’s showing wear. Learn more here: Renfroe Clamps 101: Repair, Rebuild or Replace? Use RENFROE Rebuild Kits to replace wear parts. Factory-built replacement parts offer you the best outcome when a replacement of a wear part is needed. See all Rebuild Kits on the Caldwell website. Refurbish and recertify clamps at the RENFROE Service Center. To begin the quote process or learn more about the program, call our customer service department. We’ll explain how things work and get you started. If requested, we can also provide a certificate of proof test. Call us at 800.628.4263.

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    March 01 2024

    The Caldwell Group Inc. has delivered a custom system for rotating a track section during manufacture of the world’s most powerful telescope.Caldwell is one of several Rockford, Illinois businesses, including milling specialist, Ingersoll Machine Tools Inc., that is delivering various scopes of work to The Giant Magellan Telescope, an international consortium of leading research institutions. The 30-meter-class telescope, which will offer 10 times the viewing power of the famous Hubble Space Telescope, is under construction at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile’s Atacama Desert, one of the best locations on Earth to explore the heavens.Initially, Caldwell has manufactured a lifter / rotator based on a 242,500-lbs. (110-tonne) capacity Dura-Mod Modular Spreader Beam and two 20-tonne capacity RUD ACP-Turnado swivel hoist rings. Below the beam, rotation and landing assemblies on each side of the load facilitate positioning and securement of Ingersoll’s track section. Two 85-ton capacity top shackles and two 55-ton capacity bottom shackles, also supplied by Caldwell, and lifting slings, are among other key components.Dan Mongan, senior sales engineer at Caldwell, said: “The track section lift / laydown system is a Dura Mod spreader beam assembly designed for maximum versatility when lifting and laying down the load. Careful installation of the rotation and landing assemblies, as well as proper selection of the upper and lower rigging assemblies, will ensure a safe lift each time it is used.”Ingersoll Machine Tools said: “The spreader will be positioned above, and then connected to, the rotation assemblies, fastened onto the track section. The system will be raised by a hoist and adjusted by crane controls to keep the landing assemblies on blocking as the section is upended; the blocking can be adjusted as the section is lifted just clear of it in preparation for laydown. Existing holes on the load will be utilized to fasten both the rotation and landing assemblies using M24 nuts and bolts.”Jay Strong, technical sales representative at Caldwell, said: “We continue to be sought for our engineering expertise; while the Dura-Mod, hoist rings, shackles, etc., are standard components, to piece it all together using FEA [finite element analysis] is where the customization comes in. The system will initially be used to complete four lifts to flip and precision-machine both sides of the rotating track sections, but we anticipate that the wider Giant Magellan project will generate demand for additional engineering and material handling expertise from our own consortium of Rockford engineers.”Two more Rockford businesses were also involved. Circle Boring & Machine Company was subcontracted for machining the swivel and landing assemblies after heavy structural welding at Caldwell. Powder coating was then provided by Safeway Products Inc. before final assembly with high torque specs on the hoist rings. Quality control inspections preceded packaging for shipping and loading onto an Ingersoll truck. Caldwell’s engineering team was also responsible for the product manual.When complete in the early 2030s, The Giant Magellan Telescope will be the largest Gregorian optical-infrared telescope in history. It will use seven of the world’s largest mirrors to see farther into deep space than ever before. Its unique design will produce the highest possible resolution of the universe over the widest field of view. It will also be the largest public-private funded science project in history. The track section lift / laydown system is a Dura Mod spreader beam assembly. Below the beam, rotation and landing assemblies on each side of the load facilitate positioning and securement of the track section. Note the SuperMax RUD ACP Center Hoist Ring. Contact for editorial inquiries: Lisa Sympson, lsympson@caldwellinc.com

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    February 20 2024

    The IM-1 mission Nova-C class lunar lander is on schedule for a moon landing today (Feb. 22, 2024) — helped by a 2,500-lb capacity transport cradle, manufactured by The Caldwell Group Inc. Representatives of Rockford, Illinois-based Caldwell were present when Intuitive Machines flight controllers successfully fired the first liquid methane and liquid oxygen engine into space, from the John F. Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida, in the early hours of Thursday, Feb. 15. The engine firing included a full thrust mainstage engine burn and throttle down-profile necessary to land on the moon. The mission remains on schedule for a lunar landing opportunity this afternoon. Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C spacecraft will become the first U.S. vehicle to land softly on the lunar surface since 1972. Powered by a VR900 engine and replete with innovative avionics for advanced guidance and navigation control, Nova-C can carry 130kg of cargo and ferry numerous commercial and NASA payloads to the lunar surface. The cradle, which has been utilized at various stages of the long-term project, features a standard Caldwell lifting beam with swivel hooks, enabling a dual crane connection for moving the lander. This 96 in.-long beam is connected to the stand-by slings at a slight 86-degree angle from the beam. The frame was delivered by Caldwell distributor Kennedy Wire Rope & Sling Company Inc., a full-service rigging shop with manufacturing locations in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Houston, Texas. Kennedy, which provides an abundance of lifting gear to aerospace and other markets, took the lead on providing high-performance fiber rope slings to Intuitive, which were used to lift the handling system in combination with various lifting technologies, depending on the location. Hot, bright glow “This is one of the most exciting projects Patrick Eytalis [Application Specialist at Caldwell] and I have worked on,” said Dan Mongan, senior sales engineer at Caldwell, who was present at the launch. Also at the Kennedy Space Center was Lisa Sympson, marketing manager, who added: “To say the launch was spectacular is an understatement. The hot, bright glow lit up the night sky. Everybody in the stands were screaming and cheering as they saw the glorious payoff of all of their hard work.” Mongan repeated: “To be involved in such an iconic space program has been an engineering challenge and career highlight. Intuitive Machines gave us the ability to work with all stakeholders to bring the stand and transporter system to fruition. It’s a testament to everyone’s commitment to the end goal over countless hours of consultations and multiple design phases.” The cradle’s short base was utilized when the lander was in an upright position – on wheels – and combined with the long base for movement and shipment in a horizontal position. An overhead lifting technology was used for upending procedures, while the cradle was also used during transportation. Morgan explained that one of the most innovative parts of the system was the multiple configurations. The mission is a significant milestone in lunar exploration, set to revolutionize the understanding of the moon, and showcase the progress of commercial space exploration. Contact for editorial inquiries: Lisa Sympson, lsympson@caldwellinc.com

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    February 01 2024

    Caldwell is celebrating the start to 2024 by introducing the newest members of its Inside Sales and Technical Applications teams, strengthening its connections with distributors, manufacturer reps, end users and more. Thanks to this announcement, customers can expect the best experience for a quicker quote turnaround for custom and standard items, faster response times to questions pre and post sales, as well as having someone on the ground, taking the time to generate a deeper working knowledge of a client’s business. The new team members include; Customer Service Rep (CSR) Alyssa Moreno, Regional Account Manager, North Atlantic, who is already helping to manage and grow relationships with new and existing accounts; Christopher Garby, Sales Engineer, who will support Caldwell Custom Design Applications team; Hugo Gutierrez, Technical Sales Rep (Below-the-Hook); and Matt Brennan, Technical Sales Estimator, focusing on specialized custom lifting devices. Prior to joining Caldwell in September, Moreno honed her customer service skills in a fast-paced retail management position, where she was responsible for staffing, sales, and store leadership. “The equipment Caldwell sells really matters. It helps to keep big projects like bridge building and road construction moving, yes. But, more importantly, it keeps the people who do the work safe and gives them the ability to go home to their loved ones at the end of each day. That is a responsibility we all take seriously,” she said. Jeff Ferchen, Director of Business Development, Caldwell, said Moreno’s passion for her customers is already apparent, and she’s getting ready to take over her own territory soon. “Alyssa’s management experience and professionalism is a win for customers … and for us,” he added. Garby hit the ground running in a newly created Sales Engineer role in August. He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Northern Illinois University and since graduating worked as a mechanical engineer with United Technology Aerospace Systems/Hamilton Sundstrand and, most recently, as a program engineer/electromechanical design engineer with Ingenium Aerospace Corporation. He is working alongside Senior Sales Engineer Dan Mongan. “Caldwell presents new and different challenges for me. I’m impressed by the variety of lifting devices made here … from a transporter for a lunar lander, to a drone lifting device for military aircraft, to a device that rotates dinosaur fossils so archaeologists can work on them. You just never know what might be next,” he said. Gutierrez’s new role as Technical Sales Rep for the Below-the-Hook line will draw on his past experience at a contractor firm and his BS in Construction Project Management from Illinois State University, helping him drive projects forward while keeping them on schedule and on budget. “I have been involved in every step of the supply chain and that knowledge helps me to understand what distributors and end users value and need. I’m the connection between Caldwell’s engineering and customer service team to make sure customers get the right products for their applications,” he added. Finally, Brennan has been promoted within the company stepping into the new role in August. Prior to that, he worked in Caldwell’s Machine Shop. He has a Certificate of MasterCam from Blackhawk Technology Center and previously set up, operated, and programmed equipment at Cummins and Allied Locke. “I will be using my knowledge of the steel process and time standards to help estimate projects running through the manufacturing floor, helping customers get fast and accurate quotes,” he said. Brennan will also review scope and create estimates for non-standard products to determine more efficient ways to streamline the quoting process. For more information about what Caldwell can do for you, visit https://www.caldwellinc.com