Industry loses a pioneer

Francis “David” Magill Jr., Avanti International CEO, lost his battle with cancer on Jan. 19. David was a dedicated businessman and an early pioneer of the trenchless technology industry. He was Avanti’s first employee and the company’s first president, and he purchased controlling interest of the company in 1988. The company is now under the leadership of David’s son, Daniel Magill.

Martin introduces factory-direct rental program

Martin Engineering introduced a factory-direct rental program for its line of industrial vibrators. All service and maintenance is covered by a monthly flat-fee with any failed units replaced by the manufacturer at no cost.

Trojan Battery redesigns website

Trojan Battery Co. redesigned its corporate website (www.trojanbattery.com). The site includes information on battery technology, maintenance practices, as well as the design of energy storage systems, new products and educational videos.

Southeastern Equipment receives Vacall sales award

Southeastern Equipment Co. was named the top-performing Vacall dealer in the United States for 2013. Based in Cambridge, Ohio, the company has been selling, servicing and renting heavy machinery since 1957.

Vidmar becomes part of Stanley Industrial & Automotive

Vidmar, a division of Stanley Black & Decker, is now part of Stanley Industrial & Automotive. The move represents the unification of 14 global brands. As part of the unification, the manufacturer of heavy-duty cabinets joins the Storage & Workspace Systems business unit with a new logo and tagline: Smart Versatile Storage.

McElroy adds North Africa distributor

McElroy added Soudure Plastique of Casablanca, Morocco, as its distributor in Northern Africa. The company specializes in polyethylene (PE) pipe equipment and electrofusion machines used in the gas and water industries.

Hino Trucks donates vehicle to technology center

Hino Trucks donated a cab-over truck to Canadian Valley Technology Center, a vocational school outside of Oklahoma City, after seeing the devastation left by the May 2013 El Reno tornado. The storm destroyed the school’s diesel technology shop and three large diesel trucks that were used as teaching tools. The new truck, equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, provides students with a learning tool previously not available.