Issue 17
January 2025
In This Issue
BUSINESS UPDATE
FROM THE FIELD
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
On The Move
On The Move
Business Update
RWC Project at YYZ4. (Photo: Tony Napier)
SilMan has been awarded another program from Amazon to install new conveyance and RWC4 Robotic Cells (similar to YYZ4 project completed in October 2024) and will be deployed at eight sites:
Windsor, CT, Houston, TX, Jacksonville, FL, Edison, NJ, Monee, IL, Kansas City, KS, Shakopee, MN, Sacramento, CA
Congrats to the Systems Group, and thanks to Josh Eversoll for his design/application engineering work needed to win this contract.
More About the Project from Farley
The rough scope of the project consists of permitting, a demo of existing conveyor/utilities, footings, installation of conveyor, power, pneumatics, and data infrastructure drops for both the in-feed conveyor and robotic cell at each site. Each site varies slightly regarding conveyor support methods, layout, and sort configuration, and one that requires a new sorter altogether.
The project has launched planning and coordination, with field work to begin mid-summer.
Farley said, “Although in its infancy, this project is a perfect fit for Team SilMan and offers another opportunity to shine in 2025 for one of our favorite clients.”
Back on the West Coast
Rick has announced that UPI/US Steel has renewed their annual facilities maintenance program at their Pittsburg, California plant. Thanks to Francisco Perez, Matt Teeples, Angela Marin, Tracy Johnson, Irael Hernandez, Austin Hill, Pedro Preciado, Bradley Smith, Michael Corpuz, and Daryl Mortenson for their skill and diligence on this utterly unique project and for winning the client’s loyalty.
From The Field
Rockin’ the Heartland
Click to view fullscreen gallery. (Photos: Jim Smith and Richard Schoenrock)
The big news of the day is completing the Daifuku-Honda assembly line in Marysville, Ohio. As a refresher, our team put boots on the ground in the Spring of 2024 for a two-week shutdown in June and again in November/December, requiring a 24-hour-a-day work schedule. In the interval between the shutdowns, our team was onsite for pull-ahead work to prepare for the final massive effort. With over 100 team members in the plant, this is a “trophy” moment for the company, and our superstars dazzled the client and end-user
Our site team truly reflects our national footprint, represented by various Locals, including
- Local Union participation reflects “Boomers” (traveling trade members) from North and South Dakota, Kentuck, Nevada, and Texas working within the local jurisdiction.
Moreover, our engineering and project support flowed from San Leandro, Tupelo, Arkansas, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.
Much of SilMan’s history and pre-history are steeped in the auto industry. This project is a notable milestone for the company, shining a spotlight on the capability and capacity of our team that resonates through our network and into the marketplace.
Jim Smith, project manager, reflected on this undertaking:
“We knocked it out of the park, and everyone noticed! Three-quarters through the shutdown, we were still receiving parts, but the team managed to keep the project on schedule.
I especially want to offer a shout-out to our project coordinators, payroll, HR, and accounting teams. Their irreplaceable support allowed field teams to keep the focus on the job at hand. They are not seen, but their presence and impact are deeply felt. Even though they are behind the scenes, they demonstrate our team mentality that was needed to come together to make this project a success.”
Key Team Members
- Caleb Siewell, Chris Gann, Dena Gann, Drew Myshock, Gregory Meadows, Harrison Rupp, Hayden Wirth, Jose Martinez, Kyle Latendresse, Matt Gann, Matthew Copeland, Matthew Copeland, Paul Newell, Richard Eichhorn, Richard Schoenrock, Scott Harding, Sean Johnson, Tracy Johnson, Turner Burgess
Community Spotlight
Meet Gladys Huerta
Gladys Huerta is a valued member of our Project Coordinator team.
Born in Berkeley, California, she moved to Mexico as an infant and spent her early years in Chihuahua and Michoacán. Gladys returned to California in the 4th grade, settling in Emeryville, just north of Oakland. The transition was challenging, particularly with language, as she quickly grasped English but was initially too shy to speak.
By high school, Gladys confidently showcased her English skills. Notably, she proposed, organized, and hosted the school’s first Cinco de Mayo assembly with fellow Latinas, highlighting the traditions of Mexico, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. The event included historical insights, music, traditional attire, and a display of quinceañera dresses. Reflecting on the experience, Gladys recalls, “We were totally shaking when we went on,” as the Latino student population at her school was small.
In addition to her cultural contributions, Gladys was active in sports during high school, playing soccer and frequently volunteering at other athletic events.
Gladys began her professional journey by earning an AA in Computer and Business Administration from Heald College. Her early opportunities in accounting and administration with construction companies paved the road to join SilMan in 2024.
Outside of work, Gladys treasures family time, including off-roading and camping adventures with her children, aged 24, 19, and 13. Known for her love of planning, she delights in organizing trips and creating a party wherever they go. That is to say, she lives for lists—she affectionately admits, “I love creating lists!” So, seeing her excel in our hyper-detailed Coordinator group is no surprise!
What do you love best about SilMan?
“There are so many reasons to love SilMan! I appreciate the diversity and the inspiring culture. It’s also great that our leaders value each of our voices and how that creates a culture where everyone supports each other.”
Holiday Attire Champion.
Holiday Attire Runner-up.
Danielle’s Award-winning Gingerbread House!
Cameron is ready for Prime Time.
Building Futures, 2024.
Building Futures, 2024.
Holiday Festivities
Holiday Festivities
Safety Scott Inspects a Mirror in the NUMMI Plant, circa. 2010
Overexertion
Most of us are familiar with hard work, sometimes more than we prefer. However, the pride in a successful outcome, at work or play, far outweighs the blood, sweat, and tears along the way.
In the process, we can over-exert ourselves. Our drive to get the job done or achieve a personal goal can add stress to our body and mind, leading to pain, discomfort, or injury if we don’t pay attention, especially as we age.
This article will explore what “Overexertion” means, how it impacts us, and how to avoid it.
What is Overexertion?
There are two types of Overexertion injuries. Non-impact injuries result from excessive physical effort directed at an outside source, such as heavy lifting, pushing, carrying, throwing, or holding. Repetitive Motion Injuries are related to smaller tasks resulting in stress/strain on some part of the body due to the repetitive nature of the task without strenuous effort.
During the two-year period 2021-2022, the National Safety Council reported 1,001,440 cases of injuries involving Overexertion with the most “Days Away from Work and Restricted or Transfer of Duty” (DART). 52% of those cases resulted in “Days Away From Work” (DAFW), while 48% resulted in either restricted duty or job transfer.
Who is Impacted by Overexertion Injuries?
The most reported DART incidents involve overexertion and bodily reaction injuries. Not surprisingly, workers 45-64 years of age are the most at risk, with back injuries at the top of the list.
Overexertion injuries are not just a personal problem. DART and DAFW incidents also impact business operations, accounting for a whopping 14 lost workdays on average per reported injury. Transportation and Warehousing are the most vulnerable sectors.
How to Prevent/Reduce Overexertion Injuries
Here are five common-sense ways we can reduce our exposure to injuries due to overstressing our bodies.
Team Member Jams,
curated by the Safety Team
Maria Salazar
“Eucalipto” by Mario Puglia
Maria leads our Project Coordination team. She grew up in Salinas, California, known as the “Salad Bowl of the World” and the hometown of John Steinbeck.
If you have ever noticed what is going on behind Maria in a team meeting, it is no surprise that she dabbles in all types of arts and crafts. In cold weather she favors painting, but as soon as it warms up, she loves to get lost in the garden.
When it comes to music, lately Maria has Latin Indie Pop on repeat to get in a creative mood. Especially Eucalipto (“Eucalyptus”) by Mario Puglia.
“I like this song because it reminds us to take things slow and be more mindful. The lyrics talk about the importance of being present in the moment and not rushing through life, which can lead to regrets later. It also encourages us to be more aware and conscious of our actions and not let our ego get in the way.” -Maria
Foundations
Reflections On The Way We Work & Connect
In the recent All Team Meetings, we have had many discussions about the opportunities ahead of us in 2025. The journey ahead is a fresh canvas waiting for us to paint our dreams, aspirations, and goals. We enter the new year with an incredible amount of momentum. But with opportunity comes responsibility to ourselves and each other to pursue those goals with passion and perseverance.
As we set our sights on the goals we wish to achieve in 2025, let’s not forget the importance of clarity. Whether it’s advancing in your career, improving your health, or nurturing your relationships, clarity will guide the path forward.
Remember, the journey toward your goals is just as important as the destination. Embrace the lessons learned along the way, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes and stumble. Each setback is an opportunity for growth and a chance to learn and evolve. Opportunity is everywhere. It’s in the challenges we face, the connections we make, and the dreams we dare to dream. It invites us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. Every great achievement started with a single step and one bold decision to seize the moment.
In the year ahead, let’s go from dreaming to doing. Nurturing inspiration, staying flexible, and celebrating small wins.
Let’s seize every opportunity and make this year a testament to our resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit.
UNDER ONE ROOF
Please direct your questions, comments or ideas for future stories to newsletter@silmanindustries.com
SilMan Industries is committed to Creating a New Kind of Industrial Experience that delivers the power of multiple specialized service groups in a single touch. Our inviting, collaborative culture fuels this vision and is reflected in the team’s slogan, “Let’s Get to Work”
