In This Issue

MODEX Team

In the final analysis, however, a booth is simply a stage, and a stage needs actors. Better yet, superstars, and that is what Team SilMan delivered!

The MODEX team deftly managed a broad range of guests from leading players in the material handling sector, with many visitors going out of their way to stop by and connect.

We can all be proud of our all-star cast, manifesting the smart, engaged ideals to which we aspire.

David Rebata, Garrett King, Harrison Rupp, Ian Fulton, Jeff Fairchild, Jeff Piazza, Michele Douglas, Mike Jensen, Mousa Katwan, Nick Goulart, Shellia Jefferson, Steve Emahiser, Tommy Ethridge, Tom Mangin.

Gavin Hall and Jace Basil were also present on the final day as part of their ongoing industry education and growth.

Results

What transpired in Atlanta was a victory lap that revealed SilMan Industries as a well-known and respected brand. MODEX 2026 confirmed the wisdom of our growth path and provided a wealth of insights for future strategies and the 5-10-100 mission.

We can’t leave this topic without acknowledging the unique contribution of David Rebata. While he is a celebrity in the industry, he selflessly invites our team into the spotlight, helping us to build the SilMan brand of tomorrow.

Additional  Business Development News

How Does the Air Knife Work?

Project Updates

Air Knife Program (John Burns)

We are currently preparing, kitting, and implementing multiple Air Knife systems.

“Multi-Air Knife Arrangements” for Central Hubs—that is, more than one unit in a single facility—are in process throughout April 2026, at TXZ5 and CAZ5. These project sites are incorporating new technologies and system hardware, and we are excited for these opportunities. Each site will have 5 Air Knife units installed during Phase 1 and an additional 4 during Phase 2.

We have recently installed systems at YVR6, DEN9, and IAG1, with commissioning and handoff to the client scheduled for the coming months.

We are currently preparing to deploy and install for Dematic, Vanderlande, and the Beumer Group. These orders include two units each at RIC6, ILM1, YOW6, AVP3, and RSW9.

We have several opportunities coming our way, up to 20 Air Knife units. Fingers crossed, everyone! 🍀

Lastly, a big shout-out to engineering and the PC team. Many of these projects were slated to begin last year but were pushed to 2026. Off-site storage and trucking had to be coordinated (PC team). We’ve seen many missing parts at almost all sites, affecting both the conveyor supplier and the platform fabricators. Engineering has been extremely helpful in reconciling and expediting parts shipments to the site, keeping projects moving forward.

Port of Oakland (Will Masinas)

The Port of Oakland continues to present strong opportunities across the Bay Area, with ongoing work at Oakland Airport, Maritime, and TraPac. We’ve also been receiving consistently positive feedback from our clients about their experience working with SilMan.

A special shoutout to our Electrical and Civil teams for the great work being done at TraPac—their effort and execution have not gone unnoticed.

And a big thank you to the entire team—both in the field and behind the scenes—for making this possible. Your hard work and dedication continue to make a real impact

The team members accomplishing these results include:

Caleb Siewell (Program Manager), Bradley Rodgers, Conner Rowell, David Hutcherson, Gregory Meadows, Justin Torchia, Luke Barker, Matt Anger, Micah Gallina, Paul Newell, Ryan Copeland, Tim Chase

While all of our Team Members are exceptional ambassadors for SilMan and secure repeat business, I wish to acknowledge two individuals: See the following emails to see the impression Ryan and Micah have made on the client. Click on the images for full-screen view.

Community Spotlight

Meet Jeff Fairchild

Jeff Fairchild spent his earliest years in Alabama, Georgia, and Germany, but settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana, by age 5.

In his oldest memories, Jeff remembers wanting to take things apart and find out how they work. Yep, born to be an Engineer!

In high school, Jeff enjoyed Biological Sciences, played on the tennis team, and even started college in the Science Department. But alas, it didn’t take, and he joined the Army Reserve.

Everything changed when he landed a job as a forklift operator at Nestle’s warehouse. Soon, Jeff discovered a new interest in conveyor equipment and returned to school, earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering. His interest and know-how opened new career horizons in the Supply Chain department, where he worked with ice cream and frozen pizza.

As his scope and knowledge of the industry expanded, he moved through several roles at well-known automation and integration companies, large and small.

While the work was challenging and interesting, he felt that he had not yet found a home that reflected his desire to work within a creative, collaborative culture.

So, when Jeff found SilMan, his mind was made up. Jeff has high praise for Michele and Garret King throughout recruitment and onboarding. “The process clearly communicates the company’s collaborative culture and its focus on finding the right match,” said Jeff.

Outside of the office, when they’re not hosting cookouts and holiday gatherings, Jeff and his wife, Megan, enjoy traveling with their blended family of Jeff’s son Hudson and Megan’s son Rowen, near and far, including recent trips to Chicago and New York City. They also enjoy exploring Northern Indiana to find interesting restaurants, breweries, and especially comedy clubs.

He never shirks yard work and is always on the lookout for a home improvement project, as long as it fits into his Pickleball schedule.

What I love the most about SilMan

“I love the Engineering Department and its culture of collaboration and sharing knowledge. Particularly, how easily new members are folded into the group. But most amazing is how this commitment to relationships extends to Client and Partner interactions.”

-Jeff

New Hire employees often start on a great footing, but can easily be left behind struggling. It is our job as the employer and leaders to support every new hire equally, regardless of role or time on the job.

While this is a “no-brainer,” a 2024 OSHA report revealed that 36% of all workplace injuries and illnesses involved employees who had been on the job for a year or less. Data from the Construction industry alone is 47% first-year injuries, with a whopping 51% WC rate.

Factors That Increase Risk for New Team Members

 Limited Experience and Insufficient Training

The Fallacy of Self-Sufficiency

Language Barriers:

Unfamiliarity with Policies and Procedures

Lack of Oversight and On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Over-reliance on technology, AI, or sensors, etc.

Diminishing Institutional Knowledge; The Aging Workforce

Economic Demand Increases the Output Expectations

High Turnover Rates and Seasonal Workers

Best Practices for New Hire Safety

A proactive, multi-layered approach is needed to deliver a better onboarding experience, provide targeted training, and integrate modern safety technologies.

New Hire employees often start on a great footing, but can easily be left behind struggling. It is our job as employers and leaders to support every new hire equally, regardless of role or time on the job. Taking these concepts into consideration will help advance our new hires’ skills, benefit their career advancement, and improve our bottom line.

UNDER ONE ROOF

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”