Ring Power Corporation News

Sometime this month, if all goes according to plan, an Israeli nonprofit organization called SpaceIL will land an unmanned spacecraft on the surface of the moon. If successful, Israel will become the fourth nation ever to land on the lunar surface. 

The 1,290-pound spacecraft is named Beresheet, which is Hebrew for Genesis, and on Feb. 22 it launched from Cape Canaveral on its journey to the moon.

Getting the massive spacecraft to the launch pad took a little help from Ring Power’s Generator Rental team.

A few months before launch, Brett Jack (Orlando Power Systems Division Rental Sales), received a call from Expeditors International, one of his customers involved in the project. They had been tasked with transporting the spacecraft from Orlando International Airport to Cape Canaveral. To ensure the spacecraft and its delicate internal electronics made it safely to the Launchpad, the specialized shipping containers would need to maintain a set temperature.

Brett invited Expeditors International to our Orlando facility, gave them a tour and showed them the versatile generators that would be used to meet their critical requirements. Confident in Ring Power’s abilities to meet the needs of their project, they gave Brett the green light to get the generators and other equipment ready for the mission.

Because the transport project required Euro power voltage and distribution, Brett enlisted the help of our Entertainment Services division, who are well versed in power requirements from around the globe and carry the necessary distribution for such applications.

On the day of transport, Rob McKee (Orlando PSD Field Service Tech I), assisted by Entertainment Services, oversaw the flawless connection and startup of the generators to the spacecraft. As an added precaution, Rob traveled alongside the convoy as it made its way from Orlando International Airport to Cape Canaveral. The trip went without a hitch and the spacecraft was safely delivered to the launch pad.

Beresheet is equipped with cameras, magnetic sensors and transmitters that will relay data to and from Earth. It will make three orbits around Earth and orbit the moon twice before touching down on the moon near Mare Serenitatis. When it lands, an instrument will measure the moon’s magnetic field to help scientists understand more about its formation. 

After accomplishing its mission, the spacecraft will become a permanent monument on the lunar surface as the sun overheats its electronics. SpaceIL engineers hope that the time capsule left inside—containing digital files of the Bible, children’s drawings, Israeli songs, an Israeli flag, and memories of a Holocaust survivor—will help future moonwalkers learn about life on Earth in 2019.   

Ring Power Corporation, one of Florida’s largest maritime propulsion specialists and North and Central Florida's Cat dealer, was recently announced as Cox Powertrain’s exclusive distributor for Florida. The announcement was made at the Progressive Miami International Boat Show where Ring Power has teamed with the British diesel innovator to promote its ground-breaking COX CXO300 diesel outboard engine.  

The USA’s south-eastern seaboard region is a key market for Cox Powertrain and a high proportion of the company’s recreational sales are expected to come from the Florida boating community following a significant growth in the number of twin, triple and quad outboard powered boats sold in the state and a big demand for a viable high-powered diesel outboard.

“We believe the Florida market offers one of the most significant opportunities for Cox Diesel outboards in the Americas, if not globally,” said Ring Power’s President, David Alban. “The State of Florida provides both unique and diverse market segment opportunities for Cox diesel outboards and we are fortunate to have many of the best in class recreational outboard boat builders located here in Florida. “

“This is an opportunity for us to represent a brand- new engine product which currently has no equal in the market place. As a customer service organization, it provides Ring Power the opportunity to access a new customer base that we currently do not serve.  This also aligns well with our core business of providing best in class products with unequalled product support.”

At the Ring Power Board of Directors meeting Jan. 15, Ryan Stallings was named Senior Vice President, Director of Cat Rental Store Operations and elected to the Ring Power Board of Directors.   

A graduate of Florida State University, Stallings joined Ring Power as a sales coordinator for the Cat Rental Store’s Sarasota branch in September 2005 and quickly advanced to account manager, serving at several branches over the next several years.  In 2012, he was named Challenger (agriculture equipment) division manager, based out of Ring Power’s corporate headquarters in St. Augustine, Florida. Two years later, he was appointed Vice President and named Cat Rental Store East Coast Sales Manager. Since 2017, he has served as Vice President, Cat Rental Store General Manager.  

Ring Power Corporation today announced the appointment of David Alban as President. He will assume day-to-day leadership of the company. Randal L. Ringhaver will remain Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

”Ring Power is fortunate to have a strong, young group of leaders, prepared to position the company to keep pace with the ever-changing business climate and rapidly evolving technology, today and into the future, said Ringhaver. “In concert with Caterpillar, Alban will focus on growing the company, continue to provide excellent service, and maintain customer relationships.”

Alban has progressed in various leadership roles since joining Ring Power in 2001. After a successful stint in Heavy Equipment Rental and Sales, he was promoted to Agriculture Sales Manager.

Alban’s professional growth at Ring Power expanded in 2004 as he went through Six Sigma training and was elected Assistant Vice President, Six Sigma Black Belt. His development continued with a promotion as Vice President and Corporate Secretary of Lift Trucks in 2009.

In 2010, Alban was elected Vice President, Heavy Equipment Service Operations North, and elected to the Ring Power Board of Directors and Corporate Secretary. Additional responsibilities would later include Vice President, Power Systems Product Support operations, and then in 2012, Alban was elected Executive Vice President of Sales and Corporate Secretary.  The following year his role was expanded to include responsibility for Product Support for Heavy Equipment and Training.  In 2014, Alban’s responsibilities as Executive Vice President and Corporate Secretary added oversight of Product Support for Heavy Equipment and Power Systems, Training, Human Resources, Facilities and Phoenix Products.

Since 2015, Alban has been leading from his most recent position as Chief Operating Officer.

About Ring Power Corporation

Ring Power Corporation, North and Central Florida’s Cat® dealer, is headquartered in St. Augustine, Florida. Ring Power is comprised of eight divisions and has more than 56 years of experience servicing and supporting Cat® products and allied equipment. For more information, visit www.ringpower.com

Ring Power Corporation, North and Central Florida’s Cat® dealer, today kicked off its inaugural “Buckets of Love” food drive. 

Through December 14, people are invited to bring in a non-perishable food item to their local Ring Power branch, which will in turn work with Feeding Florida to distribute donations to local community food banks in mid-December. Drop-off bins will be located in the parts department of each branch.  

In appreciation of donations, Ring Power is offering a complimentary Ring Power Cat ball cap to anyone who donates five or more non-perishable food items, while supplies last.

Donation suggestions include:

Canned meats

Canned fruits

Canned vegetables

Canned meals

Canned soups

Fruit juices

Dry or canned milk products

Rice

Cereal & breakfast bars

Peanut Butter

Low Fat or Low Sodium canned goods

Ring Power Corporation today announced it has reached an agreement with Thunder Creek Equipment to become the official distributor of Thunder Creek products in 44 counties in north and central Florida.  

Ring Power will sell and service Thunder Creek’s full line of products, including its Multi-Tank Trailers (MTTs) and Service and Lube Trailers (SLTs).

Thunder Creek is a leader in off-road maintenance solutions for road and bridge construction. This includes the first solution that allows contractors to legally transport bulk diesel without a CDL or HAZMAT—the MTT trailer. The company is also at the forefront of mobile and stationary solutions for delivering quality DEF in off-road environments, as well as service and lube trailers that eliminate the need for larger and more costly service trucks.

“Thunder Creek is an innovator in the areas of off-road equipment service and fluid handling,” said Tim Maguire, senior vice president – director of heavy equipment new sales.  “Fleet managers and contractors who value quality manufacturing, as well as premium fluid management, distribution and disposal systems, will see the value and protection that Thunder Creek brings to their high-horsepower, engine-driven equipment.” 

“The state of Florida represents a strong construction market, and we wanted to partner with an established equipment dealer known for its excellent product offering and service organization,” says Luke Van Wyk, vice president - Sales, Thunder Creek Equipment. “Florida, like many states, is also challenged with finding skilled labor — our service solutions make it easier for contractors to stay ahead of schedule and keep their heavy equipment running.” 

About Ring Power Corporation

Ring Power Corporation, North and Central Florida’s Cat® dealer, is headquartered in St. Augustine, Florida. Ring Power is comprised of eight divisions and has more than 56 years of experience servicing and supporting Cat® products and allied equipment. For more information, visit www.ringpower.com

About Thunder Creek

Based in Pella, Iowa, Thunder Creek Equipment is a leading manufacturer of fuel and service trailers. For more information on the entire line of Thunder Creek solutions, visit www.thundercreek.com.

As previously announced, Caterpillar has entered into a preliminary agreement to sell the Cat® purpose-built forestry business to Weiler, Inc. Ring Power will work closely with Weiler and Caterpillar to ensure a smooth transition for customers.

Weiler will design and manufacture purpose-built forestry products out of the existing manufacturing plant and warehouse in LaGrange, Georgia. Caterpillar will continue to provide forestry excavators designed for log loading, processing and other forestry applications, in addition to supplying core Caterpillar equipment to the forestry industry. Ring Power will continue to support the sales and service for the complete forestry portfolio.

Founded in 2000, Weiler has a long-standing history of successfully manufacturing purpose-built equipment and they currently produce an extensive portfolio of products distributed through the Cat dealer network.

“We have a strong commitment to customer success and a proven track record of working with Cat dealers all over the world,” commented Pat Weiler, owner and founder of Weiler, Inc. “We are an engineering-led company that focuses on reacting quickly to customer needs. Our company structure allows us to make decisions quickly and execute efficiently. We are confident that our existing product line experience, our flexible design and manufacturing strategy, and our dedication to customers provide a strong foundation to successfully serve the purpose-built forestry segment.”

In this transition period, we will continue to take orders for purpose-built forestry products and support those machines for their life in the field. We are committed to working with Caterpillar and Weiler to ensure customers continue to receive the service they have come to expect from Ring Power.

The sale of the purpose-built forestry business to Weiler, expected to be finalized by early 2019.

Ring Power Utility Equipment Division recently entered into an agreement with Vac-Con to become the newest dealer in Vac-Con’s construction and utility dealer network. 

"We are very excited about the opportunity to partner with Vac-Con on their hydro-excavation product line,” said Mike Beauregard, Vice President of Ring Power Utility Equipment Division. “Vac-Con is a well-respected manufacturer providing unparalleled quality backed by a best in class service team. We are always looking for products that will expand our opportunity as a complete solutions provider to our customers. Hydro excavation is becoming a necessity in many area of the U.S. and we will have the right tools for the job when our customers call."

As a Vac-Con dealer, Ring Power Utility Equipment will provide contractor end-users with the rental and sales of the Vac•Con hydro-excavation product line for primary use in the construction industry.

“Ring Power has an upstanding reputation in the construction industry, which is primed and ready for hydro-excavation machines,” said Todd Masley, Executive Vice President, Vac-Con. “Our dealer partnership with Ring Power is a strong foot forward into this sector, in which the importance of safe, non-destructive digging is becoming a resounding factor. Our hydro-excavation machines, both truck and trailer-mounted, are designed to function as either individual machines or in tandem with traditional methods of digging often seen on the job site. Ultimately, we see this opportunity with Ring Power propelling us into a new market with confident optimism of the results to follow.”

The hydro-excavation portfolio includes the X-Cavator™ and Mudslinger™ machines. The X-Cavator from Vac-Con is a truck-mounted hydro-excavation machine designed to handle tough jobs but with the utmost precision including trenching, potholing, daylighting, exposing underground utilities, oil and gas distribution lines, and much more.

Ring Power Lift Trucks is pleased to announce the promotion of Benjamin Bond Herhold to the position of Narrow Aisle Warehouse Specialist. Ben, who has been with Ring Power Lift Trucks since 2015, most recently served as a Territory Account Manager. In his new role, Ben will assist customers throughout Florida in optimizing warehouse space utilization. With the use of industry-leading warehouse and narrow aisle forklift technology, he will provide customers with solutions that maximize warehouse space and efficiency, while increasing productivity. 

“Ben is a proven leader whose strong work ethic, technical expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction makes him the ideal candidate for this role,” said Ring Power Lift Truck’s Vice President & Sales Manager Joe DeJohn. Customers can depend on him to find the right solutions for their warehouse needs.” 

Several dozen customers gathered in a tent on the back lot of Ring Power’s corporate headquarters in St. Augustine May 24. They had just attended a series of interactive presentations on the features and benefits of the Next Generation Cat Excavators, and were eager to see the groundbreaking machines in action. 

As AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” began blasting on the speakers, the attendees eagerly turned their attention to the mound of dirt in front of them. Suddenly, a Cat 730C Articulated Truck made a swift loop around the edge of the dirt mound, and three Next Generation Cat Excavators began to emerge in unison from behind the mound as they ascended to the top. (Checkout the video at the bottom of this post) 

The dramatic entrance and ensuing presentation was carefully choreographed and performed by Ring Power’s elite team of Machine Demo Specialists.

Comprised of Blake Conwell, Bryce McGuire, Mike Oster and — until recently — led by Curt Loucks (now retired), the machine demo team plays a vital role in supporting our business.  

“We really have the best team in the country — guys who are dedicated and work hard every day,” said Field Operations Manager Blake Conwell.

As demo operators, each team member wears many hats.  

They support our sales team by introducing customers to new products and technologies, and communicating the benefits of Cat machines over competitive offerings.  Sometimes, they do this at branch demo days and open houses; other times, they take the machine directly to a customer’s jobsite to demonstrate its capabilities in a real world environment.

When a customer takes delivery of a new piece of equipment, the machine demo specialists train the personnel that will be operating the equipment on a daily basis. They instruct customer operators on new features, demonstrate how those features work and ensure that operators know how to use the machine safely and efficiently.

Machine demo specialists also support our customers by performing on-site production studies to improve jobsite operations. A scale truck and/or onboard weighing systems are utilized to measure payloads and study cycle times. Any operation that involves digging, loading or hauling weight or volume over a measured distance can be analyzed to ensure maximum productivity.

The skills and technique of on-site equipment operators also can be examined to gauge their efficiency. If the demo operator specialist sees anything that could cut a few seconds off cycle times, that information is shared with the customer and/or operator. Whether it be adjusting tire pressure on a wheel loader in different underfoot conditions, or changing the spacing of on-site trucks, the demo operator specialist is able to make informed recommendations that save customers time and money. 

This ability requires extensive knowledge and continuous education in the quickly evolving field of machine technology. Each demo operator specialist attends the annual Certified Dealer Instructor Conference to stay abreast of the latest technology, and get an overview of machines that will soon hit the market. The conference is also an opportunity to share equipment successes and concerns directly with Caterpillar.

“There is a lot coming out and it is important for us to stay ahead of the game,” Blake said. “The more we know the more successful each demo will be.”

Kudos to the entire Machine Demo Specialists team. Your knowledge and expertise are instrumental to the success of our customers’ businesses … and ours!

 Check out the Demo Day entrance below.