News & Events
Baldwin Filters Hosts Baldwin University
Baldwin Filters recently welcomed distributors to Baldwin University, a three-day filtration seminar, at its headquarters in Kearney, Nebraska.
Distributors from the United States, Canada, Morroco and Israel joined Baldwin employees from the United States and Canada to learn more about filtration and specifically the Baldwin advantages in the marketplace.
"Baldwin University is designed to give both our distributors and our employees a deeper understanding of Baldwin and how we approach the manufacturing and marketing of filtration products. By including both distributors and employees, the attendees gain different perspectives about our filters and their value in the marketplace," said Steve Englund, Baldwin Training Manager.
Baldwin University, which is presented by Baldwin design engineers and other staff members, is designed to broaden awareness of today's filtration theories and practices. Plant and lab tours demonstrate the construction of Baldwin's product line and examine research being done on existing and future filtration concepts.
Information about Baldwin Filters' Cataloging, Customer Service, Quality Assurance and Technical Services are a part of the course. Discussions about preventive maintenance practices, and extended oil drain intervals - all concerns of today's heavy equipment operator - are also featured during the seminar.
Baldwin University will continue in 2013 with a seminar scheduled for October.
Arens Promoted to Director of Global Laboratory Operations
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Baldwin Filters, headquartered in Kearney, NE, recently announced the promotion of Dan Arens to the position of Director of Global Laboratory Operations.
Arens has been with Baldwin Filters for 23 years. He began his career with Baldwin as a Lab Tech, before being promoted to Lab Supervisor. His most recent assignment was Manager of the Laboratory/Media.
In his new role, Arens will manage Baldwin's global lab equipment and operations, as well as oversee operations in the Kearney, NE, testing facility. Baldwin also operates testing facilities in China and Morocco.
Arens holds a bachelor's degree in Comprehensive Biology from Kearney State College (now the University of Nebraska at Kearney).
Merritt Promoted to Vice President of Product Engineering
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Baldwin Filters, headquartered in Kearney, NE, recently announced the promotion of Steve Merritt to the position of Vice President of Product Engineering.
Merritt joined Baldwin Filters 16 years ago as a Design Engineer in the Engineering Group. He has also served as Specifications Engineering Manager, Manager of New Concepts Engineering and Director of Air and International Engineering. His most recent assignment was Senior Director of Product Engineering.
In his new role, Merritt will oversee and guide the growth and progress of product engineering.
Merritt holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
Baldwin Filters Exhibiting at Mid-America
Truck Show
Baldwin Filters will be exhibiting at Mid-America Truck Show in Louisville, KY, March 21-23, 2013. Baldwin Filters will be located at Booth 17104 in the north wing of the Kentucky Expo Center.
Baldwin Filters provides lube, air, fuel and coolant filters for heavy-duty on-highway vehicles. The firm hopes to educate show attendees about the need for and advantages of proper filtration, said Jeff Vasichek, Vice President Sales and Marketing.
"No matter where you go, there are contaminants that can cause major damage in a small amount of time," said Vasichek. "Helping owner/operators realize how much they can save through consistent filter maintenance is one of our goals."
"This event allows Baldwin Filters representatives the opportunity to interact with people in the trucking industry who make the decisions that affect their bottom-line," Vasichek continued.
Four Honored with CLARCOR Achievement Awards
AWARD WINNERS - Chris Conway, CEO of CLARCOR (left), and Dan Schulte, Baldwin Filters Vice President Operations (far right), presented CLARCOR Achievement Awards to Stan Johnston, George Lundgren, Bob Jaixen and John Macrander.
Four Baldwin Filters employees were recently presented the CLARCOR Achievement Award for outstanding achievement in 2012. The employees were honored during a visit from representatives of Baldwin Filters’ corporate parent, CLARCOR.
Bob Jaixen, Stan Johnston and John Macrander from the Kearney, NE, Baldwin Filters location and George Lundgren from the Yankton, SD, facility were recognized for their efforts in recent expansion projects at the two facilities.
The CLARCOR Achievement Award is given to an individual employed by a CLARCOR company who has exhibited behavior that embodies the values and philosophies of CLARCOR.
Macrander, Senior Manufacturing Engineer, was recognized for identifying the needs and following through to installation and implementation of new can-making lines in Kearney and Yankton. “John’s project management skills have been exceptional. He has done a great job planning, communicating, coordinating multiple resources and installing the state-of-the-art can-making lines on a very tight timeline,” said Monte Gulick, Plant Manager in Yankton.
Jaixen, Manufacturing Engineer, was honored for his concepts and tooling design on the new can-making lines in the Kearney and Yankton facilities. “The tooling designed for these presses has allowed can production to increase and for changeover times to be significantly reduced,” said Kevin Barker, Plant Manager in Kearney. “Bob has the knowledge and understanding of what we need as a company for continuous improvement.”
Johnston, Senior Manufacturing Engineer, was recommended for the award for his leadership of the Yankton plant expansion and installation of a new spin-on assembly line. “Stan has exhibited sound project management. He hasn’t shied away from making the tough decisions and has dealt with all involved with the project in a very professional manner,” said Gulick. “We look forward to working with the assets that Stan has put in place. “
Lundgren, Production Manager, was recognized for his work on three major projects over the last year. “He has worked very closely with both Stan Johnston and John Macrander as they have led projects to expand the facility and begin installing equipment necessary to relieve capacity constraints in our Kearney plant and move the Yankton plant more deeply into the production of heavy-duty spin-on filters,” said Gulick. “His drive to see all tasks through to timely completion has led to successful implementation of all three projects.“
“It is not often that we implement major capital projects without delayed implementations or projects that exceed the initial estimated expenditures,” said Dan Schulte, Baldwin Filters Vice President of Operations. “These projects were well planned and managed. They were executed within the capital budget and implemented on or ahead of schedule. These individuals deserved to be recognized for their outstanding efforts.”
Baldwin Filters Plans Expansion
Baldwin Filters' manufacturing operations continue to grow in its Kearney, NE, Gothenburg, NE, and Yankton, SD, facilities.
With this growth comes the need for additional space at its Kearney, NE headquarters location. Baldwin Filters plans a Spring 2013 groundbreaking for a new 400,000 square foot Distribution Center which will be located to the east of its Kearney facility. Distribution operations in the current 110,000 sq. ft. distribution center, built in 1998, have exceeded capacity, spurring the need for additional space.
"The primary use of the expansion will be to improve distribution operations, consolidate off-site rental space and reorganize the current facility to improve manufacturing operations," said Sam Ferrise, President of Baldwin Filters.
"This is a very large undertaking and represents a substantial, $40 million investment for Baldwin Filters. It's indicative of our continued commitment to the Kearney area, and should have a significant economic impact for some time to come," said Ferrise. "Baldwin has continued to grow in our domestic and international markets, driving the need for this expansion."
The expansion will create a construction zone adjacent to and east of Baldwin Filters, and will utilize the land made available as a result of the 2008 relocation of Airport Road. With the expansion, Baldwin Filters' corporate headquarters will encompass nearly one million square feet.
"The City of Kearney, along with Buffalo County, has been very supportive of our plans to expand, and we deeply appreciate their support," said Dan Schulte, Baldwin's Vice President of Operations. "Every effort will be made to minimize disturbance to traffic patterns and access during the construction process."
The project has received corporate approval from Baldwin Filters' parent company, CLARCOR, Inc., as well as the approval of CLARCOR's Board of Directors.
Baldwin Filters Releases New Corporate Video
Baldwin Filters announces the release of a new corporate video, "Baldwin Filters – Behind the Scenes."
The four-minute video offers a fresh, fast-paced look at Baldwin Filters, where its filters are found and how they are made.
"We are excited to offer this new video," said Kevin Connolly, Vice President of Marketing at Baldwin Filters. "Behind the Scenes gives viewers a glimpse at our worldwide operations, as well as an overview of the broad range of applications our filters are used on."
"The video also features our manufacturing process and our research and testing facilities, which allows viewers to see the quality built into each Baldwin filter," Connolly said.
The video can be viewed on the Baldwin Filters website at www.baldwinfilter.com.
Baldwin Filters' Yaw Promoted To Vice President, International
Baldwin Filters in Kearney announces the promotion of Brent Yaw to the position of Vice President, International, effective December 3, 2012. Yaw will be responsible for the successful operation of Baldwin's international business.
Yaw began his career at Baldwin in 1995. He has held various positions including International Controller, Director of International Administration and Director of International Sales and Marketing. Yaw's most recent assignment was General Manager, Baldwin International.
He has a Bachelor's degree from Peru State College in Accounting and Management and a Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law. He passed his Certified Public Accountant exam in May 1988 and worked at Deloitte & Touche for three years after graduating law school.
Baldwin Filters Releases Extreme Performance Nanofiber Air Filters
November 6
Baldwin Filters released its new line of Extreme Performance heavy-duty air filters featuring Baldwin's patented ProTura® nanofiber technology this week.
These new heavy-duty air filters fit common agricultural, mining and construction applications.
"We recognize that many customers using our filters operate their equipment in high dust environments where contaminant control is critical," said Farrell Calcaterra, Vice President Engineering.
Baldwin's Extreme Performance filters feature fibers with an average diameter of 90nm (a nanometer is one billionth of a meter). These ultra fine fibers bonded to cellulose media provide unequalled performance in removing submicron contaminants.
"The nanofiber technology used in the Extreme Performance filters enables us to manufacture a filter that more effectively removes submicron particles," Calcaterra said.
"Contaminant removal is crucial in high dust conditions. Extreme Performance filters allow users to capture higher amounts of the submicron contaminant, while providing better engine protection and longer filter service life," Calcaterra continued. "We performed field tests in tough mining environments. The filters in the field tests had excellent performance as expected based on extensive lab testing."
With the ProTura nanofiber media, the fine contaminants tend to load on the media surface resulting in higher initial contaminant removal efficiency and lower flow restriction, according to Calcaterra. Through normal use, the submicron particles tend to cake on the surface of the media then fall to the bottom of the housing where the contaminants can be removed by the dust ejector, increasing the filter's contaminant removal capacity.
Baldwin Filters Hosts Baldwin University
Baldwin Filters recently welcomed distributors to Baldwin University, a three-day filtration seminar, at its headquarters in Kearney, Nebraska.
Distributors from the United States, Canada and Cambodia joined Baldwin employees from the United States, England and Australia to learn more about filtration and specifically the Baldwin advantages in the marketplace.
"Baldwin University is designed to give both our distributors and our employees a deeper understanding of Baldwin and how we approach the manufacturing and marketing of filtration products. By including both distributors and employees, the attendees gain different perspectives about our filters and their value in the marketplace," said Steve Englund, Baldwin Training Manager.
Baldwin University, which is presented by Baldwin design engineers and other staff members, is designed to broaden awareness of today's filtration theories and practices. Plant and lab tours demonstrate the construction of Baldwin's product line and examine research being done on existing and future filtration concepts.
Information about Baldwin Filters' Cataloging, Customer Service, Quality Assurance and Technical Services are a part of the course. Discussions about preventive maintenance practices, and extended oil drain intervals - all concerns of today's heavy equipment operator - are also featured during the seminar.
Baldwin University will continue in 2013 with seminars scheduled for March and October.
Baldwin Filters Holds Retirement Reception
for CLARCOR's Norm Johnson
Norm Johnson, CLARCOR's Executive Chairman, was honored at a reception Wednesday, October 17, at Baldwin Filters.
Johnson will be retiring November 30 and is attending CLARCOR companies' quarterly operating reviews in order to share his insights and say goodbye to employees.
Johnson started his CLARCOR career at Baldwin Filters in July 1990 as president. In March 1993, he was named Group Vice President – Filtration Products. In January 1994 Johnson transferred to CLARCOR, where he became the President and COO in October 1995 and then Chairman and CEO in January 2005.
In preparation for his eventual retirement, Johnson was named Executive Chairman of the Board in December 2011, as Chris Conway, formerly of Baldwin Filters, assumed the position of President and CEO.
"I have been fortunate to work for CLARCOR for over twenty years, with the last fifteen of those serving as either President or CEO. During that time, CLARCOR has evolved into one of the leading filtration companies in the world," said Johnson. "While I'm proud of what we have accomplished, I am confident that Chris and his management team have the capacity to take the company to even greater heights."
Baldwin Filters Promotes Two in OE Sales
Baldwin Filters announced Monday that it has promoted Rich Palmer to Vice President, Worldwide Original Equipment Sales. He succeeds Gary Grabau, who has assumed the position of Vice President, Strategic OE Initiatives with Baldwin.
Palmer started his career with Baldwin in 1987 as an intern in the purchasing department. Since that time, he has served in many positions, including Supply Quality Engineer, Application Analyst, Customer Service Supervisor, District Sales Manager – Aftermarket and OE Sales Account Manager. Palmer most recently served as Baldwin's Director of OE Sales.
Palmer will be responsible for Baldwin's global original equipment sales. "Rich brings an enormous amount of experience to this position. He understands Baldwin Filters and filtration from varying viewpoints which makes him uniquely qualified for this position," said Jeff Vasichek, Baldwin's Vice President of Sales and Marketing, who oversees all sales functions with the company.
Grabau will be responsible for the development and execution of strategic original equipment programs and partnerships, as well as positioning cutting edge technology on new equipment platforms.
Grabau came to Baldwin in April 1991 as Manager of Product Development after spending 19 years in the industry. He continued at Baldwin serving as Director of Product Management, Director of International Sales and Vice President of International Sales. He was promoted to Vice President, Worldwide Original Equipment Sales in 1995.
"Gary has had a tremendous effect on our OE business both domestic and internationally," said Vasichek. "Under his leadership, Baldwin has become a force in the original equipment market. In his new role, Gary will continue to build on the momentum established over the last decade."
Baldwin Filters Celebrates Expansion
Baldwin Filters recently celebrated the 110,000 square foot expansion of its Yankton, S.D. facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Baldwin representatives and South Dakota and local officials were on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening.
"I couldn't be more pleased that a company with such a strong international presence decided to double its footprint here in Yankton," said South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard. "Baldwin Filters has been a valuable member of the Yankton community since 1995, and I am looking forward to its continued success."
"We are happy and excited to announce the completion of the 110,000 square foot expansion to our Yankton, South Dakota, manufacturing facility," said Sam Ferrise president of Baldwin Filters. "The added space will allow us additional manufacturing capacity needed to meet the supply requirements we are faced with as a result of continued global demand for our heavy-duty filtration products.
"Baldwin Filters is proud to be part of the Yankton community. We currently employ over 180 employees from Yankton and the surrounding area and see this growing over the next several years," Ferrise said. "I would like to thank the state of South Dakota for their support of the project as well as all of our employees and the service providers who have contributed to the project's success."
Baldwin Filters Receives Safety Award
Baldwin Filters' Gothenburg plant was recognized by the Nebraska Safety Council at its annual conference in Lincoln, NE, in early May.
Baldwin received the Safety Spirit Award for 2011, which the Nebraska Safety Council presents to facilities based on their training activities, safety committee activities, sustainability, current year statistics and the programs the facility has in place to achieve safety in the work place.
The Nebraska Safety Council is a nonprofit organization that provides leadership and resources to promote safe and healthy work environment across Nebraska.
"This achievement could not have been earned without the efforts of all our employees and managers," said Brian Riley, Plant Manager of the Gothenburg facility. "Our Safety Committee, as well as the managers and employees of Gothenburg, worked tirelessly to improve safety in our facility over the past 5 years."
Representatives of Baldwin Filters accepted the Nebraska Safety Council Safety Spirit Award for 2011. Pictured are, from left, Brad Mailahn, Baldwin Filters Assistant Human Resources Administrator, Andy Benton, President of the Nebraska Safety Council Board of Directors, Travis Wilkins, Baldwin Filters-Gothenburg 2011 Safety Committee and Mike Richey, Baldwin Filters-Gothenburg 2012 Safety Committee Coordinator.
Baldwin Filters Is Professional Transportation Partners Filter Supplier of the Year
Baldwin Filters was named the 2011 Filter Supplier of the Year by Professional Transportation Partners (PTP) in early April. This is the second consecutive year Baldwin has received the honor.
The award was announced at PTP's annual Shop Network Meeting in Fort Worth, Texas. Professional Transportation Partners, a large truck stop shop organization with 60 member locations across America, has been affiliated with Baldwin Filters for many years.
Baldwin was selected as Filter Supplier of the Year for many reasons, including in-house customer service, order fill rate, response time and district manager customer support.
"This award is based on total customer support, which Baldwin offers to our distributors and to our end users. We are dedicated to supporting our customers in the same way they treat theirs," said Gary Kauffman, Baldwin National Accounts Manager.
"You don't get customers, you earn them. Baldwin has done this with this group and continues to look at better and more ways to offer total customer service to all our customers," Kauffman continued.
Baldwin Filters Releases Automotive Applications Catalog
Baldwin Filters announces that its 2012 Automotive Applications catalog (Form 123-12) is now available in print and online. This
760-page comprehensive catalog contains applications for domestic and foreign automobiles, motorcycles and light-duty trucks.
The main section of the catalog contains applications from 1980 to the present. Applications for automobiles built prior to 1980 follow in its own section, where users can search by make and model. Baldwin has included a detailed segment on its automotive transmission filters by system. This allows users to see the specifications of the various transmission filters.
New to this year's catalog is the separation of the motorcycle applications from the automotive applications.
The Automotive Applications catalog also includes installation instructions for the cabin air filters available through Baldwin. These instructions are also available on the company's website and include the specifications of each cabin air filter.
"New applications are added to our database daily" said Ken Stirn, Director, Product Management at Baldwin Filters. "We offer the most comprehensive catalog possible, because our catalog department is continually researching and adding applications. We also maintain electronic catalogs on CD and on the internet, which allows us to maintain the highest possible standard."
To download the print version of the catalog, navigate to Literature Library, Catalogs & Supplements under the "Resources" tab at www.baldwinfilter.com. To explore the online catalog, please visit catalog.baldwinfilter.com.
Baldwin Filters Designated As Weichai Power Test Lab
Baldwin Filters testing lab in China recently received the designation of Weichai Power Test Laboratory. Weichai Power is a major manufacturer of diesel engines in the Peoples' Republic of China.
"Over the past number of years there has been considerable investment in upgrading the laboratory equipment," said Shaun Nel, Director – China Operations. "A series of correlation tests have been completed to ensure accuracy and reliability of results."
Baldwin's lab in China is one of three the company operates within its worldwide facilities. Labs are also housed in facilities in the United States and Morocco.
"All of our labs are full service with equipment to test air and liquid filters," said Dan Arens, Baldwin Filters Lab Manager. "We continue to add capabilities to all of our facilities so we can respond more quickly to our customers needs and implement a faster product development cycle.
"This certification will play an important role as we move to the next step of applying for national laboratory testing center certification (in China)," said Nel.
"We are proud to achieve this designation and look forward to achieving the national certification," said Arens. "We continue to improve our capabilities to better serve our customers worldwide."