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MOVERS AND SHAKERS

VMAC is moving the industry in 2009. We're introducing the latest innovations in air compressor technology, achieving new markets and industrial applications, and experiencing an all-new expansion project that will increase the fast-tracked manufacturer's size by 30%. North America's leading manufacturer of vehicle mounted UNDERHOOD air compressor systems is proud to announce all this and more in this quarter's Mobile Newsletter! For a complete list of products and for more information about your Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors, visit www.vmacair.com today.

NEW PRODUCTS
 

AIR VANTAGE 500


Lincoln Electric, the leader in specialized welding systems, delivers the newest welder/generator/air compressor system to utilize the Kubota V3600-T water-cooled, diesel engine. Due to EPA standards, the "next gen" Air Vantage 500 was designed specifically for the Tier 4 intermediate turbo engine, and features the all-new 100% VMAC Air Compressor with a lighter, corrosion-free aluminum housing. For more info, visit www.lincolnelectric.com.




NEW MODEL TRUCK CONFERENCE, DETROIT

Representatives from VMAC Engineering and Marketing were 'front-row center' at the 2009 National Truck Equipment Association's (NTEA) New Product Conference.

The conference for truck equipment manufacturers and press, gives OEM manufacturers Ford, Dodge, GM, and others the opportunity to showcase their newest models slated for '09. This gives VMAC invaluable design considerations for 2009 UNDERHOOD systems - long before new trucks are released to market.

Conference Highlights: Most of the OEMs focused on changes to the 1/2 ton pickups as well as those emission regulations expected for January 2010. A select few manufacturers unveiled their newest medium duty hybrid trucks: Freightliner, International, and Hino. Fortunately, few changes were expected for the 2009 model year class 2, 3, 4 and 5 trucks - trucks within VMAC's current UNDERHOOD application list. The conference furthers relationships between OEM and VMAC engineering/marketing staff to ensure that VMAC stays ahead of the changes leaving Detroit.


POLICY
 

VMAC ACHIEVES ISO 9001 CERTIFICATION

On August 15th, 2008, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) presented VMAC with the ISO:9001 certification plaque, in recognition of quality management systems.

VMAC has worked tirelessly to develop quality management systems and supporting standards since 2005, to deliver greater consistency to customers and suppliers. ISO 9001 is the globally implemented standard for assuring customers about the manufacturer's ability to satisfy quality requirements and will enhance satisfaction in supplier- customer relationships.

ISO certification places VMAC in a position for successful relations internationally, be it in the company's immediate plans or in the near future. "Although we're not heavily investing in business abroad, we are researching opportunities for the future." Dan Kowarski, Sales & Marketing Manager.

Rick Warwick, General Manager, comments that although certification is an achievement, the benefits of the program are the standards that were developed in the process. "The certificate is a bonus. But real value will be gained from the organization that stems from the documentation of processes. This leads to continuous improvement, or a repeatable way of doing things."

VMAC celebrated its achievement with those responsible for its success - on September 24th, all coworkers were treated to a catered hot breakfast.


SERVICE KIT REMINDER

Proper servicing of VMAC air systems ensures their performance and longevity. UNDERHOOD and PREDATAIR (H600001) systems require servicing every 200 hours, or every 6 months (whichever occurs sooner). New PREDATAIR (H600002 and H400001) systems must be serviced every 500 hours or every 6 months (again, whichever occurs sooner). Only manufacturer-certified oil is recommended for VMAC compressors, which is available in air system service kits.


PEOPLE AND PLACES
 

VMAC BREAKS GROUND

VMAC is set to grow its 21,500 square foot facility by 30 percent.

The 7,200 square foot expansion is a necessary build to help keep up with the company's continued growth and demand for product.

"For now, the expansion will mean more room for inventory and supplies." Furthers Tony Menard, President and CEO, "This may also lead to more manufacturing space in the future."

The added legroom has been overdue, according to VMAC. In 2007, the company experienced 19.8% growth in revenues over the previous year, and made significant capital additions to the production floor including three lathes, a plasma table, and a 60-tool Doosan milling center.

Amidst global unknowns and a declining world economy, VMAC products - known for their lightweight, compact, and high-output designs - are in demand.

VMAC anticipates 11% growth in air ends shipped in fiscal 2009.


PEOPLE POWERED

VMAC is proud to announce the newest coworkers to the team:

NORM RICHARDS SPECIAL ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE. Norm is responsible for seventy-seven dealers within the central North American network; promoting VMAC products, providing customer demonstrations, and assisting dealers unearth new markets. Norm has had considerable sales experience; representing Canon and Telus for 14 years combined.

PAM HENSELIN CUSTOMER SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVE. VMAC is pleased to have Pam back in the Customer Support saddle, entertaining colleagues and dealers with her unfailing wit and charm. Pam was previously assisting the sales department with customer inquiries, and is excited to return to "her dealers".

NEW QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER NAMED. Rick Duifhuis, previously Sales Technical Support Representative, recently assumed the position of Quality Assurance Manager. Rick will be responsible for overseeing the quality of products, services, and processes within the company, as well as oversee internal audits, returned goods and warranties.

RETIRED AND ADMIRED. Paul Hall, previously Quality Assurance Manager, retired in September after eight years of dedicated service. Paul was responsible for initiating major improvements to the VMAC Quality Department, and was integral in VMAC's ISO Certification.

Happy Fishing, Paul!


PROMOTIONS
 

NICE SKINS



VMAC's fleet got a face lift. Look for these revamped demonstration trucks on your highways, touring North America now.




WEB LOCATOR

Finding a VMAC dealer in your area has never been easier!

Log onto www.vmacair.com/dealers to display the closest distributors in your area. The interactive map also allows users to refine their search by product type and preferred travel distance.





UP AND COMERS

Visit us at these tradeshows in 2009!



INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
 




Anything and everything Deere, Brandt Tractor does.

Brandt Tractor Ltd. is the John Deere construction and forestry equipment dealer for Western and Northern Canada. With over 21 branches from Nunavut to North Vancouver, Brandt is responsible for sales, service, and everything in between.

Take David Tucker, mobile technician for the Nanaimo, British Columbia facility. His experience with downed Deeres makes him a Brandt MVP, and a veteran in the forestry industry. A typical week for Dave may put him mountainside on a logging road troubleshooting a 32,000LB grapple skidder, or neck deep in peat bog for a differential brake job.

"The worse conditions are in the forestry industry. We don't know what kind of call we'll get from day to day, but we head out to fix whatever problem the customer's having - whether its engine, undercarriage, drive train or hydraulic."

And Brandt's customers appreciate it. In most cases, loggers make Dave's job easier by putting the downed equipment roadside. If they're looking at an engine or transmission issue, they'll even excavate a road in.

But this kind of treatment doesn't come without payback. Brandt's customers are also keeping an eye on their dollar. "When we come on the scene, they want us to be quick. You've got an owner/operator standing there over your shoulder - they know they're being billed by the quarter hour."

And for the forestry and construction industry, skilled labor isn't a bargain. The going rate for a mobile mechanic is $200/hr - and that's just travel time.

"They want to make sure they're getting the value for their dollar. We've got to be efficient. If the customer gets the bill and they're not happy, it's usually from a mechanic standing around. You get that usually from waiting for equipment."

For this reason, Brandt's 6.0L Powerstroke fleets are rigged with some of the best equipment in the industry. Their need for the fastest, most reliable equipment not only gets their operators home sooner, it maximizes their bottom line. That's why Brandt took extra time considering their air compressor. For their pneumatic tools, Brandt enlisted the rotary-screw Air Compressor System, developed by VMAC.

"Anything that makes the job easier with air, we'll pick up. The [VMAC] PREDATAIR basically gives you unlimited power for the job. Overheating excavators, where you have to have a good compressor to blow the rad out, is no problem. The PRED's air volume just works."

And there's nothing worse than getting to the site and something doesn't work. The PREDATAIR differs from standalone compressors in both speed and volume. Motor-powered compressors can be aggravating to start every time, and their 14-30 CFM output can often leave operators waiting around for air pressure.

"If you've been in the industry as a mechanic, you'd know screw compressors are definately a better way to go. More volume, and no waiting."

The hydraulically-driven PREDATAIR delivers up to 40 or 60 CFM and 150 PSI - enough muscle to power anything from an air chuck to a 3/4" impact gun.

"You're getting 60 CFM from the PRED versus what you'd get from a 14-30 CFM stand- alone compressor, so you're not waiting as long. Changing a cutting edge, you'd be standing around a long time for 40-50 bolts. The PRED puts out the air to get it done."

Brandt has been a customer of VMAC's since 1999 and realized revenues of $800 million in 2007.






NEW ADS
 

LOOK FOR THIS AD IN YOUR TOP TRADE PUBLICATIONS



Thanks for reading VMAC Mobile News! If you have any questions, please call us at 1-800-738-8622.

Sincerely,


Natasha Bartlett, Marketing Analyst
VMAC - Vehicle Mounted Air Compressors

Phone: 250-740-3200
Fax: 250-740-3201