Business Talk: Manufacturing Moves From Seco, Wooster Products, Jamco America, and More

Industry veterans Rob Russell and Shawntell Kroese have launched Russell-Kroese Partners (RKP), a new consulting firm aimed at boosting performance, efficiency, and sustainability within the rail, logistics, and related real estate development sectors.

Drawing on 50 years of combined executive experience at major rail and logistics companies like OmniTRAX, Progressive Rail, Union Pacific, and trucking firms, RKP offers expertise in areas critical to modern supply chains.

Services include carrier negotiations, transload facility development, intermodal strategies, network optimization, logistics sustainability programs, and rail financial analysis.

“Russell-Kroese Partners helps companies of all sizes and value propositions realize the full potential of their business by understanding what actions are required for the optimal end states. We have excelled in the logistics world for decades and together, leverage that experience for the benefit of clients,” said Rob Russell, RKP managing partner.

The firm enters the market amidst industry pressures such as rising interest rates, increased demand for onshoring impacting land development, and a growing need for sustainable logistics solutions, coupled with a shrinking pool of available rail expertise. 

RKP aims to bridge this gap, providing strategic guidance and implementation support to help companies optimize their supply chain operations and navigate complex market conditions.

Available on-demand and free to professionals, the course provides architects, contractors, facility managers, and other AEC professionals with essential training on stair safety standards, design best practices, and the application of anti-slip treads and nosings for both new construction and renovations. It covers key codes, material options like aluminum oxide and silicon carbide, photoluminescent egress markings, and proper installation methods.

Designed for busy professionals, particularly those managing high-traffic facilities, the course helps attendees earn valuable CE credits (including HSW) while gaining practical knowledge to prevent slip-and-fall accidents and ensure building compliance. The course can be completed virtually, in person, or peer-to-peer.

Access the course via AEC Daily: https://www.aecdaily.com/s/wooster

Through the platform, customers can request price quotes for their used carbide, order free recycling containers, schedule shipments, and track the process. The system also provides data on CO₂ savings achieved through recycling and issues a sustainability certificate.

Seco states that recycling carbide significantly reduces the need for virgin raw materials like tungsten and cobalt, cutting energy consumption by 70% and CO₂ emissions by 64% compared to primary production. The service aims to make participation in the circular economy more efficient and transparent for manufacturers.

The platform is currently available in select markets, with plans for expansion across Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific.

Capabilities include:

• Materials Testing: Evaluating mechanical properties (tensile/compression strength) of metals and composites, even at elevated temperatures.
• Dynamic Testing: Utilizing an accelerator-type impact system with advanced sensors and data acquisition for specified acceleration profiles.
• Static Load Testing: Assessing structural integrity of components and assemblies.
• Fire Testing: Including flammability, heat release, smoke density, and fire containment evaluations.
• Ballistic Testing
• Environmental Testing
• Product Cycle Testing: Evaluating component and assembly lifecycle durability.

Equipped with an accelerator-type impact system, the facility is capable of testing products in highly specified acceleration profiles. It also includes extensive sensors and data acquisition technology to maximize information generated and processed from each testing profile. These services enable manufacturers to validate designs, test new materials, and ensure products meet rigorous performance and safety standards. Jamco can also accommodate custom testing requirements where equipment and specifications allow.

For more information about specific testing, costs, and availability details, visit jamco america.com/Capabilities/TestingServices or contact [email protected].