Show indicates better times ahead for US market

The sun is shining and the temperature rising in US manufacturing, according to Lovejoy executives attending the ConExpo-Con/Agg 2005 trade show in Las Vegas.

The sun is shining and the temperature rising in US manufacturing, according to all indicators detected by Lovejoy executives attending the ConExpo-Con/Agg 2005 trade show this past month in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Senior executives from the company pinpointed a few key signals that the business climate is improving for the manufacturing, aggregate, construction and mining industries.

These indicators include: show attendance in terms of quality and quantity, the size and type of equipment displayed at the show, and the number of serious enquiries with intent to purchase.

In terms of attendance, most corporations sent personnel from design, engineering or purchasing departments.

According to Jim Mahan, Director of Engineering for Lovejoy: "The high quality of the personnel companies sent to represent themselves at the show demonstrates a positive attitude".

"When the economy slows down, companies might send the end user or influencer, but not the purchaser or specifier, because funds are held more closely and purchasing decisions are delayed".

In addition, Mahan noticed many booths displayed large equipment clearly designed and manufactured with a better market outlook in mind.

"The type of equipment on display was specially manufactured".

"These are not stock items".

"Companies build these specialty pieces expecting to sell them before or after the show, and from multiple conversations we had and our own experience with customers, the equipment did sell and further orders ensued".

Rich Kasprzyk, Lovejoy Sales Engineer for the Rosta line of suspension systems and motor bases, concurred with Mahan's assessment of the show.

"The quality and quantity of attendees was great".

"We came away with several leads and requests for quotations from across the country".

Not only that, said Kasprzyk: "The mood was definitely upbeat and very positive".

"Everyone indicates the economy is looking up".

On its booth, Lovejoy concentrated on displays showcasing the quality of Rosta suspension systems and motor bases, tensioners, dampening and vibration-limiting parts and equipment for the aggregate and mining industries.

In addition, the company introduced a new line of LV-torsional couplings, designed and built to offer an inexpensive, economical alternative for the agricultural market and off-highway industrial equipment industry.

"The enthusiasm at the show and a meeting of creative minds spurred additional uses and applications for the LV-style torsional couplings that were not even in the original plan", said Mahan.

Lovejoy engineers and product managers will be working on these additional applications in the months to come.

In particular, Mahan indicated that companies that deal with equipment for road maintenance and repairs expressed great interest in Lovejoy couplings available for both diesel engine and hydraulic applications.

Two different styles of the new coupling are available: the LV-torsional coupling for U-joint drive systems; and LV-C for direct-drive systems.

Agricultural usage would attach this style coupling to diesel engines driving deep well and centrifugal pumps, whereas the industrial equipment industry uses this type coupling on engines that run hydraulically powered portable compressors.

The Lovejoy torsional coupling type-LV line power range is from 150 to 625hp at 1800rev/min, with five available sizes.

The LV-C type coupling power ranges from 50 to 425hp at 1800rev/min and is available in six sizes.

For the Lovejoy/Rosta product line, the company gained insight into a better understanding of the MRO and OEM needs as they relate to adapting the various products.

Several different demonstrations at the booth help illustrate for attendees the superior engineered quality, durability and performance capabilities of the Lovejoy/Rosta products.

One displayed a rice or bean shaker mounted on AB elements to illustrate stability.

Another product that lends stability and improves safety is Rosta mountings that eliminate vibration on stairs and shaker screen structures, demonstrated with actual stairs visitors could climb to test the product.

Not only did Lovejoy executives make contact with new distribution channels, the show offered an excellent opportunity to build relationships with new vendors who supply raw materials for Lovejoy's domestic manufacturing operations.

"All in all we believe that US-based domestic manufacturing and service companies are going to experience a better year", said Mahan.

"That's one of the best out-takes from this show, that domestic manufacturers and industrial operations have weathered the storm and are working together to pump up the overall economy".

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