Boating Industry February 2023 | Page 8

// INDUSTRY NEWS
“ I ’ m proud to accept this appointment and I ’ m excited to become a part of this company , especially when new and innovative products are about to be launched . I look forward to establishing strong relations throughout the supply chain , from supplier to customer , and to becoming a part of the strong and competent team at Humphree ”, said Lennerstedt .
Lennerstedt succeeds Hannes Norrgren , who has taken up the role of Senior Vice President for Business Unit Industrial at Volvo Penta .
Five Mercury Marine facilities achieve ‘ zero waste to landfill ’ designation
Mercury Marine announced the addition of five facilities to its list of zero-waste-to-landfill ( ZWTL ) operations . Starting in December 2022 , sustainability teams at these locations across the U . S . began reporting that their months-long initiatives aimed at reducing , reusing and recycling waste materials have brought their facilities into compliance with widely accepted ZWTL standards .
The newly designated ZWTL facilities include four distribution centers operated by Mercury subsidiary Land ‘ N ’ Sea and another distribution center on the Mercury world-headquarters campus in Fond du Lac , Wisconsin . The facilities are : Land ‘ N ’ Sea in Eagan , MN Land ‘ N ’ Sea in Fresno , CA Land ‘ N ’ Sea in Kent , WA Land ‘ N ’ Sea in Pompano Beach , FL Mercury Plant 15L in Fond du Lac , WI
Mercury previously designated three other distribution centers ― a Land ‘ N ’ Sea facility in Old Lyme , Connecticut , and Mercury distribution centers in Fond du Lac and Petit-Rechain , Belgium ― as zero-waste-to-landfill operations . Additionally , the company in November named its factory in Florida that makes electrical and plastic components as its first manufacturing facility to earn the ZWTL distinction .
“ Kudos go to our Land ‘ N ’ Sea teams of individuals who , in addition to performing their operational duties , took on the challenge of making their respective distribution centers even more environmentally friendly ,” said Mike Conners , Land ‘ N ’ Sea president . “ Although each team benefited from the knowledge gained from previous Mercury zero-waste efforts , and the targeted standards remained consistent , nonetheless there was considerable variation from one facility to the next regarding the nature of the challenges and the requirements of solutions . Every team had to be creative and resourceful in finding answers .”
Each of the Land ‘ N ’ Sea facilities plays an important role in wholesale distribution of parts and accessories to the marine and RV industries . Shipment destinations include dealers , repair shops , retail outlets and e- commerce vendors .
Andrew Bores , manager of materials control at Mercury Plant 15L , emphasized the value of employees ’ ongoing vigilance . “ The importance of the human element of our zero-wasteto-landfill efforts can ’ t be overstated . We deal with so many varieties of materials , and each employee must keep track of how to handle them . For example , there are numerous and diverse types of plastics and cardboard ― each of which may require different handling in our zero-waste procedures . We ’ re counting on employees ’ attention and dedication to keep these processes working ,” he said , adding that ongoing education and conspicuous signage will help to reinforce the guidance .
Mercury Plant 15L serves as the primary launching point for distribution of Mercury engines and other finished products to the company ’ s global network of dealerships , distributors and boat manufacturers . Plus , the location collects various incoming parts , components and materials from around the world that are subsequently distributed to Mercury manufacturing operations as needed .
The waste streams addressed in all these operations ’ ZWTL initiatives include cardboard , paper , plastic , metal , wood and other materials .
For ongoing compliance with the required standards , Mercury has empowered teams at each of its ZWTL locations to develop sound methodology for continual monitoring . The teams regularly measure waste-stream materials generated from operations and the amount of those materials moved into the proper channels of reuse and recycling . ePropulsion showcases electric pontoons
ePropulsion has announced that it has partnered with Tiny Boat Nation ( TBNation ). In collaboration with Mack Boring & Parts Company , ePropulsion ’ s distributor partner in the U . S ., ePropulsion has sponsored TBNation ’ s all-electric , custom Pond-Tini Series 12 pontoon giveaway .
“ We are excited about our partnership with TBNation this year . Not only do they have deep roots in DIY boats and recreational boating communities , but also , like ePropulsion , they are trendsetters for boat electrification ,” said Chris Ponnwitz , electric market manager , Mack Boring & Parts Company . “ We ’ ve seen tremendous potential in the recreational boat market , especially when the pontoon boats have seen great advancements to convert into emissionfree watercraft .”
“ We chose to partner with the brightest and most trusted brands in the industry , including ePropulsion , to come together and help us build the ultimate tiny toon and push the envelope of small craft creation ,” said Nick Barr , CEO , TBNation . “ As the pontoon market continues to grow , it is vital to raise awareness among communities about electric propulsion options and to demonstrate that regardless of the size of your vessel , you can have a great time on the water while protecting the environment .”
MMTA names Joan Meschino Legislator of the Year
The Massachusetts Marine Trades Association ( MMTA ) has recognized Representative Joan Meschino ( D – 3rd District Plymouth ) as the 2022 MMTA Legislator of the Year .
Presented by Cherie Rudzinsky , MMTA President and Randall Lyons , MMTA Executive Director , Representative Meschino was recognized for helping to support training and growth within the boating industry to address
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