The Takeuchi-US assembly plant in Moore, S.C., has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification, underscoring Takeuchi’s commitment to producing equipment that meets the highest standards of quality, reliability and performance, according to the company.
“One of our strategic objectives for 2025 was to create a business and/or quality management system that would allow for scale,” said Chris Burdette, director of operations at Takeuchi’s Moore facility. “Our culture is to show up each day with the intention of “Making Our Best Better” — Takeuchi’s 2025 motto — for our team members and customers.
“This certification is just another example of our vision becoming a reality through strong action planning, collaboration and execution. I firmly believe that our mentality, when we began this objective, set us apart and allowed us to be successful. ISO certification was not the destination, but instead, a verification of effectiveness for the system we installed to manage change, mitigate risk and leverage opportunities with speed.”
Achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification recognizes that an organization has implemented a quality management system (QMS) meeting the requirements of the international ISO 9001 standard. The process typically takes a minimum of one to two years to achieve, requiring companies to fully understand the standard, assess gaps, document processes, implement a plan and undergo an audit to ensure they meet the standard’s requirements for consistent quality and customer satisfaction.
“To achieve ISO certification, we embraced the ‘plan-do-check-act’ cycle as our compass,” said Alisha Needs, quality manager at Takeuchi’s Moore facility. “We began by honestly assessing where we stood and envisioning where we needed to be. With guidance from seasoned experts and a clear understanding of our strengths and gaps, we transformed insight into action. Our team didn’t just follow a plan — we owned it, executed it and elevated our standards. It wasn’t just about certification; it was about becoming better than we were yesterday.”
For Takeuchi customers, the certification provides assurance that their compact equipment meets the highest quality standards, according to the company. Thanks to data-driven evaluation and feedback, Takeuchi can determine any processes that need improvement and quickly take action using a customer-first approach.
“This certification is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our South Carolina team,” said Jeff Stewart, president of Takeuchi-US. “Their commitment to excellence ensures that every machine leaving this facility reflects the standards our customers expect from Takeuchi. We’re proud of this accomplishment and confident it will further strengthen the trust customers place in our brand.”
JLG honored with multiple CES Innovation Awards
JLG Industries, an Oshkosh Corporation business and a leading global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers, has been given by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) a CES Innovation Awards honor for Best of Innovation in the Robotics category.
JLG was also named as a CES Innovation Awards Honoree in the Construction and Industrial Tech category. The winning entry — a JLG boom lift with robotic end effector concept machine — will be demonstrated in the Oshkosh Corporation booth, LVCC West Hall, #4418, at the CES 2026 show, Jan. 6-9, in Las Vegas, Nev.
The JLG boom lift with robotic end effector offers a look at how traditional lift equipment can be transformed into autonomous, job-performing robots capable of executing complex elevated tasks such as welding, inspection or installation. Designed for industrial environments, the JLG boom lift with robotic end effector combines robotic manipulators, AI-guided control and multi-sensor perception into a rugged, mobile platform.
It autonomously navigates, positions and performs work at height with precision, either independently or in coordinated fleets. The system integrates with digital twins and jobsite management platforms, creating a scalable robotic solution for connected, semi-structured outdoor environments.
“We’re honored that JLG has been recognized with a CES Innovation Awards’ Best of Innovation award and as a CES Innovation Awards Honoree for our boom lift with robotic end effector concept,” said Shashank Bhatia, chief technology officer and global vice president of engineering, JLG. “At JLG, we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of technology — from electrification and connectivity to safety and sustainability. Every innovation we develop begins with listening to our customers, understanding the challenges they face every day on the jobsite and designing solutions that help them work safely, intelligently, sustainably and efficiently. These awards are a testament to our dedication to delivering solutions that reimagine what’s possible on jobsites.”
The CES Innovation Awards program, owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association, is an annual competition honoring outstanding design and engineering in 36 tech product categories. This year the program received a record number of submissions — more than 3,600. Those with the highest score in each category receive the “Best of Innovation” distinction. A panel of industry expert judges, including members of the media, designers, engineers and more, reviewed submissions.
PERC opens applications for Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program
As fleets continue to shift away from diesel and toward cleaner, reliable energy sources, a new generation of skilled automotive service technicians is needed to maintain alternative fuel vehicles, like those running on propane autogas.
The Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program, offered by the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC), is providing schools across the country with training and resources needed to prepare students to work on propane autogas vehicles, according to the council.
This innovative grant program provides U.S. educational institutions with up to $7,500 in funding to integrate propane-specific curriculum and equipment into their existing automotive training programs. The goal is to equip students with real-world experience maintaining and servicing vehicles powered by propane autogas. The council stated these skills are increasingly in demand as more fleets turn to propane autogas to reduce emissions and costs while maintaining operational efficiency.
“The Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program gives students an opportunity to learn these technologies in-depth, preparing them for successful careers after graduation supporting fleets that are increasingly turning to propane autogas,” said Joel Stutheit, senior manager of autogas business development at PERC. “This program also supports fleet owners by building a pipeline of talented and qualified technicians who can keep propane autogas trucks, vans and buses on the road for years to come.”
Now in its second year, the grant program has already supported 24 schools in 16 states, training hundreds of students to inspect, service and maintain propane autogas engine systems. Each participating school receives propane-specific curriculum, as well as funding to purchase propane autogas training equipment and to send an instructor to a “Train the Trainer” course. Eligible institutions must already offer an automotive program.
Today, more than 60,000 propane autogas vehicles are in operation across the U.S., providing service to transit agencies, delivery companies, emergency response fleets, utility crews and more. Propane autogas also produces up to 96 percent fewer nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than diesel.
“Enhanced curricula made possible by the Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program have given both students and schools a leg up,” Stutheit said. “Schools are able to expand their course offerings without increasing costs to students, while students gain new, valuable skill sets that position them for long-term success in a rapidly changing transportation industry.”
The application window is open through Dec. 19. To learn more about the grant program or to apply, visit the grant program webpage.
Dalen Products celebrates 50th anniversary
Dalen Products, a U.S. manufacturer of eco-friendly lawn and garden solutions, including its patented Owl scarecrows and mosquito traps, marked its 50th anniversary late last month with a celebration at its Knoxville headquarters that drew more than 100 employees, family members, business partners and community leaders. The outdoor event, held on the lawn adjacent to Dalen’s 4-acre protected wetlands, featured live music, a facility tour, a catered barbecue lunch and a ceremony honoring individuals who have shaped the company’s half-century legacy.
Among those recognized was David Caldwell, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and decades of service. Caldwell, the son of founder Neal Caldwell, was joined by members of the Caldwell family, company employees and longtime partners.
“I’ve been part of Dalen since before it was even a real company,” Caldwell said. “I’ve had the privilege to build, to create, to lead — but most importantly — to be part of a team that believed in doing things right. This company has my heart. I’m humbled by this celebration.”
Bill Draeger was presented with The Horse Award for his role in leading Dalen’s lean manufacturing transformation, while several employees received Silver Owl Awards recognizing more than a decade of service, including one honoree with 30 years at the company.
Attendees were offered a first-hand look at Dalen’s modernized operations, including a new robotic paint system, a blow molding machine and a lean manufacturing layout. The upgrades have allowed Dalen to increase domestic production from 70 percent to 85 percent.
The tour was followed by live performances from local musician Aaron Walker, a barbecue lunch featuring Tennessee favorites and a short program led by chief operating officer Bob Teska, who delivered remarks honoring the company’s past and previewing its future.
“David, thank you for giving Dalen its soul, for 50 years of vision, values and unwavering stewardship,” Teska said. “Dalen 2.0 is not about changing who we are, it’s about building on a foundation that was laid with integrity and purpose. The road to 100 starts here.”
The celebration concluded with a raffle giveaway and informal conversations near the company’s spring-fed gazebo, soon to be renamed David’s Place in honor of Caldwell’s environmental and leadership legacy.
