Adapting to the Times: Husky Goes Virtual for PEI @ the NACS 2020

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. That's one way to look at the state of things in 2020, a year like none before. The pandemic's impact on life 'as usual' is profound and widespread. But we adapt. Such is the case with the petroleum dispensing industry's most important annual gathering. The PEI@ the NACS Show is going virtual this year November 10-12.

“The virtual show means attendees can set their calendars now for the sessions, Q&A’s, networking groups and exhibits they want to attend,” said Rick Long, executive vice president and general counsel at PEI in a news release.

As usual, Husky Corporation will be well-represented. Instead of a large booth on the convention floor, there will be virtual opportunities to learn about the company's latest product offerings. Here are a few samples:

Husky Plant Tour: Join the company for a virtual tour of the facilities in Pacific, Missouri where our 100% Made in the U.S.A. products are manufactured. Sign up at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ehdfx038e73b5503&oseq=&c=8b7975ca-f78b-11ea-a425-d4ae529ce120&ch=8b7ca416-f78b-11ea-a425-d4ae529ce120

 

Live Enevo Presentation: Husky has put together a unique, live digital experience showcasing the ENEVO remote tank monitoring program. Register for a session at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ehcxkgid6e589276&oseq=&c=&ch=

 

Husky metallurgist and quality manager Steve Baynham will present at a PEI Virtual Breakout Session session on Wednesday November 11 at 11am. The important topic will be "The Conundrum of Sanitizing Dispensers & Hanging Hardware". If you are registered for the virtual convention, hear Steve breakdown what is happening.

• If you noticed increased equipment damage, your cleaning solution could be the culprit.
  
• Most cleansing solutions contain some form of bleach, which will literally eat away aluminum (causing nozzle failures).
• Similar issues--with different causes--have occurred with touch screens and the plastic buttons on dispensers.
• While contact with contaminated surfaces may now be second to the dangers of aerosolized droplets as a priority in combating the COVID19 virus, people still need to feel that "something" is being done to keep things clean. 

 

The full schedule and registration details (the fees are lower than for the traditional in-person convention, which could mean more people are able to participate) are at https://www.pei.org/show/schedule.

When Disinfecting Fueling Equipment: Use Alcohol-based Sanitizers or Hydrogen Peroxide

The findings from Husky Corporation's tests of cleaning solutions used on fuel hanging hardware answer questions about cleaning and disinfecting practices, which gained new attention during the COVID-19 outbreak. Fuel dispensing facilities ramped up efforts to sanitize equipment, using an abundance of caution to slow the spread of the virus even though much is still unknown about the viability of surface to person transmission.

The image below shows the results of tests on fuel nozzles which used items on EPA’s List N: Disinfectants for Use against SARS-CoV-1 (the virus that causes COVID-19). The tests focused on active ingredients that required a contact time of fewer than 30 seconds as well as common 'off the shelf’ products that required longer surface contact. Once an hour every day, the nozzles were sanitized with the various cleaning materials and then activated for use, to replicate the same activity experienced at a typical retail fueling outlet.

The findings led to Husky's recommendation that only alcohol-based sanitizers or those made of hydrogen peroxide be used to disinfect fuel hanging hardware.  The company issued a service bulletin on June 4, 2020 recommending that disinfectants with an alcohol base of at least 70% and/or hydrogen peroxide based disinfectants be used to clean aluminum hanging hardware.

The type of alcohol used does not matter as long as it is diluted with some amount of water, because pure alcohols that are in continuous contact with aluminum will degrade the aluminum over long periods of time. Alcohol-based cleaners applied to aluminum hanging hardware will evaporate within minutes. Once the alcohol evaporates the aluminum is exposed to air and the natural passive protective layer remains intact.

Significantly, it turns out the other two disinfectants on EPA List N can have a negative corrosive / pitting reaction with aluminum components. The materials that should not be used are disinfectants that contain active ingredients with chlorides – Quaternary Ammonium and Sodium Hypochlorite. Importantly, bleach should not be used to clean fuel hanging hardware.

You can read the entire Service Bulletin at this link: http://huskycorporation.blogspot.com/2020/06/husky-corporation-service-bulletin.html

Work for Husky Corporation!

Be part of an American-made success story when you join Husky Corporation – a leading manufacturer of products for the fuel dispensing and transportation industries.

Based in Pacific, Missouri, Husky is a state of the art manufacturer with 170 employees that ships its more than 2,000 products to every state in the union and more than 60 countries.

This short video shows what it's like to work for Husky, including competitive wages, health care, paid time off, 401(k) plan, great working conditions and even a gym. Here's a short video that shows what it's like working at Husky - in the words of people who work there.

Join a family-owned company that appreciates its customers and respects its employees. Check out https://www.husky.com/careers/ to learn about current open positions at Husky Corporation!

Innovation is the Core: Husky Corporation

The Husky Corporation family of companies sets the standard for petroleum dispensing and automotive customers with the highest quality products made right here in the U.S.A. The company has developed a new video that shows what really makes Husky "A Breed Apart".

"Innovation is the core. It's what started us. It's what keeps us going today," said Husky President G.G. Sutcliffe.

The video provides an inside look at the company's product line and what makes Husky stand out from the competition. The company focuses on hanging hardware for the petroleum dispensing industry, where it holds 50 percent of the new nozzle market. Husky diversified into related transportation industries in recent years, which has permitted growth and expansion.

"What sets us apart is we remained an American manufacturer. We do all of our design work, customer service and manufacturing out of this facility in Pacific, Missouri," Suttcliffe said. "We are truly a state of the art manufacturer."

Husky has 170 employees and sells its more than 2,000 products in 63 countries.  The video includes a look inside the facility and a discussion of five pillars on which the company is built:  Safety, Quality, Customer Loyalty, Team-building, and Productivity. Learn more at www.husky.com.

Cutting-Edge Technology Wrapped in a Sturdy Package That is “Super Simple” to Install

Can something held within a uniquely shaped container that weighs just over a pound hold the key to transforming the way an industry serves its customers? The Enevo WEL-008L sensor represents just such a possibility. The sensor contains ultrasonic technology that gathers up-to-the-minute liquid level readings from widely scattered or remotely located storage tanks. Petroleum products distributors are using the Enevo system to optimize the way they service customers, cutting down on wasted time and money from traditional route-based approaches.

The sensor measures 6.5 inches tall by 4.7 inches wide and is made of extremely robust proprietary polyurethane that can withstand even the most extreme weather conditions. The construction ensures the technology inside functions consistently over the long haul. Ultrasonic sonar and motion detection technology is at the heart of the Enevo hardware. The WEL-008L measures tanks ranging from 10 inches to 16 feet deep and is accurate to within ± 0.4 inches. Details on all the specs are located at http://www.husky.com/enevo/enevo-sensors/wel-001-sensor/.

One of the best things about the Enevo sensor is that is very easy to install. The professionals at Missouri’s Santie Oil Company know firsthand just what that means.

"I think we've set 50 or 60 of these monitors. We've had no issues," said Robbie Sims, Santie Oil General Manager. "It's a plug and play system. It was a good decision to go with Enevo. And we look forward to putting more out in the field." 

Check out this short video to hear what they think.

Power is supplied by a 3.6-volt high performance lithium battery that will last for five years or more. The data gathered is transmitted over available networks using penta-band technology capable of operating at 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, which are the cellular frequencies used in most parts of the world. Any software upgrades for the WEL-008L are transmitted back to the sensor in the same way. This makes the Enevo system functional even in remote locations, as long as a cellular network connection is available.

The sturdy construction, industry-leading battery life and ease of installation make Enevo a set-and-forget solution for managing liquid tank levels. The WEL-008L will transmit data to the web portal for five years or more, allowing game-changing efficiencies and higher service levels for customers.

St. Louis Business Journal: Husky’s G.G. Sutcliffe Lives with Gusto

How's this for starters?

"Before he was 25, Sutcliffe, who goes by G.G., got kicked out of two colleges, worked at a ski lodge in Switzerland, traveled to Greece, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, talked his way into Officers Candidate School and a rank of second lieutenant by claiming to speak French, German and Arabic (in truth, he knew enough to curse and order a beer), and served in U.S. special operations in Laos and Vietnam, with fierce fighting and heavy troop loss in Khe Sanh."

That's the beginning of a St. Louis Character story on Husky Corporation's president, which appeared in the St. Louis Business Journal. We are offering a link to the entire article here, as usually a subscription is needed for this publication. Here are a few pictures of the photo shoot by the publication. They also recorded a few video comments, which we will share when available.

We  hope you find this article as interesting as we did. One quote about G.G. Sutcliffe we found particularly insightful is this: “He’s smart as a whip, persistent, innovative and fearless, as anyone who has competed with him in business or sport knows.”


 
 

New S.U.R.&R. Flaring Tool Nominated for Innovation Award

A new compact pistol grip flaring tool recently introduced by S.U.R.&R., a subsidiary of Husky Corporation, is in the running for a Professional Tool and Equipment News (PTEN) 2018 Innovation Award. The PFT409 is designed for single-person line flaring for brake and other automotive fluid line applications in tight spaces.

The PFT 409 was one of 142 productions in 27 categories nominated for recognition as innovative new products for the automotive aftermarket industry this year. Readers can learn about these products and even vote at https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/in-the-bay/tools-equipment/pten-innovation-awards. The PFT409 is number 152.

“The PFT409 is engineered so that one person can consistently create professional-grade flares, even while working in tight spaces on the vehicle. It’s easy on the hand and easy on the tech,” said Bob Joy, S.U.R.&R. National Sales Manager. “This eliminates problems with traditional flaring tools that, oftentimes, require two people to operate, are too bulky for tight spaces and produce inconsistent flares which adds labor and time to the job.”

Innovative Design for Creating Quality Flares

The PFT409 features a compact two-piece design. There is a heavy-duty hydraulic pistol grip handle that delivers 6,000 PSI of powerful crimping pressure and requires little effort to squeeze. A magnetic yoke holds the dies securely in place helping the installer avoid dropping the dies or mis-aligning the tubing during set-up. The yoke is attached to a secure-grip handle. The two pieces swivel together providing optimum control and positioning for on-vehicle flaring. For flaring off the vehicle, just remove the yoke handle and use the tool in a vice.

This short video demonstrates how this innovative flaring tool operates.

The PFT409 comes with all the punches and dies needed to create the most widely used SAE and DIN flares on S.U.R.&R. UltraBEND® (bendable, non-corrosive), steel or coated brake tubing. The tool will also create inverted flares for fuel, power steering and transmission lines.

Punches

· Sizes include 3/16”/4.75 mm, 1/4”/6 mm, 5/16”/8 mm, 3/8”/10 mm (single/double only)

· A detent ball on the hydraulic handle allows the punches to be changed quickly

Dies

· Sizes include 3/16”/4.75 mm, 1/4”/6 mm, 5/16”/8 mm, 3/8”/10 mm

· Die channels (3/16”/4.75 mm, 1/4”/6 mm sizes) are smooth to avoid tubing scarring
Grooved channels (5/16”/8 mm, 3/8”/10 mm sizes) are included for extra gripping

· Pins ensure accurate alignment of dies

· Magnetic yoke hold dies securely in place


Applications

· Brake flares: SAE Single (45° Bubble), SAE Double (45° Inverted), DIN Single (Mushroom)

· Additional inverted flares for fuel, power steering and transmission lines

“We believe service technicians will find that the PFT409 sets the benchmark for single-person, professional flaring both on and off the car,” Joy said. “It eliminates the common struggles of tool set-up, alignment and positioning experienced by techs every day so they can very quickly create high quality flares with confidence.”

Get Ready for Oil Baron: Truly No Comparison for Removing Petroleum Stains or Spills

When you work with oil, grease or gasoline you know how tough it is to clean up. Most of the products you've probably come across to clean petroleum stains or spills run short in one area or another. Finally, there will be a product for which there is really no comparison on the market to handle this problem.

Husky Corporation will soon introduce Oil Baron, the most environmentally safe and fastest way to get rid of hydrocarbon spills and stains, rendering them non-flammable within minutes. And what remains is non-hazardous, requiring no special disposal.

There will be two versions of the product. Oil Baron (available in foam or liquid form) and Oil Baron Plus for the toughest stains on most hard industrial surfaces. Check out both products at https://www.husky.com/husky/oil-baron/oil-baron/

Both products use naturally harvested microbes that literally EAT hydrocarbons.That's right. The microbes are dormant inside the packaging. But they wake up immediately when applied directly to oil, gas, diesel, jet fuel, transmission fluid, antifreeze, brake fluid and other hydrocarbons. The microbes munch on the petroleum products and digest them. What's left is harmless water and carbon dioxide that can be wiped up or washed down the drain. The entire process takes a matter of minutes and minimal effort. Here is a picture showing what the concrete at a gas station forecourt looked like before Oil Baron Plus was applied to a lot of old and deep petroleum stains, then what it looks like afterward.

 
Oil Baron works much faster, much more effectively, and more safely than products that contain enzymes which only disperse the petroleum, but don't eliminate the spill. When solvents are used on petroleum, the residue is still hazardous material with costly steps required for disposal.

That is not the case with Oil Baron, which ELIMINATES the petroleum spill quickly and safely. We'll be sharing a lot more about Oil Baron as the product roll-out gets going. But Husky believes this is a product the petroleum dispensing industry, the automotive repair market, and anyone that works with petroleum products has been waiting for.

Husky Corporation Celebrates 70 Years of Manufacturing & Innovation

Family Business Grows into Worldwide Petroleum Dispensing Products Leader

Husky Corporation marked 70 years in business with a special celebration at the company’s production facilities in Pacific, Missouri. The event featured guided tours of the company’s expanding production operations, which is home to more than 140 employees. The company is a leading manufacturer of petroleum dispensing equipment (and has expanded into several related business segments in recent years.

The company was started in 1947 by Eugene and Hazel Sutcliffe, when they created the first gas nozzle guard from their own home. It then soon moved into the rebuilding and then designing fuel nozzles that would revolutionize this industry. The innovations gained wide-spread acceptance by gas station owners across the country. Husky Corporation has amassed more than 75 patents domestically and internationally.

“We are proud of our U.S. based manufacturing team. Thanks to the innovation of our engineers, our product line continues to grow. That’s because we put customers first. We try to solve their problems,” said Husky Corporation President Grenville Sutcliffe. “None of this company’s success would be possible without a strong and dedicated team. That’s what we have here at Husky: A great team.”

Husky Corporation’s General Fueling products include nozzles, swivels, Safe-T-Breaks® and accessories for service station fuel delivery systems. In recent years, the company implemented an acquisition strategy that expanded its product portfolio into related industries including BJE Lube and Oil Products, Hewitt Aviation Fueling Products and S.U.R.&R. Fluid Line Repair Solutions. Husky has also formed strategic partnerships with Benecor DEF Dispensing and Storage systems, Enevo Logistics Optimization, and RS Liquid Loading Arms.

The company has several employees who have been with the company for many years. Just one example is Tammy Steffens, who joined Husky in 1983. Currently responsible for accounts payable/production control, Steffens said has enjoyed the opportunity to watch the company grow and expand over the years.

“The Sutcliffe’s have been wonderful. The best thing about it is the family-oriented atmosphere. It was that way when I started and continues to feel that way today, even as the company has grown,” Steffens said.

Above: Husky Corporation President Grenville Sutcliffe greets guests at the company’s Pacific, Missouri headquarters and production facilities during the company’s 70^th anniversary celebration November 3, 2017.

Texas-based C & L Pump Service and owner Luis Magallanes credits Husky for the opportunity to be a direct distributor ten years ago. They have been working with Husky Corporation for 10 years.

“The quality of their product is excellent. Anything you need, the employees make it happen. They will go beyond in giving you what you need. That’s the relationship,” said Christina Magallanes of C & L Pump Service. “It’s what makes Husky what they are. They are family and they know your struggles.”