News From Curtis

— Ushering in New Era of Sustainable Energy Innovation —
— Rehlko builds on a 100-plus-year legacy of powering an energy resilient world for a better future —
KOHLER, Wis. – September 17th, 2024 – Kohler Energy today officially rebranded under its new corporate name Rehlko (pronounced REL-co), marking a major milestone in the company’s 100 -plus-year history delivering innovative, resilient energy solutions that provide independence, agility, and security to mission-critical infrastructure, facilities and residences.

Rehlko will continue operating as an independent enterprise. The company became a stand-alone entity in May 2024 when Platinum Equity completed a transaction with Kohler Company to establish then-Kohler Energy as a stand-alone business. Platinum Equity is the majority owner of Rehlko with Kohler Company remaining an investment partner. “We are embracing our future as an independent company with the new Rehlko brand and celebrating our legacy and our commitment for tackling the most complex energy challenges, and the values that guide everything we do and stand for,” said Brian Melka, Rehlko chief executive officer. “Our company’s new name is derived from the six letters of Kohler and reflects the reliability, resolve, reinvention, and resilience that have been – and will remain – the hallmarks of this organization in addressing the ever-evolving distributed energy needs of the marketplace.”  

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KOHLER, Wis. – May 6, 2024 – Kohler Co. and Platinum Equity announced today the companies have closed the transaction to establish Kohler Energy as a separate, independent business. Platinum Equity is now the majority owner of the Energy business and Kohler Co. remains an investment partner. Financial details are not being disclosed.

Kohler Energy is strategically positioned to continue strong performance in the global energy resilience marketplace, now operating as a standalone company outside of Kohler Co. Brian Melka is CEO of the Energy business, elevating his leadership role after more than 10 years working at Kohler and driving the group’s growth and success. David Kohler serves on its Board of Directors.

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Curtis Instruments is proud to announce the promotion of Asen Stamenov to the position of EU Application Group Director, effective January 2024. In his new role, Asen will lead the European Application engineering team, overseeing daily customer support activities, providing guidance to customers, sales teams, and distributors, evaluating customer requirements, assisting in new project approvals, and mentoring application engineers as needed.

With 24 years of invaluable experience at Curtis Instruments, Asen brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success to his new role. Previously serving as Director of Sales and Customer Support for Eastern Europe, Asen has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication throughout his tenure.

Asen began his journey at Curtis Instruments in production as a tester of PCB boards before transitioning to roles such as test engineer and manufacturing engineer. His passion for meeting people and serving customers led him to customer support engineering and eventually to the position of European Application Engineer for various projects. In 2013, Asen took on the role of Sales Manager for Eastern European countries, further showcasing his versatility and commitment to the company.

Throughout his career, Asen has achieved remarkable milestones, including working with key customers in Europe such as Combilift, Goupil, Sharlatte, and JLG. He has successfully revived lost customers in the Bulgarian market and even contributed his expertise to projects like the Jungheinrich EKS project in the US.

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London, UK - March, 2024 - Curtis Instruments, a global leader in instrumentation, controls, and integrated systems for a wide range of industries, proudly announces the appointment of Jon Hourihan as the Sales Director for the UK & Ireland market, effective January 8th, 2024.

With over 30 years of experience in supplying engineered products to various sectors, including Automotive OEMs, motorsport, military, and agriculture, Jon brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Curtis Instruments. Prior to joining Curtis, Jon held technical, commercial, quality, and production roles with renowned companies such as divisions of Klockner Werke group and TI in the UK. Additionally, Jon has significant commercial management experience with UK-based suppliers, as well as international exposure gained from living and working in the USA, Japan, and Europe.

Jon holds a Bachelor's degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering, a Post Grad diploma, and an MBA, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. His notable achievements include successfully launching an Electric ATV to the market, which has given him a deep appreciation of Curtis products in application.

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MT. KISCO, NY, Nov. 2023. Curtis Instruments, Inc., a Kohler Energy Company, announces that Mr. Sean Taub has been appointed to the position of Vice President – Finance and Accounting at the company’s New York headquarters. In his position, Mr. Taub will be responsible for all aspects of the financial management of Curtis’ global operations, effective November 28, 2023.

Reporting to Nathan Matson, CFO Kohler Energy, and serving as an integral member of the senior management team, Mr. Taub will lead the company’s worldwide finance and accounting organization, develop Curtis’ financial strategies, and contribute to the successful achievement of the company’s strategic goals.

Mr. Taub holds an M.B.A. in Finance from Columbia Business School, and a B.S. in Business Management from Babson College, with concentrations in finance, economics, and entrepreneurship.

He joins Curtis with 20+ years of professional experience in progressively responsible positions in finance for large, complex organizations. He brings the right experience, leadership, and skill set needed to help Curtis with its continued growth. As a seasoned entrepreneurial, commercial, and operational finance executive, he has a strong track record in partnering with senior leaders to formulate/execute business plans and strategies driving profitable growth, performance, controls, and compliance in public Fortune 500 and private companies. Mr. Taub joins Curtis after most recently serving as CFO for Toys”R”US Asia in Japan. Prior to that role, he spent seven years at Harman, a Samsung company, in multiple roles, including Business Unit CFO for Digital Cockpit, a Regional CFO for Japan, and Business Unit CFO for Headphones & Wearables. He previously served in other finance leadership positions at Frontier Communications, Element Six, a De Beers Group Company, UJA-Federation of NY, and T-Mobile.

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KOHLER, Wis. – Nov. 6, 2023 – Kohler Co. today announced the strategic decision to set Kohler Energy up as a separate, independent business with Platinum Equity engaged as the majority investment partner. Kohler will continue to stay invested in the Energy business following the closing and remains committed to supporting its upward trajectory built on a proven track record of strong performance in the global energy resilience marketplace. The businesses included in the portfolio are Power Systems, Engines, Home Energy, Kohler Uninterruptible Power, Clarke Energy, Curtis Instruments, and Heila Technologies.
While Kohler Co. and Platinum Equity must complete several milestones and legal requirements,
including consultations with employee works councils, the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2024. Until then, Kohler Co. will operate as one company.
“Today we took a bold and strategic move for the future of our company,” said David Kohler, Chair and CEO of Kohler Co. “Over the last 150 years, Kohler has embraced a relentless pursuit of providing exceptional products, services, and experiences for our customers. This important moment in our journey signifies our commitment to deepening the focus and investment in Kohler’s Kitchen & Bath and Hospitality businesses and continuing to drive growth within our respective industries. The timing is right due to the strength of the Energy business, which is driven by world-class products manufactured and sold by highly skilled associates. I look forward to supporting the Energy business through our continued investment along with my role on the board following the closing.”

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The longtime General Manager of the Curtis manufacturing plan in Sofia, Bulgaria, has announced his retirement. The highly respected Mr. Peter Popov will end his career at the place where it all began 33 years ago, having served Curtis Balkan since its inception.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Popov focused on meeting production targets, reducing downtime, and on overall product quality and excellence. As the manufacturing industry evolved at breakneck speeds, he guided Curtis Balkan into a high-performing plant by adopting new tools and strategies to support worker performance and ultimately drive production. He worked hard to boost productivity and streamline manufacturing processes, while ensuring that all operations are done according to EU regulations. He was instrumental in leading team members from different organizational levels and Curtis’s locations to ensure healthy collaboration.

The foundation of his career with Curtis started when Mr. Popov took a job at Balkancar, which had a joint venture with Curtis, as one of the first American companies to penetrate the Eastern European market. At that time, Balkancar was the biggest manufacturer of forklift trucks in the world, making 120K trucks per year and employing 60-80K people, and they were the sole source of forklift trucks to the USSR and the entire eastern bloc. His role was to test and optimize the electrical systems of road trucks and busses whose frames had been supplied from Russia, and whose diesel engines were manufactured in Sofia under license from Perkins. In 1990, after Curtis and BalkanCar started their joint venture, he joined Curtis as Shop Manager and was subsequently promoted again to Managing Director in 1994.

In 2000, Curtis Balkan opened a new 25,000 sq. ft. (2323 sq. meters) custom designed manufacturing plant that we still occupy today. At time of this writing, Curtis Balkan has produced over 2 million motor controllers.

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MT. KISCO, NY, Oct. 2023. Curtis Instruments, Inc., a Kohler Company, announces that Mr. Ruslan Papazyan has been appointed to the position of General Manager of the company’s manufacturing plant in Sofia, Bulgaria. In his new position, Dr. Papazyan will be responsible for all aspects of the management of Curtis Balkan. The Bulgarian plant is one of the company’s primary manufacturing facilities, predominantly focused on producing motor speed controllers and related electric vehicle products.  

Dr. Papazyan earned a PhD in Electrical Engineering from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, and an Executive MBA Master's Degree from the University of Sheffield, England. He serves as an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at the Technical University of Sofia.

He joins Curtis with 23 years of professional experience in progressively responsible positions in manufacturing. Dr. Papazyan started his career in year 2000 with ABB, where he worked for 13 years, starting as Project Leader Research & Development and advancing to Plant General Manager. In 2013, Dr. Papazyan joined the Swedish conglomerate Trelleborg in the role of General Manager with focus on sales and production. The position was responsible for establishment, development, and management of the company’s Shared Service Center for 63 countries. In 2019, Dr. Papazyan took on the role of Executive Director of the international Bulgarian company Telelink Infra Services (IT & Telecom sector).

In his new capacity at Curtis Balkan, Dr. Papazyan will continue to focus on the development of advanced manufacturing methodologies and plant operations, with emphasis on production quality and efficiency, motivating staff, and incorporating best-in-class lean manufacturing practices.

We are confident that Dr. Papazyan's long record of success in manufacturing management, complemented by his well-rounded business management skills, are ideally suited for his new leadership position at Curtis Balkan. He brings the right combination of vision, enthusiasm, technical skills and professionalism to lead this important Curtis manufacturing facility.

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MT. KISCO, NY, Sept. 2023. Curtis Instruments, Inc. announces that Mrs. Paulina Manzo has joined the Curtis management team as Director of Marketing Communications. In her new capacity, she will assume the global marketing communications role, with responsibility for corporate branding, image, identity (logos) and marketing positioning. This includes a wide range of functions, including photography/videography; collateral materials; tradeshows; public relations; advertising; all websites; printing/signage; newsletters; public and media relations; social media; promotions; translations; trademarks; graphics; illustrations, and more.  

Mrs. Manzo will report directly to Curtis Vice President Nicholas Marwell. She starts the new job with extensive Curtis experience as she has successfully served with the retiring Director of Marketing Communications, Frank Matheis, for 14 years as a contract-associate. As such, she is well-familiar to the Curtis marketing, sales, human resources, and product management teams worldwide and she understands the international Curtis culture, products, and industries.

Mrs. Manzo joined the MarCom team as production artist and worked her way up to project and marketing communications management. In recent years, she was the project manager for the important function of producing datasheets and manuals, working closely with in-house manual writers and product management. She has also been deeply involved in web design, newsletter production, archiving, and countless other MarCom projects. Mrs. Manzo has successfully interfaced with the MarCom management and peers in our parent company Kohler – and she will work closely with the international Kohler colleagues.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Arts from Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington State, and she has managed her own graphic arts and marketing agency for 16 years.

We are confident that Mrs. Manzo's long record of success, complemented by her well-rounded project management and marketing skills, are ideally suited for his important leadership position at Curtis. She brings the right combination of vision, enthusiasm, technical skills, and professionalism to lead this important Curtis function.

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The longtime Curtis Corporate Controller, Mr. Lake Singh, announced his planned retirement giving notice to the end of 2023. He joined the company in 1999 as Accounting Manager and was promoted to Corporate Controller in 2007.

During his long and successful tenure, Mr. Singh made a significant contribution to the financial health and profitability of Curtis worldwide. He was instrumental in contributing to the strength of the Finance Department as a vital resource to finance colleagues worldwide. He is well respected for his patient, unshakable demeanor and steadfast professionalism.

Some of Mr. Singh’s many major accomplishments include revamping North America’s monthly closing process to be more efficient, wrapping it up within 3-4 days. He focused on improving Curtis Inventory and Cost Accounting by standardizing monthly management reporting from the manufacturing plants. He implemented systematized inventory and cost accounting globally, as well as labor and project reporting. Focusing on treasury, Mr. Singh initiated a global cash forecasting system that proved invaluable during temporary macro-economic and intra-company down turns. He also helped set up a global Cash Management system that affords visibility of Curtis bank accounts on a daily basis. Another important contribution was his approach to risk management. He centralized and administered all Curtis insurance policies under one global platform.

He shared these important sentiments with his worldwide colleagues, “As I think back of my time at Curtis, what comes to mind the most is its People. It is the employees that makes this company a very special place. My position afforded me the opportunity to travel to various countries and work with our colleagues. I was always impressed with their work ethics and professionalism, but more important, how similar we are as individuals. I have learnt so much from all of you – and am truly thankful. As I look forward to this new phase in my life, I hope I can strive towards being a better person. I plan to spend more time with my family, especially my three grandsons. Perhaps some travel and definitely more reading.”

Mr. Singh will be succeeded by Mr. Anthony Carrozza, CPA.

Mount Kisco, New York, May 2023: Frank Fiumara, the Curtis Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has announced his eminent retirement. Frank has guided the Curtis Finance department for nearly 35-years starting in October 1988. During his long and distinguished career, he has made a vast contribution to Curtis, significantly impacting the Company’s success in the world markets. Frank has driven a strategic vision for the Company’s financial success, and he leaves Curtis in a strong position for future growth. He has been instrumental as a key decision maker in our multi-decade transformation into a global, industry leading electrification company. Frank was a major participant in the formation and development of subsidiaries, acquisitions and partnerships, including numerous transformative transactions the expansion into Asian and European operations, as well as his financial oversight and direction for establishing our R&D and manufacturing centers worldwide. He was essential in bringing expert talent to build a strong international finance team that helped further focus the Company’s operation and technical innovation, a world class finance group which remains a center pivot for the company.

In countless ways, he has helped Curtis achieve international success as a primary pillar of the company’s senior management team. From day one, he was a trusted and close advisor and right-hand associate to Curtis presdient and CEO Stuart Marwell. During Mr. Fiumara's tenure he was instrumental in charting the global expansion of the company. He has also led the company through some of its most challenging periods, including macro-economic recession and other financial issues, working tirelessly with his team to guide the company to financial stability and profitability.

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MT. KISCO, NY, May 2023. Curtis Instruments, Inc. is proud to announce that Mr. Anthony Carrozza, CPA, has been promoted to the position of Finance Controller in the corporate headquarters in Mount Kisco, New York. He will start in his new role of Finance Controller effective May 26, 2023. In his new capacity, Mr. Carrozza will be responsible for oversight of accounting policies and procedures in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and other applicable regulations and financial reporting. His efforts will be instrumental in helping Curtis optimize its financial operations and increase profitability.

Mr. Carrozza joined Curtis in 2017 as an Accounting Manager and was subsequently promoted to Assistant Corporate Controller, managing North American accounting operations, as well as being responsible for maintaining general ledgers. Prior to joining Curtis, Mr. Carrozza has held progressively responsible positions as Assistant Vice President Financial Reporting and Analysis, at the Royal Bank of Scotland; and, at the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where he was Audit Senior Associate for Private Company Services and served as the lead auditor for Curtis’ account.

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MT. KISCO, NY, May 2023. Curtis Instruments, Inc. announces that Mr. Gabriel Altby has assumed the additional role of Managing Director of Curtis Instruments GmbH, the company’s German subsidiary in Paderborn. He will now manage both the Curtis subsidiary in Stenkullen, Sweden, (Curtis Instruments, AB) and the German operation. In this role, Mr. Altby will be responsible for all aspects of managing this key subsidiary, an operation with 27 staff members, including sales, customer support, technical service, logistics and operations.

Mr. Altby received a Bachelor’s degree in Business administration and Economics from Gothenburg School of Business, Economics and Law, at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. He started working for Curtis while a student and has spent nearly 28 years with the company in progressively responsible positions, initially as accountant. He was quickly promoted to Administration Manager and in recent years he has had broader managerial responsibilities in his capacity as Managing Director of Curtis Instruments AB in Sweden.

Mr. Altby succeeds Thomas Hetmeier, the former Managing Director of Curtis GmbH. Mr. Hetmeier has recognized that despite his  promotion to Managing Director, he derives greater job satisfaction from engineering and technical management than administration. Accordingly, we are happy to support his return to an engineering role as Technical Support Director, where his contribution has been immense.

We are confident that Mr. Altby's long record of success, complemented by his well-rounded business management and sales skills, are ideally suited for his expanded leadership position at Curtis. He brings the right combination of vision, enthusiasm, technical skills and professionalism to lead the management of this important Curtis subsidiary.

Image: L - Gabriel Altby. R - Thomas Hetmeier.

KOHLER, Wis. – April 25, 2023 – Kohler Co. announces the evolution of its Power businesses to Kohler Energy, aligning with Kohler’s strategy of providing energy resilience to homes, businesses, and communities around the world.

“Our newly named Kohler Energy celebrates the industry-leading solutions Kohler has been offering for over 100 years and aligns with our ongoing leadership in resiliency, performance, and energy capabilities that delight our customers,” says Brian Melka, Kohler Energy Group President. “Our new brand presence better reflects the modern, forward-looking and design-oriented characteristics that Kohler is known for and highlights the solutions we bring to market that provide energy resilience to our customers’ homes, businesses, and tools to get jobs done.”

In its first 100 years, Kohler delivered light where there was none before, powered Admiral Richard Byrd’s historic Antarctic exploration, lit the way forward for industrial revolution in America, helped astronauts reach the moon, delivered clean water where it was needed most, and has innovated in nearly every energy category across the industry and around the globe.  

Kohler continues to invest in new product development to drive down CO2 emissions through low carbon fuels, improved engine efficiency and power density, EV controls, and grow its portfolio of high technology solutions. Most recently, Kohler was the first global manufacturer to certify all of its Diesel engines and generators on HVO, a 90% carbon reduced fuel.  

Kohler Energy offers solutions across Home Energy, Industrial Energy Systems, and Powertrain Technologies branded under KOHLER, as well as a robust portfolio that includes Clarke Energy, Kohler Uninterruptible Power, Heila Technologies, and Curtis Instruments. Kohler will be implementing new Kohler Energy brand elements across its portfolio of businesses in the coming months.

Earlier this year, Kohler partnered with Robert Swan, OBE (Order of the British Empire), on his successful expedition across the Antarctic landmass to the Geographic South Pole relying solely on renewable energy sources. Like its energy support of Admiral Byrd more than 90 years earlier, Kohler equipped Swan's journey with a customized KOHLER generator that utilized a KOHLER diesel engine fueled by HVO and a microgrid system controlled by Heila EDGE technology.

“Our collective focus is to help sustain people and communities around the world and build energy resiliency. As we start to design our future to best support our customers, we are investing in clean energy, advanced technologies, and improved production and performance capabilities,” says Melka.

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MT. KISCO, NY, January 2023. Curtis Instruments, Inc. announces that Mr. Pasquale D’Orlando, formerly General Manager & Director of Sales for Curtis Italy, has been promoted to Director of European Sales. In the newly created position, D’Orlando will manage all Curtis sales activities in Europe, responsible for the subsidiaries in Germany, France, Sweden , Italy, UK and Bulgaria, which together cover the continental sales. In his new capacity he will report to Mr. David Matthews, Vice President of Global Sales. 

His successful career encompasses the full spectrum of sales and management experience in the technical, business-to-business environment, with 25 full years with Curtis. He advanced through the ranks with the company in progressively responsible positions, initially as Customer Support Engineering Manager. He was first promoted to the position of Sales & Product Support Manager and then appointed as Sales Director, a role he held for 5 years. In 2009, he took on broader managerial responsibilities as General Manager and Director of Sales for Curtis Italy and areas of southern Europe. Mr. D'Orlando graduated with the Italian equivalent of a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. He also holds an advanced degree from the Italian Army Military Academy in Finance and Administration. 

In his new capacity, Mr. D’Orlando will focus on sales development and customer relations. He is committed to meet the expectations of the growing electrification market, to actively support Curtis’ technical leadership in Europe, and to assure that Curtis has the best team in the business to successfully partner with customer engineers. 

We are confident that Mr. D'Orlando's long record of success, complemented by his well-rounded business and technical skills, are ideally suited for his new leadership position at Curtis. He brings the right combination of vision, enthusiasm, technical skills and professionalism to lead the sale management of the company. 

Global firm rallies around Brand Pillars - Design, Innovation, Wellness, and Sustainability

KOHLER, Wis. – January 26, 2023 – Kohler Co., founded in 1873, has forged a legacy of creating industry-transforming innovations for kitchen and bath spaces, energy resiliency products, luxury hospitality experiences, and major championship golf. Creativity and leading-edge design are the heart and soul of the KOHLER brand ethos and mission of gracious living.

Kohler’s teams of bold creators around the world are the foundation of the iconic KOHLER brand, along with consumers and trade communities who bring the company’s products to life in creative and artistic ways. As Kohler embarks on its 150th anniversary, the global organization invites all associates, partners, and customers to participate in the celebration through a series of special events and activations around the world, including limited-edition product releases, commemorative apparel, and storytelling through digital content – all captured under the anniversary theme of Come All Creators.

“Bold moves and an entrepreneurial spirit are in our DNA and have deep meaning within our organization – starting with our founder John Michael Kohler who formed our company in Wisconsin together with an immigrant workforce creating new and better lives for their families,” said Chair and CEO David Kohler, the fourth generation of Kohler family leadership, and only the ninth person to lead the company. “As we celebrate our 150 years of achievements, learnings, and growth, we encourage all passionate creators to join our pursuit of continuous improvement in providing gracious living for future generations through better design, innovation, wellness, and sustainability.”

“The ingenuity and passion of our associates and customers are the catalysts to creating new ideas, effective partnerships, and a better world for future generations,” said Chief Sustainability and DEI Officer, Laura Kohler. “Looking back on Kohler’s many pioneering milestones inspires us to look forward and create new avenues to improve our planet, our lives and communities – one idea, one product, one partnership, one act of impact at a time.”

Throughout the year-long celebration of Come All Creators, Kohler will pay homage to its unique 150-year heritage while looking ahead to an innovative future joined by valued partners, talented artists, and explorers. To help bring the initiative to life, Kohler Co. partnered with American artist and innovator Daniel Arsham to conceive the commemorative 150th anniversary creative identity through logos and marks, typography, and lettering to meld the company’s storied heritage with its “leading boldly” approach to the future. Kohler previously collaborated with Arsham on Rock.01 an exclusive 3D-printed sink, and ‘Divided Layers’, a globally acclaimed installation featured in 2022 at Milan Design Week.

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KOHLER, Wis. – December 07, 2022 – Kohler Co. is pleased to announce the appointment of Samie Barr as Chief Brand Officer. This role was created to fuel strategic acceleration and further elevate the KOHLER brand globally across a diverse set of dynamic businesses. 
Barr will report to David Kohler, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, serve on the Kohler Leadership team and partner with leaders across the business to deliver the company’s mission of a higher level of gracious living for customers, brand partners and associates.  Barr will have responsibility for leading global creative, media and digital capabilities and the global teams responsible for the brand experience.
“Samie is an inspirational, high-performing leader who will help us continue to further enhance the creativity and impact of the KOHLER brand,” said David Kohler. “She is a values-based leader known for building high-performing teams with an inspiring and inclusive style.  Samie brings a deep understanding of global markets and has extensive experience in brand and business strategy, transformational innovation, digital leadership, and creative development for some of the world’s most loved and trusted brands.” 
Barr brings more than 30 years of progressive consumer and retail experience in fast-paced, high-growth companies.  She has a proven track record of leading customer-centric transformation and delivering growth.  Barr joins Kohler Co. from CB2, where she was Senior Vice President of Marketing.  Prior to that she was Vice President Global Brands at Hyatt Corporation and spent 15 years in leadership roles at Starbucks Coffee Company across US and International businesses.
“It’s an honor to join the iconic KOHLER brand with such an incredible foundation of bold innovation, impeccable design and an unwavering commitment to sustainability,” Barr said. “My experience and passion for leading brands centered around design, hospitality and retail make this an extraordinary opportunity. I look forward to working alongside David and his talented team to realize the incredible potential for the brand.” 

 

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Mount Kisco, New York, October 2022. Curtis Instruments, Inc. announces that Mr. Michel “Mike” Fircak has been appointed to the position of Vice President of Human Resources. In his new position, Mr. Fircak will be responsible for managing human resources globally for the corporation. He will report directly to Mr. Stuart Marwell, President of Curtis Instruments.

Mr. Fircak holds SHRM-SCP certification and a Master of Science degree in Human Resources Management from La Roche College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science/History from the University of Pittsburgh.

He has as strong record of success, spanning more than 20 years, holding progressively responsible Human Resource Management positions with major corporations. As a human resources leader, he is highly experienced in driving strategic growth and operational excellence through the implementation of management solutions. This includes HR strategy development and execution, high performance team development, organizational design, change management and strategic human capital planning.

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KOHLER, Wis. – September 12, 2022 – The Kohler Co. Board of Directors has elected President and Chief Executive Officer David Kohler to the additional role of Chair of the Board, following the passing of Executive Chairman Herbert V. Kohler, Jr. on Sept. 3 at age 83.  The Board of Directors had previously undertaken a comprehensive succession planning process to ensure an orderly transition of leadership to guide the global, privately held organization.  

David will Chair the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, in addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer which will include full scope responsibility for the three business groups of Kohler Co. (Kitchen & Bath, Power, Hospitality) and all enterprise functions. 

David has been with Kohler Co. for over 31 years and was elected to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer in 2015, having previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer since 2009.  He is the fourth generation of Kohler family leadership since the company’s inception in 1873, and only the ninth person to lead the company over the last 149 years.  “The Board is confident in David’s deep experience, strong leadership, and passion for bold innovation to continue driving our company forward well into the future.  David has proven to be an inspiring and forward-thinking leader for our associates around the world, including in times of uncertainty throughout the global financial crisis, the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and a variety of other challenges,” the company stated.  “David understands the importance of developing a strong culture of dedicated associates passionate about innovating, inspiring, and delighting our customers.  He draws upon the legacy of past Kohler leaders and our company’s established framework – grounded in our mission and guiding principles – to ensure company stability, sustained growth, and long-term success.”

“I learned so much from my father, including a tireless strong work ethic, leading with candor and humility, and always driving to innovate.  He believed that you must have passion for whatever you do in life if you want to be successful.  Working alongside him for decades showcased the impact of embracing an entrepreneurial spirit, not being afraid to fail, and always striving for accuracy and consistency.  He left an indelible mark on me personally and professionally,” David said of his father Herbert V. Kohler, Jr.

Under David’s leadership, the company surpassed $8 billion in annual revenues in 2021.  The organization has experienced substantial global expansion in both cutting-edge manufacturing facilities and immersive kitchen and bath showrooms, including the global portfolio of KOHLER Experience Centers, as well as significant growth in e-commerce and digital capabilities.  His leadership has helped KOHLER become the number-one kitchen and bath brand in the U.S. and China, and number-one international brand in India.

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Kohler Co. Executive Chairman Herbert Vollrath Kohler, Jr. passed away on September 3, 2022, in Kohler, Wisconsin. He was 83. His bold ideas and hands-on leadership transformed the plumbing products manufacturer founded by his grandfather into a global and diverse family of businesses synonymous with unmatched quality, creativity, and bold innovation. He literally put his beloved home state of Wisconsin on the map as a global golf destination culminating with the Ryder Cup in 2021.

Herb Kohler’s personal mission was to create delight. For him, there was no halfway. To warrant the “KOHLER” nameplate, a product had to be more than durable, functional, and attractive. It had to be joyful and memorable. 

“His zest for life, adventure and impact inspires all of us. We traveled together, celebrated together, and worked together. He was all in, all the time, leaving an indelible mark on how we live our lives today and carry on his legacy,” said his family.

He was admired by many as an accomplished, dynamic leader; independent-minded entrepreneur; courageous innovator; and passionate creative. Herb, more than anyone, lived and breathed Kohler Co.’s mission of providing customers with gracious living each day. He was a big personality who was steadfast in guiding Kohler associates in the relentless pursuit of the company mission, and he took immense joy in witnessing his customers’ delight firsthand. 

“If I sell you a bathtub, there has to be something about it that gives you pleasure not only at the time of the transaction. Years later, we want you to think this is one of the best buys of your life,” he once said in an interview. “The same applies with everything we provide – an engine, generator, toilet, table, hotel room, spa service, golf course, you name it. If you think about it five years later and, inwardly or outwardly, it makes you smile and we can do this consistently, then we’re living up to our mission.” 

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Kohler also tops Sustainability list and is a finalist on 2022 Large Companies list

KOHLER, Wis. – Aug. 2, 2022 – Fast Company today announced its fourth annual Best Workplaces for Innovators list, honoring organizations and businesses that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to encouraging innovation at all levels. Kohler Co. is listed No.10 on the 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators list, named the winner of Fast Company’s 2022 Best Workplaces for Innovators Sustainability list and a finalist on the Large Companies list. 

Initiatives that secured Kohler’s high rankings are rooted in the company’s Believing in Better operating philosophy that strives to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations through design, craftsmanship, and innovation. The company’s cultural belief in Boldly Innovating, encourages and empowers associates to take action. These and other initiatives including innovative solutions from the company’s Kitchen & Bath, Power and Hospitality & Real Estate businesses were recently shared in Kohler’s first Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report.

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MT. KISCO, NY, June 2022. Curtis Instruments, Inc. announces that Mr. Kerry Green has been promoted to the position of Managing Director of Curtis UK, Northampton, England. The UK operation is one of the company’s primary sales and service facilities which also includes the Engineering Centre Washington, Tyne and Wear. In his new position, Mr. Green will be responsible for directing a highly effective UK management team for sales, technical, financial, production and logistics. The Curtis office in Northampton, England, was established in 1974 and is the largest European sales and service subsidiary of Curtis Instruments responsible for a broad territory, covering United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Egypt, Israel and English-speaking Africa.

Mr. Green earned a degree in BSc Technology (hons) from the Open University. He joined Curtis more than 26 years ago, holding progressively responsible positions, starting as Sales Support Administrator. Since 2016, he was Director of European Support Engineering, and prior to that he held the important position of OEM Sales Manager.

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MT. KISCO, NY, May 2022. Curtis Instruments, Inc. announces that Mr. Wilfrido Ramos has been promoted to the position of General Manager of the company’s manufacturing plant in Carolina, Puerto Rico. In his new position, Mr. Ramos will be responsible for all aspects of the management of Curtis Instruments Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican plant is one of the company’s primary manufacturing facilities, predominantly focused on producing motor speed controllers and related electric vehicle products.  

Mr. Ramos earned a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez. Among his many post-college certifications and continuing education achievements, he earned ASQC Six Sigma Green Belt Certification. He has been twice recognized by the Puerto Rican Manufacturers Association as Puerto Rico Regional Manufacturing Manager of the Year, in 2013 and 2017.

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After leading the California R&D center, formerly called Curtis PMC, for 38 years, Steve Post has announced his retirement effective February 2022. During those vital years, Steve Post was a primary pillar in the success of Curtis Instruments. He personified multiple roles as innovator, engineer, entrepreneur and as business leader of this important Curtis motor speed technology division. Today, motor speed controllers are the most important product line in the Curtis product basket, with millions installed worldwide. Under his leadership, Curtis controllers became one of the primary renowned products of its type worldwide. His extraordinary contribution to both Curtis and the overall advancement of the electrification of vehicles and equipment is immeasurable.

This short tribute could not possibly cover the long list of successes, technical innovations, milestones and struggles the Curtis California R&D Center progressed through under Steve Post’s leadership over nearly four decades. His management style reflected his personality –gentle, quiet and thoughtful. His moto was “Hire the best people. Give them the resources and authority to do their job and let them do their work.” That may be the reason why people who worked for him over the decades have often described him as brilliant and visionary. He led by example, rather than by command, managing people by bringing out the best in them.  

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KOHLER, Wis., Jan. 10, 2022 – Kohler Co. announces that its Power Group – a global leader in engines, power generation and clean energy solutions – has signed an agreement to acquire multinational Curtis Instruments, headquartered in Mount Kisco, New York. Curtis is a leading electrification partner to OEMs across a broad range of markets including material handling, golf and recreational vehicles, mobile elevated work platforms, construction, agriculture, turf care, marine, medical mobility and select on-road segments. Founded in 1960, the company employs approximately 1,100 individuals and operates in 16 countries, including manufacturing locations in Puerto Rico, Bulgaria, China and India.

Curtis’ product portfolio spans motor speed controllers, HMIs and instrumentation, power conversion, CAN modules and other accessories. With a deep roster of talent across five engineering centers, Curtis also develops advanced software solutions for its customers. The acquisition expands and diversifies Kohler’s power portfolio by leveraging Curtis’ electrification expertise with Kohler’s well-established gasoline and diesel engine business to best serve off-highway OEM customers. Curtis Instruments will operate as a standalone entity within the Kohler Power Group with Stuart Marwell, President, reporting to Brian Melka, Group President – Power. Kohler Power and Curtis now have more than 160 years of combined technical experience in energy management solutions. Terms of the agreement are not disclosed.

The transaction is announced just days following Kohler’s acquisition of Heila Technologies – a microgrid software controls company – and the creation of a separate Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) business unit focused on residential energy storage. These moves represent Kohler’s continued commitment to lead in diversified distributed energy solutions.

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MT. KISCO, NY, January 2022. Curtis Instruments, Inc. announces that Mr. Christof Zurbrügg has been promoted to the position of Managing Director of the company’s Swiss subsidiary in Biberist. In his new position, Mr. Zurbrügg will be responsible for all aspects of managing Curtis Instruments AG, including engineering and operations. Curtis’ subsidiary in Biberist, Switzerland, is one of the company’s primary engineering centers, predominantly focused on designing and developing medical mobility systems for wheelchairs and rehab chairs.  

Mr. Zurbrügg earned two Bachelor’s degrees from the Berner Fachhochschule BFH, in Bern, Switzerland: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (1994) and in Business Information Technology (2005). He added a Certificate of Advanced studies in Mobile Application Technologies from the same school in 2012. Prior to that, he was an apprentice Electronics Technician with MF Thun in Switzerland.

He joined Curtis more than 24 years ago, advancing through the ranks with the company in progressively responsible positions, initially as hardware engineer. He was first promoted to the important position as Group Leader Hardware Engineering, a role he held for 12 years. In 2021 he took on broader managerial responsibilities in preparation for this major promotion to Managing Director.

In his new capacity, Mr. Zurbrügg will continue to focus on the development of advanced mobility systems that encompass a combination of high-level features, ease of use, safety and ergonomics for the user. Major customers in the US and Europe rely on Curtis AG’s highly specialized expertise in this technology to make their wheelchairs and rehab chairs the best in the market, while assuring affordability and value.

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It is with great sadness that the company mourns the passing of Mr. Richard Sadler, an important colleague who was instrumental in the both the company’s growth and the internationalization of Curtis. He passed away on December 30,2021, after a three-year battle with cancer.

Mr. Sadler was a dedicated and respected leader, a major contributor to the international success of Curtis over 32 years. His keen instincts and in depth knowledge of our markets and products were influential in setting policy and direction for Curtis worldwide. His contributions to the success of the company are immeasurable. Everyone knew him to be unpretentious, down-to-earth, strong in his convictions, and hard working. He had the respect of everyone who worked with him.

Mr. Sadler was hired in 1983 by then president, Edward Marwell, as the second Managing Director of Curtis UK Curtis Instruments (UK) Ltd., the first European subsidiary in Northampton, England. During his tenure, Mr. Sadler developed Curtis UK into one of the company’s most important European entities. When Mr. Sadler Sadler came on board as managing director there were ten employees. Over the next years, he developed Curtis U.K. into a thriving, profitable business with over approximately 50 employees today. A hallmark of his managerial approach was his emphasis on staff development and team building.

He also played key roles in setting up Curtis subsidiaries in India, France, Germany and Sweden. England and France were the first primary locations for Curtis in Europe, as these two countries were large hubs for forklift truck manufacturing activities, the industry where Mr. Sadler developed his expertise in material handling.

In 2007, Mr. Sadler was promoted to the worldwide position as Executive VP of Sales and Marketing, a role that perfectly fit his broad knowledge of our markets, the industries we serve and the products needed for global success. He retired from the company in 2016 to spend more time with his family on their beautiful farm outside of Northampton. His protégé Barry Langsford subsequently took over the management of Curtis UK. He continued on as a member of the Board of Directors of Curtis Instruments, Inc. and various other Curtis subsidiaries.

Curtis employees worldwide will miss Mr. Sadler greatly.

After 25 years of leading Curtis Instruments AG, the company’s primary medical mobility engineering center in Biberist, Switzerland, Mr. Kurt Stump has retired from the company effective November 2021. He was succeeded by his longtime manager and protégé Christof Zurbrügg.

Under Mr. Stump’s leadership, the Curtis medical mobility line for electric wheelchairs reached international success, installed by major OEM customers in North America and Europe. Curtis vehicle control systems are among the most sophisticated wheelchair systems in the world, leading the market in technological advancement, user experience and value.

It all started in 1996, when Curtis acquired the drive system division of Zaugg Elektronik AG und founded Curtis AG in Obergerlafingen, in the Canton Solothurn. Zaugg specialized in electric wheelchair technology and Kurt Stump was their top engineer. Curtis took over the specialized department of five employees. That was the beginning of a 25 year-long success story of the Swiss subsidiary, a key R&D Center of Curtis which currently employs 38 people in the Biberist engineering center. By all standards, the Curtis AG team ranks top in their sphere of expertise globally.

Curtis wheelchair systems significantly improve the quality of life and are highly adaptable and customizable to specific user needs, in large part due to Mr. Stump’s vision. These highly advanced systems offer an unprecedented combination of features, performance, safety and value to users. This has been Kurt Stump’s primary achievement and his entire team has been devoted and motivated toward this goal. The result is astounding: More than 300,000 people worldwide benefit from and rely on wheelchairs and rehab powerchairs equipped with Curtis vehicle systems. 

Mr. Stump has earned the respect and loyalty of his team, and the admiration of Curtis teams worldwide, for his technical expertise and commitment to excellence, always while keeping the end user in mind – those people whose life has been improved through better mobility.

Photo: L. Kurt Stump. R: His successor Christof Zurbrügg.

On the last day of 2021, Eugene Finger retired from Curtis Instruments, Inc, where he started on June 10, 1963, as one of the company’s pioneer contributors. It would take a book to fully do justice to Mr.Finger’s immeasurable contribution to the company. His greatest reward, perhaps, is that he is admired, respected and, indeed, beloved by all who ever dealt with him, for both his technical brilliance and personal kindness. We salute Mr.Finger and we tip our hats in respect to a great man in whose presence we were honored to work.

Along with founders Edward M. Marwell and Curtis Beusman, he had significantly helped establish the company’s success path. Marwell, Beusman and Finger were known as “the three engineers” who formed to core of the early company. After Mr. Beusman left the company, Mr. Finger became one of the most important advisors to Edward Marwell and the key technical leader of the company. After stepping down from his role as Vice president of Engineering, Mr.Finger continued as a special consultant to the company. He is one of only two people in Curtis who have buildings named after him, in his case the Mount Kisco Tech Center, the former headquarters building where we worked for many decades.

Eugene Finger, and Curtis co-founder Curtis Beusman. developed a monitor to measure the battery state-of-charge and created an assembly for the monitor, making it easy to remove the device from the discharged battery and re-install it on the replacement unit. Mr. Finger also began work on timers contracted by NASA to build the Apollo mission’s Lunar Excursion Module. Over 40 timers were used to monitor electrical equipment in the ascent and descent stages of every Apollo mission. The timers were hour meters, indicating the amount of operable life left on a piece of equipment. After all the testing endured by the Lunar Module, it was crucial to know the equipment’s condition for its journey to the moon. Within five years, Curtis had been successful in its attempt to find a home for the coulometer. Even more exciting, the mercury-based technology did not find just one home – it found many.

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After 21 year of leading the Curtis Pacific sales office in Tokyo, Japan, Tadashi Mikajiri has relinquished his role as General Manager, in anticipation of his retirement later. Until then, he will continue to serve Curtis in the important advisory capacity of senior consultant, assisting his successor, Mr. Keiichiro Miyauchi. During his tenure, the Curtis team in Japan has developed vital relationships with major Japanese manufacturers and promoted Curtis EV and hybrid solutions to the Japanese market.

Mr. Miyauchi was initially appointed to the position of Assistant General Manager in 2021. Beginning in December 2021, he assumed the role of General Manager to carry on the mission of the Curtis office in Tokyo to market Curtis technology to a broad territory, covering Japan and Thailand.

Mr. Miyauchi has a strong record of success, spanning more than two decades, holding progressively responsible managerial and sales positions with business-to-business international technical corporations. Prior to joining Curtis, he was Senior Sales Manager and regional Division Head with the Industrial Technology Division of a major German company. He worked for 13 years in both Germany and Japan for this global technology company which supplies systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial machines such as lift trucks, construction and agricultural vehicles. He brings the right combination of vision, enthusiasm, plus refined sales and leadership skills to the position.  He is well suited for Curtis’ global high-tech business environment.

Photo: Tadashi Mikajiri

Livermore, California, 2021. Curtis Instruments, Inc. announces that Mrs. Rhodora “Dora” Samson has been appointed to the position of Human Resources Manager at the Livermore, California engineering center. In her new position, Dora Samson will be responsible for a wide range of human resources activities, including Employee Relations, Staff Recruitment, Supervision/Training, Performance Management, Benefits management and more. 

Her guiding tenet will be the first, and most important, of the Curtis 10-Point Operating Principles: Our people are our most important resource. This operating principle guides our daily work & relationships with our colleagues, customers, suppliers, and our community.

Mrs. Samson received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences with a double minor in Marketing and Sociology at California State University Hayward, and an HR Management Certification from San Francisco State University. She holds a PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certification granted by the HR Certification Institute, and a SHRM-CP (Certified Professional) certification from the Society for Human Resource Management.     

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Mount Kisco-based company ranked sixth by prestigious New York Human Resources Society

Curtis Instruments, Inc. – a privately-held international controls and instrumentation manufacturer headquartered in Mount Kisco – has been recognized as the sixth Best Company to Work for in New York in the "large employer" category. Curtis, currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, received the nod from The New York State Society for Human Resource Management (NYSSHRM) at the annual awards ceremony held virtually on Wednesday, July 28th.

With more than 1,000 employees worldwide, Curtis is a world leader in instrumentation, battery monitoring and motor speed controllers for electric vehicles of all types, including forklifts, wheelchairs, neighborhood electric vehicles, golf cars, aerial lifts, and industrial and utility vehicles. The company currently operates 15 sales, engineering, and manufacturing locations across the globe.

As one of the best businesses in the state, Curtis was recognized for workplace excellence, demonstrated through multiple facets including its distinctive people focused culture. The company maintains a unique set of corporate principles that drive ethical behavior, global citizenship, and community involvement.

"One of our guiding principles at Curtis is that our people are our number one resource," said Anne Papaelias, Vice President of Human Resources of Curtis Instruments. "Each person in this diverse network of employees is responsible for Curtis' progress and each person equally shares in the company's success, including this special recognition. Being named a Best Company for the sixth successive years of participation is a clear reflection of our core values in treating employees fairly and with respect."

Created in 2007, the Best Companies to Work for in New York awards are part of an established program that evaluates and ranks the best places of employment based on two sets of criteria: workplace practices and policies, and employee satisfaction and engagement measured through extensive surveys. The 2021 list of Best Companies to Work for in New York is comprised of the top 75 companies with in-state operations, divided into three size categories: small/medium employers with up to 249 U.S.-based employees and large employers with more than 250 associates.

Tokyo, Japan, May 2021. Curtis Instruments, Inc. announces that Mr. Keiichiro Miyauchi has been appointed to the position of Assistant General Manager for Curtis Pacific, Inc. in Tokyo, Japan. In his new position, Mr. Miyauchi will be responsible for many aspects of managing this vital Curtis subsidiary, including sales, customer support, technical service, and operations. He will report directly to Mr. Tadashi Mikajiri, the managing director, and will share more of his responsibilities over time. The Curtis office in Tokyo is responsible for a broad territory, covering Japan and Thailand.

Mr. Miyauchi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law from the Chuo University, in Tokyo. He has as strong record of success, spanning more than two decades, holding progressively responsible managerial and sales positions with business-to-business international technical corporations. Most recently, he was Senior Sales Manager and regional Division Head with the Industrial Technology Division of major German company. He worked for 13 years in both Germany and Japan for this global technology company which supplies systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial machines such as lift trucks, construction and agricultural vehicles. This experience will be directly transferrable and fitting to the Curtis efforts to electrify on and off-road vehicles, equipment and machinery.

Prior to that, he worked at Japanese automotive components supplier in Gunma, Japan as Global Key Account Manager for German car makers. As an international manager, he speaks Japanese, German and English.

We are confident that Mr. Miyauchi’s record of success, complemented by his well-rounded business and technical skills, are ideally suited for his new leadership position at Curtis. He brings the right combination of vision, enthusiasm, plus refined sales skills and managerial professionalism to the position, and he is well-suited for the global Curtis high-tech business culture.

Dear Valued Customers

Due to unprecedented pressure on electronic component availability we would like to inform you that there is a potential for shipping delays from our manufacturing sites. This is due to both the unexpected and sharp recovery of the manufacturing industry as well as the introduction of electronics into everyday consumer products and automobiles. In 2020, the supply of global electronics suffered as entire supply chains were disrupted due to the global pandemic and other macro-economic factors We are presently experiencing severely increasing lead times and some allocations for various semiconductor products including MOSFET’s, microprocessors and capacitors. All indication is that these supply disruptions are going to continue through 2021 and into the foreseeable future.

We are currently fighting increasing costs associated with ‘expedited shipping’, spot purchases, allocations and partial shipments from our suppliers and are concerned that these cost increases are going to continue. Additionally, we are seeing delays in products moving through ports and customs around the world and anticipate international shipments taking up to an extra week to reach our warehouses.  At this time we are holding our sales prices on all products though we reserve the right to adjust pricing based on allocations and price pressures from our suppliers that are beyond our reasonable control. Additionally, we are not able to entertain expediting any orders at this time.

Curtis is doing everything possible to overcome this situation. Customers can be assured that we have a global team of dedicated supply-chain experts working around the clock to mitigate any impact to our delivery lead times and production schedules. We are closely monitoring each system component to assure that our supply chain risks are minimized and we are using our extensive international supplier relationships to maximum effectiveness. 

We are firmly committed to an on-going dialog with you so we may bridge this difficult period with minimum impact to your business. We recognize the importance of open communication channels and should we experience unavoidable shortages or port delays that affect our deliveries we will immediately notify you.

To demonstrate that commitment, we are opening a communication path directly to top senior management. Vice President of Sales Americas and Asian Operations, David Matthews is personally ready to advise you about any of your specific concerns or questions. Feel free to reach directly to Mr. Matthews at matthewsd@curtisinst.com.

Thank you for your consideration.

The highly popular and respected Leif Svensson, Vice President of European Sales and the Managing Director of both Curtis GmbH in Paderborn, Germany and Curtis AB in Stenkullen, Sweden, has announced that he will retire from the company effective April 30, 2021. He started his successful career with Curtis in 1991 in a sales capacity, reporting to Curtis UK. In 1994, he was tasked with establishing Curtis AB, where he took reigns as Managing Director. During his tenure at Curtis AB, he was instrumental in developing BT Sweden as a major customer, among other major accomplishments. He took on the additional role of Managing Director of the German office in 2005. He focused on building a highly professional organization with superb technical support capabilities and high job satisfaction. His latest achievement was to establish and expand the world-class European Logistics Facility in Paderborn.

Mr. Svensson has spent many years commuting the long distance of 557.69 mi (897.51 km)between his home near Gothenburg, Sweden and the Curtis apartment in Paderborn, clocking hundreds of thousands of kilometers in the process.  

   His direct supervisor, Mark Ankers stated, “Very much the leader and a mentor Leif has always tried to give everyone in the Curtis Europe organization a free rein, encouraging individual decision making and personal responsibility. Whenever possible, he gives junior colleagues an opportunity to be heard and recognized at corporate level and throughout the organization.”

Mr. Svensson will continue on in a mentor capacity while he enjoys his retirement on the Swedish Island of Bohus-Malmoen following his many interests, including sailing and riding his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycle.

MT. KISCO, NY, January 2021. Curtis Instruments, Inc. announces that Mr. Gabriel Altby has been promoted to the position of Managing Director of the company’s Swedish subsidiary in Stenkullen. In his new position, Mr. Altby will be responsible for all aspects of managing Curtis Instruments, AB, including sales, customer support, technical service, -. Curtis’ office in Stenkullen, Sweden, is responsible for a broad territory, covering Scandinavia: Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. 

Mr. Altby received a Bachelor’s degree in Business administration and Economics from Gothenburg School of Business, Economics and Law, at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

He started working for Curtis while a student and has spent nearly 26 years with the company in progressively responsible positions, initially as accountant. He was quickly promoted to Administration Manager and in recent years he has –had  broader managerial responsibilities and international sales activities, in preparation for this major promotion.

In his new capacity, Mr. Altby will focus on development of the Scandinavian market, as vehicle and equipment electrification is on the rise. He stated, “I see a lot of potential and good opportunities in the Scandinavian market. Electrification is a strong trend and we are well positioned with a lot of exciting new products released or soon due for introduction. My focus will be to carefully develop the organization and create growth by taking advantage of the exciting opportunities we see in the market.”

We are confident that Mr. Altby's long record of success, complemented by his well-rounded business management and sales skills, are ideally suited for his new leadership position at Curtis. He brings the right combination of vision, enthusiasm, technical skills and professionalism to lead the management of this important Curtis subsidiary.

The new 1238SE controller models complete the ‘SE’ series of Curtis AC controllers (inverters). These models are available in four variants and utilize the latest technology to increase the peak current ratings for each size of controller. The Curtis SE range is ideal for the speed and torque control of 3-phase AC motors and intended for use as electric traction or hydraulic pump motor controllers for mobile, on-vehicle applications that require 24-96 VDC nominal battery supply. This ‘SE’ series is configured to work with any AC induction or PMAC motor. The new controller offers easy to use auto-characterization setup and simple on-truck pairing with different Induction motor types. A comprehensive library of induction and PMAC motor types are conveniently stored in the controller memory.

The Curtis 1238SE controller is CE marked as a programmable safety device under EN ISO 13849-1. These controllers meet or comply with relevant US and International Regulations of EN 12895:2015. They are designed to the requirements of: EN1175-1:1998+A1:2010 and EN (ISO) 13849-1 2015. Additionally, 1238SE is IP65 Rated per IEC 60529 and UL recognized per UL583.

MT. KISCO, NY, October 2020. Curtis Instruments, Inc. announces that Mrs. Christina Lowe has been appointed to the position of Human Resources Manager at the Mount Kisco, New York, company headquarters. In her new position, Christina Lowe will be responsible for a wide range human resources activities, including Employee Relations, Staff Recruitment, Supervision/Training, Performance Management, Benefits management and more. 

Her guiding tenet will be the first, and most important, of the Curtis 10-Point Operating Principles: Our people are our most important resource. This operating principle guides our daily work & relationships with our colleagues, customers, suppliers, and our community.

Mrs. Lowe received a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York, and she hold a Bachelor of Business Administration: General Business from Berkely College in White Plains, New York

Prior to joining Curtis Instruments, she has had eight years of progressively responsible HR experience. Her successful career encompasses the full spectrum of human resources management responsibilities. Most recently Christina Lowe was Human Resources Generalist at WDF, Inc. (Tutor Perini) in Mount Vernon, New York, and prior to that she held a similar position at Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. in New York City.

We are confident that Christina Lowe's record of success, complemented by her well-rounded business and human resources skills, are ideally suited for her new position at Curtis. She brings the right combination of vision, enthusiasm, people skills and professionalism to the position and she is well-suited for the Curtis high-tech business culture.

MT. KISCO, NY, October. 2020. Curtis Instruments, Inc. announces that Mr. Ernesto Millan has been appointed to the corporate position of Director of Global Materials Management. In his new position, Mr. Millan will be responsible for all vital supply chain functions, including procurement, inventory management, customer service, planning, distribution and logistics. He will be stationed in the Curtis world headquarters in Mount Kisco, New York. 

Mr. Millan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente, ITESO in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico. He holds a Data Science Certificate from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, in New Brunswick. He received formal training in Project Management.

As a fully qualified CPIM-APICS and CPSM-ISM professional, Mr. Millan had twenty years of progressively responsible experience prior to joining Curtis Instruments. His successful career encompasses the full spectrum of supply chain management experience for technical, business-to-business companies with directly transferrable skills to meet the Curtis global technical supply chain opportunities,  particularly his strong automotive electronics experience.

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Model AC F4-A uses dual, high-performance ARM Cortex microprocessors to ensure the highest possible levels of functional safety, while providing highly efficient motor control and flexible system control capabilities. It is intended to control the Electric Traction (Propel), Hydraulic Pump and On-Engine Generator (OEG) Hybrid systems on mobile equipment applications such as Materials Handling Trucks, Aerial Work Platforms and Construction Equipment. In addition to the highly advanced motor control, the Model AC F4-A is also a powerful Vehicle Manager/System Controller, with significant CANbus system master capabilities.

Packed with powerful features, the new controller is rated for IP65 and IP67 per IEC 60529.provides high-efficiency, field-oriented motor control algorithms for 3-phase AC motors while maintaining optimal performance at all operating conditions. Model AC F4-A provides real-time motor torque and power estimates for vehicle level power optimization. The controller features rugged housing in a very small footprint. The unit features heavy-duty M6 busbars for motor and battery connectors. The unit is CE marked as a programmable safety device with UL583 Pending. 

Model AC F4-A is easily configured to work with any AC induction or PMAC motor. The renowned Curtis motor auto-characterization setup allows easy on-truck pairing with different Induction motor types. The new controller features the latest implementation of Curtis renowned field oriented control algorithms, and our advanced PWM switching technology, assures maximum motor output torque and highest possible system efficiency across the entire torque/speed spectrum. The result is smooth and predictable drive control that only Curtis can deliver. 

The new Curtis ECS module is a flexible, easy to implement, operator identification keypad. The unit ensures only authorized  users have access to the machine guaranteeing safe control and secure operation. Operators may identify themselves  in multiple ways: through use of a personal pin code, through compatible RFID tags or a combination of the two. 

The ECS module is flexible to implement and can easily be integrated into machines with or without a CAN bus.  The module incorporates a buzzer and two easy to read status LEDs providing the operator audio and visual feedback regarding identification acceptance and diagnostics. Integrates easily into any system. 

For CAN based systems: CANopen implementation with an optionally connected CAN termination resistor. Supports CAN baud rates from 100Kbps to 1 Mbps. For non-CAN based systems: output relay will change state to indicate  authorized access. The Curtis ECS module operates in demanding conditions with IP65 front and IP40 (upgradable to IP54) rear ingress protection. It is CE compliant, UL recognized and ROHS2  Compliant.  

Key specifications include: 12 to 96 V Nominal Voltage; 9V Min; 120V max. System Voltage: 12 to 96 V, Typical (mA) 25; Max (mA) 136. 

This new toolkit by Curtis is the V1.5 Windows PC Software Suite for the Design, Configuration and Diagnostics of CAN Control Systems. 

The Curtis Integrated Toolkit (CIT) is a powerful, fully integrated suite of development and diagnostic tools for use on control systems utilizing Curtis CAN-based products. CIT allows system design engineers to fully develop, configure, optimise and debug vehicle/equipment control systems that utilize Curtis CAN-based motor controllers, system controllers and I/O modules. CIT allows communication with all compatible CAN devices present on the CANbus, thus enabling live information from multiple CAN devices to be viewed at the same time. Conversely, CIT can also target any one individual device on the CANbus. Primarily intended for use by OEM design and development engineers, CIT is also available in reduced-feature editions that provide a sub-set of the available functionality. Restricted permission levels are also available, making CIT suitable for use by equipment dealers and maintenance engineers as a service tool.

September 2020. Curtis Instruments is the exclusive distributor of Curtis/Albright DC Contactors and Disconnect Switches in North America. The new Model HV 500 is ideal for all types of electric vehicle and battery pack applications for Voltage up to 500V DC, with a Current Thermal Rating up to 500 Amps. The unit is hermetically sealed and meets IP67 standards. Packed with powerful features, the contactor is not polarity sensitive.  

The versatility of the new high voltage unit HV500 allows a variety of coil options that  include: 

- Continuous Duty - for operation 24 hours a day

- Intermittent Duty - especially for switching on load

- Economizer - allowing for significantly reduced power consumption while maintaining optimum switching capability

- Magnetic Latching - for zero power consumption in immobile applications

Mounting is easy through a rotatable bracket which offers 6 orientation angles. This allows for complete flexibility with the position of main contacts, allowing for customer ease of connection. The recommended tightening torque is 2.5Nm to 3Nm. The micro-switch option allows for either a Normally Open or Normally Closed configuration to be fitted within the hermetically sealed enclosure of the contactor.

The Curtis/Albright HV series of DC Contactors is fully hermetically sealed, allowing for  durability in extreme environments, or where operating in potentially hazardous conditions. Silver alloy tips can be specified when frequent load switching is required. Model HV500 has been designed from conception to be capable for switching heavy loads. 

March 2, 2020. The new Curtis Model 1360 is an easy to implement module that functions to isolate a CANbus, ideal for any CANbus application. The 1360 can be utilized to mitigate unwanted voltage or current on a bus originating from EMC, ground loops or systems operating on multiple voltages. It is designed to isolate one CANbus from another, effectively reducing bus noise and errors while still facilitating communication between the two busses. The module contains optionally connected 120-ohm CAN termination resistors making it easy to terminate a bus within the module. The 1360 module integrates easily into a system; by simply connecting two CAN buses to the module it will effectively isolate one bus from the other effectively reducing bus noise. Hardware only design does not require updating or configuring firmware. The unit easily operates in demanding conditions with an operational temperature range of -40AE to +85AE C and IP67 ingress protection and supports CAN baud rates from 50kbps to 1Mbps. CE compliant with regard to EMC and ROHS, UL recognition is pending.

MT. KISCO, New York, November, 2019. Curtis Instruments, Inc. announces that Dr. Howard J. Slater, PhD, B Eng (Hons), MIEE, has been appointed to the newly created position of Director of UK Engineering Centre (UKEC), the newest Curtis R&D Center to be located in Sunderland, UK. Dr. Slater is responsible for setting up this fully autonomous engineering center, which will supplement and complement the existing global Curtis engineering facilities in California, New York, Switzerland and China. The process of setting up this new facility is actively underway. The UKEC will be responsible for delivering motor controllers and custom products to the industrial sector, assisting in the further electrification of this industry. 

Dr. Slater earned a Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, after having received a PhD in Real Time Emulation Environment for Digital Control Development from the same educational institution. He also completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, where he earned a Bachelor's degree Eng (Hons) 1st Class Electrical/Electronic Engineering. He started his engineering studies at Gateshead Technical College, where he earned O.N.C. Electrical/Electronic Engineering (Merit) and H.N.C. Electrical/Electronic Engineering (Distinction) degrees.

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MT. KISCO, NY, October. 2019 . Curtis Instruments, Inc. announces that Mr. Joshua Caldwell has been appointed to the newly created position of Director of Product Management for Instrumentation, Human Machine Interface (HMIs) & Connectivity. In his new position, Mr. Caldwell will be responsible for the worldwide product management for these important Curtis product lines and to help solidify the global technical leadership position of the company.

Mr Caldwell received a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he is currently also in the final stages of completing a Masters of Science Degree in Computer Science.

Prior to joining Curtis Instruments, he has had two decades of progressively responsible experience. His successful career encompasses the full spectrum of engineering, sales and product management responsibilities. Most recently Mr. Caldwell was Senior Software Applications and Engineering Leader for CrossControl in Washington, DC, where he was responsible for the corporate business in North America, including go-to-market strategy, budget, customer management, resources and business planning. Previous roles have seen Mr. Caldwell responsible for software, systems and sales for major technical companies, including for Case New Holland and the Ford Motor Company. At Ford, he started as an intern and moved through their prestigious training program for five years, rotating through software, systems and launch engineering, sales and marketing functions. He also used his business, technical and software skills to serve others as a Peace Corps volunteer in Sierra Leone, Africa.

We are confident that Mr. Caldwell's record of success, complemented by his well-rounded business and technical skills, are ideally suited for his new position at Curtis. He brings the right combination of vision, enthusiasm, technical skills and professionalism to lead the worldwide expansion of these vital Curtis product lines.

July 1, 2019: Curtis Instruments Inc. is pleased to announce the establishment of the Curtis UK Engineering Centre (UKEC). The UKEC is a new Research & Development Engineering facility that will be located in the Newcastle / Sunderland area of England, a region that is rapidly developing into a high-technology hub.

The UKEC expands the company's industry-leading position as an expert electrification partner to OEMs and EV system suppliers. The UKEC will also significantly strengthen Curtis's ability to provide first-class systems engineering services to the major UK & European vehicle and mobile machinery manufacturers.

This new engineering facility will work closely with existing Curtis global engineering teams in California, New York, Switzerland, and China, deepening the company's powertrain electrification competencies. Ties with local colleges and universities will provide opportunities at the vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The UKEC will be a business unit of Curtis Instruments UK Ltd. in Northampton, England, founded in 1974, which operates as the sales, technical support and logistics hub for Curtis in the UK and Ireland.

Curtis is now actively recruiting innovative and capable engineers with mobile electronics experience to join the UKEC team. Click here for further information.

This new controller by Curtis provides efficient, optimal control of permanent magnet drive motors for battery powered vehicles. Model 1226 is optimized for use on light duty Class III pallet trucks and sweeper scrubber floorcare machines. Highly flexible programmability allows these controllers to be applied on any low power PM motor application.

Model 1226 is easily programmed with Model 1313 handheld or 1314 PC programming station, or can be supplied pre-programmed. These controllers are compatible with industrial tiller handle wig-wag throttles such as the Curtis Model ET-190E. Troubleshooting and diagnostics are easy. Advanced speed regulation maintains precise speed over varied terrain, obstacles, curbs and ramps. Hydraulic Lift Lockout functionality protects the vehicle's batteries from damaging level of discharge. These new controllers provide highly flexible I/O.

The Curtis Model AC F2-C is an Integrated AC Traction & DC Pump System Controller that offers unprecedented performance and value. This AC F2-C motor controller combined with a Half bridge DC hydraulic pump and proportional valve control system uses dual high-performance ARM Cortex microprocessors in a compact, package to deliver unmatched performance and a very flexible feature set.

Model AC F2-C is fully optimized for use as a Combi traction and hydraulic controller on 1.0 ton-2.0 ton class III pedestrian-operated powered pallet and stacker trucks. It provides vehicle designers with the ability to fully define and control the detailed dynamic performance of their vehicle's drivetrain and hydraulic pump system, and also provides comprehensive vehicle management and CAN master capabilities. Model AC F2-C is also suitable for traction and hydraulic pump control on other types of battery powered vehicles such as the small aerial scissor lift platforms.

Together with the new Curtis model 3140 CAN LCD display and the new user-friendly Curtis Integrated Toolkit, the Curtis model AC F2-C is the ultimate Class III truck control system. 

The Curtis E model controllers utilize a powerful dual-microprocessor logic architecture to provide improved performance and surpass the requirements of the latest international functional safety standards. The Curtis Model 1269E provides energy efficient control of asynchronous AC induction motors performing on-vehicle traction drive duties. It offers vehicle developers a highly cost-effective combination of power, performance and functionality.

Intended for electric and hybrid vehicles using 72 to 108V nominal system voltage for high power circuits, and a 12V chassis-grounded system for low-power control circuits. Software upgrade allows use with surface permanent magnet synchronous motors. 

February 2019. Mount Kisco, New York: The new Curtis Model 1220E brushed DC permanent magnet motor controller for electric power steering and steer-by-wire systems fully meets EN1175 1:1998+A1: 2010 standards. This controller is exclusively designed for Curtis Vehicle Control Language (VCL) enabled AC-traction controllers. The steering motor functions as an actuator to change the angle of the wheels thereby changing travel direction. Model 1220E interprets the steering command input and wheel position feedback, to steer the vehicle. Intended applications are class-3 material handling vehicles such as pallet trucks, stackers and similar industrial vehicles.

The controller features absolute and relative position control modes. Model 1220 e has 20 kHz Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) switching frequency to ensure silent operation. Advanced PWM techniques produce low motor harmonics, low torque ripple, and minimized heating losses, resulting in high efficiency. Powerful features include configurable homing methods, center offset, and end-stop protection. Model 1220e, with CANopen system communication, operates with 24V and 36/48V nominal supply voltage and 60A 1-minute current rating. Hour meter and diagnostic log functions are integrated. The Curtis 840 Spyglass can be connected to show traction and steering information such as BDI, hour meter, fault, traction speed, and steered wheel angle. Model 1220 e is designed for maximum safety with dual redundant configuration of all safety relevant parts. Fault output can be used to turn off traction controller’s main contactor and EM Brake. The new controller provides Separate input paths to each micro for all input and feedback signals. Following error check ensures the wheel position tracks the steering command.

Model 1220e meets or complies with relevant US and international regulations:

• EMC: Designed to the requirements of EN12895:2015.

• EN1175- 1:1998+A1:2010.

• UL recognized per UL583.

• Designed to the EN13849 standard achieving a PL=d, Category 3 for all Safety Functions.

• Electronics sealed to IPX4.

Regulatory compliance of the complete vehicle system with the controller installed is the responsibility of the vehicle OEM.

The Curtis Model 1351 System Controller provides 26 multi-function I/O for application in stand-alone or CAN connected systems. With ample user code space and the newly enhanced real-time VCL 2.0 programming language, OEMs can use Model 1351 to develop a wide range of vehicle and system control applications as the master or a slave in a multi- module installation. The 1351 System Controller was designed for a wide variety of applications, such as material handling vehicle masters, base controllers for aerial trucks, operator interface in man-up platforms, land based installation controllers replacing PLCs, ICE and Hybrid system controllers, hydraulic manifold control and many others. This advanced controller features highly flexible I/O as pins are multifunctional and easily configured to match any application, and with the Curtis Vehicle Control Language (VCL), an easy to program “C-like” language providing all the power and flexibility to control any application. VCL programs run protected and securely; monitored for proper operation to protect the system from erratic behaviors. Model 1351 provides speed, safety and simplicity with dual 32-bit microprocessors to achieve powerful performance and safety. The microprocessors cross check each-other continuously for proper operation to ensure reliable control of your application. 1351 can perform user developed Safety Functions to EN13849 Category 2 PL=d and limited Category 3 functions using the I/O redundancy and built-in SRDO functions. This system controller also features comprehensive CANbus control. With two Independent CAN ports, Model 1351 offers a wide range of connectivity options. Each port can run different rates and protocols, with full CANopen and/or J1939 compatibility. Model 1351 is ideally suited for hybrid vehicles or to bridge CANopen ports at different bit rates.