GROWFL ANNOUNCES 11^TH ANNUAL FLORIDA COMPANIES TO WATCH

Outstanding leadership, culture and growth make these second-stage businesses stand out

Orlando, Florida  (October 6, 2021) —  GrowFL is pleased to announce that Sy-Klone International, a manufacturer of industrial air quality products headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, has been selected as one of the top 50 second-stage companies for the 11^th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch, a statewide competition that identifies companies expected to see significant growth over the next several years. The 11^th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch awards celebration is brought to you by Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services, in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation.

Companies to Watch was developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation as a unique way to recognize and honor second-stage companies that demonstrate high performance in the marketplace with innovative strategies and processes. In addition to evaluating past growth and projected success, applicant companies are judged according to their special strengths and impact in their markets, communities, and within the state – thus deeming them worth watching.

Eighty-two finalists were announced earlier this year from a field of over 500 nominees. The 50 honorees were selected after a final round of judging by a panel of independent judges comprised of past honorees, economic development leaders and corporate partners of GrowFL.  Companies were judged on several criteria including growth in number of employees; impact of the business in the job market; increase in sales and/or unit volume; current and past financial reports; innovativeness of the product or service; response to adversity; and contributions to aid community-oriented projects.

“This group of Honorees represents 20 counties, 20 different industries and almost 50% of them are women, veteran or minority-owned. They have demonstrated notable growth and despite the challenges thrown their way and pivoting through a pandemic, these companies embody the unshakeable resiliency of Florida’s entrepreneurs,” said Lisa McIntosh, GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Chair and founder of C-E-Optimal Advisors.

“Sy-Klone is honored to be recognized as a high-growth company by GrowFL and to be included on the 11^th Annual Florida Companies to Watch list. I am proud of the Sy-Klone team and the value being generated for our stakeholders through consistent revenue growth and operational excellence. The team is committed to air quality innovation in serving our global customer base, which includes nine out of the top ten construction and mining Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), as well as distribution partners on six continents. It is exciting to see Sy-Klone grow towards its potential with record revenue performance in back-to-back years while maintaining strong on-time delivery and fluidity in our supply chain.” says Amy Rice, Sy-Klone International Chief Executive Officer. 

“Year after year, these outstanding companies continue to impress me. These are the CEOs, managers, and team members who are making the biggest impact on our state’s economy,” said Russell Slappey, CEO of Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services and event title sponsor. “They deserve to be celebrated now and into the future as they continue to grow, continue to innovate and continue to be a company we all should watch.”

To qualify for the award, companies must be headquartered in Florida and have between 6 and 150 employees and revenue between $750,000 and $100 million in 2020. Even through the pandemic, these companies projected continued growth in 2021, with a 62% revenue increase and 49% growth in employees compared to 2020. If their projections hold, these companies will have generated $1.7 billion in revenue and added more than 1,500 employees over the last five years — a 263% increase in revenue and a 206% increase in jobs since 2017.

Companies named to the list will be officially recognized at the 11^th Annual GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch Celebration on February 17, 2022, at the Hard Rock Live in Universal CityWalk, Orlando, FL.

Joining Sy-Klone International on the GrowFL Florida Companies to Watch list are the following Florida-based businesses:

 

 

About Sy-Klone International:

Sy-Klone International, founded in 1986, is a manufacturing and technology company that creates industry-leading air filtration solutions that protect heavy equipment engines and operators, and address other specialty industrial and commercial applications.

Sy-Klone’s customers range from heavy equipment manufacturers, to the U.S. government and international militaries, to distribution that supplies industries and end users of heavy equipment across the globe in the most intensive, debris-laden industries.

With over 100 patents and registered trademarks worldwide, Sy-Klone continues to innovate and evolve air filtration solutions to address complex customer needs through the power of clean air.

 

About GrowFL:

GrowFL is dedicated to support and accelerate the growth of second-stage companies throughout Florida, by providing their leaders focused, efficient, and timely access to resources they deem important, such as connections with other second-stage company leaders, and to professional organizations whose expertise, experience, and products lead to the second-stage company’s continued growth and prosperity resulting in diversification and growth of Florida’s economy.  Second-stage growth companies have at least 6 employees and $750,000 in revenue and possess the intent and desire to grow beyond second-stage.  Website: https://www.growfl.com.

About Edward Lowe Foundation:

The Edward Lowe Foundation was established in 1985 by Ed and Darlene Lowe to leverage entrepreneurship as a strategy for economic growth and community development. The foundation’s entrepreneurship initiatives focus on second-stage companies, which are growth-oriented firms that have moved beyond startup but have not yet reached maturity. Its peer learning, leadership education, and strategic information programs are geared to help these companies continue growing. For more information, visit www.EdwardLowe.org.

About Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services:

Nperspective CFO & Strategic Services, a Florida firm, operates around the country from centers in Orlando, Tampa, and South Florida. The firm was founded 20 years ago to assist small- and medium-sized businesses that need the expertise of seasoned financial executives but are unable to hire that expertise full-time. Many highly profitable companies that could afford a full-time CFO don’t need one daily.  To assist these companies, the firm provides senior executives with extensive financial expertise and experience on an as-needed basis, calibrating engagements to specific client needs and resources. Nperspective CFOs provide services such as cash flow planning, strategic planning/business planning/budgeting, assistance with bank financing, reviewing financial reporting processes and internal control processes for effectiveness. With a 20-year track record, Nperspective is ready to help companies mitigate the problems of Covid-19 from loan and grant applications to managing finances under the new normal.  Website: https://www.nperspective.com/

 

Minimize Dust, Maximize Filter Life and Machine Uptime

On a mine site, dust is a major contributor to reduced engine filter life, engine failure, machine downtime, and premature machine performance issues.

Dust and debris-laden engine intake air can lead to contaminated engine oil and damaged exhaust and aftertreatment systems, resulting in costly engine repairs or even complete replacement, dramatically increasing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of a piece of heavy mobile equipment.

Sy-Klone International introduced the concept of powered engine precleaning and at this year’s MINExpo, we unveiled the latest generation of powered precleaning technology, the Vortex® MAX.

The Vortex MAX is a high-airflow powered precleaner that precleans and filters dust and debris from engine intake air – ensuring only clean air makes its way downstream to the machine’s engine.

Maximize your heavy mobile equipment assets and keep machines running longer with the Vortex MAX powered engine precleaner 

• • • Minimize dirty air, Maximize engine life
    • Minimize dust and debris, Maximize filter life
    • Minimize downtime, Maximize productivity
    • Minimize restriction, Maximize engine performance
    • Minimize maintenance costs, Maximize profitability

Vortex MAX overview

• • • High Airflow: 900 CFM (25.48 m³/min) from a single unit
    • Maximizes Engine Performance, Filter Life: Provides sustained, clean airflow regardless of the machine’s operating state, minimizes downtime and maintenance costs through reduction of dirt and debris downstream
    • Versatile Installation Options: Available in 12V and 24V configurations, compact size and footprint with variable mounting configurations, simplified installation enabled by single, higher-airflow system that does not require use of plenum or airbox
    • Proven, Patented, Powered Technology: Featuring patented and patent-pending, powered precleaning technology combined with high-efficiency air filtration, from the global leader in industrial clean air solutions

Click to view Vortex MAX product info, or contact your Sy-Klone sales manager for additional information.

Vortex MAX, high-airflow, powered engine precleaner

Meet Occupational Exposure Reduction Goals with Improved Air Quality

ISO 23875, a new air quality standard passed in February 2021, includes five engineering requirements for air quality systems, filters, and monitoring devices used in heavy mobile equipment and fixed plant cabs on mine sites.

Before attending MINExpo, learn why, and how, Rio Tinto is adopting ISO 23875 in a recent webinar hosted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, the International Society of Environmental Enclosure Engineers (ISEEE), and Sy-Klone International.

Visit the Sy-Klone International Booth at MINExpo to learn more

Sy-Klone International designs and engineers clean air solutions for industrial sites, including ISO 23875-compliant cab air quality systems, in-cab CO₂ and pressure monitors, and high-efficiency filters. Whether or not the pursuit of ISO 23875 is a fit for your site near-term, Sy-Klone has a range of air quality solutions to protect workers and machines with clean air.

Visit Sy-Klone’s Booth, #28510, South Hall​, to learn more about ISO 23875 and how adopting the standard can reduce occupational exposure and protect your machine operators’ air quality with clean air, as well as see the new Vortex MAX powered engine precleaner and learn how to keep your fixed plant and mobile equipment fleet running at peak performance, even in the most extreme, debris-laden mine site environments.

Email sales@sy-klone.com to set up an onsite meeting or stop by Booth #28510 in the South Hall during the Expo.

 

Published in February 2021, ISO 23875 is a new international standard that unifies the design, testing, operation, and maintenance of air quality control systems for heavy machinery cabs and other operator enclosures, particularly in the mining industry. Adherence to the requirements and testing methods set out in the standard supports the safety of machine users, improves productivity, promotes operator alertness, and enables companies to reach exposure reduction goals.

The webinar is organized by CIM Magazine and Sy-Klone International, with Climatrans, Polar Mobility Research Ltd. and in cooperation with The International Society of Environmental Enclosure Engineers (ISEEE).

Learn about ISO 23875, topics to include:

• An introduction to ISO 23875 performance requirements
• Benefits for implementing ISO 23875:
  • Reduced exposure to respirable particulate
  • Reduced exposure to CO2
  • Improved operator safety, comfort, and moral – supporting exposure reduction goals, health and safety efforts, and recruitment/retention
  • Improved machine uptime and lower operating costs through meeting defined maintenance intervals
• Learn why, and how, a global mining company is adopting ISO 23875 and how you can lead your organization in meeting the standard’s performance requirements to reduce occupational exposure to harmful respirable particulate
• Best practices for implementing ISO 23875, including engineering controls such as air filtration design, manufacturing, performance testing, operation, and maintenance.

 

PRESENTERS

Jeff Moredock Project Lead for ISO 23875 Sy-Klone International

Jeff is the international project lead for three ISO standard initiatives and serves as the Convener of ISO Technical Committee 82 – Mining – Working Group Nine. Under Jeff’s leadership, in 18 months the 27 member working group, representing 10 countries developed ISO 23875, an international standard for operator enclosures – air quality control systems and air quality performance testing.

Guillaume Lachapelle Global Head of Health and Hygiene Rio Tinto

Guillaume is a recognized health and safety (EHS) expert with international experience in the underground and open-pit mining industry, smelting and power generation. He is a graduate of McGill University in occupational health, and he has vast experience in auditing, projects, leadership skills, management systems, teaching, research projects, board membership and governance. Read the CIM Journal paper: Pilot evaluation of a novel engineering control to reduce airborne exposure to particulates inside drilling cabs

Austin Browne Vice President of Sales and Marketing Sy-Klone International

Austin has extensive experience in business development and go‐to‐market strategy, and is focused on growing Sy‐Klone’s brand and distribution channels globally to meet company revenue and growth goals. Austin has appeared in Safe to Work, Australian Mining, and Waste Advantage magazines discussing industrial air filtration best practices and solutions.

Workplace exposure to airborne dust is a critical issue for Australian mine sites. Exposure to asbestos, silica, coal and other respirable dust can increase occurrences of chronic lower lung diseases.

In addition to occupational health and safety (OH&S) factors, dust and debris can increase mining companies’ heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) maintenance costs due to accumulation on evaporator cores, degrading performance.

To address these issues and the challenge of navigating multiple regional standards, ISO convened TC-82 Mining Working Group 9 to assess air quality system requirements in the mining industry.

TC-82 Mining Working Group 9 drafted a new international standard outlining air quality engineering and performance requirements, ISO/DIS 23875: “Operator enclosures – Air quality control systems and air quality performance testing”, expected to be published in early 2021.

ISO 23875 creates a consistent and international approach to designing, testing, operating and maintaining air quality in operator enclosures in the mining industry.

Working group chair and Sy-Klone International executive vice president Jeff Moredock was recruited following his involvement in the International Society of Environmental Enclosure Engineers (ISEEE), which focusses on operator enclosure air quality and standards development.

“It was exciting to see the global body of knowledge around operator enclosure engineering and performance testing come together in such a powerful way,” Moredock tells Safe to Work. “When adopted, this standard will make a huge difference in operator health and safety.

“The working group brought in stakeholders from over 10 countries to ensure we captured feedback and created a standard with global buy-in to guide the design and testing of air quality control systems.

“Bringing mining companies, OH&S officers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) together resulted in a collectively beneficial and uniform standard that would help protect operator health and facilitate increased trade around the world.”

ISO 23875 differs from past standards because it is a lifecycle standard, addressing cabin air control systems from the time of design, to when the equipment arrives onsite and throughout its operating life. ISO 23875 outlines specific engineering and ongoing testing to ensure compliance.

Sy-Klone International is well-positioned to help mining companies meet ISO 23875 requirements. As Sy-Klone vice president of marketing and business development Austin Browne explains, Sy-Klone helps Australian mining companies address dangerous respirable dust with its advanced heavy equipment cabin air quality systems.

“With over 30 years of experience and over 100 patents and trademarks in air filtration and precleaning, Sy-Klone is the world’s leader in heavy equipment air quality and control systems,” Browne says.

“Sy-Klone has an extensive global reach, working in the world’s most extreme environments. Sy-Klone’s leadership in air filtration and cabin precleaning has been recognised internationally, including via a recent award from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the development of a smart cab operating system that blends internet-of-things-enabled sensor capabilities with Sy-Klone’s state-of-the-art technology in air quality systems.”

Sy-Klone’s RESPA system keeps dust and debris outside of operator cabins, allowing workers to breathe easy and stay safe on the job. The RESPA system includes a precleaner, pressuriser, high-efficiency filtration and an in-cabin monitoring system.

“Sy-Klone’s HEPA filters outperform the competition, delivering a higher filter efficiency, while maintaining needed airflow levels,” Browne explains.

“The Sy-Klone HEPA filter is 99.991 per cent efficient at 0.3 microns versus other HEPA filters evaluated at 99.97 per cent at 0.3 microns. This difference is meaningful. Sy-Klone’s filter can stop much smaller particles and prevent additional dust from reaching the operator cabin.”

United States-headquartered Sy-Klone has a team of Australian-based partners with in-depth expertise of the Australian mining industry: LSM Technologies and Lyons Airconditioning Services.

LSM chief executive and managing director Peter Woodford shares that with over 40 years of experience, his company, a Sy-Klone master dealer, has influenced Australia’s air quality knowledge, including by partnering with the Queensland Department of Mines and Energy to write a case study on occupational hygiene monitoring for airborne particulate matter.

“We have worked with mining companies across Australia to shape our country’s understanding and approach to air quality, installing Sy-Klone solutions that deliver cleaner air for machine operators,” Woodford says.

Lyons Airconditioning Services general manager Emmanuel Lardis adds that with 35 years’ experience in providing HVAC solutions to the Australian market, his team are Sy-Klone RESPA installation experts.

“My team has witnessed an increased demand for air filtration and air quality systems,” he says. “We have become experts in helping mining companies address the toughest dust issues through Sy-Klone RESPA installations.”

Former Rio Tinto chief advisor for industrial hygiene, Liam Wilson, was one of several hygienists who provided input to the working group on the new standard.

“The working group was active in trialling the standard in field applications to ensure it was written in a way that can be practically applied for either OEMs or operators,” Wilson explains.

Wilson shares how Sy-Klone’s products will help companies address the updated standard and control dust in operator enclosures in a better way.

“Sy-Klone is very proactive and continually evolves their technologies to effectively manage dust exposure inside operator cabins,” Wilson says.

To ensure an Australian perspective was captured, the working group engaged the Earth Moving Equipment Safety Round Table (EMESRT) and the Minerals Council of Australia to discuss future equipment design to meet the standard in Australia.

Aside from not wanting workers to become ill, mining companies are liable for insurance costs or workers’ compensation, so improved worker health offers both intrinsic value and cost avoidance potential.

“Prevention is better, and if a business can effectively manage and reduce dust, it’s stopping people from getting hurt at work and eliminating long-term costs to the business as well,” Wilson concludes.

This article originally appeared in the November edition of Safe to Work.