President’s CornerSpring is in the air. Things are starting to look and feel a little warmer and bright-er. I am glad that the Polar Vortex freeze is behind us as we start to pull through the bad weather conditions that caused a minor vehi-cle accident here and there and a loss in capacity at our plants. I am proud to say that our TEAM has taken the proper precautions to assure safe conditions and behavior through this rough winter. Kudos to everyone for making safety a priority.

We are honored to an-nounce that our Bracebridge plant has won the Fenner Group Most Improved Safe-ty Award. Fenner CEO Nick Hobson and I traveled to Bracebridge to attend the award ceremony in Jan-uary. Our focus on safety is strengthening with over 90% participation in our safety incentive program at a few of the operations.

We’re out of the cold but we still have a few hills to climb.

Commodity market chal-lenges continue as all min-ing customers struggle with low market prices in coal, iron ore and copper. There is, however, a little momen-tum for us to get up the hill. The Coal Industry is con-solidating and some of our key customers are gain-ing strength, like the Cline Group, which has acquired two Canadian coal mines. We are excited about ex-panding our products and services to reach and sup-port their growth. In addi-tion, our Industrial positions are strengthening. Aggre-gates are up due to highway construction and we are aggressively pursuing and achieving growth in close partnership with our distrib-utors

As I’m sure you have all no-ticed at the gas pump, we have seen a dramatic drop

in oil prices since last year. While this savings benefits us all in our daily commute, it also impacts the non ECS side of Fenner’s busi-ness. As a precautionary step, Fenner implemented a worldwide cost reduction program effective January 2015, and ECS Americas had a reduction in force. Tight spending control is required until our financial performance improves.

I would like to thank every-one for their strong efforts as we navigate against tough headwinds. If we con-tinue to push hard, we will reach our growth initiatives and will come out of this much stronger as a TEAM.

This IssuePresident ’s Corner P.1

On the Rise P.2

Spot l ight on Success P.3

Experience of a Li fet imeP.4

ACE Sales Training P.5

Employee News P.6-7

F E N N E R

D U N L O P

A M E R I C A S

N E W S L E T T E ROne TEAM

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Fenner Group Update

Fenner CEO Nick Hobson launched the inaugural Gateway Development Program which is designed to provide a mixture of leadership training, person-al development and busi-ness skills for some of the Company’s aspiring lead-ers.

The core of the Gateway program is the completion of three business projects that have been designed and sponsored by division-al managing directors. The program includes:1. Two week long residen-tial courses run at Ashridge Business School in London2. Business-related projects sponsored by members of the Fenner Executive Board3. Charity project based in India.

Zak Lowery - Life Cycle Applications Engineer, was one of 16 individuals from across all Fenner divi-sions who participated in the inaugural program. For more on the program and Zak’s experiences, please see page 4.

M a y 2 0 1 5

Personal Development

“You must expect great things of your-self before you can do them.” —Michael Jordan

At Fenner Dunlop, we believe that mak-ing investments in our employee’s develop-ment is critical. We hope you are all doing things every day to be better in your personal and pro-fessional lives.

When asked about his own personal develop-ment tactics, Product Engineer Steve Joseph, Port Clinton answered:

“The keys to my per-sonal and profes-sional development can be summed up in three steps. For me it’s about set-ting short & long term goals, staying organized and being patient as I work through the process. While I don’t always follow the steps I have in place, my development both personally and pro-fessionally hinges on the three.”

One of our expanding markets

is the forest products indus-

try. The forest products sector

includes companies engaged

in growing, harvesting, and pro-

cessing wood, manufacturing

pulp and paper, and produc-

ing engineered wood products.

The forest products industry

accounts for more than 5% of

total U.S. manufacturing output

and employs nearly one mil-

lion people. Annual shipments

exceed $250 billion and annual

revenue growth surpasses 8%.

Wood and paper products can

be found all around you. Many

of the essential components

of modern life come from the

forest products industry. From

tissue paper and newspaper,

to milk cartons and cardboard

boxes, to the structures of your

desk and the basic structures

of your home, the everyday

uses of wood products are lim-

itless.

Most importantly, the forest

products industry is trending

up. Many of our Northwest and

Southern United States lum-

ber yard, paper-mill and saw-

mill customers have begun to

see an increase in customer

demand. This can be attributed

to three factors: 1) increased

housing and construction

demands, 2) increased exports

to China, and 3) shrinking

Canadian lumber supplies.

Construction and housing

demand in the U.S. has main-

tained a healthy and sustain-

able level of growth since the

economic downturn of 2008.

Privately-owned housing units

authorized by building per-

mits in January 2015 were at

an annual rate of 1,053,000.

This reflects a growth of 8.1%

above the January 2014 esti-

mate of 974,000.

Another area of demand

growth has been the consistent

rise of lumber exports going

to China. Although China is

no longer creating double digit

GDP growth with massive

cement-heavy construction

projects, natural demand for

housing has increased as peo-

ple are moving to urban areas

in search of jobs.

Meanwhile, on the supply side

of the market, Canadian timber

production has slackened off

from 39 bbf (billion board feet)

to 31 bbf. This can be attribut-

ed to a little bug, the pine bee-

tle, which has destroyed mil-

lions of forest acres in British

Columbia. This has left a gap

in supply that U.S. manufactur-

ers are rushing to fill.

For us, this means that the

forest products industry is ripe

with sales opportunities in the

Pacific Northwest and South

region. With proper coordina-

tion from our TCSD network,

there is no limit to how much

we can accomplish in this ris-

ing market!

On the Rise The trees are not the

only thing growing in the

Forest Products Industry

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Our Safety Story

2

Benefits Buzz As an employee covered under

your employer’s Group Long

Term Disability and Group

Life Insurance Policies issued

by Liberty Life Assurance

Company of Boston, you are

eligible for MyLibertyAssist®

assistance services provid-

ed by Bensinger, DuPont &

Associates.

M y L i b e r t y A s s i s t ® :

Employee Assistance

Program (EAP)

MyLibertyAssist® EAP ser-

vices are available to you and

your immediate family mem-

bers.

Counseling- Up to five face to face ses-

sions

- Telephone Assistance 24/7

Financial- Toll free information line on

issues such as credit, debt, or

housing

- Scheduled phone counseling

sessions and financial work-

sheet review

Legal- 30 minute telephonic or face

to face consultation with an

attorney

- 25% discount on additional

services

Caregiving- Access to information on

child care, eldercare, adoption

& education

To access MyLibertyAssist® EAP

call 1-877-695-2789

(1-877-MYLBRTY)

Bracebridge Most Improved

Safety Site Award

In December, Nick Hobson and Cassandra Pan traveled to Bracebridge to celebrate an event worthy of recognition. A big congratula-tions to the Bracebridge plant which was the recipient of the “Most Improved Safety Site” Award and was selected out of all our plants worldwide as the honorary recipient.

The Bracebridge facility surpassed 1,000 days without any Lost Time Incidents (LTI’s).To reach this milestone, the team focused hard on working tasks and developed detailed Task Safety Analysis protocols (TSA’s) for various tasks at hand. A few of Bracebridge’s most notable safety-related achievements were: 5S implementation, increased employ-ee health and safety ownership, a dramatic reduction in Recordable Incidents and LTI’s, and improved participation through training and involvement in safety initiatives.

To celebrate, the staff enjoyed a dinner joined by Nick Hobson, Fenner CEO; Cassandra Pan, President of Fenner Dunlop Americas; Bill Mooney, Chief Commercial and Financial

Officer; Rich Toeppe, Vice President Belting Manufacturing, and Maureen Sullivan, Director HSE. Nick Hobson gave praises and encouraging remarks to the team.

“From all of us in Bracebridge, we send our very best wishes to you for a joyful, healthy 2015!! We so appreciate you making arrange-ments to share our ‘moment in the sun’ with us. It will be remembered for a long time!” - Kathleen Smith

Our Safety StorySPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS

CORPORATE NEWS

3

As part of the Gateway Development Program, the group went on

a ten-day charity project in India. The project took place in early

February 2015. The purpose of the project was to bring a reliable

source of water to the JRS Tribal Village within Germalam, located on

the side of the Western Ghats, a rural area with a number of villages

and a Tiger reserve. The village faces a water shortage during the

summer months from March onwards, as rainfall in the region occurs

mostly in November and December.

The Gateway participants saw their diligence and hard work come to

fruition, on the last day, water flowed through the control room down

to the cattle trough and into the holding tank. The handover ceremony

was described as quite emotional, with many of the villagers thanking

the team personally for their efforts. As an added bonus, members of

the Fenner India team from Madurai were able to join them for the

celebrations.

The project was not only an opportunity for participants to learn about

themselves and their leadership styles, but also an opportunity to

learn more about the culture of India, a growing market for Fenner.

Zak Lowery, a program participant, is a Life Cycle Applications

Engineer, currently supporting Allison Conveyor Engineering (ACE)

products. He is involved in engineering, quoting, and project manage-

ment of belt drive for large underground longwall mines.

Zak commented on his positive experience in the Gateway Program:

“My experience in the Gateway program was great. I found it a very

helpful tool to develop myself in regards to leadership and business

skills. Fenner PLC has a very diverse portfolio involved in different

businesses.”

He went on to say, “While the businesses are different, they are

essentially run the same way with similar goals. The Gateway

program gave incredible insight to Fenner’s strategies and gave

us an opportunity to interact with those who are leading Fenner in

hopes that we could grow into a similar role. During the class time

at Ashridge University, we learned about some principles that were

about to be put to use and presented to Fenner in the form of a busi-

ness project.”

“Understanding Fenner’s efforts to become a world leader in rein-

forced polymer technologies has made me further believe in the

ultimate goal of ECS being a one stop shop for all conveying needs.

I appreciate the steps that Fenner has taken to complete the ECS

model. I try to work more every day to collaborate and help different

divisions of ECS.”

Photos: Zak Lowery - Life Cycle Applications Engineer.

The Experience of a Lifetime!The Fenner Gateway Development Program

4

Our ECS Executive Leadership rec-ognizes that success in the future is dependent on our ability to constantly move forward with innovative solutions to meet customers’ needs. Meeting the changing needs of the customer depends on you, the employees, and your ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

With this in mind, we have decided to make an investment in the professional development of the sales organiza-tion company wide. In December, the new ACE (Academy for Conveying Excellence) Professional Sales Development Program was launched. Our leadership team expects this invest-ment to drive positive business results.

Through a mixture of online learning, classroom sessions, and field applica-tion of concepts, we are finding ways to equip the sales organization to better fulfill the vision represented by the ECS Strategy.

Through this program, we are providing the tools to help their sales organization be more successful in their day-to-day sales efforts, while helping individuals achieve their career goals. The pro-gram is designed to provide a common framework and language for our sales process and develop and hone selling skills among the sales teams organiza-tion-wide.

The program is designed around build-ing a sales platform, learning how to pri-oritize and where to spend selling time most effectively. Jim Burnett comments on the approach: “This is the best sales training I have received since joining the sales team over fifteen years ago. To actually understand the different areas of the sales platform and where we spend our time has been a real eye opener.”

The first session was conducted in Pittsburgh during the week of February 2nd. Buddy Wilson, Regional Director of Southern Appalachia, was one of 16

individuals who participated in the session. He had a positive experience as well: “As sales professionals, we have always followed a path that best fits our strengths to produce successful results. The trainer challenged us all to step outside of our comfort zones and take a fresh approach to sales. The tools given in this first segment should have an immediate impact on how we focus our time to achieve specific results. In summary, I was extremely impressed with all aspects of this train-ing module.”

“We must keep the

momentum going!”

- Jim Burnett,

Director of Sales

CORPORATE NEWS

5

ACE - Professional Sales Training

6

Congratulations! Darius Byars

25 years!

Milestones Name Years Location

James Benadom 45 Port ClintonCharles Dupont 30 AllisonRandy Buller 30 BracebridgeDarius Byars 25 ToledoRick Downes 25 BracebridgeGuy Wilcox 20 ToledoKaren Moffett 20 Port ClintonTodd Moore 20 Port ClintonBrian K Whalen 20 ToledoKebebush E Kassa 15 Lavonia

Thank you and Congratulations!

Name Years Location

Leslie A Bowyer 10 Port ClintonPatricia L Rutherford 10 Port ClintonAmy S Falise 10 Port ClintonJeffery C Howell 10 Port ClintonJames E Townsend 10 BlairsvilleMatthew A Short 10 BlairsvilleAaron J Stiffey 10 BlairsvilleSuzanne Shaw 10 CorproateTerry L Gabeletto 10 AllisonDavid J Scott 10 FarmingtonMichael Ferrari 10 BracebridgeCameron Henderson 10 BracebridgeSteven Olive 10 BracebridgeThomas Rankin 10 AllisonRoger Mooney 10 Port ClintonFrank Ranzenberger 10 Port Clinton

Congratulations to the NIBA Scholarship RecipientsNIBA – The Belting Association

honors the memory of past offi-

cers, directors, and committee

members for their strong dedi-

cation to the NIBA organization,

with twelve $2,000 scholarships

for employees and children of

employees of NIBA member com-

panies who make a difference in

their communities, their churches,

and their schools, through service.

We are a President’s Club

Contributor to this Scholarship

fund.

This year, the children of two

of our Employees are NIBA

Scholarship winners.

Joseph Wade Ogburn-son of Patrick Ogburn, Director of Resource

Development

Wade is a senior at Peters

Township High School and has

plans to study engineering. He is

considering Purdue, Virginia Tech,

and the University of Alabama.

Wade has carried a course load

weighted heavily towards honors

and Advance Placement cours-

es while remaining active in the

community. He is a leader and

founding member of a competitive

robotics team, which has conduct-

ed workshops for younger stu-

dents. He is a five year member of

the marching band and the leader

of the saxaphone section. Other

honors include: Commended

National Merit Scholar, National

Academy of Future Physicians

Award of Excellence, and PA

Junior Engineering Technical

Society Regional Competition

Winner. Wade is also a mem-

ber of the High School Jazz

Band and an active Boy Scout.

Katelyn Victor-daughter of Ed Victor, Project Coordinator

Katelyn is a senior at Brownsville

Area High School. Brownsville

Rotary Club recently select-

ed her as the Student of the

Month. Katelyn’s school activities

include Senior Cabinet, Art Club

Secretary, Interact Club Board of

Directors, National Honor Society,

Cross Country and Track & Field.

In her community, she is a member

of the Youth Group and a Vacation

Bible School Volunteer for her

church. She has been involved

with Girl Scouts of America for

10 years and is currently a Girl

Scout Ambassador. Other hon-

ors include: twice recipient of

the Falcon of the Month Award,

2013 PFEW Scholarship, Fayette

Chamber of Commerce Student

of the Month, and a three year

member of the Penn State 4.0

Club. Katelyn has been accepted

into several universities and plans

to major in communications.

NOVEMBER - APRIL

6

Robert Whalen - ACE Detailer in the news...

Pictured in the Tribune Review article (Left) is Robert Whalen, Allison Conveyor Engineering Detailer and past Field Control Officer of the Laurel Highlands Model Airplane Club. Rob, a model airplane instructor is assisting Annabell Aquino of Harrison City to try her hand at flying a model plane during flight demonstrations at Mammouth Park in Mt. Pleasant. The event was part of the LHMAC 50th Anniversary!

EMPLOYEE NEWS

RecipesBurrito Casserole (Cathy Hoferka’s go to weeknight dinner)

This casserole takes about 15 min. to put together and 30 min. to bake. It’s a quick weekday dinner and is great as leftovers

reheated for lunch. You will need:

1 package of 8 or 12 flour tortillas. (I use the smaller size tortilla)

2 bags of finely shredded cheddar jack cheese

2 cups of shredded chicken (I shred a roasted chicken from the grocery store)

1 8 oz Jar of salsa (I used Chi Chi’s mild salsa)

1/2 can of black olives sliced in half

1 large tomato diced

6 green onions chopped finely

Avocado or guacamole if desired.

Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave so they are pliable. Lay the tortilla

on a flat surface. Place shredded chicken in the center of the tortilla. Place as much cheese as desired...Don’t fill. Fold in

two sides of the tortilla and then roll the tortilla like a jelly roll. Place seam side down in baking dish. Spoon salsa over the

rolled tortillas. (as much as desired) Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top of the tortillas. Distribute the olives, tomato

and green onions over the top of the cheese. At this point you can bake this or cover with foil and keep up to one day. Bake

at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with guacamole or avocado. Enjoy!

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Congratulations to the NIBA Scholarship Recipients

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New TalentsNovember - March

Sergio Bitti Sales (West)Todd Reddick Marion Dennis Rhyner Port ClintonAllen Gregory Lavonia Andy Greenwood FarmingtonGlenn Ables ChapmanvilleDarrell Boggs Jr. MarionBob Buckner II Chapmanville Leslie Cheek LavoniaEric Gibson GilletteGabriel Gonzalez DenverTrevor Gunter MarionLuis Herrera Morales GilletteDaniel Hock MarionRyan Hotchkiss GilletteRobert Huerena Denver Thomas Kett BlairsvilleCorey Lambert GilletteJames Landis MarionAaron Leininger FarmingtonErin Martin GilletteMatthew Messinger DenverDerek Moore FarmingtonJames Moore MarionJeffrey Schnedler DenverNathan Strunk MarionJeremiah Swims ChapmanvillePreston Wilson PriceJacy Yanowsky BlairsvilleJefferson Zarella BlairsvilleMichael Rosinski Allison Ryan Hauser ToledoKanisha Rucker LavoniaDavid Terrell Lavonia Kathy Wilson LavoniaChristopher Maurey Blairsville

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