Algood, Author at algood-casters.com

12Sep 0

13 Tips to Avoid a Cyber Disaster

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Cyber security and best data management practices have been on my mind lately. In part, that’s because there are almost weekly stories of corporations being subjected to ransomware attacks or having their data stolen. And lately, a number of our customers have found themselves caught up in cyber fraud. Being subjected to data theft or computer-related criminal activity can be financially punishing and highly stressful. That’s why we devote huge attention to cybersecurity and responsible data practices at Algood. Based on what we’ve learned and our ongoing scrutiny, I’ve created a 13-item action list to help our customers, suppliers, and colleagues avoid a cyber disaster.

First and foremost – don’t provide any bank, financial or payment information in response to an email or online request. Avoid responding to or in any way interacting with emails that are even the slightest bit suspicious. Criminals are very ingenious these days and can make emails look like they are perfectly legitimate. To confirm that an email is a scam, check the sender’s reply email address. Most often, you will see that it is totally unrelated to the company the email purports to be from.
Consider implementing domain monitoring software. Domain monitoring protects your company’s domain name from potential cyberattacks. These may include phishing schemes, website hacking, and impersonating business websites. Without this protection, cybercriminals can mimic your brand, deceive customers, or spread malware.
Consult your accountants. Many accounting firms have specialists or entire departments focused on cyber security. They can be a source of best practice and worthwhile advice.
Implement anti-virus and security software. To have any cyber-protection, this is a must-have.
Change passwords every six months and use a password vault. This is an easy form of cyber-fraud prevention.
Use multi-factor or two-factor authorization when signing into any financial or accounting software or platforms.
Use password protection software. These programs generate and store indecipherable passwords and safely house credit cards and personal or payment information.
Perform multiple backups of all data regularly – weekly at a minimum.
Ensure that your business insurance policy includes cyber-protection and cybersecurity provisions/coverage.
Consider creating a safe room where any central computer device is located. Special access is required and provided to the smallest possible number of people.
Conduct regular cyber security audits.
Control access to sensitive data. Only a very small number of people using very tight procedures should be able to access online financial, banking, or payment information.
Add malware detection software in addition to anti-virus software. Undetected malware can quickly bore its way into critical computer data. Anti-virus software will not necessarily find malware.

Being cyber-secure is an ongoing process that requires regular attention. Cybercriminals are very smart and constantly adopt new and more dangerous techniques. I encourage you to be vigilant and make sure that data and computer security are always top of mind.

If you encounter anything unusual, you think we should know about, or if you have any questions about data security, please don’t hesitate to email or call.

President's Blog

21Aug 0

Innovation: Kingpinless, Stainless, Hex – Now That's Innovation

Kingpinless + Threaded Stem + Hex Head – Now, that’s innovation!

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There are over two million caster configurations in our catalogue because of our proven ability to innovate by modifying existing designs. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility and knowledgeable and creative design/engineering team, we make small changes that achieve big results. In this e-series, we look at our successes in creating caster configurations to meet customers’ needs.

This custom caster configuration stands out because it incorporates not one but two unique modifications.

Our customer, a leader in the development of technology solutions, contacted us with the requirement for a high-capacity caster that could be easily installed on specialized equipment. They specified a kingpinless caster to accommodate heavy equipment while maintaining long time durability. In addition, they needed a threaded stem on this 2,000 lb. heavy-duty kingpinless caster, and if that wasn’t enough, they wanted a hex head at the top of the stem.

Our design and engineering team rose to the challenge. We started with a Twister™ kingpinless head. The custom-made threaded stem was CNC machined in our manufacturing facility and then tack welded to the head. We worked very closely with the customer’s engineering staff. Before we released the product, we had to ensure the caster would be fastened securely and correctly to maintain the safety of equipment and employees.

Because the hex head allows the stem to be torqued into position, it takes installation from minutes to seconds. The stem can be screwed down quickly and allows equipment to be accurately levelled.

The caster pictured above has a stem that is 1″ in diameter and 6” long. While we stock 4” stems, we can meet specific length requirements and have produced stems as long as 12-14”. Stems are available threaded or plain, in steel or stainless steel and can be equipped with cotter pin locks or grip rings.

This custom-made caster is a product of our ingenuity and commitment to meeting our customers’ requirements. It’s just one example of what’s possible in our fully integrated manufacturing facility. To learn more about this caster or how we can meet your unique customer needs, contact your local Algood representative or a member of our customer service team.

Algood is proud to manufacture its casters and wheels right here in North America. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, we are leaders in quality and innovation. For more information about Algood Casters, Call: 1-800-254-6633 or Email: Service@Algood.com

Innovate

15Aug 0

Product Spotlight: AGV Auto Align Casters

Healthcare-Inspired AGV Caster Innovation

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In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, efficiency and reliability are paramount—especially in environments like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are at the forefront of this movement, streamlining operations and ensuring seamless workflow.

Enter our Hero caster which is exclusively designed for AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) applications. In fact, it was originally developed to meet the needs of Canada’s first fully computerized hospital. AGV applications have unique requirements and the features of our Hero meet all of them.

The Hero is a 6” X 1 1/4” fully stainless steel caster that features a sealed ball bearing in the head locked in with the kingpin.

Because AGV equipment frequently travels on metal tracks, the Hero has been designed with an auto align function. A pivoting ball bearing allows the swivel caster to self lock in both the trail and the lead position. A rigid version of the caster is also available.

Its stainless steel construction, makes Hero suitable for all heathcare, pharmaceutical and technology applications. With a capacity of 500 lbs., it can accommodate all AGV chassis and carts.

These casters are exclusively equipped our Envirothane™ wheels because they are perfect for AGV applications. With a durometer of 65D, Envirothane wheels are durable enough to travel in AGV tracks. At the same time the proprietary urethane compound is but soft enough to be quiet and non marking when in other areas. Envirothane is moisture and chemical resistant allowing it to withstand wash-down environments and its one-piece construction makes it maintenance free.

Hero casters are manufactured in our fully integrated plant in Toronto. That means you get remarkable lead times, delivery dates you can count on and superb North American quality backed by our 3-Year No-Excuse Warranty.

The Hero is perfectly designed for AGV applications, making it unique in the industry. If you are looking for the right casters for AGV equipment, contact your local Algood representative or contact a member of our customer service team. Don’t settle for less—equip your AGVs with Algood’s Auto Align Caster, the industry’s true healthcare hero.

Algood is proud to manufacture its casters and wheels right here in North America. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, we are leaders in quality and innovation. For more information about Algood Casters, Call: 1-800-254-6633 or Email: Service@Algood.com

Product Spotlight

31Jul 0

5000 Series: A 450 lb. Caster with a Ton of Options

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5000 Series: S5053-A27D-HTPH [Zinc Finish]

Our 5000 Series may be the most versatile casters we make. They come with an incredible array of options, including plates, stems, brakes, wheels and finishes. In addition, these casters can be configured for just about any application.

With a capacity of 450 lbs., the 5000 Series can handle an overall equipment load of more than 1,800 lbs. It comes in 3”, 4”, 5”, and 6” diameters and can accommodate tread widths of both 1-1/4” and 1-1/2”. At least six different plate options are available, and it also comes as a bolt-hole. A wide range of stem choices includes round, threaded, both round and square expandable, and metric sizes.

5000 Series: S5053-A27D-PLY-PB-TG-iLK [Zinc]

The 5000 series casters can be produced with over a dozen wheel options including our Envirothane™ and ProTech™ as well as the Lava™ for high-temp applications. Also, you can get it with a double lock brake (DLB), top lock brake (TLB) or our trademarked iLock™ precision directional and wheel lock brake. There are numerous bearing choices and the caster can be finished in black (flat, gloss, ionic), brass, chrome, yellow chromate or the standard zinc finish. Thread guards are also available.

These casters are manufactured in our fully integrated facility in Toronto. That means you get remarkable lead times, delivery dates you can depend on and guaranteed North American quality backed by our 3-year No-Excuse Warranty.

Adding to its versatility, the 5000 Series is NSF-approved, making it perfect for healthcare, pharmaceutical, food processing, high-tech, and other clean environments. These casters are moisture-resistant and maintenance-free. They can be used in a wide variety of applications, including mobile warehousing equipment, housekeeping and linen carts, material handling equipment, bakery equipment, and store fixtures.

If you want to take advantage of the versatility of the 5000 Series, you can contact your local Algood representative or a member of our customer service team.

Get All the 5000 Series Wheel Specs

Download the 5000 Series Product Sheet

Algood is proud to manufacture its casters and wheels right here in North America. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, we are leaders in quality and innovation. For more information about Algood Casters, Call: 1-800-254-6633 or Email: Service@Algood.com

Product Spotlight

24Jul 0

NyRock™ – A Wheel with Unlimited Possibilities

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Our NyRock™ wheels have a host of exceptional qualities and features. They can handle high capacities, are relatively lightweight, are ergonomically designed and can be produced to meet custom specifications. This really is a wheel with unlimited possibilities.

Made from high-impact compression-moulded polymer with a durometer of 78D, the NyRock can handle up to 8,000 lbs. without any flat-spotting. While it has the capacity of steel wheels, it is quieter and lighter. This special polymer material is heat stabilized and will withstand temperatures from -40ºF to 260ºF.

These wheels are available in 4″, 5″, 6″, 8″,10″ and 12″ diameters with tread widths of 2″, 2-1/2″, 3″ and 4″. NyRocks come with a 1/2” or 3/4″ bore and precision bearings.

Because NyRock wheels are CNC-machined right here in our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, they can be customized to meet your specifications. Wheels can be made with a slightly crowned tread, in addition to varying diameters and tread widths.

NyRock Wheel: W-7006-NYXCC-PB-1/2 [Black]

V-groove and U-channel configurations can also be produced. V-groove wheels enable heavy loads to be guided along an inverted angle iron track with complete control. Because of the tread on either side of the groove, they can also be used directly on surfaces, providing greater flexibility and better use of available floor space. U-Channel wheels are designed for high-capacity, easy riding along straight or curved tracks of round tubing or pipe.

The in-house production also means you get very competitive lead times, delivery dates you can depend on and trusted North American quality backed by our 3-year No-Excuse Warranty.

These wheels provide a quiet, smooth and easy ride and outstanding floor protection while carrying light or heavy weight loads. They are non-marking and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. NyRocks are moisture-friendly and will resist corrosion as well as most chemicals.

Even in abusive applications, NyRock provides ease of maneuverability and remarkable longevity, prolonging equipment life. Better yet, it is virtually maintenance-free.

This workhorse of a wheel is ideal for factory use, platform and stock trucks, towline applications, and heavy material handling abusive applications. It is also suitable for food processing, healthcare, high-technology, and pharmaceutical environments.

If you want to know more about how NyRock™ wheels can meet all your specifications, contact your local Algood representative or a member of our customer service team.

Get All the NyRock™ Wheel Specs

Download the NyRock™ Product Sheet

Algood is proud to manufacture its casters and wheels right here in North America. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, we are leaders in quality and innovation. For more information about Algood Casters, Call: 1-800-254-6633 or Email: Service@Algood.com

Product Spotlight

17Jul 0

Brakes: The Essential Option

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There are many things that you might want to be unstoppable but casters aren’t one of them. Brakes are a critical caster component and choosing the right brake is a key factor in both safety and performance. This edition of CasterU provides a rundown of the brake options that we offer including the features and benefits for each one.

Side Lock Brake (SLB)

7000 Series: S7006-A38H-UG-RB-SLB [Zinc Finish]

Features
• Foot Activated
• Yoke is pressed against wheel and creates positive contact with hub
• Available with larger pedal for use with pneumatic wheels
• Can be used on stainless steel casters

Benefits
• Economical
• Ideal for wheels where positive contact with the tread is difficult
• Larger pedal brings ease of activation

Top Lock Brake (TLB)

MAXX™ Series: SE6563-A38H-RXW-RB-TLB2 [Zinc Finish]

Features
• Activated by side mounted pedal
• Creates positive contact with top of wheel tread
• Available with polyurethane coating on actuator

Benefits
• Well suited for wheels with softer tread
• Better engagement than SLB
• Coated actuator can be used with metal wheels
• Can be used in high temperature environments

iLock™ (iLK & iLK2)

MAXX™ Series: SE6563-A38H-RXW-RB-TG-iLK [Zinc Finish]

Features
• Attractive design
• Locks swivel and wheel
• 4-position lock available
• Foot activated, engages easily
• Made of high impact nylon
• Mechanism includes high tensile spring with rubber layer
• Modular – can be added to an existing caster

Benefits
• Securely locks hard and soft wheels
• Can be used on high capacity casters
• Keeps caster square
• Moisture friendly, won’t rust
• Increases longevity
• Easy to engage, doesn’t damage shoes
• iLock for EMAXX™ Series (iLK2) includes elongated pedal with ridges that provides easier access and better grip

Double Lock Brake (DLB)

2309 Series: S2359-A27D-HTPH-DLB [Zinc Finish]

Features
• Locks both swivel and wheel
• Available in aluminum
• Foot activated
• Incorporated into the frame of the caster
• Available in aluminum (DLB2)

Benefits
• Provides more secure positive contact
• Secures equipment, preventing all movement
• Adds safety, prevents accidents
• Can be used in high temp applications

PolyCam Brake (PCB)

Algood Caster Brakes: S6863-A46H-RX-RB-PCB

Features
• Foot activated
• PolyCam rollers made of Envirothane™

Benefits
• Designed to secure heavy duty loads
• Secures direct pressure on the contact face providing a dependable brake

Pedal Wheel Brake (PWB)

Algood Caster Brakes: S6563-A38H-RXW-RB-TG-PWB

Features
• Economical add-on
• Made of plastic
• Direct contact between mechanism and wheel

Benefits
• Can be installed on-site
• Easily engaged
• Provides secure positive lock

Universal Wheel Brake (UWB)

Algood Caster Brakes: S6863-A46H-RX-RB-UWB

Features
• Positive lock brake that is pre-welded to the fork of a caster
• Can be customized to the angle of operation
• Allows for forward or reverse movement
• Fully adjustable including the brake force and the position on the wheel

Benefits
• Can be adjusted to maintain contact as wheel wears
• Can accommodate soft or hard wheels
• Can be adjusted to meet floor conditions
• Can be used on casters with higher capacities

Thumb Screw Brake (TSB)

Algood Caster Brakes: S6863-A46H-RX-RB-TSB

Features
• Hand tightened
• Creates positive contact between lock and wheel

Benefits
• Economical
• Accessibility on low profile casters
• Easy to engage

Position Swivel Lock (PSL)

The position swivel lock functions independently from any of the braking mechanisms on the caster. The PSL only locks the swivel mechanism, it does not act as a brake for the caster.

Algood Caster Brakes: S6863-A46H-RX-RB-4PSL

Features
• Securely locks swivel mechanism
• Comes welded to caster or can be added on

Benefits
• Converts swivel caster to rigid
• Can be installed on site
• Restricts equipment to movement in one direction only

CasterU

10Jul 0

Algood Product Spotlight: Envirothane Wheels

17 Reasons to Choose Envirothane™ Wheels

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Our Envirothane™ Wheel can do just about anything – and anywhere. It has outstanding capacity, can be used indoors and outdoors, offers remarkable floor protection, is suitable for just about any application and is maintenance-free.

Here are 17 reasons you should recommend or specify Envirothane™ Wheels:

Injection moulded with a one-piece construction that eliminates core separation
Available in diameters from 1-3/4” to 8” and tread widths up to 2-1/2”
Capacity up to 1,600 lbs.
Non-marking with a quiet ride that absorbs shock and vibration
Envirothane wheels are produced in our integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto. You get outstanding lead times, delivery dates you can depend on, and North American quality backed by our 3-year No-Excuse Warranty
Durometer of 60D (+/- 5) with memory retention that prevents flat spotting
Moisture-friendly and chemical-resistant. Consult our chemical chart for details
Temperature range of -45ºF to 230ºF makes it suitable for outdoor use
NSF-approved and pairs perfectly with stainless steel casters like our MAXX9™
100% recyclable making it an environmentally responsible choice
Available in ribbed and ribless designs with a full range of bearing choices
Standard available colours are black and grey. Custom colours are available on request*
Crowned tread that increases maneuverability
Maintenance-free, long-lasting, increases the longevity of equipment
Suitable for a wide range of applications, including harsh and abrasive conditions
Can be used in pharmaceutical, healthcare, food production, hospitality and high-tech environments, as well as heavy material handling, factory settings and towline applications
For heavy-duty applications, use the EnvirothaneHD™ with a capacity of 3,600 lbs.
*Minimum quantities may apply.

Get All the Envirothane™ Wheel Specs

Download the Envirothane™ Product Sheet

Algood is proud to manufacture its casters and wheels right here in North America. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, we are leaders in quality and innovation. For more information about Algood Casters, Call: 1-800-254-6633 or Email: Service@Algood.com

Product Spotlight

26Jun 0

Style, strength and functionality

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Our 809 Series casters are the perfect blend of style, strength, and functionality. These stainless-steel casters are versatile, beautifully designed, and remarkably durable. With an overall height of under 3”, the 809 Series delivers the strength and protective qualities of stainless steel for applications where overall height is critical. These are the most exceptional low-profile stainless-steel casters on the market.

These casters are manufactured using SAE 304 stainless steel, demagnetized, and de-burred, with a beautiful electro-polished finish. The 809 can be equipped with our iLock™ wheel brake, featuring an extra-wide 1-1/2” front locking pedal with an engineered lip for easy engagement. The brake teeth are uniquely designed to lock both hard and soft wheels securely.

809 Series casters are manufactured in our integrated facility in Toronto. That means you get excellent lead times, delivery dates you can depend on, and North American quality backed by our 3-year No Excuse Warranty. And because they comply with the USMCA, you get seamless cross-border logistics, faster lead times, and supply chain confidence.

With rigid and swivel options, the 809 series can be used with a variety of wheels including the Protech™ and Envirothane™. Available in 2” and 3” diameters, with 9/16” and 7/8” wheel treads, its capacity is 125 lbs. It is also incredibly light, weighing in at under half a pound. The 809 comes with a variety of stems and a standard top plate. Other plates are available as an option.

Moisture-friendly and chemical resistant, 809s are ideal for clean environments like hospitals and healthcare facilities; food processing and production plants; as well as pharmaceutical and high-tech settings. They can withstand rigorous wash-ups and be used outdoors.

For a truly remarkable, lightweight, low-profile and North American made stainless steel caster, contact your local Algood representative or a member of our customer service team.

Algood is proud to manufacture its casters and wheels right here in North America. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, we are leaders in quality and innovation. For more information about Algood Casters, Call: 1-800-254-6633 or Email: Service@Algood.com

Get all the 809 Series options and specs

View 809 Series Catalogue Page

Product Spotlight

19Jun 0

Ductile Iron Wheels

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Ductile Iron Wheel: W-9108-DI-TB-.75 [Red]

Ductile iron wheels are perfectly positioned between Cast Iron and Forged Steel Wheels, combining the best features of both for exceptional performance.

Ductile iron is a modern alloy developed in the mid-20th century. It is made by adding a small amount of magnesium to molten iron, which causes the graphite to form in nodules rather than flakes. This gives the material its characteristic ability to bend without breaking.

One of the main advantages of ductile iron is its ductility or pliability, which makes it less brittle and more resistant to cracking under stress. Ductile iron is also more corrosion-resistant than cast iron, making it a better choice for outdoor applications.

Crowned Ductile Iron Wheel: W-9108-DIC-TB-.75 [Red]

Our ductile iron wheels are formed using a casting process and boast a maximum capacity of 15,000 lbs. Ductile iron gives these wheels durability, high strength, flexibility, wear resistance, and impact and fatigue resistance. They produce very little traction on floor surfaces, making them easier to push and pull. The trade-off to the incredible strength of Ductile Iron Wheels is that they can be noisy, prone to vibration, and may damage floor surfaces.

Our ductile steel wheels are painted red and have extra-thick treads, hubs, and walls. They come in diameters from 5″ to 12″ with tread widths of both 2″ and 3″. Wheels are available with a crowned tread, and both roller and tapered bearings are options. While ductile iron wheels are more expensive than steel wheels, they offer a cost-effective alternative to forged steel wheels.

Ductile iron wheels are excellent for high-capacity applications and, with a temperature range of -45º to 180º F, can be used in harsh weather conditions. They are excellent for many industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and agriculture. Their abrasion-resistant properties are also excellent in harsh environments, and these wheels offer a long service life.

If you’re looking for a wheel that balances affordability and high capacity and is perfectly positioned between Steel Wheels and Forged Steel Wheels, talk to your local Algood representative or a member of our customer service team about our Ductile Steel Wheels.

Get all the Ductile Wheel options and specs

Download the Ductile Iron catalogue page

Algood is proud to manufacture its casters and wheels right here in North America. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, we are leaders in quality and innovation. For more information about Algood Casters, Call: 1-800-254-6633 or Email: Service@Algood.com

Product Spotlight Wheels Revealed

22May 0

Algood Product Spotlight: Stainless Steel MAXX9 Caster Series

A Stainless Steel Champion

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Our Maxx9™ casters offer the best of both worlds. Featuring our proprietary one-piece, no-weld construction and sleek-looking stainless steel, they provide durability and resistance to chemicals, moisture, and corrosives. With a head-turning, super-attractive design, the Maxx9 is truly a champion.

The Maxx9 exemplifies superior North American engineering and production. Crafted meticulously from work-hardened, electropolished, and de-magnetized SAE 304 stainless steel, these casters ensure the highest level of quality and reliability. Every component, including raceway balls, top plates, bearings, bushings, and side washers, is made of stainless steel. The Maxx9 can also be manufactured upon request using 316 stainless steel.

The one-piece, no-weld construction, paired with a ¾” heavy-duty steel kingpin, makes the Maxx9 virtually indestructible and maintenance-free. You can rely on the Maxx9 to perform consistently, even in the most demanding environments. Its double raceway construction ensures outstanding maneuverability, and its capacity of up to 1,200 lbs. makes it versatile for various applications.

NSF certification makes Maxx9 casters perfect for all clean environments, including hospitals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and technology. They are also ideal for washdowns, paint claves, and outdoor applications.

The Maxx 9’s incredible utility and exceptional aesthetics are enhanced by the available iLock brakes—our unique multidirectional and/or wheel lock brake. With a sleek, user-friendly design and made from our proprietary thermoplastic nylon material, these brakes are practical, lightweight, and long-lasting.

Our Maxx9 casters are produced in our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto. That enables us to provide outstanding lead times, delivery dates you can depend on and trusted North American quality backed by our 3-Year No Excuse Warranty.

Find out more about how this stainless-steel champion can be in your corner. Contact your local Algood representative or a member of our customer service team.

Algood is proud to manufacture its casters and wheels right here in North America. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, we are leaders in quality and innovation. For more information about Algood Casters, Call: 1-800-254-6633 or Email: Service@Algood.com

Product Spotlight

16May 0

What’s really changed after COVID?

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In the thick of the COVID crisis, many pundits predicted how we do business would change forever. Now, a year after the official end of the COVID emergency, I’ve been thinking about what, if anything, is really different here at Algood. I’m usually skeptical about what the so-called experts say, but I have to admit, I’m surprised at the amount of change that has occurred. Here’s what I’ve noticed.

Face-to-face is rare. Five years ago, if I told a customer I wanted to arrange a video call, the response would likely be, “Huh?” A good portion would not have had access to a Zoom or Teams account and if it were something important, the clear expectation would be that I would arrange to be there in person. Today, if I tell a customer I’m flying out to see them, they would probably want to know what’s wrong. Even with companies that haven’t been on the leading edge of the technology curve, the adoption of video calls is broad.

Hybrid is here to stay. There’s no question that a lasting impact of COVID is remote work, but it’s a multi-faceted dynamic. Many members of our management and administrative teams work from home for at least part of the week. The related work-life balance and time staff members can spend with family reduces stress and allows for greater focus. In addition, productivity has increased because contributions are measured in terms of availability, output or tasks completed, as opposed to simply hours worked. However, the inability to collaborate and brainstorm in person as a team is a clear loss.

Good employees are hard to find. The ‘great resignation’ and other COVID-related effects have significantly shifted the dynamics of the labour market. Skilled and responsible employees are now in high demand, leading to increased wages and a need for what I call, ‘forced flexibility’ in work arrangements. This shift is putting employees in a position of advantage, forcing businesses to adapt to whatever their demands might be.

Turning on a dime. Within weeks of the onset of COVID, at Algood, we were in complete overdrive, forced to respond to the never-ending needs of healthcare and related sectors. We had to pivot then and we have become even more adaptable since. Not only can we better engineer solutions, but our manufacturing processes can be re-tooled even quicker. We are definitely able to be more responsive.

Speed Matters. As I mentioned, the early days of the pandemic were just-in-time manufacturing on steroids. We simply couldn’t produce casters or wheels fast enough. While the urgency has been lifted, the demand for speed remains. In part, that results from the “Amazon next-day delivery” effect. Also, customers gained the upper hand during the pandemic, and they are not about to relinquish it. We are constantly being pushed to deliver faster.

Rich Relationships. For many reasons, surviving COVID required relationships you could count on—whether with long-time customers, suppliers, accountants, lawyers, or bankers. The importance of having those relationships has been maintained, and we see it in the day-to-day of our business. While we are thrilled to meet the needs of every customer—new and old—our goal, more than before the pandemic, is to create deep, long-term relationships.

No more jackets. In our more laid-back environment at Algood, dress was never a big deal – unless you were going to see a customer or an important contact. But, two years of dress shirts paired with shorts or pyjama bottoms changed all that. Jackets are a relic and in fact, sneakers have become a mainstay of business attire. As long as what you’re wearing is clean and unwrinkled, it’s a free-for-all.

What’s on your list? It’s interesting for me to think about what has changed from an Algood perspective. But I wonder how many of these are unique to us. I’d like to know what you are seeing in your businesses. What’s on your list of post-COVID changes?

President's Blog

8May 0

Algood Product Spotlight: 600 Series Ball Casters

Iconic Ball Casters

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When you think about office chairs or furniture, you almost always conjure up an image of a ball caster. While ball casters are often associated with office chairs and furniture, they are not limited to that environment. Ball casters are versatile and can be effectively used in a wide range of settings, making them one of our top-selling casters.

Not only are our ball casters BIFMA approved and incredibly functional, they are designed to enhance the aesthetics of any setting. With standard sleek bright mirror reflection chrome and a variety of other available finishes, including Antique Brass, Antique Copper, Brass Lacquer, Brush Nickel, Flat, Gloss, and Ionic Black, these casters can truly elevate the look of any environment.

Black polyolefin, as well as black or grey Envirothane™ wheels, are available. The Envirothane wheels are particularly useful because they are hard enough for carpeted floors and soft enough for tiled surfaces. In addition, the grey Envirothane creates a distinctive colour combination.

Our ball casters are engineered for easy swivelling and movement. Their spherical shape allows them to sit on a single point, reducing friction and enabling smooth motion. The wheel rides directly on the bushing, not on bearings, which ensures excellent mobility at a reasonable cost. With hardened steel load raceway bearings and self-lubricating acetyl resin bushings, our ball casters are built to last and are virtually maintenance-free.

These casters are manufactured in our integrated facility in Toronto. That allows us to offer outstanding lead times, dependable delivery dates and trusted North American quality backed by our 3-Year No-Excuse Warranty.

Two sizes are available—1-3/4″ and 2″—each with a capacity of 75 lbs. Options include a side-locking brake and a number of top plate choices. They come with grip rings, grip necks, or threaded stems in a variety of sizes.

Ball casters are perfect for office chairs and furniture. They are also ideal for store fixtures, dollies, and institutional and healthcare environments.

Whether you use ball casters in their iconic office environments or other settings, they are an economical and attractive mobility solution. Find out more about how ball casters can meet your needs or the needs of your customers. Contact your local Algood representative or a member of our customer service team.

View Ball Caster Series Specs

Download Ball Caster Series Catalogue Page

Algood is proud to manufacture its casters and wheels right here in North America. With our fully integrated manufacturing facility in Toronto, we are leaders in quality and innovation. For more information about Algood Casters, Call: 1-800-254-6633 or Email: Service@Algood.com

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Author: Algood