Last week’s PTDA Canadian Conference was an excellent event—the day and a half program in Ottawa packed in multiple great speakers. The networking with both manufacturers and distributors was very worthwhile, and the Industry Showcase Welcome Reception gave me the chance to see many old friends, as well as make some new ones.

I had the opportunity to speak with Ross Rivard of Ringfeder Power Transmission. Rivard told me that the company is set to launch the new TNR coupling.

“It’s an engine flywheel coupling that actually allows you to tune out the resonance in your application; it’s really focused on gen-sets, and is a mobile driven diesel engine kind of application. It’s really unique in the industry, a one of a kind coupling. We’re really excited about it.”

Rivard said that one of their target markets is the wood recycling market, for horizontal grinders, sub-grinders, and related equipment where a lot of stresses causes a much vibration. This new coupling allows users to really fine-tune with the resonance.

The coming year may be challenging, he said, but added that there will be a great deal of opportunity.

“All indications are that things are improving. The consumer confidence is still solid. I think, long-term, we’re in a blip now. Long-term, I think things are very positive and we’re really looking forward to the second half of this year, going into 2017.”

And Ringfeder looks to be busy in multiple markets.

“Corporately, we are a global organization,” Rivard said. “We have operations in India and China, throughout Indonesia, South America, North America, Europe. The European market place has been strong all along. It’s actually getting stronger, which is a good thing. The North American marketplace is starting to pick up, which is exciting for us.”