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This content was originally published here.

This content was originally published here.

A week after news broke about Boeing eliminating 150 accounting and finance positions, the Wall Street Journal published an exclusive on Sept. 30 about another Fortune 500 company cutting even more jobs in its finance department:

Stanley Black & Decker Inc. has eliminated a large portion of finance jobs as part of an effort to cut up to $200 million in costs by year’s end amid high inflation and slowing demand.

The New Britain, Conn.-based maker of power tools and lawn equipment this week cut about 1,000 finance roles, according to two people familiar with the matter. The finance team cuts are part of broader layoffs within the company that have affected thousands of workers around the world, current and former employees said.

The reductions come as Stanley Black & Decker announced ambitious cost-cutting plans in July, including $1 billion in costs by the end of next year and $2 billion in the next three years. The company, whose brands include DeWalt and Craftsman tools as well as Cub Cadet riding lawn mowers, said it is simplifying its structures and processes, reducing certain spending and streamlining operations.

The WSJ article noted that Stanley Black & Decker had been handing out a significant amount of pink slips across different parts of the organization since July, including in its finance and IT departments. This included eliminating a large portion of a global analytics team with about 200 employees in early August. The company didn’t comment about the layoffs in the WSJ article.

But a few days later, Stanley Black & Decker’s PR machine broke its silence, telling CT Insider that the WSJ was wrong about the number of jobs being cut, but unlike Boeing, SB&D wouldn’t say how many people were being shown the door:

A Stanley Black & Decker spokesperson on Tuesday described a Wall Street Journal report as “inaccurate,” stating that the company is cutting 1,000 finance jobs across its operations — but declined to provide information on how many job cuts were included in an initial round the company’s CEO said last month would be largely complete by the first week of October.

[…]

The Wall Street Journal based its reporting on information from multiple current or former employees, without identifying them by name. On Tuesday, Stanley Black & Decker spokesperson Debora Raymond declined comment on any possible job actions in Connecticut or globally, but said the report’s jobs figure was incorrect. The effect of any layoffs in Connecticut remains unclear.

The payment news website PYMNTS speculated that the layoffs at SB&D were because the robots had taken over the finance department:

Automation and streamlining accounting functions may have played a part in the company’s decision to target the finance team for layoffs. PYMNTS research shows that CFOs are prioritizing investment in software solutions that automate various finance processes.

[…]

A recent PYMNTS survey found that 74% of CFOs at large companies see payment operation digitization as “very” or “extremely” important to their business goals. Meanwhile, 62% of CFOs of large companies said that digitization contributes to cost reduction.

Some of cost cuts are achieved by automating finance processes, which sometimes allow a company to get away with employing fewer people. And as labor shortages persist and inflation continues to rock markets, we are likely to see more companies automate their financial processes and reduce their workforce.

Since Oct. 4 when CT Insider published its article, things have been eerily quiet regarding the finance layoffs at Stanley Black & Decker. Discussion sites like TheLayoff.com and Reddit have acknowledged the WSJ and CT Insider articles, but aside from people bitching in the comment section about the quality of SB&D tools nowadays, no one has come forward to confirm exactly how many people were let go or if they were a victim of the cost-cutting.

We’ll update this article if anything new is reported.

Photo credit: Grindstone Media Group/Shutterstock

The post Layoff Watch ’22: Stanley Black & Decker is Giving Out Pink Slips to Finance Pros, But How Many? appeared first on Going Concern.

This content was originally published here.

A new survey released today from DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) brand and leader in total jobsite solutions, found more than half of U.S. contractors (55%) feel a lack of skilled workers is a barrier to growing their current business.

SUMMARY:

• More than half of U.S. contractors (55%) say finding enough skilled workers is one of the biggest barriers to growing their business
• Inflation (57%), insufficient labor (51%), and long hours (37%) are the three most significant challenges currently facing U.S. contractors
• After training the next generation of workers (48%), more than a third believe contingency planning/risk management (37%) and resilient supply chain solutions (37%) are critical elements for growth of the construction industry in 2023
• 67% of U.S contractors say mentorship and educational opportunities in the trades are extremely important

DESCRIPTION:

TOWSON, Md., October 25, 2022 /3BL Media/ – A new survey released today from DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) brand and leader in total jobsite solutions, found more than half of U.S. contractors (55%) feel a lack of skilled workers is a barrier to growing their current business. That number rises to 69% among businesses with $10MM plus annual revenue and 64% among those with 20 years or more of experience. Looking to the future, 48% believe training the next generation of trades professionals is one of the most critical needs for the success of the construction industry in 2023.

“The DEWALT Powering the Future Survey sheds further light on the wide-reaching gap in skilled labor and its continued impact on the residential and commercial construction industries. Add to that the overwhelming demand for trades expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic and the [skilled-labor] gap is quickly becoming the most critical need that will dictate the future success of the field,” said Allison Nicolaidis, President, Power Tools Group, Stanley Black & Decker. “That’s why DEWALT is committed to putting a heavier spotlight on these challenges and taking a lead role in supporting our industrial and construction partners to overcome them. DEWALT will further its commitment to closing the skills deficit with the launch of the DEWALT Trade Scholarship to support trades education programs for students across the country.”

Inflation, Insufficient Skilled Labor, and Long Hours are Top Challenges
Keeping up with inflation (57%), finding skilled workers/being understaffed (51%) and working long hours (37%) are the top three most significant challenges that U.S. contractors surveyed are currently facing. When it comes to the effects those challenges are having on the industry, an overwhelming majority of contractors—93%—feel the lack of skilled workers has had at least a minor impact on their existing work.

Half of those contractors who have had their work impacted by the labor shortage (50%) cite the primary causes for the gap as a lack of awareness around career paths in construction, followed by outside influences (parents, media, etc.) that guide younger people away from pursuing a career in the industry (47%), as well as an underestimation of how much money can be made in the industry (41%).

Mentorship Matters
A great deal of importance is placed on mentorship programs regardless of contractor level, tenure, or type, with 67% of all contractors labeling these programs as extremely important with an additional 24% identifying these programs as moderately important. A larger majority of contractors with extensive experience (20+ years) or high business revenue ($10MM or more) find these programs to be extremely important (71% and 78% respectively) in providing the latest training to help young professionals prepare for onsite work. In addition, more than half (53%) of contractors surveyed say mentorship increases excitement about construction as a career path.

Health and Wellbeing are Essential
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, contractors have experienced numerous changes in the industry. According to the survey, the number one takeaway (39%) from the pandemic among contractors is the importance of employee mental health and wellbeing.

Most contractors (56%) have been working more hours since 2019, with mechanical (68%), plumbing (66%) and electrical (60%) contractors more likely to have seen an increase in labor hours since the pandemic began. Nearly 40% of all contractors surveyed say longer hours have made their jobs more difficult.

2023 Forecast
Half of contractors (48%) identify training the next generation of workers as one of the most critical industry focus areas in 2023 and beyond. Seasoned contractors are particularly committed to training the next generation of workers, with 63% of those in the industry for 20 or more years indicating this is a paramount goal for the future. The second and third most critical elements for growth are contingency planning/risk management and resilient supply chain solutions (both 37%).

Also indicated as an important element of future success is the innovation of tools and equipment (33%). With tool advancements, 55% of contractors feel they have increased efficiency, half (51%) state they have increased user control, and over a third (36%) think it has improved the quality of work.

Empowering Careers in Construction and the Trades
As part of its commitment to empower the next generation of workers, DEWALT has opened the DEWALT Trades Scholarship, which will award students with a $5,000 grant in pursuance of a skilled trade educational program for the 2023-2024 academic year. Eligible candidates include high school seniors, graduates, or current undergraduate students majoring in a degree/certificate program such as trade construction, motor/power specializations, mechanics, or technology. To learn more about this opportunity and apply by February 8, visit https://scholarsapply.org.

The company continues its multi-year commitment to skilling tradespeople through the Global Impact Challenge which provides grants to nonprofits supporting skilling programs for tradespeople, including vocation skills training and retraining. Learn more here.

DEWALT is also offering several promotions on tools and equipment to power up the projects and jobsites of current and future pros. Learn more at https://www.dewalt.com/promotions.

Survey Methodology
DEWALT partnered with strategic insights agency Opinium to conduct a survey of 1,001 full-time home and building contractors. “Full-time home and building contractors” are defined as those who work in building/construction for 40 or more hours per week. The study was conducted between September 21 – September 30, 2022.

About DEWALT
DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, is obsessed with how users work in the real world and is relentlessly pursuing total jobsite and landscaping solutions. By incorporating its latest technology and industry innovations, DEWALT is leading the charge for the jobsite of the future and pioneering the next generation of outdoor equipment. DEWALT products. GUARANTEED TOUGH®. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com or follow DEWALT on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Stanley Black & Decker
Headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is the world’s largest tool company operating manufacturing facilities worldwide. Guided by its purpose – for those who make the world – the company’s approximately 60,000 erse and high-performing employees produce innovative, award-winning power tools, hand tools, storage, digital tool solutions, lifestyle products, outdoor products, engineered fasteners and other industrial equipment to support the world’s makers, creators, tradespeople and builders. The company’s iconic brands include DEWALT®, BLACK+DECKER®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, CUB CADET®, HUSTLER® and TROY-BILT®. Recognized for its leadership in environmental, social and governance (ESG), Stanley Black & Decker strives to be a force for good in support of its communities, employees, customers and other stakeholders. To learn more visit: www.stanleyblackanddecker.com.

DEWALT Media Contacts:

Debora Raymond
Vice President, Public Relations
203-640-8054
[email protected]

Lindsay Fennell
Senior Public Relations Manager
(724) 205-0640
[email protected]

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This content was originally published here.

This content was originally published here.

This content was originally published here.

talkSPORT has teamed up with DEWALT to give you the chance to win a Nissan Navara Acenta pick up truck!

Join talkSPORT Drive every day next week as we play a penalty shootout style quiz. Each day, two players will put their sports knowledge to the test.

If you think you can come out on top, you’ll get your hands on either £500 OR you’ll be in with a chance to win the Nissan Navara Acenta pick up truck.

This is all thanks to DEWALT who are celebrating their revolutionary new POWERSTACK 5AH range – 50% More Power, 50% More Work Per Charge, 2 x Lifespan.

For your chance to win, register below for your chance to go on air and we could be calling you to go and play on talkSPORT Drive next week (4pm – 7pm)

Good luck!

18+, T&C’s apply.

DEWALT PENALTY SHOOTOUT (THE “PROMOTION”) TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

By entering the Promotion, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions (these “Terms and Conditions”).  Phoning, texting or emailing to enter the Promotion or completing and submitting an entry form will also be deemed acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.  Promotional materials relating to the Promotion, including all information on how to enter the Promotion published by the Promoter (including on social media if applicable) or on the Promoter’s websites, also apply to the Promotion.  In the event of any conflict between any terms referred to in such promotional materials and these Terms and Conditions, these Terms and Conditions take precedence.

Participation in the Promotion

1. Residents of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland aged 18 or over only, except employees and agents of the Promoter or Wireless Group Limited and anyone otherwise connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion (including third party sponsors or promotional partners) and their respective associated, affiliated or subsidiary companies, and the immediate families and household members of all such employees and agents.
2. The Promotion starts at 00:01 am (UK time) on 26 October 2022 and closes at 09:00 am (UK time) on 4 November 2022 (the “Promotion Period”). Any entries received outside of the Promotion Period will be void.
3. The Participants may make a maximum of 1 entry per person during the Promotion Period.
4. To enter you must complete and submit the entry form and be available to come on air in talkSPORT Drive (16:00-19:00) from Monday 31 October – Friday 4 November 2022 to participate in the competition.
5. Entries received which are not submitted via the official entry method will not be accepted. Use of script, macro or any automated system to enter the Promotion is prohibited and entries made (or which appear to have been made) using any such system may be treated as void. Any illegible, incomplete or fraudulent entries will be rejected.
6. Participants should be aware that they may be subject to data charges depending on their own individual arrangements for internet access if they enter the Promotion online or by email.

Winners and Prizes

1. There will be 2x players selected to play each day from Monday – Friday (10 players in total). Each player will be asked five questions. The player with the most amount of correct answers at the end of the five questions will win the prize. If the 2 players have the same score on the day, it will go to a tie-break question.
2. The winner can choose to win £500 or they can choose to go into a draw with 4 other contestants to win the Nissan Navara Acenta pick-up truck. Each day’s runner-up will receive whichever option the winner doesn’t pick (either the £500 or a place in the draw for the Nissan Navara Acenta pick-up truck). The prize draw for the truck will take place in Friday’s talkSPORT drive on 4 November 2022. On Friday’s draw, there will be 1 x winner for the Nissan Navara Acenta pick-up truck for the main draw prize – Nissan Navara Acenta DCI, Black, 2021, 71 Reg, delivery mileage only, and the 4 x other contestants in the draw will receive a DEWALT POWERSTACK 5AH Combi Drill Kit -DEWALT DCD805H2T-GB 18V XR BRUSHLESS COMBI DRILL KIT WITH 2 X POWERSTACK 5AH BATTERIES
3. Prizes are as stated and are non-exchangeable and non-transferable.
4. The winner is responsible for paying all associated costs that are not specifically stated in any Promotional materials or these Terms and Conditions, including (where applicable) transport, accommodation, meal costs, spending money, insurance and all other incidentals. Winners are also personally responsible for any personal or incidental expenses and any VAT, national and/or local tax liabilities incurred in claiming or using the prize.  By participating in the Promotion, participants agree that the prize is awarded on an “as is” basis, and that neither the Promoter nor any of its subsidiary or affiliated companies, make any representations or warranties of any nature with respect to the prize.
5. In the event that, for reasons beyond the Promoter’s reasonable control the Promoter is unable to award the prize as described in these Terms and Conditions, the Promoter reserves the right to award a prize of a similar nature and an equivalent value, or at its sole discretion, the cash value of the prize. The Promoter also reserves the right to award a prize of a similar nature and an equivalent value, or at its sole discretion, the cash value of the prize if in its reasonable discretion it is appropriate to do so.

Terms and Conditions for the 1x Nissan Navara Acenta pick-up truck and 4x drill kits

• DEWALT will arrange delivery of the truck and drill kits, recipients should allow 28 days from competition close to receive prizes
• Entrants must be aged over 18
• Prizes are non-exchangeable

Winner Announcement and claiming of prize

1. Entrants selected to come on air will be notified by phone or using the other contact details provided to the Promoter on the morning of 31 October – 4 November 2022. If a selected entrant cannot be contacted or is not available, the Promoter reserves the right to re-draw another contestant from the valid/correct entries that were received during the Promotion Period. Winners may be required to submit valid identification before receiving their prize.
2. Contestants will not necessarily appear on-air in the order in which they are called. The Promoter shall not be liable to reimburse callers for telephone charges when either on hold or on air.
3. Winner will be required to confirm acceptance of the applicable prize within 5 days of having been notified. If the winner has not claimed their prize by the date specified or the winner refuses or is unable to provide an eligible postal address for receipt of their prize, the Promoter reserves the right to award the prize to another participant.
4. The prize will be delivered within a reasonable time and by no later than 28 days after the prize has been accepted.
5. For a list of entrants (name and general location) please send a stamped self-addressed envelope by no later than 28 days after the end of the Promotion Period to the Promoter at: Promotions Department, talkSPORT, 1 London Bridge Street, London, England, SE1 9GF stating that you would like the winner details for the “DEWALT Penalty Shootout” Promotion.

Data Protection and Publicity

1. The Promoter will collect and process participants’ personal information and it will be shared with the Promoter’s agents, affiliates and, if applicable, any third party prize provider (including those outside the European Economic Area). Information provided by participants will only be used for the purpose of conducting this Promotion (including for prizes to be delivered) and other purposes as may be specified at the time of entry or on promotional materials. Personal information will be used in accordance with the applicable privacy policy in place from time to time (see http://www.newsprivacy.co.uk/single/).
2. Participants’ names and general locations will be published or made publicly available if they are a winner of the Promotion in accordance with the regulatory requirements. In such circumstances we may also make free use of this information and participant’s photographs for publicity purposes both during this and future promotions by the Promoter or any of its associated or subsidiary companies. This includes making their name available on the Promoter’s websites and social media platforms. The winner and any guests may also be required to participate in reasonable publicity relating to this Promotion.

General

1. The Promoter’s decision is final and binding on the participants. No correspondence will be entered into.
2. If participants do not provide any of the mandatory information requested when participating in the Promotion, their entry will be void.
3. The Promoter reserves the right to require the participants to prove that they are eligible. If a winner is found to be ineligible, the Promoter reserves the right to award their prize to another participant and to require the return of any prize already awarded.
4. The provision of the prize does not imply endorsement by the Promoter of any third parties concerned in any way with the Promotion.
5. Unless otherwise stated in the promotional materials, this Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, the manufacturer or service provider of the relevant prize. You are providing your information to the Promoter and not to the manufacturer or service provider of the relevant prize (although, if you win, your details may be disclosed to the prize provider in order to provide you with the prize).
6. Participants must not do anything illegal and/or dangerous and/or that would put themselves or others at any risk. Save where it has been negligent, the Promoter will not be responsible for any damage, loss or injury resulting from participants’ entry into the Promotion or their acceptance and/or use of the prize, or for technical, hardware or software failures, lost, faulty or unavailable network connections or difficulties of any kind that may limit or prohibit participant’s ability to participate in the Promotion.  The Promoter will not be responsible for any lost, damaged, delayed, defaced, incomplete, illegible or otherwise unreadable entries. Proof of making a phone call, sending an entry by post, email or text, is not proof of receipt by the Promoter of any entries.  Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall in any way limit the Promoter’s liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence or for any other matter where liability may not be limited as a matter of law.
7. The Promoter reserves the right at any time to cancel, modify or supersede the Promotion (including altering prizes) if, in its sole discretion, the Promotion is not capable of being conducted as specified. In the event of a printing or other error resulting in there being more winners than prizes for the Promotion, the Promoter reserves the right to (a) declare as void any claims or entries resulting from such printing or other error; and/or (b) allocate the available prize(s) through a further draw or to divide the prize(s) or the value of the prize(s) between the winners of the Promotion.
8. Any participant who enters or attempts to enter the Promotion in a manner, which in the Promoter’s reasonable opinion is contrary to these Terms and Conditions or by its nature is unjust to other participants (including tampering with the operation of the Promotion, cheating, hacking, deception or any other unfair playing practices such as intending to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other participants or the Promoter and/or any of its agents or representatives) may be rejected from the Promotion at the Promoter’s sole discretion. Furthermore, where such actions have significantly impaired the Promotion, the Promoter may, at its sole discretion, add further stages to the Promotion as it deems reasonably necessary in order to resolve any problems arising from such actions.
9. The Promoter reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions. Any amendments will be published on the Promoter’s website (the “Website”).
10. If you are resident of the United Kingdom then these Terms and Conditions are governed by English law and the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any dispute or claim arising in association with the Promotion or these Terms and Conditions (except if you are resident of Northern Ireland you may also bring proceedings in Northern Ireland), and if you are a resident of Scotland, you may also bring proceedings in Scotland). If you are a resident of the Republic of Ireland then these Terms and Conditions are governed by Irish law and the courts of the Republic of Ireland shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any dispute or claim arising in association with the Promotion or these Terms and Conditions.
11. The promoter of this Promotion is talkSPORT Limited (operator of talkSPORT) of 1 London Bridge Street, London, England, SE1 9GF (the “Promoter”).

This content was originally published here.

A new survey released from DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand and leader in total jobsite solutions, found more than half of U.S. contractors (55%) feel a lack of skilled workers is a barrier to growing their current business. That number rises to 69% among businesses with $10MM plus annual revenue and 64% among those with 20 years or more of experience. Looking to the future, 48% believe training the next generation of trades professionals is one of the most critical needs for the success of the construction industry in 2023.

“The DEWALT Powering the Future Survey sheds further light on the wide-reaching gap in skilled labor and its continued impact on the residential and commercial construction industries. Add to that the overwhelming demand for trades expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic and the [skilled-labor] gap is quickly becoming the most critical need that will dictate the future success of the field,” said Allison Nicolaidis, President, Power Tools Group, Stanley Black & Decker. “That’s why DEWALT is committed to putting a heavier spotlight on these challenges and taking a lead role in supporting our industrial and construction partners to overcome them. DEWALT will further its commitment to closing the skills deficit with the launch of the DEWALT Trade Scholarship to support trades education programs for students across the country.”

Inflation, Insufficient Skilled Labor and Long Hours are Top Challenges

Keeping up with inflation (57%), finding skilled workers/being understaffed (51%) and working long hours (37%) are the top three most significant challenges that U.S. contractors surveyed are currently facing. When it comes to the effects those challenges are having on the industry, an overwhelming majority of contractors — 93% — feel the lack of skilled workers has had at least a minor impact on their existing work.

Half of those contractors who have had their work impacted by the labor shortage (50%) cite the primary causes for the gap as a lack of awareness around career paths in construction, followed by outside influences (parents, media, etc.) that guide younger people away from pursuing a career in the industry (47%), as well as an underestimation of how much money can be made in the industry (41%).

Mentorship Matters

A great deal of importance is placed on mentorship programs regardless of contractor level, tenure, or type, with 67% of all contractors labeling these programs as extremely important with an additional 24% identifying these programs as moderately important. A larger majority of contractors with extensive experience (20+ years) or high business revenue ($10MM or more) find these programs to be extremely important (71% and 78% respectively) in providing the latest training to help young professionals prepare for onsite work. In addition, more than half (53%) of contractors surveyed say mentorship increases excitement about construction as a career path.

Health and Wellbeing are Essential

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, contractors have experienced numerous changes in the industry. According to the survey, the number one takeaway (39%) from the pandemic among contractors is the importance of employee mental health and wellbeing.

Most contractors (56%) have been working more hours since 2019, with mechanical (68%), plumbing (66%) and electrical (60%) contractors more likely to have seen an increase in labor hours since the pandemic began. Nearly 40% of all contractors surveyed say longer hours have made their jobs more difficult.

2023 Forecast

Half of contractors (48%) identify training the next generation of workers as one of the most critical industry focus areas in 2023 and beyond. Seasoned contractors are particularly committed to training the next generation of workers, with 63% of those in the industry for 20 or more years indicating this is a paramount goal for the future. The second and third most critical elements for growth are contingency planning/risk management and resilient supply chain solutions (both 37%).

Also indicated as an important element of future success is the innovation of tools and equipment (33%). With tool advancements, 55% of contractors feel they have increased efficiency, half (51%) state they have increased user control, and over a third (36%) think it has improved the quality of work.

Empowering Careers in Construction and the Trades

As part of its commitment to empower the next generation of workers, DEWALT has opened the DEWALT Trades Scholarship, which will award students with a $5,000 grant in pursuance of a skilled trade educational program for the 2023-2024 academic year. Eligible candidates include high school seniors, graduates, or current undergraduate students majoring in a degree/certificate program such as trade construction, motor/power specializations, mechanics, or technology. To learn more about this opportunity and apply by February 8, visit https://scholarsapply.org.

The company continues its multi-year commitment to skilling tradespeople through the Global Impact Challenge which provides grants to nonprofits supporting skilling programs for tradespeople, including vocation skills training and retraining. Learn more here.

DEWALT is also offering several promotions on tools and equipment to power up the projects and jobsites of current and future pros. Learn more at https://www.dewalt.com/promotions.

We’d love to keep in touch! Check us out on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn!

The post New DEWALT Survey: 53 Percent of Commercial Contractors Say Skilled Labor Gap Holding Down Revenues appeared first on Compact Equipment Magazine.

This content was originally published here.

Prototype DeWalt Ascent Battery-Powered Zero-Turn Suffers Failure

If you’re following social media, you likely know that on the opening day of Equip Expo 2022 (formerly GIE), a prototype DeWalt battery-powered zero-turn lawn mower ignited and caught fire. Fortunately, we are not aware of any injuries. While it makes for exciting headlines and lots of conversation, I believe there are some points worth adding.

DeWalt Lawn Mower Fire Context

First of all, this was a prototype DeWalt Ascent battery-powered zero-turn lawn mower—not a final production model. In speaking with Stanley Black & Decker President, Christine Potter following the press conference announcing the mower, she told us that designing this is even more complex than an electric vehicle. In addition to the drive systems that need to be in place, you’re adding spinning blades along with making it far tougher for the environment it has to thrive in.

While you don’t expect an issue on this level with your prototypes, you do expect to find areas that need improvement. That’s why you have a prototype phase in the design process.

DeWalt Lawn Mower Fire Thoughts

Of course, having this level of failure happen publically is a nightmare for everyone involved. The design team has surely had a long night and will continue to have long days working to figure out what happened. The marketing team and executives will be having many meetings to decide how to address it to the public.

In the near term, the people behind the product are going to learn from the analysis and it’s going to help them make the final product better. Moreso, the industry as a whole is going to be waiting to hear what happened and learn from it as well, making battery-powered lawn mowers better and safer no matter what brand you choose.

Keep in mind, there are real human beings behind the product design and manufacturing. They’re motivated to create products that perform well and are safe to use. In the case of DeWalt commercial lawn mowers, they’re designing them to be the premium Stanley Black & Decker mowers above the Hustler and Cub Cadet brands that are also part of the group.

Tesla didn’t earn the reputation it has overnight and SpaceX had its growing pains as well. But what they and we learn along the way from our failures helps us grow—both in the products (or content in our case) and as human beings. So as you’re consuming content surrounding this incident, don’t discount the decades that DeWalt has been helping Pros and DIYers do their best work, nor the thousands of quality products they’ve developed in that time. While we’re at it, let’s extend some grace to the DeWalt team and if you’re the praying type, offer up a prayer for them as they deal with what is surely a difficult situation for them.

Note: Pro Tool Reviews is not sharing photos or videos of the fire. If DeWalt releases a statement, we’ll update this article to include it.

The post DeWalt Prototype Lawn Mower Catches Fire At Equip Expo 2022 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

This content was originally published here.

This content was originally published here.