Excellent opportunity for Applications Engineers who are ready to take a step up to Applications Manager. ICCNexergy will provide training on program and quote management. Applications Managers report to the Director, Applications Management.

Key Responsibilities
Applications Development:

• Work with regional managers, subject matter experts and customers in the evaluation and development of new business opportunities.
• Analyze and interpret product specs/customer needs to ensure they are technically feasible; set the appropriate scope and schedule expectations with customers, considering workloads and capabilities of ICCNexergy’s team. Recommend alternate solutions that better match ICCNexergy’s capabilities and better serve customers’ interests.
• Liaison between ICCNexergy engineering and customer’s engineers to assure accurate specification interpretation. Initiate internal specification reviews, and negotiate changes as necessary.
• Capture changes in customer demands, designs and specifications, and communicate the impact on customer expectations and schedules
• Assist with technical training, preparation of application notes and marketing literature.

Program Management:

• Manage program scope, schedule and cost. Create program work plans and revise as appropriate.
• Provide overall direction in establishing program requirements, priorities and deadlines.
• Assure adequate resources are assigned to the program, and manage day-to-day operational aspects to meet schedule and cost targets. Track costs as required, and assure that documentation is complete, properly stored and communicated.
• Assure compliance with the New Product Introduction process and standards.
• Conduct regular program reviews to meet or improve program schedule and budget. Resolve issues and conflicts, and minimize exposure and risk. Communicate updates to purchasing and manufacturing, and present progress reports to senior management on a regular basis.
• Assure timely invoicing to customer for product or other costs.

Quote Management:

• Review and approve the technical component of customer quotes, as well as the cost basis for quotes.
• Assist sales in the development of quotations for new business.
• Provide support data for new business proposals.

Qualifications:

• BS in Electrical Engineering with a minimum of 5 years design experience. Experience in rechargeable batteries and/or battery charger applications or power supplies strongly preferred.
• Experience working with a stage-gate new production introduction process preferred.
• Experience in customer facing roles required.Successful track record meeting deadlines and budget constraints.
• Excellent communications and teaming skills with cross-functional groups required, and experience working with geographically dispersed team members or vendors in Asia very helpful.
• Ability to travel domestically and occasionally internationally. Total travel is estimated to be <20%.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Project (or similar software).

Enhances ICCNexergy’s Technology Leadership and Advances the Company’s Vision in the Medical Industries

WESTCHESTER, IL, – March 25, 2013 – ICCNexergy, Inc. (www.iccnexergy.com), a global leader in the design and manufacture of rechargeable power systems, announced the acquisition of Applied Power, Inc. (www.applied-power.com), a Brighton, MI based company that provides custom battery assemblies to medical device manufacturers as well as to the fast growing medical computer cart market. The move, effective immediately, creates the industry’s largest designer and manufacturer of rechargeable power systems.

Founded by Jim Alexander in 1974, Applied Power is a leading designer and manufacturer of primary and secondary battery assemblies serving attractive end markets, including the high-growth medical market. Applied Power has historically targeted non-consumer vertical markets including medical computer carts, non-invasive medical devices, instrumentation and defense. The combined entity will leverage key people, process and technology resources across ICCNexergy’s industry leading custom rechargeable power systems platform.

“This acquisition allows ICCNexergy to build upon its rechargeable system product platform, adding significant expertise and meaningful customer relationships in the medical computer cart market, which is a target vertical of the company. It’s great to have the Applied Power team on board.” said Stephen M. McClure, ICCNexergy’s President and CEO.

Applied Power, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of ICCNexergy. Reporting to Stephen M. McClure, Jim Alexander has been appointed to the role of Chief Technology Officer (Applied Power, Inc.) and will be a key resource in the transition of knowledge and control as well as continuing to develop unique solutions for Applied Power’s customers. Ray LeBlanc, who joined Applied Power, Inc. in 2007, will serve as Vice President & General Manager (Applied Power, Inc.), responsible for maintaining relationships with key customers and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Brighton, MI facility.

The acquisition of Applied Power gives ICCNexergy an immediate presence in the medical computer cart market and complements ICCNexergy’s position as the industry’s leading developer and manufacturer of custom rechargeable power systems.

About Applied Power
The company was formed in 1974 for the purpose of providing custom battery assemblies and medical computer cart market oriented electronic components to customers that are in the business of designing portable and back up devices, headquartered in Brighton, MI.

Applied Power, Inc. is proud to be involved with the leaders in battery and power technology. The company strives to offer customers the very latest in technology and assembly methods in order for them to be successful in their respective markets.

About ICCNexergy, Inc.
ICCNexergy, Inc. is a privately held global developer and manufacturer of innovative power solutions. With more than 45 years of operational excellence, the company continues to lead the industry with expertise in designing and manufacturing custom rechargeable power systems including: Lithium-ion battery packs, battery chargers, docking stations, and highly efficient power supplies. Its partners include major OEMs in the medical, data server/storage, prosumer electronics, safety/security, data acquisition, and military/aerospace industries.
ICCNexergy owns and operates three state of the art production facilities strategically positioned to provide cost effective, high volume production. With approximately 300,000 square feet of wholly owned manufacturing space and a full suite of in-house design, tooling, and test capabilities, ICCNexergy is capable of managing complex programs from design through production around the world. Each facility is ISO 9001:2008, ISO 13485 certified and produces products that are EISA, ROHS, and CEC compliant.

ICCNexergy is part of the Inverness Graham Investments portfolio of companies.
About Inverness Graham Investments
Inverness Graham Investments is an operationally focused, lower middle market private equity firm headquartered in suburban Philadelphia. Inverness Graham acquires high growth, value-added manufacturing and service companies and was founded by senior executives of the Graham Group. The Graham Group’s three legacy industrial businesses operate in more than 90 locations worldwide, and its investment entities manage over $3 billion in investment capital. Inverness Graham continues the Graham Group’s tradition of leveraging innovation and technology to build differentiated businesses of enduring value.
For more information, please visit www.invernessgraham.com.

For information on the expanding ICCNexergy portfolio and medical computer cart solutions, please visit www.iccnexergy.com.

Media Contact:
Robert Heim
Rheim@iccnexergy.com
1-800-210-1431
ICCNexergy, Inc.
4 Westbrook Corporate Center Suite 900
Westchester, IL 60154

ADVANCEMENTS IN THE RECHARGEABLE POWER SYSTEMS FOR MEDICAL PORTABLE SOLUTIONS | ICCNEXERGY | © 2013

ICCNexergy™ owns and operates three state of the art production facilities strategically positioned to provide cost effective, high volume production. With more than 250,000 square feet of wholly owned manufacturing space and a full suite of in-house design, tooling, and test capabilities, they are able to manage complex programs from design through production around the world. Each facility is ISO 9001:2008 certified, ISO 13485, ITAR and produces products that are REACH, ROHS, and CEC compliant. ICCNexergy™ is part of the Inverness Graham Investments portfolio of companies.

This is a home office based position, ideally on the East Coast.

The Regional Sales Manager will report to the Director of N/A Sales and will be responsible for developing and building customer relationships in a large geographic territory with twenty or more accounts.  The Regional Sales Manager has responsibility for expanding our customer base with the help of an external sales Rep organization and managing a few existing customers.

The selected individual will be responsible for:

• Growing the territory in terms of sales dollars and number of major customers.
• Working with customers and Sales Representative Groups on all commercial matters.
• Program development overview.
• Relationship development within each account.
• Working with Business Development and/or Sales Representative Groups to identify and penetrate new potential customers.
• Completing sales documentation (account tracking, quotations, RFQ/RFE, Factory visits, Expense, etc.)
• Working with Engineering and Applications Engineering to manage custom designs.
• Project management, working with engineering and manufacturing to design and qualify new products for the customer and the company.

The successful candidate will have 5-10 years OEM experience in outside sales or customer service functions with an electronics based company. Preferably with a company with a global presence. Knowledge of the portable electronics industry is preferred.  In addition, this individual will possess the following:

• Strong negotiation and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal communication skills with ability to make effective presentations to clients and to upper management.
• Strong customer service orientation with ability to initiate and sustain productive business relationships with customers.
• Solid business acumen.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to effectively work across a broad spectrum of functions within customers and the company.
• Excellent analytical abilities; able to analyze data, solve problems and make effective decisions.
• PC literacy /proficiency in business software.

The following competencies are critical to the success of the Regional Sales Manager:

• Problem Resolution – Utilizes problem solving skills, job knowledge, creative thinking, and good business sense to effectively define, analyze, and resolve problems.
• Building Relationships and Influencing Others – Develops and maintains constructive internal and external relationships at multiple levels by promoting collaboration, building partnerships, and positively influencing others.
• Business Development – Applies knowledge of the marketplace, products/services, and effective selling principles to develop business and produce desired sales results.
• Customer Centric – Demonstrates a passion for customer service and a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure customers’ needs are clearly understood and met.
• Professional Development and Learning – Continually strives to develop self and others by leveraging feedback, training, and other learning opportunities to improve skills and professional capabilities.
• Professionalism – Conducts oneself in a highly professional and credible manner; exhibits confidence, integrity, and composure in all work engagements and dealings with others.
• Planning and Organizing Work – Efficiently completes work responsibilities through effective planning, organization, time management, and resource utilization.
• Competitive Spirit and Drive – Relentlessly drives self and others to be the best by striving to deliver superior results and outperform the competition.

An undergraduate degree preferably in a technical field is required. MBA is highly desired.

For immediate, confidential consideration, please send your resume and cover letter to recruiter@iccnexergy.com

ICCNexergy™ owns and operates three state of the art production facilities strategically positioned to provide cost effective, high volume production. With more than 250,000 square feet of wholly owned manufacturing space and a full suite of in-house design, tooling, and test capabilities, they are able to manage complex programs from design through production around the world. Each facility is ISO 9001:2008 certified, ISO 13485, ITAR and produces products that are REACH, ROHS, and CEC compliant. ICCNexergy™ is part of the Inverness Graham Investments portfolio of companies.

This is a home office based position, ideally in the Midwest area.

The Regional Sales Manager will report to the Director of N/A Sales and will be responsible for developing and building customer relationships in a large geographic territory with twenty or more accounts. The Regional Sales Manager has responsibility for a defined customer base as well as a geographic territory where they will utilize a REP for business development.

The selected individual will be responsible for:

• Growing the territory in terms of sales dollars and number of major customers.
• Working with customers and Sales Representative Groups on all commercial matters.
• Program development overview.
• Relationship development within each account.
• Working with Business Development and/or Sales Representative Groups to identify and penetrate new potential customers.
• Completing sales documentation (account tracking, quotations, RFQ/RFE, Factory visits, Expense, etc.)
• Working with Engineering and Applications Engineering to manage custom designs.
• Project management, working with engineering and manufacturing to design and qualify new products for the customer and the company.

The successful candidate will have 5-10 years OEM experience in inside sales or customer service functions with an electronics based company. Preferably with a company with a global presence. Knowledge of the portable electronics industry is preferred. In addition, this individual will possess the following:

• Strong negotiation and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal communication skills with ability to make effective presentations to clients and to upper management.
• Strong customer service orientation with ability to initiate and sustain productive business relationships with customers.
• Solid business acumen.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to effectively work across a broad spectrum of functions within customers and the company.
• Excellent analytical abilities; able to analyze data, solve problems and make effective decisions.
• PC literacy /proficiency in business software.

The following competencies are critical to the success of the Regional Sales Manager:

• Problem Resolution – Utilizes problem solving skills, job knowledge, creative thinking, and good business sense to effectively define, analyze, and resolve problems.
• Building Relationships and Influencing Others – Develops and maintains constructive internal and external relationships at multiple levels by promoting collaboration, building partnerships, and positively influencing others.
• Business Development – Applies knowledge of the marketplace, products/services, and effective selling principles to develop business and produce desired sales results.
• Customer Centric – Demonstrates a passion for customer service and a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure customers’ needs are clearly understood and met.
• Professional Development and Learning – Continually strives to develop self and others by leveraging feedback, training, and other learning opportunities to improve skills and professional capabilities.
• Professionalism – Conducts oneself in a highly professional and credible manner; exhibits confidence, integrity, and composure in all work engagements and dealings with others.
• Planning and Organizing Work – Efficiently completes work responsibilities through effective planning, organization, time management, and resource utilization.
• Competitive Spirit and Drive – Relentlessly drives self and others to be the best by striving to deliver superior results and outperform the competition.

An undergraduate degree preferably in a technical field is required. MBA is highly desired.

For immediate, confidential consideration, please send your resume and cover letter to recruiter@iccnexergy.com

Primary Responsibilities:

• Execute all system functions order acceptance and entry. (15%)
• Manage the order throughout the life of the order (45%) – Expedites, order demand changes, data entry to reflect the proper demand, as well as shipment and invoicing
• Provide all reporting to customers such as Order Acknowledgement, Advance Shipment Notices, Open Order Reports, and any other reporting required for a customer meeting. (15%)
• Maintain customer relationship with assigned accounts. (On-going)
• Update monthly forecasting for assigned accounts. (5%)
• Escalate any customer issue that will impact sales revenue in the CSF3 time fence. (10%)
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts both individually and within the department. (10%)

Experience and Education/Training Requirements

• Bachelors Degree preferred
• Three (3) years customer service or sales experience preferred
• Ability to handle multiple customer accounts
• Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
• Excellent planning and organization skills
• Clear and precise communication skill
• Team focused
• Proficient computer application skills
• Experience within a manufacturing environment preferred
• Salesforce.com a plus
• Key industry knowledge a plus

For a summary of the changes please see the following tutorial:

A charging station for a ruggedized hand-held computer terminal used in manufacturing, warehouse, and route delivery applications required a 4-bay Li-ion battery CC/CV charger with individual buck/boost Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controllers on each pocket. The customer indicated that the batteries did not need to be rapid charged, and that the 4-hour maximum charge time was acceptable.

Additional requirements were as follows:

• 4-pocket charger capable of charging 2-cell and 4-cell batteries
• 2-cell battery required buck converter
• 4-cell battery required buck-boost converter
• Power supply: maximum allowed 100W power supply
• Charge duration: allowed to charge in 4 hours max
• Charge current per battery: allowed 1.1A / bay max

ICCNexergy Solution

The final design was a 4-bay Li-ion battery charger with VVT digital charge technology capable of charging a 2-cell or 4-cell battery pack with 40% less power. This was possible because the VVT charger could extend the CC stage and actively monitor the cell voltages, requiring less charging power. Thus, the system input power could be reduced by 40%. By implementing VVT charging technology, tests showed that the batteries could be fully charged within 4 hours with approximately 750mA maximum charge current. The net result of the reduced input power adapter was a significant cost savings to the customer. Not only did VVT reduce project cost, but it also provided a less stressful charge for the cells and lower subsequent thermal side effects.

Reduced System Redundancy

• PWM integrated into single microcontroller controlling all four pockets
• Eliminated the need for 4 integrated charging circuits
• Integrated data transfer, encryption, power management capabilities

Reduced Cost Of Total System

• Reduced power supply from 100 watt to 72 watts
• Total system cost reduction of 10-15%

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The standard method for charging Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries is the constant current/constant voltage (CC/CV) method. It incorporates a two-step process of constant current (CC) followed by a constant voltage (CV) charge phase. In the first stage of the charging process, a constant current equal to or lower than the maximum charge rate for a particular cell is applied. This stage continues until the battery pack voltage approaches the preset threshold at the charger contacts. Once the charging voltage approaches the preset level, current begins to taper exponentially until a cutoff threshold is achieved.

Although CC/CV is widely used across the battery industry, it does have limitations. The charging voltage is fixed and typical chargers cannot compensate for changes of a resistive string within the battery pack. If faster charging is needed, for example, the constant charging current would need to be increased, inducing even greater internal losses.

VVT Overview

Realizing the limitations of standard CC/CV chargers, ICCNexergy has developed a patented method that compensates for internal battery resistance by creating two active modes, where the transition from the CC to the CV stage is controlled by a microprocessor allowing active control by monitoring actual cell voltage during the charging process. This functionality is achieved without a requirement for additional feedback signals. This subsequently creates greater allowances for the input charging voltage.

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The effective compliance dates for the regulation are as follows:

• Feb. 1, 2013: Consumer products used in mobile phones, personal care devices and power tools
• Jan. 1, 2014: Industrial chargers (forklifts etc.)
• Jan. 1, 2017: Small commercial chargers (walkie-talkie for emergency personnel, portable barcode readers)

Medical devices requiring FDA approval are exempt from this new regulation.

The new California standard impacts general battery charger form factors:

• Power supply and charge control circuitry, each in separate housings;
• Power supply and charge control circuitry in one housing, battery in separate housing;
• Charge control circuitry and battery in one housing, power supply in separate housing;
• Power supply, charge control circuitry, and battery all in the same housing

Large battery chargers (defined as those which draw peak power of 2 kW or more) manufactured on or after July 1, 2013 shall meet the applicable performance values in the table below:

Small battery chargers (defined as those which draw peak power of 2 kW or less) that are consumer products and are manufactured on or after July 1, 2012 shall meet the applicable performance values in the table below:
Small battery chargers that are not consumer products and are manufactured on or after July 1, 2013 shall meet the applicable performance values in the table below:

Battery backup and uninterruptable power supplies manufactured on or after July 1, 2013 shall consume no more than 0.8+0.0021 x Eb watts where Eb is the battery capacity in watt-hours.

CEC Documentation

View the official press release here.

CEC: Staff Analysis of Battery Charger Standards

CEC: Draft Proposed Amendments to Appliance Efficiency Regulations

This paper describes the project, including a discussion of how medical imaging equipment can benefit from the innovative design approach ICCNexergy took to solve the customer’s problem.

Download this case study.