Category Archives: News

Updated Customer Portal for Better Tracking and Management of Equipment

CertLink is our customer portal system used to obtain calibration certificates, view service history, and calibration schedules. We heard your concerns about CertLink being outdated and made the appropriate adjustments. Continue reading for more information on the updates!

CERTLINK: 2.0 – Available July 22

Wyoming, Michigan – 07/18/19 – Grand Rapids Metrology
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New/Updated Features

  1. Cert Availability: Easily access and print calibration certificates for equipment calibrated within the last 30 days
  2. Calibration Visibility: View equipment due in 7 days, 30 days, or past due to stay up to date on calibrations
  3. Equipment Tracking: View your asset within 7 various stages to stay updated on its whereabouts
  4. Equipment History: View all previous calibration certificates and dates for any given asset
  5. Obsolete Equipment: View equipment that is no longer manufactured and is recommended to be replaced
  6. Email: Ability to email point of contact directly from the page

Pricing and Availability

CertLink 2.0 is available free of charge to all customers and can be accessed from the homepage of our website. Those currently using CertLink will receive an automatic upgrade to CertLink 2.0 on Monday, July 22nd, 2019.  For further information, please reach out to our customer service line (800) 348-5701.

CertLink 2.0 has many new features and updates with the plan to keep improving! Customers can finally track their equipment throughout the calibration process while viewing calibration history and upcoming due dates.

About Grand Rapids Metrology

Grand Rapids Metrology is a premier distributor for over 25 weighing and measuring manufacturers. 2 out of our 5 different locations have calibration labs that are A2LA ISO/IEC 17025 accredited. Contact us if you need new equipment, need your equipment serviced, or are looking to make processes more efficient with our Solutions Team!

Changed FM Approval for Fairbanks 2800 Instruments

As a premier distributor of Fairbanks equipment, it is Grand Rapids Metrology’s obligation to keep you up to date on the latest news. Starting March 1st, 2019, this Friday, the 2800 instruments with Intalogix Technology will no longer be FM approved for Division 1 applications.

FM approval, from Factory Mutual Global, indicates what hazardous areas equipment can withstand. Equipment must be reevaluated in order to retain approvals. If the product cannot meet the new standards, it will either lose its FM approval or the approval will be reduced to a lower level. Fairbanks 2800 instruments with Intalogix Technology will have a lower level approval. They will be approved for Division 2 applications.

Division 1 applications encompass hazards that exist under normal operating conditions or where a hazard is caused by frequent maintenance or repair work. Division 2 applications include hazards that exist under unusual circumstances.

All existing equipment are accurately labeled for Division 1 applications and are grandfathered in. Equipment manufactured on or after March 1st 2019 will be approved for Division 2 applications, but not Division 1. If you are in the middle of obtaining a quote, be sure to reach out to your sales contact or call us directly!

 

Redefining the Fundamental Unit of Mass

 

The kilogram was established in 1879 based on a cylinder of platinum and iridium. It is the fundamental unit of mass and has since determined the accuracy of every measurement of mass or weight worldwide. The problem is that this cylinder changes its mass over time. And since this is the standard, its measurement change cannot be determined.

The international scientific community has developed a plan to change life as we know it. They are redefining the kilogram and will be basing it on a constant of nature. “The kilogram is the only SI unit still defined in terms of a manufactured object” (NIST, 2018).

The kilogram has been defined in terms of combined fundamental constants such as Planck’s constant. Planck’s constant is defined as 6.626069934 x 10−34 kg∙m2/s with an uncertainty of 0.0000013%. The General Conference of Weights and Measures formally adopted the new definition this past November. It will be implemented May 20th 2019 on World Metrology Day.

Though this is ground breaking news making the kilogram a now stable and traceable unit of mass, this won’t affect you much. Rest assured, your equipment will be accurately calibrated to NIST and A2LA standards. If your equipment needs to be re-calibrated, give us a call!

 

 

Sources:

NIST

Weighing Review

Section 179 Tax Deductibility

The current tax law offers significant benefits when you purchase most forms of capital equipment for your business. Section 179 of the IRS Code allows businesses to take a depreciation deduction for certain assets in one year, rather than over a long period of time. The deduction applies to assets under two conditions:

  1. Assets must be tangible, depreciable, and acquired for the use in a trade or business. Vehicles, land and buildings are included.
  2. THEY MUST BE PURCHASED AND PUT INTO SERVICE IN THE YEAR YOU CLAIM THE DEDUCTION. Put into service means the asset is set up, working, and is actively being used in your business.

Richard Spruit, CEO, shared his thoughts and words of the wise.

“The combination of Section 179 and bonus depreciation will result substantial tax benefits. A predictable rule of thumb is that you will save 21% (current corporate tax rate) of the purchase price of your capital equipment as the purchase price is fully deducted from your taxable income. Twenty-one percent of a typical truck scale installation results in a cash savings of between $15,000 to $20,000.

As an equipment dealer, we must remind you of one key aspect of this law. You cannot wait until the end of the year, order equipment and expect to be able to deduct the price against your 2018 income. Per the Tax Code, to avail yourself of Section 179 and bonus deductibility, YOU MUST ORDER AND HAVE THE EQUIPMENT PLACED IN SERVICE BETWEEN 1/1/18 AND 12/31/18. If your equipment is ordered before the end of the year but not received until after 12/31, you will not be entitled to the deduction this year.

Right now, our manufacturers are very busy. Some of our suppliers are quoting back-ups on truck scale orders of 10 to 12 weeks. The same is true for many system components.

As your vendor, we will make every attempt to deliver your orders in a timely manner. If you want your equipment deductions this year, you’d be wise to order early. Consult with your own tax advisors on how the law applies to you.”

We don’t want you to miss out on being eligible for the tax deduction. If you’re going to purchase a large asset for your company, don’t wait last minute.

 

 

Sources:

Section 179

[New Service] Measurement Inventory Management

It’s Grand Rapids Metrology’s goal to make metrology easy! One way we accomplish this goal is by taking the uncertainty and frustration of weighing and metrology inventory and data keeping out of your hands with our new Measurement Inventory Management service.

This value-added service is simple, yet immensely useful. Our team of industry-experts will visit your facility to perform an inspection of all your measurement equipment. We’ll first search high and low to find your tools – even missing or misplaced ones. Once each piece of equipment within the scope of work is found, GRM will verify calibration records, ensure certifications are up to date, and record the location of each tool.

The process goes something like this:

Unsure if your company could benefit from this service, ask yourself these questions:

  1. Do you know the exact location of all your measurement equipment?
  2. Do you know if your equipment is obsolete?
  3. Do you know if your equipment is A2LA certified, and is that certification still valid?
  4. Is your equipment’s data stored in any software program and do you have a master list of that information?

However, this is the only question you truly need to ask – Is quality important?

The Measurement Inventory Management service is designed to help you maintain proper recorders, prepare for tough industry audits, and make life easier. The benefits are clear.

 

 

This service acts somewhat like “spring cleaning.” We clear the clutter, get you organized, and get you on track to better recorder-keeping and inventory management- and most importantly, create a better quality system. Enjoy the benefit of being set up in our user-friendly, calibration management program, CERTLINK. Take the burden of tracking calibrations off your shoulders and put it onto ours – we don’t mind!

Curious? Talk to your Account or Service Manage today and we’ll start investigating! Have a question or comment, click the button below to contact us directly.

 

Exciting Things Around the Corner

Exciting changes are just around the corner for GRM and our customers. Although we can’t spill all the details right now, we can give your an overview of what to expect from us in the upcoming weeks and months.

eCOMMERCE LAUNCH

Beginning this April, visitors of our website will be able to browse and buy products online! We recognize some purchases require an Account Manager, for example a Solutions projects, truck scales purchase, and alike. But other purchases don’t, and for that reason we created an eCommerce platform!

Grand Rapids Metrology’s online store will include an handful of metrology equipment that can be purchased around the clock. Products available are to include Data Loggers, Electronic Calipers, Force Gauges, Gage Blocks, Micrometers, Moisture Analyzers, pH Meters, Surface Plates, Test Weights, Thickness Gages, Torque Wrenches, and an assortment of discounted, miscellaneous metrology equipment.

Shop over 200+ measurement products with a click of a button. Links to the store will be located throughout www.grmetrology.com – just look for the shopping cart icon after the launch this April!

CHANGES TO CERTLINK

Currently, GRM is undergoing a technology overhaul where many of our softwares are being changed and updated. It’s been a crazy process but at the end of it, we’ll be fast, more informed and better able to serve the needs of our customers.

Most of these changes won’t affect you directly (other than an improved experience with GRM), expect for one – CERTLINK.

In late spring/early summer of 2018, you can expect the launch of our new and improved online calibration management software, CERTLINK. This updated version of CERTLINK will feature increased functionality, user-friendly navigation, and a new look and feel to the interface.

Don’t fret – we’ll make sure you know all the details before the launch. Keep an eye out for more information on CERTLINK as summer approaches!

NEW FACES OF GRM

Lastly, Grand Rapids Metrology has grown a lot over the past few years and we’re still growing! With growth comes a need for a larger workforce to continue to exceed expectations for our customers everyday.

Over the past couple of months, we’ve added roughly 10 new members to our team. If you see a new technician onsite or speak to an unfamiliar voice over the phone, just know that our team is growing rapidly all in the interest of providing our customers with the best service possible!

That’s all for now.

If you have a question about these changes, feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to answer your inquiry!

Buying Equipment In 2018: Tax Advantages & Bonus Depreciation

The Business Journals claims 2018 is the year for U.S. manufacturers to invest in their futures. Why? Well the recent change to the tax system, which our CEO, Richard Spruit, discussed in a previous blog, has something to do with it.

Beginning this year, deduction limits changed for all qualifying equipment purchases.

According to IRS Section 179, the deduction limit for equipment purchases is $1,000,000. If you buy or finance a piece of equipment in 2018, you can deduct the Full Purchase Price (up to $1,000,000) from your gross income.

Marlin Business Service Corp. explains, “The 2018 Section 179 deduction threshold for total amount of equipment that can be purchased is $2,500,000.” This means you can purchase more equipment and still have the benefit of the Section 179 deduction.

Bonus Depreciation in the new year has also change. One hundred percent of new and used equipment is now allowed.

“Under Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) Bonus Depreciation has increased first-year depreciation deduction to 100% (vs. 50%) of the adjusted gross basis of qualified property. This goes into effect for assets placed in service after September 27, 2017 and before January 1, 2023. Another significant change under the new tax law is the ability to use the bonus depreciation for purchases of new or used property. Under prior law, you could only use bonus depreciation for new property,” says Marlin.

For example, say you bought a new truck scale for $90,000 in 2018. Let’s see what your depreciation and tax savings would look like.

 

Equipment Cost: $90,000.00

First Year Write-Off ($1,000,000 is the max. Section 179 write-off): $90,000.00

100% Bonus Depreciation (On any remaining value above $1,000,000): $0.00

March 1st Year Depreciation (Depreciation 20% Year 1 – assuming 5 year property HY convention): $0.00

Total 1st Year Depreciation: $90,000.00

Tax Savings Assuming Rate of 21% (Equipment Cost x 21%): $18,900.00

1st Year Net Cost After Tax Savings (Equipment Cost – Tax Savings): $71,100.00

 

Consider this your time to invest and grow your business! If you have questions about this process, feel free to contact us. If you believe the timing is right for you to invest in equipment this year, check Grand Rapids Metrology’s weighing, metrology and heavy capacity products available.

 

Resources: Avery Weigh-Tronix and Marlin Business Service Corp.

Frost Laws – What You Need to Know

Seasonal weight restrictions, also known as “Frost Laws,” are about to impact numerous counties throughout the state – particularly in west and central Michigan.

These restrictions effect many industries and business – including Grand Rapids Metrology. Our 60,000+ lbs. test trucks are subject to these laws which can occasionally alter the routes we take to customer sites.

It’s important to recognize the seriousness of Frost Laws but also understand why the are necessary.

The County Road Association of Michigan explains this well. “While roads are concrete and asphalt and look indestructible, they can actually be quite fragile in late winter as frost comes out of the ground.  Even strong late-winter sunlight on the dark paved surface has a significant impact on a road.

As frost melts beneath a paved road, the roadbed turns wet and spongy because water is trapped between the pavement and the remaining ice layer beneath.  When trucks and heavy equipment travel over a layer of concrete or asphalt that isn’t well supported beneath, lots of permanent cracks can occur.”

 

 

If you are a truck scale owner or in the trucking industry, you should familiarize yourself with what roads are and are not restricted for heavy capacity vehicles. The County Road Association of Michigan states, “By law, road agencies can enact weight restrictions on any roads not designed as “all season” roads.  All season roads are much thicker and designed to allow trucking year around.”

Know your limits by visiting the County Road Association of Michigan where you’ll find road maps by county that details which road are and are not “all season” roads. For example, here is Kent County’s trucking road map.

Below is a break-down of effective dates for Frost Laws by county.

Frost Laws in effect as of 2/19/2018:

  • Arenac
  • Barry
  • Bay
  • Berrien
  • Branch
  • Cass
  • Clare
  • Clinton
  • Eaton
  • Genesee
  • Gratiot
  • Hillsdale
  • Huron
  • Ionia
  • Jackson
  • Kalamazoo
  • Kent
  • Lapeer
  • Lenawee
  • Manistee
  • Mason
  • Mecosta
  • Midland
  • Monroe
  • Montcalm
  • Muskegon
  • Newaygo
  • Oceana
  • Osceola
  • Saginaw
  • Sanilac
  • Shiawassee
  • St. Clair
  • St. Joseph
  • Tuscola
  • Van Buren
  • Washtenaw
  • Wayne

Frost Laws in effect as of effective 2/20/2018:

  • Allegan
  • Livingston
  • Ottawa

Beginning Monday, February 19 at 6 AM, seasonal weight and speed restrictions will be enforced by the following agencies:

  • Barry County Road Commission
  • Ionia County Road Commission
  • Kent County Road Commission (KCRC)
  • Montcalm County Road Commission
  • Muskegon County Road Commission
  • Newaygo County Road Commission
  • City of Kentwood
  • City of Walker

For the safety of our drivers, our roads and our community, please be patient. If a technician in a heavy capacity truck is travelling to a your site,  they may arrive later than expected because they are not be able to take the most direct route  to your facility when Frost Laws are in effect.

If you have questions regarding Frost Laws and how it may impact your daily operations, contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

Rental Truck Scale | When Buying Isn’t Right, Rent!

Grand Rapids Metrology is proud to offer you more flexibility and customization when it comes to your measurement needs.

We recognize that buying expensive equipment isn’t always the best option for your company. Sometimes using weighing equipment for a couple of months or short-term projects here and there doesn’t justify the investment of a purchase.

For those and many other circumstances, renting a portable truck scale from Grand Rapids Metrology may be a worthwhile venture.

We’ve added a Rice Lake portable 70 x 11 ft. truck scale to our wide variety of rental equipment. This truck scale is ideal for short-term project or keeping your business in operations while an existing truck scale is being repaired or replaced.

 

 

GRM’s portable truck scale is available for rent on a monthly basis with a one month minimum.  The rental includes optional electronics – 720i Programmable Weight Indicator, 218 LED Remote Display, and 295 Ticket Printer. If you have similar electronics at your facility, GRM can integrate your equipment with the rented truck scale.

If you think a rental may be more suitable than a purchase for your business, send us a message! Our Heavy Capacity Team is happy to speak with you about the specifics of the truck scale, the installation procedures, cost, etc.

When buying isn’t right, rent!

 

CEO Speaks on New Tax Law & Investing in Business

In December of 2017, Congress passed and the President signed a major revision to the US tax system. For those of us who own and manage businesses, it is important to understand how the new law may impact our businesses.

First, let me be clear – I am not an accountant and I have no intention to offer advice on accounting or tax law. Specific advice and interpretation of the law should come from your own legal and accounting professionals.

Second, though you may have heard the talking heads on TV tell you this was about “simplification”, my thought is “not so much”.

The law has many provisions impacting your tax rates – increasing the standard deduction, reducing your state and local tax deductions, etc.

What I want to point out for you today are some opportunities you may have to lower your taxes while growing your business at a much quicker pace.

After my initial reading of various newspaper articles, I did what we all need to do. I consulted with my CPA and my business lawyer on how the changes in the law will impact my company. I cannot stress enough the importance of professional advice. Because of some of the changes, the legal structure of your business is going to be a very important concern.

For our businesses, other than a reduction in rates, the biggest change that will benefit our businesses is called “immediate expensing”.

What that means is that most of the business investments you make can be fully expensed in the year you make the investment. For example, a $200,000 piece of equipment which you would previously amortize over a 5 or 7 year period, now can be written off fully in the year you take possession. This results in significant tax savings and a motivation to make business investments before the scheduled expiration of this provision – currently set for 2022.

If you qualified for Section 179 – Small Business Expensing, the annual amount available for this consideration has doubled and the total allowed has been increased by 25%.

Agricultural operations are the beneficiaries of these changes as well. For our customers who sell their crops (grain), there is an unusual provision that allows for 20% deduction on all payments received on sales of your crops to Coops as opposed to sales to private or publicly traded grain companies. The Coops are going to be very busy. Strengthen your relationship now!

Many of the changes in the law are important to decisions you make today. The provisions are complicated and will impact your investment decisions and the very structure of your business enterprise. The good news is things look positive for industrial and agricultural businesses.

Seek professional advice sooner rather than later. Ask your accountant, lawyer and business advisor to help you with a plan to benefit from the provisions of the new law.

The time to invest in your business is now! Thanks for reading!

Richard Spruit

President & CEO