Posted: September 21, 2009 - Marie Mikkola has made a welcomed return to Satellite after a seven year absence to raise her two children.

Marie began working for Satellite in 1994 as a Customer Service Representative and has rejoined the team in the same capacity. At that time, she was in charge of supporting the Midwest and Northeast region of the United States and was the lead person in charge of supporting truck sales.

There are new systems to learn and more products to offer customers, but for the most part Marie is ready to resume her duties supporting customers of Ryan Anthony in the Great Lakes and Deric Boggs in the Northeast regions.

Satellite is very happy to have Marie rejoin the company. Her enthusiasm and knowledge is a positive step in Satellite's continuing efforts to achieve World Class Customer Service.

Posted: August 24, 2009 - With the addition of the Global line, Satellite can now service the portable sanitation industry with a low priced leader.

For years, Satellite has wanted a portable restroom to offer operators that would exceed the quality of lower cost units available in the industry, at a similar price. The addition of Global and Global 1.5 restrooms fills the need for Satellite and ultimately the operator.

The challenges of forming a plastic restroom and retaining strength, quality and a competitively priced unit are a complicated process. Considering that the cost of plastic resin hit an all time high in 2008, it is easy to understand why Satellite was in a holding pattern developing a quality, low cost restroom.

This past year it became more important for Satellite to find a solution. The answer became apparent as competitors began to contact Satellite regarding purchasing their product line.

The initial attempt to acquire a lower priced product resulted in an agreement between Satellite and Ameriform, creators of Five Peaks’ Aspen and K2 restrooms. In the agreement, Satellite acquired the rights to sell and market the restrooms, but never purchased the actual molds.

As time went by, it became apparent that Satellite and Ameriform would not be able to sustain a long term relationship. But, before the business relationship ended, Hampel Corp. approached Satellite with an offer to sell their line of restroom products.

This time, Satellite invested in purchasing the molds for the Global and Global 1.5. The quality of the two restrooms and their market price fit precisely with the intended goal. Not only were they a step above other low end restrooms in terms of quality, the new relationship with Hampel also provided Satellite increased options for product manufacturing.

Additionally, Satellite is now able to provide operators the popular Dirt Buster Base. The open grid base has been widely accepted due to the increased amount of fresh air that can flow through the restroom. Operators will be happy to know that the base also fits on many of Satellites’ most popular restrooms.

Other products, such as the Stylelite sink and Graffiti panels, formerly offered by Hampel, are available through Satellite as well. The Stylelite is a convenient, one piece sink with built in soap and towel dispensers that fits in most standard units. Graffiti panels are for covering the interior walls of restrooms with significant graffiti damage. Panels are available for most brands of portable restrooms.

In the end, it was a poor economy which produced the next growth opportunity for Satellite. Maybe the poor economy is presenting you with opportunities. As Winston Churchill said, “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty”. Today might be the best time to invest in your business.

Posted: August 5, 2009 - Satellite is now warehousing and distributing McKee Technologies trailers, the industries finest.

The trailers can handle any size base with their adjustable carrier slats and the multiple strapping options allow you to secure them easily to the frame. Trailers range in size from 2 to 24 unit haulers.

Satellite has everything you need to operate your business properly. Adding McKee trailers is one more reason to team up with a company that understands what it takes to run your business.

Posted: April 9, 2009 - Truck manufacturers are beginning to release pricing information regarding the surcharge on engines built in 2010. Pictured at left is Cummins DEF system for reducing NOx emissions.

In recent news, Volvo Trucks North America said its trucks with EPA 10 emissions reduction technology will include a surcharge of $9,600. This cost is associated with the new technology necessary to meet the strict new emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks, which take effect January 1, 2010.

“Our emissions reduction technology for 2010 will bring immediate benefits for the air we breathe without using emissions credits, while at the same time significantly improving fuel economy for our customers,” said Scott Kress, senior vice president, sales & marketing. “Volvo Trucks will achieve near-zero emissions of NOx with selective catalytic reduction (SCR). We have made substantial investments in research and development to accomplish these extraordinary goals.”

The surcharge will apply to new trucks built with Volvo D11, D13 and D16 engines, as well as those with the Cummins ISX. All of the engines will be equipped with SCR aftertreatment. The new technology also includes the development of advanced onboard diagnostics (OBD) systems required by the new emissions regulations.

Satellite truck managers are available to answer questions regarding the new laws and explain why purchasing a truck in 2009 will save you thousands of dollars.To Learn More, Contact Wes Tuttle or John Olson At 800-328-3332.

Posted: March 19, 2009 - Satellite's line of septic trucks is gaining a lot of attention from operators familiar with the company according to Wes Tuttle, Truck General Manager.

Wes has a tremendous amount of experience with the septic truck business. He came to Satellite from FMI Truck Sales and Service in Portland, OR in 2006 to expand the company’s truck line beyond restroom service vehicles.

For information on Septic or Restroom trucks, call John Olson or Wes at
800-328-3332.