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Shor-Line Honored as Kansas Exporter of the Year

Posted on Thu, Jun 07, 2018 @ 01:11 PM

 

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Shor-Line was named the Kansas Governor’s Exporter of the Year for 2018. The annual award honors a Kansas company that has exhibited excellence in conducting international trade.

“We are thrilled to be named Exporter of the Year. This award is a testament to the hard work of everyone at Shor-Line, both overseas and in the Kansas City office. Our grandfather who founded Shor-Line in 1927 and our parents who guided the business for many years would be proud indeed,” said Richard Donahue, Chairman of the Board.

This award recognizes the company’s international business activities that began over five decades ago. These efforts accelerated in 1985 when current company President, Joe Schroer, headed overseas to establish a related sales and warehousing operation in the United Kingdom. Reflecting on this strategic move, Mr. Schroer commented that: “Expansion into Europe allowed us to have persons dedicated to the Shor-Line brand who were more geographically and culturally aligned with our developing customer base.”

Shor-Line today has an extensive international distributor network and related operations not only in the UK but also in China. Solid market shares exist in Europe, Australia, Canada and Mexico. In Asia, Shor-Line has long serviced customers in Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. New export opportunities continue to develop especially in various Central and South American countries.

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Shor-Line Ownership: (l-r) Joe Schroer, president, Richard Donahue, Chairman of the Board; Jack Donahue, Executive Vice President.

As a third generation privately held business, Shor-Line’s management team sees international expansion as a very important part of its business plan. Emphasis will be placed not only visiting our trade partners but also on attending international trade shows to better understand foreign markets and develop new business relationships.

As the company moves through its 91st year in business, the future is quite bright especially with the continuing evolution of societal views on animal welfare. With this trend accelerating internationally and enhancing the standards for the treatment and care of pets, demand will only increase for quality companion animal products such as those made by Shor-Line.

Shor-Line has made its name in international circles through the dedication of its employees and international partners. With the continued support of these associates, the company is excited to participate in the future growth of the veterinary and animal care businesses internationally.

 

 

Tags: veterinary equipment, veterinary, Shor-Line, Shor-Line Happenings

Shor-Line's Coveted Cages are ON SALE!

Posted on Mon, May 16, 2016 @ 11:50 AM


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Shor-Line's famous Stainless Steel Cages (60" wide and smaller) are all on sale until June 30, 2016 (U.S. only.) This cage sale only comes along once a year, and it is a great time to pull the trigger on a remodel or add a specialty cage. 

Just to make the deal sweeter for spring, all cage accessories are on sale as well. So, if it fits in, on or attaches to a stainless steel cage, it is on sale. (Did I mention that includes CAGE VALETS?!)

Shop the sale!

When people ask, "Are ALL cages really on sale?", the answer is pretty simple...any stainless steel cage 60" wide or smaller is on sale. AND accessories are on sale. Most people are familiar with our durable, cages reinforced with a 1"-square tube frame. (More features information here.)

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But people are less aware of the different specialty cages we offer to help keep pets protected and secure. For example, our Stainless Steel Cat Suite was developed in consultation with University researchers. It features feline friendly features, such as Quiet Closing Latch, interior polymer resting shelf and our quiet closing hinge. The Double Unit with Platform (902.0103.24, shown below)
provides 18.7 square feet of living area.

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Finally, there are the cage accessories. From Quiet-Time cage covers to PVC coated cage floors, all the accessories are also on sale. 

This is a great time to add some cage valets or food and water bowls.



DON'T LET THE CAGE DOOR SHUT ON YOU!

Call your friendly Shor-Line sales representative at 800-444-1579 or go on our website to request a quote. Be sure to say you want the Cage Sale pricing!!

 

Happy shopping!



 

Tags: veterinary equipment, Shor-Line

8 Reasons to Love Shor-Line Cages

Posted on Fri, May 08, 2015 @ 03:56 PM

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Shor-Line cages are vital components to many animal care businesses. Our talented American craftspeople have been making these stainless steel beauties in our Kansas City manufacturing plant for decades. Now, you can purchase any of these stainless steel cages or their accessories for a great sale price...there are hundreds of options on sale!!

Why do people like Shor-Line cages so much? Here are 8 reasons--one for every decade Shor-Line has been in business.

1. Premium craftsmanship goes into every cage. Our workers hand-weld and inspect EVERY cage so you receive the durability you expect from Shor-Line.

2. Strength is built in. Every cage has a 1"-square stainless steel tube frame.

3. Doors receive additional welds. We use computer-controlled welding at every intersection of the door because we know your pet clients can be hard on doors.

4. Rounded corners for easy cleaning. We create rounded corners to help you clean more easily, making a better environment for the pet.

5. Double cages build in versatility. Our Double Door (DD) cage latch assembly lets you house larger dogs or insert a divider for two smaller animals. You can remove the divider to slide in dogs following surgery. One cage has many uses.

6. Continuous innovation. The tighter spacing on the first five vertical cage rods on our small and mid-size cages help keep small paws from getting caught, which means we all worry less. This is just one example of our continuous improvement!

7. Low stress, quieting options. All Shor-Line stainless steel cages come with sound-dampening patches. We also worked with University researchers to develop a Silent Latch Mechanism that is available as an option on new or existing cages.

8. Durability you can depend on. Our craftspeople in Kansas City are so attentive to details and extremely high-quality work that Shor-Line cages last for decades. Pair that with our high-quality stainless steel and you have an investment you can pass down.

GREAT SALE OPPORTUNITY:

Our cages rarely go on sale. Take advantage of this sale that includes ALL stainless steel cages and cage accessories. If you would like to download a copy of the sales flyer, do so here.

Don't forget, this sale only runs through June 30, 2015 and it is in the U.S. only. Any taxes and/or shipping charges are additional.



 

Tags: veterinary equipment, Animal Care, boarding and daycare, animal rescue

Seeing Veterinary Surgery in a New Light

Posted on Fri, Apr 04, 2014 @ 08:51 AM

It is just a few years ago that LPrelude dual ceiling mount surgery lightED lights became state-of-the-art in human surgical suites. Now they are quickly making their way into veterinary practices.

Shor-Line released a series of LEDs in 2014 to give veterinarians the same benefits human surgeons have experienced. Research done by manufacturers (including Shor-Line) as well as third parties have validated the strides LEDs have made in the last decade.

The question facing veterinarians is, “When should I update my surgical suite?”  The data now clearly shows that LED provides accurate light color, including good color in the red spectrum, at a lower cost over the life of the bulbs with less heat created in the surgical suite.

U.S. Department of Energy Study

The U.S. Department of Energy has been excited about LEDs because of the tremendous potential for energy savings. In 2011, its LED Surgical Task Lighting study confirmed that, compared with halogen lights, LED lights:

  • Used less wattage to produce equivalent light levels.
  • Were cooler to the touch and emitted less heat into the room.
  • Promised greater life and a non-catastrophic failure mechanism.

Overall, the study suggested that LEDs “can allow for reductions in connected load of 50 percent or more, with potential additional energy savings through constant-color dimming and reduced cooling load in the operating room.”

Shor-Line Beta Tests

When Shor-Line was developing its LEDs for use in surgery, the company did beta testing with practicing veterinarians. Veterinary practices need many of the same features as human medicine with more flexibility and portability. Shor-Line spent most of 2013 beta testing the new Prelude Series LED Surgery Lights in veterinary practices.

George Gates, DVM, SurgeryGeorge Gates, DVM, at Prairie Village Animal Hospital in Prairie Village, Kan., was one of the testers.

“It far surpasses any of the previous technology, as far as I am concerned,” he said. “In 50 years of surgery, I have never seen anything that compares.”

His favorite features are “the bright illumination, cool burning and the direct beam of light on the surgical field.”

The testing helped perfect a durable LED that could move and rotate to a variety of positions. Gates and the other veterinarians in his practice gave many suggestions on improving the adjustability to the lights. He gives the finished product a high grade for listening to feedback.

Shor-Line “greatly improved the adjustability. This allows you to put the light where it is needed.”

How the Prelude Series PerformsGatesPVAHPreludewidemonitor

The Prelude Series has the key benefits of upgrading to LED lights:

  • Excellent light source that better maintains tissue moisture.
  • A color temperature of 4,500 K that gives the user visual clarity, especially in the important red color spectrum.
  • An illumination range of 10,000 to 90,000 LUX.

Investing in LED lights not only makes sense from an energy perspective, but studies of have shown the lights also decrease eye fatigue and the operating theater remains a more comfortable temperature.

The office staff will like them as well. There is little to no maintenance required because the bulbs will last for 75,000 to 100,000 hours.

For more information on upgrading to LED lights in your surgical suite, call 888-551-4062.

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Tags: veterinary equipment, Animal Care, Shor-Line, New Products, Veterinary Surgery Lights, Veterinary care

The 2014 Product Catalog Has Arrived!

Posted on Thu, Jan 16, 2014 @ 07:59 AM

Shor-Line 2014 Product Catalog

2014 is off with a bang with the unveiling of 10 brand new products from Shor-Line. That's right, 10 new products! One of our most innovative is the Prelude Series LED Surgery Light. These LED lights have three different mounting options and feature a light that has a high intensity, proper color and a large field of illumination to ease eye fatigue. They are cool to work under and will not dry the surgery site.

Other new products for 2014 include Squeeze Restraints, Corner Guards, Kick Plates, Continuum V-Top and Flat Top Surgery Tables, the Utility Table, Warming Systems, Oxygen Therapy products and the Small Animal Bathing Tub. Be sure to look for the orange New Product emblems throughout the catalog. Click the link below to view online or call 800-444-1579 to request a printed copy.  

 

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Find the 2014 New Products:

  • Squeeze Restraints, page 43
  • Corner Guards page, 48
  • Kick Plates, page 48
  • Continuum V-Top Surgery Table, page 55
  • Continuum Flat Top Surgery Table, page 55
  • Utility Table, page 63
  • Prelude Series LED Surgery Lights, page 71
  • Warming Systems, page 82
  • Oxygen Therapy Doors, page 83
  • Oxygen Therapy Conversion Kit, page 83
  • Small Animal Bathing Tub, page 94 

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or call 800-444-1579 to request a printed copy 

 

 

 

Tags: veterinary equipment, veterinary, Shor-Line, Shor-Line Happenings, New Products

Designed for Efficiency

Posted on Mon, Oct 28, 2013 @ 09:23 AM

Choosing the right design elements can help your team members do their jobs better—and faster.

By Michael D. Smith

If you could change anything in your current veterinary facility, what changes would help you perform your job more easily? Once you pose this question to every team member, you’ll have the information you need to build or renovate a facility that supports efficient work habits throughout the hospital. Use the following ideas to help jumpstart your efforts.

Shor-Line Blog

Reception Areas
For receptionists to work efficiently, they need a front desk area that can accommodate multiple owners and their pets, says Stephen J. Kramer, a San Antonio-based architect with extensive experience in veterinary hospital design. That means ample counter space and, better yet, separate check-in and checkout areas. Some clinics build a separate telephone station so one person can man the phones while another person can attend to clients without interruption.

Another way to increase efficiency up front is by making communication with team members in the back easier. You can accomplish this with a practicewide telephone system, overhead paging, and a design that provides easier access to the treatment area.

Shor-Line Blog

Exam and Treatment Areas
Technicians and veterinarians perform most of their jobs in exam rooms and treatment rooms. To encourage efficiency in exam rooms, many new clinic owners equip these rooms with telephones, computers, and even desks. This allows doctors and technicians to access patient files and communicate with other team members without leaving the room.

If square footage is an issue, the exam pod concept—a new trend in veterinary hospital design—groups exam rooms around a central area. Each room has one door that opens into this area.

Traditionally, the treatment area is the hub of the hospital. At Magrane Pet Medical Center in Mishawaka, Ind., the treatment area is a large space with the other clinic areas (except the exam rooms) radiating from it. “It’s an efficient arrangement for saving steps and allowing
verbal and visual communication between staff members,” says coowner Ronald Doversberger, DVM. “Nobody is wasting time walking up and down hallways.”

Equipment that serves dual purposes also increases efficiency. One example: a lift-table with a built-in scale. At Magrane Pet Animal Hospital, every exam room features a drop-leaf, foldup, or mobile lift table. Such options accommodate different patients with ease and speed.

Shor-Line Blog

Surgery Rooms
Technicians and veterinarians also spend a considerable amount of time in the surgery suite. To work efficiently, Kramer says ample space is essential. “The space should accommodate anesthesia or specialty equipment (e.g., ultrasound) and provide enough room so everyone can move around easily,” he says.

Pass-through windows between prep and surgery areas also save time and, therefore, improve efficiency. Capitalizing on the time-saving aspect of pass-through windows, some clinics install these windows in laboratories and pharmacies toallow access to other areas, such as treatment and reception.

Speaking of pharmacies, Dr. Doversberger explains how a simple design strategy solved a
recurrent problem for staff members. “We fill lots of prescriptions every day,” he begins. “In our old hospital, the staff would have to refill the allotted space for vials and caps three times a day. In our new hospital, we eliminated this problem by designing cabinetry with extra-large bins. It worked out perfectly.”

Shor-Line Blog

Boarding and Grooming Areas
When it comes to boarding and grooming areas, one word is synonymous with efficiency: cleanliness. The easier it is for team members to keep these areas clean, the more time they’ll have to attend to animals’ needs.

What design elements facilitate easy cleanup? Wall and floor coverings are two important ones. In addition, Kramer says his firm likes to incorporate trench drains that can be flushed automatically. He also recommends a central, in-wall vacuum system, which makes cleaning even more efficient because it can be used throughout the entire hospital.

Boarding and grooming personnel can also work more easily, quickly, and safely if the clinic provides a step-up tub for larger dogs.

These ideas are only the beginning. When you sit down with staff members to gather their input, develop a list of design elements that meet your specific needs. The criterion is quite simple: Any feature that makes it easier for you and your team members to do your jobs better means more efficiency—and that makes a great case for including that feature in your new hospital.

Tags: veterinary equipment, veterinary clinic, veterinary, Animal Care, Hospital Design, Shor-Line

Kennel Run System Hardware - Protect It!

Posted on Wed, Sep 25, 2013 @ 01:08 PM

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Written by contributing editor Rob Eckwall

Kennel Runs are an important part of a successful veterinary or animal care enterprise, but kennel runs are only as good as their installation. An installation is only as good as the installers and the hardware they use to do it. This post focuses on issues related to kennel run hardware.

Quality kennel run products will come complete with the specialized hardware necessary to install them properly. This includes high-quality stainless steel barrel nuts & screws, face plates, trim, latch bars & brackets and customized connectors for whichever type of installation your job requires. 

A manufacturer should know how important hardware is to a kennel run system.  With this in mind, following these guidelines ensures the best possible outcome for a new kennel run project:

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  • As soon as possible upon delivery of your order, make sure all hardware is labeled, received, and accounted for. Some hardware may have been manufactured specifically for your job therefore it is very important to account for all hardware as soon as possible.
  • Contact your provider immediately if there are any questions or problems.
  • Segregate your hardware from surrounding construction activities and keep hardware together. Protect it.
  • Bulk fastener hardware (i.e., barrel nuts and screws) will likely include an extra 10% or so over what is required. For all other hardware it is more likely that the exact amount will be provided (although there may be an extra piece or two for some items).
  • Refer to your installation manual and only take and use the hardware needed for each run, room, or area you are working in – do not move it in bulk to each area. This helps prevent hardware from getting lost, misplaced, and/or scattered throughout the job site and becoming difficult to account for later on.

In the unlikely event of a shortage in your hardware, your provider should supply the remainder needed to finish the job. If for some reason however you wind up needing ‘extra’ hardware, you will likely be charged for it and the shipping of it. If next day air is requested, you will likely incur those charges as well.

Following the guidelines above will help you stay on track and complete your construction project in a timely manner. 

Tags: veterinary equipment, veterinary clinic, veterinary, Animal Care, Facility Design, Hospital Design

Kennel Run Systems Order Process

Posted on Tue, Sep 10, 2013 @ 01:16 PM

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Written by contributing editor Rob Eckwall

It all starts with you.

This will be a much more individual purchase than it is for many of the other items in your veterinary hospital. You don’t just open a catalog and select from a couple of options like you would for a table, tub, or scale. While all kennel gates and panels are made to standard design parameters they are configured to meet your individual needs.

It is important to remember that the building is part of the Kennel Run design. Things like wall construction, window and door locations, drainage and floor slopes are all part of your kennel considerations. For most people this is a long-term investment. Cutting corners on the design and construction now will most likely result in higher costs for maintenance and repairs later. Good drainage and airflow along with a well-lighted kennel will provide a safe, comfortable environment for both the client and the staff. It is also important to choose materials that do not absorb water or harbor bacteria.

Common steps in the order process for any installation type:

1. We will require a sketch or drawing of your new or existing Kennel Run area. It should include room size measurements along with door, window, and drain locations. It is also helpful to know the planned use of kennels (i.e.,: boarding, hospital patient, Icu and recovery, etc.). this will assist with selecting the best options.

2. Choose the options that are right for your needs:

  • Grill or glass gate
  • Food or water bowls
  • Transfer doors
  • Partition panels
  • Grill or glass above 48” height on partitions

3. Get a quote based on the number of Kennel Runs and configuration with the options you have chosen.

4. You will receive drawings for approval. These will illustrate the options you have chosen, show how they are installed and indicate the sizes and space requirements for your installation. This is a critical step in the process. Your kennels will be manufactured per these drawings. Also, the correct hardware needed for a successful installation will be determined from these drawings.

5. Once we have approved drawings your order can be finalized. This is also when all credit terms must be agreed upon and any down payments applied.

6. The lead time for your order is determined on an individual basis. We make every attempt to meet your schedule. However, things like current shop capacity, other items on your order, the size of your order and amount of custom work required all affect your lead time.

Once your order is complete you must be prepared to receive your shipment. Your order will be shipped to you by truck line. Your components will be on pallets that can be moved both in our warehouse and by the shipper by forklift. Depending on the size and type of gates and panels you have ordered each piece may weigh 50 – 100 lbs. Unless other arrangements have been made it will be your responsibility to unload the truck and bring the gates and panels into your facility. Knowing what to expect, and the steps involved, should help the process go smoothly and alleviate at least some of the stresses involved with a project of this type.

As always, feel free to call us at 800.444.1579 at any time during your order with any questions or concerns. We are happy to help.

Tags: veterinary equipment, veterinary clinic, veterinary, Animal Care, Facility Design, Hospital Design, Shor-Line

Stainless Steel....It's like Superman

Posted on Wed, Sep 04, 2013 @ 02:24 PM

Written by contributing editor Larry Haake.


Proper care and maintenance will make your investment in stainless steel kennel runs and cages appear as if they were new for many years.

Superman would be indestructible…if not for that nasty Kryptonite! Well, the analogy holds true for stainless steel because it has its own forms of “Kryptonite”. Caustic cleaners and the improper use of approved cleaners can degrade the beautiful luster of stainless steel and in worse case scenarios, actually corrode high grade stainless steel.                                        

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When Canine parvovirus reared its head back in the late 1970’s, the literature at that time suggested that chlorine bleach was an effective virucide for this new disease. What was recommended, and is still effective today, was a solution of 1 part household type chlorine bleach mixed with 30 parts water. This solution needs a 10 minute contact time with a surface suspected to be contaminated with this virus. After the 10 minute exposure time has elapsed, the surface needs to be rinsed with clean water.

As is human nature, these specific instructions were frequently altered. The “More is Better” axiom is really detrimental to stainless steel with regard to chlorine bleach. The 1 part bleach to 30 parts water would often become a couple of “glugs” from the bleach bottle into a bucket of water. The 10 minute contact time and then a complete fresh water rinse became, “Just let it air dry. That will surely kill everything”.

People with stainless steel runs and cages that looked great for many years prior to the emergence of Canine parvovirus were stunned to start seeing “rust” on their equipment. This was because of the use of chlorine bleach to disinfect stainless steel. Bleach was not commonly used as a disinfectant on stainless steel before the emergence Canine parvovirus.

Today, many tested and approved cleaners and disinfectants are available to safely destroy a wide array of pathogens that may be present on your stainless steel equipment. Be sure to closely follow the instructions on these products. These products have various contact times required to be effective and they all require rinsing with clean water after the contact time.  Whenever possible, you should also towel dry your stainless steel equipment after rinsing.   
The bottom line is, don’t use chlorine bleach to disinfect your stainless steel runs and cages in your facility. It is the “Kryptonite” of stainless steel. 

Tags: veterinary equipment