Robert “Bob” Louis Shell , Jr.

October 29, 1943 – December 6, 2023

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Robert L. Shell Jr., affectionately known as Bob Jr. Robert L. Shell Jr., distinguished Chairman and CEO of Guyan International, Permco, and a trailblazer in the hydraulic manufacturing industry, passed away on December 6, 2023, in Huntington, WV. As a civic leader, humanitarian, and philanthropist, Bob Jr.’s influence was profound and far-reaching, leaving an enduring legacy in the countless lives and communities he positively impacted.

Longtime resident of Huntington, WV, and with a fond connection to Singer Island, FL, Mr. Shell was instrumental in expanding Permco into an international powerhouse, employing 500 people across continents including the U.S., Africa, Switzerland, and China.

Well-respected in West Virginia’s political arena, he played significant roles in the transition teams of five state governors, notably Joe Manchin and Bob Wise, and was a trusted advisor to many in the spheres of business, education, and foreign trade.

Generosity was at the core of Shell’s ethos throughout his 80 years, evident in his unwavering support for and dedication to Marshall University and the city he held dear. His tenure as Chairman of the Marshall University Board of Governors was a role he approached with honor and commitment. His substantial contributions to organizations like the United Way and the Boys & Girls Club of America were not only a testament to his desire to contribute positively to the community, but also a source of immense personal fulfillment. Shell’s significant philanthropic efforts were recognized through prestigious accolades, including inductions into the Huntington Wall of Fame and the Business Halls of Fame at both Marshall University and WVU. His dedication to his city was a defining aspect of his character, further highlighting his sincere dedication to the communities and individuals he held in such high regard.

As we honor the remarkable journey and enduring legacy of Bob Shell Jr., let us remember his extraordinary contributions and celebrate the life of a true visionary and beloved figure.

Those preceding him in death were his parents, Robert L. Shell Sr. and Doris Long Shell, and his brother Wendell Craig Shell. He leaves behind his devoted wife Lena Ji Shell, brother Bernard “Bernie” Shell (Laurie), his children Robert L. Shell III (Kim), Todd Shell (Shelley), Lisa Straehle, Danielle Shell, and Heather Shell, special nephew Zongxing Ji, former wife and mother of Robert L. Shell III, Todd Shell, and Lisa Straehle, Matilda Jane Shell along with seven grandchildren Robert Shell IV (Alicia), Samantha Shell, Blake Shell (Abi), Michael Shell, Victoria “Tori” Shell, Evelyn Shell, and Jaxon Shell.

In place of flowers, the family invites donations to a charity close to your heart, honoring Bob’s spirit of giving. Details regarding arrangements will be provided soon.

https://www.ehallfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Robert-Bob-Louis-Shell-Jr?obId=30072489&source=fb1&fbclid=IwAR3aIxyqiEWgZppJEASJbFSMHxbjoh3OWnYPrle8cK28ezvVtIFrKKjZWtI

Happy 4th of July!

Permco wishes all of you a happy and safe Independence Day. Our Streetsboro facility will be closed July 4th & 5th, 2024. We will be back in the office on 7/8/24.

TST Hydraulics – Celebrating 50 Years

https://www.tsthydraulics.com/

100% Testing

Permco hydraulic pump testing

Photography Derek Little

Unlike many hydraulics manufacturers, Permco tests and certifies every pump prior to shipment.

Not only do such differences matter in design and manufacturing, they hold for how pumps are assembled, too. Building a high-quality pump is meticulous work, stressed Shell. “Our people do prep work very similar to what you would see in a good engine rebuild shop.” For instance, they might take a honing stone or emery cloth and kiss a few areas on the gear before installation. That’s because when gears are pulled from a warehouse shelf and moved to the assembly station, it’s not unheard of to accidentally bump and nick a gear. If that gear gets assembled as is, and it subsequently rides on the soft bronze plate, the burr will cut a groove and create a leak path. Left unchecked, that pump will run inefficiently and underperform. Few manufacturers take such a hands-on approach to quality, emphasized Shell.

“But probably the biggest thing that differentiates us is we test every pump that goes out of this building. For peace of mind from the customer’s standpoint, that’s huge,” he stressed. Each pump gets assembled with new parts to create a tight package. Then it’s run up to 2,000 psi pressure, where the components flex and the gears will take a take a slight wipe—removing perhaps 0.0005 to 0.001 in. of material from the housing. That’s acceptable, notes Shell, because filters on the test benches trap the wear particles, instead of remaining behind to contaminate a customer’s hydraulic system.

Tests confirm leak-free and quiet operation and that flow meets design specs. And any problem gets flagged immediately, not at the customer’s site. It’s a significant undertaking. That’s why most other manufacturers only test 1 in 10 or 1 in 50 units, said Shell.

Finally, the approved product is assigned a serial number that includes the initials of the assembler—as a further sign of the workmanship that stands behind a high-quality pump.

Read the whole article on Mobile Hydraulic Tips.

Building a world-class hydraulic pump

JUNE 27, 2018 BY KEN KORANE