Jeff Rotella was adjusting the air ride on an auto transport carrier when one of the vehicles, a Ford F-350, pinned him at Manheim Auto Auction, in Lancaster County, said Hollis Rotella, his wife.

Rotella, 57, owned Jeff Rotella Transport Co., based in the Westvale area with its terminal located in Warners. The business employs 17 people, his wife said.

After Rotella became stuck, the auto transport carrier’s driver went to get help, and about 12 men lifted the pickup truck off of Rotella. He was rushed to Lancaster General Hospital, where he died Saturday. His death was caused by lack of oxygen after the vehicle landed on him, Hollis Rotella said.

To me this terrible tragedy should remind us all how dangerous this profession is. Working around powerful machinery and heavy vehicles all day everyday tends to numb us to the dangers we are susceptible to.

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Efficiency is the name of the game and Manheim didn’t get as big as they are by playing poorly. The sad part is that it will be difficult for the 55 employees whose positions were eliminated at the Manheim Kentucky  location to find employment.

Lancasteronline seems to do a more critical than normal reort on an unforunate accident in the detail shop at Manheim auction. An SUV backed into 3 workers detailing a car sending the driver and the three that were hit all to the hospital.

here is a quote from the article:

By BRETT HAMBRIGHT, Staff Writer

Police said accidents are common at Manheim Auto Auction because of the large work force and moving vehicles. One officer said police are dispatched there in response to accidents almost every auction day (Fridays and every other Thursday).

“Every (week) people are getting hurt over there,” Officer Jason Riggle said. “But, usually it’s not four at a time.”

And usually the accidents are less severe, like someone’s foot getting run over, police said.

I think reports like this one are a mixed blessing and curse. While I certainly feel for the 100 employees that will be job hunting at a very tough time to find jobs I think that this is more about becoming more efficient. Was it really cost effective for Manheim to have that little auction over there when right across the river they have Manheim St. Louis? I believe the largest positive effect of the bad economy is that our nation’s businesses are trimming inefficiencies and becoming more effective and competitive.

There is a link to an instructional video if you need help using the search functions.

Would you guys like to see the locations flagged for all of the cars on your load or would a button to just find the problem cars be more useful?

Lancasteronline is reporting that Manheim has recieved a threat:

By CINDY STAUFFER, Staff

“The FBI and local police are investigating a threatening letter sent to the Manheim Auto Auction.

Bomb-sniffing dogs and additional security will be on hand Friday at the auction’s weekly sale, to ensure the safety of the almost 3,000 employees, a worker said.

Penn Township Police Chief Larry Snavely said the letter contained an “open statement” about threats and mentioned a specific date.”

UPDATE: Ok so the Manheim PA auction goes off without a hitch after a lot of time effort and money is spent on extra security. Now the question is can they catch this terrorist?

The WFTV article says Three people were run down by a car during an auto auction in Orange County. It happened at the Manheim Auto Auction off West Colonial Drive on Tuesday.