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Daily industrial news and top headlines for plant and maintenance managers
GM-Rooted Flint Manufacturing Plant On Auction Block
December 14, 2009 10:25 am | by David Runk, Associated Press Writer | News | CommentsDETROIT (AP) — A Flint manufacturing and office complex that includes a building constructed in the 1920s by the founder of General Motors and that still houses his one-time office will be auctioned off Tuesday. The Great Lakes Technology Centre, as it's now known, will be auctioned off in four parts.
The Brainstorm: Innovation In A Recession
December 14, 2009 10:23 am | by Tim Bowe, CEO & Co-Founder, Foliage | Articles | CommentsIt has been suggested that the recession is, in part, a result of a lack of innovation in America? Do you buy that? This question has been discussed by economists for quite some time. The basis of the question is that in the 1980’s, the U.
Miniature Circuit Breakers
December 14, 2009 7:59 am | Product Releases | CommentsAutomationDirect (Cumming, GA) now offers Fuji Electric’s BW series of molded case circuit breakers, which take up a small amount of space and offer standard type and high-interrupting capacities in identically-size housings. The three-pole non-adjustable magnetic trip breakers, in sizes up to 800A, are also suitable for reverse-feed applications.
Fast, Low-Power Vacuum Gripping
December 14, 2009 7:58 am | Product Releases | CommentsThe FXC-HD large-area gripping system from Schmalz (Raleigh, NC) facilitates energy-saving and cost-efficient automation with a small main body and a small evacuation volume. The chambers from the suction and blow-off functions are separate, so items can be set down quickly, using less power, with only 0.
Mechanical Boosters For Energy-Efficiency
December 14, 2009 7:58 am | Product Releases | CommentsThe HV8000 mechanical booster pumps from Edwards Vacuum (Tewsbury, MA) replace steam ejectors on a chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) process, which is used in the matrix deposition process of manufacturing high-temperature materials, and using a mechanical booster can significantly lower manufacturing costs, according to the company.
Independent Video Monitoring
December 14, 2009 7:56 am | Product Releases | CommentsSatel-West (Cupertino, CA) has announced the WIPAT Remote Patrol and Monitoring System, a long-range wireless video monitoring system that provides video clips, still images, multiple digital sensor inputs, and a suite of event logging tools. While operating on public safety channels — with options for satellite connection and solar power — WIPAT allows industries to monitor critical areas without relying on phone lines, fiber optic cable, or hardwired networks.
Q&A: Debunking The Myth Of Chinese Rubbish
December 14, 2009 5:53 am | by David Mantey, Editor, PD&D | Articles | CommentsStar Prototype China is owned and run by Gordon Styles, British businessman and engineer. In 1993 he began building what became the U.K.’s largest rapid prototyping technology (RPT) company, which he later sold. Styles then founded Star Prototype in 2005 with the intention of offering western clients the opportunity to use a reliable and high-quality rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing supplier in China.
Cadbury Battles 'Derisory' Offer From 'Unattractive' Kraft
December 14, 2009 4:10 am | by Jane Wardell, AP Business Writer | News | CommentsLONDON (AP) -- Cadbury PLC revealed Monday it has received approaches from The Hershey Co. and Italy's Ferrero International SA as it launched a robust defense against a hostile 9.8 billion pound ($16.3 billion) from Kraft Foods Inc. Cadbury Chairman Roger Carr said the statements of intent from Hershey and Ferrero were too preliminary to start proper talks as he warned shareholders not to let Kraft "steal your company with its derisory offer.
Oregon RV Makers Hit The Road After Economic 'Tsunami'
December 14, 2009 4:00 am | by Tim Christie, AP Writer | News | CommentsEUGENE, Ore. (AP) — The fall of the recreational vehicle industry in Lane County was swift, relentless and brutal. A year ago at this time, local RV makers sent workers home for their customary holiday furloughs. Most workers never came back. Within months, two companies, Monaco Coach Corp.
Toyota To Sell Plug-In 'Affordable' Hybrids In 2011
December 14, 2009 3:43 am | by Yuri Kageyama, AP Business Writer | News | CommentsTOKYO (AP) — Toyota showed its new plug-in hybrid Monday, available for leasing this month in Japan, the U.S. and Europe, and promised the green vehicle for sale to regular consumers in 2011 at an "affordable" price. The plug-in Prius is the first from Toyota Motor Corp. packed with a more powerful battery called lithium-ion that's different from the batteries used in Prius hybrids on roads today.
From Poultry Fat To Jet Fuel
December 14, 2009 3:40 am | by Amy Lorentzen | News | CommentsDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A central Iowa plant could soon begin producing jet fuel from poultry fat. Bolingbrook, Ill.-based Elevance Renewable Sciences plans to build a $15 million plant in Newton, adding onto an existing biodiesel operation. The experimental operation plans to use plant oils and poultry fat as building blocks to replace petroleum-based chemicals used to make myriad products, including jet fuel, lubricants, adhesives and even cosmetics and candles.
GE-FANUC Finalize Dissolution Of Joint Venture
December 14, 2009 3:36 am | News | CommentsCHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — GE (NYSE: GE) and FANUC LTD announced today that the two companies have completed their agreement to dissolve the GE Fanuc Automation Corporation Joint Venture. This agreement reverts the respective portions of the joint venture back to the parent company and allows each company to focus on its existing businesses and pursue growth in its respective core industry of expertise.
CAT Begins Chinese Joint Venture
December 14, 2009 3:35 am | News | CommentsPEORIA, Ill. (AP) — Caterpillar Inc., the world's largest maker of construction and mining equipment, said Monday that it signed a joint venture deal with a Chinese company to create a remanufacturing business. Caterpillar (China) Investment Co. Ltd. and China Yuchai International Ltd.'s Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Co.
Life After Bobcat's Dec. 23rd Shutdown
December 14, 2009 3:30 am | by Christopher Bjorke | News | CommentsBISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Twenty years on a job allows for some time to think. But for Scott Langemo, the past few weeks have been a time to reflect on his years as a tool and die machinist for Bobcat Co. and what comes next. "There's been a lot of reflecting on what I want to do with my life," he said.
Award-Winning High-Speed Doors
December 11, 2009 9:55 am | Product Releases | CommentsHörmann Flexon LLC ’s (Pheonix, AZ) line of high-speed doors have been voted No. 1 in the industry by the Professional Door Dealer magazine’s Best of Business dealer’s choice poll. The poll honored a number of Hörmann Flexon products, including the Speed-Commander 1400 SE and Quick Connect HFC1 plug-and-play control box.
