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Daily industrial news and top headlines for plant and maintenance managers
2 Missing Workers Found In PA Oil Fire, 1 Injured
September 3, 2009 8:49 am | News | CommentsCREIGHTON, Pa. (AP) — Emergency dispatchers say two workers who were unaccounted for after oil spilled and caught fire at a plant near Pittsburgh have been found, but one has been injured. Allegheny County dispatchers say the fire at Pitt Penn Oil Co. in East Deer Township was reported about 11:30 a.
Sun-Times Closing Chicago-Area Printing Press
September 3, 2009 8:44 am | News | CommentsCHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Sun-Times' parent company is closing a suburban printing plant, which is expected to cost 70 jobs. Sun-Times spokeswoman Tammy Chase confirms the Sun-Times Media Group plans to close its Pioneer Press printing plant in Northfield. Pioneer Press publishes dozens of Chicago-area community newspapers owned by the ailing conglomerate.
TN Company Buys Gramercy Alumina Plant, Hikes Production
September 3, 2009 6:36 am | News | CommentsGRAMERCY, La. (AP) — At a time when aluminum producers are struggling with low prices and excess capacity, the new owners of the Gramercy Alumina plant in St. James Parish are ramping up production to gain market share, company officials said Thursday. "By increasing our production, we're really trying to take advantage of well-positioned assets," said Kyle Lorentzen, chief operating officer of Noranda Aluminum, which acquired full ownership of the 50-year-old alumina plant in Gramercy this week and told some of its 470 employees "if we're not growing, we're dying.
Boeing Plane Deliveries Drop 22% In August
September 3, 2009 6:15 am | News | CommentsPITTSBURGH (AP) — Airplane maker Boeing says deliveries of its commercial jets slid 22 percent and orders fell 11 percent in August, as airlines cancel or postpone plans to buy new planes. Chicago-based Boeing said Thursday it delivered 28 passenger and cargo jets last month. That's down from 36 during the same month last year, according to figures posted on the company's Web site.
BMW's Prius-Crushing 'Vision'
September 3, 2009 5:25 am | Articles | CommentsThe new BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept was introduced this week, featuring a hybrid drive system that pushes current technology to the limit. Forget the Prius — this hybrid even absorbs excess heat from the exhaust system to recharge the battery — and will get you to 60 twice as fast.
Hybrid Hogs
September 3, 2009 4:31 am | Articles | CommentsWhile already controversial for cars — see the numerous YouTube videos praising and equally debunking this hydrogen technology — some bikers have decided to adapt the technology to their Harley-Davidson rides. However controversial, these riders are trying something new and innovative, trying to push the boundaries of what the public thinks is possible with a traditional gasoline engine.
When 'Rapid' Isn't Fast Enough
September 3, 2009 4:25 am | Articles | CommentsVia IET Faraday . A process of rapid manufacturing developed at Loughborough University is being used by a Ph.D student to create custom outsoles for a sprinter's particular biomechanical movement, allowing them to harness their full potential.
A P.U.M.A. Without The Bite
September 3, 2009 4:17 am | Articles | CommentsCheck out the Project P.U.M.A — the result of a collaboration betweeen GM and Segway. This self-balancing vehicle blurs the boundaries between cars and bikes to create a product that, according to the company, "values less over more; taking up less space, using less energy, produced more efficiently with fewer parts, creating fewer emissions during production and operation, all while offering more enjoyment, productivity, and connectivity.
Keep It Simple, Build It Strong
September 2, 2009 12:33 pm | Articles | CommentsVia www.op2iowa.com . The regional economic development group of Southern Iowa, Opportunity2, in collaboration with the region's Manufacturers Consortium has developed an Advanced Manufacturing video that showcases the great employment opportunities available in southern Iowa's manufacturing industries.
Squeaky Clean With Hotsy
September 2, 2009 12:24 pm | Articles | CommentsHotsy's integrated wash bay systems are simple, intuitive, and will help save time at any facility that cleans trucks or other heavy equipment. Featuring a remote control box to control each function of the washer, users won't have to constantly walk back and worth — while wasting water and time — to turn the machine on and off.
"Don't Walk On By"
September 2, 2009 12:21 pm | Articles | CommentsIf you're the type to just "walk on by" the plant safety hazards that seem to be unimportant at first glance, then maybe this music video is for you.
Laid Off Bobcat Employees 'Unhirable' In 50s
September 2, 2009 10:20 am | by James MacPherson, Associated Press Writer | News | CommentsBISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Bobcat Co., which makes small loaders and light construction equipment, announced Wednesday its Bismarck plant will be closed permanently and the bulk of the 475 jobs shifted to its plant in Gwinner in southeastern North Dakota. Union officials say laid-off workers in Gwinner will have first shot at the positions.
Maysteel To Close WI Factory, Cut 165 Jobs
September 2, 2009 4:31 am | News | CommentsMENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. (AP) — Maysteel says it will close one of its Menomonee Falls factories, eliminating 165 jobs and relocating another 25. The Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based company makes electric power parts. The company said Tuesday it will close the local plant by the end of the year.
France Threatens Blacklist Of U.S. Electronics Manufacturer
September 2, 2009 4:27 am | News | CommentsPARIS (AP) — A French minister on Wednesday threatened to ask French automakers to blacklist an American electronics company if managers don't find a way to keep its French plant open. Industry Minister Christian Estrosi has been trying to broker a deal with executives of Illinois-based Molex Inc.
Pfizer To Pay Record $2.3b Settlement
September 2, 2009 4:21 am | News | CommentsWASHINGTON (AP) — People familiar with a record legal settlement to be announced Wednesday say that Pfizer Inc., the world's largest drugmaker, will pay $2.3 billion in connection with illegal drug promotions. The U.S. Justice Department plans a news conference later in the day to announce the terms of the deal.
