October Industry Watch: Business

ZEBRA SKIMMERS CORP. (CLEVELAND, OH) . . .

is offering free online resources, including a Coolant Troubleshooting Guide. Meg Grant, sales & service manager, said, "When we see a need regarding coolant maintenance in the metalworking industry, we work to fulfill it. We found that many metalworkers are unfamiliar with coolant maintenance protocols and how to trace any issues to their source for remedy. And, in many cases, shops do not log what maintenance procedures they perform. Our Coolant Troubleshooting Guide will help to trace coolant issues, and the Machine Coolant Standards & Maintenance Log tracks coolant conditions to provide advance warning that protocols are not performed."

Coolant maintenance protocols include:
– Manage water hardness
– Manage concentration
– Manage pH
– Manage tramp oil
– Manage chips

These resources are available on the company's website.www.ZebraSkimmers.com

RATHGIBSON (LINCOLNSHIRE, IL) . . .

is supplying 40 tons of light-walled titanium tubing for Nanjing Turbine & Electric Machinery Group Co., Ltd. (NTC), which manufactures various equipment for power generation facilities, including gas turbines, steam turbines, generators, and motors. "NTC was impressed with their excellent product quality, solid application experiences, fast delivery and quick and professional service," said Peter Wang, business development director, greater China.

The tubing will be used in the assembly of two seawater condensers for a 2 × 150 MW power plant project in Fuijan, China. RathGibson manufactured the 25 mm outer diameter (OD) and 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm wall thickness Grade 2 titanium tubing to NTC specifications, which are stricter than those put forth in ASME B338 standards. The company manufactures highly engineered straight lengths, coil and U-Bend tubing for petrochemical, power generation, oil and gas, food and dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical and general commercial applications. www.RathGibson.com

M-1 TOOL WORKS (MCHENRY, IL) . . .

received vendor recognition from Argonne National Lab (ANL; Lemont, IL) for supplying critical components for the Undulator device on linear particle accelerator. The Undulator System on the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) project was recently completed at ANL and supplied as an extension of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in California.

M-1 Tool Works manufactured a variety of machined metal components and assemblies used in the focusing operation on the light beams that create ultra-bright, ultra-short X-ray pulses from a high-energy electron beam. These X-ray pulses are a billion times brighter than the most powerful light source known and are used to capture images of molecules and detail their actions within an atomic structure. The first beam was generated in April 2009 and the undulator was installed and fully functioning in the Spring of 2010.

Users of this new American technology from every continent are already lining up at SLAC to apply it for the investigation of atoms on various mechanical structures, raw materials, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, military ordnance, space exploration hardware and hundreds of other products. Commercial, institutional, educational, governmental and advanced research concerns are all requesting use of this technology, according to the directors of the project.

M-1 Tool Works, a longtime supplier of precision components to such diverse fields as the aerospace industry, defense, medical, high tech, close tolerance and high reliability commercial industries, had previously done work for Fermilab and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. They were called upon by ANL to produce 36 assemblies, each comprising a central assembly and various close-tolerance components. The materials used included tool steel, stainless steel, aluminum and specially annealed oxygen-free copper for the particular densities and electrical properties required on this application.

Machining of the metals involved five-axis milling, drilling, wire and sinker EDM. The tight tolerances, all in the range of 0.0005 in or less, were validated in the M-1 quality department, using CMM and other metrology devices. CAD files were supplied to M-1 by the designers at ANL. This particularly difficult machining operation required precise matching and line-up of milled, wire EDM and sinker EDM features. As company sales manager Ray Lindberg observed, "We were one of the few shops that had the machinery, the people, the expertise and the experience to do this job to the exacting specifications required."

Functionally, the highly collimated electron beam travels through the undulator, where its motion is modified by a series of alternating magnets to create radiation saturation and the coherent alignment structure of the beam. This occurs in a two-mile section of the linear accelerator. First light was generated in April, 2009, light to the instrument was achieved in August of that year and the project was completed for commercial utilization in the summer of 2010. This $415 million project was completed by ANL on time and under budget.

Overall, the undulator section measures 433 ft and runs in a 600 ft section of the tunnel at SLAC. All the assemblies were built and tested at ANL, then transported for assembly and final commissioning at Stanford. A beam position monitor checks the dimension and orientation of the beam to sub-micron levels of accuracy. www.m1toolworks.com

LENOX (EAST LONGMEADOW, MA) . . .

unveiled the LENOX Tech Rep Vehicle at the recent 2010 IMTS trade show in Chicago, IL. The vehicle, optimized for exceptional customer service, will be used for service and maintenance calls to prospective and current customers throughout the US and Canada as well as at distributor events, trade shows and training events.

"Our band saw business has a long history of providing the highest level of customer service. The Tech Rep Vehicle is an extension of this service and allows our technical service representatives team to add yet another level of support to our customers and distributors," stated Glenn Tatro, director of technical sales. "We maintain our position of being the premium supplier of band saw blades in North America by consistently providing high quality band saw products that are engineered to deliver exceptional value for a wide variety of sawing applications."

The new Tech Rep Vehicle is a Ford F350 Lariat with a 6.8L 3-Valve SOHC EFI Triton V10 diesel engine generating 300 hp@5,000 rpm. The interior design includes two computer monitors for convenient use of the SAWCALC program that provides users with an optimal band saw blade, speed and feed rate recommendation based on a specific sawing operation – machine type and material being cut. The vehicle is also outfitted to carry the extensive collection of tools that technical service representatives typically use to diagnose problems and make immediate adjustments to band saw machines, ensuring optimal performance and productivity. The tools include a tension meter, a feed force gauge, and a Traverse-Master. The truck also has a variety of sample materials for team members to work directly with customers to determine which band saw blade would provide the best cutting results for each of their specific cutting conditions.

To check the integrity of the band saw blade on-site, the truck is equipped with an on-board microscope for examining blades. An enlarged image of the blade is transmitted from the microscope back to the company's metallurgical lab in East Longmeadow, MA, where they can provide an immediate diagnosis on whether or not the blade has tooth damage, backing steel cracks, or back edge wear resulting from improper machine conditions and/or extensive cutting. The team of technical service representatives is a major force in the North American band saw blade market. The team consists of 17 full-time employees located throughout the U.S. and Canada. Collectively, they represent 269 years of expertise in servicing band saw blades and machines. These trained technical representatives are available to perform a thorough 13-point tune-up to ensure that every blade cuts smoother, straighter and faster to provide optimized blade and machine performance – ultimately lowering the cost per cut. www.lenoxtools.com

MAG INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SYSTEMS (ERLANGER, KY) . . .

received an order for two VIPER automated fiber placement systems to support production of the Airbus A350XWB at the plants of Germany's Premium Aerotech. The two systems, valued at more than $12 million, will be shipped in 2011, joining six others already installed at, or soon to be shipped to, various European factories in the Airbus supply chain. "This order further validates our role as the supplier of choice for automated fiber placement systems within the Airbus supply chain," said Randy Kappesser, vice president and general manager, MAG Composites Technologies. "While our composites expertise originated in the U.S., the growing number of installations we have outside the Americas allowed us to open a new composite technology center in 2009 in Göppingen, Germany. This materially enhanced our ability to win this order, as well as provide better support to customers in Europe and Asia as we go forward."

Dr. Dieter Meiners, COO at Premium Aerotech, added, "We are glad to expand our cooperation with MAG on the basis of this new project, and will enjoy the convenience of having a new technology center close to our locations." The manufacturer pioneered automated composites processing for building aerostructures, and its systems are widely used in major worldwide aircraft programs, with over 125 installations globally. In addition to offering the fastest production proven composites machines, the company has an extensive global footprint with 24 facilities providing system build and integration, processing expertise, and service for its broad range of machine tools and automated systems. Fifteen of these facilities are located in the European and Asian regions, close to the rapidly growing base of customers there. Premium Aerotech was created in 2009 with the spinoff of three German plants in Nordenham, Varel and Augsburg owned by Airbus and its parent, European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co. As part of Airbus' program to cut production costs and develop risk sharing partnerships with other firms, Premium Aerotech has been given contracts to work on the composites-intensive A350XWB wide-body plane.

MAG also received an order, valued at approximately $7 million, from Lockheed Martin for two 6-axis, CNC-controlled AutoDrill systems to be used in the aerospace manufacturer's Marietta, GA, plant. Scheduled for delivery in Q1 2011, the precision automated drilling and trimming systems will use a surface-detecting pressure foot to drill and countersink thousands of fastener holes through complex contoured surfaces comprised of stacked composite materials, aluminum and titanium for the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter's center wing assembly. These are the fourth and fifth AutoDrill systems sold to Lockheed; the other three are located in the company's Fort Worth, TX, plant. The newest drilling systems include an upgraded 24,000-rpm spindle and new head with integral vacuum ducting and no external hoses or wires. The head design supports the porting of hoses, wires and cables through the head, versus external porting, to avoid interference during operation. As a major component of the center wing work cell, the AutoDrill systems are designed for continuous operation at 100 percent duty cycle for three shifts per day. The systems are designed to be ergonomically friendly with an emphasis on accessibility and maintainability of components, and include Freedom eLog software with an event-log tracking tool to assist production engineering and maintenance.

The AutoDrill systems will be enhanced with advanced volumetric error compensation (VEC) capability for improved drilled hole positional accuracy. Developed especially for improving machining accuracies for large 5-axis machine tools by 50 percent or more, VEC analyzes and corrects positioning errors in all machine-tool axes simultaneously for unprecedented machining accuracies on large parts. This is a turnkey order and includes installation, startup and training. "The AutoDrill solution will provide Lockheed Martin excellent value while achieving repeatable, exceptionally accurate machining of premium aircraft components," said Chip Storie, executive vice president of Aerospace. "By the time this complex assembly, which is the core of the F-35, reaches the AutoDrill system, the value of the assembly is in the millions of dollars. Lockheed Martin continues to trust MAG to deliver AutoDrill systems to perform high-accuracy, delicate operations on these very high value assemblies." www.mag-ias.com

MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY (MELVILLE, NY) and APEX INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES (MASON, OH) . .

entered into an agreement to expand MSC's metalworking point-of-use solutions. MSC fills a niche by adding the Access 180N as a specialized capacity dispensing system designed to control production metalworking items in the round cutting tool and indexable cutting tool categories. "Many MSC customers have expressed a desire to manage vital production tooling in a decentralized manufacturing cell environment," said Tom Cox, MSC executive vice president of sales. "As such, we are very excited to announce the arrival of a revolutionary new dispensing system, which is a perfect alternative to full-size vending machines."

The Access 180N mounts to a wall, pedestal or bench. Apex Connect n' Go Technology means data flows seamlessly from the Access 180N to the Edge C3iHub via the Internet. Since the Access 180N is MS Windows free, it eliminates many of the support requirements of earlier generations of automated dispensing systems. Everything is taken care of from the C3iHub. It allows customers to see detailed information sorted and sub-totaled the way they want to view it from their browser, anytime and anywhere. In addition, when customers are leveraging multiple units in multiple cells, they have the option to request consolidated order processing, leading to a single replenishment shipment the following day. "Apex Industrial Technologies is thrilled with the new agreement signed with MSC, North America's largest metalworking distribution organization," said Kent Savage, Apex CEO. "The combination of our advanced dispensing design and technology together with their strength and expertise in delivering customized solutions to metalworking customers makes this a natural relationship. The Access 180N will bring automated dispensing to areas never before considered feasible due to lack of space or quantity of tool usage." MSC Industrial Supply, Apex Industrial Technologies

ADVANCED MACHINE & ENGINEERING (ROCKFORD, IL) . . .

purchased the assets of the Metalcut Carbide Saw Division of Centro-Metalcut of Rockford and a longtime global industry leader in the design and manufacture of heavy-duty carbide sawing systems for the metalcutting industries. AME is also a leading global manufacturer of carbide sawing systems under its popular AMSAW brand name that is found in forge, metalcasting, service center and primary producer operations, anywhere large or continuous sawing is performed. The acquisition of the Metalcut carbide saw line represents a substantial expansion of the company's capabilities in the world market.

This purchase will transfer the complete sawing machine technologies, engineering data, inventory, spare parts and service operations for all Metalcut carbide saws to AME. Steve Swanson, the business unit manager for the carbide saw machine division of AME, will assume oversight responsibility for the Metalcut product line, allowing a seamless transition for all existing customers and immediate access to the Metalcut carbide saw line for all new AME accounts. AME has worldwide sales and service locations already in place to accommodate all customer requirements, according to Greg Champion, vice president of sales and marketing for the company. Centro-Metalcut will continue to manufacture and market all other product lines in its offering, including hot and cold abrasive saws, conditioning grinders and materials handling equipment. Dietmar Goellner, AME president and CEO, and Danny Pearse, CEO of Centro-Metalcut, agreed to the purchase terms on September 24, 2010.www.ame.com

NIKON METROLOGY, INC. (LEUVEN, BELGIUM) . . .

formed a partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), serving as a technical partner. As part of this relationship, Nikon Metrology (NMI) will provide JGR with sophisticated microscopy products, technical advice and support. "In an industry where product failure is not an option, the partnership between NMI and JGR is a natural one," says Koji Kiribuchi, marketing manager of vision products, for Nikon Metrology. "The ease-of-use of our equipment, combined with proprietary software that allows us to communicate in real-time, means that we can provide the fast and efficient solutions that are required for JGR in the racing industry." The partnership stems from a project that took place earlier this year, in which JGR, one of NASCAR's top teams, experienced first-hand the benefits the AZ100 multi-purpose zoom microscope can bring to its garage. Facing a problem with its racecar's engine rocker arms, which were experiencing excessive wear and tear despite protective coatings to prevent just that type of damage, JGR engineers contacted Nikon Metrology to see if they could help to solve the issue.

Nikon Metrology sent the JGR engineers its AZ100 model microscope, a multi-purpose zoom microscope that combines the wide field-of-view advantages of a stereoscopic zoom microscope with the advantages of a metallographic microscope. The AZ100 system features high-resolution bright field and seamless digital documentation. With this system, at 50X magnification, the engineers were able to capture an image at a far greater resolution and contrast than with their previous system. Through video conferencing and image sharing with the part vendor, it only took the two groups 90 minutes to determine that inclusion and discoloration in the coating were responsible for the rocker arm damage. "In this world, it's all about speed, quality and reliability," says Richard Miller, quality control engineer, Joe Gibbs Racing. "Using Nikon Metrology's equipment, we were able to return our cars and drivers to the track with the speed, accuracy and safety this sport requires." Nikon Metrology, Inc. , Joe Gibbs Racing

PENNENGINEERING (DANBORO, PA) . . .

acquired QRP, Inc. (Leland, NC), which specializes in manufacturing quick release pins, lanyards, latches, and access fastener products. Terms of the transaction between the two privately held companies were undisclosed. The acquisition was completed on September 30. "This strategic acquisition expands our fastening product portfolio and we expect significant growth opportunities for both of our companies," said Mark Petty, president and CEO of PennEngineering. "QRP's wide range of quick release pin products and related specialty fasteners will provide us with new capabilities and expertise to extend our offerings in key customer markets."

"This represents an exciting opportunity to grow in conjunction with them," said Tom Kievit, president of QRP, "And as a result, there will be ongoing benefits for both of our companies in the future." Kievit noted that the current QRP management team remains in place and that QRP will continue to operate its business from the company's current locations in North Carolina. This latest acquisition follows the recent acquisition of 3V Fasteners, Inc. and the introduction of AS9100 quality systems in key PennEngineering plants. "All these initiatives serve to reinforce our position in the Aerospace and Defense markets," Petty added. Founded more than 30 years ago, QRP is a leading supplier of standard and custom-designed quick release pins for the aerospace, military, automotive, and marine industries, among others. The high-quality pins are manufactured in accordance with NASM23460 and NAS1332 and meet PAN, EFA, and AS requirements. In this transaction with PennEngineering, Jacobs Capital served as the financial advisor for QRP. www.pemnet.com

LA-CO INDUSTRIES (ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL) . . .

launched a new, user-friendly website that is geared primarily towards metalworking or welding professionals and uses a visually-entertaining and interactive format to provide an added level of value, product information and service to those with the toughest industrial marking needs. Designed to educate heavy industrial users on the versatility of new Pro-Line HP markers, the website utilizes a bold visual platform and interactive features to illustrate the variety of extreme environments that the markers are suitable for. Upon entering the site, users are greeted with energizing music and intense visuals, while a functional layout enables them to navigate with ease.

To help provide an enriched experience for visitors, the site features an informative yet humorous demo video that details the benefits and applications of Pro-Line HP and encourages metalworking and welding professionals to "Just say no to wimpy markers." Pro-Line HP marks the most difficult industry applications with precision, even on oily, soapy and wet surfaces, but without the health and environmental issues of other liquid paint markers. In addition, visitors can also click on the Colors tab to scroll over and better view the bold array of 14 colors available with the product line.

The website also provides metal layout and fabrication workers with the unique opportunity to share their extreme marking experiences by emailing in videos, pictures and stories that tell how they use the markers. Markal will then post their favorites and send all winners a Markal "Extreme Measuring Device" along with a set of the markers. Visitors can also request a free trial set of markers to test drive on their applications by simply clicking on the "Get Sample" tab. "When designing this website, our goal was to create a fun experience for welders and metal workers while also providing them with the unique opportunity to tell us their stories," states Dan Kleiman, chief executive officer of La-CO/Markal. "The end result is an interactive website that is as extreme and bold as the markers."

In a continuous effort to enhance the customer's experience, a "Where to Buy" tool helps users locate local Markal distributors. By entering a postal code and specifying the distance (in miles) that they would be willing to travel, metal working professionals in the U.S. and Canada can view a complete list of distributor locations closest to them in the range specified. www.laco.com

SECO TOOLS (TROY, MI) . . .

launched a new animated aerospace micro-site. Jump on board the virtual Seco Jet by clicking on industry applications, where solutions for aerospace machining come to life. This dynamic site allows users to scroll over various parts the aircraft — landing gear, engine or structural areas — where pop-up windows indicate the main components within these locales. By clicking on a specific component, successful tooling solutions are displayed along with basic process information.

This new micro-site is part of the company's focus on the development of tailored solutions that increase productivity for key industry segments, such as the new Jabro solid carbide end mills for the machining of composite materials. Going beyond just tooling, these solutions illustrate the development of a component from drawing to finish — how the company processes, optimizes, quotes, fine-tunes and presents the final to the customer.

Rather than focusing on selling a cutting tool, the goal with this new approach is to sell a complete solution for specific components, helping customers to quickly identify where Seco can partner with them to improve production. In order to help customers keep appraised of the latest technology and processes, the company anticipates updating the tools and applications shown on the site on a regular basis. Seco Tools is part of Seco Tools AB, which recently acquired 100 percent of the shares in AOB, a French manufacturer of PCD (Poly Crystalline Diamond) cutting tools.

AOB, based in Mortagne-sur-Sevre near Nantes, France, is one of the leading suppliers of PCD tools to the aerospace, automotive and woodworking industries and has special expertise and experience in machining of composite materials (CFRP). AOB has annual revenue of approximately EUR 4 million and around 50 employees. "We are delighted at the opportunity to advance our position in the strategically important aerospace industry. This acquisition will further strengthen the high-tech capability on which our customer relationships are based," says Kai Wärn, president and CEO of Seco Tools. www.secotools.com

CELERITIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(CAVE CREEK, AZ) . . .

appointed J&K Sales and Engineering (Gallatin, TN) to distribute VoluMill, its revolutionary ultra high-performance toolpath engine, to manufacturers in Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama. VoluMill is a patent-pending plug-in engine that can be used with any CAM system. It is used in place of traditional roughing toolpath engines when shop productivity is a priority. The use of VoluMill has proven to significantly increase machine capacity utilization, and dramatically reduce per-unit tooling costs on all part geometries and materials.

J&K Sales and Engineering, founded in 1994, serves more than 120 automotive, medical and aerospace manufacturers. J&K offers CNC machines made by Doosan Infracore, end mills by Helical Solutions, Iscar and Sumitomo, along with indexable tools, taps, and drills. Oley Martin, president and sales manager for J&K, says he decided to offer this software because he believes the use of VoluMill "will positively impact the competitiveness of the American manufacturing industry because it dramatically reduces machining time and tooling costs while simplifying the part programming process." www.volumill.com

SANDVIK COROMANT (SANDVIKEN, SWEDEN) . . .

reached a cooperation agreement with Precorp Inc. (Spanish Fork, UT) with the aim of being a joint solution provider for composite machining. The company also released a free App designed to provide a convenient resource for calculating cutting data, introduced a tool library to simplify manufacturers' tool management systems and announced an agreement with Höfler Maschinnebau to develop and provide highly productive and reliable machining solutions for the gear machining industry.

As partners, Sandvik Coromant and Precorp will provide unique products using PCD vein technology and innovative carbide solutions as well as application know how for the composite industry. The PCD vein technology incorporates a precision sintered slot of PCD onto the cutting edge improving the quality and efficiency of the tool. The partnership secures the development of innovative solutions from Sandvik Coromant and Precorp and strengthens the niche for diamond based cutting tools, particularly in the rapidly growing composite aerospace segment. Sandvik Tooling acquired 49 percent of the shares in Precorp Inc. during 2008.

The company recently released a free App designed to provide engineers and machinists with a convenient resource for calculating cutting data. Once downloaded and installed, the App helps users optimize performance of their turning, milling and drilling applications by calculating optimal setting based on a job's unique parameters. "We're always looking for exciting new ways to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers," says Lennart Lindgren, global vice president marketing and sales "We developed this App to provide customers with a convenient resource that can be accessed anywhere they take their phone."

The Machining Calculator App features a help button that provides additional information on the calculation being executed and the input needed to generate results. The App also contains a process cost comparison that determines how tool optimization can provide cost and time savings. The App works with both metric and in measurements and is available for both iPhone and Android phones.

Sandvik Coromant in introducing a tool library to simplify manufacturers' tool management systems. Launching in select markets during Q1 2011, this library provides a standardized means to maintain digital files on all of the cutting tools they use, regardless of brand and tool supplier. "The need for cutting tool data has been increasing dramatically in recent years," says Mats Allard, manager for virtual machining. "Manufacturers use dimensional parameters, 2D drawings and 3D models for cutting simulations, NC programming, tool management and other day-to-day business functions. This has proved challenging, as many suppliers of cutting tools and PLM/CAM/CNC software have used their own unique naming conventions and storage protocols. This library will offer a standardized source for this vital data and provide manufacturers with substantial time savings."

The tool library will contain three main sections:
– Catalog Area: This section will be open to all cutting tool suppliers to enter data for their products.
– My Items: Manufacturers can copy data from the main catalog to their own personalized, customizable section.
– My Assemblies: Users can manually or automatically build assemblies from their selected data, allowing easy storage and retrieval of dimensional parameters, 2D drawings and 3D models.

Via an intuitive interface, users will be able to easily transfer their selected data to whichever of their software applications require cutting tool data. The cutting tool data structure is based on ISO 13399 to ensure stable and safe development, use and communication of cutting tool data. The tool library has been developed with TDM Systems, the know-how center for tool data within Sandvik Tooling.

In related news, Sandvik Coromant has announced an agreement with Höfler Maschinnebau
to develop and provide highly productive and reliable machining solutions for the gear machining industry. The companies' efforts will primarily focus on the growing wind power industry, which requires cost efficiency and high quality standards. "Höfler is an ideal partner for us," says Kenneth Sundberg, global business manager for gear milling solutions. "They offer technology leadership in gear manufacturing and a strong global position within the wind power industry. Their stable and accurate machines and our cutting tools for extreme loads will increase metal removal rates and signifcantly reduce manufacturing costs." With U.S. operations in Pittstown, NJ, Höfler is headquartered in Baden Würtemberg, Germany, and produces special purpose machine tools for grinding and hobbing. The company has more than 50 years of experience in gear manufacturing. www.sandvik.coromant.com, www.hofler.de

HARDINGE INC. (ELMIRA, NY) . . .

acquired the assets of Jones & Shipman (Leicester, UK), a manufacturer of grinding and super-abrasive machines and machining systems. Jones & Shipman distributes a range of high-quality grinding (surface, creep feed and cylindrical) machines used by a diverse range of industries including aerospace, medical, mould tool and die, power generation and high-end automotive. The Jones & Shipman business has operated continuously in the UK, under various owners, since 1899. "This transaction is a solid strategic fit for us adding valuable product lines, as well as the strong Jones & Shipman brand name, to our grinding portfolio," said Rick Simons, president and CEO. "Along with expanding our European-based grinding business, Jones & Shipman products will help us expand our U.S. and Asian market presence."

Jones & Shipman has become part of the company's Kellenberger grinding organization and will continue operations at the current Leicester location. The sales of the Jones & Shipman products in the US will be handled by the current Hardinge Technical Grinding Sales team, along with the existing Jones & Shipman Technical Grinding Sales team. "Hardinge is a strong company with strong brand names of Hardinge, Bridgeport, Kellenberger, Hauser, Tschudin and now the Jones & Shipman brand name. This addition continues to show our strength. " said Mr. Simons. www.hardinge.com

LUVATA ELECTROFIN, INC. (MIDDLESEX, UK) . . .

plans to expand its presence into Northern California to meet the growing demand for spray-applied coil and cabinet corrosion protection. The facility will offer Insitu, a spray-applied, permanent, water-based, synthetic coating developed by Luvata ElectroFin specifically for the protection of heat exchange units and cabinet coating. At its new location in San Leandro, CA, Luvata ElectroFin moves closer to its Northern California and Oakland Bay area customers looking for its branded Insitu spray-applied corrosion protection for post manufacturing equipment. "The addition of the Northern California location, combined with our Temecula or Southern California operation, provides us with the opportunity to satisfy demand throughout the Western U.S., as well as for those customers shipping HVAC/R equipment into the Pacific Rim where corrosion is prevalent," states Mike Powell, director of sales and marketing. "This new Northern California location, in addition to the recent opening of our Tampa, FL, location, demonstrates Luvata ElectroFin's continued commitment to our customers in pursuing opportunities where the market demands a superior product and supplier."

Through the acquisition of McIntyre coatings services assets and Luvata ElectroFin's additional investment into the facility and equipment upgrades, including all business and environmental operating permits to meet company standards, the 13,000 sq ft facility is immediately ready to fully support the spray-applied market. The acquisition does not include McIntyre's coil or air handling business units. Luvata Insitu polymer coating contains ES2 (embedded stainless steel) pigment to provide a multi-layer structure which tightly bonds to the substrate. As the Insitu coating wears away over time, the stainless steel particles become more and more exposed, providing continued protection for the remainder of the coating and substrate underneath. Insitu is UV and chemical resistant, is environmentally sustainable and meets stringent air quality emission standards. www.luvata.com

COE PRESS EQUIPMENT (STERLING HEIGHTS, MI) . . .

added Veugen Integrated Technologies (VIT; New Dundee, ON) to its distributor network, which consists of representative companies throughout North America. In addition to being a distributor of plant automation devices, VIT is recognized as a leader in the metalforming industry for its innovative approaches to rebuilding press controls to meet current safety standards as well as being an integrator of automated machinery. Headed by Walter Veugenand, president, and Mike Foster, sales manager, VIT will represent COE coil handling and feeding equipment throughout Canada. COE Press Equipment designs and manufactures coil handling and servo roll feed equipment from stand-alone roll feeds, straighteners, reels, cradles and air feeds to complete integrated feed line systems. The company supplies and services a wide variety of global markets and industries including automotive, appliance, lighting, metal processing, housewares, lawn and garden, contract stampers, tool and die builders, and many others. www.cpec.com

ITW WELDING NORTH AMERICA (APPLETON, WI) . . .

added MAXALT-brand aluminum welding wire products to its portfolio, effective immediately. MAXAL, Inc. was a privately-held company based in Traverse City, MI. "This addition enables us to deliver a superior platform of customized, comprehensive aluminum wire and feeding solutions to our customers in strategic markets," said Mike Weller, president of ITW Welding North America. "The synergy between MAXAL aluminum wire products, Miller welding equipment and our offering of MIG welding guns solidifies our position as the leader in aluminum systems technology in a marketplace where demand is increasing."

Founded in 2006, MAXAL was owned and operated by aluminum industry innovators, Jim MacIntosh and Steve and Bruce Anderson. The company is widely recognized in the industry as a technology leader and has revolutionized the way aluminum wire is developed and produced. "This is a strategic move for our business and ultimately enables us to deliver more value to our customers and the industry overall," said Steve Anderson, one of the principal founders of MAXAL. "ITW Welding North America is composed of the best welding products in the market, and we're extremely pleased to be joining this portfolio of industry-leading brands." Both Steve and Bruce Anderson will remain as key contributors to the business moving forward. As part of ITW Welding North America, MAXAL will continue operating at its current location. Jim MacIntosh will continue as president of MAXAL, reporting to Tim Temby, group vice president of Industrial Products for ITW Welding North America. www.itwwelding.com

THE BRADBURY CO., INC. (MOUNDRIDGE, KS) . . .

acting through its subsidiary, Bradbury Australia, Pty Ltd., announced its further expansion into the southern hemisphere by entering into an agreement to acquire the assets and intellectual property of Hilleng International and Diecraft. The deal is expected to close in the near future. Hilleng is the leading manufacturer of sandwich panel laminating machinery and systems. The business has been established for more than 35 years, successfully installing more than 250 panel manufacturing systems worldwide. Diecraft has been established for more than 25 years and is the leading supplier of rollforming equipment to the rainwater goods market. "We are pleased to welcome Hilleng International and Diecraft to our family of companies. For the past number of years, we have known and competed with this talented group of people and the quality products they provide. With Martin Cannon and Graeme Clark coming on board as senior managers of Bradbury Australia, the systems they produce will complement our global strategy in the key markets and geographic regions we have targeted for growth," remarked David Cox, president and COO of The Bradbury Group.

Mike Lowe, managing director of Hayes International, a subsidiary of The Bradbury Group, commented, "This acquisition allows the four strong brands of Bradbury, Hayes, Hilleng and Diecraft to be under one umbrella. We will be merging the staff of Hayes Australia, Pty Ltd, into Bradbury Australia, Pty Ltd. This greatly increases our service and support of the Australia and Southeast Asia marketplace. Our customers will be able to continue to contact the same technical service people they have dealt with in the past. Hayes International New Zealand, now in its 50th year, will remain the hub for regional activities." Martin Cannon, managing director for Hilleng and Diecraft stated, "The strength of The Bradbury Group will enable Bradbury Australia to capitalize on the entire capability of the Hilleng and Diecraft product lines. Our association with the Group will allow us to provide unparalleled service and to undertake exciting new technologies that we will bring to the industries we serve around the world." www.bradburygroup.com

D&S MANUFACTURING (BLACK RIVER FALLS, WI) . . .

achieved certification to DIN EN 15085-2 standards, Certification Level CL2, for the welding of new components and parts for railway vehicles, according to Michael Dougherty, company president. "This certification provides us with a strong competitive advantage within our industry, as we are now able to provide documentation that we meet the requirements of railway products manufactured for the European market. I am very proud of the accomplishments of our welding team and the high praise they received from the auditing body based on their performance during the evaluation process," he stated.

According to manufacturing engineer Joe Lane, customer Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) was seeking a source for DIN EN 15085-2 certified weldments in the U.S. EMD was impressed with D&S facilities and the company's existing welding processes, which include adherence to AWS standards as well as component review by a full-time AWS certified inspector. An extensive compliance audit was conducted at the D&S Manufacturing facility by TÜV Rheinland (Cologne, Germany). The auditor tested welding coordinators regarding their weld process knowledge, thoroughly inspected the shop and evaluated all weld procedures. "The standards require that D&S maintain systems in place for training and consistency in welding procedures and that a responsible welding coordinator is retained on-site to provide supervision and address technical questions," Lane explained. D&S's certification to DIN EN 15085-2 standards, which was issued on July 9, 2010, is valid through March 15, 2013. www.dsmfg.com