November Industry Watch: Business

BUNTING MAGNETICS CO. (NEWTON, KS) . . .

is launching a manufacturing and sales operation center based in Berkhamsted, England, that is responsible for all sales in the United Kingdom, the European Union and the African continent. This operation will manufacture equipment that is part of the Magnetic Separation product line. This expansion coincides with the acquisition of Magnet Applications, which was founded in 1955 and currently has manufacturing operations of technical bonded magnets, precision magnetic assemblies and complementary magnet products in Berkhamsted and Dubois, PA.

“This expansion is an extension of our acquisition,” said company owner and CEO Robert J. Bunting. “Magnet Applications significantly expands our product and market scope with outstanding market recognition as a premier manufacturer of bonded NdFeB magnets and technical assemblies. Now, by manufacturing our equipment within the EU, we will be able to build on the reputation of both companies and offer a fuller range of magnetic technology to the eastern hemisphere.”

As part of this expanded presence in Europe, Gareth Meese was named export sales manager in May 2010 for Magnet Applications Limited (MAL), a division of Bunting. He will have dual responsibilities to oversee and develop sales for the product lines for both companies. “Gareth will be vital to our continued strategic focus on the EU,” stated Bunting. “He is aggressive and focused and will rapidly help us to grow our presence throughout the region by understanding the applications of our products very well. That will translate into letting us solve customer issues quickly.”

Meese, who started with MAL in May 2009, will be responsible for sales in the UK, the EU and the African continent; establishing an extensive network of distributors; and engaging OEMs for long-term partnerships. He will also be instrumental in new product development and developing new distribution channels. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from the University of Wales in Cardiff and has over eight years of sales experience in financial services, factory automation and industrial equipment. He will be based at MAL headquarters in Berkhamsted. www.buntingmagnetics.com

CAMFIL FARR APC (JONESBORO, AR) . . .

opened a sales and service office in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, for enhanced support of customers in the Caribbean region. The new office will provide sales and technical support to the company’s growing base of dust collection customers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and general industrial sectors, as well as a warehouse for local stocking and delivery of replacement filters and parts.

The rapidly expanding dust collection company is part of Camfil Farr, the world’s largest air filter manufacturer, which is sharing the Puerto Rico facility with Camfil Farr APC. Victor Rodriguez, technical sales manager of the Camfil Farr APC operation in Puerto Rico, says: “We can now combine our award-winning Gold Series and HemiPleat dust collection technologies with Camfil Farr’s superior HVAC air filtration products and offer the ‘complete package’ to our customers.” www.farrapc.com

DELCAM (BIRMINGHAM, UK) . . .
announced its 2011 version of Delcam for SolidWorks, its integrated CAM system for SolidWorks that has been awarded Certified Gold Product status by Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp to confirm both the integration of the system with SolidWorks software and the overall high performance when creating toolpaths from SolidWorks models.

“Delcam has done a great job integrating its CAM functionality into the SolidWorks environment,” commented Craig Therrien, SolidWorks product manager. “The level of automation, particularly the automatic tool selection, is amazing. I’m also impressed by the ease of use, as well as the number of post-processors that are available for all major machine tool manufacturers, particularly because they are provided with the software at no extra cost.” Programming options for turning and mill-turn equipment, drilling and two-axis through five-axis milling will program everything from basic lathes and three-axis mills up to complex mill-turn equipment and five-axis machining centers.

This software combines benefits associated with the PowerMILL and FeatureCAM CAM systems and is based on proven machining algorithms already used by over 30,000 customers worldwide. The software features automatic feature recognition, knowledge-based automation, the latest multi-threading technologies for exceptional toolpath calculation speed, plus advanced strategies for high-speed and five-axis machining that ensure increased productivity, maximum tool life and immaculate surface finish, even when cutting the hardest, most challenging materials.

The company also announced that a three-person team from Tulsa Tech in Oklahoma won the recent Automated Manufacturing Technology Skills USA competition by using FeatureCAM feature-based CAM software. “This year’s part, a 3-gear planetary gearbox, was one of the toughest I have ever seen in a competition,” said Rick Huddleston, the instructor who coached the team. “I was extremely proud of our team members, who quickly designed, programmed and built the part to the tight specifications required.” Tulsa Tech is a career and technology centre school dedicated to preparing people for success in the workplace. Even though they had just one year of training beyond high school and had never worked in industry, the Tulsa Tech team, consisting of Saroj Bunnorat, CAD operator, Joncarl Frost, CAM operator, and John Cox, CNC operator, competed in the adult division, primarily against people with substantial industry experience that had gone back to school to upgrade their skills.

The team spent the first half-hour figuring out their basic strategy to machine the part. Saroj and Joncarl started creating the geometry of the gearbox, while John set up the workholding and tooling on the machine. “The ease of transferring geometry between the two packages made it possible to do different parts of the modelling in whichever software made the most sense without any penalty,” explained Huddleston. The team created the geometry of the gears in FeatureCAM by entering parameters such as the number of teeth, pitch diameter, etc. The software automatically generated the 2D geometry of the gear. The next step was extruding the gears into solids and doing some minor editing to meet the design specifications. After all of the components were created, the technical data package, including assembly model, bill of materials and 2D manufacturing drawings, was produced in SolidWorks. The team then used FeatureCAM to automatically detect the features in the geometry and generate machining toolpaths. After programming the parts, the team used FeatureCAM’s machining-time estimation to determine the cycle time. This information was used as part of the process for making a quote that was another of the required deliverables. www.delcam.com

CNC ENGINEERING, INC. (ENFIELD, CT) . . .
updated its website with new product and service information, including a library of FANUC brochures, specifications and CNC standard features and options. The company also launched an eNewsletter dedicated to FANUC technology that covers topics such as FANUC history, compensation functions, 5-axis control, FANUC communication, FANUC mill/turn, and retract/retrace. Both the current and archive versions of the eNewsletter are available at www.cnc1.com

THE LINCOLN ELECTRIC COMPANY (CLEVELAND, OH) . . .

was recently honored by Frost and Sullivan with the Market Share Leadership Award for best practices in the world pipeline industry related to welding equipment and consumables. The award recognized the company for exhibiting market share leadership through the implementation of market strategies focused on customer service and technology developments that satisfy demanding applications in the pipeline industry. According to the report, the company displays excellence in identifying market challenges, drivers and restraints, as well as strategy development and methods of addressing these market dynamics. By utilizing these strategies for success, the company has established itself as the market share leader in its respective industry. www.lincolnelectric.com

D&S MANUFACTURING (BLACK RIVER FALLS, WI) . . .
presented at the recent EPICOR Global User Conference in Orlando, FL. Company president Michael Dougherty explained how the EPICOR Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software allows his company to manage the entire order cycle, from quoting, production and planning to logistics, billing and payroll. “Our ability to maintain immediate access to critical data enables our employees to implement a variety of progressive programs that dramatically improve the efficiency and productivity of our operations. We welcome the opportunity to share these strategies with other users.” CFO Tony Ptacek, production control manager Rob Bucek, and network administrator Norm Converse all shared insights into results that were achieved by using the lean tools provided by the ERP system. www.dsmfg.com

MAZAK CORPORATION (FLORENCE, KY) . . .
certified bar feeding equipment manufacturer LNS (Cincinnati, OH) as a new member of the company’s Value Inspired Partners (VIP) program that was created to inspire and foster higher levels of cooperation among producers of complementary products to provide manufacturers with total solutions. “LNS America welcomes the ongoing opportunities to provide product and service solutions as a member of the VIP initiative,” says Frank Sraj, CEO of LNS America. Mazak launched the VIP program in August 2010. Inclusion in the VIP program requires a company to provide products and services that transcend traditional supplier relationships and meet the following criteria:
— Be a recognized leader with unique, innovative and high quality products
— Provide extensive pre- and post-sales support
— Add value to customer processes and provide system solutions
— Maintain a culture of ethical business standards and practices

“When selecting a company to participate in our VIP program, we look for those in the industry who have truly gone above and beyond what is expected,” says Mazak president Brian Papke. “LNS is a highly innovative company with a history of providing manufacturers with products that help redefine their potential. We are glad to add them to the VIP program.” Members of the VIP program work with Mazak in product development and the creation of training events and seminars spanning a broad range of topics. www.mazakusa.com, www.lns-america.com

PENNENGINEERING (DANBORO, PA) . . .

received Aerospace Standard AS9100 approval at its operations in Danboro, PA, and Kunshan, China. These add to the company’s previously approved operations at 3V Fasteners Company, Inc. (Corona, CA) and QRP, Inc. (Leland, NC). The widely adopted industry standard, based on the current version of International Quality System Standard ISO 9000, adds specific requirements unique to the aerospace industry to further ensure safety, reliability, and quality of aerospace products.

“This certification demonstrates that each of these manufacturing facilities is clearly well-positioned to support the needs of the evolving aerospace industry within their respective regions,” said Mark Petty, president of PennEngineering. “It further reinforces our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality of products, services, and support for all customers around the world, regardless of their location.” The scope of the certification covers the design and manufacture of self-clinching fasteners, threaded inserts, and other threaded and unthreaded fasteners through a rigorous and independent audit of quality procedures and practices at each facility. Every aspect of the company Quality Management System is assessed, including organizational structure, procedures and processes, resources, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement. www.pemnet.com

OKUMA AMERICA CORPORATION
(CHARLOTTE, NC) . . .

announced that Exsys-Eppinger, a supplier of fixed and rotary tool holders, has joined Partners in THINC. Exsys-Eppinger specializes in developing state-of-the-art solutions to manufacturing problems and has numerous patented applications in the metalworking industry that have aided customers in reducing manufacturing cycles and tool inventories so they become more competitive and more profitable.

“By being a member of Partners in THINC, we can offer our talents in many ways to further enhance the machining capabilities of Okuma turning equipment. Our intimate knowledge of machine tools and engineering knowhow span many years of developing new tool holders to improve manufacturing methods as well as improving capabilities not before thought of on turning centers. Exsys-Eppinger tooling is known for its superior quality and total customer support during and after the sale and therefore fits well into the mission of Partners in THINC”, stated Jill Young, North American sales manager. www.okuma.com, www.partnersinthinc.com, www.exsys-tool.com.

QCOMP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(GREENVILLE, WI) . . .
has become a member of the FANUC Robotics America Corporation distribution network to expand its current offering to include the latest robots from FANUC. The integration experience of QComp and the robot knowledge and expertise from FANUC will provide customers with state-of-the-art robotic solutions.

“By combining our vision-guided picking, packing and palletizing experience with FANUC’s robots we will be able to offer our customers the most efficient and cost effective packaging solutions available,” said Tom Doyle, president of QComp. “Packagers looking for the most cost effective modular designs that can handle a wide range of products now have another reason to choose QComp.”

“We are excited to be working with QComp so that together we can leverage their comprehensive robotic engineering capabilities with our intelligent robots to improve our customer’s quality, maximize their productivity and ultimately increase their competitive positions in the global market,” said Mick Estes, general manager of FANUC Robotics’ National Distribution Sales. www.qcomptech.com, www.fanucrobotics.com

TOOLMEX CORPORATION (NATICK, MA) . . .
has completed negotiations with Reliable Machine and Tool (Cedar Rapids, IA) to become the first Toolmex Strategic Alliance Partner to offer access to the comprehensive TMX industrial workholding and tooling to an underserved region of the country. “Our decision to work with Reliable is part of our ongoing strategy ensuring that customers get the best products from us. Small-to-midsize distributors now have access to products they previously sourced worldwide that may have been out of their reach,” said Robert Gross, vice president, sales and marketing.

John Barnes, vice president of sales for Reliable, “This is exactly the right program at exactly the right time and place to bring us new opportunities in our market. The high quality of their people and products ensures that Toolmex is on track to be a major supplier and partner to Reliable for many years to come.” www.toolmex.com, www.relmach.com

THERMADYNE HOLDINGS CORPORATION
(ST. LOUIS, MO) . . .
entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Irving Place Capital (New York, NY), a middle-market private equity firm, in a transaction valued at approximately $422 million, excluding fees and expenses. Under the terms of the agreement, Thermadyne shareholders will receive $15.00 per share in cash for each share of Thermadyne common stock, representing a premium of 18 percent over the average closing share price of $12.71 during the last 30 trading days ending October 4, 2010, and a 25 percent premium over Thermadyne’s average closing share price of $12.05 during the last 90 trading days ending October 4, 2010.

Thermadyne’s board of directors unanimously approved the transaction and recommended that Thermadyne shareholders adopt the agreement with Irving Place Capital. Investment funds managed by Angelo, Gordon & Co., LP (which collectively owns approximately 33 percent of Thermadyne outstanding common stock) executed an agreement with an affiliate of Irving Place Capital to vote their shares in favor of the transaction with Irving Place Capital.

Paul Melnuk, chairman of the board of directors of Thermadyne, said, “I am very pleased with the accomplishments that our leadership team and employees around the world have made over the last seven years in restoring and revitalizing our leadership position in the marketplace. This transaction allows all of our shareholders to realize the value created.” Martin Quinn, Thermadyne president said, “Our team has created a strong market presence with leading brands and unwavering customer commitment. Irving Place Capital’s ability to bring value-added resources will help continue Thermadyne’s growth momentum.” Douglas Korn, a senior managing director of Irving Place Capital, said, “We are excited to invest behind this talented management team in pursuit of Thermadyne’s vision for continued product and service innovations in key global markets.” The transaction is subject to shareholder approval and other customary closing conditions and is targeted to close in December 2010. www.thermadyne.com, www.irvingplacecapital.com

THE TAYLOR-WINFIELD CORPORATION (YOUNGSTOWN, OH) . . .

sold its assets to The Brilex Group (Youngstown, OH) to create a new company, Taylor-Winfield Technologies, Inc., which is formed and funded by Brian and Alex Benyo, the co-owners of The Brilex Group of companies. “Taylor-Winfield Technologies’ core competencies will focus on metal joining and automated assembly solutions. Major investments are being made in our people and technical solutions to help our customers worldwide compete in their markets. We are very proud to have completed this transaction and look forward to leading the company into the future,” said Alex Benyo, the new president. Taylor-Winfield Technologies, Inc. will continue to support its customers with high-quality machines, spare parts and service, which made the previous company a world wide leader in metal joining solutions for over 100 years. www.taylor-winfield.com, www.brilex.com

WENZEL/XSPECT SOLUTIONS (WIXOM, MI) . . .
reported record September 2010 sales. “A certain level of pent-up demand for new and remanufactured CMMs combined with the introduction of three new scanning technologies, a very successful IMTS Show and some significant new sales for Wenzel gear measuring machines made the month of September 2010 a record sales month for Wenzel/Xspect Solutions,” says Andy Woodward, general manager of North American operations for Wenzel/Xspect Solutions. “We received orders for over $2.5 million of new equipment in the month and drew significant attention at IMTS for our new scanning products from a wide range of industries where the ability to scan and inspect buffed or polished products has traditionally been difficult. Our new CORE high-speed optical scanner is currently the only machine that can accurately measure these types of ‘shiny’ parts.

“We sold all of the CMMs, off-the-floor, at the IMTS Show and also received orders for two large WGT400 gear measuring machines from a large off-highway equipment manufacturer,” Woodward continued. “We found it very beneficial to have a second booth specifically for our gear measuring machine products, which was located in the designated area for gear manufacturing equipment. Also, during the month, we added several new distributors and manufacturers agents to our North American network of sales representatives. Looking forward, we are anticipating an excellent next quarter. We have good activity in all areas of our business and have a number of large programs that will soon be released. We just recently moved into a new North American headquarters facility that will better suit our needs in terms of product demonstration and training, as well as a better organized space for our CMM warehousing, display and remanufacturing activity.” www.xspectsolutions.com