December Industry Watch: Business

AIDA-AMERICA CORPORATION
(DAYTON, OH) . . .

launched a fresh, clean website featuring intuitive navigation, an expanded photo and video section, an upgraded search utility, a wealth of information on products, services, and the metalforming industry, and easy-to-find contact information for the many Global Group branches. This new website is positioned as a high-value destination for metal stampers and anyone involved in the metalforming industry.
www.aida-global.com

CARL ZEISS INDUSTRIAL METROLOGY
(MAPLE GROVE, MN) . . .

announced that King Machine Inc. is a new distributor of their metrology equipment for Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. King Machine, with a Precision Measurement Center and demo showroom in Boise (Meridian), ID, will represent the full line of Zeiss coordinate measuring machines. “King Machine is an established machine tool and automation distributor. Their local market focus and machining experience will provide our customers with excellent sales and application support,” said John Grzybowski, National Sales Manager-West, Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology.

For more than 30 years, King Machine has provided advanced machining and automation solutions, and has been recognized several years in a row for the success of its Haas factory outlet. “Our top-quality machine tool equipment goes hand-in-hand with the precision measurement capability of the Zeiss line, which will strengthen our customers’ ability to succeed in their markets,” adds Larry McConnell, President, King Machine.
www.zeiss.com, www.kingmach.com

CLEAR AUTOMATION, LLC
(SOUTHINGTON, CT) . . .

launched a new website with detailed videos, images and information on the latest engineering, fabrication and installation of integrated robotic and machine vision systems by the company, which manufactures custom automated assembly and packaging machinery for personal care products, medical devices, automotive, electronics and machine components.
www.clearautomation.com

DIXIE MILL (NEW ORLEANS, LA) . . .

launched a new user-friendly website for manufacturers to learn more about the tooling and equipment represented by the company, which distributes products to Louisiana and Mississippi. “For more than 90 years, we have supported manufacturers in the Southeast with the best possible machinery and services,” says Richard Cahn, President of Dixie Mill. “Our new website offers our customers an easy-to-use resource for learning more about our products and provides extensive contact information for our personnel so it is easy for manufacturers to get in touch with the appropriate representative.
www.dixiemill.com

EXACT METROLOGY, INC. (CINCINNATI, OH) . . .

added a Leica Geosystems ScanStation C10 Laser Scanner to its extensive line-up of portable metrology equipment. The ScanStation C10 is full field-of-view, high-speed, high-accuracy, long range scanner that is ideal for high productivity as-built, topographic and mapping surveys.

“This equipment gives us the ability to more rapidly and precisely scan larger range plant environments, roadways, natural formations, building exteriors, and even larger man-made objects, including aircraft, ships and oil platforms” says Dean Solberg, Principal of Exact Metrology. “Depending on the application, the C10 can perform scans up to 10 times faster than previous technology, providing a cost benefit to our customers.”

The versatile scanner has a long range (300 m @ 90 percent reflectivity), full 360 deg x 270 deg field-of-view, and high scan speed (50k pts/sec). The Smart X-Mirror automatically spins for fast 360 deg and full-dome scans, oscillates for efficient targeted scans, and automatically aligns the internal camera image for fast, accurate texture mapping of point clouds.
www.exactmetrology.com, www.leica-geosystems.us

MAZAK CORPORATION (FLORENCE, KY) . . .

named Parlec, Inc. (Fairport, NY), a leading provider of advanced engineering solutions for precision manufacturing, as the newest member of the Value Inspired Partners (VIP) program. Created from a desire to provide manufacturers with total solutions, VIP promotes higher levels of cooperation among companies offering complementary manufacturing products.

“We look forward to teaming with Mazak to develop tooling and presetting solutions that will complement their machine technology,” says Mike Nuccitelli, President of Parlec, Inc. “Together we have the opportunity to increase the productivity of our customers.” Mazak launched VIP in August. Inclusion in the 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.

“Parlec is a natural addition to VIP,” says Brian Papke, President of Mazak. “Like us, they constantly work towards innovative new solutions to guarantee the highest possible levels of efficiency, quality and reliability.”

In other news, Mazak earned the honor of Benefactor of the Year for 2010 for its strong community partnership with Gateway Community and Technical College. The award was presented at the 11th annual Kentucky Community and Technical College System Presidentʼs Gala and Benefactorsʼ Awards Dinner in Lexington, KY.

Mazak has worked with Gateway to meet the workforce needs for the regionʼs manufacturers by founding two scholarships at Gateway. The scholarships support students in manufacturing technology and encourage minority students to attend college. Mazak also provided cutting-edge equipment to the collegeʼs machine tool program and created an apprenticeship program for recent high school graduates to connect on-the-job experience with college classes. As a member of Gatewayʼs Manufacturersʼ Consortium, the company assisted in the development of Gatewayʼs new Center for Advanced Manufacturing.

Gateway Community and Technical College is northern Kentuckyʼs only publicly supported, two-year comprehensive community and technical college. The college enrolls more than 4,200 students and offers associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in 30 subject areas. Classes are provided at GCTC locations in Boone County, Covington/Park Hills, and Edgewood. Through partnerships with more than 400 local businesses, GCTC provides customized, short-term training to more than 3,000 other people.
www.mazakusa.com, www.parlec.com, gateway.kctcs.edu

METCAM INC. (ALPHARETTA, GA) . . .

received the Tyco Fire & Safety Supplier Excellence Award during the Tyco Sourcing Council 2010 Suppliers Day conference at the Boca Raton Marriott in Boca Raton, FL. “Nominees for this award included suppliers who had provided excellent service, helped with cost reductions, delivered quality products and were just willing to go the extra mile,” explained Tyco’s senior manager, Kathy Chiera.

Suppliers were nominated by each of Tyco’s strategy business units as well as by Strategic Sourcing. Metcam competed with thousands of other Tyco suppliers for the award and was the only sheet metal fabricator to receive the award. Bruce Hagenau, President of Metcam, accepted the award from members of the Tyco Leadership Team including Jorge Santos, VP Supply Chain for Fire Detection; Gopal Chandramowle, VP Supply Chain for Tyco Retail Solutions; Paul Woodbury, General Manager, Life Safety Products; and Sharad Bohra, VP Strategic Sourcing & Operational Excellence.

“We are very proud to receive this prestigious award,” stated Hagenau. “It is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our entire team to meet and exceed the expectations of our Tyco partners.”
www.metcam.com

MITSUBISHI CATERPILLAR FORKLIFT AMERICA INC. (HOUSTON, TX) . . .

announced that almost 60 of its employees recently volunteered to help a local family achieve their dream of owning a home. The project was completed as part of the Houston Habitat for Humanity program that seeks to build affordable homes for hard-working, low-income families.

Over the course of two days, the volunteers worked to construct the frame, build the roof, and install windows and other elements for the house in south Houston. No stranger to the cause, MCFA has supported Habitat for Humanity in other capacities and in early 2010, MCFA donated a Cat NR4000P lift truck to Houston’s Habitat for Humanity ReStore, the organization’s discounted building supply warehouse.
www.mcfa.com, www.houstonhabitat.org

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

shipped an order for a special tension stand and rewind reel for oscillate wound coils to the Tyler Pipe coupling manufacturing facility in Marshfield, MO. The system is designed to achieve rewind speeds up to 300 fpm. The oscillating rewind reel handles coils up to 4,000 lb capacity and 12 in overall width. The narrow coil stock is wound around a cardboard core that can go as large as 36 in OD. True radius mandrel pads on the rewind reel help to maintain consistent pressure and shape of the coil ID. The coil width and diameter are determined by the job recipe parameters stored within the PLC.

The rewind wheel is mounted on precision linear bearings with +12 in of travel for building the oscillate wound coils. Additionally, the reel has servo-driven rotation and side-to-side controls for precise monitoring of the process. The tension stand features a variable air pressure setting to enable proper tension maintenance on the coil strip. Tyler Pipe is part of the McWane family of companies consisting of nearly two dozen organizations dedicated to engineering and manufacturing of quality pipe, valves, hydrants, fittings, couplings and steel fabricating products.
www.cpec.com, www.tylerpipe.com

NIKON METROLOGY, INC. (BRIGHTON, MI) . . .

opened its new western regional sales office in Irvine, CA, to serve as a sales and demonstration center for current and potential customers in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming and Texas. “We always look for ways to support our customers’ needs, and this new regional sales office exemplifies these efforts,” says Robert Wasilesky, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Nikon Metrology. “It’s exciting to open this facility for our West Coast customers and ensure we are providing them the top level of service possible.” The office is home to nearly a dozen Nikon Metrology employees who provide customer support and sales demonstrations.
us.nikonmetrology.com

LUCIFER FURNACES, INC. (WARRINGTON, PA) . . .

supplied Sossner Steel Stamps, a manufacturer of high-quality, precision-engineered marking and decoration stamps, with both a heat treating furnace and an industrial oven for their facility in Elizabethton, TN. The high-temperature box furnace, with chamber dimensions of 12 in x 12 in x 18 in, is used to harden their precision-machined high-speed steel tool and die parts. The unit contains 6.5 in of high grade ceramic fiber insulation and mineral wool block to ensure minimal shrinkage of chamber lining, reduce heat loss and lower overall power demand. Silicon carbide heating elements mounted across the roof and below the silicon carbide hearth plate are easily serviced via removable covers on both sides of the furnace.

An SCR power supply provides a steady low amperage and voltage supply to the heating elements for longer life. A double pivot horizontal swing door keeps the hotface door surface away from the operator at all times. The forced-air recirculating oven reaches 1600 deg F and is used to temper the same parts. A stainless steel liner in the oven forms the work chamber, shielding the heating elements and directing the air flow in a uniform horizontal pattern. Both units are bench models and situated on tables built to a height that easily suits the loading/unloading of the parts.
www.luciferfurnaces.com, www.sossnerstamps.com

TRUEX, INC. (PAWTUCKET, RI) . . .

developed a new series of company literature to launch a redesigned website that highlights their history and capabilities in manufacturing deep drawn and stamped parts fabricated from brass, steel, stainless steel and aluminum. New features include improved site navigation, an improved catalog that allows users to download and print it directly from the website, the ability to download maps and directions to the facility, a new frequently-asked questions section and an improved contact section where users can request quotes, download prints and email the company directly.
www.truexinc.com

B2B INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING, LLC
(ADDISON, IL) . . .

acquired privately-held Pac Fast Corporation in Yorba Linda, CA. Although the provider of banding carts, strapping carts, steel strapping, polyester and polypropylene banding, steel banding seals and stretch film is already represented in the Los Angeles area, the new location allows the company to serve West Coast businesses more effectively and efficiently. The acquisition also gives B2B Industrial a presence in the nail, screw, and staple markets.

Among Pac Fast’s many contributions to the depth of the B2B Industrial product and service line is 28 years of experience in nails, screws and staples. They are authorized distributors for such manufacturers as Senco, Paslode and Aerosmith. Pac Fast was founded by Herb Burrows in 1982. Burrows and his entire sales team will stay on, joining forces with the existing Northern California B2B Industrial team. “We are pleased to welcome Pac Fast,” said Mike Theriault, President and CEO of B2B Industrial. “They not only bring decades of solid packaging experience, but as one of the nail industry leaders, we expect they will add to our visibility ? especially on the West Coast.”

This is the second California acquisition for B2B Industrial in a little over a year, after the September 2009 acquisition of Western Metals and Strapping (Hayward, CA). With a base of more than 2,000 active clients, the company now sells primarily in the Central Great Lakes, Northern California, Dallas, and Houston areas, and also operates a unique banding tool repair facility at its Addison headquarters.
www.b2bind.com

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

appointed David Group Manufacturers Network (Plymouth, MI) as a manufacturer’s representative for the ultra high-performance toolpath engine VoluMill in Michigan, northern Ohio and Ontario, Canada. The company also appointed LCR Sales Associates Inc. (Victor, NY) as a manufacturer’s representative for VoluMill in upstate New York, Pennsylvania and Ontario.

VoluMill is a revolutionary, low-cost software program that is transforming American manufacturing by significantly increasing production machine capacity utilization while significantly reducing tooling, power consumption, waste and coolant costs. Manufacturers using this technology realize substantial savings in direct and indirect costs, allowing them to compete successfully on a global basis for the first time in the 21st Century.

The David Group services 30 to 35 industrial goods distributors who supply cutting tools, abrasives, tool holders and work holding equipment to hundreds of local manufacturers. Lawrence Lynott, Vice President of Sales for Celeritive, says they were selected “because its great reputation and technical expertise is what we were looking for in a rep for this area.” David Houchins, owner of the David Group since 2000, says he decided to add VoluMill to their product line because “a lot of companies in my territory need to increase productivity at a very low cost the way VoluMill does.”

LCR Sales, with annual revenues of more than $2 million, services 12 industrial goods distributors who supply cutting tools, coolants and other necessities to hundreds of local manufacturers. Lynott selected them “because of their manufacturing expertise, high technical knowledge and reputation for providing its customers with leading-edge products and services.” Lou Rossetti, owner and President of LCR Sales since 2005, says “VoluMill is an innovative, affordable software program that is the type of solution I look for to improve my customers’ competitiveness.”
www.volumill.com

HURCO COMPANIES, INC.
(INDIANAPOLIS, IN) . . .

selected several new distributors throughout the U.S., including Mac Machinery for the Chicago area; Northeast Precision Machinery, Inc. in Delaware, the greater Philadelphia area and eastern Maryland; Great Lakes Machinery in New York state, excluding New York City, which is covered by long-time Hurco distributor Brooks Associates. The machine tool manufacturer also expanded the southeastern territory for Applied Machine Sales Inc. to include Florida, along with Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia.
www.hurco.com

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

opened its newest location in San Leandro, CA, near Oakland Bay, to serve customers in northern California along with those shipping HVAC/R equipment to the Pacific Rim. This fifth location joins four other ElectroFin locations in Louisville, KY; Jacksonville, TX; Tampa, FL; and Temecula, CA, in offering spray-applied coil corrosion protection.

At the grand opening event, guests had the opportunity to tour the 11,000 sq ft facility and learn more about HVAC/R coil corrosion protection coatings, including factory-applied ElectroFin E-coat and spray-applied Insitu, the newest coil protection coating. 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 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.

“It retains the operating efficiency of units longer while reducing maintenance, replacement and operating costs, ultimately extending the length of service of HVAC&R systems,” says Mike Powell, Sales and Marketing Director with Luvata ElectroFin. “This new northern California location is ideally located to meet the growing demand of coastal and Pacific Rim customers looking for this superior coil coating.”
www.luvata.com

MORI SEIKI (CHICAGO, IL) . . .

ended its business relations with HiTec Machinery effective November 1. All future Mori Seiki machine tool inquiries, applications, customer service issues and technical support will be handled directly by Mori Seiki Mexico.
www.dmgmoriseikiusa.com

PHOENIX METALS COMPANY
(NORCROSS, GA) . . .

ordered their seventh Red Bud Industries (Red Bud, IL) Precision Blanking Line, a system for their service center in Kansas City, KS. The line can process stainless steel up to .250 in (6 mm) as well as cold roll, prepaint, hot roll, P&O, and aluminum. It uses a Precision Heavy Gage Grip Feed System that can produce blanks with length tolerances of +.005 in (.127 mm).

The line includes a high speed hydraulic shear and three-side blank support drop stacker with automatic part diverter. The drop stacker mounts directly to the back of the shear to allow material to enter the drop stacker before shearing. Once the material is sheared, it drops straight down onto the waiting stack table. With the push of a button, the integrated part diverter allows the operator to prevent heads/tails and other unwanted material from entering the prime stacker. The part diverter can also discharge parts to the end of the line for convenient QC inspections.

The new line can process coils up to 50,000 lb (22,680 kg) at widths up to 72 in (1830 mm) and thicknesses up to .250 in (6 mm). The line consists of a coil stage and load system, uncoiler, peeler breaker, crop shear, two roller levelers, “pop up” flatness inspection table, PVC applicator, “hands free” thread system, dual motor heavy gage grip feed, shear, three-side blank , support drop stacker, automatic part diverter, automatically lowering stack table and side discharge rollouts.
www.redbudindustries.com, www.PhoenixMetals.net

HAN-TEK, INC. (VICTOR, NY) . . .

acquired PowerLab Control Technologies (Welcome, NC), an industrial systems integrator, to bolster its solutions portfolio with process controls and SCADA capabilities. PowerLab is in the process of being integrated into Han-Tek’s Controls Division. “We are fortunate to add a synergistic company that allows us to expand our capabilities and customer reach,” said Jon Tobin, President of Han-Tek. “This acquisition furthers our corporate strategy of making materials handling and automation more efficient and cost-effective through turnkey solutions for manufacturers.”

“This deal represents a solid partnership between us,” said Bobby Cole, PowerLab’s former owner who becomes Han-Tek’s Controls Division Manager. “Our customers benefit from the powerful combination of electrical controls and computer-based systems integration with mechanical capabilities and expertise.” PowerLab Control Technologies is an industrial systems integrator that uses motion system design and control, robotics system support, PLC and PAC programming and panel building to focus on press applications.

Han-Tek, an ISO 9001:2008 registered company, customizes advanced automation technology to optimize manufacturing-assembly and product-distribution systems. Founded in 1961, the company specializes in automation and integrated materials handling systems with a concentration on overhead cranes, conveyors, controls, robotics and automation.
www.han-tek.com, www.powerlabcontrols.com

FLORIDA METROLOGY (JUPITER, FL). . .

will distribute OASIS Inspection Systems from George Products Company, Inc. (Middletown, DE) in southeast Florida. OASIS Inspection Systems are highly accurate portable metrology devices that deliver automatic precision to quality control departments across the U.S. Tim Row of Florida Metrology is responsible for distributing the product. “Our team is thrilled to add them to our team of distributors so our systems reach more customers,” said Erik Adams, Sales Manager for George Products. “This organization has a strong reputation for selling the best in metrology equipment, and we are proud to be a part of that tradition.” For the past 19 years, Florida Metrology served leading manufacturers of dimension and visual inspection systems with vision measuring devices, calipers and other hand tools, fully automated vision and touch problem measuring systems.

OASIS Inspection Systems are full-featured machine programs that measure multiple profile dimensions in seconds and are accurate within 0.0001 in. Trademark features are accuracy, speed and ease of use. “As we grow, we are happy to partner with distributors who sell great products,” Adams said. “Thanks to Florida Metrology, more companies in the Florida area can capitalize on this valuable tool.” George Products Company recently launched its OASIS “Core” that allows customers to use the system on their own computers and operating systems. The product features instant and simultaneous measurements of multiple dimensions, with a lightweight and easy-to-use design.
www.floridametrology.com. www.georgeproducts.com

MECSOFT CORPORATION (IRVINE, CA) . . .

entered into a business partnership with Syil America (Coos Bay, OR). “We are thrilled to provide a complete programming and machining solution,” stated Jeff Dossiere, President of Syil America. “We believe bundling VisualMILL with our machines is the ideal solution for manufacturing professionals and machining enthusiasts alike.” Founded in 2005, Syil America is the U.S. distributor of Syil CNC products. Offered as an optional bundle with Syil’s value driven milling machines, VisualMILL provides an easy-to-use and powerful solution for Syil’s customers. “We couldn’t be happier to welcome them as our most recent addition to the our family,” stated Anita Anand, Vice President of Sales and Operations for MecSoft. “We have long-standing relationships with other Syil distributors around the world and have always been impressed with their professionalism and the high level of service they provide to their customers.”
www.mecsoft.com, www.syilamerica.com

TRUMPF INC. (FARMINGTON, CT) . . .

awarded its 2010 “Distributor of the Year” honor for TruMark sales to Gosiger Dayton, an Ohio-based company that represents TruMark in the northern and southern regions of Ohio, as well as Indiana and Florida. The annual award recognizes the distributor that achieves the most sales of TruMark laser marking products in relation to their target goal for that year. Gosiger Dayton’s Jeff Murray, Sales Manager, accepted the honor on behalf of his company during the recent TruMark sales meeting held in Farmington. “They do an excellent job in supporting the sales and service of our TruMark products,” said Peter Grollman, National Sales Manager for TruMark. “Their commitment to our products is evident by their strong sales efforts, and we are honored to present this award to them.”
www.us.trumpf.com, www.gosiger.com