April 2011 Industry Watch: Business

For example, laboratories using the ProceraForte® scanner and 3i incise CAD software can scan precision copy milled bar patterns and obtain broader access to a wide range of dental milling options.* Clinicians can offer patients 3i incise Copings and Frameworks in Zirconia and Cobalt Chrome** and precision copy milled bars.* All of these options are patient specific and designed to result in beautifully crafted new smiles.

Renishaw plc also acquired a 29 percent stake in UK-based Measurement Devices Ltd. (MDL; York, England), a £2.3 million investment that helps family-owned MDL fund its expansion in the fast-growing global eye-safe laser measurement technology sector and provides for its remaining shares to be purchased during the next four years. Founded in 1983, MDL also has a Marine Centre of Excellence in Aberdeen and a base in Houston, TX, as a global pioneer in manufacturing eye-safe, laser-based, time-of-flight measurement systems used worldwide in quarrying, mining, marine positioning, aviation, civil engineering and traffic control. No changes are anticipated at MDL, which has 50 employees. Founder Steve Ball remains as president and chairman of the MDL Group in Houston and Elaine Ball remains the managing director in the UK.

Ben Taylor, the assistant chief executive of Renishaw, said, “We have many reasons to be interested in such a high quality business, being that its large-measurement laser systems complement our own smaller-measurement metrology products and have the potential to be integrated with them. MDL will retain its independent distribution network. Where there are gaps, they may benefit by support from our own global subsidiary network. Our intention is for the two businesses to share their extensive knowledge of measurement technologies to develop new products for various measurement applications.”
* 510(k) pending for precision copy milled bars scanned on Renishaw Systems, not available for sale in the U.S.
** Cobalt Chrome only available in Europe. Nobel Biocare Services AG is the owner of ProceraForte mark.
www.renishaw.com

WAUKESHA® METAL PRODUCTS (SUSSEX, WI) . . .
reached the Best-In-Class Quality Performance level as a stamping supplier to one of their top customers.  Waukesha currently produces over 107 custom metal stampings for this customer that ship to ten different plant locations. To accomplish this, Waukesha® focused on process excellence, developing a trusting relationship with customers and striving for clear communication throughout the organization. Their quality management system is certified with ISO 9001:2008, TS 16949:2009, ISO 14001:2004, and AS 9100-B:2004 quality standards. From humble beginnings as a two-man tool and die shop, the company has developed into an international full-service metalforming manufacturer, delivering the best-cost parts and assemblies in the industries since 1971. www.waukeshametal.com

AUTOSWAGE (SHELTON, CT) . . .
sold its swaging process in order to expand its cold form rolling, cold heading, bandoliering, and specialty plating processes for the manufacture of solid round pins and specialty hardware. “The decision to sell our swaging process was motivated by our desire to be a better supplier to the types of customers we serve,” said Keith Brenton, the president and owner of the 65-year-old American small metal parts and connector pin manufacturer. “We have served industrial manufacturers of computers, electronics, and lighting for many years. Now we also do specialty plating and finishing of decorative hardware for manufacturers of fine leather goods, furniture, and automotive interiors. By expanding our manufacturing and plating capabilities, customers have greater options for their small parts.”

The addition of the cold heading process allows Autoswage to manufacture a wide array of products while still offering customers a 50 percent to 70 percent cost savings and higher degree of repetitive accuracy over machined parts. “Every process has its limitations,” explained Brenton. “Cold heading compliments the rolling process by meeting a greater range of customer specifications for a single part. Bandoliering helps our connector pin customers save on costs, maintain repetitive accuracy, and facilitate in-line post-processing.”

The specialty plating and pre-finishing department has expanded to include nickel plating, cosmetic plating, micro plating, gold plating, copper plating, tin plating, and tin/lead plating. “Electronics customers have different requirements from specialty hardware customers,” noted Brenton. “When all the work was for electrical connection, it was enough to put gold on pins to a desired thickness. But now, for example, we have gold baths with specific colors for cosmetic purposes. We also lacquer cosmetic hardware to protect the fine finishes from tarnishing as they are being shipped in containers.” Autoswage plans further expansion of its plating department to include additional gold baths for cosmetic plating for its leather goods and handbag hardware customers. www.autoswage.com

CENTERLINE LTD. (WINDSOR, ON) . . .
was recently selected as a finalist for the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce 2011 Business Excellence Awards under the Product Innovation category. The manufacturer’s selection as a finalist recognizes its product innovations  introduced over the last few years in pedestal welders, nut detection systems, modular spot welding guns packages, servo driven rotary tables and cold spray metal coating systems. This nomination also recognizes their strong track record for developing unique product and process solutions that assist its customers in remaining competitive, and directly reflects the strength, dedication and creativity of its valued employees. The winner of the Business Excellence Awards will be announced in April. www.cntrline.com

DEWALT INDUSTRIAL TOOL COMPANY (TOWSON, MD) . . .
is sponsoring Marcos Ambrose, driver of the No. 9 Ford Fusion for Richard Petty Motorsports, for the 2011/2012 NASCAR season. The No. 9 car will brandish the DeWALT logo that alternates between the hood and quarter-panel during each race of the 2011/2012 Sprint Cup season. “We are well-positioned to re-enter the sport and partner with Richard Petty Motorsports,” said Jon Howland, the director of brand marketing for DeWALT. “We value the opportunity to engage with our end-users through this platform and feel that Richard Petty, a NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time NASCAR Cup champion, and his race team, represent our brand well.” This decision to re-engage within the sport of NASCAR aligns with the overall DeWALT strategy to build brand loyalty through a robust portfolio of sponsorships with both professional and collegiate sports properties. www.dewalt.com

HAAS AUTOMATION INC. (OXNARD, CA) . . .
reported that, earlier this year, the Gene Haas Machining Technology Scholarship Fund granted $50,000 to the SME Education Foundation (Dearborn, MI) to fund the Focus: HOPE Machinist Training Institute (MTI), repeating last year’s investment in a program that provides training and education in machining technology. “This additional funding of the Haas Machining Technology Scholarship allows students to attend our newly-updated machinist training program and train for careers in a wide range of industries,” said William F. Jones, Jr., CEO of Focus: HOPE. “Employers seek out our students because of our emphasis on the latest machining skills as well as our high standards for developing superior work habits. Many students find that the economic challenges in today’s economy make it very difficult to enroll without scholarship assistance. Through the generosity of the Haas Foundation, talented men and women can enroll in our program and get on the path to a new career.”

Since opening in 1981, the Machinist Training Institute (MTI) has graduated more than 2,500 advanced manufacturing/precision machining students. In the 1980s, the program contributed to the diversification in the machinist trades. Many early graduates became the first African Americans or female machinists hired into these firms. MTI offers state-licensed courses in precision machining and metalworking. Its renovated 59,000 sq ft shop is equipped with close to 100 conventional and computer-controlled machine tools, and three 24-station CAD laboratories. Students can earn a machinist certificate and pursue careers as Automotive technicians, Machine programmers, Tool and die machinists, CNC programmers, computer machine technicians and utility and set-up operators.