Industrial Manufacturing News

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May 24, 2007

Toro Pallets’ New Innovative Transportation Pallets Reduce Costs in Supply Chain Logistics

Toro Pallets President Tiger Aster said the company has designed its pallets after thorough research to make them light, strong and fastener-free to protect the merchandise being transported.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) May 24, 2007 -- Dallas-based Toro Pallets recently launched a range of ultra-lightweight aluminum and hybrid transportation pallets.

The pallets were on display earlier this month at the 111th Annual Conference & Expo of the International Association of Operative Millers held at Overland Park Convention Center in Kansas. The event attracted top level management from various food processing companies such as Kraft, General Mills, Cereal Food Processors and Dover Flour, who had the opportunity to get a firsthand experience of the pallets.

Comments at the expo included: “It’s really light compared to what we use,” “It is amazing to see a pallet that has no screws, bolts or nails on the surface and does not splinter like wood” and “These pallets could reduce our insurance premiums at our warehouses.”

“Our core focus is the food and pharmaceutical industry, where hygiene and sanitation are a primary concern,” said Tiger Aster, President of Toro Pallets. “We designed our pallets after thorough research to make them light, strong and fastener-free to protect the merchandise being transported.”

He added, “Our patented pallet design addresses some of the basic logistics requirements such as transportation cost savings, product safety, phytosanitation regulations and traceability using RFID tags, which could include temperature sensing devices for real time monitoring of time and temperature sensitive products.”

The pallets, weighing in the range of 25 and 40 pounds each, can cause a substantial impact on logistic costs as transportation and fuel prices are on a steady rise.

“A 24-foot trailer with 12 Toro pallets loaded could reduce the net weight by 300 pounds,” Mr. Aster said. “It may seem insignificant at the beginning, but it is worth millions of dollars in annual transportation costs.”

About Toro Pallets
Toro Pallets LLC (www.toropallets.com) is a manufacturer of ultra-lightweight aluminum and hybrid transportation pallets that are made to ISO specifications and exceed FDA, USDA, ASTM and ISPM 15 standards for export and reusable pallets. Toro Pallets come with a lifetime guarantee.

Contact:
Tiger Aster, President
Toro Pallets LLC
Phone: (469) 619-3091
Fax: (469) 619-2315
Cell: (214) 991-4487
Website: http://www.toropallets.com

7557 Rambler Road
Suite 700
Dallas, TX 75231

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:52 PM | Comments (0)

New AquaMaKKs™ from WICHITA CLUTCH

Water-cooled clutches and brakes

May 23, 2007 — Wichita Falls, TX — Wichita Clutch, part of Altra Industrial Motion, announces the availability of new AquaMaKKs water-cooled clutches and brakes, which provide accurate torque control for constant tensioning. AquaMaKKs are ideally suited for heavy-duty, continuous slip tension applications in oil and gas, metal processing and forming, forestry, and marine deck machinery.

AquaMaKKs can be put to use in a variety of industries:

Oil & Gas: Ideal for drawworks applications as well as integration into electronic drilling systems.
Metal Processing & Forming: Control tension on the coilers in metal processing plants and control tension in unwind stands and slitters in metal-forming facilities.

Marine Deck Machinery: High heat dissipation and accurate tension controls make AquaMaKKs perfect for positioning and mooring winches.
Forestry: AquaMaKKs water-cooled brakes control winch drives for mobile forestry equipment, such as yarders.

AquaMaKKs offer a number of benefits to users. They have few parts, so they are easier to install and maintain, saving time and money. Each unit features premium materials and finishes, which will protect the unit in challenging environments, including exposure to salt water. The unique water jacket design (patent pending) ensures high heat absorption and torque stability, allowing for greater heat dissipation compared to similarly sized units.

AquaMaKKs include a mounting pattern that enables direct replacement to Wichita or other units, eliminating costly design changes. And units are available as standard or custom-engineered to meet specific application requirements.

For more information on AquaMaKKs water-cooled clutches and brakes, contact Wichita Clutch at 800-964-3262 or visit www.wichitaclutch.com

About Altra Industrial Motion

Altra Industrial Motion is a leading multinational designer, producer and marketer of a wide range of electromechanical power transmission products. The company brings together strong brands covering over 40 product lines with production facilities in nine countries. Our leading brands include Boston Gear, Warner Electric, TB Wood’s, Formsprag Clutch, Wichita Clutch, Ameridrives Couplings, Kilian Manufacturing, Marland Clutch, Nuttall Gear, Stieber Clutch.

Posted by Industrial at 10:52 PM | Comments (0)

Stealth Releases a Powerful Intel Core 2 Duo Mini PC

Stealth Computer Corporation a leading ISO 9001 manufacturer of industrial rugged computers and peripherals have released a Core 2 Duo small form factor or mini PC that is so small that it can fit in the palm of your hand. The Stealth Model: LPC-450 delivers performance up to five times faster than its predecessor and is housed in the same small rugged chassis design. The Stealth LPC-450 Little PC utilizes Intel's latest Core 2 Duo processor technology delivering the ultimate in mini pc performance. Housed in a rugged aluminum enclosure this powerful & versatile machine measures out at 5.7"(W) x 9.9"(D) x 1.65"(H) or about the size of a hard cover novel yet surpasses the performance of most desktop and notebook PCs available today.

Toronto, Canada (PRWEB) May 24, 2007 - Stealth Computer Corporation a leading ISO 9001 manufacturer of industrial rugged computers and peripherals have released a Core 2 Duo small form factor or mini PC that is so small that it can fit in the palm of your hand. The Stealth Model: LPC-450 delivers performance up to five times faster than its predecessor and is housed in the same small rugged chassis design. The Stealth LPC-450 Little PC utilizes Intel's latest Core 2 Duo processor technology delivering the ultimate in mini pc performance. Housed in a rugged aluminum enclosure this powerful & versatile machine measures out at 5.7"(W) x 9.9"(D) x 1.65"(H) or about the size of a hard cover novel yet surpasses the performance of most desktop and notebook PCs available today.

"The Stealth Model: LPC-450 is the most powerful small form Little PC we have ever offered. This full featured machine utilized the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor technology and we believe it offers the most processing power per square inch of any personal computer available today." stated Ed Boutilier Stealth's President & CEO of Stealth Computer Corporation.

The LPC-450 mini PC features a multitude of I/O connectivity built into its impressively small design such as; Gigabit LAN, Serial, 3-USB 2.0, FireWire, Video, Audio, PS/2 Mouse & Keyboard ports. The LPC-450 has a built-in 2.5" high-shock hard drive with up to 160GB's of storage space for archived data. For applications that require extra high shock, vibration and wide temperature ranges an optional Solid State Hard Drive or Flash Drive is available. A slim DVD/CD-RW optical drive comes standard with an optional DVD burner available. Systems are compatible with Microsoft Vista/XP, Linux etc and can be custom configured to meet the exact needs of the OEM or end user. The Stealth Core 2 Duo based LPC-450 Little PCs are shipping now with prices starting at $1395.00 USD depending on configurations. Stealth's LittlePC products serve a demanding market where powerful solutions are being deployed in space-challenged applications around the world. Digital Signs, Kiosks, Embedded Control, Thin-Clients, POS & Human/Machine Interface are just a few of the applications that are ideal for Stealth's LittlePC products.

Founded in 1990 Stealth Computer Corporation is quietly evolving as a leading manufacturer of specialized Computers and Peripherals. The company is ISO 9001 registered with its headquarters near Toronto, Canada. Stealth continually develops innovative products designed to meet the exact needs of their clients. Since 1990 Stealth, products have been used in industrial, commercial, scientific, Government and military applications. Stealth Computer Corporations impressive customer base includes Fortune 500 companies, Military installations and Governments worldwide. Stealth's main website and corporate information is available at: www.stealthcomputer.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:52 PM | Comments (0)

Standard-Knapp Eliminates Line Jams and Reduces Downtime with Zero-Gap Infeed Technology

Standard-Knapp, a worldwide leader in the manufacture of innovative packaging machinery, introduces its Zero-Gap infeed technology for balanced, jam-resistant case packing lanes.

Portland, CT (PRWEB) May 24, 2007 -- Standard-Knapp, a worldwide leader in the manufacture of innovative packaging machinery, introduces its Zero-Gap infeed technology for balanced, jam-resistant case packing lanes. Designed for a variety of case packing applications in the beverage, food, and household product industries, Zero-Gap is a more precise, efficient and low-maintenance alternative to conventional laning systems. Zero-Gap increases case packer machinery efficiency to 98% or greater and operates at speeds from 100 to 1600 bottles per minute.

Zero-Gap incorporates precise geometry and sensors to ensure a continuous container supply to the case packer's downstream lanes and grouping section. Compatible with a variety of platforms, including tray packers, shrink wrappers, intermittent motion case packers and rotary packers, Zero-Gap can be programmed to handle round containers of all sizes. Low line pressure and gentle handling properties make Zero-Gap ideal for packing compressible or hot-filled PET, lightweight glass, and aluminum.

Changeover for packaging machinery featuring Zero-Gap infeed technology is easily accomplished by initial setup parameters which allow operators to complete changes with repeatability and without the need to adjust settings during production.

Standard-Knapp offers 24-hour customer service assistance, as well as extensive machine training programs. In addition to state-of-the art case packing machinery, Standard-Knapp offers bottle packing, tray packing and shrink wrapping solutions. For more information on Standard-Knapp's products, visit www.standard-knapp.com, call 860-342-1100.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:51 PM | Comments (0)

The Future of Trucking? Chassis Chief Thinks it Will be Plug In and Go

P&D fleets likely to lead the way.

Union City, IN (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 24, 2007 -- Don't be surprised if trucking fleets will just plug in to an electrical outlet to refuel in the not-so-distant future. Jay Sandler, vice president of commercial products for Workhorse Custom Chassis, a truck chassis manufacturer, thinks medium-duty work trucks of all kinds powered mainly by electricity are only five to 10 years away.

While hybrid electric cars have been in the news for some time, only recently have hybrid truck options come to the fore for heavy-duty pick up and delivery chores, as well as for an array of construction, maintenance and service trucks. A recent trade show sponsored by the National Truck Equipment Association included a special display of hybrid trucks. At the same show, a special hybrid truck seminar sponsored by International Truck and Engine Corporation attracted an overflow crowd.

Looking for alternative power

With environmental concerns coupled to rising fuel and engine costs, the search for alternative fuels and other sources of power has never been more heated in the trucking industry. Major parcel delivery fleets, such as UPS, FedEx, Purolator of Canada and USPS have put a variety of hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles into experimental use. For most fleets, however, hybrid technology remains too expensive despite such advantages as a 30 to 50 percent reduction in fuel costs, less maintenance, less noise and fumes (helpful in residential areas), and the hybrid's environmental benefit.

Cost equation starting to change

However, events are starting to make hybrids more palatable. "2007 emission requirements have upped the cost of diesel engines to $4,000 to $10,000 more than 2006 models," says Sandler. "And more requirements and price increases are coming in 2010." Then add unpredictable but mostly higher fuel costs into the equation and you have fleets pressing engine and chassis manufacturers to find better solutions.

Sandler is a 30-year veteran of the trucking industry and his company has been one of those in the forefront of providing such solutions. "Workhorse and other manufacturers of trucks and truck components have been working with hybrid technology for some years now," said Sandler. "A number of fleets and companies have been very proactive in looking at multiple solutions that will contribute to a cleaner environment."

Workhorse recently developed two hybrid electric versions of its walk-in truck (step van) chassis for two different parcel delivery companies, Purolator of Canada and UPS.
Because these are custom builds, neither version is cheap. But with a few more developments, both hold promise, says Sandler.

"In the past year we engineered two totally different hybrid solutions and there's more we're looking at," said Sandler. "From a price standpoint, as orders go up, production costs will come down. But advancements in technology will also be key, particularly in terms of battery storage capacity. And I don't think we're far away from that."

Plugging into off-peak power
"At present, the hybrid battery pack is the most expensive component we add to make a hybrid electric truck," Sandler explains. "With more efficient battery storage a fleet of 'plug in trucks' would work quite well."

Such trucks, according to Sandler, would "fuel up" by plugging into an electrical outlet of whatever configured voltage. Cost-effectiveness would be enhanced by doing this at night, say between midnight and 5 a.m., when the power grid has the least amount of demand and power might be purchased more cheaply.

So a fleet would buy this "fuel" from the power company. Preferably this would also be "clean" power, as power companies develop nuclear plants, natural gas systems, solar power, geothermal energy, and other "green" ways of generating electricity. In any case, the power would be from something more efficient than an internal combustion engine.

That will result in an electric-powered vehicle for most of the day. A small gas or diesel engine would provide supplemental energy, if needed. For a walk-in truck, this would probably be a 2 or 2 ½ liter engine that would run the generator, said Sandler. So when the battery charge drops to a certain level, the generator automatically starts up and recharges the batteries. At the end of a typical day, 70 percent of the truck's energy may have come from the overnight plug-in and 30 percent from the onboard generator, putting regular fuel consumption at 50 to 60 miles per gallon or more for stop-and-go driving.

Because they serve local routes with a lot of stop and go driving, pick up and delivery fleets of all kinds will likely lead the way in this hybrid revolution, said Sandler. "Parcel delivery fleets have been the leaders in experimenting with hybrid electric trucks thus far because in the near term that is where hybrid electric technology can provide the greatest cost savings. I expect bakeries, textile rental operations and other local delivery fleets will also be early adopters of this technology."

A significant impact
"I think this technology will quickly evolve in the next five to 10 years," says Sandler. "The gas or diesel powertrain will be very different. These future hybrids will have similar horsepower and torque as today's trucks. They will be quieter and for the most part odorless in terms of combustion fumes. The smaller engines they do have will be cleaner-burning and, as they are reduced to a peripheral part of the new power equation, they will significantly reduce the need for oil sources, foreign or domestic. Theses trucks will be a big leap forward in reducing the emissions everyone is concerned about. It will be the most significant change in automotive power we will see in our lifetime."

Sandler has seen many changes in his own time in the industry. Prior to Workhorse he held executive positions at Bering Truck Corporation and Meritor Automotive, formerly Rockwell Automotive, where he began his career as an engineer. "Fleets need to come to grips with the fact that the electric truck is no longer something to dismiss as science fiction," says Sandler. "Just like cars, hybrid electric trucks are here now, and may well be everywhere tomorrow."

Workhorse Custom Chassis

Workhorse Custom Chassis is ISO 9001 certified and a leader in the manufacture of chassis for motor homes, walk-in trucks and buses. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Truck and Engine Corporation. For additional information call
877-294-6773 or visit www.workhorse.com.

Navistar International Corporation (Other OTC: NAVZ) is the parent company of International Truck and Engine Corporation. Along with Workhorse brand chassis, the company produces International® brand commercial trucks, mid-range diesel engines and IC brand school buses, and is a private label designer and manufacturer of diesel engines for the pickup truck, van and SUV markets. Navistar is also a provider of truck and diesel engine parts. A wholly owned subsidiary offers financing services. Additional information is available at: www.navistar.com.

Contact:
Mike Knaack
574-294-8844
mknaack(at)taigmarks.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:51 PM | Comments (0)

Mecmesin Celebrates 30th Birthday on the BBC

To mark its 30th anniversary Mecmesin, manufacturer of force and torque testing systems, recently appeared on BBC 2 business programme Working Lunch.

(PRWEB) May 24, 2007 -- To mark its 30th anniversary Mecmesin, manufacturer of force and torque testing systems, recently appeared on BBC 2 business programme Working Lunch.

The episode, which aired on April 27th showcased the testing capabilities of Mecmesin equipment, featured demonstrations of typical applications and interviewed the company's chairman, Robert Oakley, to provide an overview of Mecmesin's successful 30 year history and its plans for future global growth, focussing in particular on the company's imminent expansion into China.

Mecmesin began life 30 years ago as a UK sales agent for a US manufacturer of force testing equipment. "Back in those days we noticed a real demand throughout Europe for affordable test systems that could withstand tough factory conditions, which we felt wasn't being exploited to its full potential," recalls Robert Oakley, "this prompted us to set about developing, manufacturing and selling our own brand of equipment." That brand was Mecmesin, an abbreviation of Mechanical Measuring Instruments, the name of the pre-existing company which Robert's father, Jim Oakley, an accomplished design engineer started in 1974.

Mecmesin's pioneering systems offered high-end accuracy at an affordable price, which, coupled with rugged build quality, paved the way for sophisticated force testing, normally reserved for materials laboratories, to be performed as a quality control measure on manufactured components at the point of production.

This unique offering placed Mecmesin in a highly advantageous competitive position, enabling the company to not only survive through 30 very difficult years for British manufacturing, but to thrive. The product range has evolved from small handheld force gauges, to a broad variety of force testing systems, from tiny 'smart' loadcells no larger than a 2 Euro coin, to powerful, computer-controlled twin-column systems with a 25kN capacity. The company has also been at the forefront of developing torque testing solutions for small rotary components, recent years having seen the launch of the Orbis, a screw closure tester, and the Vortex, a sophisticated motorised torque system.

Since its inception, Mecmesin has successfully pursued a strategy of globalisation, developing a closely-knit network of sales agents throughout more than 50 countries across the world. The company has also opened regional offices in USA and Thailand, which will shortly be joined by a third in Shanghai, China. Today, international sales account for over 70% of the company's revenue.

A recorded clip of Mecmesin on the BBC can be viewed online by going to www.bbc.co.uk and typing 'Mecmesin' into the search box.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:50 PM | Comments (0)

ASBIS Expands TOSHIBA Notebook PC Distribution in Eastern Europe

ASBISc Enterprises Plc (ASBIS), a leading supplier of computer components to the EMEA emerging markets, has announced that it has expanded its distribution agreement with Toshiba Europe GmbH, a division of Toshiba Corporation, to include Ukraine, one of the largest markets in Eastern Europe.

Limassol, Cyprus (PRWEB) May 24, 2007 -- ASBISc Enterprises Plc (ASBIS), a leading supplier of computer components to the EMEA emerging markets, has announced today that it has expanded its distribution agreement with Toshiba Europe GmbH, a division of Toshiba Corporation, to include Ukraine, one of the largest markets in Eastern Europe.

This expansion complements the existing authorized distributorship agreement between ASBIS and Toshiba, covering 15 countries of the EMEA region - Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, F.Y.R. Macedonia, Albania, Libya, Yemen and Iraq.

"Over the last year, Toshiba has observed increased demand for its mobile products in the growing markets of Eastern Europe, so it makes good business sense for us to enhance our market presence in that region," said Pieter Ickx, general manager for emerging markets EMEA at Toshiba. "ASBIS has a well-established customer base that opens up new opportunities for Toshiba in these rapidly growing markets, and the addition of Ukraine is a natural progression of our existing relationship in the EMEA region."

"We consider Ukraine our second most significant market in the CIS after Russia. Over the last years, this market has been growing at a faster pace than the neighbouring countries," said Igor Snytko, regional general manager, CIS and Baltics, at Toshiba Europe GmbH. "Therefore it is very important for us to work here with loyal and efficient partners who share our objectives and approaches. Over the previous years we have been able to ramp up our sales in this country, and we hope that the agreement with such a serious distributor as ASBIS Ukraine will help further enhance Toshiba's positions on the Ukrainian market, and contribute to meeting the growing consumer demand for top quality mobile computers."

In line with the agreement, ASBIS Ukraine, which has wide regional presence across the country, is already beginning an active promotion of the whole range of Toshiba's mobile PCs, and is about to start offering its partners all certified series of Toshiba notebooks - Satellite, Qosmio, Tecra and Portégé - meeting expectations of both home users and corporate clients.

Laurent Journoud, ASBIS' executive vice-president, sales and marketing, said, "The expansion of our Toshiba distribution to Ukraine enables us to strengthen our mobile offerings with industry leading notebooks that meet the needs of a wide range of customers. Toshiba's product mix is excellent and their market strategy is brilliant. ASBIS intends to expand the presence of Toshiba notebooks and help increase its market share on this market. We strongly believe that our expanded cooperation with Toshiba will be extremely beneficial for the vendor, for us, and especially for our customers in Ukraine".

About Toshiba

The Computer Systems Division of Toshiba Europe GmbH is a leading vendor for mobile computing solutions. Headquartered in Neuss, Germany, the Computer Systems Division of Toshiba Europe GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Toshiba Corporation, the world's eighth-largest computer and electronics company.

Toshiba Corporation is a leader in information and communication systems, electronic components, consumer products and power systems. The company's integration of these wide-ranging capabilities assures its position as an innovator in advanced components, products and systems. Toshiba has more than 172,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of over US$52 billion (2006). For more information please visit http://eu.computers.toshiba-europe.com.

About ASBIS

ASBISc Enterprises PLC (LSE: ASB.L) specialises in the distribution of IT products from worldwide leading manufacturers such as Intel, AMD, Hitachi, Seagate, and Samsung. ASBIS has four master distribution centers which supply products for in-country operations across emerging markets of EMEA.

Central purchasing, online B2B platform, international experience of corporate management and the local expertise of country teams, together with an intimate knowledge of Eastern Europe and its myriad of cultures have allowed ASBIS to forge a premier position in this region and has also enabled it to penetrate the emerging markets of EMEA quickly and cost-effectively.

As a result, ASBIS is now one of the largest distributors of IT components and the only company able to distribute to the vast majority of countries in Eastern Europe. The size of its operations means ASBIS is able to pass on significant value to its customers. ASBIS has more than 700 employees, over 14000 customers and annual revenues at record level in excess of US$ 1 billion (2006). For more information, visit the company's website at www.asbis.com.

Contact:
Victor Lukyanov
PR Manager
ASBISc Enterprises Plc.
Victor.Lukjanov(at)asbis.net
+375 17 2147762 (ext.227)

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:49 PM | Comments (0)

MatrikonOPC Server for Allen-Bradley PLCs Brings a New Level of OPC Connectivity to Your DCS

MatrikonOPC™ is pleased to announce the release of the MatrikonOPC Server for Allen-Bradley PLCs. This OPC Server provides robust connectivity to all Allen-Bradley Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and represents a true "all-in-one" solution for connecting to Allen-Bradley devices.

Edmonton, AB (PRWEB) May 24, 2007 -- MatrikonOPC™ is pleased to announce the release of the MatrikonOPC Server for Allen-Bradley PLCs. This OPC Server provides robust connectivity to all Allen-Bradley Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and represents a true "all-in-one" solution for connecting to Allen-Bradley devices.

The MatrikonOPC Server for Allen-Bradley PLCs is an industrial-strength OPC Server providing OPC connectivity to the Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus (DH+), Allen-Bradley DF1 (DF1), Allen-Bradley Data Highway 485 (DH485) and Ethernet/IP. The server connects to devices via serial connections, single-port Allen-Bradley 1784- PKTX PCI cards and Ethernet connections.

Flexibility and ease of use were paramount in the development of this OPC Server. The goal was to develop a truly universal Allen-Bradley OPC Server that was easy to install and configure. Users continue to enjoy the reliability of proven MatrikonOPC technology coupled with the total service of MatrikonOPC's software support.

The MatrikonOPC Server for Allen-Bradley PLCs includes time-saving features not found in other drivers:

Automatic discovery of devices
Automatic configuration of devices
Competitive system expansion
Loading of device configuration files such as .l5k, .pc5, and .slc
Automatic configuration of serial connections
Automatic generation of tags are for each device
Support for device-level redundancy through fail-over channels

To learn more about the MatrikonOPC Server for Allen-Bradley PLCs, or to explore the free download, please navigate to: http://www.matrikonopc.com/opc-drivers/2272/index.aspx

About MatrikonOPC (a division of Matrikon Inc. [TSX:MTK)
With a collection of more than 500 OPC products and over 100,000 installations worldwide, MatrikonOPC is the world's largest OPC company. MatrikonOPC is a charter member of the OPC Foundation, and has demonstrated a commitment to developing OPC as the industrial connectivity standard.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:49 PM | Comments (0)

Incremax Wins Microsoft Partner Competency Award for Hedge Fund Industry Expertise

Incremax leveraging Financial Capital Markets large-scale technology deployments from clients such as Citigroup and Fidelity Investments, creates and refines a technology roadmap of Microsoft products and business applications specifically targeted to handle the needs of Hedge Fund management firms as they grow.

New York (PRWEB) May 24, 2007 -- Incremax, a Greater New York business-savvy technology consultancy of Microsoft product solutions, is proud to be awarded Microsoft's Third Quarter New York/New Jersey Area Partner Award for Competency in understanding the scalable infrastructure, information productivity and custom business applications that drive both Fixed-Income and Equity Hedge Fund management firms.

Leveraging expertise gained from large-scale technology deployments in Financial Capital Markets for clients such as Citigroup and Fidelity Investments, Incremax was able to create a technology roadmap of Microsoft products and business applications specifically targeted to handle the needs of Hedge Fund management firms as they grow from millions, to billions of dollars in assets under management. Incremax has been able to refine this roadmap approach with two of its Hedge Fund management firm clients that manage over $1 billion in assets. Most recently Incremax and Microsoft have also partnered with Hedgefund.net, the leading information resource for hedge fund product performance ranking and reporting to introduce both Excel 2007 and this technology roadmap of Microsoft product solutions to the hedge fund industry executives in the Greater New York City area.

"Most Managing Directors are not aware of the complexity of the technology required to manage Front/Middle/Back-Office operations efficiently while mitigating risk and instilling investor confidence in their ability to trade and protect assets," said Kerry Gerontinanos, President of Incremax. "It was important to us as a provider of Microsoft-based solutions that we addressed the scalable needs of a 3-man operation managing tens of million dollars of assets to the management firms that catapult quickly to billions of dollars in assets under trade."

The Microsoft complete suite of products from infrastructure, information productivity, custom application development and business intelligence, are very well suited to addressing the needs of growing Hedge Fund management firms yet the choices and priority of adoption can be daunting for of these firms. Managing Directors and CFOs that would like to know more about how Incremax can tailor a technology and business application adoption strategy for their particular needs can contact Incremax Hedge Fund specialists at hedgefunds @ incremax.com.

About Incremax
Incremax is a business-focused technology consultancy that excels at delivering incremental asset value from technology investments. With Practice Areas leveraging Microsoft Solutions in Information Productivity, Advanced Infrastructure and Business Intelligence, we have the breadth and expertise to build a People-Ready business to cut costs, win customers, and create new innovative business opportunities.

Incremax is a Microsoft Gold Certified and Managed Partner that has been helping Fortune 500 and middle-market clients gain a timely and competitive advantage since 1993. For more information refer to http://www.incremax.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:48 PM | Comments (0)

Nester Software Changes Name to Plataine

Name change reflects expanded solution line for total production optimization.

Ball Ground, Georgia (PRWEB) May 24, 2007 -- Nester Software, a leading provider of production optimization solutions, is renaming itself Plataine. The name reflects the recent expansion of the company's solution suite to provide optimization and decision support for the entire production process, from order to assembly.

Plataine specializes in the optimization of complex production processes that involve two-dimensional cutting of raw material and the assembly of the cut pieces into a finished product. Its unique combination of advanced technology solutions addresses the distinct needs of companies that produce goods out of sheets and rolls of raw material, such as sheet metal, plywood, and textile.

"These companies operate under extremely complex circumstances," explains Plataine's President Elery Pfeffer. "Optimizing production is challenging in any environment; when you compound it with the difficulty of optimizing the utilization of sheets of material, the complexity is multiplied many times over. Plataine offers a first of a kind solution to address the entire spectrum of the production optimization challenges with all these variables involved."

Founded in 1997, the company started out as a provider of software solutions for nesting and other geometry optimization. In recent years, the company has expanded its solution footprint to provide Total Production Optimization (TPO) solutions to a variety of industries, including manufacturers of metal, wood, and textile products. Current customers include industry leaders such as Bassett Furniture, Boeing, Century Furniture, Drexel Heritage, Ethan Allen, Ford, General Motors, The Gap, Hagger, Nike, and Wrangler.

Hundreds of manufacturers around the world rely on Plataine's solutions to reduce production cycle times, ensure on-time product delivery, improve material utilization, and reduce inventories. "While optimized nesting remains an important component of our solution suite, the name change reflects our expanding line of software solutions," says Pfeffer. "Beyond improving the efficiency of individual tasks, manufactures need a greater level of visibility into the entire production process, from order to assembly. To make better operational decisions, managers need a system that can help them weigh multiple scenarios based on accurate and timely data."

Using Plataine's solutions, manufacturers have demonstrated measurable benefits, including double-digit improvements in material utilization and the ability to provide customers with on-time delivery of the products of their choice. "We have seen a 17 to 18 percent increase in wood yield with Plataine," says David Lewis, vice president of upholstery manufacturing at HDM. "Plataine enables us to offer virtually unlimited product choice to our customers while increasing material yield," adds Mark Jordan, vice president of operations at Bassett Furniture.

The name change takes effect immediately. More information about Plataine can be found at www.plataine.com.

About Plataine
Plataine is a leading provider of production optimization solutions for manufacturers of metal, wood, textile and composite-material products. Plataine's production optimization solutions enable manufacturers to be more competitive by increasing material utilization, improving productivity, and shortening manufacturing cycles to ensure on-time delivery of products to customers. Plataine's solutions are used by hundreds of manufacturers worldwide, including Bassett Furniture, Boeing, Century Furniture, Drexel Heritage, Ethan Allen, Ford, General Motors, The Gap, Hagger, Nike, and Wrangler. For more information, visit www.plataine.com or contact your local Plataine office.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:47 PM | Comments (0)

Zero Accidents at GreenWood, Inc. Reflects Company's High Standard for Workplace Safety

Maintenance and construction services provider recognized by safety council.

Greenville, SC (PRWEB) May 24, 2007 -- GreenWood, Inc. was recently recognized by the South Carolina Occupational Safety Council (SCOSC) for zero recordable accidents at four of the company's South Carolina-based projects: Mitsubishi Polyester Films in Greer, BASF Corporation in Central, Honeywell/Shaw in Anderson, and Greer/West Projects in the Upstate. GreenWood's outstanding total company safety performance for their projects was more than 50% below the state average incident rate for OSHA recordable accidents for their industry group. Customer project work performed by GreenWood includes total and supplemental maintenance, equipment installations and construction projects.

"Ensuring a safe work environment is all about protecting your people," says Brad Wood, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of GreenWood. "There is nothing more important to us than providing our team with a safe place to work every day. Because we consistently follow a proven safety process, everyone maintains a mindset focused on zero accidents. We appreciate the recognition received from SCOSC for this achievement."

The award was presented at the annual SCOSC meeting which brings together business leaders from companies of varying industries throughout South Carolina to discuss and address workplace safety and health. Attendees to the annual event were reminded to stress the importance of ongoing safety and health awareness in daily operations of their businesses.

About GreenWood, Inc.

GreenWood provides integrated maintenance and construction solutions designed to extend the life of critical assets and deliver bottom line improvements for plants and facilities throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. We operate under a "Customer-Centered" philosophy where safety performance is always first and our flexibility to respond to customer needs is an ongoing priority. For more information, visit www.GreenWoodInc.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:47 PM | Comments (0)

PTI Announces Package Testing & Inspection Service

PTI's testing service is a cost-effective solution for process control batch testing, test market, product start-up, trial products and can be a valuable tool at various stages of the package development process. Time-to market is always an important issue, and for many companies, the decision making process for equipment capital expenditures can often delay implementing an inspection method at a critical phase of the manufacturing and production process. A practical option is to employ the use of a package testing service that utilizes non-destructive equipment & test methods that are accepted industry standards and recognized by both the FDA and ASTM.

Tuckahoe, New York (PRWEB) May 23, 2007 -- Packaging Technologies & Inspection (PTI) announces Package Testing & Inspection Service for all types of packaging.

Sanjeet Saxena, marketing manager, commented "In recent months, there have been a number of product recalls by the FDA in the food and pharmaceutical industries. These recalls have been directly related to issues regarding food formulation, contamination, lack of assurance of sterility, and package and seal integrity defects. Due to both the nature and frequency of these recalls, there is an increased awareness about the importance of package integrity testing and inspection. It's an important step in getting your product to market and in maintaining consistent quality and consumer confidence in your product and your brand."

PTI now offers an in-house package testing service. PTI's testing service is a cost-effective solution for process control batch testing, test market, product start-up, trial products and can be a valuable tool at various stages of the package development process. All testing is performed using PTI's non-destructive inspection technologies. The following types of package testing services are available:

Pouch seal testing - Seal-ScanTM analysis of pouch seals using ultrasound technology. Test
result statistics and detailed images of pouch seals & defect profiles are provided.

Package integrity testing of filled & sealed cups, trays, pouches, bottles - VeriPac vacuum
decay leak testing. ASTM F2338-05 Test Method & Recognized FDA Standard for Package
Integrity Testing.

Micro leak testing of vials, ampoules, empty & pre-filled syringes - VeriPac differential
pressure & vacuum decay micro leak testing. ASTM F2338-05 Test Method & Recognized
FDA Standard for Package Integrity Testing.

Reports & Results - Test results and statistics are compiled in report form. All data undergoes
stringent quality control review prior to final report issuance.

Saxena adds "The costs associated with a product recall are considerable when you include cost of tracking and retrieving product, assessment, replacement, fines and legal fees. For drug and food safety, it's not an option for companies to take risks that will jeopardize product or package quality, and testing your package is a critical part of that process. Time-to market is always an important issue, and for many companies, the decision making process for equipment capital expenditures can often take considerable time and can delay implementing an inspection method at a critical phase of the manufacturing and production process. A practical option is to employ the use of a package testing service that utilizes non-destructive equipment & test methods that are accepted industry standards and recognized by both the FDA and ASTM. Companies can implement a testing program very quickly with fast result turnaround. Plus, they have the added benefit of using only the services they need when they need them."

Packaging Technologies & Inspection (PTI) is a leading manufacturer of non-destructive inspection technologies for the pharmaceutical, medical device, food and container industries. Recognized as a thought leader in new delivery systems for seal, package and container integrity testing, PTI has set the standard for inspection systems that provide repeatable, reliable results. Having a PTI inspection solution in place for QA/QC process control guarantees that your package is "fit for purpose" from manufacturing through distribution.

For media inquiries, please contact Michelle Wolf: m.wolf @ ptiusa.com. 973-252-6039
For corporate inquiries, please contact Oliver Stauffer: o.stauffer @ ptiusa.com. 914-337-2005

PTI -- Packaging Technologies & Inspection
Tel: 914.337.2005
Fax: 914.337.8519

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:45 PM | Comments (0)

AspenTech, Leading Provider of Process Optimization Software, E-Signs with Silanis

Major manufacturing process optimization company optimizes its own operations -- using Silanis solutions.

Montreal, QC (PRWEB) May 23, 2007 - Silanis Technology today announced that Aspen Technology Inc., an award-winning provider of process optimization software and services, uses Silanis' ApproveIt® Desktop e-signature solution to enhance its own internal operations.

A leading supplier of process improvement solutions to more than 1,500 leading manufacturers in the oil and gas, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries, AspenTech helps manufacturers throughout the engineering, plant operations and supply chain management processes to reduce costs, increase capacity and improve operational performance.

Silanis' e-signature platform, which includes server as well as desktop solutions, has enabled hundreds of government and commercial organizations to gain similar benefits by allowing processes to remain completely electronic, eliminating any need to revert to paper.

AspenTech, in particular, uses ApproveIt Desktop for the complex approvals within change forms and software design specifications, as part of software quality assurance for new and existing products. The company's ability to streamline and track the entire approval process for each product, from start to finish, has helped it to improve performance on supplier audits.

Any organization using Silanis' solution will reduce administrative costs, gain approvals much faster and increase responsiveness, with the assurance that the entire ApproveIt suite is secure, easy to use and creates a legally enforceable business process.

Moreover, by choosing Silanis as their electronic signature provider, organizations are guaranteed a flexible and scalable technology that will grow with their enterprise needs.

About Silanis
Founded in 1992, Silanis Technology Inc. is the largest and most experienced provider of electronic signature solutions. More than 1,400 government and commercial organizations, representing two million users, depend on Silanis' solutions to accelerate operations, improve service and reduce costs.

The company's solutions not only eliminate the inefficiencies of paper, they provide reliable and auditable business records needed to demonstrate compliance with applicable laws, standards, regulations and policies.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:45 PM | Comments (0)

WiLife Launches Innovative Professional Video Security System to Market WiLife Brings Unprecedented Customer Interaction and Affordability to the Professional-Grade IP Video Security System Market with New Product WiLife Pro™

DRAPER, Utah (BusinessWire EON) May 23, 2007 -- Today WiLife announced the availability of their latest product to market, the WiLife Pro™ Video Security System. This is the first and only fully integrated, turnkey, professional digital video security system available.

WiLife Pro™ offers fully integrated smart IP video cameras, powerful Windows-based management software and online remote services all combined in a turnkey system that is easy to install and use. WiLife’s smart IP cameras use existing Cat 5 Ethernet cabling, allowing the cameras to be quickly connected to any Local Area Network (LAN). The Windows-based Command Center software is a feature rich tool that empowers business owners to fully leverage and manage their video security system with built-in features like real-time cell phone and email alerts. WiLife Online completely manages the Internet connectivity for free, live, anytime, anywhere viewing through web browsers and cell phones with no IP configuration needed. WiLife Pro™ is remarkably affordable, making it a smart choice for any small business or organization in need of a high-quality, reliable video security system.

“Throughout my 20 years as a professional security dealer, it has been a constant struggle to provide a fully integrated small business solution that is affordable, powerful and easy to use. All too often the small business is either side-lined by cost, or ends up with a partial system that lacks ease of use and Internet connectivity,” said Evan Tree, President of WiLife. “I founded WiLife because I saw a great opportunity to revolutionize the security industry. At WiLife, we have perfected the next generation IP video security system for the small business space. We have created a fully integrated, turnkey video surveillance system which costs thousands of dollars less than other systems, yet provides unprecedented power, ease of use and feature sets not available in higher priced systems.”

WiLife’s Pro™ systems are available in a variety of turnkey configurations. These systems were built to meet the needs of a broad range of small business environments. The WiLife Pro™ bundle includes everything needed to launch a one, four or six camera solution, and all bundles include a six camera licensed copy of the powerful Command Center software.

Additional WiLife Pro™ components, which can be purchased separately and added to the WiLife Pro™ line, include the WiLife Pro™ Indoor Digital Camera, the WiLife Pro™ Single-Port Power Injector and the WiLife Pro™ Ethernet Powerline Bridge.

“The WiLife Pro™ Video Security System makes it easy for me to install a professional, full-featured video security system that my customers can actually use as a powerful business management tool. Conventional systems are all too often left untouched in a corner to collect dust because they are so difficult to use,” said reseller Tom Gwilliam. “The unique aspect of the WiLife system is that all of the components are fully integrated which means I don’t have to worry about system compatibility or IP configuration issues, and it is easy to use.”

Thousands of small business owners across nearly every vertical market are enjoying the benefits that WiLife has brought to their businesses.

“WiLife has changed the way I manage my business,” said convenience store owner Jim Larsen. “I can now efficiently manage the security and customer experience at my dozens of retail storefront properties. My previously installed surveillance systems lacked Internet connectivity, alerts, quick search and playback of recorded video, remote management and many other features that I enjoy with the WiLife Pro™ system. I can now login remotely to view live video from all of my stores while I sit at one location. This feature allows me to monitor store activity as well as employee and customer behavior. Email alerts with attached video files allow me to manage after-hour store activity, which also was not possible with my previous system.”

WiLife’s Pro™ line is sold through WiLife authorized resellers.

About WiLife

The award-winning PC-based WiLife Video Security System is the world's first affordable, professional-grade video security system that is easy to install. WiLife’s advanced security technology delivers high-end features such as free remote viewing from any Windows cell phone or Internet browser, motion based recording, quick search and playback of recorded video, customizable alerts and mix-and-match smart IP cameras.

Customers use WiLife’s products in all 50 states and in nine countries around the world to secure their homes and small businesses. WiLife is a privately held company with headquarters in Draper, Utah. If you would like more information on becoming a WiLife reseller, please visit www.wilife.com or call 877.585.9375.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:44 PM | Comments (0)

EquipNet Launches Online Auctions

Company offers new channel for buying and selling surplus equipment.

Canton, MA (PRWEB) May 23, 2007 -- EquipNet, Inc. (http://www.equipnet.com/), the leading provider of proactive asset management solutions, today announced the launch of their Online Auction Sales Channel. The new channel allows sellers to liquidate assets quickly and efficiently and provides buyers with opportunities to find great deals on quality equipment.

EquipNet's Online Auctions allow sellers to liquidate assets quickly, clear warehouse space and offload logistics management. In addition this method helps customers expedite returns on investments and control their inventory.

EquipNet's proprietary software comes with all the bells and whistles found on most auction sites such as the ability to track offers via Watchlist™, receive auction status notifications, and the ability to place proxy bids using the maximum bid feature.

Above and beyond the technology, EquipNet has knowledgeable equipment experts available to provide quick answers about the machinery that is for sale. Once the event is over, EquipNet manages every aspect of the post-sales services, providing worry-free shipping and logistics management.

"No one else takes our approach to managing surplus assets," said Zack Shaw, Online auction manager at EquipNet. "Because EquipNet has multiple sales channels our level of equipment knowledge and post sales service is far superior to those companies who only run online auctions."

The first online auction, released to a select audience in early April was a tremendous success with EquipNet clearing the entire inventory in a record two days. The next online auction is scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, 2007 and features packaging equipment from locations in Puerto Rico. Other auctions will follow in June and July.

EquipNet is a leading provider of proactive asset management solutions and services to leading corporations such as Colgate-Palmolive, Eastman Chemical, GlaxoSmithKline, Iron Mountain, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Its vision is to revolutionize the way companies manage their surplus assets. EquipNet has earned a reputation for helping clients maximize their financial return, avoid the risks associated with health, safety and environmental hazards, and theft, and to be in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley. For more information, please visit www.EquipNet.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:42 PM | Comments (0)

Solar Innovations Debuts in the Greater Reading Area' Top 50 Companies

Solar Innovations proudly announces placing 10th overall in The Greater Reading Area's Top 50 Companies.

Myerstown, PA (PRWEB) May 23, 2007 -- The Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce annually recognizes the top 50 companies for outstanding growth in terms of revenue. Over 2,000 companies within the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce applied to receive this special recognition. "Solar Innovations is proud to announce that the company ranked 10th overall in the Greater Reading Area's Top 50 Companies." The Top 10 companies were honored with a write-up in the Sunday edition of The Reading Eagle and an award presented at the Reading Chamber of Commerce's Annual Banquet held on Saturday, May 12, 2007. Visit Solar Innovations on the web at http://www.solarinnovations.com/ for more details on Solar Innovations' most recent achievement and testament to its growth.

"Solar Innovations (http://www.solarinnovations.com/) is proud of it's accomplishments in this area, especially in light of the fact that this was the first time Solar was nominated for inclusion in the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce Top 50 Companies." To compete, Solar Innovations was required to provide information relating to annual revenue, supporting claim to annual revenue of $1 million for the past three years. In addition, Solar exhibited an astounding 44% increase in revenue in 2006. A young company, established in 1997, Solar Innovations today generates between $1 million to $2 million in sales per month from its current facility, a 50,000 square foot facility in Myerstown, PA. With Solar Innovations' plans to break ground this year on a new 200,000 square foot facility, the company looks to an even greater increase in these numbers. The new space will include dealer and architect training facilities, an R&D test lab, an employee recreation center, an extensive showroom, and more. With the move to the new facility, Solar will look to increase the number of current employees from 80 to over 125 employees as production capabilities increase.

For more details on this award or on Solar Innovations' future growth, commitment to excellence and ever-expanding product line, visit Solar Innovations on the web at http://www.solarinnovations.com or call (800) 618-0669.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:41 PM | Comments (0)

Invensys Sponsors IndyCar to Increase Public Awareness of Ethanol Fuel in First All-Ethanol IndyCar Series

Invensys Process Systems is joining forces with the Rahal Letterman Racing (RLR) and Team Ethanol to raise awareness of ethanol and its use as a renewable energy resource.

Foxboro, Mass. (PRWEB) May 23, 2007 -- Invensys Process Systems announced today that it is joining forces with the Rahal Letterman Racing (RLR) and Team Ethanol to raise awareness of ethanol and its use as a renewable energy resource.

Beginning this season, Invensys will be a sponsor of the No. 17 Rahal Letterman Racing Team Ethanol IndyCar driven by Jeff Simmons. Invensys' sponsorship coincides with a milestone in motor sports in that the 2007 IndyCar Series® is the first event in which all cars are powered with 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol. The 2007 IndyCar Series runs through September and includes the Indianapolis 500 on May 27th.

The ethanol promotion is a cooperative effort between Team Ethanol, the IndyCar Series, RLR and the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC) (www.drivingethanol.org.) EPIC is an alliance of ethanol producers and industry leaders who have come together to raise public awareness about the benefits of ethanol.

"Invensys is proud to help demonstrate the viability of ethanol as a reliable fuel source," says Ken Brown, vice president and general manager of the Measurements and Instruments division at Invensys Process Systems. "This sponsorship underscores Invensys' commitment to the U.S. ethanol industry and our focus on supporting the understanding, acceptance and efficient production of ethanol."

Ethanol is a high-octane, high-performance fuel that is clean burning, renewable and made in America. As a growing component of the United States gasoline supply, it delivers improved vehicle performance for all passenger cars and trucks while reducing emissions and improving air quality.

Indy Racing League began its conversion to fuel-grade ethanol at the start of the 2006 racing season by requiring cars to be fueled with a maximum blend of 90% methanol and 10% ethanol. Prior to 2006, IndyCar racecars had been utilizing methanol fuel since the 1960's. The 2007 IndyCar Series is the first event in motor sports whereby all cars will use 100% fuel-grade ethanol.

Rahal Letterman Racing (RLR), is one of the leading open-wheel North American race teams in the Indy Racing League. It is co-owned by three-time IndyCar Champion and 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal and CBS LATE SHOW host David Letterman. Formed in 1992, RLR has compiled a record of 19 victories, 28 poles and one series championship (Bobby Rahal in 1992 in CART) and an Indianapolis 500 championship (Rice in 2004).

Team Ethanol is RLR's entry into the all-ethanol race. It is funded by the major ethanol design-build firms Fagen Inc., ICM Inc. and Broin Companies, who are the industry leaders in the 4 billion gallon ethanol market. Team Ethanol also includes ethanol industry related companies who have joined together in a voluntary industry-wide coalition that represents more than one-half of the industry, which includes the Foxboro Measurements and Instruments division of Invensys process systems.

With the company's Foxboro field instrumentation and controls, Invensys has the largest installed base in the ethanol processing industry, The company has supported the corn processing industry since the 1950's, and is the leading supplier of instrumentation for both dry and wet milling ethanol plants.

About Invensys
Invensys is the world leader in industrial asset performance management, a strategy designed to help today's industrial enterprises to effectively balance the availability and utilization of their production assets to match changing business requirements.. In addition to its rapidly expanding Global Solutions and Performance Management services groups, Invensys' automation businesses includes industry-leading brands such as Foxboro, Triconex, SimSci-Esscor, Wonderware, and Avantis, whose products are installed in more than 100,000 plants across the world. These range from small hybrid and batch plants to the world's largest upstream projects, refineries, gas plants, petrochemicals plants, power plants, and pulp and paper mills. For more information on Invensys' process automation businesses, please visit http://www.invensys.com/ps. The Invensys Group is headquartered in London and is listed on the London Stock Exchange, with approximately 30,000 employees working in 60 countries.

Invensys, SimSci-Esscor, Foxboro, Triconex, Wonderware, and Avantis are trademarks of Invensys plc, its subsidiaries, or affiliates. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:40 PM | Comments (0)

Samsonite Selects NTRsupport to Help Distributed Sales Force and Remote Employees Effectively Serve Expanding Customer Base

NTRglobal, a leading provider of highly secure remote support and access solutions, today announced that Samsonite has chosen NTRglobal's on-demand software, NTRsupport, to deliver information technology (IT) support to its North American sales teams and remotely located employees.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) May 23, 2007 -- NTRglobal, a leading provider of highly secure remote support and access solutions, today announced that Samsonite has chosen NTRglobal's on-demand software, NTRsupport, to deliver information technology (IT) support to its North American sales teams and remotely located employees.

Samsonite is one of the world's most recognized designers, manufacturers, retailers and distributors of luggage and related consumer products to meet the growing needs of today's global traveler. To keep pace with the increasing demands of its remote employees, Samsonite chose NTRsupport to speed IT service response time and improve the troubleshooting process.

Used by more than 8,500 corporations around the globe, NTRsupport is one of the fastest, easiest and most secure on-demand remote support solutions on the market. The software allows support professionals to create an immediate and secure connection between the support agent's computer and a user's PC or Mac, so the support staff can actually see what's on the user's screen in real time. This approach to providing IT support by delivering instant and personalized help saves time and costs, and improves overall productivity.

The Samsonite IT team found NTRsupport's advanced security features (including the 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption), speed into sessions, cost-effective concurrent licensing model, and user-friendly interface to be key selling points. In addition to general remote IT support, the product is being used to resolve configuration issues and to remotely support users of Microsoft Office and Lotus Notes applications.

"Since we started using NTRsupport, we've seen an immediate drop in the time it takes to resolve a remote support issue," said Ray Zoller, director of Information Technology for Samsonite's North America operations. "In the past, remote users sometimes found it challenging to explain what they were seeing on their screen to the IT support team. Now when they call in, they are finding it is much easier and faster to get help."

"NTRsupport bolsters company productivity by enabling more efficient identification of technical issues," said Andre Angel, CEO and president of NTRglobal North America. "For Samsonite, our product ensures a faster and more helpful response from the company's IT support department, which is crucial to the success of its business."

NTRsupport is immediately available for a free, 15-day evaluation at www.ntrsupport.com.

About Samsonite
Samsonite is the worldwide leader in superior travel bags, luggage and accessories, combining notable style with the latest design technology and the utmost attention to quality and durability. Utilizing top designer expertise from around the globe, Samsonite creates unparalleled products that fulfill the travel and lifestyle needs of the sophisticated traveler. For 97 years, Samsonite has continued to build upon its rich design heritage. Samsonite markets products under the Samsonite, Samsonite Black Label, Lambertson Truex, American Tourister, Lacoste and Timberland brands. Samsonite. Life's a journey.
Visit www.samsonite.com for more information.

About NTRglobal
NTRglobal is a leading global software company that empowers users with easy-to-use, complete, and secure remote control and support solutions. The company's software, available in on-demand and licensed models, helps businesses of all sizes better communicate and collaborate despite physical boundaries. Founded in 2000, NTRglobal has more than 7,500 customers worldwide and serves users in the automotive, consumer electronics, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and technology industries. NTRglobal North America, headquartered in Dallas, can be reached via e-mail at e-mail protected from spam bots, or by phone at 1-866 459-2543. For more information please visit www.ntrglobal.com.

Contact:
Julia Sinykin
The Hoffman Agency for NTRglobal
Tel: (303) 327-5461

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:40 PM | Comments (0)

ADMET Introduces WinCOM Live LabVIEW-based Program for Materials/Mechanical Testing: Enables Real-time Collection and Viewing of Force-extension Data on a PC

ADMET Inc., a provider of integrated materials testing systems, today announced WinCOM Live, a LabVIEW-based program for real-time plotting of force-extension curves on a Microsoft Windows-based PC.

Norwood, MA (PRWEB) May 23, 2007 -- ADMET Inc., a provider of integrated materials testing systems, today announced WinCOM Live, a LabVIEW-based program for real-time plotting of force-extension curves on a Microsoft Windows-based PC.

WinCOM Live features peak, average and slope/rate calculations, and has the ability to generate hardcopy printouts, store and recall test data, and export data to common spreadsheet programs for further data analysis. WinCOM Live is available for use with ADMET's Precise Digital and eP Digital Controllers which work with the full range of ADMET universal testing machines (UTMs).

"Our customers were asking for a lower cost Windows-based Materials Testing System that has the ability to view a real-time XY curve, perform basic calculations, store test data to disk and export to common spreadsheet programs. To fill that need, ADMET now offers WinCOM Live as an option with its standalone controllers," commented Richard Gedney, ADMET founder and president. "We also found that many test labs were comfortable modifying LabVIEW Virtual Instruments as a means of customizing testing software to meet their needs. Experienced programmers can also purchase WinCOM Live as a virtual instrument for customization."

WinCOM Live communicates with ADMET's digital controllers via an RS232 serial port. Future versions will have the ability to upload test procedures to/from the eP and Precise Digital Controllers. This will simplify testing for users when they need to quickly and frequently switch between multiple test procedures.

ADMET's optional WinCOM Live interface for its Precise Digital Controller and eP Digital Controller units includes a run-time license for the software. It is priced at $750 and is available immediately. Visit http://www.admet.com/assets/WinComLive.pdf for more information. ADMET continues to offer the WinCOM Plus Data Communications and Plotting Program, as well as MTESTWindows, a PC-based, networkable materials testing system for local control, recording and reporting of tensile, compression and torsion tests.

About ADMET

ADMET Inc., founded in 1989, combines high-quality products and services to deliver the most efficient and cost effective materials testing systems. Its products range from new and used universal testing frames, to software and specialized control units, as well as grips and fixtures. The company also retrofits electromechanical, hydraulic and digitally controlled testing machines from any manufacturer to deliver more reliable test results, simplify operations, meet international standards and integrate with data collection systems. Highly skilled engineers provide customers with personalized research and development services and support to make ADMET the most responsive materials testing equipment supplier. ADMET's loyal customer base includes leading manufacturers, testing labs, researchers and universities in aerospace, automotive, biomedical, concrete, construction, metals, plastics, textiles and other industries. ADMET's products are widely distributed in North America, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim. ADMET can be reached at 781-769-0850 or by visiting http://www.admet.com.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

EDITORS - For further information:

Marc Venet
ADMET Inc.
781-769-0850 X13

Sandy McLaughlin
Soucy Communications Group
781-898-7305

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:39 PM | Comments (0)

Auburn Engineering Adds High-Speed CNC Bridge Mills: Helps Manufacturers Reduce Tooling Costs; Improve Time to Market

Auburn Engineering, Inc., leading provider of rapid prototyping and production services, announces the addition of two large high-speed CNC bridge mills. The latest generation of custom-built machines allows Auburn Engineering to cut large core and cavity simultaneously to meet aggressive tooling times.

Rochester Hills, MI (PRWEB) May 23, 2007 -- Auburn Engineering, Inc., leading provider of rapid prototyping and production services, announces the addition of two large high-speed CNC bridge mills. The latest generation of custom-built machines allows Auburn Engineering to cut large core and cavity simultaneously to meet aggressive tooling times. The CNC bridge mills feature a 7' wide by 10' long bed and a high speed spindle.

The benefits of improved quality, reliability, and performance stemming from the CNC bridge mills have already been proven on the precision services Auburn Engineering recently provided to a Tier 1 supplier. The CNC bridge mills were used for tooling of the Hummer H2 instrument panel for the 2007 1/2 model year refresh of the popular vehicle.

Notes Reid Scott, president, Auburn Engineering. "By offering our customers the ability to cut large core and cavity operations simultaneously, we save delivery time and reduce the complexity of the molding process. This translates to compressed time to market, reduced tooling costs, and a more competitive delivery capability. We know these are key considerations for our customers in today's competitive manufacturing sector."

About Auburn Engineering
Auburn Engineering is a leading rapid prototyping and limited production company serving the product development community for nearly two decades. Auburn's team of experts provides on-time, cost effective low-volume production molding and assemblies to automotive, consumer appliance, office furniture, medical and a variety of product manufacturers. A division of Dynetics, Auburn Engineering is headquartered in its Rochester Hills, Michigan engineering and rapid prototyping facility, featuring one of the industry's finest tooling facilities, and comprehensive stereo lithography and selective laser sintering capabilities. Services include rapid prototyping, urethane casting, composite tooling, blow molding, aluminum tooling, injection molding, vacuum forming, metal casting, high speed CNC machining, reverse engineering, and CMM inspection. www.auburn.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:37 PM | Comments (0)

New, Easy-To-Use Simsci-Esscor Engineering Tool Delivers Advanced Simulation and Modeling Data to Microsoft Excel Users

The SimSci-Esscor unit of Invensys Process Systems has introduced a new engineering tool that brings the power of advanced plant and process simulation and modeling to desktops everywhere without programming. The new SIM4ME® Portal constructs a simple, bidirectional communication link between the world's leading, steady-state simulator, SimSci-Esscor PRO/II®, and the world's most popular spreadsheet program, Microsoft® Excel.

Lake Forest, California (PRWEB) May 23, 2007 -- The SimSci-Esscor unit of Invensys Process Systems has introduced a new engineering tool that brings the power of advanced plant and process simulation and modeling to desktops everywhere without programming. The new SIM4ME® Portal constructs a simple, bidirectional communication link between the world's leading, steady-state simulator, SimSci-Esscor PRO/II®, and the world's most popular spreadsheet program, Microsoft® Excel.

"Simulation is one of the most effective and efficient tools in engineering, but to the novice simulation user, the amount of work required to be able to benefit from an accurate and rigorous model can be overwhelming. The new SIM4ME Portal changes all that. Now individuals with no specialized simulation training or experience can capitalize on an existing simulation model and interact with that model from an Excel interface created by an expert user. The SIM4ME Portal effectively extends the use of simulation software to anyone that can use Excel." said Tobias Scheele, Vice President and General Manager of the SimSci-Esscor unit of Invensys Process Systems.

The SIM4ME Portal enables developers to create a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that is PRO/II® aware, allowing users to execute a PRO/II simulation from within an Excel application. Application developers simply drag desired variables from a Windows-style menu, and drop them onto an Excel spreadsheet. The variables are color coded to allow easy identification of the status of the variables.

"SIM4ME Portal has an excellent potential to highlight and manipulate key input and output design parameters, saving time for our process engineers," said a portal user from ABB Lummus Global, a major international engineering company and one of the first companies to implement the product.

This easy to use, easy to access tool maximizes return on investment in process models created by simulation experts by extending use of those simulations to an entirely new set of users. The following examples, based on customer-tested applications, illustrate how companies can take advantage of this new functionality:
*"What-if" scenarios: R&D specialists, for example, can run "what-if" cases to evaluate changing feed or process conditions
*Asset management: Maintenance personnel can use simulations to analyze equipment operations and predict future performance, for example, monitoring equipment health to prioritize and schedule maintenance
*Operations analysis: Operators and engineers can evaluate process alternatives to resolve problems; optimize performance, or evaluate environmental impact of operating changes
*Custom calculations: Engineers can calculate line or equipment sizing and costing based on a very accurate projection of the actual operation

The SIM4ME Portal is designed as a module so that all SimSci-Esscor simulation and modeling products will be able to communicate with Microsoft Excel. SIM4ME Portal integration with SimSci-Esscor PRO/II 8.1 software is available immediately, with integration to PIPEPHASE multiphase fluid flow simulation software targeted for the end of this year.

"The SIM4ME Portal has a clear development path to integrate more of SimSci-Esscor's simulation software products in addition to enhancing the product's base functionality. I believe that the SIM4ME Portal has unlimited potential and will truly enhance our users' experience with our simulation software products." added Joseph McMullen, the SIM4ME Portal Product Manager at Invensys.

The SIM4ME Portal promotes cost-effective engineering by preserving and leveraging plant model equity and facilitating improved inter-program communications. The SIM4ME Portal's bi-directional data communication capabilities with Excel make it additionally valuable because it simplifies communications with other in-house and third-party software applications that can be integrated into complex modeling simulation and optimization applications.

For more information, readers can visit http://www.simsci-esscor.com

About Invensys:
Invensys is the world leader in industrial asset performance management, a strategy designed to help today's industrial enterprises to effectively balance the availability and utilization of their production assets to match changing business requirements. In addition to its rapidly expanding Global Solutions and Performance Management services groups, Invensys' automation businesses includes industry-leading brands such as Foxboro, Triconex, SimSci-Esscor, Wonderware, and Avantis, whose products are installed in more than 100,000 plants across the world. These range from small hybrid and batch plants to the world's largest upstream projects, refineries, gas plants, petrochemicals plants, power plants, and pulp and paper mills. For more information on Invensys' process automation businesses, please visit http://www.invensys.com/ps.

The Invensys Group (http://www.invensys.com) is headquartered in London and is listed on the London Stock Exchange, with approximately 30,000 employees working in 60 countries.

Invensys, SimSci-Esscor, ARPM, InFusion, ROMeo, Foxboro, Triconex, Wonderware and Avantis are trademarks of Invensys plc, its subsidiaries, or affiliates. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:35 PM | Comments (0)

AuditMatic by Form Automation Solutions Bridges DCS-HMI Data Gap; Eliminates Blind Spots by Automating, Integrating Data Collection and Reporting by Mobile Workers

The data gap has met its match. The data gap in this case for years has afflicted the powerful distributed control systems (DCS) and human-machine interface (HMI) software that are used to operate today's production and manufacturing operations. The weak link in all these systems is data collection and reporting by mobile workers who make rounds to inspect and observe the process and facilities. The AuditMatic Connector from Form Automation Solutions eliminates this weak link.

DALLAS, TX (PRWEB) May 23, 2007 -- The data gap has met its match.

The data gap in this case for years has afflicted the powerful distributed control systems (DCS) and human-machine interface (HMI) software that are used to operate today's production and manufacturing operations. The weak link in all these systems is data collection and reporting by mobile workers who make rounds to inspect and observe the process and facilities.

The information collected by these workers, such as quality control, safety, and security information can be enormously valuable to the enterprise, but is rarely exploited because it is not available via the DCS-HMI database. Typically, the mobile workers use manual, paper-based systems to collect the information, and collected data generally remains in a file drawer or binder somewhere. The data gap leads to blind spots about operations for enterprise management.

AuditMatic™ by Form Automation Solutions, Inc. replaces paper-based, manual data gathering systems and automates data collection and reporting by mobile workers. AuditMatic enables non-technical managers to create, publish and distribute data collection forms to mobile workers equipped with handheld computers or smart phones.

"AuditMatic has revolutionized mobile data gathering just as HMIs revolutionized process control system integration in the last two decades," stated Stephen Woram, president of Form Automation Solutions. "Since AuditMatic is designed for non-technical users, it requires minimal training and no programming knowledge to set up and operate, even when publishing forms to handhelds that that require image capture, scoring, signature capture, and other advanced features."

AuditMatic includes a task manager application, so large groups of mobile workers can be assigned one-time or recurring data collection tasks, and the system will monitor their progress in completing the tasks.

Now, utilizing the power of OPC technology, the AuditMatic HMI/DCS Connector is able to serve data collected in AuditMatic to any OPC/DDE-enabled client application, including most leading DCS, HMI and SCADA systems. Goodbye, data gap. The solution offers these key features:

OPC Clients may reside locally or remotely.
Clients can communicate via OPC, NetDDE, or database query.
Supports direct scaling of device data which allows raw device data to be converted to engineering units for OPC client applications

"By integrating data collected by mobile workers with the data collected by DCS-HMI technology, operations managers can maintain a single repository of data regarding their process, eliminate blind spots and achieve greater visibility," said Woram "The data gap between instrumented data collection and subjective data collection has existed for a long time, but the AuditMatic connector can eliminate it."

About Form Automation Solutions, Inc.
Form Automation Solutions, Inc. is an enterprise software company focused on automation of data collection, analysis and reporting. Its first product, AuditMatic™ is a unique and innovative end-to-end solution for data collection and reporting in real time using mobile devices, with no programming required. AuditMatic's unique dashboard feature enables managers and executives to view and analyze data collected in real time - all within one application. Founded in 2004 in Addison, TX (Dallas area) by brothers Stephen and Kevin Woram, FAS helps companies save money, eliminate operational blind spots, and identify new strategic opportunities. For more information, visit www.auditmatic.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:35 PM | Comments (0)

Alan Rottenberg, Business Intelligence Visionary and Software Industry Veteran, Joins Kinaxis Board of Directors

Former Cognos executive to help growing response management provider further its leadership in new industry category.

Ottawa, Canada (PRWEB) May 22, 2007 -- Kinaxis™ Inc., the global leader in Response Management solutions providing visibility and coordinated response to change for manufacturing and fulfillment organizations, today announced the appointment of Mr. Alan Rottenberg to its Board of Directors.

During his thirteen years at Cognos, Rottenberg served in several senior roles, including Senior Vice President, Business Intelligence (BI), Senior Vice President, Marketing and Senior Vice President, Analytical Applications. It was during his tenure as Cognos' BI business unit leader that the company became a leader in Business Intelligence achieving significant revenue growth and delivering award winning products. Since leaving Cognos, Rottenberg has been an advisor to Kinaxis and other companies such as Workbrain Corporation, Ascential and TalkSwitch.

"I am delighted to take on this new role. After three years of consulting to Kinaxis, I have been impressed with their vision and execution in defining the Response Management category and convinced of the value they can provide in addressing an increasingly urgent market need," stated Rottenberg. "With the reality of global outsourcing, shrinking product life-cycles and increasing demand driven volatility, Response Management is a critical enabler to maintaining control of operations, improving customer satisfaction, and reaching company revenue/EPS goals."

Necessitated by the extraordinary degree of volatility experienced in the marketplace, becoming highly response-driven represents a new paradigm for organizations and requires new technologies to effectively address the issues at hand. Kinaxis RapidResponse is quickly gaining broad market recognition as is evident by the company's escalating success. A wide range of companies, including some of the largest brand owners and manufacturers in the world and over half of the top 10 electronics manufacturing services (EMS) providers, are empowering user communities in the hundreds and thousands from within their fulfillment to operations units to redefine how they respond to change by using RapidResponse.

"We are delighted to officially welcome Alan to the Kinaxis Board of Directors," said Douglas Colbeth, Kinaxis CEO. "Alan brings a wealth of industry knowledge and operational expertise to the Board at an exciting period of development and rapid growth for Kinaxis. His breadth and depth of experience, unique insight and intimate familiarity with the company will enable Kinaxis to benefit immediately from his strategic guidance."

Rottenberg joined Cognos in 1989 as director of strategic partnerships, where he was instrumental in setting up strategic partnerships with Fortune 50 companies for the development of Cognos' business intelligence products, PowerPlay and Impromptu. Rottenberg was appointed vice president of the newly formed Business Intelligence (BI) unit in 1991, and then subsequently promoted to senior vice president, Business Intelligence, where he had complete responsibility for the company's business intelligence products. Rottenberg became senior vice president, Marketing and Business Strategies in 1997, overseeing Cognos' marketing organization covering the company's entire product portfolio. Rottenberg was appointed senior vice president, Applications in 2000 heading the development of Cognos' packaged applications business.

Prior to joining Cognos, Rottenberg served as vice president of sales for Simware Inc, and held positions at Comshare Ltd. and Computer Sciences Corp. (CSC).

About Kinaxis
Kinaxis delivers an on-demand Response Management service for visibility and coordination to drive rapid response to constant change across global supply and fulfillment networks, resulting in breakthroughs in customer service and operating performance. Kinaxis RapidResponse combines multi-enterprise visibility, collaborative "what-if" analysis and rapid decision support to empower front-line manufacturing and fulfillment teams to take quick and effective action when faced with constant changes in demand, supply and product. Global leaders such as Casio, Honeywell, Jabil, Raytheon, Solectron and Benchmark Electronics use Kinaxis RapidResponse to empower their supply networks with superior responsiveness and gain competitive advantage. For more information, visit the Kinaxis web site at www.kinaxis.com or the company's blog at blog.kinaxis.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:34 PM | Comments (0)

Kinaxis Executive Discusses Lean and Response Management on Better Process Podcast

Ottawa, Canada, (PRWEB) May 22, 2007 -- Kinaxis™ Inc., the global leader in Response Management solutions providing visibility and coordinated response to change for manufacturing and fulfillment organizations, today announced that Kerry Zuber, director of consulting services, recently recorded an interview with Better Process Podcast to discuss the synergies between lean manufacturing initiatives and Response Management.

Ken Rayment of Better Process Podcast, a daily manufacturing news show, interviewed Zuber to discuss the challenges of implementing lean in a globally distributed and fast-changing environment. In the approximate 10-minute podcast, Rayment, the show's host, speaks with Zuber about traditional lean approaches to improving manufacturing operations and the impact that demand volatility and outsourcing have on these initiatives.

According to Zuber, "Outsourcing has rendered impractical the 'line of sight' systems that have made lean so successful." He explains that, "while lean traditionally utilizes a sequential process to move inventory based on demand, today's volatile demand and outsourced supply chains require systems that enable these processes to operate at the moment of demand change by evaluating requirements across the entire supply network. Response Management solutions are specifically focused on achieving this result."

Combing lean manufacturing processes with Response Management gives manufacturers a unique advantage in dealing with today's realities, allowing companies to respond to sudden shifts in demand while ensuring lean operations.
Listen to this interview

About Kinaxis
Kinaxis delivers an on-demand Response Management service for visibility and coordination to drive rapid response to constant change across global supply networks, resulting in breakthroughs in customer service and operating performance. Kinaxis RapidResponse combines multi-enterprise visibility, collaborative "what-if" analysis and rapid decision support to empower front-line staff at brand owners and manufacturers to take quick and effective action when faced with constant changes in demand, supply and product. Global leaders such as Casio, Honeywell, Jabil, Raytheon, Solectron and Benchmark Electronics use Kinaxis RapidResponse to empower their supply networks with superior responsiveness and gain competitive advantage. For more information, visit the Kinaxis web site at www.kinaxis.com or the company's blog at blog.kinaxis.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:30 PM | Comments (0)

Al Rainaldi, Executive Vice President of Profiles International, Takes on Additional Role of Chief Learning Officer

Workforce development has always been a priority both internally and externally for Profiles International, a world leader and innovator in selecting and developing high-performance workforces. Therefore in an effort to bring more consistency to its internal training programs, Al Rainaldi, Executive Vice President, has taken on the role of Chief Learning Officer.

(PRWEB) May 22, 2007 -- Workforce development has always been a priority both internally and externally for Profiles International, a world leader and innovator in selecting and developing high-performance workforces. Therefore in an effort to bring more consistency to its internal training programs, Al Rainaldi, Executive Vice President, has taken on the role of Chief Learning Officer.

In his new role, Mr. Rainaldi will be overseeing and developing Profiles' internal workforce development training programs. The goal is to take a highly qualified, highly engaged staff and offer them the knowledge and skills to further advance their careers within the organization. This advance training also serves to optimize individual contribution and performance.
Mr. Rainaldi has a sound background as an executive and an entrepreneur, leading a number of successful companies. He is a sought-after trainer with tremendous experience in helping businesses maximize the productivity of their employees.

"Al is an amazing individual and an extraordinary asset to our company. We could not be happier he has accepted this opportunity. Profiles International stands only to benefit from his expertise in this area," says Profiles International CEO, Jim Sirbasku.

About Profiles International:
Profiles International is the world's leader and innovator in selecting and developing high-performance workforces. Profiles continuously revalidates and updates its diverse collection of employment assessments, providing hundreds of companies worldwide with accurate, reliable information to use as a competitive strategy. For more information about Profiles' products and services, visit our Web site at Profiles International.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:30 PM | Comments (0)

For Farmers, Ordering Parts is Now a Click Away

Ag Dealer offers the convenience of online ordering

Intercourse, PA (PRWEB) May 22, 2007 -- In agriculture, like any business, time is money and for the farmer any time not spent in the field impacts the bottom line. To help farmers make the most of their time, Hoober, Inc., a Case-IH farm equipment dealer, is now offering farmers a fast, reliable way to order the parts they need. Whether it is tractor, hay equipment, tillage equipment, planters or combine parts, Hoober provides farmers the convenience of ordering parts online.

In addition to the convenience of being able to order farm equipment parts quickly, Hoober customers can also order parts anytime from anywhere. Already recognized for their outstanding parts service, making the move to online ordering was a natural step for Hoober.

"When it comes to parts, our job is to make sure we can get the parts our customers need as quickly and efficiently as possible," said Tom Yohe, Hoober's general manager. "Farmers today are using the Internet more and more and giving them the ability to order tractor parts from their home computer, or any computer, was something we felt we should make available."

Another plus for farmers visiting Hoober's site is the ability to find and order parts for all makes and models of farm equipment.

"If you're looking for Case IH tractor parts obviously we're going to have that because we're a Case-IH dealer," said Yohe. "But our parts capabilities extend far beyond that. Basically, whatever you're looking for you can find and order on our site," said Yohe. "Tractor filters, tractor paint, disc blades, batteries, baler twine, oil… the list is too big to cover completely and it includes parts for all makes and models."

In addition to ordering parts, the new website features Hoober's complete used farm equipment inventory as well as information on Hoober's new agricultural equipment, equipment specials, construction equipment, and rental units.

One of the most popular links on the website is the farm toy page. Hoober's large selection of farm toys are easily searched and located using 'narrow your search' style lookup screens. The screen design and toy selection have obviously been well received based on the popularity of this page by customers from all regions of the country. Industry collectibles and apparel also have dedicated pages on the new website.

The commitment by Hoober, Inc. to develop an extensive customer service based website and the traffic it has generated from customers, demonstrates that the farm equipment industry is certainly taking advantage of the benefits of the Internet. Like any other business, quality and efficiency are keys to success in farming and the tools and services offered at www.hoober.com are helping Hoober customers stay competitive in the marketplace.

About Hoober
Founded in 1941, Hoober, Inc. has four locations (Intercourse, PA, McAlisterville, PA, Middletown, DE and Seaford, DE) and serves agricultural and construction customers throughout the eastern United States.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:29 PM | Comments (0)

Victrex Launches APTIV™ Film, a Comprehensive Range of Versatile, High-Performance Films Based on VICTREX® PEEK™ Polymer

In a direct response to customer and market demands, Victrex plc, a leading manufacturer of high performance materials, including VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer and VICOTE® Coatings, has launched APTIV™film, a comprehensive range of versatile, high performance film products based on VICTREX PEEK polymer.

(PRWEB) May 22, 2007 -- Victrex launches APTIV™ film, a comprehensive range of versatile, high-performance films based on VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer.

Victrex opens the world's first high-volume film production facility solely dedicated to the production of VICTREX PEEK film.

22 May, 2007, Thornton Cleveleys, UK - In a direct response to customer and market demands, Victrex plc, a leading manufacturer of high performance materials, including VICTREX PEEK polymer and VICOTE® Coatings, has launched APTIV film, a comprehensive range of versatile, high performance film products based on VICTREX PEEK polymer.

APTIV film shares the long list of outstanding inherent properties of VICTREX PEEK polymer, making it one of the most versatile and high performing films available. The combination of properties include: high temperature performance; excellent chemical wear and hydrolysis resistance; superior mechanical properties; excellent barrier (permeation) and electrical properties; exceptional radiation resistance; high purity; halogen free, RoHs and FDA compliance; good flammability without the use of flame retardants, low toxicity of combustion gases; and, due to the thermoplastic nature of VICTREX PEEK polymer, APTIV film provides outstanding downstream conversion flexibility and is recyclable.

APTIV films will be produced at a newly-constructed film extrusion plant co-located at Victrex's manufacturing headquarters in Thornton Cleveleys in Lancashire, UK, one of
the most technologically advanced facilities for the production of high-performance polymers. The £5.3 million state-of-the-art facility is the world's first high-volume film production facility dedicated to producing VICTREX PEEK film.

The APTIV film production line is custom-designed and has a unique combination of best-in-class standard equipment and proprietary design features, including a custom designed extruder, roll stack and winder. This new facility delivers flexible manufacturing features that include a state-of-the-art film extrusion die, a computerized control X-ray thickness measurement device automatically linked to the extrusion die, to deliver unsurpassed thickness tolerances, and an advanced winder capable of winding very thin film. The facility also includes equipment with the ability to provide off-line slitting, rewinding, and plasma surface treatment, and equipment designed to recycle and recover waste film benefiting customers and the environment. The atmospheric plasma surface treatment system selected by Victrex is the next generation in surface treatment surpassing the more traditional Corona based surface treatment systems in performance and the first to be supplied by the vendor of the system in Europe.

"Victrex has a great deal of experience in the use of VICTREX PEEK polymer in film applications," said Dave Hummel, Chief Executive of Victrex plc. "However, we have seen a significant increase in requests from potential and existing customers for Victrex own made and branded film products to address their very specific application needs. OEMs and processors have to address different issues depending on the industries in which they operate and Victrex has responded to this need with the introduction of the APTIV film range."

For example, processors that need to respond to the statutory requirement to use lead-free solders during the manufacture of electronic products are finding that their choices of materials are limited as the need for higher processing temperatures demand higher performance materials, whilst those operating in the aerospace sector need to harness weight-saving opportunities, without compromising performance. In both these examples APTIV film can address these needs.

"Further, the drive by OEMs and their customers, for smaller, lighter, yet more functional products across many industries has increased the demands placed on the materials used in the design and manufacture of the end product," continued Hummel. "It is our ability to work with our customers to assist them in developing their applications, and then delivering the film that is right for them, that is vital. With the introduction of the APTIV film range, our customers are guaranteed that the quality and combination of properties that they have come to depend on with VICTREX PEEK polymer, can now be replicated in a flexible film format.

"In addition, with many of our customers facing issues over the availability of other engineering plastics and films, the decision to build a dedicated APTIV film facility, as part of our fully integrated supply chain, ensures that Victrex customers have a reliable and secure supply of high quality, high performance PEEK film," continued Hummel. "This is particularly important as the majority of our customers operate 'Just in Time' manufacturing processes. Finally, because Victrex is focused exclusively on the development and production of APTIV films, customers benefit from the elimination of material cross-contamination concerns."

The new APTIV films can be manufactured in widths up to 1.5 meters and at a thickness ranging from 6 to 750 microns. This unrivalled level of design flexibility makes APTIV film an ideal high performance solution for customers looking to facilitate reduced systems cost, improved performance, and increased design freedom to enhance their own products' performance and differentiation. Further, Victrex is continuing to work in partnership with its key customers to develop specialized films for complex applications.

APTIV film is a technology platform. With an extensive grade range, the range is expected to grow in the coming years as application needs arise and are developed. APTIV film is backed by a dedicated global team of technical, product and application experts tasked with ensuring that customers, no matter where they are in the world, will have access to applications and technical know-how to develop their own applications quickly and efficiently.
For more information about Victrex APTIV films made from VICTREX PEEK polymer, go to www.aptivfilms.com.

About Victrex
Victrex plc is the leading manufacturer of high performance materials, including VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer, VICOTE® Coatings and APTIV™ film. These materials are used in a variety of markets and offer an exceptional combination of properties to help processors and end users reach new levels of cost savings, quality, and performance.

The company is headquartered in the UK. Invibio®, Victrex's biomaterials business, provides access to specialized products and services for medical device manufacturers. Victrex Japan, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Victrex plc. For more information visit http://www.victrex.com or www.victrex.mobi.

VICTREX® is a registered trademark of Victrex Manufacturing Limited. PEEK™, PEEK-HT™ and APTIV™ are trademarks of Victrex plc. VICOTE® is a registered trademark of Victrex plc.

Enquiries:
Amelia Burkhart
Victrex USA Inc.
Tel: + 203 761-9316
Email: aburkhart @ victrex.com

Claire Walker
Techworks Asia Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 1296 620201
Email: claire @ techworksasia.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:29 PM | Comments (0)

American Based SF Video, Inc. Expands Distribution Throughout Europe

SF Video, Inc., a full service multimedia duplication and replication solutions company, has announced a new partnership that will enable the company to expand their distribution throughout Europe. The name of the new partner company is CDI International, a leading global disc (CD/DVD) manufacturer, established in 1987. CDI has manufacturing facilities in Israel and the Netherlands, creating a manufacturing network cable serving a growing base of clients in Europe and Israel.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) May 22, 2007 -- SF Video, Inc., a full service multimedia duplication and replication solutions company, has announced a new partnership that will enable the company to expand their distribution throughout Europe. The name of the new partner company is CDI International, a leading global disc (CD/DVD) manufacturer, established in 1987. CDI has manufacturing facilities in Israel and the Netherlands, creating a manufacturing network cable serving a growing base of clients in Europe and Israel.

Steven Feinberg, Founder & President of SF Video, Inc. stated, "SF Video's manufacturing relationship with CDI International allows us greater flexibility and manageability in shipping our products throughout Europe. We are confidant in the success of this venture due to the mutual core values shared by each partner - SF Video and CDI International. Delivering outstanding personal service, with top quality products has always been the SF Video way of doing business, and CDI International employees are equally committed to the highest possible levels of quality, service, speed of performance, and precision."

As testimony to the Company's dedication to quality, Microsoft and AOL have officially recognized CDI as an authorized CD Replicator, and Warner Bros. as an authorized DVD Replicator.

In 1996, INC 500 named SF Video to its list of America's Fastest Growing Companies. Today SF Video's DVD and CD replication company continues to grow with facilities in New York, Los Angeles, Florida and Israel with the corporate headquarters is located in San Francisco.

About SF Video, Inc. - SF Video has been pioneering large volume CD replication and DVD replication since 1997. A unique pricing system, innovative packaging and fulfillment solutions, in a streamlined process ensures on-time delivery, and makes SF Video a one-stop-solution. Personalized customer service and 24/7 manufacturing enables delivering the highest quality at the lowest prices.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:28 PM | Comments (0)

June Job Market Shows Slowing Employment Growth in Manufacturing Sector

Service-Sector Growth Slightly Stronger than in June 2006.

Alexandria, Va. (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 22, 2007 -- According to new numbers from the Leading Indicator of National Employment® (LINE™), manufacturing hiring will be much weaker in June 2007 than it was in June 2006. Within the larger service sector, growth will be just slightly stronger than in June 2006. LINE™ is a collaborative effort between the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations.

This LINE™ employment expectations report references the same June period as the report the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will release on July 6, 2007. The responses in the LINE™ survey are weighted using the proportion of total employment represented by the respondent's industry.

Compared with a year ago, new-hire compensation is rising more slowly within manufacturing, but more rapidly within the service sector. The number of vacant positions that employers are actively trying to fill is rising rapidly within the exempt manufacturing sector, but it has dropped significantly in the exempt service sector and in the nonexempt manufacturing and service sectors. Recruiting difficulty increased in the service sector, but eased in manufacturing compared with a year ago. In both sectors, recruiting difficulty remains a major concern.

The indicator reports on four employment measures: job expectations, job vacancies, new-hire compensation and recruitment difficulty. The LINE™ employment expectations index has consistently provided an early indication of the upcoming BLS numbers. The LINE™ "net increasing index" is calculated by taking the percentage increasing minus the percentage decreasing. The figure below shows how the LINE™ employment expectations index, in red, has correlated with the BLS numbers, which come out five weeks later. To view the full report, visit www.shrm.org/LINE.

Manufacturing
The employment expectations index rose from 43.2 in May 2007 to 46.8 in June 2007. By comparison, the June 2007 index (46.8) is still substantially below the June 2006 index (52.8). Within manufacturing, the new-hire compensation index for May 2007 is well below the level of a year ago (9.8 versus 12.4). This is consistent with the slower manufacturing employment growth. The May 2007 exempt vacancy index is well above (23.5 versus 13.6) and the non-exempt vacancy index is below (14.0 versus 25.3) the levels of May 2006. With fewer vacant positions and fewer exempt and non-exempt vacancies within manufacturing, the May 2007 recruiting difficulty index (20.8) is well below the level of May 2006 (32.0).

Service
Slightly more service-sector firms expect to expand their workforce in June 2007 than in June 2006 (68.5 percent versus 66.0 percent). The new-hire compensation index (17.7) is significantly above the level of a year ago (8.5). This is consistent with more rapid service-sector employment growth. Within the service sector, both the exempt and non-exempt vacancy indices fell substantially from 10.7 in May 2006 to -0.2 in May 2007 for exempt service-sector workers and from 27.8 in May 2006 to 6.8 in May 2007 for nonexempt workers. The May 2007 recruiting difficulty index (19.0) is well above the level of May 2006 (8.0).

The LINE™ index is an economic indicator that identifies early economic trends and changes in the national job market by surveying human resource (HR) executives at manufacturing and service-sector firms. The indicator is released at 8:30 am ET on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world's largest association devoted to human resource management. Representing more than 210,000 individual members, the Society's mission is both to serve human resource management professionals and to advance the profession. Founded in 1948, SHRM currently has more than 550 affiliated chapters within the United States and members in more than 100 countries. Visit SHRM Online at www.shrm.org.

The School of Management and Labor Relations at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is a leading center of scholarly and applied research on human resource management issues. The school creates and disseminates knowledge that fosters a better understanding of the nature of employment and work in modern society. The Rutgers Master of Human Resource Management degree is one of the top human resource management programs in the nation.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:27 PM | Comments (0)

Intermec Introduces the World’s Safest Mobile Computer CK32IS is certified intrinsically safe on more global hazardous environmental standards than any other rugged handheld computer The safest handheld computer for workers in the chemical, oil and gas,

EVERETT, Wash. (BusinessWire EON) May 22, 2007 -- Intermec (NYSE:IN) is now shipping the new CK32IS handheld computer, which provides industries like chemical, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, grain, textile and mining, a powerful, intrinsically safe, extremely rugged handheld computer. The CK32IS will carry the most extensive list of global hazardous environmental ratings — including ATEX and IEC at launch, UL shortly thereafter — of any handheld computer, so it can be deployed anywhere in the world.
The CK32IS was designed from inception for hazardous environments, meeting the most stringent requirements not only for flammable gases, vapors, liquids, but also for dust, fibers and flyings. The mobile computer has been ATEX-certified for use in Zone 0 (gases) and Zone 20 (dusts and fibers) environments — the highest possible safety ratings, requiring double-fault protection of circuitry. In addition, the product’s accessories meet the latest associated apparatus certifications to provide the highest level of safety.

The Windows Mobile® 5.0-based handheld computer features a fast Intel™ XScale™ PXA270 processor, 128 MB of DRAM memory and 64 MB of non-volatile Flash memory. It supports Intermec TE2000 terminal emulation software to run legacy applications and has a full suite of audio capabilities to enable interactive VoIP, walkie-talkie applications, and digital recording applications.

“Intermec’s CK32IS is the ideal combination of safety and performance,” said Donald Frieden, president and chief executive officer of SAT Corporation, a leading provider of asset tracking, data collection and integration solutions for the process manufacturing industry and an Intermec Honours Partner. “With the CK32IS, companies can implement our mobile workforce and decision support system on one computing platform both for employees working in hazardous environments and those not — lowering the total cost of ownership.”

The CK32IS is designed for use in any country right out of the box. The device comes localized in worldwide English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Thai (character set only) languages, and is compliant with the European Union’s RoHS and WEEE regulations.

“Over the last year, we have observed growing awareness and interest in devices that meet the I-Safe and ATEX standards, particularly among companies that work with or distribute flammable gases,” said Todd Kort, principal research analyst, Mobile and Wireless, Gartner.

As part of Intermec’s complete family of rugged AIDC products designed and manufactured for demanding environments, the CK32IS supports all the leading industry standards, including Cisco Client Extensions® (CCX), Wavelink Avalanche Remote Device Management, Wi-Fi®, .NET, Java and the Intermec Developer Library. It also supports Intermec’s SmartSystems™ Foundation, which provides a single, integrated environment for hands-free deployment and management of devices located anywhere in the enterprise — on-site or remote.

The ATEX/IEC-certified Intermec CK32IS is available worldwide now; units with UL certifications will be available in June.

About Intermec

Intermec Inc. (NYSE:IN) develops, manufactures and integrates technologies that identify, track and manage supply chain assets. Core technologies include RFID, mobile computing and data collection systems, bar code printers and label media. The company’s products and services are used by customers in many industries worldwide to improve the productivity, quality and responsiveness of business operations. Intermec offers a complete RFID product suite including readers, printers, tags, labels and inlays supported by RFID implementation services to guarantee system performance, all from a single source. For more information about Intermec, visit www.intermec.com or call 800-347-2636. Contact Intermec Investor Relations Director Kevin McCarty at kevin.mccarty@intermec.com; 425-265-2472.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:26 PM | Comments (0)

Platinum Research Reports First Quarter Results

DALLAS (BusinessWire EON) May 22, 2007 -- Platinum Research Organization, Inc. (OTCBB:PLRO), a technology-based company focused on research and commercialization of patented, high-performance lubricants and coatings for automotive, aviation, industrial and consumer aftermarkets, announced results for the First Quarter ending March 31, 2007.

The activities of the Company during the first quarter were primarily focused on the completion of the merger with its wholly owned subsidiary, effective April 18, 2007. The name of the surviving Company became “Platinum Research Organization, Inc.”

As of March 31, 2007 the Company had total cash on hand of $510,429, and a loan receivable of $1,020,000. The Company also had $1,052,832 in liabilities of which $1,039,179 is owed to convertible debenture holders, and $13,653 is owed for accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Cash flows used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2007 were $34,319 compared to $5,904 used in operating activities for the same period in 2006.

The 10-QSB for the quarter ending March 31, 2007 has been filed with the SEC. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's financial statements and the notes thereto contained in the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 presented in the Form 10-KSB and filed with the SEC on March 23, 2007.

Cork Jaeger, CEO of Platinum Research Organization, Inc., commented, "Now that this merger is completed, management can re-focus its attention on the details of the business, and particularly on the commercialization of our products and technologies and generation of revenues."

The following events occurred subsequent to March 31, 2007:

On April 12, 2007, the Company held its Special Meeting, at which stockholders approved the proposed Contribution Agreement transaction with Platinum LP et al. The stockholders also approved the reincorporation merger of the Company with its wholly owned subsidiary in order to re-domicile the Company from Nevada into Delaware and to update the corporate charter documents of the Company.

On April 18, 2007, the Company completed its acquisition of Platinum LP pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, dated October 26, 2006, as amended. On April 18, 2007, the Company appointed Michael D. Newman as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

On April 18, 2007, immediately following the closing of the Contribution Agreement, the Company had approximately $5.6 million in cash and cash equivalents of which $1.5 million was considered restricted cash.

About Platinum Research Organization, Inc. (PRO)

Formed in 1996, PRO is focused on becoming the leader in the design, development and commercialization of patented high-performance lubricants and coatings. PRO’s products will be marketed under the trade name TechroBond™ for automotive, aviation, industrial and consumer aftermarkets. PRO’s proprietary lubricant additives offer substantial economic and environmental advantages over those additives currently used in commercial lubricants and compounds. Broad applications for TechroBond lubricants will provide diverse market opportunities for PRO’s technology. The Company’s proprietary formulations and processes are protected by four U.S. patents, five U.S. patent applications, three continuation-in-art applications and several trade secrets. The Company is based in Dallas.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Statements about the future performance of the Company, economic trends, and other forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including and without limitation, continued acceptance of the Company products, increased levels of competition for the Company, new products and technological changes, the Company dependence on third-party suppliers, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company provides no assurance regarding the actual outcome of the events contemplated by any forward-looking statements included in this release.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:26 PM | Comments (0)

May 21, 2007

Consumers Beware Of The Internet: Americas Watchdog Declares War on Counterfeit Drug & Counterfeit Cigarette Manufacturers and Their Web Sites

After a two year investigation into the murky world of on line pharmacies and Internet "cheap cigarettes", Americas Watchdog and its Global Piracy & Counterfeiting Consultants have a worldwide recommendation to all consumers. This can be summed up in three words: "Don't Do It". The investigation concluded that the "on line drugs and cigarettes could be lethal or you could get charged for something you never get". By doing business with a on line cigarette or drug "retailer", a consumer may have just given their credit information to the Russian Mafia or organized crime.

(PRWEB) May 21, 2007 -- Americas Watchdog is one of the premier consumer advocacy groups in the United States. The group has formed a piracy & counterfeiting task force to take on sellers of "on line" counterfeit drugs or cigarettes. The group is warning all consumers worldwide to avoid doing business with "on line" pharmacies or cigarette "retailers" unless they can provide credentials. Aside from potential lethal counterfeit drugs or cigarettes, consumers expose them selves to possible identity theft or paying for something they never get. "Who wants to do business with the Russian Mafia or organized crime"? Americas Watchdog's Global Piracy & Counterfeiting Consultants are seeking corporate partnerships to curb this growing worldwide problem with buy operations designed to expose the counterfeiters or their "retail" outlets. The two areas to be targeted are:

*Counterfeit Cigarettes
British American Tobacco has reported that more than one in 20 cigarettes smoked worldwide is either smuggled or counterfeit.

The cigarette industry, like many other industries, faces an unprecedented challenge from counterfeit products. The WCO estimates that 190 billion counterfeit cigarettes are produced each year in China, making it "a major source country for European/US markets".

Americas Watchdog and its Global Piracy & Counterfeit Consultants warn that counterfeit cigarettes, which may look identical to those purchased legitimately over the counter, can contain hazardous levels of damaging toxins, including arsenic. The black-market cigarettes have higher levels of tar, nicotine and carcinogenic chemicals from contaminated tobacco leaves. In other words, counterfeit cigarettes could be dangerous.

Americas Watchdog and its Global Piracy & Counterfeiting Consultants are warning consumers not to purchase counterfeit cigarettes or "on line cigarettes" as they could be a serious health hazard. In addition by purchasing counterfeit cigarettes a consumer may actually be enriching terrorists or organized crime. Americas Watchdog would welcome the opportunity to work directly with British Tobacco, the Altria Group, Reynolds American, Altadis or other cigarette manufacturers in order to curb and or disrupt the manufacturing or distribution of counterfeit cigarettes.

*Counterfeit Drugs
The FDA recommends that consumers who have purchased drugs from certain web sites not use the products because they may be unsafe. Laboratory analyses are underway for intercepted products that were destined for the U.S. market. Preliminary laboratory results to date have found counterfeits of the following drug products: Lipitor, Diovan, Actonel, Nexium, Hyzaar, Ezetrol (known as Zetia in the United States), Crestor, Celebrex, Arimidex and Propecia. All of these medications require a prescription from a licensed health care provider to be legally dispensed.

DRUG NAME
USE(S)

LIPITOR
Cholesterol disorders

CRESTOR
Cholesterol disorders

ZETIA (US name) / EZETROL (Canadian name)
Cholesterol disorders

DIOVAN
High blood pressure

HYZAAR
High blood pressure

ACTONEL
Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women

NEXIUM
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

CELEBREX
Arthritis-related pain

ARIMIDEX
Breast cancer

PROPECIA
Male-pattern baldness

According to the FDA, drug counterfeiters defraud consumers by selling products that resemble legitimate drugs but may contain inactive or incorrect ingredients; contain improper doses of active ingredients; or be otherwise contaminated. Purchasing ED products on line from illegitimate websites involve risks such as::

-- Fake or "generic" ED drugs may be manufactured in unregulated factories, often in regions of the world that do not share the same rigorous standards for pharmaceutical manufacturing applied in the U.S.

-- The drugs may contain dangerous additives

-- The illegal drugs may not work as claimed, or at all

-- Illegitimate pharmacies may take payment but not ship ordered products, or shipped products may be seized by the U.S. government because they are illegal

-- Web sites that distribute counterfeit ED pills, including "generic Viagra", Cialis and Levitra have been found to abuse credit card information.

Americas Watchdog and its Global Piracy & Counterfeiting Consultants (Http://GP-CC.Com ) strongly encourage consumers in the US and worldwide to stay away from Internet cigarette "retailers", Internet pharmacies or computer pop ups for ED or other medical conditions. According to Americas Watchdog's President, "these counterfeit drugs could actually kill you. If a consumer wants to be safe, consult a physician or a licensed pharmacy, rather than trusting someone you don't know anything about on the Internet." As a part of one of their investigations, Americas Watchdog ordered a sedative from an "on line pharmacy", and they were sent a blood thinner instead.

Americas Watchdog wants to shut down all illegal Internet pharmacies and assist in the prosecution of illegal "on line pharmacies" or counterfeit drug manufacturers and counterfeit cigarette manufactures or "retailers". If you are an executive or a law firm representing Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Astrozeneca, Aventis, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Bristol Meyers or any other pharmaceutical company or an executive or law firm representing Altria, Reynolds American, British American Tobacco or other cigarette manufacturers, please contact America's Watchdog's Global Piracy & Counterfeiting Consultants to learn more about our global anti-counterfeiting initiatives. If you are a consumer, a law firm representing a corporate client or a corporate executive and would like more information about Americas Watchdog's worldwide counterfeiting initiatives, please contact them at their web site Http://GP-CC.Com or call 866-714-6466.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:22 PM | Comments (0)

Free Templates Released by Open Source Six Sigma™

In effort to adhere to the mission of Open Source Six Sigma™, OSSS releases Free templates to the process improvement community.

Scottsdale, Ariz. (PRWEB) May 21, 2007 -- In an effort to continue with their mission Open Source Six Sigma™, a Scottsdale, Ariz.,-based company, has made available to the process improvement community downloadable templates to anyone who visits the site, completely Free of charge.

OpenSourceSixSigma.com, "is a truly innovative concept," as one OSSS customer puts it. Since its inception in the 1st part of this month, the project has generated rapid activity due to its untraditional approach within the niche Six Sigma community.

"We are staying true to our mission by providing valuable assets for exceedingly low prices, in this case Free. For the individuals who think we are too good to be true, well... come see for yourself," states Brian Culp of Open Source Six Sigma™.

Open Source Six Sigma™ has created a repository of templates where users can effortlessly download, rate and comment on the high quality templates. In addition, OSSS has configured their systems to encourage community involvement by allowing users to contribute their unique templates within the OSSS Repository.

The OSSS Template Repository adds yet another asset which will promote collaboration, knowledge sharing and value to its users. Use of such templates is very diverse. Essentially any industry that deals with some form of business and performance improvement will benefit from the Templates.

The OSSS Templates are essentially ready to use tools applicable to various business improvement activities. The set of templates includes everything from basic Process Mapping and consolidated Statistical Tables to advanced templates for performing statistical Gauge Studies.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:21 PM | Comments (0)

Family-Owned Businesses Grow Faster by Outsourcing and By Improving Family Relationships

Atlanta-based Family Business Institute together with their on-line organization Family Business Experts and The Ahola Corporation, a national payroll processing organization headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, have announced a new strategic partnership that will be a great resource for family-owned businesses.

(PRWEB) May 21, 2007 -- Don Schwerzler, founder of Family Business Institute and Jeff Ahola, CEO of The Ahola Corporation, held a joint press conference to announce a new strategic partnership between their respective organizations.

"One of the major questions most family-owned businesses wrestle with is how to grow the family's business while at the same time maintaining healthy family relationships," said Don Schwerzler, an internationally recognized expert in family business dynamics.

The advice offered by Schwerzler -- "professionalize the management style of the business and formalize the communication system for the family".

Jeff Ahola could not agree more. The Ahola Corporation is a family-owned business that was started in 1967 by Chester and Rheta Ahola. The company is now owned by the second generation, siblings Marja, Mark, Jeff and Scott Ahola.

Today, at age 40, The Ahola Corporation is the third oldest payroll processing company in the nation. They serve over 3,300 customers in 44 states. They also provide tax payment and workers' compensation services to small and mid-size businesses -- plus a seamless link between payroll and retirement plan administration with both Principal Financial and Nationwide.

Ahola, who earned his MBA at Pepperdine University, is the CEO of The Ahola Corporation, which focuses on providing payroll services to family owned businesses. The Ahola Corporation's patent pending system, Family Pay, provides unprecedented security, compliance and simplicity. The system allows a business owner to delegate payroll responsibilities to a non-family employee -- without revealing the details of the family members' compensation. Family Pay also assists clients in monitoring the unique IRS regulations that apply to family businesses.

"We know how difficult it can be to be in business with family -- but we also know how fulfilling it can be to build a successful family legacy for future generations," said Ahola.

The new joint partnership will conduct a series of nationwide workshops dealing with Innovation and the Family Business. Schwerzler pointed out that "the Family Business Institute has the only Family Business Innovation program in the country".

Jeff Ahola said "we are pleased to be sponsoring these family business workshops and we are excited to make them available to our family business clients. Our goal is to help take the complexity out of running a family company".

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:20 PM | Comments (0)

Label World Featured in Best Practices Podcast

Richard Spencer, President and CEO of Label World in Rochester, New York, was interviewed by Ken Rayment of the Better Process Podcast news channel, part of the podcasternews.com network. This podcast discusses the challenges -- and solutions -- facing small to mid-sized manufacturing businesses competing in ever more crowded markets. Label World is a full service provider of custom self adhesive (pressure sensitive) product labels and labeling solutions that help manufacturers both improve supply chain efficiency and make their products 'pop' at the point of sale.

Rochester, NY (PRWEB) May 21, 2007 -- Richard Spencer, President and CEO of Label World in Rochester, New York, was interviewed by Ken Rayment of the Better Process Podcast news channel, part of the podcasternews.com network. This podcast discusses the challenges -- and solutions -- facing small to mid sized manufacturing businesses competing in ever more crowded markets. Label World is a full service provider of custom self adhesive (pressure sensitive) product labels and labeling solutions that help manufacturers both improve supply chain efficiency and make their products 'pop' at the point of sale.

The question asked: As markets have become ever more crowded and competitive, product manufacturers are searching for ways to better differentiate their products as well as improve supply chain efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs. Products and advertising messages have proliferated as manufacturers compete for their buyers' attention. Exploding product choices can overwhelm and confuse harried buyers. How do you cut through all this marketing clutter and make your product or service stand out and sell?

The answer: Good product labeling is increasingly critical to selling products in today's markets. A label is the most precious advertising space money can buy. Superior product labels can drive substantial pull through sales at the point of sale, as evidenced by some of Label World's customers who have enjoyed as much as 50-100% increases in sales as a result of investing in better labeling solutions. Label World's print-on-demand, fulfillment, e-commerce and application equipment services have also helped clients improve supply chain costs, quality and lead time performance.

This podcast discusses a variety of packaging and labeling technologies and solutions that can help manufacturers compete and cut through the marketing clutter to sell their products. Topics discussed include:

Print-on-demand solutions
Just-in-time delivery
Kitting and fulfillment services
Automatic label application
E-commerce and ordering practices
Creative redesign and rebranding services
Regional brands, versions
Test marketing and digital prototyping
Digital printing, reduced inventories, obsolescence management
Personalization, variable data printing, one-to-one marketing
Special print effects: foils, metallics, fluorescents, holograms, lenticular and domed labels
Smart labels: time-temperature-indication, extended content labels, RFID
Brand security: anti-tamper, anti-counterfeit packaging features

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:20 PM | Comments (0)

AMSCO Windows Introduces New Patio Door Hardware

New Patio Door Hardware Designs and Finishes to Showcase at PCBC 2007

Salt Lake City (PRWEB) May 21, 2007 -- AMSCO Windows introduces new hardware designs and options to enhance the aesthetics of its sliding patio doors. Available in four of the most popular plated finishes, the new designs provide homeowners with more options to customize their patio doors to their home's design and décor.

The Heritage Series Contemporary style patio door features an all new hardware design with D-style handles on the interior and exterior. The new standard hardware has unique lines that curve from top to bottom and is comfortable in your hand when operating the vent.

"The new hardware offers a unique look for our contemporary style vinyl patio door line," said Steve Sullivan, director of marketing for AMSCO. "Many of our customers have requested an outside D-handle and we are delighted to incorporate this feature into our standard handle design."

AMSCO also redesigned the Renaissance Series sliding patio door hardware to create a more elegant feel that complements the look and feel of its upper-end composite product line. The handle is longer than its predecessor and is asymmetrical in appearance, providing a unique presence on the door. Since the Renaissance Series is AMSCO's top-of-the-line product, the handles come standard with a keyed lock.

Customize Your Style with New Plated Finish Options
In addition to the new designs, AMSCO introduces new plated hardware in four of the most popular finishes -- oil rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, antique brass and polished brass. Whether you are looking at vinyl or composite patio doors, you can select any of these finishes to match other hardware in your home, such as interior door knobs and cabinet hardware, for a more consistent look and feel throughout.

With this introduction, the Heritage Series French style patio door hardware is now available in the plated options. While the handle design remains the same, the new finish options add a distinctive look to this more traditional style sliding patio door. Additionally, with its narrower frame, the Heritage Series Contemporary style utilizes this same handle when a plated finish is selected, refining the look of this more modern style patio door.

The new Renaissance Series patio door goes a step further when adding plated options. The redesigned handle has a taller escutcheon than the new standard design and is combined with a finger-turn lock above the handle.

"We carried the new design over to the upgraded hardware and increased its presence with a taller escutcheon," said Sullivan. "The most important component on a patio door is the handle because it attracts attention and interacts with the homeowner. The taller escutcheon and finger-turn lock make this handle the focal point for the door. And no matter which finish you choose for your patio door, this hardware stands ready to be noticed."

AMSCO will showcase the new patio door hardware designs and options at this year's PCBC show. Visit AMSCO's booth #0701 in the South Hall. For more information about AMSCO's new patio door hardware, visit www.amscowindows.com.

About AMSCO
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, AMSCO Windows has a strong heritage of providing innovative products and services for dealers, builders and homeowners for more than 50 years. As a growing company setting the pace for the emerging composite window industry, AMSCO prides itself on adding aesthetics and functionality to a homeowner's most prized possession -- their home. For more information, please visit www.amscowindows.com or call (888) 82-AMSCO.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:19 PM | Comments (0)

Smart Consumer Goods Tap Into David Biernbaum's Experience And Hands-On Knowledge

On May 31st David Biernbaum will be leading a seminar in St. Louis discussing topics such as strategic marketing plans and common mistakes of retailers.

St. Louis, Mo. (PRWEB) May 20, 2007 -- For privately held, moderate-to-midsized consumer packaged goods companies, marketing and sales consultant David Biernbaum is their David vs. Goliath. For more than 27 years, Biernbaum has helped companies maneuver the sea of competition fighting for retail shelf space, helping brands carve out niches and position themselves to become some of the most beloved brands and sales super heroes of their categories.

On May 31st, Biernbaum, launches the first in his series of consultative "Coffee Talks". Biernbaum will share the secrets that have made the difference for dozens of companies in their quest for regional, big box and global shelf space.

According to Biernbaum, "It's easy for privately held CPG companies to make missteps. I talk to them like a friend in the business. It's important that they know what they really need and want to know. That includes answers and practical knowledge about everything from the NACDS Marketplace, ECRM and all the major retail chains."

The Coffee Talk series will take place in St. Louis, near the St. Louis Airport, making the summit easily accessible for entrepreneurs coming for all over the U.S, and Canada. Biernbaum, known as a hands-on senior marketing and sales VP for growing niche brand companies, holds the key to the Pandora's Box of answers of what it takes to make it in today's competitive consumer goods retail landscape.

A portion of the Coffee Talk will focus on retail. Topics and discussion points will include: What are the most practical ways to approach the mega-billion giant retailers who exert such enormous power and influence over which brands fly or flounder. What are the common mistakes and pitfalls for how these retailers are approached? What do they expect from you when you walk in the door? What types of meetings really work, and what types of meetings really do not? What are the real motivators? What are the real turn-off's that you might not notice until several months later? What are the politics, the nuances, and infrastructures that drive decisions with each retailer, specifically? What are the real preparations needed for successful appointments? What is worthwhile, and what not? What is the real substance I need? How important is my product? What prevents many new innovative products from getting chosen, even with great pricing and good margins? What are the roles of the buyer, the category manager, and where does senior management come into play?

According to Biernbaum, a CPG's relationship with its broker can be one of the primary cornerstones of its success. Most reputable brokers in each market are very knowledgeable and helpful, and have good relationships with retailers in their markets, and many retail buyers prefer that CPG's use brokers for any number of reasons. However, it is absolutely essential and critical to your company's health that you have a completely realistic understanding about brokers, and the entire broker process, immediately and upfront. At the Coffee Talk session, Biernbaum will have an in-depth discussion about brokers, covering topics ranging from hiring, reliance, expectations, appointment and door-opening, and the 6 common mistakes most companies make with brokers.

One of the biggest blunders Biernbaum has seen companies make is in their own planning. Biernbaum's Coffee Talk will address critical elements for success including the real cost associated with launching new items; competing in categories dominated by giants; return on investment with trade advertising; and a crash course in key CPG industry terms.

In addition, Biernbaum will provide tips on activities and things to look out for before, during and after each tradeshow or conference to maximize each experience.

To register for the summit, email Biernbaum at e-mail protected from spam bots, or call him at (314) 434-6008.

About David Biernbaum
David Biernbaum is a consumer packaged goods specialist in the field of marketing, retail sales, and business development, with a far-reaching background and resilient history developing major national brands, niche items, licensed goods, and premium store brands.

David Biernbaum contributed on developmental leadership teams with major multinational companies such as Smith Kline Beecham, Abbott Laboratories, and Gillette, helping to launch highly successful brands such as Aquafresh, Mineral Ice, Selsun Blue, and Oral-B brands, while holding executive and management leadership positions and developing many of today's leaders in the consumer goods industry.

"Hands-on," David Biernbaum develops and manages direct national sales forces, brokers, and savvy marketing teams. David's history is building long term equity and success in both large multi-national firms, and rapid development of entrepreneurial brands and small businesses using efficient gorilla approaches to compete.

David Biernbaums leadership was instrumental to help develop Vi-Jon Laboratories become a major force in private label personal care products, and Zooth Inc., during its most propelling growth years. David also helped develop Fresh & Go USA, OraWave LLC's formable partnership with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer organization, and currently he is helping Dr. Harold Katz LLC with a rapid pace of retail growth and development with its TheraBreath brand and new PerioTherapy brand launch.

David Biernbaum is a frequent columnist, panelist, and contributor for trade shows, instructional workshops, and panels, and has written several columns for trade magazines such as MMR, Chain Drug Review, ECRM Focus, and Private Label Buyer.

David Biernbaum engages in frequent teleconferences and small board room meetings to help companies with trade show strategies, marketing, and sales leadership.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:18 PM | Comments (0)

ThermoSpas Hot Tubs Releases Revolutionary Spa Trainer Swim Spa

The worlds most respected Hot Tub Manufacturer, ThermoSpas releases The Spa Trainer Swim Spa.

Wallingford, CT (PRWEB) May 19, 2007 -- As the worlds most respected Hot Tub Manufacturer with their Park Avenue Hot Tub rated as a "best buy" by consumer digest, Thermospa is proud to release The Spa Trainer not only as an amazing product for training and entertaining but also for its therapeutic benefits. The Thermospa Spa Trainer it is a combination swimming pool and spa measuring 7'x 14'x 4' revolutionary in its design and function. The Spa Trainer was developed by ThermoSpa engineers to be not only an endless lap pool but also has space to row, jog, walk, and entertain up to 12 adults comfortably.

Unlike other comparable hot tub and spa products in the hot tub and spa industry, ThermoSpas Spa Trainer offers 2 unique hot tub therapy seats equipped to offer ThermoSpas total control therapy, and deep massaging action. The Spa Trainer is the largest hot tub offered by ThermoSpas but still maintains the level of cost and energy efficiency that ThermoSpa customers have come to expect.

While preserving the quality that ThermoSpa is revered for, The Spa Trainer was developed with today's life styles in mind, offering many of the accommodations and accessories available to the rest of the ThermoSpa line. ThermoSpa's remarkable Spa Trainer is the future for home entertainment and fitness.

Built strong and made to last The Spa Trainer's hot tub shell is manufactured with a proprietary thermoBond rigidizing system that has a 0% failure rate along with a unique hybrid filtration system that filters The Spa Trainer's water 24 hours a day up to 10 times more volume than comparable hot tubs.

The ThermoCover and ThermoFiltration system's conserve the hot tubs energy effectively and also keeps the hot tub water clean and sanitary. The Spa Trainer is fully portable.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:17 PM | Comments (0)

May 18, 2007

Mohawk Premium Paper Lines, Including Strathmore, Now Carbon Neutral

Mohawk Fine Papers announces the first premium papers in the US now made carbon neutral. Mohawk's Strathmore Writing, Strathmore Script, Beckett Concept and Beckett Expression grade lines are manufactured with wind-generated electricity and are now made carbon neutral.

Cohoes, NY (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- Mohawk Fine Papers Inc. today announced select premium product lines, including Strathmore, are now made carbon neutral within its production and distribution process.

Why is this significant? "Strathmore Writing is the best-known letterhead paper in the U.S. It is chosen by leading companies for business cards, letterheads, annual reports, and other important corporate marketing materials and now it is made carbon neutral," says Thomas D. O'Connor, Jr., Chairman and CEO.

Earlier this year, Mohawk joined the U.S. EPA Climate Leaders program to develop formal greenhouse gas emission reduction goals. As an extension of this commitment, Mohawk will augment its current purchase of 60 million Green-e windpower renewable energy credits (RECs) used as electric energy offsets, with verified emissions reduction credits (VERs). The Verified Emission Reductions (VERs) offset all of the thermal energy used in the production of the following select paper grades: Strathmore Writing, Strathmore Script, Beckett Concept and Beckett Expression.

The current source of the VERs, purchased by Mohawk, is the Des Plaines Landfill and Emission Reduction Project, located outside of Chicago, IL. By using landfill gas to generate electricity, this facility has significantly reduced its climate impacts. These offsets were verified by Environmental Resources Trust and are listed on their Greenhouse Gas Registry. The GHG Registry Standard is based on guidelines developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the international scientific body supporting the Kyoto Protocol. According to Tom Boucher, President & CEO, NativeEnergy (www.NativeEnergy.com), "In the carbon market, third party certification according to IPCC guidelines assures the consumer that the offsets they're purchasing are 'additional' and actually represent reductions that would not occur without the carbon offsets market."

Recognized for its technical innovation and progressive environmental initiatives, Mohawk Fine Papers Inc. manufactures an impressive range of premium printing, writing and imaging papers. Signature grades include Strathmore®, Mohawk Superfine™, Beckett Concept®, Beckett Expression®, BriteHue®, Via®, Mohawk Color Copy® and patented Inxwell® products, Navajo® and Options®. A leader in environmental stewardship, Mohawk is the first large-scale production facility in the U.S. to use electricity generated by renewable windpower to manufacture paper and the first U.S. premium paper mill to shift toward carbon neutral production. Many of Mohawk's recycled products are certified to the Forest Stewardship Council's [FSC standards by SmartWood, a program of the Rainforest Alliance, and/or Green Seal.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:50 AM | Comments (0)

New Lean Workflow Tools Solve Quality Problems With MES Advancements

New integrated lean workflow tools within nMetric's Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software solve delivery and quality problems of consumer goods manufacturers.

Costa Mesa, CA (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- Consumer Goods is an industry where a growing price-based culture demands yearly cost reductions, while also improving delivery and quality. New integrated lean workflow tools within nMetric's Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software solve delivery and quality problems of consumer goods manufacturers.

What Manufacturers Tell Us
Consumer Goods manufacturers often tell us that in order to remain competitive, they have to do it all... produce a greater variety of parts or SKU's, meet more stringent warranty requirements, achieve 100% on-time-delivery, and reduce inventory levels - while at the same time improve productivity fast enough to meet yearly cost reductions demanded by their customers.

These companies often convey frustration with existing business systems, traditional manual methods and paper-based processes that actually hinder their continuous improvement initiatives. They want tools that enable Lean workflow and provide the real-time visibility of critical Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) that can accelerate their Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma goals. Employees need user-friendly information and support tools to respond to dynamic changes on the factory floor and make better, faster, and more accurate decisions.

Problems We Solve
nMetric® helps Consumer Goods manufacturers overcome the limitations of their existing systems and processes to tackle the obstacles to operational excellence:

Coordinate JIT & lean flow
Eliminate paper processes
Maintain accurate traceability
Measure KPI's in real-time
Balance demand & resources
Reduce cycle & delivery time
Standardize work instructions
Empower operators

How We Do It
Our patented 4C @ SITE® is a scalable, robust, and completely integrated Collaborative Production Management System software platform to visualize, schedule, execute, improve and control the real-time activities of the factory floor.

The solution is web-engineered from ground up using the latest Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) service oriented architecture, is 100% thin-client, and platform independent to work with virtually any operating system, database, commercial ERP (such as SAP, etc.), and legacy application.

Just a few of our Consumer Goods capabilities include:

Lean Scheduling
e-Kanban
Quality Control
Shopfloor Control
Work Procedures
KPI Reports
Data Collection
Genealogy Reporting
ERP Interface

About nMetric®
nMetric® provides discrete manufacturers with Production Management software that picks up where traditional ERP business systems end…by bridging the gap between planning and execution to address the challenges of today's real-time, demand-driven environment. Our patented 4C@SITE® solution is a modular and scalable enterprise Manufacturing Execution System (MES) with fully integrated capabilities Scheduling, Dispatch, Tracking, Quality, Traceability, Reporting, and much more. nMetric's customers represent a wide range of industries including Aerospace, Automotive, Chemicals, Consumer Packaged Goods, Industrial Equipment, and more.

Company headquarters:
3070 South Bristol Avenue
Suite 100
Costa Mesa, CA. 92626

Telephone: 714-424-4400
Toll Free: 888-561-9700
Website: nmetric.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:50 AM | Comments (0)

QuantumClean Presents at NSTI Nanotech 2007

Leading provider of outsourced parts cleaning and refurbishment for the semiconductor industry presents at Santa Clara, Calif., nano-technology show

Dublin, Pa. (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- QuantumClean®, the leading provider of outsourced parts cleaning and refurbishment for the semiconductor industry, today announced that it will be presenting at the NSTI Nanotech 2007 Trade Show at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, Calif., May 20-24.

More than 400 exhibitors will be presenting, and more than 4,000 business executives, politicians, venture capitalists, scientists and researchers from the pharmaceutical, semiconductor and nanotechnology industries are expected to attend. At the show, QuantumClean will demonstrate how it leverages its technology capabilities to nano-scaled microelectronic manufacturing requirements.

"Our mission is to provide process improvement through consistently cleaner parts®, and we provide analytical data to validate this," said David Zuck, vice president of technology and operations for QuantumClean. "We can verify that the parts are free of particle and ionic contamination, and we will be demonstrating this at the NSTI show."

QuantumClean will exhibit its ability to clean on multiple levels, from high purity to ultra-high-purity cleaning, and will inform attendees about how the company is continuing its technology leadership development to stratify its cleaning processes and support non-semiconductor-related microelectronics segments.

About QuantumClean®
QuantumClean (Quantum Global Technologies, LLC) is the leading provider of outsourced parts cleaning, process tool part restoration, surface treatment and analytical engineering services for semiconductor fabricators. The company operates technologically innovative cleaning centers in every major semiconductor market across the U.S. and Asia, providing process improvement through consistently cleaner parts® that exceeds industry standards, dramatically reducing its customers' total cost of ownership. Founded in 2000, QuantumClean is headquartered in Dublin, Pa., with domestic Advanced Technology Cleaning Centers® in the Silicon Valley, Pacific Northwest, Arizona, Colorado, Texas and New England regions.

For more about QuantumClean, visit their website at www.quantumclean.com.

Media Contact
Maceo Ward
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
972.465.9700

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:49 AM | Comments (0)

Titleist Selects ThermoFab for Golf Swing Monitor Housing

Titleist has selected ThermoFab for the tooling and manufacturing of the housing for The Titleist Performance Launch Monitor, a diagnostic tool, which measures a golfer's swing using laser optics.

Shirley, MA (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- ThermoFab, a Shirley, MA-based company that manufactures high quality plastic enclosures for the medical, industrial and computer industries today announced the production of a product for Titleist. Titleist selected ThermoFab for the tooling and manufacturing of the housing for The Titleist Performance Launch Monitor, a diagnostic tool, which measures a golfer's swing using laser optics.

The Titleist Performance Launch Monitor is a featured attraction of the Cobra Tech Van and Titleist sponsored fitting events at golf tours across the USA. The project presented a variety of design and manufacturing challenges as the monitor needed to withstand rough handling, rain, and temperatures encountered during autumns in New England as well as summers in Arizona--inside of parked vehicles.

Method, material and experience combine to meet narrow requirements
Due to the low initial volume of the monitor housing, and high tooling costs of injection molding, casting was originally selected as the most cost-effective production method. The cast material selected was a urethane, but it proved unable to withstand the rigors of cross-country touring, prompting Acushnet Company, owner of the Titleist and Cobra brands, to contract with Carroll Design, Inc., Lowell, MA for alternatives.

"The biggest challenge that the Titleist housing presented was arriving at a cost effective solution at small initial volumes," said Steve Johnson, president of Carroll Design. " I approached ThermoFab with these requirements as I was aware of their reputation for experience with a variety of materials that could solve the problems with Titleist's high-profile project - and wasn't disappointed."

Carroll Design approached ThermoFab with a request to use ThermoFab's unique thermoforming process to achieve a finished appearance comparable to that of injection-molded products without paying high tooling costs. Pressure forming produces parts with a typical time-to-market of four to five weeks, versus about 20 weeks for injection molding.

"Consumers expect top of the line design and quality when they see the Titleist brand, I knew that we could give this project the packaging detail that it required, without compromising on durability," said Michael Wahl, Principal, ThermoFab. "We enjoyed the challenge of this project."

ThermoFab pressure forms nine enclosure parts, the largest three of which are bonded with adhesive to create the rear housing, which measures 24 1/4 in. wide  12 3/8 in. high  16 in. deep (616 mm x 314 mm x 406 mm). Also pressure formed are front bezels, a display enclosure and rear drawer. The 2-in (51 mm) undercuts for handles on either side of the rear housing were especially challenging to mold, requiring action in the tooling to allow removal of the part. ThermoFab created the tooling in-house and painted the parts in shades of silver and black that matches a Titleist golf club.

ThermoFab is currently celebrating the company's 30th anniversary. To learn more about ThermoFab, please visit www.thermofab.com. Headquartered in Shirley, MA, the company designs, develops and delivers custom plastic enclosure prototypes and products. Using a proprietary pressure forming process, injection-molded detail can be achieved with better turn-around and quality, providing ThermoFab customers with a competitive edge in today's high-speed marketplace.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:49 AM | Comments (0)

CataDisc™ -- the Catalog of the Future - Announces ACCM Product Launch May 21-23 in Boston

CataDisc™ will be introduced at the ACCM Conference, the largest conference for catalog, internet and multichannel merchants in Boston. See it in booth 463.

Savannah, GA (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- ACCM, the largest conference for catalog, internet and multichannel merchants will be open in Boston from May 21 thru May 23. Tri-Ventures, Inc. will introduce CataDisc™, an interactive multimedia catalog at this event.

"This is the national introduction of CataDisc" stated Susan Brod, COO. "This is the first time we will be attending ACCM as an exhibitor and we believe we have the solution that will enable marketers to maximize their mix by integrating their online and offline marketing efforts. We invite all attendees to visit us at booth #463."

CataDisc allows companies to maximize their marketing mix and is adaptable to products and services across all industries. CataDisc is truly the catalog of the future - with complete multimedia capability. It is extremely user friendly providing the customer with multiple ordering options. CataDisc is the only electronic catalog with offline shopping and "one click"* online ordering. CataDisc provides 100% security through a patented 2D barcode ordering system which protects the customer's personal information while allowing the vendor to scan the order directly into their electronic order system eliminating errors in order entry.

"We will be demonstrating all the "flavors" of CataDisc at ACCM" reports Tony Higgins, President. "From a product catalog -- to CataMulti - a catalog for multiple vendors' products suitable for distribution -- to CataParts -- a completely searchable parts list with exploded drawings, specifications and ordering capability -- to CataQuote -- a catalog that generates request for quotations. And for very catalogs with very large amounts of products and information, there is CataStic™ -- a catalog on a flash memory drive. CataDisc has a solution for every type of business. Response to CataDisc has been very positive and we are very excited about our national launch at ACCM"

You can learn about CataDisc at Booth 463 or at http://www.catadisc.com.

*Patent Pending

About CataDisc™

CataDisc is a product of Tri-Ventures, Inc. located in Savannah, GA. Tri-Ventures' focus is on developing products utilizing its patented 2D bar code technology to assist companies in providing their customers with a secure ordering method and in the secure transmittal of information for a variety of industry applications.

Susan Brod
COO
912 652-4840

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Industrial Nanotech, Inc. Announces Technological Breakthrough -- Successfully Creates Quick-Cure Epoxy Based Formulation of Nansulate® Specifically Designed for Navy, Supertankers and OEM

Industrial Nanotech, Inc., an emerging global leader in nanotechnology, announced today that the company has successfully created an epoxy formulation of Nansulate® specifically designed to meet the stringent requirements of naval vessels and commercial marine industry.

Naples, FL (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- Industrial Nanotech, Inc., (Pink Sheets:INTK - News), an emerging global leader in nanotechnology, announced today that the company has successfully created an epoxy formulation of Nansulate® specifically designed to meet the stringent requirements of naval vessels and commercial marine industry.

"The introduction of Nansulate EPX is the culmination of over two years of research and development with our team at Princeton Polymer Laboratories, Inc.," states Stuart Burchill, CEO of Industrial Nanotech, Inc. "We discovered in early work with the United States Navy and major shipbuilders including Hyundai, the world's largest builder of supertankers, that they were accustomed to an epoxy based system instead of a latex based system. I cannot overstate the technological challenge that presented to us and the significance of this scientific accomplishment for this valuable and important market sector."

Industrial Nanotech, Inc. will begin production of the new patented product, Nansulate® EPX, within 90 days. The coating will provide the same combination of performance qualities as the current Nansulate® line of coatings -- thermal insulation, protection against corrosion and resistance to mold growth -- in a durable, epoxy based system.

"This is an exciting expansion of our current portfolio of successful nanotechnology based coatings," explains Francesca Crolley, VP of Operations and Marketing for Industrial Nanotech, Inc. "Over the years we have developed a valuable network of contacts in the multi-billion dollar defense industry and industrial manufacturing complex. Nansulate EPX is the product they have been waiting for. In addition to satisfying United States Navy and commercial shipbuilding specifications, the rapid cure time has real value to the many OEM manufacturers who have contacted us over the years. These companies have been searching for a product with the unique combination of performance benefits that our Nansulate product line offers, but need a rapid cure time in order to incorporate it into their manufacturing processes. This new product satisfies that requirement."

About Nansulate®
Nansulate® is the company's patented product line of specialty coatings containing a nanotechnology based material and which are well-documented to provide the combined performance qualities of thermal insulation, corrosion prevention, and resistance to mold growth in an environmentally safe, water-based, coating formulation. The Nansulate® Product Line includes both industrial and residential coatings.

About Industrial Nanotech Inc.
Industrial Nanotech Inc. is quickly emerging as a global nanoscience solutions and research leader. The company develops and commercializes new and innovative applications for nanotechnology. Additional information about the company and its products can be found at their websites (http://www.industrial-nanotech.com) and (http://www.nansulate.com).

Safe Harbor Statement
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release includes forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, the ability to meet customer demand, the ability to manage growth, acquisitions of technology, equipment, or human resources, the effect of economic and business conditions, and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel. The Company is not obligated to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

Contact:
For Industrial Nanotech, Inc., Naples
Investor Relations
Martin E. Janis & Company, Inc.
Beverly Jedynak, President, 312-943-1100 ext. 12
bjedynak @ janispr.com
or
Media Inquiries
Martin E. Janis & Company, Inc.
Laura Grock, Vice President, 312-943-1100 ext. 13
lgrock @ janispr.com

Source: Industrial Nanotech, Inc.

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Automotive Parts Retailer CSK Auto Selects RewardStream for Trade Loyalty Program

Automotive aftermarket retailer CSK Auto, Inc., has unveiled its annual commercial trade promotion powered by RewardStream's LifeCycle Marketing Platform™.

Vancouver, Canada (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- Automotive aftermarket retailer CSK Auto, Inc., has unveiled its annual commercial trade promotion powered by RewardStream's LifeCycle Marketing Platform™ and delivered through a strategic partnership with Continental Promotions Group. Offered through CSK Auto's more than 700 ProShop wholesale auto parts centers, the program is a key part of CSK's plan to grow market share in the Do-It-For-Me (DIFM) commercial auto parts business. The Vegas-themed 'High Stakes Giveaway' trade promotion is aimed at increasing CSK Auto's momentum in the commercial auto parts market by rewarding commercial customers with both an instant award opportunity and an accumulation of a loyalty currency called ProShop Bucks.

With each on-line or in-store commercial purchase totaling $60 or more of a specific brand, many commercial customers will receive a program branded scratch card with their order. Each scratch card contains a promotional code that when submitted to the promotion website, allows the customer to redeem their award. Major awards include: Ford F-250, Paul Yaffe Custom Chopper, Saturn Sky Roadster, and others such as; gift cards, branded merchandise, and vacation packages. The scratch card may contain various denominations of ProShop Bucks that are deposited into a member's account through the program website for redemption of an online award.

"We are extremely proud that CSK Auto, Inc. has chosen us for the second consecutive year to run their customer trade promotion," states Peter Oxley, CEO of RewardStream. "The High Stakes Giveaway Promotion is a prime example of how our LifeCycle Marketing Platform™ helps our clients to optimize desired behaviors by using a combination of instant gratification and longer term rewards in a highly efficient and automated manner."

Greg Livingston, Vice President of CSK ProShop says, "Last year's promotion was highly successful and with the support of RewardStream's reporting tools, we were able to identify key strengths and build upon them so that we could offer an even more attractive program to our commercial customers this year."

About RewardStream, Inc.
RewardStream is a marketing technology company specializing in the deployment and optimization of loyalty and rewards-based marketing programs that align and motivate partner and channel behavior with targeted business objectives. RewardStream services clients in the financial services, retail, telecommunications, health care, IT, and manufacturing sectors. More information on RewardStream can be found at www.rewardstream.com.

Media Contact: Nicole Ouellette, 604.692.1211 or toll-free 1-877-692-0040 ex. 211

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Comet Solutions Sponsors Business Impacts of Early Simulation Workshop at PTC User World Event 2007; Early Simulation Can Make the Difference in Staying Competitive and Pushing Innovation

Comet Solutions™, Inc. will sponsor a networking lunch and workshop on Tuesday, June 5th offering a strategic look at key business benefits of early simulation during the PTC User World Event in Tampa, FL.

Albuquerque, New Mexico (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- Comet Solutions™, Inc. will sponsor a networking lunch and workshop on Tuesday, June 5th offering a strategic look at key business benefits of early simulation during the PTC User World Event in Tampa, FL.

The networking lunch and discussion will be led by industry veteran, John MacKrell - Senior Consultant for CIMdata. The topic of the workshop is "Business Impacts of Early Simulation". Mr. MacKrell has worked closely with organizations who seek to gain a competitive advantage in the global economy.

CIMdata, a leading and independent worldwide strategic consultancy, is dedicated to maximizing an enterprise's ability to design and deliver innovative products and services through the application of PLM solutions. CIMdata works with both industrial organizations and suppliers of technologies and services seeking competitive advantage in the global economy.

"The Comet workshop is an added educational and networking opportunity featured during the new Management Forum track this year," said Dan Meyer, President of Comet Solutions. "We want management level attendees to benefit from our experiences and hear customer stories to learn how other organizations are finding success by moving simulation earlier in the product design cycle."

Workshop participants will learn how leading companies are improving their product development environment by using early simulation approaches to remove workflow barriers, collaborate more effectively and become more innovative.

This event is for those who are leading their company to improve engineering and product development to hit innovation, quality and cost targets. Attendees will take with them a gameplan for implementing strategies and practices to achieve breakthrough benefits of early simulation, including:
*Achieve more simulation cycles in product design
*How non-experts are able to run early, sophisticated simulations using existing tools
*Gain instant feedback on whether concepts meet requirements
*Better manage remote engineering groups

For more information about the workshop, visit www.cometsolutions.com.

About Comet Solutions
Comet Solutions, Inc. enables manufacturers to get it right the first time in product design by eliminating barriers to early simulation. Comet software delivers the industry's first Integrated Simulation Environment that enables a superior, streamlined workflow for simulation work in a single user interface using a customer's existing CAD and CAE tools. With the aid of Comet software, leading companies are now exploiting the full potential of these tools and exploring more design alternatives, enabling the rapid development and delivery of much more innovative, higher quality, and more cost-effective products.

Comet currently offers a suite of targeted workgroup products including: Comet/StructuralDynamics™, Comet/StructuralFEA™ Comet/MultiBodyDynamics™, and Comet/Optronics™

About CIMdata
CIMdata, a leading and independent worldwide strategic consultancy, is dedicated to maximizing an enterprise's ability to design and deliver innovative products and services through the application of PLM solutions. CIMdata works with both industrial organizations and suppliers of technologies and services seeking competitive advantage in the global economy.

Comet Solutions, Inc., and Comet/StructuralDynamics are trademarks of Comet Solutions, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Media Contact:
Kelly Vickers
Comet Solutions, Inc.
(513) 407-5559 or (505) 323-2525

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:47 AM | Comments (0)

Altico Launches Microsoft Dynamics CRM Test Drive Series

In response to the demand for a hands-on experience with Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Altico Advisors (www.AlticoAdvisors.com), a Microsoft Certified Partner, has launched a monthly "test drive" series. Starting on May 11th and continuing throughout the year on the second Friday of every month, Altico is offering potential users an opportunity to walk through the basic sales, marketing, and service components of Dynamics CRM.

Marlborough, MA (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- In response to the demand for a hands-on experience with Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Altico Advisors (www.AlticoAdvisors.com), a Microsoft Certified Partner, has launched a monthly "test drive" series. Starting on May 11th and continuing throughout the year on the second Friday of every month, Altico is offering potential users an opportunity to walk through the basic sales, marketing, and service components of Dynamics CRM.

There is no better way to evaluate a Customer Relationship Management system. At Altico's offices in Marlborough, Massachusetts, prospective users can get under the hood of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. The test drive puts each user in the driver's seat with a fully loaded version of Dynamics CRM 3.0 on a laptop computer, guided by a seasoned instructor who will help participants navigate through the application. Test drives are available from 9:30-11:00am on the second Friday of every month. This is a small group experience and space is limited.

The test drive experience will include:

Familiarization with the user interface
Outlook integration
Sales Management (Create an opportunity; Send out a quote; Track the order)
Marketing Management (Create quick campaign; Track responses; Assign prospects to sales)
Service Management (Open an incident; Track progress; Follow through to resolution)

Test drivers can obtain additional information and register at 508-485-5588 x107.

About Altico Advisors
Headquartered in Massachusetts, Altico Advisors implements and supports business, financial, and customer management software solutions for mid-market companies throughout New England. Altico is a Microsoft Certified Partner specializing in Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains) and CRM systems for manufacturing, distribution, software development and service companies. In addition, Altico provides a wide variety of consulting and advisory services, such as outsourced financial services, business and IT strategy alignment, software selection, and business analytics. www.AlticoAdvisors.com

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Germany Recognizes Penetron's High Quality Products and Awards it with a U-Sign Approval

Penetron receives approval to use the prestigious U-sign. A signature of products meeting the highest standards of German quality, this approval confirms ICS Penetron International's dedication to meeting the growing requirements for quality construction products.

East Setauket, NY (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- ICS Penetron International is pleased to announce that it has been granted approval to use the "U-Zeichen" sign.

The German " Ü-Zeichen" (U-sign) for construction products certifies that products fulfill the highest quality standards, meet or exceed stringent application criteria, and comply with German environmental and health regulations. After extensive testing by the Materialprüfunganstalt (MPA) at the University of Stuttgart, Germany, Penetron Admix has been approved to feature the U-sign on its packaging (http://www.penetron.com/newsletter/english/CALKOB1X.jpg). This approval gives German concrete manufacturers, developers, architects, and designers access to one of the world's most effective waterproofing products and guarantees a top quality product for concrete waterproofing.

Testing undertaken by the MPA confirmed that Penetron Admix has no negative corrosion effect on reinforcement steel according to test norm DIN V 18998. The maximum chloride content lies far below norm requirements of 0.1%. Penetron Admix also meets the requirements related to maximum alkali content of less than 9.3%, which eliminates the risk of alkali-silica reactions with aggregates in the concrete mix.

"The German Ü-Zeichen (U-Sign) showcases our commitment to providing and continually improving high quality waterproofing systems," said Robert Revera, CEO and Managing Partner of ICS Penetron International, "From the inception of our company, it has remained a steadfast goal of ours to meet market demands for safer and better performing crystalline waterproofing products and this core value enables Penetron to succeed in new and unique applications in an every growing industry."

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:46 AM | Comments (0)

Despatch Industries Sells Drying/Pyrolysis Ovens to Custom Capacitor Manufacturer

Despatch Industries announced today the order for two continuous drying/pyrolysis ovens. The order comes to Despatch from a worldwide manufacturer and supplier of electronic components. The customer will utilize the ovens in their manufacture of custom capacitors for high-end applications including military, aerospace and medical devices.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- Despatch Industries announced today the order for two continuous drying/pyrolysis ovens. The order comes to Despatch from a worldwide manufacturer and supplier of electronic components. The customer will utilize the ovens in their manufacture of custom capacitors for high-end applications including military, aerospace and medical devices.

Despatch has been manufacturing continuous drying/pyrolysis ovens for more than twenty years. The latest ovens are a continuing evolution of Despatch's successful oven line for capacitor manufacturing. The equipment contains features critical to the capacitor curing process and an updated design, specific to the customer's needs.

"Our customer has found the ideal oven to suit their drying and steam pyrolysis requirements," says Dr. Tom Myers, Despatch Sr. Applications Engineer. "These ovens provide tight airflow and temperature uniformity and will fit seamlessly into our customer's curing process without them having to worry about revalidating product in the new and improved ovens."

In addition to very uniform airflow and tight temperature uniformity, these ovens feature vertical-up airflow and temperature capabilities of up to 450C using steam. The oven's steam pyrolysis zone is low in oxygen to allow the customer to achieve optimal curing chemistry for their custom capacitors.

"We have had much success with this particular line of ovens," says Dr. Myers. "At Despatch, we constantly update and improve our products so our customers will continue to trust our ovens for their critical processes and applications."

Despatch Industries is a leading worldwide provider of thermal processing and environmental simulation solutions. Founded in 1902, privately owned Despatch Industries is a technology-driven company committed to satisfying customer needs through innovative research and development. Through its two primary product lines Despatch and Ransco, the company serves customers in a number of industries including: semiconductors, electronic components, photovoltaics, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, automotive and industrial materials.

For more information on Despatch visit our website: www.despatch.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:45 AM | Comments (0)

ICH-E14 Two Years Later -- Trends in Design & Conduct of a Thorough ECG Trial Webinar May 31, 2007

ICH-E14 guidance was finalized in May 2005. An important component of the guidance is the requirement of the Thorough QT Trial (TQT) in the development of new drug candidates. In this presentation, Dr. Joel Morganroth will provide "up-to-the-minute" insights into the ICH guidance and practical implications for implementation of the TQT.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- Xtalks and eResearchTechnology are pleased to present the web conference ICH-E14 Two Years Later -- Trends in Design & Conduct of a thorough ECG Trial (TET), scheduled for May 31, 2007.

ICH-E14 guidance was finalized in May 2005. An important component of the guidance is the requirement of the Thorough QT Trial (TQT) in the development of new drug candidates.

The presentation will detail what has been learned in the first 90 TQTs, which may influence future study design and statistical approaches for such trials.

Dr. Joel Morganroth will provide "up-to-the-minute" insights into the ICH guidance and practical implications for implementation of the TQT. Comprehensive insight into emerging trends in TQT design, conduct and data analysis will be discussed in addition to the provision of an overview of the structure and function of the QTc Interdisciplinary Review Team of the FDA.

There is no cost to attend, register at: http://www.xtalks.com/ecgtrials.ashx

Pre-web Cast Questions

How does the ICH E14 guidance define which new drugs require a TQT before starting Phase III?
What has been learned about study design and analysis of Thorough QTc Trials over the past two years?
What technical and logistical requirements are required to conduct successful Thorough QTc Trials?

The ICH-E14 Two Years Later -- Trends in Design & Conduct of a thorough ECG Trial (TET) web conference takes place May 31, 2007, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. EDT.

Register at: http://www.xtalks.com/ecgtrials.ashx

Joel Morganroth, M.D., F.A.C.C., Chairman, Chief Scientist, eResearchTechnology, Inc.
Joel Morganroth, M.D. has an international reputation as a cardiovascular drug development specialist. Dr. Morganroth's experience includes memberships on Data Safety and Monitoring Boards for the National Institutes of Health and the Veterans Administration research programs and several major Pharmaceutical trials. He has published over 300 articles and edited nearly two dozen books and is frequently invited to lecture on a variety of cardiac and clinical research regulatory issues.

About eResearchTechnology:
eResearchTechnology (eRT) provides technology and services that enable life sciences industries to collect, interpret and distribute cardiac data accurately and efficiently. eRT is a leading provider of centralized electrocardiographic (ECG) services and supports the full-range of studies from single center to multi-center global trials across all therapeutic groups. eRT is an industry leader for Thorough QTc Trials (TQT), having completed significantly more than any other core lab. www.ertECG.com

About Xtalks
Xtalks is part of The Honeycomb Worldwide Group of Companies. Honeycomb Worldwide creates peer-to-peer business-oriented social networking communities, connecting senior level executives by delivering content through new and established media channels and is currently ranked 15th on the Profit Hot 50 List of emerging Canadian companies. www.honeycombworldwide.com.

For more information on this conference or Xtalks in general, or to enquire about speaking opportunities or sponsoring future events, visit www.xtalks.com or contact Karen Anderson, Chief Marketing Officer, at phone: 312-977-1166, x. 1209.

Register at http://www.xtalks.com/ecgtrials.ashx

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:45 AM | Comments (0)

Despatch Industries Manufactures Carbon Fiber Equipment for International Manufacturer

Despatch Industries, a world leader in thermal processing and environmental simulation, announces the sale of their newest generation of carbon fiber oxidation ovens to a global carbon fiber manufacturer.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- Despatch Industries, a world leader in thermal processing and environmental simulation, announces the sale of their newest generation of carbon fiber oxidation ovens to a global carbon fiber manufacturer.

The Despatch oxidation oven incorporates enhanced uniform flow while utilizing proprietary center-to-end flow technology. The oven also scales Despatch's proven technology beyond previously available web widths.

"We are pleased that this global manufacturer recognizes the value-added productivity of Despatch's uniform-flow oxidation technology for their high capacity carbon fiber lines," says Steve Oman, Director of International Sales. "Uniform air flow can enable the production of a more consistent fiber, and increase line productivity as compared to conventional oxidation oven technology, perhaps by as much as 20 to 25 percent. Despatch is recognized for producing the highest uniform flow and the finest in oxidation oven technology available today."

Despatch Industries is a leading worldwide provider of thermal processing and environmental simulation solutions. Founded in 1902, privately owned Despatch Industries is a technology-driven company committed to satisfying customer needs through innovative research and development. Through its two primary product lines Despatch and Ransco, the company serves customers in a number of industries including: semiconductors, electronic components, photovoltaics, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, automotive and industrial materials.

For more information on Despatch Carbon Fiber Ovens visit our website: www.despatch.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:44 AM | Comments (0)

Despatch Industries Secures Large Order for Pre-Bake Ovens

Despatch Industries, a world leader in thermal processing and environmental simulation, announced today that the company has obtained an order to provide over 50 pre-bake ovens to a worldwide electronics design, fabrication, assembly and test company.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- Despatch Industries, a world leader in thermal processing and environmental simulation, announced today that the company has obtained an order to provide over 50 pre-bake ovens to a worldwide electronics design, fabrication, assembly and test company.

This substantial order calls for the manufacture and shipment of Despatch's LAC2-18 model ovens. The high-performance LAC Lab Ovens feature a combination of forced convection and horizontal airflow to provide exceptional temperature uniformity and the shortest possible processing time. These particular models will be equipped with a Clean, Dry Air Package and forced exhaust to significantly reduce drying time.

"The pre-bake step in our customer's overall process is critical as it allows them to remove absorbed moisture from the substrate to reduce out gassing and possible de-lamination during subsequent processes," says Jack Schultz, Despatch Sales. "An order of this substantial quantity is a strong testament to the success of Despatch's laboratory oven product line."

Despatch Industries is a leading worldwide provider of thermal processing and environmental simulation solutions. Founded in 1902, closely held Despatch Industries is a technology-driven company committed to satisfying customer needs through innovative research and development. Through its two primary product lines, Despatch and Ransco, the company serves customers in a number of industries including: semiconductors, electronic components, photovoltaics, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, automotive and industrial materials.

For more information on Despatch visit our website: www.despatch.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:44 AM | Comments (0)

Despatch Industries Sells Custom Nitrogen Ovens to Semiconductor Manufacturing Company

Despatch Industries, a world leader in thermal processing and environmental simulation, announced today the immediate sale of multiple custom nitrogen atmosphere ovens to an international semiconductor manufacturer. The customer has secured orders for additional units as they plan to expand their facility in the near future.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- Despatch Industries, a world leader in thermal processing and environmental simulation, announced today the immediate sale of multiple custom nitrogen atmosphere ovens to an international semiconductor manufacturer. The customer has secured orders for additional units as they plan to expand their facility in the near future.

Despatch designed and manufactured the LND Nitrogen Atmosphere oven with customer-specific features including modified shelf spacing, variable speed drive to allow for increased airflow in the oven and a newly developed humidity sensor to control the amount of moisture in the oven. The customer will utilize the LND for drying and curing boards with multilayers of polyimide or epoxy and copper laminates prior to performing the sputtering process. All Despatch nitrogen atmosphere ovens offer industry-leading technology and performance enhancing features such as the ability to maintain oxygen content as low as 100 or 50 parts per million and a secondary fresh air purge system.

"Because we were able to offer a system with the best performance with verifiable consistency for the customer's specific needs, they chose Despatch over a lower-priced competitor," says Steve Eul, Despatch Sales. "Our goal is always to provide our customers with the highest quality product with unique features and performance to provide the best possible solution for their process requirements."

Despatch Industries is a leading worldwide provider of thermal processing and environmental simulation solutions. Founded in 1902, closely held Despatch Industries is a technology-driven company committed to satisfying customer needs through innovative research and development. Through its two primary product lines, Despatch and Ransco, the company serves customers in a number of industries including: semiconductors, electronic components, photovoltaics, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, automotive and industrial materials.

For more information on Despatch visit our website: www.despatch.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:43 AM | Comments (0)

Three Bay State Companies Manufacture Swing Analyzer -- Golfers Nationwide Will Benefit From Collaboration

ThermoFab, a Shirley, MA-based company that manufactures high quality plastic enclosures for the medical, industrial and computer industries, today announced the production of The Titleist Performance Launch Monitor, a diagnostic tool, which measures a golfer's swing using laser optics.

Shirley, MA (PRWEB) May 18, 2007 -- ThermoFab, a Shirley, MA-based company that manufactures high quality plastic enclosures for the medical, industrial and computer industries, today announced the production of The Titleist Performance Launch Monitor, a diagnostic tool, which measures a golfer's swing using laser optics. Carroll Design, a Lowell-based design firm collaborated with ThermoFab on this project for Titleist, based in Acushnet, MA.

In today's competitive manufacturing marketplace it is commonplace for companies to outsource a portion of their production process overseas to keep costs down. A less common occurrence is to find a product that is entirely "made in the USA". Finding an example like this from the Bay State, where the manufacturing customer, designer and manufacturer are all long-time, established Massachusetts companies is especially rare. ThermoFab is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary of manufacturing plastic enclosures in the Bay State.

The Titleist Performance Launch Monitor is a featured attraction of the Cobra Tech Van and Titleist sponsored fitting events at golf tours across the USA.

"Consumers expect top of the line design and quality when they see the Titleist brand, I knew that we could give this project the packaging detail that it required, without compromising on durability," said Michael Wahl, Principal, ThermoFab. "We enjoyed the challenge of this project."

The project presented a variety of design and manufacturing challenges as the monitor needed to withstand rough handling, rain and temperatures encountered during autumns in New England as well as summers in Arizona -- inside of parked vehicles.

"The biggest challenge that the Titleist housing presented was arriving at a cost effective solution at small initial volumes," said Steve Johnson, president of Carroll Design. "I approached ThermoFab with these requirements as I was aware of their reputation for experience with a variety of materials that could solve the problems with Titleist's high-profile project -- and wasn't disappointed."

Additional Information:
To learn more about ThermoFab, please visit www.thermofab.com. Headquartered in Shirley, MA, the company designs, develops and delivers custom plastic enclosure prototypes and products. Using a proprietary pressure forming process, injection-molded detail can be achieved with better turn-around and quality, providing ThermoFab customers with a competitive edge in today's high-speed marketplace.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:43 AM | Comments (0)

iRepair.us Is Saving Broken iPods, One Repair At A Time

iRepair.us is now offering 24 hour turn around iPod Repair service for all models in the USA.

Brentwood, TN (PRWEB) May 17, 2007 -- iRepair.us is catching the eye of consumers wishing to save money on a replacement iPod. iRepair.ca Ltd has launched their first American location in Music City USA under the name iRepair.us, building on the two established retail stores in Canada.

Matt Bremner, the founder of iRepair says, “We look forward to offering a second solution to avoid putting out more cash on a brand new iPod. This could save so many units that are not nearly close to their last legs, from being tossed into land fills.”

iRepair.ca has made it their focus to take the unhappy logo’s that end up on so many iPods; and restore these dropped, laundered, dog-eaten, snow-buried iPods to the owners with working screens, longer lasting battery life & responsive click wheels.

iRepair.us and iRepair.ca deal with new battery installation, LCD replacement, and Hard Drive upgrades and all other repairs for iPods models.

About iRepair.us
iRepair.ca began as a Canadian online business a year in February 2006, solely repairing iPods all across Canada and Internationally. With the first Nano sized store in Toronto, Canada and a second store in uptown Toronto; iRepair.ca hopes to build on an established awareness about salvaging these pricey purchases. With the launch of the third location in Brentwood, TN, iRepair which will better to facilitate the American consumer by avoiding customs slowdowns, but continuing to offer the same 24 hour turn around service on most repairs.

Contact:
Matt Bremner, President & Founder
iRepair.us / iRepair.ca
1-416-840-4465
www.irepair.us

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:42 AM | Comments (0)

EPAM Systems Rated the Top Eastern European ITO Provider Within 'The 2007 Global Outsourcing 100,' and is Only Regional Company Included in Leaders Category

EPAM Systems, Inc., the leading global offshore software development services company with development centers in Central / Eastern Europe and Russia, has been named one of the world's best outsourcing service providers on "The 2007 Global Outsourcing 100" annual rating developed by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP). Additionally, EPAM is listed among the top outsourcing providers serving Software and Technology companies.

Lawrenceville, NJ (PRWEB) May 17, 2007 -- EPAM Systems, Inc., the leading global offshore software development services company with development centers in Central / Eastern Europe and Russia, has been named one of the world's best outsourcing service providers on "The 2007 Global Outsourcing 100" annual rating developed by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP). Additionally, EPAM is listed among the top outsourcing providers serving Software and Technology companies.

"The Global Outsourcing 100" and its sub-lists, featuring both today's Leaders and tomorrow's Rising Stars, have been specifically elaborated for companies seeking new and expanded relationships with the best companies in the outsourcing industry. The list includes companies from around the world providing the full spectrum of outsourcing services: information technology and business process outsourcing, as well as facility services, real estate and capital asset management, manufacturing, and logistics. The outsourcing service providers are ranked according to 18 criteria, including revenue, growth, number of employees, the skills and training of their workforce, number of technical and business certifications they secured, the track record of the management team, and quality of customer service.

Recognized for such strengths as size and growth, customer references, as well as management capabilities, EPAM Systems has made a leap from a Rising star in 2006, ranking 79, to a Leader in 2007, ranking 55, being the only software development outsourcer from Eastern Europe and Russia featured in the Leaders list.

"Being acknowledged by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals as one of the world's top offshore outsourcing providers for two years in a row is a great honour for EPAM," commented on the company's recognition Arkadiy Dobkin, EPAM CEO and President. "We are very proud to be awarded the Leader status this year which attests to our demonstrated capability to provide value to our customers through mature software development outsourcing processes."

About IAOP
The International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP) is the global, standard-setting organization and advocate for the outsourcing profession. IAOP's global membership encompasses almost 500 organizations from around the world representing almost every industry segment and functional activity. These members are responsible for more than $60 million in annual outsourcing spending. In total, more than 40,000 individuals working in the field of outsourcing are members or users of the association's services.
www.outsourcingprofessional.org

About EPAM Systems
Founded in 1993, EPAM Systems is independently recognized as a global service provider that demonstrates leadership, innovation and outstanding performance in software development outsourcing. Both in 2005 and 2006 EPAM was named No.1 of Top 5 IT Outsourcing providers in Central and Eastern Europe on the "Global Services 100" list by Global Services Magazine and neoIT. In 2006 EPAM was also named No.1 of "Top 10 ITO Offshore: Eastern/Central Europe" and No.3 of the global "Top 10 ITO: Specialty Application Development" within the Top 50 Best Managed Outsourcing Vendors study.

The company possesses the largest resource pool in Central / Eastern Europe and Russia and the strongest onsite presence in the US and EU: its offshore software development centers located across Russia, Hungary, Belarus, and Ukraine work in synergy with the client facing support and delivery operations in US, UK and Germany.

EPAM's customer base includes industry leaders such as Reuters, London Stock Exchange, Colgate-Palmolive, British Telecom, William Hill, Empire and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Schlumberger and Halliburton and technology leaders such as SAP, BEA Systems, Microsoft, and Hyperion.

www.epam.com

Contact:
Alena Kuzniatsova
609-844-0400

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:41 AM | Comments (0)

Open Source Six Sigma DMAIC v8.0 Reaches the Global Market

Open Source Six Sigma™ DMAIC v8.0 is greeted by the International market. The response is overwhelming.

Scottsdale, Arizona (PRWEB) May 17, 2007 -- Open Source Six Sigma™(www.opensourcesixsigma.com) DMAIC version 8.0 has exceeded expectations concerning U.S. download activity. OSSS's material extends into the Global Market, with downloads in Canada, United Kingdom, France, South Africa, and India.

The response since Open Source Six Sigma™ launch on May 1st continues to be overwhelming. "The individual reasoning for each download matched my expectation but has also gone far beyond, states Scot Shank Founder of the OpenSourceSixSigma.com project. We have had Deployment Leaders request the use of our material within their organizations and individuals wanting to further there Six Sigma Education."

For the short time that OSSS has been introduced to the Process Improvement Community, the responses by the community have been very positive. Here is what people are saying…

"I have been a practicing Black Belt for the past 5 years. By default because of my profession I try to make data driven decisions. When I stumbled across Open Source Six Sigma I was a bit hesitant. To receive a full version of DMIAC with the rights to make changes, I thought was too good to be true. I decided to go against my instinct on this one and I am glad I did." (Kelly, MBB Manufacturing, United Kingdom)

"I purchased your product last Friday, May 11th, and I'm extremely pleased. Over these years, I've developed DMAIC and about a dozen other quality related seminars (some before Six Sigma but now all revised to bring Six Sigma into them), and your DMAIC is truly outstanding. I honestly believe the biggest impediment you will encounter is that it is free, because it is much too good to be true. I'd love to discuss why you are distributing it this way. In any case thank you, and God Bless. I believe my next Six Sigma seminar will be even better for your work." (Ken Six Sigma Professional, United Kingdom)

"As the Deployment Leader in charge of continuous improvement at my company I am always trying to stay ahead of the learning curve. I have found value in leveraging Open Source's training methods with our current material. I agree wit h the mission of Open Source Six Sigma and consider them an asset." (Shrikanth, GB Banking, India)

Practitioners from all industries such as Manufacturing and Production, Mining, Banking, and Healthcare have taken part in the Open Source Six Sigma™ experience.

Open Source Six Sigma™ serves as a material provider and educational center for the Process Improvement Community. OSSS's current product, DMAIC version 8.0 is a comprehensive package which consists of 1,235 Microsoft Power Point slides, 39 data sets, and 19 ready to use templates.

The long term goal of OSSS is to facilitate community collaboration regarding process improvement material and various approaches to training. This provides significant leverage to anyone one interested in getting involved with process improvement or simply becoming more educated about business improvement techniques.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:41 AM | Comments (0)

Professional Welders-Fitters from the Balkans Will Work Anywhere in the World at Very low Hourly Rates

Balkan Welders company has developed a pool of skilled welders and fitters from throughout the Balkans and will ship a team of experienced welders to your work site for the duration required.

(PRWEB) May 17, 2007 -- Balkan Welders company has developed a pool of skilled welders and fitters from throughout the Balkans and will ship a team of experienced welders to your work site for the duration required.

The Balkans has long been renowned as an area of skilled welders and fitters, and with the recent economic collapse and civil war, there is now a surplus of skilled labor in the area. Workers hourly rates are very low and can easily qualify for the cheapest professional work force. Balkan Welders has organized this surplus of skilled and experienced welders and is ready to send a team of professionals to exact specifications, directly to required work site.

The company will organize all work visas, transportation, accommodation and other logistical needs for the team of workers, and the hirer is only responsible for the salary. The workers are skilled and will work long after hours, day after day, while away from home to get projects completed on time and under budget.

Balkan Welders are hardened professionals and are accustomed to adverse working environments; they are well suited to whatever the demands of projects require of them. The workers are available to companies for as long as they are required (even permanently). Skilled teams are available now and Balkan Welders company will work to determine the exact team specifications to best suite the needs of desired project. Whether the project needs one worker for a week or a large team of workers for years, Balkan Welders will provide what it takes.

Balkan workers have grown accustomed to working 12 to 16 hour shifts and will provide the overtime potential needed to accelerate the pace of the construction project.

Balkan Welders is based in Slovenia and has teams of experienced welders available now for any construction needs. Contact Balkan Welders through their web site at http://www.balkanwelders.com/contact-us/.

Balkan Welders will take care of all the logistics and deliver a team of hard working experienced welders-fitters at the lowest possible hourly rates.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:40 AM | Comments (0)

New Executive Recruiting Site Takes a Personal Approach to Technology for Job Seekers and Hiring Companies

FPC (F-O-R-T-U-N-E Personnel Consultants), a national executive recruiting firm, launched a new user-friendly Website with a personal touch for job seekers and hiring companies to assist them in navigating today's complex job search process.

New York, NY (PRWEB) May 17, 2007 -- FPC (F-O-R-T-U-N-E Personnel Consultants) recently launched a new website for job seekers and companies searching for talent.

FPC's CEO and President, Ron Herzog, said of the launch, "What makes the site different from many other recruiting firms is the personal touch. It provides value to users and begins a dialogue with the recruiter. You know exactly who you are sending your resume to and how to contact them directly without having to send your personal information off to the technology abyss. It's extremely user-friendly and guides the user to the exact information they are seeking. It takes advantage of the latest technology without losing its personal touch, which is what FPC is all about."

The FPC Web site homepage, www.fpcnational.com, offers candidates a quick and direct place to begin their job search and view jobs recruiters are working on right now. Companies and candidates can locate FPC recruiters throughout the country who specialize in placing in their industry.

The site provides actionable articles, such as "Wowing Your Interviewer With What You Don't Say", and "How The Wrong Resume Format Can Hurt You." These tips join many others covering all areas of the job search process drawing on FPC's years of professional experience creating opportunities for executives to be seen by interviewers and negotiating new positions.

The site also offers a window into the world of executive recruiting for those interested in joining the ranks of successful FPC recruiters. And for entrepreneurs who want to own their own executive recruiting franchise, there is an entire section outlining what ownership is all about to help them determine if they have what it takes.

The FPC website took results from research into client and candidate searching patterns to create a site catered to their specific needs truly creating a personalized experience in a technological environment.

About FPC
FPC is a national executive search firm with 69 franchise offices. The new website offers access to its network of hundreds of professional executive recruiters and job opportunities in many industries and disciplines as well as providing job search information and assistance. The company has been providing win-win recruiting solutions since 1959. For further information about FPC, call 800-886-7839 or visit the FPC Web site at Fortune Personnel Consultants.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:40 AM | Comments (0)

New AccuFill™ Bagging/Bulking Systems From Gainco Provide Enhanced Safety, Accuracy and Efficiency

New AccuFill™ bagging/bulking systems from Gainco, Inc. deliver heightened accuracy, versatility and cost-saving performance due to their special hygienic design.

Gainesville, GA (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 17, 2007 -- New AccuFill™ bagging/bulking systems from Gainco, Inc. deliver heightened accuracy, versatility and cost-saving performance due to their special hygienic design. Completely engineered and built in the USA, these systems are ideal for the full range of poultry, meat and seafood applications including filets, drumsticks, tenders, wings and other products.

In contrast to conventional tubing designs for these systems, the open-frame design of Gainco's AccuFill™ bagging/bulking equipment promotes better food safety and ease of cleaning, making them perfectly suited for the food processing environment.

Beyond better cleanliness, the many productivity-enhancing features of AccuFill™ bagging/bulking systems include the ability to accommodate each user's specific wicketed bag requirements, such as adjusting weight set-points and lower/upper limits. A "quick change" wicket holder facilitates the rapid reloading of bags, while a check weighing feature guards against overpacking.

Versatile controllers provide easy flexibility in program setup and operation, and a battery-backed memory has been designed into the system for recording the total number of bags, total weight, plus all setup parameters. A host PC can be connected to multiple bagging systems for centralized reporting, setup control, and yield analysis. The incorporation of "auto-zero" software automatically adjusts for any product accumulation on the hopper surfaces to ensure better weighing accuracy.

AccuFill™ bagging/bulking systems are engineered to operate in a variety of configurations, such as manual loading with either automatic or operator-selected product discharge, or conveyor loading with either automatic or operator-selected discharge. They are also ideal for positioning at the end of YieldPlus™ breast portioning or debone line operations.

Multiple system configurations are available. Dual-stage systems are particularly well-suited for conveyor-fed, high-volume product applications where varying customer requirements or floor space considerations are key factors. The bi-directional buffer hopper controls the flow of product to two weigh stations, thereby doubling the capacity and speed for a single product stream. Flexibility is enhanced with dual-station bagging/bulking systems by alternately filling different order specs, according to individual customer requirements.

All AccuFill™ bagging/bulking systems from Gainco feature rugged, sanitary stainless steel construction for long-life performance. In addition, complete system service and technical support is available through Gainco's Blue Ribbon Service unit. For more information, contact Russ Williams at (770) 534-0703, or e-mail your request to info(at)gainco.com.

Since 1984, Gainco, Inc. has been a leader in the development of online electronic weighing, sizing and distribution systems for the poultry, meat and fish processing industries. In addition to weigh/bagging systems, the company's comprehensive product line includes sizing and distribution systems, in-motion portion sizing equipment, high-speed sorting and counting systems, batch weighing equipment for processing parts into bags or boxes, as well as a complete range of scale equipment. Gainco is a subsidiary of Bettcher Industries, Inc.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:39 AM | Comments (0)

Brady Introduces v2.0 LABXPERT(TM) Laboratory Labeling System

www.bradycorp.com [Brady Corporation (NYSE:BRC) is pleased to announce the release of the upgraded v2.0 LABXPERT(TM) Laboratory Labeling System, offering new features for creating fast, legible, durable labels designed for use in the lab environment.

Milwaukee (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 17, 2007 -- Brady Corporation (NYSE:BRC) is pleased to announce the release of the upgraded v2.0 LABXPERT(TM) Laboratory Labeling System, offering new features for creating fast, legible, durable labels designed for use in the lab environment.

The LABXPERT printer can be used to produce labels for lab samples, small custom safety labels and other general laboratory ID labels on the spot using Brady labels that withstand the most severe lab conditions, including exposure to solvents and moisture and extreme low temperatures. Using the LABXPERT printer, label information is readable by everyone every time, plus, it is eight times faster than handwriting, reducing time spent labeling.

The Brady LABXPERT printer can be used for all lab applications including vials, vial tops, slides, well plates, and other laboratory vessels. The system features built-in lab applications including vial size templates, one-touch time and date stamp, auto serialization for fast aliquots, bar coding capabilities, PC connection for downloading print jobs from a user database, 300 dpi print head for sharp resolution and reliable bar code reads, and 140 Greek and laboratory symbols.

The new v2.0 LABXPERT printer offers these additional features:

New USB Port Connectivity -- Lab staff who work from a laptop computer can now print directly to the LABXPERT printer.
New Mirror Image Label Printing -- Users can now print mirror image text on clear labels for use on the underside of Petri dishes, allowing for easy readability from above the container.
New Nine Additional Font Sizes -- 21 total font sizes for clear legible printing on any label size.
New Battery Life Indicator -- helps avoid interruption of print jobs from power shortage.
New Bar Code Enhancements -- Users can now fit more barcode.
New Redesigned Supply Cartridge -- For easier use and more efficient performance.

Brady LABXPERT label materials have been tested to withstand the extreme conditions found in most laboratories. The labels will not fall off, crack, peel, or smudge when exposed to extreme temperatures such as Liquid Nitrogen (-196ºC) or Autoclave (+121ºC). Harsh chemicals including Xylene, Ethanol, DMSO, IPA, Toluene, and boiling water do not affect the integrity of the labels. The low-profile label materials will not jam in centrifuges or other equipment.

For additional information on the Brady LABXPERT printer or Brady's other labeling products designed specifically for use in a lab, contact Brady at 1-888-311-0775 or visit www.bradyid.com/labxpert.

Brady Corporation is an international manufacturer and marketer of complete solutions that identify and protect premises, products, and people. Its products help customers increase safety, security, productivity, and performance and include high-performance labels and signs, safety devices, printing systems and software, and precision die-cut materials. Founded in 1914, the company has more than 500,000 customers in electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, electrical, construction, education, medical, and a variety of other industries. Brady is headquartered in Milwaukee and employs more than 9,000 people at operations in the Americas, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. Brady's fiscal 2006 sales were approximately $1.018 billion. More information is available on the Internet at www.bradycorp.com.

Contacts:
Marilyn McGair
Marketing Images, Inc.
Phone: (262) 523-3940 Ext: 102
Cell Phone: 262-751-9403

Matt Luger
Brady Corporation
Phone: 414-438-7032

For a complete version of this release with images, visit http://news.marketingimages.com/default.asp?nid=291

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:38 AM | Comments (0)

Lean Manufacturing Training Workshop by Gembutsu Consulting

Gembutsu Consulting announces two Lean Workshops in Southern California on June 26th and 27th. The workshops are geared towards business leaders who would like to learn more about the Toyota Production System (also called Lean Manufacturing) in order to understand if this manufacturing methodology is right for their company.

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) May 17, 2007 -- Gembutsu Consulting will be hosting two Lean Workshops in greater Los Angeles in June 2007. The workshops are geared towards middle and upper management decision makers who would like to learn more about lean manufacturing, also called the Toyota Production System (TPS).
Topics covered include:

1. The Truths and Myths of Lean manufacturing
2. A review of most common tools, as well as the philosophy of Lean
3. How do I get started? Hands-on implement guidelines
4. A specific tool: Value Stream Mapping
5. Lean and Six Sigma: What is the difference?
6. Is 'Lean' just a fancy way of saying 'laying people off'?
7. Understanding the shop floor impact: what really happens

Much more, including a question and answer (Q&A) session with participants.

Our seminars will be held at the following locations:

Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Orange, California
Orange Chamber of Commerce
Time: 9:00 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Torrance, California
Torrance Chamber of Commerce
Time: 9:00 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m.

Who Should Attend?
Business leaders and managers from manufacturing or service companies who would like to learn about Lean and TPS to determine if it is worthwhile implementing in their organization as a way to reduce costs, decrease lead-times and improve quality.

Typical Results of Lean
Increase Throughput by 40% - 80%
Increase First-Pass Yields by 50% - 100%
Increase Productivity by 75% - 125% (or more)
Reduce manufacturing lead-time by 50% - 90%
Reduce Space Requirements by 5% - 30%
Reduce Work-in-Process by 60% - 80%

More Information:
Workshop participants are provided snacks, lunch and free parking if necessary. Participants also receive an electronic copy of all material presented, which they can take back to their workplace.

For more information about these or upcoming workshops, including signing up, please visit our seminars page at: http://www.gembutsu.com/lean_session.html

About Gembutsu Consulting
Gembutsu Consulting assists clients in implementing the tools and philosophy of the Toyota Production System (TPS), widely referred to as 'lean manufacturing'. The company uses the successful kaizen, or continuous improvement, philosophy to eliminate waste in all business processes.

Gembutsu consultants have completed projects in Europe, Japan and North America and the company supports projects in English, German, French and Hungarian. Relying on our knowledge, education and past operations success, we transform traditional manufacturers into powerful lean enterprises.

Gembutsu Consultants are hands-on experts who offer practical insights from their implementation experience and take the time to explain the details of each topic so that workshop participants gain a solid understanding of all material covered.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:38 AM | Comments (0)

Suncombe PureKleens Your Critical Parts

Suncombe - the premier Cleaning In Place and process engineers - introduce the PureKleen Parts Washers, an innovative new high quality, cGMP Parts Washer, developed for use in the pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare and medical fields.

London, UK (PRWEB) May 17, 2007 -- Suncombe - the premier Cleaning In Place and process engineers - introduce the PureKleen Parts Washers, an innovative new high quality, cGMP Parts Washer, developed for use in the pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare and medical fields. The parts washer, using an innovative spray technique, offers the perfect clean employing high impact accurate spray targeting.

The PureKleen Parts Washers utilise existing and new technologies to provide an environmentally friendly, low water and energy usage washing facility for change parts, tooling, drums, containers, hoses, tubes, containers and other equipment used in R&D and Production facilities. Developed for use in the pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare and medical fields, the parts washer, uses an innovative spray technique, offers the perfect clean employing high impact accurate spray targeting.

The range includes four sizes of washers, starting from 750mm cubed up to 1,500mm cubed crevice free cleaning chambers, with an air tight inflatable door seal beneficial for high containment requirements. Designed for simple use, the parts are loaded onto mobile trolleys with detachable trays for sliding directly into the washer, allowing rack loading to be carried out at the component disassembly point.

Available in single door or double door pass through designs and built from 316L stainless steel to cGMP, ASME BPE and GAMP standards, they can be freestanding or integrated into your facility, located in your wash area or clean rooms.

Steve Overton, the Technical Director at Suncombe comments: "Following many requests from our clients, the PureKleen Parts Washers have been developed using our 45 years of experience in the field and are an exciting new concept that bridges the gap between small benchtop units and our large full height washers. With new uses emerging constantly, we offer customised trolleys and loading mechanisms to wash the most complex equipment"

Developed over a number of years, the PureKleen Washers have already been supplied to many of the major Biopharma companies, with excellent results.

Offering traceability and a full validation trail, the Washers intuitive operator interface is a full colour touch panel which has 10 levels of password protection, includes 2 pre-configured cycles and up to 30 user configurable washing cycles. Complete with self-diagnostic features, the operator interface allows configuration of the cycle steps which include hot rinses up to 95˚C, cold rinses, process, purified and WFI waters, detergent rinses, drying and cooling, to provide a fully repeatable automatic cycle.

Available in standard and bespoke versions, the washers provide an environmentally, cost effective, robust, durable parts washing solution.

For further information please contact:
Dave Adams - Manager
Suncombe Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 208-443-3454
Fax: +44 (0) 208-443-3969
E-mail: d.adams(at)suncombe.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:38 AM | Comments (0)

New Fast Eddy's by Cookshack Smoker Oven Has a 300 Lbs. Capacity and Rolls into Buildings Through a Double Door

Cookshack, Inc. launches its newest, and smallest rotisserie model, smoker in its Fast Eddy's by Cookshack line of 100% wood burning smoker ovens for the commercial and competition markets.

Ponca City, Oklahoma (PRWEB) May 17, 2007 -- It's a dilemma faced by many barbecue restaurants and caterers: How to get that big pit into the building. The new Fast Eddy's by Cookshack Model FEC300, with a 300 lb. capacity, solves that problem. The 100% wood burning pit is is 49.25" wide and 80.5" tall and will roll right through a double door.

"We know that most people are working in existing buildings and how impossible it is to move big pits in and out, so we came up with this solution. By placing two of the FEC300's side by side with left and right facing doors, the restaurateur has a 600 lb. capacity without tearing out part of the building," says Ed "Fast Eddy" Maurin, inventor of the FEC line of 100% wood burning smokers and championship barbecue cook.

Kansas City Meat Processor Praises FEC300 as Economical

Bichelmeyer Meats has been a Kansas City meat institution since 1890, and have been using FEC100's since they bought an original model from Eddy in the late 1990's. They recently added the first FEC300 made for sale to their arsenal of smokers, and they are enthusiastic about the results. Says Matt Bichelmeyer, "The FEC300 is great, in it we do the meats that we've always produced, but we now can do them better. It produces a nicer product in color, tenderness and taste. We do Slim Jims, Beef Jerky, and 12 kinds of Sausage in it, as well as smoked pork loin and pork chops. It's proved to be a very valuable piece of equipment. It's actually put more money in our pocket, especially when you look at the cost of fuel. The cost of burning gas vs burning pellets has been unreal. It's much more economical to smoke with the pellet burners.

Put It On A Trailer And Take It On The Road!

Cookshack's competition and catering customers have made the FEC line of custom trailer configurations their choice for moving their smokers from place to place. The FEC300 is no exception. In addition to the usual trailer features, the FEC300 trailer has room for an optional 65x12x12" Delta toolbox. The toolbox will easily hold two 20 lb. bags of wood pellets, three 5 lb. jars of Cookshack barbecue spices, and a gallon of Cookshack barbecue sauce, with room left over for other supplies for the caterer or competitor.

The FEC300 has five rotating rotisserie racks, with three removable shelves per rack. Shelves can be configured for slabs of ribs or larger cuts of meat by removing one or more shelves.

Meets or Exceeds Air Quality Standards

As urban areas crack down on smoke, the FEC line continues to gain in popularity because of the smokers' ability to add perfect smoke flavor to meats without putting a large volume of smoke in the air. The food grade heat-compressed wood pellets used by the FEC smokers produce a clean smoke that gives excellent flavor and meets standards imposed by health departments.

Fast Eddy's Smokers Take Teams to the Winners Circle

Like its big brothers Fast Eddy's by Cookshack Models FEC100, FEC500, and FEC750, the FEC300 turns out a superior product. Just look at the winners on the competition circuit. Two of the reigning world champion teams cooked on a Fast Eddy's to win. Team cancersuckschicago.com took Grand Champion at the prestigious Jack Daniels contest in 2006, and Hot Knots, cooking for the first time on an FEC100, walked off with the World's Grand Championship at the 2007 Houston Livestock World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. Britain's Mad Cow team won the 2004 Jack Daniels Grand Championship cooking on an FEC.

Where to See the FEC300

The first public showing of the FEC300 is scheduled for the National Restaurant Association Restaurant Hotel-Motel Show held in McCormick Place, Chicago, IL,
May 19, 2007 - May 22, 2007, Cookshack exhibit booth #1585. Inventor Ed "Fast Eddy" Maurin will be on site as will Cookshack CEO Stuart Powell, National Sales Manager John Shiflet, and Frank Terranova, MCFE, of Johnson & Wales University.

The FEC300 will appear during the summer at the Texas Restaurant Assocation trade show in June and the Florida Restaurant Assocation trade show in August. Call 1-800-423-0698 for details.

Cookshack Barbecue Equipment

Cookshack manufactures smoker ovens for commercial, home, and competition use under the brand names of Cookshack and Fast Eddy's by Cookshack. Cookshack has an industry-wide reputation for its high quality products and exceptional customer service. The company has been in business for over 40 years and ships its products worldwide. Cookshack is privately held and is located in Oklahoma. Commercial equipment is NSF approved and UL listed; most stainless steel models are USDA approved. Residential equipment is UL listed. Made in the USA.

Need an image? Visit the image gallery at www.cookshack.com for high resolution images.

Resources
www.cookshack.com
Cookshack Barbecue Forum

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:37 AM | Comments (0)

Self Storage Software Connection Expands

Security for self storage and day-to-day accounting operations with more freedom of choice are enhanced as new members are accepted into the expanded Self Storage Software Connection, giving self-storage owners and operators the freedom to choose amongst the best software suppliers in the industry without finger-pointing between suppliers.

Asheville, NC (PRWEB) May 17, 2007 -- Owners in self-storage get the assurance of reliable one-step computing with the Self-Storage Software Connection. Digitech International instigated a strategic alliance partnership with a group of Self-Storage Management Software Partners, including the most popular brand names in the industry. A reliable interface is guaranteed for each installation with two-way behind-the-scenes communication between the management software company and Digitech.

New members have applied and been accepted into the partnership including eMove®, publisher of WebSelfStorage® facility management software used by eMove® Storage Affiliates, the world's largest network of independent self-storage operators. Another, an international member, is Storman Self Storage Software. Originated in New Zealand, StorMan has risen to become the premier software supplier for New Zealand and Australia and has recently added an office in the US.

"Owners expect us to provide a seamless interface between our access control and alarm software and the management software they use for day-to-day financial data and operations," says Jon Loftin, Vice President and Systems Engineer for Digitech. "We have worked hard to provide a cross-program data communication that is effective and reliable, far superior to what some companies call a 'universal interface.' Each owner can rest assured that the programs talk to each other so that it's completely transparent to the managers and operators, reducing the workload and worry for site management personnel."

"Digitech has always supported the requests to link up our program with others. Now, we're taking it several steps further with our strategic partners in the Self Storage Software Connection," says Steve Cooper, Digitech's Director of Marketing. "We're putting a premium on the process by assuring owners that there will never be a finger-pointing problem between Digitech and its partners. It also gives owners great freedom to choose from all the programs available, without being locked in to only one supplier for software."

"The alliances offer owners the value of a close working relationship with these select Self Storage Software Connection Partners," says Cooper. "We want to make sure that owners understand the value and will know that they are really getting the best combination solution available for both accounting and security. In our opinion, with the Self Storage Software Connection we're just formalizing what we have already been doing for years and giving owners and operators the freedom of choice amongst the best software suppliers in the industry."

These new members of the Self Storage Software Connection join RentPlus by Hi-Tech Software, Syrasoft Storage Management System, SiteLink from SMD Software, Inc. and StoreSM from Centershift®. Others include DOMICO 2005 from DOMICO, Storage Commander™ from Empower Software Technologies, and Nx.Gen by Space Control.

"The alliance will give us the opportunity to be looking forward as well. We anticipate that our renewed commitment with our partners will result, not only in enhanced technical support, but also in avenues of product development and innovation. We're excited about the prospects," says Cooper.

Additional information on the benefits and operation of the Self Storage Software Connection is available on the web site for each of the companies represented or by direct contact. You may click to http://www.software4storage.com or call 800.523.9504.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:36 AM | Comments (0)

CADopia Bundles McNeel Rhino 4.0 and Flamingo 1.1 with CADopia IntelliCAD Professional

CADopia, a leading developer and supplier of CADopia IntelliCAD, announced today the availability of Rhino 4.0 bundled with CADopia Professional 6.

San Diego, Calif. (PRWEB) May 16, 2007 -- CADopia, a leading developer and supplier of CADopia IntelliCAD, announced today the availability of Rhino 4.0 bundled with CADopia Professional 6.

"Rhino 4.0 is the most significant upgrade in the history of Rhino, with hundreds of new features and enhancements. CADopia users get a complete suite of solutions when they purchase the CADopia Pro/Rhino/Flamingo bundle," said Surya Sarda, President and CEO of CADopia. "CADopia customers can also create various types of animations using the bundled product."

"We are very pleased to announce Rhino 4.0. Over 800 new features and enhancements were designed, developed, and tested with input from more than 10,000 users. More development resources went into Rhino 4.0 than all of the prior Rhino releases combined ," said Robert McNeel, founder and CEO of Robert McNeel & Associates.

Most Significant New Version
Rhino 4.0 is the most significant new version in the history of Rhino. Over 800 new features and enhancements were designed, developed, and tested with input from more than 10,000 users. More development resources went into Rhino 4.0 than all of the prior Rhino releases combined. The major development areas include:

Modeling
Editing tools
2-D drawing/drafting tools
Mesh modeling, editing, repair, and rapid prototyping
Interface
Display
Rendering and animation
Analysis
Large projects
Compatibility
Software developer tools

CADopia IntelliCAD is a powerful CAD solution for engineers, architects, designers and drafters - virtually anyone who creates, edits or views professional drawings. It offers a high degree of compatibility with popular CAD systems and supports DWG as its native file format. CADopia can be customized using AutoLisp, Microsoft VBA, and SDS (Solution Development System). Featuring advanced tools such as raster image support, photorealistic rendering, integrated VBA, and FlexLM license management, it provides a very comprehensive solution for advanced engineering drafting and drawing.

CADopia Professional 6 with Rhino/Flamingo bundle is priced at $1295.00 and is shipping now. Visit http://www.cadopia.com/products/rhino/rhino4features.asp.

About Robert McNeel & Associates
Founded in 1980, Robert McNeel & Associates is a privately-held, employee-owned company that provides technical professionals with productive tools based on emerging technologies. For the last few years the company has focused on developing and publishing specialty Windows products for engineers, architectural and industrial designers.

About CADopia
CADopia (www.cadopia.com) is creating the industry standard for an affordable and powerful CAD solution. With a network of strategic ISV partners, distributors and resellers across the globe, CADopia is one of the world's most popular providers of professional CAD software. Founded in 1999 in San Diego, CADopia is a privately held California Corporation. For more details, please visit CADopia web site at www.cadopia.com.

CADopia and the CADopia logo are the trademarks of CADopia Inc. All other trademarks, trade names, or company names referenced herein are used for identification only and are the property of their respective owners.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:36 AM | Comments (0)

T-REX Stalks Vulture Investors

New auction marketplace for Chapter 11 creditors shakes up $500 billion claims trading industry.

Denver, CO (PRWEB) May 16, 2007 -- Creditors whose debtors file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy have operated at a disadvantage. Saddled with bad debt that may take years to recover, they can sell their bankruptcy claims at a discount, but the process can be daunting, with the creditor at the mercy of distressed debt buyers known as "vulture investors."

But a new company is ready to level the playing field.

Trade Receivable Exchange - or T-REX - is launching an online auction marketplace (www.t-rexauctions.com) to help creditors sell their unsecured Chapter 11 bankruptcy claims at higher prices and on more favorable contract terms -- all at the expense of vulture investors. T-REX aims to bring transparency to the claims trading market through an open bidding format.

According to the Daily Bankruptcy Review, a huge market has developed involving the trading of bankruptcy claims -- by some estimates $500 billion in such claims change hands every year.

"Chapter 11 creditors have a difficult time navigating the murky, unregulated world of claims trading, which is dominated by sophisticated hedge funds," says T-REX CEO and co-founder David Williams. "Vulture investors thrive on secrecy. Confidentiality agreements are commonly used to prevent creditors from sharing the terms of their bankruptcy claim sale. Many creditors get low-balled on pricing because they have no reliable way to research the market rate and there is rarely any head-to-head bidding for their claims. They don't know the good vulture investors from the unethical ones and, worst of all, the boilerplate contracts used to document the sale of claims are notoriously one-sided."

Creditors can join T-REX and post their bankruptcy claim auctions for free. Pre-qualified investment banks and hedge funds then bid against each other in real-time for the auction transaction, which drives up the selling price for the creditor. Winning bidders pay T-REX a commission fee when the auction transaction closes. T-REX's commission fees for bankruptcy claims start as low as 0.50% of the purchase price.

Pricing transparency is the cornerstone of T-REX's new marketplace. Creditors can actually see how much other companies are being quoted for their bankruptcy claim auctions. Additional pricing research tools are available to creditors who upgrade to T-REX's premium membership plan ($499 per year).

Auctions are anonymous and non-binding meaning the creditor can award its auction to any bidder or none at all. Creditors can analyze detailed bidder profiles and member feedback ratings to help them select the winning bidder. They can also use T-REX's "creditor-friendly" claim assignment agreement to negotiate better contract terms with the winning bidder.

About T-REX
T-REX (Trade Receivable Exchange) is the revolutionary auction marketplace for buyers and sellers of Chapter 11 bankruptcy claims and trade credit protection. T-REX enables business creditors to research the latest market pricing, post non-binding auctions for free and negotiate better terms with T-REX's creditor-friendly contracts. Leading investment banks, hedge funds and credit insurers bid head-to-head in real-time for auctions posted on T-REX. Auction categories include Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Claims, Receivable Put Options and Trade Credit Insurance. Visit www.t-rexauctions.com to learn more.

Media Contact:
David Williams, CEO & Co-Founder
Trade Receivable Exchange, Inc.
877-301-8739
david @ t-rexauctions.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:35 AM | Comments (0)

Introducing Supply Today's New Lean Six Sigma Consulting Approach

New: Supply Today's Lean Six Sigma Tools

(PRWEB) May 16, 2007 -- Supply Today has released its web based project management and consulting software tool based on lean six sigma principles.

Using project support tickets (email look-a-likes), management of dead-lines and tasks are simplified. Projects can to be managed as one-on-one or in formal groups. The application also supports our current methodologies and a provides a high quality result along with a consistent approach for our customers.

Logistics is simple; it's about getting your products to customers on time. That's all there is to it. Unfortunately, simple doesn't always mean easy. In fact, logistics is arguably the most complicated part of any product-based business.

As companies grow, costs rise and every link in the supply chain is severely tested. In order to keep customers happy and costs in check, every link must be as strong as every other.

Experienced logistics consultants help companies develop a ship-shape supply chain that will improve inventory management, reduce total operating costs and increase customer satisfaction.

This is usually done by leveraging people, processes and current technologies and good consultants deliver quantifiable results, measurable ROI and take logistics to the next level, and just as importantly help keep companies there.

"Growth is a positive development, but many companies make mistakes along the way. If Logistics and Supply Chain management are outside the businesses core competencies, this can be an even stronger challenge. Many times, decisions in these areas can determine if the supply chain ultimately makes it or unfortunately fails," said John Hogg, Managing Director.

Over the last 10 years many companies have begun to realise the inherent value in their logistics processes. Logistics is now seen as a key service difference for both commodity and high value products.

To meet the ever changing needs of business and acquire the expert advice that is needed a company needs a partner that can turn liabilities into assets.

So what make a good Logistics or Supply Chain Consulting company?

One of the major strengths of any Logistics Consulting company are consultants with experience, knowledge and a history of delivering superior logistics and supply chain results and who are extremely good at resolving problems. As part of the companies culture individuals need to be dedicated to raising the bar with a commitment to excellence and professionalism.

A Logistics or Supply Chain consulting company also needs to be specialising in the application of technology solutions to the supply chain so you get maximum process visibility and real time information.

As part of the service offering consultants need to be able to adapt to change without interruption within the environment and be able to trouble-shoot, negotiate, educate and listen as well as being proactive, quick to learn, energetic, humorous and honest. The companies internal training, processes and tools also need to support their staff.

NEW: Supply Today's Lean Six Sigma Tools.

Supply Today's new tools are used by Supply Today consultants to manage assignments by improving visibility and providing additional information to our customers.

Using project support tickets (email look-a-likes), management of dead-lines and tasks are simplified. Projects can to be managed as one-on-one or in formal groups. The application also supports the Supply Today methodologies and provides a high quality result along with a consistent approach for our customers. The new tools are available via a secure link and are HIPAA, ITIL and Sarbanes-Oxley compliant.

"Supply Today has always employed a true hands-on approach. It's not good enough to just tell our customers what needs to be done; Supply Today get it done. In the time it takes to write a 500 page report, a Supply Today consultant will have the whole job done and companies will already be enjoying measurable results. (Of course, if a 500 page report is needed, our consultants can do that too!)," said John Hogg.

Call 1300 - 4 TODAY (1300 - 486 - 329) or email to discuss how Supply Today can help meet your business needs.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:34 AM | Comments (0)

May 14, 2007

Electrolux Design Lab 2007 - Electrolux is Looking into Green Solutions for the Year 2020

Electrolux Design Lab 2007, for its fifth annual competition, invites design students from around the world to present solutions for the home of the future. This year's task is to come up with ideas for eco-friendly and sustainable household appliances and solutions for 2020.

(PRWEB) May 14, 2007 -- Electrolux, one of the world's leaders in innovative cooking and cleaning solutions for the home, once again is encouraging students across the globe to fire up their creative juices and design household appliances for the future.

This year's requirement is that submissions be environmentally-sound, commercially-viable and enable people to better live in harmony with the environment. The goal is to go above and beyond simple energy and water efficiency and suggest ways to foster sustainable behavior and product usage.

"We see this competition as one way Electrolux can involve the creativity of young people and get them to focus on global climate change that will affect us all," says Hans Stråberg, Electrolux President and CEO.

Over the years thousands of students have participated in Electrolux's Design Lab global competition that has culminated in a series of international workshops at the finals, which previously have taken place in Budapest, New York, Stockholm and Barcelona. The location for this year's Design Lab event is Paris.

"Design is at the heart of the Electrolux brand," says Henrik Otto, Senior Vice President - Global Design. "I'm excited that this year's competition will bring us some innovative sustainability ideas. We will use the best ideas when developing new products. And who knows? What's impossible to manufacture today might be possible in 2020."

The Design Lab 2007 has a First Prize of 5,000 euros and a six-month internship at one of the Electrolux global design centers. An international jury will judge the entries based on intuitive design, innovation, consumer insight, and the ability to promote sustainable development for the future.

Entries must be submitted by August 1, 2007, via the Internet at Electrolux Design Lab web site . A limited number of finalists will be chosen by the end of September. They will be invited to Paris to make a final presentation to the jury in late November, after which the winner will be announced and the prizes awarded.

For more information please contact Electrolux Media Hot line, +46 8 657 65 07 or press @ electrolux.com

About the Electrolux Group
Electrolux is a global leader in home appliances and appliances for professional use, selling more than 40 million products to customers in 150 countries every year. The company focuses on innovations that are thoughtfully designed, based on extensive consumer insight, to meet the real needs of consumers and professionals. Electrolux products include refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, vacuum cleaners and cookers sold under esteemed brands such as Electrolux, AEG-Electrolux, Zanussi, Eureka and Frigidaire. In 2006, Electrolux had sales of SEK 104 billion and 56,000 employees. For more information, visit Electrolux's media web site

Electrolux Group web site is available at Electrolux Group

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:28 PM | Comments (0)

Chief Economist: Fed Could Cut Interest Rates By Fall

Following the May 9 decision of the U.S. Federal Reserve to leave interest rates unchanged, Euler Hermes ACI Chief Economist Daniel C. North issued a commentary in which he forecasts that the Fed may lower interest rates by the fall.

(PRWEB) May 14, 2007 -- Following the May 9 decision of the U.S. Federal Reserve to leave interest rates unchanged, Euler Hermes ACI Chief Economist Daniel C. North issued the following commentary:

"As expected yesterday, The Federal Reserve held the Fed Funds interest rate steady at 5.25%. In the statement accompanying the action, the Fed cited both economic growth and inflation as concerns. The statement noted that "Economic growth slowed in the first part of this year and the adjustment in the housing sector is ongoing" but it also stated that "Core inflation remains somewhat elevated … (and) the high level of resource utilization has the potential to sustain…" inflationary pressures.

Despite concerns over both factors, the Fed's bias towards fighting inflation remained unchanged, saying that the "…predominant policy concern remains … inflation." The fact that several inflation indicators remain at "elevated" levels certainly contributes to this bias. Perhaps most importantly, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) core rate still remains above 2%, which is thought to be about the Fed's highest tolerable rate on its most carefully watched gauge.

But inflation concerns may be abating. The Fed must certainly have been happy to see the most recent reading of the PCE core was 2.1% in March, as opposed to the 2.4% rate it displayed in February. In addition, critical Unit Labor Costs, which measure wages after taking into account productivity, fell to a 1.3% year over year growth rate in the first quarter of 2007 versus 3.4% in the fourth quarter of 2006. Since inflation in labor costs is more influential than in materials costs, this was welcome news indeed.

Furthermore, the Fed's reliance on a slowing economy to "moderate" inflationary pressures seems to be coming to fruition. First quarter GDP growth was an anemic 1.3%, the slowest in four years. The latest employment report showed only 88,000 jobs created in April, the lowest in two and one half years. The second lowest during that period was just in February at 90,000 jobs. The unprecedented demise of the housing market no doubt is helping curb the consumer; April same-store sales at major retailers fell well below expectations. The Treasury yield curve is still inverted and has been since last July, a historically strong indicator of a slowing economy. Given the weakness in the economy, the Fed may only have to wait until the fall to shift its bias towards growth and start cutting rates."

Euler Hermes ACI is the leading provider of trade credit insurance and accounts receivable management solutions. Chief Economist Daniel C. North has been using macroeconomic and quantitative analyses to help develop, price, and manage the company's risk portfolio of more than $150 billion in annual U.S. trade transactions. He has written and presented macroeconomic forecasts on behalf of the Credit Research Foundation and provides regular commentary on the National Association of Credit Management's monthly Credit Manager's Index. North has an MBA from the Wharton School of Business.

Euler Hermes ACI is North America's oldest and largest provider of trade credit insurance and accounts receivable management solutions and is the US subsidiary of the Euler Hermes Group. Headquartered in Owings Mills, MD, the company protects and insures more than $150 billion in US trade transactions annually. Additionally, Euler Hermes ACI provides a suite of receivables management services that includes commercial third party collections, receivables management outsourcing, and international collections. For more information, visit www.eulerhermes.com/usa.

Euler Hermes is the worldwide leader in credit insurance and one of the leaders in bonding and guarantees. With 5,500 employees in 49 countries, Euler Hermes offers a complete range of services for the management of customer receivables and posted a consolidated turnover of 2.01 billion euros in 2006.

Euler Hermes, a subsidiary of AGF and a member of Allianz, is listed on Euronext Paris. Standard & Poor's rates the group and its principal credit insurance subsidiaries AA-.

Press Contact:
Rick Ostopowicz
Euler Hermes ACI Public Relations and Communications Specialist
Phone: (410) 753-0652
Email: rick.ostopowicz @ eulerhermes.com

These assessments are, as always, subject to the disclaimer provided below.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain of the statements contained herein may be statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. In addition to statements which are forward-looking by reason of context, the words 'may, will, should, expects, plans, intends, anticipates, believes, estimates, predicts, potential, or continue' and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to, without limitation, (i) general economic conditions, including in particular economic conditions in the Allianz SE's core business and core markets, (ii) performance of financial markets, including emerging markets, (iii) the frequency and severity of insured loss events, (iv) mortality and morbidity levels and trends, (v) persistency levels, (vi) the extent of credit defaults (vii) interest rate levels, (viii) currency exchange rates including the Euro-U.S. Dollar exchange rate, (ix) changing levels of competition, (x) changes in laws and regulations, including monetary convergence and the European Monetary Union, (xi) changes in the policies of central banks and/or foreign governments, (xii) the impact of acquisitions, including related integration issues, (xiii) reorganization measures and (xiv) general competitive factors, in each case on a local, regional, national and/or global basis. Many of these factors may be more likely to occur, or more pronounced, as a result of terrorist activities and their consequences. The matters discussed herein may also involve risks and uncertainties described from time to time in Allianz SE's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Group assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained herein.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:27 PM | Comments (0)

Schneeberger Announces 48-hour Shipping on Linear Guide with Integrated Encoder

Expansion of U.S. systems assembly capability enables industry leading turnaround on custom advanced measurement systems that save time, space and reduce contaminants for motion control applications.

Bedford, MA (PRWEB) May 14, 2007 -- Schneeberger, Inc., a leading global provider of linear guide technology announced that it is the first supplier of linear motion systems to be able to ship a profiled linear guideway with an integrated linear encoder within 48 hours. Within two days from receipt of order for either analog or digital versions of an AMS linear encoder profiled guideway, Schneeberger can ship a customized version to customers anywhere in North America. Compared to the industry standard delivery time of two-to-three weeks, this dramatically reduces the wait before users can begin enjoying the benefits of an integrated encoder on their linear motion system.

“Linear guideways with integrated encoders save time, space and eliminate the risk of damage by contaminants. To meet the increasing demand for these systems and customer requests for rapid delivery, we have advanced our production, assembly and logistics systems to the point that we can now guarantee shipment of profiled linear guides with an integrated encoder within 48 hours. We know of no other supplier of positioning or measurement systems that can come close do doing this,” said Adrian Fuchser, Schneeberger, executive vice president and general manager.

Schneeberger (www.schneeberger.com) has expanded system manufacturing capabilities at its Bedford, Mass., facility to accommodate the 48-hour turnaround of precision linear guideways with integrated encoders systems. The process involves streamlined order entry and inventory control, and an engineering review of the order. The approved linear guideway system is then fabricated, assembled and acceptance tested to specification on site, and shipped anywhere in North America.

Schneeberger is a pioneer in linear motion systems technology, having introduced the first integrated guide system. Its latest systems, the analog AMSA-3A and AMSA-4A, and digital versions AMSD-3A and AMSD-4A represent advances that enable the system to be implemented in an even smaller envelope, barely more than the guideway itself. All versions allow the addition of the SPL Lubrication cartridge and extra wipers, which minimize potential of contamination from oils, greases, coolants, machining chips, and grinding swarf.

Schneeberger AMS linear guides allow designers to specify two critical machine components -- guideway and encoder -- with a single Schneeberger part number. Moreover, it saves hours of time normally required for the alignment of a linear scale, as the integration of scale and guide in a single piece allows simultaneous installation and alignment of the scale as the linear guide is installed. Unlike external optical linear encoders, Schneeberger AMS linear guides do note require additional precision ground surfaces or bracketry, nor do they need to be protected by an air purge system.

AMS uses an electronic scan head that attaches to the Schneeberger guideway carriage. The linear profiled guideway has a magnetic scale embedded in it without altering its normal cross-section. This allows drop-in replacement of most standard, anti-friction profiled linear guideways. The Schneeberger AMSA-3A and AMSD-3A are available in roller guideway sizes MR25, 35, 45, 55 and 65 and the AMSA-4A and AMSD-4A are available in ball guideway sizes BM15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45.

Electronically, analog versions AMSA-3A and -4A offer a resolution of 0.0625 to 4.0 microns with interpolation by controller or Schneeberger SMEA interpolation electronics. Digital versions AMSD-3A and -4A are offered with choice of 5 µm, 1 µm, or 0.2 µm resolution. Scales for both versions available for 48 hour delivery feature distance coded reference marks at 20mm intervals, a signal period of 200 microns and a protection class of IP67. Operating temperatures of up to +70° C and storage temperatures of –20 to +70° C are possible. AMSA-3A offers compact scan head lengths of 75 to 90mm and AMSA-4A between 66 and 78 mm. In both versions, the sensor cable attaches from the back of the scan head to the front of the electronic housing unit, thus further reducing space requirements. Maximum rail lengths of 3,000mm are available within 48 hours, and up to 6,000mm length with standard factory lead times.

More than 20,000 Schneeberger guideways with integrated linear encoders have been installed throughout the world. Machine tools are the most popular application for the integrated linear scale because of its greater durability and smaller space requirements than glass scales. AMS is impervious to oil, grease, and coolants, and is unaffected by vibrations from machining operations. In extremely contaminated environments the AMS linear encoder system is as rugged as the guideways themselves -- an air purge system is not required. For extra protection, additional wiper seals are available to sweep away swarf, larger metal chips, and other types of debris.

Schneeberger, Inc., one of four subsidiaries of W. Schneeberger AG, headquartered in Switzerland, designs, manufactures and markets precision linear motion components and systems for demanding applications. Products include ball and cross-roller bearings, miniature slides and rails, profiled guideways, automated linear modules, multi-axis positioning systems and precision ball screws. Based in Bedford, Mass., Schneeberger, Inc., sells directly through its six regional sales offices throughout the US.

For more information, visit www.schneeberger.com, send an email to info-usa @ schneeberger.com or call 781-271-0140.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For a high-resolution graphic of Schneeberger’s profiled linear guideway, contact: Neil Sprague
(781) 793-9380

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:26 PM | Comments (0)

FastenersClearingHouse.com and Lunavista Communications Team up for Site Promotion

FastenersClearingHouse.com set to promote surplus fastener database online for buyers and sellers.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 14, 2007 -- FastenersClearingHouse.com (FCH) has retained Lunavista Communications of Chicago, Illinois to assist in the creation of a web based promotional campaign. The online marketing efforts will include search engine optimization, pay per click management, and a usability assessment. These efforts are designed to increase awareness of the new surplus fastener database.

"FastenersClearinHouse.com allows companies to buy or sell surplus fastener inventory online," explains Eric Dudas, Operations Manager of FastenersClearingHouse.com. "To promote our members' surplus fastener inventory, we are embarking on an aggressive Internet marketing campaign with Lunavista."

Lunavista's Director of Internet Marketing, Tim Grant, comments, "FastenersClearingHouse.com is a unique online service which fills a void that until now has only been gapped by print catalogs. The concept, combined with the industry and technical savvy of FCH staff, makes this a fairly easy service to market online."

FCH allows sellers of surplus fasteners to easily upload their inventory, and makes it simple for customers to search for fastener items using proprietary search tools. The new site was launched in October, 2006.

FastenersClearingHouse.com is an independent online service provider connecting buyers and sellers of surplus fasteners. For more information, visit www.fastenersclearinghouse.com

Lunavista Communications Corp is a Chicago based search engine marketing, optimization and web site design firm. For more information, visit www.lunavista.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:26 PM | Comments (0)

Drastic Image Makeover for Stone Home Décor Store

A dramatic increase in consumer interest, sales, and the development of exciting new product lines has necessitated a major update to the Corporate image, and presentation of PebbleArt Inc.

Westbury, NY (PRWEB) May 14, 2007 -- PebbleArt Inc. is a major manufacturer and supplier of decorative stone products and materials, and is also the publisher of several popular, home & office, decorative online publications. A dramatic increase in sales, consumer interest, and the introduction of numerous exciting new product lines, has necessitated a major update and modernization of the Corporate image, and online presentation. This includes upgrading their promotional materials, further development of their web properties, and designing a new, more targeted marketing plan.

Located in Long Island, NY, PebbleArt started off as a small family owned supplier of natural stone materials. Through a series of innovative designs, they began to develop a line of American manufactured, natural stone home décor accessories. Many of the products, such as their illuminated onyx collection, were considered revolutionary in the world of design.

The creation of a series of websites aimed at promoting their products, spearheaded by their flagship http://PebbleZ.com, allowed the company to get their word out to the world. And the world responded, with sales of their products and services increasing an average of 300% per year, since instigation of their web campaign.

The holiday season of 2006 precipitated an even more dramatic increase in page hits and consumer and corporate sales.

In the afterglow of this success, PebbleArt set out in early January to recreate their image, intending to develop a fresh, polished appearance for the company. The fulcrum of this campaign was the complete redesign of their main online catalog http://PebbleZ.com

The changes to this, and many of their other sites, included such things as a move from a table based to an almost purely CSS driven layout, the creation and application of a template system, the update and optimization of over 5,000 images, and the creation of several new categories and directories. In all over 1,000 pages were hand changed during the update.

Their promotional materials were also updated, with a series of new direct mailings being designed, as well as the creation of a new logo and letterhead featuring their mascot, the PebbleZ Person.

Many of these updates were able to be done in house, as those who make up the management of PebbleArt have acquired the technical and artistic skills over the years, necessary to effect these changes. Outside help was used in the form of freelancers, but for the most part decisions were made by the owners and managers of the company. Joseph Lewitin, manager of online operations for the company, was especially influential in the development of the new look and feel.

Along with a change in appearance, PebbleArt has also developed a new marketing strategy, expanding their breadth of vision while focusing in on those niches which have served them best. Many of their products have gotten makeovers, with new designs that call for components and materials from around the world. They have also begun the development of a new opt in list, started distributing a monthly newsletter, and have launched another new blog designed to help their customers interact with the company.

Future developments will include product expansion, with imported goods perhaps being added to their in house manufactured items. They are also expanding their wholesale and to the trade relationships, and are developing a whole new program which should make it much easier for retailers to carry their products.

Company Summary

PebbleArt, an innovative company that is fueled by imagination, has been involved in the decorative and natural stone business for over ten years. Some of their most innovative products include their rustic stone wall clocks, their absorbent sandstone drink coasters, their illuminated onyx home décor, and their fossil stone collection. They are also suppliers of a unique line of imported natural stone tile and slabs. Their online properties include http://PebbleZ.com, http://Decorative-Wall-Clocks.com, and the subdomains http://Coasters.PebbleZ.com, and http://Art.PebbleZ.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:25 PM | Comments (0)

XyUser Group Meets to Share Best Practices in XML CMS and Dynamic Publishing

Product updates, application sharing and networking top the agenda.

Wakefield, MA (PRWEB) May 14, 2007 -- The XyUser Group, an independent customer forum that provides networking and educational services to users of XyEnterprise solutions, hosted their annual Spring User Conference last month in Brighton, England. This three-day conference included business updates, technology trends, product workshops, best practices, and professional and social networking opportunities.

In a combination of both formal and informal venues, XyEnterprise, customers and partners discussed business, workflow and technology trends, while reviewing XyEnterprise's latest product offerings. XyEnterprise customers lead multiple sessions including technical presentations and success stories regarding their expertise in implementing and using XyEnterprise's content management and publishing software solutions.

A highlight of the conference is the opportunity it provides to end users to exchange ideas and learn from one another. In addition, customers attend the conference to stay abreast of the latest technological trends, including important developments in XML standards, including S1000D and DITA, the Darwin Information Typing Architecture.

"The XyUser Group is more than a customer group; we consider them to be an active part of our product research team", commented Kevin Duffy, President and CEO of XyEnterprise. "These events enable customers to share their insights and offer recommendations that help us make our products better."

This year's conference also provided customers with an opportunity to share their perspective on working with XyEnterprise and the company's solutions. Long time customer Lexis-Nexis commented, "I do business with XyEnterprise because they are a forward-thinking company who responds to the needs and direction of its users." Chris Leggett of Letterpart, another long time customer/partner added, "They are always looking for the latest XML technology to be integrated into their products, as well as listening to what the users require."

Praise for XyEnterprise's XML Professional Publisher (XPP) was universal. Teemu Malmberg of Edita Prima Ltd shared this business metric, "Our customer created their product catalog with PageMaker and it took them about 2 weeks. Now we can create the same catalog with XPP in 5 minutes!" And it's not just cost savings that have won over so many clients. Sue Saunders of Columns Design had this to say, "XPP enables us to provide the fastest production times in a 24/7 environment, with no restraint on quantity or quality in a global market."

Membership in the XyUser Group is open to any customer of XyEnterprise solutions. To learn more about this autonomous user group, please visit www.xyuser.org.

About XyEnterprise
XyEnterprise helps simplify and expedite the automated creation and delivery of content across the enterprise. Named one of KMWorld's "100 Companies that Matter in Knowledge Management," for a second consecutive year, we offer configurable and scalable XML content management and publishing solutions that maximize content reusability and repurposing. Our unmatched XML expertise, the result of hundreds of successful deployments, is built upon a 20-year heritage of partnership with our customers. XyEnterprise's content management and delivery solutions have been implemented by companies in publishing, financial services, government, manufacturing, high tech and aerospace/defense. The Company's headquarters is in Wakefield, Massachusetts, with locations throughout North America, Europe, Pacific Rim and Latin America. For additional information, please contact XyEnterprise at 781.756.4400 or visit www.xyenterprise.com.

Copyright © 2007 XyEnterprise Inc. All rights reserved. XyEnterprise is a trademark of XyEnterprise Inc. All other product and/or company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective holders.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:25 PM | Comments (0)

Houston Courier Expands Services To Include Nationwide LTL & TL Delivery

Hot Shot Delivery, Inc., Houston's leading provider of same day courier services and warehousing solutions, today announced that it has expanded its logistics division to include a Nationwide Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and Truckload (TL) service.

(PRWEB) May 14, 2007 -- Hot Shot Delivery, Inc., Houston's leading provider of same day courier services and warehousing solutions, today announced that it has expanded its logistics division to include a Nationwide Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and Truckload (TL) service.

Hot Shot Delivery has been providing Houston customers with same day courier services and warehousing solutions since 1978. In 2006, Hot Shot Logistics, Inc. was created to provide customers with expanded logistics services. The new nationwide Truckload and Less-Than-Truckload delivery service will allow Hot Shot to provide a total transportation management solution to their Texas customers as well as throughout the US.

By negotiating rates with the nation's largest freight carriers and continued alliances with leading door-to-door shippers, Hot Shot Logistics offers customers an extensive and extremely competitive option for truckload and less-than-truckload deliveries.

Along with the new nationwide service, Hot Shot has made enhancements to the www.hotshot-delivery.com website which will provide customers with more tools to manage their nationwide freight-shipping needs. The new Less-Than-Truckload and Truckload delivery section will provide users with the ability to obtain instant quotes on freight jobs as well as competitive pricing from numerous short and long-distance freight carriers. This process will allow shippers to save on current freight delivery costs while maintaining on-time delivery status.

"We are very pleased with the Less-Than-Truckload and Truckload Delivery addition to our service menu," says Eric Donaldson, President, Hot Shot Logistics, Inc. "This solution, along with the website enhancements, allows customers to have full visibility of their time-critical shipments."

Visit www.hotshot-delivery.com for additional information on Houston courier services and delivery solutions as well as the new nationwide LTL and TL option. In addition, customers can call (713) 869-7575 to get price quotes and qualify for immediate shipping options.

About Hot Shot Delivery
Hot Shot Delivery, Inc. is a full service delivery and logistics company, serving clients of all sizes and across all industries. Founded in 1978, Hot Shot Delivery Inc. has established a reputation for reliability and consistent on time performance which has enabled steady growth while retaining a diverse client portfolio. Additional information can be found by calling (713) 869-7575 or visiting the company website at www.hotshot-delivery.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:24 PM | Comments (0)

Heavenly Wood Announces The Addition Of Morgan Brand Church Furniture

The Addition of Morgan Brand Church Furniture Will Greatly Increase Online Selection of Pulpits, Chairs, Tables and Other Religious Furnishings.

Kaysville, Utah (PRWEB) May 14, 2007 -- Heavenly Wood announced today that it has increased its product selection by 30% thanks to the addition of a new line of Morgan Brand Church Furniture. This new addition will greatly increase the online selection of church furniture by customers. These new products include, but are not limited to; altars, credence tables, chairs, pulpits and more.

Finding furniture for a newly built church or for a remodeling can be a very difficult task. There are many intricate pieces of furniture, accessories and supplies required to make a church fully operational. Heavenly Wood (www.heavenlywood.com?NR) is just a computer mouse click away, offering its entire line of furniture, including the new Morgan addition, online. This provides clergy and businesses with the convenience of ordering church furniture and office supplies online.

The most unique addition from Morgan Furniture is the acrylic lecterns (http://www.heavenlywood.com/pulpits.htm) and acrylic tables (http://www.heavenlywood.com/communion-tables.htm?NR). The acrylic furniture has a transparent appearance. It is great at capturing and illuminating light, giving the furniture a surreal appearance. This new style of furniture is growing in popularity.

Heavenly Wood provides large, colorful pictures of all the new Morgan Furniture. This makes it easier to see if the furniture is compatible with the church for which the furniture is being ordered. Custom modifications can be made to the new line of Morgan Furniture such as height, width and length modifications. Other modifications can be made upon request.

Ordering is simple at Heavenly Wood. Customers can call toll-free Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. MST. Customers can also order online via the HeavenlyWood.com secure shopping cart.

For further information, please contact Morgan Cloward, Director of Sales and Marketing of Heavenly Wood, 1-800-257-2968.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:24 PM | Comments (0)

Solar Innovations Announces Miami Dade and Florida Hurricane Certifications

Solar Innovations has received its Folding Glass Wall Notice of Approval (NOA) number. In addition to Solar Innovations' Folding Glass Walls already being certified as hurricane rated, Miami Dade certification now bumps Solar to the highest overall coastal rating achievable.

Myerstown, PA (PRWEB) May 13, 2007 -- Solar Innovations (http://www.solarinnovations.com/residential/fgw/) has received its Folding Glass Wall Notice of Approval (NOA) number. In addition to Solar Innovations' Folding Glass Walls already being certified as hurricane rated, Miami Dade certification now bumps Solar to the highest overall coastal rating achievable. This number (07-0326.07) allows Solar Innovations' folding glass walls to be installed in any county with Miami Dade requirements for hurricane compliance. These requirements are the most stringent in the country for hurricane compliant products, making this quite an accomplishment. Visit Solar Innovations' Folding Glass Wall webpage at http://www.solarinnovations.com/residential/fgw/ for details on this certified product.

Solar Innovations submitted 3' wide by 8' tall folding glass wall panels for the Miami Dade testing. This folding glass wall passed for up to 20 panels in length (60' wide). For detailed information on Solar Innovations' testing results, please visit their New Product News link at http://solarinnovations.com/prod-news.asp.

How does the approval process work? Products undergo 3 protocols for testing. These tests include Protocol TAS 201 (large missile impact testing), Protocol TAS 202 (air, water, and structural testing), and Protocol TAS 203 (cycle testing). Air, water, and structural testing are similar to AMAA (American Manufacturing Architectural Association) test references and are required for completion of Miami Dade certification. To learn more about Miami Dade Certifications or Florida Hurricane Rating visit Solar Innovations' website.

Which products are required to be Miami Dade certified? Any architectural products, including doors, windows, folding walls, skylights, greenhouses, conservatories, etc., manufactured for installation in Miami Dade County, Broward County, or West Palm Beach are required to be certified. It is predicted that this stringent requirement will begin to be utilized by other municipalities along the coast.

Why is this certification a benefit? Many states along the east coast are requiring impact rated products in hurricane prone areas. This requires Miami Dade Certified and/or Florida Hurricane Rated products to be installed. Having both certifications means, Solar Innovations is able to install Folding Glass Walls anywhere in the country.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:23 PM | Comments (0)

Software Company Releases Products For Small Industry to Manage Environmental Impacts

EDM, a company specializing in environmental management software, has released two products targeted at small and midsized industrial clients to help them manage their environmental impact.

Scottsdale, Arizona (PRWEB) May 13, 2007 -- Environmental Data Management, LLC (http://www.edm-usa.com), a company specializing in environmental management software, has released two products targeted at small to mid-sized industrial clients.

Environmental management software is not new, but has typically been reserved for only the largest of corporations. EDM is finding smaller companies with strong environmental philosophies are eager to establish formal environmental management systems that show a positive impact on the environment and EDM has created products and services that cater to their need.

One reason for this trend is the overwhelming groundswell of public awareness of environmental protection issues and companies are responding with tactics that show they are operating responsibly. In many cases, it is the marketing department that is driving these decisions to move towards improved environmental performance. It is good business to be "green" and companies are spending more to demonstrate their commitment to the environment, compliance with regulations and going above and beyond the minimum requirements.

Additionally, rapidly progressing software and internet technologies have made it easier for companies like EDM to develop, market and sell products that are "within reach" for smaller organizations. Until recently, these types of environment management software applications could only delivered by the big software development companies at huge price tags. "No more", says EDM's National Director of Sales and Marketing, Joe C. Holmes. "These clients have been under-served when it comes these types of management tools and we help them operate like the big guys." Joe continues, "Environmental and safety departments for mid-market industry have always struggled for funding and support for initiative that go beyond what is only required by the regulatory agencies. But when their customers start demanding better environmental performance, the landscape changes and suddenly there are new reasons to invest in these departments." http://www.edm-usa.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:23 PM | Comments (0)

Moxa's ioLogik Active Ethernet I/O Receives Engineers' Choice Award from Control Engineering

Moxa Technologies, a leading manufacturer of device networking products, received the Engineers' Choice Award for the ioLogik E2210 Active Ethernet I/O server. "As an award winner, [Moxa's product is among the most significant innovations of 2006," said Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering's Editor in Chief. The winners are chosen by Control Engineering's engineer reader's group, which reflects broad recognition of the ioLogik E2210 from many different industrial automation fields.

Taipei, Taiwan (PRWEB) May 12, 2007 -- Moxa Technologies, a leading manufacturer of device networking products, received the Engineers' Choice Award for the ioLogik E2210 Active Ethernet I/O server. "As an award winner, [Moxa's product is among the most significant innovations of 2006," said Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering's Editor in Chief. The winners are chosen by Control Engineering's engineer reader's group, which reflects broad recognition of the ioLogik E2210 from many different industrial automation fields.

Active Ethernet I/O provides PC-based data acquisition and control applications with a new method of transmitting real-time I/O data over an open network. Active Ethernet I/O is designed for Ethernet, and supports Modbus/TCP and SNMP protocols for use in both industrial automation and IT environments.

This new approach to Ethernet I/O was needed to address the prevalence of Ethernet in modern PC-based data acquisition and control (DA&C) systems, and the increasing demand for real-time I/O data. Moxa's engineers used their know-how and experience in data communication to develop the Active Ethernet I/O concept, and provide real-time I/O data transmission over an open network using easily-configured local logic control.

New Breed of Ethernet I/O for PC-based Automation
The traditional Ethernet I/O architecture uses Ethernet I/O servers attached to passive sensors. A host is required to poll the Ethernet I/O server in order to obtain I/O status information, and the repeated request-and-response communication over the network results in a slow response time. For clients looking to improve the operational efficiency of their DA&C systems, the need for active I/O messaging and a fast I/O response time cannot be met with a traditional Ethernet I/O structure.

Moxa's Active Ethernet I/O products give system integrators a new option that relies on conditionally triggered I/O status notification with customizable output messages and simultaneous local output control. Rather than simply waiting for a request for information, the Ethernet I/O server intelligently transmits data over the network only when certain customizable I/O conditions are met. Network and host resources are not expended by the continual polling of the server when I/O conditions remain within the customizable threshold. This makes network communication between the host computer and Ethernet I/O server concise and efficient, and data transmission is 20 times faster than with traditional SCADA systems (50 ms compared to 1 sec).

A key component of Active Ethernet I/O is the patent-pending Click&Go™ logic control, which is used to configure the Ethernet I/O server's local intelligence. Rather than laboriously programming in C or PLC-Ladder-Logic, the intuitive "If-Then" structure of Click&Go™ makes it easy for users to notify the server of what I/O conditions to watch for and what actions or events to trigger. Using Click&Go™, configuration of your Active Ethernet I/O system can be completed quickly and with no formal training.

Features

Instant event reporting by TCP/UDP/e-mail/SNMP trap
Easy local control without programming by patented Click&Go Logic
Windows VB and Windows/WinCE/Linux C API
Peer-to-Peer I/O without controller

Moxa currently offers two products that support Active Ethernet I/O
- ioLogik E2210 with 12 DI, 8 DO -
- ioLogik E2240 with 8 AI, 2 AO -
For more information about Moxa's award-winning Active Ethernet I/O servers, please visit http://www.moxa.com/Zones/Active_Ethernet_IO/index.htm or contact Moxa at info @ moxa.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:22 PM | Comments (0)

Solenoid Testing Triumph

UK-based solenoid manufacturer, Parmeko, has recently been provided with a unique force testing solution to perform quality control assessment of their products on the factory floor.

(PRWEB) May 12, 2007 -- UK-based solenoid manufacturer, Parmeko, has recently been provided with a unique force testing solution to perform quality control assessment of their products on the factory floor.

Parmeko designs and manufactures proportional solenoids, on-off solenoids and holding magnets used in mobile and industrial fluid power applications, as well as a range of specialised solenoids manufactured for industries as diverse as mining and subsea.

The company required a customised testing solution for one particular solenoid product of which it produces 1000 units per week. The management at Parmeko uphold rigorous quality control principles, and as such wanted to test the force exertion and stroke of every single unit leaving the factory, ensuring each performs to the design specifications.

Up stepped Mecmesin, who worked closely with Parmeko to develop a unique solution, comprising a horizontally mounted MultiTest 2.5-i computer-controlled test system, fitted with a 100N Loadcell. Alignment through the central axis of the solenoid and the Loadcell is of critical importance in the successful execution of this test, and so Mecmesin created a custom-engineered rig to correctly position the solenoid.

Parmeko had in the past performed such tests on a manually operated system, and found that the fully automated test cycle of Mecmesin's MultiTest 2.5-i made the process far easier for their workers to operate, and eliminated variability of results arising from manually driving the loadcell forward.

Andrew Reece, Design and Development Engineer at Parmeko said "We have used Mecmesin products for a number of years, and they have proved very reliable. As such, Mecmesin was the natural choice when it came to buying new force testing equipment."

(DM, 10.05.07, 265 words)

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:21 PM | Comments (0)

Invention Support Announces a Great New Invention for Automobile Buyers and Merchants Known as the 'Car Miles Reward Program'

Invention Support has signed a strategic alliance with Keiner Solis, the inventor of the new idea known as the "Car Miles Reward Program", to offer support for this great new invention and to proudly introduce it into the general market.

(PRWEB) May 12, 2007 -- Invention Support has signed a strategic alliance with Keiner Solis, the inventor of the new idea known as the "Car Miles Reward Program", to offer support for this great new invention and to proudly introduce it into the general market.

The basic idea behind the Car Miles Reward Program is to provide an additional benefit feature into the purchase of an automobile so that both consumers and manufacturers will be more inclined to do business together. The program is somewhat similar to the various other deals that exist on the marketplace today. There are cash allowances, cash back, rebates and factory warranties. These programs are meant as incentives to get consumers to buy the cars.

The Car Miles Reward Program works the same way but is a fresher newer option that sets itself apart from these other outdated and repetitive deals that tend to bore customers rather than awaken them. Old plans such as rebates and cash back require that the owners must pass approvals and sometimes pay additional fees first before they can benefit from the program. They are not as attractive to buyers as the Car Miles Reward Program.

As his inventor Mr. Solis quote "....This program is designed not to make car owner's drive theirs cars like crazy, the program itself do not make cars last longer but helping with it depreciation expenditures will make car owner's feel released and thankful with manufacturer behind the program".

Customer loyalty or reward programs work well for many types of businesses, from retail to cruise and travel. The most effective programs offer graduated rewards, so the more customers spend, the more they earn. This rewards your best, most profitable clients or customers and cuts down on low-value price switchers-customers who switch from program to program to get entry-level rewards. Whenever possible, it is widely recommended to offer in-kind rewards that remind your customers of your company and its products or services. This has been proven by market research again and again. With the skyrocketing cost of customer acquisitions these days, programs designed to retain or up-sell current customers can deliver a strong return on investment.

Most Americans are members of at least one customer rewards program, thanks to those offered by a broad base of major retailers, from drugstores and clothing chains to home and garden superstores. And a wide range of small businesses operate these programs to keep customers coming back for more. There's a reason customer rewards programs are often called "loyalty" programs. They not only offer customers an incentive to buy additional products and services, effective loyalty programs also reinforce and cement customer relations. This kind of positive reinforcement can prevent customers from switching to your competitors--even when your competition makes lower-price offers.

The loyalty card market in the UK is one of the most significant in the world, with most major chains operating some form of reward system. A recent report in The Economist newspaper suggested that the real benefit of loyalty cards to UK outlets is the massive database potential they offer. The primary goal of a loyalty card scheme, from a business' perspective, is to improve their customer relationship management. Companies gather information on customers so that they can target them more effectively with marketing communications.

In the U.S., several major supermarket chains and at least one major pharmacy require the cards in order for customers to receive the advertised loyalty price. The practice is also common among book and music retailers, from large chains to independent retailers. Great ideas like the Car Miles Reward Program come about only once in a while and, when they are pushed by their supporters, eventually tend to revolutionize the marketplace in dramatic ways. The Car Miles Reward Program is sure to be a huge success in the near future if it is marketed in a positive and persevering fashion.

In order that the needs of car merchants and buyers all over the world can be better served, marketing professionals are now reaching out to those who typically make these purchases. With these new considerations in mind, it is likely that the "Car Miles Reward Program" will soon become a more popular plan around the world. For further information on this great new invention, contact "Jake Way" and ask about the great new invention known as the "Car Miles Reward Program".

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:21 PM | Comments (0)

EtQ Announces EtQ Designer - Graphical Designer & Report Builder

EtQ, Inc., the leader in Quality and Compliance Management Software, has announced the newest feature in its 5.0 release of EtQ Reliance -- the EtQ Designer.

Farmingdale, NY (PRWEB) May 12, 2007 -- EtQ, Inc. has announced the newest feature in its 5.0 release of EtQ Reliance -- the EtQ Designer.

As part of an initiative to enhance the configurations made to the EtQ Reliance, EtQ has developed the EtQ Designer, which allows users to make configurations to the product and reports in a user-friendly, graphical interface environment.

EtQ's out of the box product allows for the configuration of the applications, workflows, sections, forms, field and business rules in order to match the business processes of your company. This configuration comes standard out of the box, and involves no programming to accomplish. In an effort to further improve the way configurations are executed, the EtQ Designer allows configurations to take place in a "drag and drop" graphical interface. The benefit of the designer is that it allows the Administrators of the systems (i.e. Power Users) to graphically build and view the workflows, forms and views (reports) of the various modules within the product. This allows for fast and effective configurations to the system, and promotes faster implementation of the product. Customers can implement the product in weeks as opposed to months or years with competitive products. The time it takes to build reports is also dramatically reduced and the graphical interface significantly enhances the discovery process and makes ad-hoc reporting a breeze.

"It is important to continuously look for ways to improve our product," says Morgan Palmer, Chief Technology Officer at EtQ, "with EtQ Designer, we are able to further flatten the learning curve with our Power Users by providing them with a way to use the EtQ Flexible Workflow Engine that is easy and comfortable for them to use."

EtQ Designer features the following enhancements:

EtQ Workflow Builder: Drag phases into a workflow, and set business rules in each phase. Open workflow settings, create a new phase settings, and visualize the overall workflow using the Drag and Drop utilities.

EtQ Form Builder: Web browser based form editor that uses native web browser technology to open in the design mode, where icons represent fields, actions, sections and sub-forms. Literally drag, drop and lay out the form, as you would like it to appear.

EtQ Report/View Builder: Drag and drop columns to build reports/views using a design tab, layout tab and preview tab.

The EtQ Designer is just one feature designed to enhance the user experience in EtQ Reliance. Other enhancements, such as tabbed browsing, PDF Conversion, EtQ Portal, risk assessment, and more have made EtQ reliance the most user-friendly and most robust Quality and Compliance Management system in the industry. For more information on the EtQ Designer and EtQ's software, please visit us at www.etq.com.

About EtQ, Inc.
EtQ offers the only intranet/Internet-based enterprise quality and compliance software solutions that can be configured by a Web browser, without programming. Selling to a variety of markets, EtQ has developed a unique niche through its ability to design flexible workflow systems for enterprises involved in various compliance management initiatives such as AS9000, cGxP (FDA), ISO 13485, ISO 9000:2000, ISO/TS 16949, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, Sarbanes-Oxley and similar standards for compliance and regulatory management. Key modules within the product include: Document Control, CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action), Audits, Customer Complaints, Change Control, Training, Nonconforming Materials and more than 20 additional modules. All of EtQ's modules exceed 21 CFR Part 11 requirements and provide a full audit trail for each process and work flow created.

For more information or to schedule a virtual demo, contact EtQ Inc., at 800-354-4476 or 516-293-0949.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:20 PM | Comments (0)

EtQ Announces Software for Electronic Submissions to the FDA

EtQ, Inc. has released the beta version of the EtQ Reliance eMDR Submission Tool, enabling Medical Device Manufacturers to electronically submit Medical Device Reports (MDRs) to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Farmingdale, NY (PRWEB) May 12, 2007 -- EtQ, Inc. has released the beta version of the EtQ Reliance eMDR Submission Tool, enabling Medical Device Manufacturers to electronically submit Medical Device Reports (MDRs) to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

EtQ Reliance for Medical Device is the leading Quality Management system, designed to identify, mitigate and prevent high-risk events using automation, integration, and collaboration. This methodology allows companies to electronically automate the quality process for medical device, and comply with quality and compliance standards, including those of the FDA.

Part of the FDA's regulations state that if a firm receives complaints on a device malfunction, or a injury, illness, or death associated with a medical device, they must report this incident to the FDA. This report, known as an adverse event report (Form 3500A), is currently submitted manually to the FDA.

The FDA is working on an electronic submission program called "eMDR". This program will enable companies to submit MDRs to the FDA gateway, a secure agency portal for electronic submissions. Working with representatives from the FDA, EtQ has developed a tool that will allow users to electronically submit MDRs to the FDA gateway, seamlessly and efficiently.

Using the EtQ Reliance eMDR Submission Utility, not only are users able to automatically submit their reports directly to the FDA, but it also provides a level of functionality that ensures fewer submission errors, tying the submission process directly into the Complaints Handling and CAPA workflows. ""Using the eMDR Submission Utility, our users are able to automate the FDA submission so it is done faster and with much less chance of errors," says Morgan Palmer, CTO of EtQ. "Data collected by our system is imported directly into the electronic submission form, which is then submitted automatically to the FDA. There is no double-entry of information, and the overall process leads to faster response times to critical events within the system."

The FDA's eMDR Submissions program is currently in the pilot phase, and EtQ is one of the few solution providers in the market participating in this program. EtQ is currently working with several customers on its eMDR Submission Utility, all of whom are planning to use the tool to electronically submit MDRs once the FDA pilot phase is completed.

About EtQ
EtQ is the leading Enterprise Quality and Compliance Management Software for identifying, mitigating and preventing high-risk events through integration, automation and collaboration. EtQ uses best in class, integrated modules and enterprise application integration to manage and measure quality and compliance processes and execute organizational change. Key modules within the product include: Document Control, CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action), Audits, Complaint Handling, Risk Management, Change Management, Employee Training, Project Management, Nonconforming Materials, Enterprise Reporting and more than 20 additional compliance-oriented modules. With its world class flexible workflow, collaborative platform EtQ has developed a unique niche to support enterprises involved in various compliance management initiatives such as; cGxP (FDA), ISO 13485, ISO 9000:2000, ISO/TS 16949, ISO 14001, AS 9001, TL 9000, OHSAS 18001, RoHS, Sarbanes-Oxley and similar standards for compliance and regulatory management. EtQ has been providing compliance solutions to a variety of markets for over fifteen years,

For more information or to schedule a virtual demo, contact EtQ Inc., at 800-354-4476 or 516-293-0949, or e-mail.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:20 PM | Comments (0)

7-Segment S-Curve Profile Generation Increases Smoothness, Reduces Wear, Speeds Transfer Times

The Magellan Motion Control IC features a 7-segment s-curve profile that, compared to 3-segment trapezoidal profiles, reduces the change in acceleration resulting in less wear and tear on the system and faster transfer times.

Lincoln, MA (PRWEB) May 11, 2007 -- Performance Motion Devices, Inc. announces the Magellan™ Family of Motion Control ICs with 7-segment s-curve profile generation. Available in 1, 2, 3, and 4 axis versions, these flexible, programmable chips provide users additional control required to eliminate oscillation and reduce vibration for smoother motion and higher throughput. Compared to 3-segment trapezoidal profiles, 7-segment s-curve profiles reduce the change in acceleration, resulting in less wear and tear on the system and faster transfer times.

In addition to S-curve profile generation, other selectable profile modes are supported including trapezoidal, velocity contouring, and electronic gearing. Magellan Motion Control ICs accept input parameters such as position, velocity, and acceleration from the host and generate a corresponding trajectory. Magellan makes it easy to program standard functions such as timers, PID control, and input/output management. Communication occurs via a host microprocessor using an 8 or 16-bit parallel bus, CANbus 2.0B, or an asynchronous serial port. Features include programmable PID filter with velocity and acceleration feedforward, 32-bit position error, dual bi-quad filters, 50 µSec loop time, and multi-chip synchronization. Trace capabilities provide designers with on-the-fly data storage for analyzing system performance, tuning servo filters, and performing maintenance and diagnostics. PMD's advanced instruction set supports over 130 commands, providing flexibility and versatility to designers during the application programming.

President and CEO, Chuck Lewin comments, "S-curve profiles are an improvement that applies to both servo and stepper motors. The extra control in this type of profile allows the user to tune moves so that significantly less vibrational energy is injected into the load. This means the load doesn't oscillate at the end of the move, which means faster transfer times, and less wear-and-tear on the machine."

Magellan Motion Processors are available in a single-IC / single-axis version, or in a two-IC / multi-axis version. The IC's are packaged in a 144-pin TQFP, and a 100-pin TQFP. These devices operate at 3.3 V. The Magellan Motion Processor is available now. Prices start at $24.00 for single axis configurations, and $39.00 for multi-axis configurations, in OEM quantities.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:19 PM | Comments (0)

Digital Pipette Features One-Touch Operation

CANTON, Mass. (BusinessWire EON/PRWEB ) May 11, 2007 -- A general purpose digital micro pipette which has a comfortable to grip handle with an enlarged finger rest and is completely autoclavable is being introduced by Massandmeasurement.com of Canton, Massachusetts.

The Nichipet EX Autoclavable Digital Micro Pipette is designed to provide fatigue-free operation and features an enlarged finger rest, easy to use digital counter for setting the sample volume, and a push-button extractor. Suitable for liquid handling on a clean bench, this pipette is UV-resistant and offered in eight sizes for sampling volumes from 0.1 ul to 10.0 ml each.

Designed to be unaffected by hand temperature, the Nichipet EX Autoclavable Digital Micro Pipette is constructed with PTFE in the airtight chamber, provides reproducible results, and comes with 1.0 ml, 5.0 ml, and 10.0 ml filtered nozzles. Utilizing disposable tips, color-coded to indicate capacity, it has a tip ejector for rapid removal without touching by hand.

The Nichipet EX Autoclavable Digital Micro Pipette sells for $225.00 and is available at www.massandmeasurement.com

Massandmeasurement.com features a wide range of laboratory equipment and laboratory supplies that you can order from their online order catalog.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:18 PM | Comments (0)

Pet Sitters International Announces Winner of 2007 Take Your Dog To Work Day Poster Dog Contest

Pet Sitters International names Abby, a loving and well-tempered four-year-old German shepherd, the winner of the 2007 Take Your Dog To Work Day® Poster Dog Contest sponsored by PEDIGREE® JUMBONE®.

King, NC (PRWEB) May 11, 2007 -- Tongues and tails are wagging about Abby, the winner of the 2007 Take Your Dog To Work Day® Poster Dog Contest sponsored by PEDIGREE® JUMBONE®. Abby competed against nearly 100 other deserving and dedicated canines nationwide to win this year's contest. She will serve as the official representative of adopted dogs everywhere for the June 22 event.

For the past nine years, this annual event created by Pet Sitters International has showcased the importance of dogs in the workplace as well as encouraged adoptions from animal shelters, humane societies and rescue groups.

Top Dog

Judges for the 2007 Take Your Dog To Work Day Poster Dog Contest had a tough decision crowning this year's winner. Judging was based on three criteria: adoption status, personality, and past participation in the Take Your Dog To Work Day event. In the final hour, it came down to a close race between Abby, a loving and well-tempered four-year-old German shepherd, and Molly, a well-mannered, three-year-old golden retriever.

Although both dogs embody the spirit of Take Your Dog To Work Day and are testaments to adopted dogs everywhere, Abby was chosen paws down as the winner of the 2007 Poster Dog Contest. Her efforts have raised community awareness about the rewards of pet adoption and the sad realities of pet overpopulation. Her contributions are commendable and exactly what is needed in a poster dog.

"We love all dogs, and in our eyes, Abby and Molly are both winners in their own rights. But in the end, there could be only one Poster Dog Winner," said Rob Leibowitz, vice president of marketing, Mars Petcare U.S., maker of PEDIGREE® JUMBONE®. "We felt that Abby was a better fit with the mantra of Take Your Dog To Work Day and we were very impressed by her positive and prominent standing in her community."

As this year's winner, Abby will receive a one-year supply of PEDIGREE® JUMBONE® Snack Food for Dogs. An animal shelter or rescue located in Abby's hometown also will win a year's supply of PEDIGREE® JUMBONE®.

A Dog's Life

After "ruffing" it in local shelters for some time, both dogs found their forever homes. Abby was adopted from the Fairfax County Animal Control Shelter in Fairfax, Virginia by the Crawford family, who enjoys her gentle and loving disposition. They also enjoy her enthusiasm for participating in re-enactments and living history displays. And she helps her owners recruit new shelter dog adopters - as well as works events with owner Brian Crawford. It's because of her people-loving nature that she makes an ideal "poster dog" for shelter dogs across the nation.

Molly was a little more selective when choosing a home suited to her liking - but it was well worth the wait. After living with a household of three kids and one on the way, Molly needed more attention to foster good behavior, so she had a short stay at the Buddy Dog Humane Society in Massachusetts. Soon, her new owners whisked Molly away to their happy home where she broke bad habits and became a well-mannered pet.

For more information about this year's Take Your Dog To Work Day on Friday, June 22, visit www.petsit.com.

About Pet Sitters International

Established in 1994, Pet Sitters International is the world's largest educational association for professional pet sitters, representing more than 7,600 independent professional pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and abroad. Our membership consists of trusted pet professionals serving an average of 121 clients and performing an estimated 7.6 million pet-sitting engagements per year.

PEDIGREE® and JUMBONE® are Trademarks of Mars, Incorporated 2007
Take Your Dog To Work Day® is a trademark of Pet Sitters International Inc.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:18 PM | Comments (0)

TNT's Electrical Trades Gift Store - Grand Opening

TechNote Time, which specializes in Ohm's law watches and clocks, is pleased to announce their expansion and grand opening of TNT's Electrical Trades Gift Store (www.technotetime.com). TNT's 200+ gift store includes unique novelty gifts for electricians, electrical apprentices, engineers, contractors, instructors, inspectors and power linemen. They also carry a wide variety of gift items for electronics technicians, computer engineers and amateur radio operators.

Dunnellon, Florida (PRWEB) May 11, 2007 -- TechNote Time, which specializes in Ohm's law watches and clocks, is pleased to announce their expansion and grand opening of TNT's Electrical Trades Gift Store (www.technotetime.com). TNT's 200+ gift store includes unique novelty gifts for electricians, electrical apprentices, engineers, contractors, instructors, inspectors and power linemen. They also carry a wide variety of gift items for electronics technicians, computer engineers and amateur radio operators.

According to Anne Dorsey, Director of Sales and Marketing, "Shopping for gifts for electrical workmen and workwomen has always been a tough job because there has never been a good gift selection, expecially for electricians. What we've done is create a one-stop shop for electrical trades professionals and their families who are looking to purchase gifts for life's celebrations, such as retirements, graduations, birthdays, father's day, achievements and other milestones." Anne goes on to say that, "For the most part, we've made it easy to make gift-giving what it really should be -- something fun, honorable, and brimming over with genuine thoughtfulness. We are confident that everyone who visits our gift store to shop for those in the electrical industry, will find something that will be just right and within their budget."

To see TNT's Electrical Trades Gift Store's product line which includes novelty t-shirts, neck ties, belt buckles, suspenders, ball caps, coffee mugs, decals, jewelry,license plates, Ohm's law watches, clocks, charts and coins and many, many more exclusive gift items please visit their online store www.technotetime.com. Gift-giving has never been so easy!

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:17 PM | Comments (0)

Harebrain, Inc. Announces WhisperPhone Lifetime Guarantee

Harebrain, Inc., the maker of WhisperPhone, announced the company will begin offering a WhisperPhone lifetime replacement guarantee. The guarantee is effective immediately and covers all past and future WhisperPhone purchases

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) May 11, 2007 -- Harebrain, Inc., the maker of WhisperPhone, announced the company will begin offering a WhisperPhone lifetime replacement guarantee. The guarantee is effective immediately and covers all past and future WhisperPhone purchases.

"We designed WhisperPhone to withstand the rigors of the classroom, learning center and home environments, and it has passed the test since its creation. We promise to maximize our customers' budget and satisfaction by offering this lifetime guarantee," said Jeff Waffensmith, vice president of product development, Harebrain, Inc.

WhisperPhone is durable and dishwasher safe. If a customer needs a replacement, they may contact Harebrain, Inc. Proof of original purchase is requested. More information can be found at www.WhisperPhone.com.

"We are committed to education and to providing teachers with the quality tools they need to be at their best. Standing behind our products 100 percent with a lifetime replacement guarantee is one more way we demonstrate our support for the teaching community," said Steve Swain, vice president of business development, Harebrain, Inc.

WhisperPhone, an educational tool for children and adults, is available for purchase through School Specialty (SCHS), Calloway House, PCI Education, other education retail stores and www.WhisperPhone.com. WhisperPhone is an educational tool designed to improve reading scores and meet the standards of No Child Left Behind. This hands-free, acoustical voice-feedback headset helps learners hear phonemes, the sounds that compose words, more clearly. Phonemic awareness is a key predictor of literacy success, according to the National Reading Panel. It is hands-free, reversible, lightweight and dishwasher safe. No batteries are required. It is made in the United States by Harebrain, Inc.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:16 PM | Comments (0)

Plastikoil of PA Maintains Growth with Addition of Second Wohlenberg Perfect Binder from Colter & Peterson

Pennsylvania Trade Bindery Adds State-of-the-Art Wohlenberg Champion S Binder to Keep Pace with Demand for High-Quality, Fast-Turnaround Projects

Paterson, NJ (PRWEB) May 11, 2007 -- Plastikoil of Pennsylvania, a growing trade bindery located in suburban Pittsburgh, PA has purchased their second Wohlenberg perfect binder from Colter & Peterson (www.colterpeterson.com), North America's only distributor for the complete line of Wohlenberg perfect binders.

Plastikoil of Pennsylvania had purchased a Wohlenberg City 5000 perfect binder four years ago. Impressed with its speed, versatility and durability, the company again chose a Wohlenberg when business growth necessitated the installation of a new binder last year.

The new 2006 model Champion S perfect binder purchased by Plastikoil of Pennsylvania is one of the most technically advanced and versatile binders available in the North American market. To wring as much productivity as possible from the 8,000 books-per-hour binder, the company added a 28-pocket Sprinter inline gathering station. Much more than a normal gatherer, the Sprinter features optical signature recognition to ensure proper signature positioning as well as a hand-feed station for custom projects. The back end of the binder features a three-knife trimmer that maximizes production speed.

Plastikoil of Pennsylvania also chose to equip their Champion S with PUR adhesive binding capabilities. PUR is the strongest and most durable binding adhesive available, and is highly recommended for projects with heavy ink and coating coverage.

According to Plastikoil of Pennsylvania President Matthew Barkley, the busy, ever-changing dynamics of a thriving trade bindery require equipment that is durable and flexible.

"Our customers appreciate us for our ability to say 'yes' to almost any challenge," said Barkley. "You can't do that unless you have top-notch, flexible equipment that offers great results for both cut-and-dry and very complex work. Our Wohlenberg City 5000 line is that type of machine, so it was an easy choice to go with Wohlenberg again for this installation."

Barkley said the level of automation and speed of the Champion S has helped Plastikoil of Pennsylvania redefine the limits of its capabilities.

"With 28 pockets, automatic signature recognition and PUR capability, the Champion S lets us handle more complex, high-end projects much faster than we could before," said Barkley. "That's a big reason why we run the machine virtually non-stop. And, with a company like Colter & Peterson standing behind it, we have the confidence to take on anything our clients throw at us."

About Colter & Peterson: Colter & Peterson is the largest independent distributor of paper cutters and paper handling equipment in North America. Founded in 1932, C&P now employs over seventy five people working out of five locations in New Jersey, Iowa, California and Toronto, Canada. C&P is the manufacturer of the Microcut line of retrofit back gauge controllers and the worldwide distributor of Prism, Saber and Maxima paper cutters. It is also the North American distributor for all Wohlenberg, Baumann and Schneider Engineering products. C&P has purchased the Harris-Seybold and Dexter-Lawson line of paper cutters and provides service and support for those models of machines as well.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:15 PM | Comments (0)

Designer Jewelry Company Commits to Offset Its Carbon Emissions

In its effort to join the growing business community committed to reduce global warming, Reflective Images Inc. will offset the carbon it generates through contributions to an environmental organization. "We have chosen to work primarily with Forest Guardians, a New Mexico 501C3, which protects and restore the wild lands of the American Southwest," said Marc Choyt, President of the company. "Forest Guardian's program is unusual in that it supports entire ecosystems rather than just plants trees. Our donations will help to fund extensive restoration in riparian zones, the waterways which are critical to the biodiversity of our region."

"If business does not create benefit for the world, just quit and become a monk."
Marc Choyt, President of Reflective Images Inc.

Santa Fe, NM (PRWEB) May 11, 2007 -- In its effort to join the growing business community committed to reduce global warming, Reflective Images Inc. will offset the carbon it generates through contributions to an environmental organization.

"We have chosen to work primarily with Forest Guardians, a New Mexico 501C3, which protects and restore the wild lands of the American Southwest," said Marc Choyt, President of the company. "Forest Guardian's program is unusual in that it supports entire ecosystems rather than just plants trees. Our donations will help to fund extensive restoration in riparian zones, the waterways which are critical to the biodiversity of our region."

Reflective Images, a Santa Fe NM boutique, designer jewelry company known for its contemporary interpretations of classic tribal motifs, sells their work online and to approximately a hundred stores nationwide. Their ten employees and manufacturing processes generate approximately fifty-one metric tons of carbon annually.

Employee commute: 28.9 tons
Employee business travel: 13.44 tons
Shop gasses (from soldering): .11 tons
Company vehicles: 6.02 tons
Electricity: 2.43 tons
Natural gas: .47 tons

"We did a considerable amount of research to try to figure out just what our actual carbon imprint is," said Choyt, who noted that most of the information used for determining carbon generated is geared to the consumer, not the small manufacturing business. Electricity is low because ninety percent of our energy comes from green sources. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are used in the plant. The company also recycles junk mail for packing, purchases recycled paper, and recycled gold and silver.

"When I say, if business does not create benefit for the world, just quit and become a monk, of course, I am joking; but I am also serious' said Choyt. "I never got an MBA, but I have spent long periods of time in monastic settings. This time for reflection helped me to understand what is important. We all have to act within the context of sound economics to keep our business going, which often involves a lot of compromise. Yet actions that degrade the earth or humanity are never worth it."

Though Reflective Images manufacturers much of their jewelry in Santa Fe, NM to keep jobs at home, the company also imports a hand woven chain to accessorize their contemporary interpretations of classic tribal motifs. As strong proponents of fair trade, the company recently dropped two international suppliers, one in Thailand and one in India, to work exclusively with a company in Indonesia. Though considerably more expensive, their Indonesian supplier provides medical benefits, living wages, vacation, bonus pay and housing for their employees.

Reflective Images was founded in 1995. For the last two years, they have been named a superior supplier by OC Tanner Corporation, their largest trade account-- one of three companies out of three hundred to receive this honor. Santa Fe's Mayor and City Council named the company of one of the city's most outstanding businesses, based on their wages, diversity, job creation, benefit package, charitable contributions and their "circle based" business philosophy.

"So I say, if your business life is getting you down, consider what I do occasionally," said Choyt. "Spend some time by yourself and reflect. I personally find it useful imagining that I'm going to die tomorrow. That helps me realize what is important and what is not. Global warming and Fair Trade are important."

For more information, contact Marc Choyt at 505-988-7393 ex. 12. You can also visit the company's website:

www.celticjewelry.com and blog: www.circlemanifesto.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:14 PM | Comments (0)

May 10, 2007

The 2,000 Percent Squared Solution, the Most Highly Acclaimed New Management Book in 2007, Details How Businesses Can Earn 400 Times as Much

Coauthors Donald Mitchell and Carol Coles show business and nonprofit leaders in all size organizations how to expand revenues by 20 fold while reducing costs by 96 percent in The 2,000 Percent Squared Solution, the latest installment in their series of books aimed at speeding worldwide improvements by 20 times (www.fastforward400.com).

Weston, MA (PRWEB) May 10, 2007 -- Because of its importance, Amazon.com has selected the first chapter of The 2,000 Percent Squared Solution to be featured in its prestigious Amazon shorts program. The book can be purchased from Amazon.com and other online retailers like Lulu.com.

Fifty highly respected business leaders and best-selling authors have endorsed this book, including Jack Canfield, Professors Rosabeth Moss Kanter and Robert Kaplan of Harvard Business School, creativity guru Roger von Oech, and respected management and trend commentator Dan Pink. Here is some of the excitement created by this breakthrough book.

"A 400 times increase in results. Is that an outrageous claim? Not if you know how. It's all about leverage -- finding the point where small incremental efforts create enormous returns. Coles and Mitchell provide the insights, examples and experience to help you find those leverage points -- a compelling read." David P. Norton --- Author, The Balanced Scorecard

Most of the things you can do to improve your business are actually common-sense, small innovations. They're relatively easy to put into practice, but we don't -- because they feel unfamiliar. The 2000 Percent Squared Solution suggests, persuasively, that doing this kind of improvement doesn't just add up, but multiplies your capability. The winners do exactly that. This book shows what they do. Art Kleiner --- Editor in chief, strategy+business

Mitchell and Coles wrote The 2,000 Percent Squared Solution because "it's time to take the training wheels off for those creating 2,000 percent solutions." That technique, pioneered by them, has been applied for decades to improve the lives of tens of millions of people. Readers will be able to gain the benefits of twenty 2,000 percent solutions from only two solutions for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

Donald Mitchell and Carol Coles are coauthors of The 2,000 Percent Solution (with Robert Metz), The 2,000 Percent Solution Workbook, The Portable 2,000 Percent Solution, The Irresistible Growth Enterprise, and The Ultimate Competitive Advantage. Donald Mitchell is chairman and Carol Coles is president of Mitchell and Company, a strategy consulting firm in Weston, Massachusetts. Mitchell is also founder of The Billionaire Entrepreneurs' Master Mind. Their clients have included companies like Abitibi-Consolidated, Aetna, American International Group, AMP, Armstrong World Industries, Baxter International, Beckman Coulter, Becton Dickinson, Bell & Howell, Black & Decker, Boise Cascade, Campbell Soup, CIGNA, Citigroup, Colgate-Palmolive, Deere, Dow Chemical, Eastman Chemical, Emerson Electric, Ford, Georgia-Pacific, W.W. Grainger, Hershey Foods, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, ITT, Kellogg's, Kraft, Lockheed Martin, Lubrizol, Mallinckrodt, McCormick, McGraw-Hill, Molex, Motorola, Nabisco Brands, Northrop Grumman, Olin, PepsiCo, Pitney Bowes, Procter & Gamble, Ralston Purina, Raytheon, Schering-Plough, Charles Schwab, Siemens, Southwest Airlines, Time Warner, Union Carbide, US WEST, Warner-Lambert, and Xerox.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:44 PM | Comments (0)

ADC’s ‘Green’ Dryers are Eco-Friendly, Free of Toxic Dry Cleaner Laundry Chemicals and Now Approved for Professional Wet Cleaning

Commercial laundry equipment company ADC provides Solaris “green” dryers, which have recently been approved for professional wet cleaning applications. ADC is the only company that manufactures these dryers in the United States.

Fall River, MA (PRWEB) May 10, 2007 -- American Dryer Corporation (ADC), the leading manufacturer of commercial laundry and cleaning equipment and “green” drying solutions, announces that two of its Solaris brand dryers are now approved for use in professional wet cleaning applications. ADC is the only company that manufactures these dryers in the United States.

The 50 lb. capacity SL-50 and the 75 lb. capacity SL-75 come standard with reversing tumblers and ADC’s patented residual moisture control auto dry feature. The auto dry feature is integral to professional wet cleaning, as it senses moisture in the tumbler and shuts off the heat to prevent over drying and the damage to clothes that often results from commercial laundry machines.

The State of California’s recent decision to phase out the use of perchloroethylene (“perc”) by 2023 has dry cleaners nationwide looking at more green, eco-friendly alternatives. Professional wet and CO2 cleaning are beginning to enjoy widespread acceptance, with professional wet cleaning being the more commercially available alternative. A number of cleaners in California are now using Solaris dryers for a green alternative.

“The response in California to professional wet cleaning has been encouraging. The cleaners in our Professional Wet Cleaning Commercialization Program have eliminated the use of perc from their facilities,” said Peter Sinsheimer, Director of the Pollution Prevention Center at the Urban & Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College in Los Angeles. “Preliminary reports suggest that these laundry facilities are seeing, on average, savings of over $650 per year in electricity costs, with higher savings in equipment and maintenance costs. “

The SL-50 and SL-75 are the only commercial dryers made in the USA and among only a handful made worldwide that qualify for use with the environmentally sound, green professional wet cleaning process.

“The green philosophy behind professional wet cleaning dovetails nicely with ADC’s Dry EcoSmart initiative,” said John Olsen, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at ADC. “We are thrilled to have two dryers that can assist dry cleaners in their conversion from the use of perc to a green, environmentally-friendly process.”

Dry EcoSmart is the result of ADC’s long-standing commitment to the environment and to helping the owners of coin-operated laundry facilities and on-premise laundry operations lower costs and opt for more green solutions. Solaris green dryers, available in gas, electric or steam models, use up to 30% less energy, saving energy costs and protecting the environment while not substantially altering drying times. ADC decided to design dryers that used less energy in 1999, appreciably before most other manufacturers could foresee the current crises of rising energy costs and global warming. Longtime proponents of recycling and emissions reduction, today ADC is transforming itself based on the principles of LEAN manufacturing to drastically reduce waste. And its Solaris line of green dryers is transforming the market of commercial dryers.

About ADC
American Dryer Corporation designs and manufactures energy-efficient drying solutions for commercial coin-operated, on-premise and industrial laundry markets in over 90 countries worldwide. ADC devotes its business to providing more models of dryers that perform better than any others. The result of this single-minded pursuit is well recognized by the ADC symbol, which is the hallmark that is trusted by laundries worldwide for total quality. It is this quality that has helped establish American Dryer Corporation as the world’s largest sole manufacturer of commercial laundry dryers. ADC’s Solaris line is available in sizes ranging from 20 lb to 75 lbs. and its traditional AD line is available in sizes ranging from 20 lbs. to 460 lbs.

About UEPI
The California Environmental Garment Care Project of the Pollution Prevention Center (PPC) at Occidental College conducts research and provides education on pollution prevention alternatives to perchloroethylene (PCE or Perc). The Pollution Prevention Center (PPC), founded in 1990, is an interdisciplinary program of education, research and outreach, based at the Urban & Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College in Los Angeles, whose mission is to reduce or eliminate the use of toxic substances, improve human and environmental health, and conserve resources. PPC has broad experience in pollution prevention research and policy work in a variety of industry sectors, including janitorial products, pulp and paper, electronics, food, and the garment care industry.

For more information about the SL-50 and SL-75 green dryers and other commercial laundry equipment, please visit www.amdry.com. For more information about professional wet cleaning please visit UEPI.

Contact:
Catherine Vouvray
American Dryer Corporation
Marketing Coordinator
T: 508.678.9000
E. cvouvray @ amdry.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:43 PM | Comments (0)

Winland New Micro Hardness Tester Helps Company Enhance the Quality of their Garden Tools

Winland's ergonomically designed garden tools make even the most laborious garden work seem fun and easy.

(PRWEB) May 10, 2007 -- Winland Garden Tools Co., Ltd., a leading garden tool manufacturer, has recently purchased additional equipment – a Micro Hardness Tester -- to test standard blade hardness. Such testing represents a huge leap in Winland's efforts to achieve optimum quality management. The company imports Japanese high-quality carbon steel and uses it to make superior blades.

"It is a pressing concern for us to improve our quality control. Our superior manufacturing processes are especially important in our effort to offer a precision product," said sales representative Emily Wu, proud that all Winland's Garden Tools are made in Taiwan.

Winland has set up a standard processing program according to an ISO 2001:2000 norm and has facilitated various quality inspections, including a thermal cycle test for plastic materials and blades. Furthermore, Winland's garden shears have passed many environmental protection assessments, such as RoHs and PAHS. With more than 37 years experience in the field, Winland has established a trusted name for quality and excellence among garden hand tools. Today, Winland markets to worldwide markets, including Europe, U.S.A., Austria, Japan and South Africa.

Non-Stop R&D Team

"Competition is quite fierce among garden tool manufacturers, but competition does not pose any problem for us. Our competitors are our followers," said Emily Wu. Winland's dedicated R&D team has made relentless efforts over the years to develop exceptional designs for a variety of garden shears, which include grass shears, pruning shears, flower scissors, ratchet shears, standing telescopic length grass shears and garden tools accessories.

Winland's R&D team makes it their major daily concern to search for user-friendly designs by continuously testing the functions of garden tools and then modifying them to create brand-new ergonomic designs.

"Our tools reduce pain. That means gardeners using our tools have more fun and enjoy being outside in their gardens," Emily said confidentially. Winland's R&D team creates more than 20 innovative new products each year.

"Customers trust in Winland and are willing to maintain a long relationship with us," said Wu.

Product Focus

This year, a newly designed multifunctional sharpening tool (K05) is penetrating new markets. It has the ability to sharpen all kinds of knives, such as garden shears, kitchen knives, stationery scissors and more. With its special design, the K05 has attachments like an oil-soaked sponge for greasing blades. The sharpener is rust-proof for long life and designed for easy storage.

Flower scissors comprise one of Winland's major product categories. The category includes many kinds of cutting tools. For instance, ratchet shears offer a four short ratchet system to give users reliable operation in an easy to use, ergonomically designed package. The auto-rotating hand pruner is ideal for allowing both left and right hand users to undertake long hours of garden trimming. Its novel design, which combines a comfortable oversize cushion grip with rust free polished aluminum working ends, has been awarded a global patent.

No matter the shape of a lawn, Winland grass shears with an intelligent design eliminate bending and stooping while allowing gardeners to reach any corner of their lawns. These very popular grass shears have 12 cutting positions and a blade that rotates 360-degrees means users can find an ideal trimming angle.

Winland's long reach pruner is packed with features not found with most long reach pruners on the markets today. The pruner includes removable cut and hold grips, enabling users to harvest fruit or to safely transport pruned branches to the ground. Users can add an optional aluminum pruning saw to the head of the pruner. That attachment enables gardeners to use a 180-degree rotating handle to find the optimal cutting position.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:43 PM | Comments (0)

Arclinea San Diego Helps Homeowners Achieve a Green Kitchen: Luxury Italian Kitchen Maker Expands its Commitment to the Design & Manufacture of Eco-Friendly Kitchens

Demand for "Green" products has achieved permanency in an international dialog about what constitutes good design. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recent publication of its quarterly Home Design Trends Survey (Q4 2006) found a sharp rise in homeowner preference for residential kitchens featuring eco-friendly and sustainable materials. Arclinea, manufacturer of the award-winning Arclinea Collection of contemporary Italian kitchens, continues to lead the industry with its environmental commitment. The company is pleased to announce its newest ecological practice: A water-based finishing system for its kitchen cabinets.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) May 10, 2007 -- Arclinea San Diego, a full-service kitchen design firm and distributor of the Arclinea Collection of contemporary Italian kitchens, is pleased to announce enhancements to the company's long-standing commitment to the design and manufacture of environmentally friendly kitchens.

Having historically utilized non-toxic paints and lacquers, free from heavy metals and low emission, Arclinea recently fully converted to a water-based finishing system. The result is an even cleaner manufacturing process that surpasses standards set by local and global environmental legislation.

"Considering that the kitchen is the heart of the home, both philosophically and practically, it is increasingly important that this living space be a healthy, ecologically intelligent one," says Lisa Wilson-Wirth, president and owner of Arclinea San Diego. "Arclinea kitchens reflect a spirit of design that respects our living earth and the people who inhabit it -- our company continues to lead the kitchen industry with its commitment to environmentally friendly materials and green manufacturing strategies."

In addition to utilizing water-based paints and lacquers, Arclinea's environmental commitment includes

Reduced consumption of raw materials:
- Arclinea constructive components feature Ecological Panels, which are fabricated from 100% recycled and regenerated wood, and superior to normal wood products.
- Wood cabinets feature teak and oak veneers from fully managed and sustainable forests.

Use of recycled & recyclable materials:
- Aluminium, stainless steel, glass, & Solid Ray, a 100% homogenous, solid acrylic panel that is UV- and scratch-resistant, in a 2 cm thickness exclusive to Arclinea.

Low emissions:
- All constructive parts of Arclinea cabinetry are E1 class for formaldehyde emission (low emission of less than 6.5 mg HCOH/100g).

Green manufacturing strategies:
- An energy regeneration plant in the company's Italian factory turns production-waste into fuel.
- A state-of-the-art electrostatic precipitator system efficiently de-dusts flue gases.

Superior durability:
- Since the company's founding in 1925, Arclinea has achieved an international reputation for its timeless designs and use of the highest quality materials. Arclinea kitchens offer a long life cycle and thus, a reduced environmental footprint.

Designed and coordinated by the internationally celebrated architect Antonio Citterio, the Arclinea Collection can be fully customized in a variety of design and material options. Whether a small galley or a large open floor plan, a kitchen remodel or new construction, every Arclinea kitchen is custom designed using a thorough study of the movements involved in food preparation and cooking, coupled with a careful contemplation of space.

"Homeowners do not need to sacrifice material quality or aesthetics when planning a kitchen that includes green design principles," shares Jeremy Gleiberman, project architect, Arclinea San Diego. "Arclinea custom cabinets are engineered and built to last generations -- all components go through comprehensive product and safety testing and offer superior durability over time. We provide our clients with a turnkey design solution for achieving a luxurious, modern kitchen in an environmentally sensitive way."

Arclinea San Diego offers complimentary design consultations to homeowners and the trade, on single family and multi-unit projects. The company advises its clients on a wide-range of kitchen design topics, from how to incorporate energy-efficient appliances, to the latest trends in European design.

About Arclinea
Arclinea Arredamenti SpA is a privately-owned company founded in 1925 and based in Caldogno, Italy. Regarded as a leader in the worldwide kitchen market, the company is known for its cutting-edge design, use of exquisite materials and innovative technology. Winner of a number of prestigious design awards, including the Metropolitan Home Modernism Award and the Elle Décor Edida, the Arclinea Collection is designed and coordinated by the internationally celebrated architect Antonio Citterio. With more than 100 distributors worldwide in 29 countries, the Arclinea Collection has been available in the United States since early 2000.

About Arclinea San Diego
Arclinea San Diego is a full-service kitchen design firm and one of eight exclusive distributors of the Arclinea Collection in the United States. The company's flagship showroom, located in downtown San Diego, features examples of the entire Arclinea Collection, including the company's newest generation of products. In addition to the Arclinea Collection, the company is also a dealer for Gaggenau and Miele kitchen appliances, and CaesarStone® Quartz Surfaces. For more information, visit www.arclineasandiego.com or call (619) 564-7440.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:42 PM | Comments (0)

Wireless Sensor Networks Lead the Way to Greater Energy Saving, says new Report from WTRS

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) in utility management and home and building control become bright green technologies in the struggle to limit energy use without diminishing the quality of life at home and in the office

Mountain View, CA (PRWEB) May 10, 2007 -- Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) will find huge impact in home and building applications. WTRS's new Report demonstrates that while the usual listing of home security, entertainment and lighting control, automated fire containment and alarm, burglar deterrence, etc. etc. are all important, the application in energy use monitoring and utility management will be immense. WTRS finds that nearly 70% of the average household utility bill could be influenced by WSN application to temperature and lighting.

WTRS's new "Wireless Sensor Network Technology Trends Spring 2007 Report" establishes that home and building owners can use interactive energy management tools to create energy management profiles that are triggered by certain established consumption rates. As energy consumption exceeds a specific point, the WSN can automatically begin turning off low priority lighting, heating, and cooling zones, using wireless humidity and temperature sensors as well as lighting and access monitors. Wireless outdoor motion sensors could remain active while other specific energy consumers could be dimmed.

"Imagine converting your home or building energy use into something like your every-day normal thermostat," said Principal Analyst Dr Kirsten West. "Your energy use could be controlled at both ends of the scale using wireless sensor networks. You could preset both maximum and minimum overall use so that you establish an energy goal, and the network will monitor that, parsed hourly, daily or weekly. When your scheduled usage approaches a predetermined point, the systems could begin shutting down extraneous (and also predetermined) usages, like outdoor lighting, pool heating, or even interior environment controls. Of course, manual overrides would be easily accomplished."

"If you're wondering what your house has to do with wireless sensor networks, there are other favorable motivaters that add value," said Senior Analyst Dr Karin Hall. "According to a major building trade publication, security and home automation systems will enable homes to sell 50% faster and at a 3-5% higher price than before."

The WTRS Report, "Wireless Sensor Network Technology Trends Spring 2007" identifies other conclusions as well, including:
1) Industrial Sector is likely to undergo workflow churn as WSN applications increase safety, reliability and efficiency of industrial facilities.
2) Module and development kit pricing has dropped over the last 6 months while functionality has increased.
3) Frequency agility requirements are driving evolution toward industrial standards.
4) AMR management is a truly significant opportunity in Utilities Sector.
5) Growth of personal and national security demand drives much growth in WSN, in border control, access, defense, etc.
6) European Government mandates strengthening market hold on WSN.
7) Slow economic growth in US changes direction of WSN market expansion.
8) WSN market likely to converge on 3 to 4 players.
9) A fundamental driver for WSN is ability to power sensors with batteries.

The "WTRS Wireless Sensor Network Technology Trends Spring 2007" Report is 102 pages and contains 69 charts, tables and graphs. For more information, www.westtechresearch.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:42 PM | Comments (0)

New Stainless Steel Worktables from Eagle MHC Offer Affordability Combined with Functionality and Durability

Eagle MHC offers the industry's widest range of design options for easily configured stainless steel worktables used in industrial applications. These worktables are designed to maximize functionality and flexibility in labs, manufacturing, assembly and material handling operations.

Clayton, DE (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 10, 2007 -- Eagle MHC now offers the industry's widest range of design options for easily configured stainless steel worktables used in industrial applications.

These worktables are designed to maximize functionality and flexibility in labs, manufacturing, assembly and material handling operations. And, because they are configured using standard modular components, they meet all your worktable needs at a surprisingly affordable price.

Worktables are available in a variety of grades. The most affordable option uses 16 gauge type 430 stainless steel tops. The Deluxe Series is the next step up, and consists of 16 gauge type 304 stainless steel construction. Those requiring top of the line tables should choose the SpecMaster® Series, which is made from 14 gauge type 304 stainless steel.

Unlike other tables on the market, the hat channels, legs and gussets are also made of type 304 stainless steel. Eagle's patented uni-lok™ leg/gusset design features a two-point welding system, eliminating leg wobble and providing unmatched table strength and stability.

Customers can specify the height and dimensions of their worktables based on their work area layout and available space. In addition, Eagle MHC offers a wide variety of options to design the ideal worktable for customer needs. Choices are offered for undershelves, cut-out sections, tray dividers and sliding drawers. Bullnose and square edges are available on tabletops. Or, choose the marine edge design for spill containment and to guard against items rolling off of the table. Eagle MHC also offers table-mounted ground fault electrical outlets for customers requiring electrical connections.

Other important worktable options include built-in stainless steel sinks - either open or with a closed-base cabinet - that are perfect for cleanrooms, labs, and production areas that need to accommodate product washdown procedures. These worktables can be configured with a choice of backsplashes, too.

A new undershelf base featuring stainless steel grooved legs and cast corners made of die-cast aluminum give the worktable undershelf added strength and flexibility. Each leg post is grooved in 2" increments to ensure fast and level assembly. Split sleeves give a positive lock between the undershelf and leg, that becomes stronger as the load increases.

For more details on stainless steel worktables or other material handling equipment from Eagle MHC, contact Paul Northam with sales inquiries or Eagle's Marketing Department (ext. 2706) with inquiries pertaining to marketing support. (800) 637-5100 or (302) 653-3000. www.eaglegrp.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:41 PM | Comments (0)

VanGuard Develops Affordable Clinical Microscopes with Advanced Features

Suited for laboratories, industrial facilities, clinics, and universities, VanGuard's 1300 series clinical compound microscopes have low focusing controls, high-eyepoint eyepieces, and infinity-corrected optics. Microscopes support Koehler illumination for promoting uniform brightness and eliminating glare. Digital camera packages for trinocular models allow live streaming video and still image capture on-screen.

Kirkland, WA (PRWEB) May 10, 2007 -- VanGuard Microscopes, manufacturers of complete turn-key microscope systems, introduces a new series of affordable clinical compound microscopes. The 1300 series models have features often available only on research-grade microscopes, such as infinity-corrected optics. The advanced features, ergonomic design, and cost-effective price of the microscopes will benefit scientists in laboratories, industrial facilities, clinics, and universities.

The 1300 series microscopes have focusing controls that are low on the base, which alleviates wrist strain. "Our goal is to make quality microscopes we'd enjoy using," commented Paul Wendling, Marketing Manager and Product Developer at VanGuard. To further increase the comfort and efficiency of the new models, VanGuard added high-eyepoint, super-widefield eyepieces and soft eyecups. High-eyepoint eyepieces save users who wear eyeglasses from having to remove them when viewing a specimen. Those with perfect vision and those who wear glasses can expect a clear image.

The new microscopes support Koehler illumination, a process that promotes uniform brightness and eliminates glare. Users can center the field diaphragm to optimize the passage of light through the specimen and out the eyepieces, part of achieving Koehler illumination. In addition, the 1300 series has an infinity optical system, a feature traditionally limited to high-end research microscopes. Infinity-corrected models are available on all models with plan achromatic objectives and start below one thousand U.S. dollars.

Lab professionals can choose from nine different models in the 1300 series, depending on application needs. Brightfield models use the most common illumination technique while phase contrast models use special lighting configurations to induce contrast without staining, especially useful in wine making, biological applications, and asbestos testing. To add more versatility, VanGuard added a brightfield and darkfield stop on the phase contrast models.

"VanGuard microscopes are as easy to buy as they are to use," remarked Product Developer Paul Wendling, adding, "We design the VanGuards as complete systems so users don't have to fuss around with an endless list of parts essential to using the microscopes." On the other hand, additional extended options are available, such as digital camera packages and eyepiece reticles. For its 1300 series trinocular models, VanGuard currently offers a digital camera package with microscopy software that supports live streaming video and still image capture on-screen.

For additional information on VanGuard Microscopes, contact Kaely Durward or visit www.vanguardmicroscopes.com.

About VanGuard Microscopes

VanGuard Microscopes, developed by VEE GEE Scientific Inc., has a wide line of microscopes that integrate high-level specifications and user-friendly features. VanGuard's line of complete turn-key systems includes brightfield, phase contrast, fluorescence, industrial, inverted, stereo, and educational microscopes. The mission at VanGuard Microscopes is to supply laboratories, industrial facilities, clinics, and universities with the best possible microscopes at an affordable price, allowing users to see images with the best clarity and resolution, work more efficiently, and advance scientific research.

Contact:

Kaely Durward, Marketing & Sales Account Rep
VEE GEE Scientific, Inc
(800) 423-8842
http://www.vanguardmicroscopes.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:41 PM | Comments (0)

First Excellence in Currency Awards Presented at 2007 Currency Conference in Bangkok

The first ever International Association of Currency Affairs (IACA) awards ceremony took place on Tuesday evening, with seven Awards for Excellence in Currency distributed. The event took place at the annual Currency Conference in Bangkok, with categories including 'Best New Coin', 'Best Currency Website' and 'The Lifetime Achievement Award' being honoured. The awards, sponsored by Currency News (http://www.currencynews.info) were a great success and the IACA are soon to be accepting nominations for next year's event. For further information see http://www.currencynews.info/index.php?action=expansion&levelno=0&levelid=276&minisiteid=144

Bangkok, Thailand (PRWEB) May 10, 2007 -- The seven individuals and companies being honoured with Awards for Excellence in Currency were announced on Tuesday at the annual Currency Conference in Bangkok. Although the Currency Conference has been running for some years, this is the first time excellence in currency has been honoured with awards, and the event itself did not disappoint.

The Excellence in Currency Awards were presented by IACA chairman Rick Haycock at the close of yesterday's general conference session, who commented on the extremely high calibre of all the entries, particularly considering that this was the inaugural event for these awards. He extended thanks to all those who sent in nominations, to the award sponsors Currency News and the IACA Awards Committee for researching all the entries and short listing the finalists.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was won by Thomas Ferguson, who recently retired as Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. As Director, Tom was responsible for the two BEP printing facilities that produced an average 9 billion bank notes per year.

Tom has appeared on numerous broadcasts and in many printed interviews extolling the use of currency and the need to understand the layers of security provided to protect the public from counterfeit money.

The National Bank of Kazakhstan was the winner of the Best New Bank note Award. The complex and highly secure new series, launched in November 2006 includes the first use of bank note printer De La Rue's Optiks® feature on the top denomination 10,000 Tenge to help prevent counterfeit money. Runners up were the Central Bank of Sweden, for the new 1,000 Kronor launched in March 2006, and the Bank of Mexico, for the new 50 Peso bank note which was issued in November 2006 as a polymer note incorporating the new G-switch™ feature.

The Best New Coin Award went to the Royal Canadian Mint for the result of its collaboration with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. This Canadian quarter (25 cents) has the image of a pink ribbon in its centre. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand, for its lighter and smaller plated steel 10, 20 and 50 cent pieces and the British Royal Mint for the UK Brunel £2 coin were the runners up in this category.

Crane's Motion™ won the hotly contested award for the Best New Currency Feature. This optically variable feature incorporating a micro-lens array for security threads first appeared on the Swedish 1,000 Kronor bank note and has recently been chosen as the primary overt feature for the new US$100. G-switch™ (from Securency) and Varifeye® (from Louisenthal) were worthy competitors who both received runner up awards. All the competitors for this award have made great strides in raising the bar to counterfeit money.

KBA GIORI won the Best New Currency Product, Process or System Award for ONE™ -- a complete suite of products from bank note digital design through to direct intaglio and offset plate making. Runners up were Direct Laser Engraver (DLE) (from JURA and OeBS) and OBIS 3 (from Giesecke & Devrient).

The award for Best Currency Public Education Program was won by the BEP for its $10 campaign. This 'Color of Money' education program for the new generation of US bank notes was carried out in 24 different languages. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand also received many votes for the public education campaign for its new coins, and that earned the Bank a runner up award along with Eureka Metro for the 2nd edition of the World Polymer Notes book.

Last but not least the award for the Best Currency Website went to The Bank of England for its newly-designed website www.bankofengland.co.uk incorporating what the judges thought were very effective video presentations and virtual tours to illustrate their bank note security features. In another hotly contested category, the excellent efforts of the Bank of Russia - www.cbr.ru/eng and the BEP - www.bep.treas.gov/newmoney - won those institutions the runner up slots.

Nominations for the 2008 IACA Awards will commence next month via the website www.currencyaffairs.org .

For further information contact Astrid Mitchell:

amitchell @ reconnaissance-intl.com
Reconnaissance International
2A High Street
Shepperton
TW17 9AW
UK
+44 1932 269917

About Currency News and Reconnaissance International:
Currency News (www.currencynews.info) is published by Currency Publications Ltd, a venture between Reconnaissance International and Currency Research Ltd. The publication is compiled by a team comprising of some of the most authoritative and influential figures in the business.

Based in the UK and the US, Reconnaissance (http://www.reconnaissance-intl.com) is the leading global specialist for business intelligence in authentication for document security, brand protection and personal identification. Along with Currency News, It publishes specialist industry newsletters Authentication News and Holography News.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:40 PM | Comments (0)

EtQ Announces Reliance 5.0

EtQ, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of EtQ Reliance 5.0. EtQ Reliance is a web based enterprise system for quality and compliance management, designed to identify, mitigate and prevent high-risk events through automation, integration and collaboration.

Farmingdale, NY (PRWEB) May 10, 2007 -- EtQ, Inc. is pleased to announce the release of EtQ Reliance 5.0. EtQ Reliance is a web based enterprise system for quality and compliance management, designed to identify, mitigate and prevent high-risk events through automation, integration and collaboration.

EtQ Reliance 5.0 is built on EtQ's unique Flexible Workflow Engine, which allows the workflows, forms, sections, fields, reports and even the look and feel to be configured without programming. Using this technology, users are able to match their business processes exactly. Version 5.0 incorporates major enhancements; including an intuitive, graphical Web-based Designer tool for building forms, workflows and reports, an enhanced user interface, and industry-specific processes configured out of the box. Below is a short list of the many enhancements and features available:

§ EtQ Designer: EtQ designer is an intuitive, graphical drag-and-drop interface for creating and modifying workflows, forms, fields and reports. The EtQ designer allows for faster configurations and reduces overall implementation time.

§ Intuitive User Interface: EtQ's user interface has been enhanced with a new tab-based form layout to provide a more intuitive and efficient way of viewing data and managing tasks.

§ EtQ Portal: Giving the ability to managing quality and compliance tasks across the enterprise can be a complex undertaking. The EtQ portal personalized application workspace enables users to view all their information, including assignments, favorite application, favorite reports, and even links to external Web pages, in a single dashboard environment, eliminating the need to search for records across multiple modules.

§ Risk Assessment: The new Risk Assessment module allows risk to be built-in to every process within the product. The module calculates risk using a variety of techniques, updates risk at multiple points in the process and displays risk mitigation history by event. The module features configurable risk and impact assessment charts to display the results in familiar terms and colors.

§ Reporting: In addition to providing more than 40 report templates out of the box, EtQ Reliance features advanced reporting enhancements. Drag and drop reporting allows users to create new reports by simply dragging fields from a form into the report, and then create a chart based on the data displayed in the report. The charting technology is fully integrated with EtQ and delivers fast graphical charts directly in the browser without any third-party software. The charts include full drill-down capabilities, including the ability to drill-down all the way to the individual records. The Centralized Reporting application keeps a history of the executed charts, and charts can also easily be copied into external documents such as MS Word or MS PowerPoint reports.

Version 5.0 of EtQ Reliance marks a significant addition to EtQ's already strong lineup of products and includes continued support for all the major operating systems, database and application server platforms. Enhancements such as these and development efforts has been a driving force in EtQ's success and EtQ will continue to provide focused solutions for years to come.

About EtQ
EtQ offers the only intranet/Internet-based enterprise quality and compliance software solution that can be configured by a Web browser; without programming. Selling to a variety of markets, EtQ has developed a unique niche through its ability to design flexible workflow systems for enterprises involved in various compliance management initiatives such as ISO 13485, ISO 9000:2000, ISO/TS 16949, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, Six Sigma and similar standards for compliance and regulatory management. Key modules within the product include: Document Control, CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action), Audits, Complaint Handling, Risk Management, Change Management, Employee Training, Project Management, Nonconforming Materials, Enterprise Reporting and more than 20 additional modules.

For more information or to schedule a virtual demo, contact EtQ Inc., at 800-354-4476 or 516-293-0949, or e-mail us at info @ etq.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:40 PM | Comments (0)

Auburn Engineering Offers Innovative Material for High Durability, Accuracy

Auburn Engineering, Inc., a leading provider of rapid prototyping and production services, announced today it is among the first rapid prototyping and production facility in the Midwest to offer the industry's first stereo-lithography (SL) resin targeted for high durability applications and direct manufacturing.

Rochester Hills, Mich. (PRWEB) May 10, 2007 -- Auburn Engineering, Inc., a leading provider of rapid prototyping and production services, announced today it is among the first rapid prototyping and production facility in the Midwest to offer the industry's first stereo-lithography (SL) resin targeted for high durability applications and direct manufacturing.

Auburn Engineering received an early release of this innovative resin from the manufacturer, DSM Somos (Elgin, Illinois) before it was officially released to the general market.

The material, known as Somos DMX-SL®, is a significant new chemistry platform for direct manufacturing development. With the innovation, rapid prototyping users deliver custom-built parts that are durable, accurate and offer excellent detail -- a development that brings stereo lithography one step closer to direct manufacturing.

"Offering our customers full direct manufacturing, which includes cost effective direct building of custom plastic parts without the need for tooling, is no longer limited by material properties," notes Reid Scott, president, Auburn Engineering. "Based on this unique technology which produces resins with extremely high impact strength and resistance to breakage, Auburn Engineering is among the first to offer accurate and durable parts with superior surface finish over other RP technologies such as sintering."

About Auburn Engineering
Auburn Engineering is a leading rapid prototyping and limited production company serving the product development community for nearly two decades. Auburn's team of experts provides on-time, cost effective low-volume production molding and assemblies to automotive, consumer appliance, office furniture, medical and a variety of product manufacturers. A division of Dynetics, Auburn Engineering is headquartered in its Rochester Hills, Michigan engineering and rapid prototyping facility, featuring one of the industry's finest tooling facilities, and comprehensive stereo lithography and selective laser sintering capabilities. Services include rapid prototyping, urethane casting, composite tooling, blow molding, aluminum tooling, injection molding, vacuum forming, metal casting, high speed CNC machining, reverse engineering, and CMM inspection. www.auburn.com

Somos DMX-SL® is a registered trademark of DSM Somos, an unincorporated subsidiary of DSM Desotech, Inc., world leader in the development of specialty UV-curable materials. www.dsmsomos.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:39 PM | Comments (0)

Frames Online UK - Expands Picture Frame Supply to Wholesale Trade Market

Picture Frames are not the most glamorous of products, but just about everybody needs and wants display frames. Frames Online UK expands its supply facility to cater for the needs of the trade wholesale bulk supply picture frame market.

Isle of Wight, United Kingdom (PRWEB) May 10, 2007 -- Some products aren't inherently interesting, and certainly selling picture frames does not conjure up the romantic and exciting images that say, selling state of the art cars, haute couture fashion, or finest champagnes conjures up. However, a staple product such as picture frames ticks many of the basic marketing boxes. Everybody wants frames, every household and corporation has frames on display, frames can change with fashion, and they are not indestructible - frames can need replacing with time.

One of the prime downsides of supplying picture frames is transporting the inherently fragile glass. Though there are alternatives such as Perspex acrylic glass which are virtually unbreakable, most customers prefer traditional glass. Carriers can be excellent, but it only needs one person in the despatch chain to treat your company's package like a football and you have a product that needs replacing or refunding, normally resulting in a loss. For small despatches via courier a suitable packing solution found to be most effective is the use of a solid box, bubble wrap, and shredded paper. This packing aims to protect the impact of a package being thrown from the back of a lorry, and has reduced breakages to a minimum.

DATALITE's subsidiary 'Frames Online UK' (See http://www.framesonlineuk.com) has been selling picture frames on the web for a number of years; specialising in a niche market of supplying batches of frames to organisations as diverse as schools, local councils, small businesses and even the police - not often one has a chance of framing the police! Of particular success are the matching frame packs of a dozen A4 frames or six A3 frames. Frames Online UK has garnered a reputation of supplying a quality range of picture frames fast, with customer service paramount.

The Frames Online UK website originally contained a Bulk Picture Frame Supply section enabling customers to purchase larger quantities of frames at special discounted prices with delivery via pallet. The pallet despatch arrangement greatly reduces the breakage rate of frames to a bare minimum. This wholesale trade facility has been growing in popularity resulting in a decision to provision its own dedicated website.

The Frames Bulk Supply facility caters for an entirely different market of purchaser and includes shop retailers and large organisations and companies. The frames themselves range from cheap basic but solid economy frames, through to an excellent regular standard range, culminating in the finest range of professional quality frames suitable for large corporate displays.

Frames Online - Bulk Supply website is located at http://www.dataliteframes.co.uk and offers over sixty styles of picture frames, together with over twenty sizes ranging from the diminutive to the large. Frames can be ordered direct online, paid by credit card if required and delivery to any UK mainland address can be achieved within five working days. The website provides a virtual wholesale warehouse experience where products can actually be viewed and selected; rather than customers picking items from a standard typed price list and hoping that items meet requirements.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:39 PM | Comments (0)

Findaseminar.com Announces New Safety Training Seminars in Time to Celebrate National Safety Month in June

New Training seminars include safety training relating to OSHA Arc Flash and other safety training offered by the nations top training providers like National Seminars Group Skillpath Seminars Fred Pryor seminars and American Trainco.

(PRWEB) May 10, 2007 -- Officials at FindaSeminar.com the worlds largest training search engine have just released a list of upcoming OSHA safety seminars provided by recognized training providers like National Seminars Group Padgett Thompson seminars Skillpath seminars Fred Pryor seminars Cross country Education seminars and American Trainco seminars.

The list of newly announced safety training seminars contains over one thousand dates and locations of safety training seminars that include such titles as

- The Conference on OSHA Compliance
- The Essentials of OSHA Compliance
- Workplace Safety and OSHA Compliance
- The 30-Hour OSHA Compliance Course
- The Rules and Regulations of Workplace Safety and OSHA Compliance
- Front Desk Safety & Security
- Arc Flash Protection & Electrical Safety
- Boiler Operation, Maintenance and Safety

For more information about these and other safety training seminars workshops and conferences held in the U.S. and Canada please visit http://www.FindaSeminar.com and use the free search and registration tools provided there.

About us:
FindaSeminar.com is a division of Allied Internet Solutions Inc. AIS is an established Internet consulting firm and developer and operator of such notable websites as FindaSeminar.com Seminar News Network.com and Training News Network.com. FindaSeminar offers pay for performance seminar marketing services to training providers and offers a full suite of free training seminar search and registration tools to training providers seeking career or personal development training of all types. For more information or to find or list training seminars workshops and conferences please visit http://www.FindaSeminar.com

Contact Info:
Helen Alliy
Director
FindaSeminar.com

Additional: search find and register for over 150000 training seminars on FindaSeminar.com

Company: FindaSeminar.com
Country: United States
Contact: Helen Alliy
Website: http://www.FindaSeminar.com
Bus E-Mail: info(at)findaseminar.com
Phone: 800 349-1935

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:38 PM | Comments (0)

TherMark Appoints New President and CEO

Company continues to forge presence in industrial marking.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 9, 2007 -- Joel Assaraf takes over the role of President and CEO of TherMark Holdings, Inc. , moving into the key leadership position after serving as President and Chief Operating Officer.

In May 2006, Assaraf joined TherMark as Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, after the company secured $1.7 million in Series A funding. In December 2006, he was appointed to the position of President and Chief Operating Officer. In March 2007, the company raised an additional $850,000 in funding.

As President and CEO, Assaraf takes the helm of a company recognized as a leading developer of laser marking technology and materials. TherMark is well known within the industry as offering a reliable method to apply more permanent, readable information directly to a variety of surfaces. TherMark’s patented laser marking process not only produces permanent, high-contrast, high-resolution marks, but it also generates marks in a variety of colors on a number of different surfaces including metals, ceramics, glass, porcelain, plastics, marble and granite.

During his tenure at TherMark, Assaraf has directed the company’s first acquisition of TherMark-related assets from Advanced Identification, Inc., the expansion of its U.S. salesforce, and a major corporate rebranding effort that included a new Web site as well as new product packaging. Assaraf plans to continue to forge a presence for TherMark, especially in the industrial marking arena.

“We are in a unique position in that our laser marking technology and materials are applicable across a broad spectrum of industries – from automotive and aerospace to medical devices to design and decor,” said Assaraf. “We will continue to capitalize on our patented laser marking process to ensure the continual growth and strength of TherMark. We also recognize the value of furthering developments in product innovation and fostering customer relationships to the profitable growth of TherMark in a highly competitive market.”

Before joining TherMark, Assaraf was Chief Financial Officer with PAC, a contract packager of personal care products for companies such as Procter and Gamble, Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive, and Neutrogena. Prior to that, he held the position of Corporate Executive Vice President of OK International, a manufacturer and marketer of rework equipment and consumable supplies to the electronics industry, and President of Metal, the company’s largest operating unit.

Prior to OK International, Assaraf was part of a turnaround team to shore-up sagging profits at Chemtronics, a leading manufacturer of superior performing specialty chemical and swab/wipe products used in electronics and electrical service, repair and manufacturing. Assaraf began his career in the chemical and paper manufacturing industry with positions in sales, marketing, product development and management at The Dow Chemical Company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Scott Paper Company. In addition, Assaraf held several interim executive positions with Siemens Electronic Assembly Systems and PolyVision Corporation.

Matt Ridenour, TherMark’s previous CEO, will remain on the Board of Directors and will continue in an advisory capacity for the company.

About TherMark Holdings, Inc.

Founded in 1996, TherMark has grown to be the expert in laser marking technology. TherMark’s patented laser marking process and materials expand the capabilities of all types of lasers to quickly produce permanent, high-contrast, high-resolution marks (for custom text, identification, logos, designs, etc.), in black and in an assortment of colors, on a variety of surfaces including metals, glass, ceramics, porcelain, plastics, marble, granite and stone. Since its inception, the company has diligently worked to improve its laser marking technology and products on an ongoing basis. TherMark has expanded its capabilities to serve a global audience across a broad spectrum of industries including automotive; aviation and aerospace; medical and surgical devices; home appliances; cutlery; sanitaryware; instrumentation; machinery and tools; awards and recognition; and design and décor. For more information on TherMark’s laser marking technology and products, visit www.thermark.com.

For Media, contact:
Jan Sisko, Kaiser Marketing Group
(678) 461-7438

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:37 PM | Comments (0)

Angelo, Gordon & Co.’s Net Lease Group Completes Sale-Leaseback Transaction with Carousel Capital Portfolio Company Simpson Performance Products

NEW YORK (BusinessWire EON/PRWEB ) May 9, 2007 -- Angelo, Gordon & Co.’s (“Angelo Gordon”) dedicated Net Lease Group (“AG Net Lease”) announced today that it has acquired the headquarters and manufacturing facilities of Simpson Performance Products, Inc. (“Simpson”) through a sale-leaseback transaction. Simpson is a portfolio company of Carousel Capital, a Charlotte-based private equity firm.

Simpson’s headquarters and principal manufacturing facility are located in New Braunfels, Texas. Simpson is a leading manufacturer and supplier of safety equipment and branded and custom team apparel to the motorsports industry, including NASCAR, Indy and Formula 1. Simpson manufactures helmets and restraints at the New Braunfels facility. Proceeds of the sale-leaseback were used to reduce senior indebtedness. The deal closed September 28, 2006.

Teddy Kaplan, Managing Director and co-manager of AG Net Lease, commented, “The Simpson transaction is indicative of our strategy of identifying tenants with positive growth potential. We take great comfort in the sponsorship Carousel Capital provides to its portfolio companies, and look forward to continuing our relationship with them.”
Charles Grigg, Partner at Carousel Capital, said, “As we evaluated Simpson’s capital structure, the opportunity to reduce leverage through a sale-leaseback was compelling. Working with AG Net Lease was a pleasure.”

About Angelo, Gordon & Co. and AG Net Lease

Angelo, Gordon & Co. was founded in 1988 and has over $11 billion under management. Currently, the firm’s investment disciplines encompass four principal areas: (i) distressed debt and leveraged loans, ii) real estate, (iii) private equity and special situations and (iv) a number of hedge fund strategies. Angelo, Gordon & Co. employs over 70 investment professionals and is headquartered in New York, with associated offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Hong Kong and Seoul.

AG Net Lease is comprised of a team of experienced professionals committed to providing sale-leaseback financing to financial sponsors and below investment grade companies across a range of industries. AG Net Lease is currently investing its first dedicated net lease fund which closed earlier this year and will seek to purchase as much as $500 million of net leased corporate real estate in the U.S. and abroad with transactions ranging from $5 million to $200 million. AG Net Lease’s unparalleled credit and real estate underwriting expertise, coupled with its unique funding platform, ensures highly competitive pricing and speed of execution to tenants and sponsors. www.angelogordon.com

About Carousel Capital

Carousel Capital is a private investment firm that invests in companies located in the Southeastern United States. Carousel’s investor base includes institutional investors and an elite group of more than 60 current and former CEOs with significant operating experience. Since its inception, Carousel has invested in 23 companies primarily in three targeted growth sectors: business services; consumer products and services; and healthcare services.

About Simpson Performance Products

Since 1959, Simpson Performance Products has been the leading safety manufacturer in the motorsports industry. Simpson believes in putting safety first and is dedicated to elevating the standards of racing safety through continuous development, refinement and testing. The one thing that remains constant is Simpson's commitment to racer safety. Gear up safer with Simpson.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:36 PM | Comments (0)

Angelo, Gordon & Co.’s Net Lease Group Completes Sale-Leaseback Transaction with Carousel Capital Portfolio Company Visador Holding Corporation

NEW YORK (BusinessWire EON/PRWEB ) May 9, 2007 -- Angelo, Gordon & Co.’s (“Angelo Gordon”) dedicated Net Lease Group (“AG Net Lease”) announced today that it has acquired the headquarters and manufacturing facilities of Coffman Stairs, LLC (“Coffman”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Visador Holding Corporation (“Visador”), through a sale-leaseback transaction. Visador is a portfolio company of Carousel Capital, a Charlotte-based private equity firm.

Founded in 1874, Coffman is a leading national manufacturer of hardwood and softwood stair parts. The approximately 500,000 square feet Marion, Virginia complex serves as Coffman’s headquarters and sole manufacturing facility. The facility is critical to Coffman’s vertically-integrated business model and located in close proximity to an abundant source of raw materials. Visador used the proceeds of the sale-leaseback to pay down indebtedness. The deal closed March 30, 2007.
AG Net Lease has now completed five transactions since its inception. The Coffman sale-leaseback marked the second time AG Net Lease has worked on a deal with Carousel Capital.

Teddy Kaplan, Managing Director and co-manager of AG Net Lease, commented, “This transaction typifies our goal of identifying tenants whose businesses we believe are poised for growth. We are delighted that Carousel Capital chose to work with us on a repeat basis. Carousel Capital’s high level of support for their portfolio companies provides us with added reassurance, and look forward to partnering with them again.”

Jason Schmidly, Partner at Carousel Capital, said, “For the Coffman transaction, we valued a partner that could provide certainty of closing on the terms and timeline promised. Based on our prior experience with AG Net Lease, we knew that we could count on them to meet these objectives. AG Net Lease has become a trusted and reliable capital source for us.”

About Angelo, Gordon & Co. and AG Net Lease

Angelo, Gordon & Co. was founded in 1988 and has over $11 billion under management. Currently, the firm’s investment disciplines encompass four principal areas: (i) distressed debt and leveraged loans, ii) real estate, (iii) private equity and special situations and (iv) a number of hedge fund strategies. Angelo, Gordon & Co. employs over 70 investment professionals and is headquartered in New York, with associated offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Hong Kong and Seoul.

AG Net Lease is comprised of a team of experienced professionals committed to providing sale-leaseback financing to financial sponsors and below investment grade companies across a range of industries. AG Net Lease is currently investing its first dedicated net lease fund which closed earlier this year and will seek to purchase as much as $500 million of net leased corporate real estate in the U.S. and abroad with transactions ranging from $5 million to $200 million. AG Net Lease’s unparalleled credit and real estate underwriting expertise, coupled with its unique funding platform, ensures highly competitive pricing and speed of execution to tenants and sponsors. www.angelogordon.com

About Carousel Capital

Carousel Capital is a private investment firm that invests in companies located in the Southeastern United States. Carousel’s investor base includes institutional investors and an elite group of more than 60 current and former CEOs with significant operating experience. Since its inception, Carousel has invested in 23 companies primarily in three targeted growth sectors: business services; consumer products and services; and healthcare services.

About Visador

Visador is the holding company for two businesses: Coffman Stairs and Crown Column. Coffman is a leading manufacturer of hardwood stair parts in the United States. The Coffman brand is well known by distributors, dealers and installers for its quality craftmanship and unparalleled selection of styles and woods. Coffman offers more than 13,000 stair parts and related products, providing a single source stair system to the building products industry. Crown Column, with facilities in Attalla, Alabama, produces a broad offering of synthetic and wood columns, porch posts and lamp posts used in the construction, repair and remodeling of homes.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:35 PM | Comments (0)

Recruiter Brett Slade Launches Slade Consulting Group's Executive Recruitment Practice

Slade Consulting Group (SCG) provides recruitment solutions to select employers to solve their critical search dilemmas. The SCG process is engaged by clients who seek a definitive action plan after traditional internal sourcing methods such as advertising and word-of-mouth referrals have not generated the quality or volume of talent desired.

Toronto, Ontario (PRWEB) May 9, 2007 -- Slade Consulting Group (SCG) provides recruitment solutions to select employers to solve their critical search dilemmas. The executive recruitment process is engaged by clients who seek a definitive action plan after traditional internal sourcing methods such as advertising and word-of-mouth referrals have not generated the quality or volume of talent desired.

Brett Slade, Managing Director of Slade Consulting Group describes their executive recruitment process, branded SLADESEARCH™, "a refreshingly different and performance driven process which prompts employers to make informed and timely action surrounding their critical recruitment decisions". Rather than rely on employer supplied job descriptions, Slade Consulting Group works backwards to understand the true hiring requirement and gains consensus from all relevant decision makers on what is the best possible hire. This is followed by collaboration with their client to develop a search specific customized strategy inclusive of a comprehensive candidate sourcing plan and estimated timeline to short-list delivery.

Studies by assessment specialist Dr. Brad Smart show that CEO's are disappointed in their search firm's results 79% of the time. Dr. Smart is recognized as the world's foremost expert on hiring and is the best-selling author of Topgrading: How Leading Companies Win By Hiring, Coaching, and Keeping the Best People. Brett adds, a notorious way recruiters miss the mark is by using a "cookie cutter approach". "Each search is different and requires a clear upfront understanding of the unique client and role specific requirements", otherwise Brett explains, the odds of the search failing are much higher. Further crit