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February 20, 2008

International Law Firm Alliance Signals Ambitions To Expand In Latin America

MSI Global Alliance announces sponsorship of IBA First Conference of The Americas in Mexico City and appointment of Argentinean law firm member García Menéndez Abogados.

(PRWEB) February 20, 2008 -- MSI Global Alliance announces sponsorship of IBA First Conference of The Americas in Mexico City and appointment of Argentinean law firm member García Menéndez Abogados.

The world's leading international alliance of independent, mid-sized legal and accounting firms, MSI Global Alliance (MSI), (www.msiglobal.org) has its sights firmly fixed on making key law firm appointments in Latin America in 2008.

As part of a campaign to attract new law firms to the alliance, MSI will be one of a select group of exhibitors at the IBA Americas Conference taking place in Mexico from 27-29 February. The event is expected to attract over 500 private practitioners and corporate counsel from the Latin and North America regions.

"We are building something very special for the world of business - an alliance of independently-minded, professional firms, that by working together, are capable of providing sophisticated cross-border advisory services to their internationally-focused clients," says MSI's Chief Executive James Mendelssohn.

"Our firms are deliberately mid-sized in their marketplaces, but what they lack in size, they compensate for in agility, entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to providing partner-level support to their clients.

"Our sponsorship of this prestigious IBA conference is an integral part of our strategy to increase our law firm presence in Latin America - MSI offers a great opportunity for the right firms to extend globally with their clients, and to serve member firm clients from Europe, North America and Asia that are looking to invest in emerging Latin America markets.

"Our key focus is on recruiting internationally-focused, independent law firms from Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela. We invite interested firms to come forward," adds Mendelssohn.

The first step in MSI's expansion into Latin American was formalised last week with the appointment of García Menéndez Abogados in Buenos Aries. Recognised by Euromoney and Global Competition Review for its reputation in international trade and anti-trust and unfair competition respectively, the firm has been selected by MSI for its broad experience in advising foreign clients on company incorporation, immigration requirements, mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, and stock exchange listings.

"Many Argentinean companies are taking advantage of a strong export market to expand their business activities internationally. Our MSI membership is vital to ensuring these clients will be well looked after by firms like ours," says Sebastián García Menéndez, the firm's managing partner.

"Foreign companies are also keen to benefit from the lower cost base that can be achieved by setting up business centres in Argentina, and our links to clients and professional firms in 100 countries ensure we are well positioned to build a strong international practice," adds García Menéndez.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:04 AM | Comments (0)

Buy Railings.com Raises the Bar with the Launch of their New Website

Buy Railings, a company offering various components and tubing for the highest quality railings, now offers even more options for their customers with the launch of their new website, BuyRailings.com.

Danbury, CT (PRWEB) February 20, 2008 -- Buy Railings proudly announces the launch of their new website, BuyRailings.com, which provides an online shop for the public to purchase their high quality materials direct. Buy Railings is located out of Danbury, CT where they provide consumers with the highest quality of railing products around. Their rails, brackets, and fittings are the exact same as those that are found in popular restaurants, bars, airports, hotels and office buildings. That means they are quality assured, and suitable not only for commercial use, but for residential wear and tear, as well.

Their main focus as a business is to provide the highest quality of railings and components out there. They know how trying it can be to install brackets that don't line up properly, or deal with fittings that don't actually fit. To eliminate that frustration, they carefully specify and rigorously inspect their products to ensure accurate fit and professional finish. They even work directly with foundries and mills around the world to ensure satisfaction in those areas.

Another feature that assures their railings are superior is the fact they craft their products to meet the expectations of the most discriminating customers. Most all of the brass items they sell are actually solid brass, their stainless steel items are 304 grade solid stainless steel, and their chrome finished items are produced with the finest plating over steel or brass. What is even better is that their products will maintain their beauty and aesthetic appeal with minimal care for many years to come.

Buy Railings launched their new website in order to offer another shopping option for their "railing patrons." It is a very user friendly site for anyone to navigate because everything is so clearly mapped out. A customer can easily go to the home page and find exactly what they are looking for--and then some. They make it simple to find components or rails for any projects, and the projects go beyond regular stair rails. They offer items for specialty projects like bathrooms, curtain rails and more.

Their website presents easy methods of contact for anyone with questions or concerns about the products they sell, ordering, or shipping and handling. The contact page requires only a few short minutes of time to fill out, or for those who prefer more traditional means of communication, a phone number is also listed. In either case, a professional is waiting to assist with any needs a customer has.

For more information on BuyRailings.com please do not hesitate to visit their website at www.BuyRailings.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:03 AM | Comments (0)

RidgeLogic Selected by USAV Group to Present at Digital Signage University

RidgeLogic to educate attendees about single location uses of digital signage.

Buffalo, NY (PRWEB) February 20, 2008 -- RidgeLogic Development, a developer of digital signage software for single locations, has been selected by the USAV Group, a national alliance of professional audio/visual experts, to present at the groups second annual Digital Signage University in Las Vegas on February 26th, which is the day before the industry's largest trade event, Digital Signage Expo.

Digital Signage University is a training program available to the USAV Group's 26 dealer members, representing 48 locations across the United States. RidgeLogic will educate attendees about the digital signage marketplace, their SceneStudio content management software, and how to leverage the easy-to-use application to succeed in one-off sales opportunities.

"The USAV Group is providing their dealer members the tools required to succeed in the digital signage market and we're excited to participate in the training program," says Jack Boyczuk, President of RidgeLogic. "We believe single location uses of digital signage, like corporate and hotel lobbies, are going to experience significant growth and professional audio/visual dealers are well positioned to win these types of deals."

SceneStudio, RidgeLogic's flagship product, provides resellers an affordable price point allowing them to expand into new markets, like small-to-medium business. In addition, the intuitive user interface allows non-technical people the ability to create or maintain the message on a daily basis, keeping the operating cost low, resulting in the lowest possible total cost of ownership.

About RidgeLogic:
RidgeLogic Development provides digital signage software applications, content design and programming services to meet the specific needs of end users, resellers and OEM partners. RidgeLogic is committed to allowing its consumers to utilize non-technical personnel to create or edit content and schedule it for playback, resulting in a digital signage solution that stays fresh and relevant.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:02 AM | Comments (0)

Dixon Valve Opens New Manufacturing & Warehouse Facility In Houston

Dixon Valve announces the opening on January 28, 2008 of a new manufacturing and warehouse facility in Houston, Texas

Chestertown, MD (Vocus/PRWEB ) February 20, 2008 -- Dixon Valve announces the opening on January 28, 2008 of a new manufacturing and warehouse facility in Houston, Texas. The new 70,000 sq. ft. facility distributes Dixon products to customers throughout Texas and the Gulf Coast/Southwest region, as well as becoming the new manufacturing location for the company's Holedall fittings and related products.

The new facility, located at 6526 Homestead Road in Houston, replaces another Dixon facility nearby. According to Bob Grace, vice president of distribution, the new complex provides a state-of-the-art facility for both manufacturing and warehousing. The building features 30-ft. ceilings and high-racking storage, along with significantly more total warehouse space, enabling Dixon to stock a larger volume and variety of products for ready delivery to customers.

"We are able to increase the number of orders shipped same-day," Grace reported. "Also, our new location is more convenient to major Interstate highway arteries, making it easier for customers who want to pick their orders up," he said.

Furthermore, the new Houston facility has an upgraded product training center. Dixon offers numerous technical and sales training courses for distributors and customers that pertain to its wide-ranging hose assembly, couplings and fittings product lines.

In addition to warehouse operations and the training center, the Houston facility is the new home of the company's Holedall fittings manufacturing operations. Up to now, those operations have been located in Houma, La. Holedall products, which are sold primarily into the oil & gas drilling industry, have their largest market in the Gulf Coast region. The new Houston location makes it easier and faster for Dixon to manufacture and supply Holedall couplings, ferrules and swage stems to customers.

"Having the manufacturing facility located in the same general area as the plating and heat-treating operations is more operationally efficient," noted Wayne Spurrier, vice president, and general manager of Dixon Boss. Dixon plans to utilize its improved facility to expand its manufacturing operations during the coming year to include the production of larger fittings.

Dixon's new Houston facility is one of 12 company-owned branch/warehouse facilities in the company's network, with locations stretching from New York to California. The new facility underscores the company's commitment to improving product availability, delivery and reliability - with same-day shipment and delivery capabilities available to as many customers as possible.

For more information on the new Houston manufacturing and warehousing facilities, as well as on the complete line of products offered by Dixon, call (410) 778-2000 or visit www.dixonvalve.com.

Established in 1915, Dixon Valve is a leading international manufacturer and supplier of hose fittings and accessories. The company serves a wide variety of markets - from petroleum and mining to construction and processing. It offers the industry's most comprehensive product line available from a single source.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:01 AM | Comments (0)

New Economic Stimulus Plan Can Benefit Corporate Leasing

Corporations that Lease Equipment could see Favorable Lease Rates as Leasing Companies Pass on the Benefits to its Customers.

Mission Viejo, CA (PRWEB) February 20, 2008 -- The new Economic Stimulus Plan signed last week by President Bush, could have the effect of lowering lease rates for corporate borrowers as leasing companies pass on the benefits to their customers.

A provision included in the stimulus plan was "Bonus Depreciation" a term used to describe accelerated depreciation of purchased equipment that exceeds $250,000. The main benefit of this provision is to give businesses an opportunity to accelerate the depreciation of a large purchase.

Normally, if a company acquired $1,000,000 in equipment, the company could claim depreciation in the first year of $200,000 (20% of $1 million). However with the new Bonus Depreciation, that same company could deduct $600,000 in the first year (a 50% Bonus depreciation of $500,000, plus $100,000 which is 20% of the $500,000). The remaining cost can be depreciated over the remaining recovery period.

In a research note to clients, The Optimus Group strongly recommended that Corporate Finance and Treasury departments consider how this new legislation could reduce their corporate borrowing rates as leasing companies may be inclined to pass on the economic benefit of accelerated depreciation on to its customers.

The Optimus Group (optimusgroup.com) is an independent financial advisory firm that negotiates with leasing companies and banks on its clients' behalf. The Optimus Group is NOT a leasing company. In most cases, The Optimus Group, through its expertise in lease/loan contracts, would be able to reduce total lease expenses by at least 10% to 15%. A typical Optimus Group client invests over $5 million in new equipment annually and is the company CFO or Treasurer. For further information, contact Blaine Ung at 949.862.0555 ext. 106 or visit the The Optimus Group website at: The Optimus Group

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:00 AM | Comments (0)

Apex Manufacturing Solutions Names John Nichols Managing Director

Apex Manufacturing Solutions today announced that John Nichols, formerly Director of Business Development, has been appointed Managing Director.

Boise, Idaho (PRWEB) February 20, 2008 –- Apex Manufacturing Solutions today announced that John Nichols, formerly Director of Business Development, has been appointed Managing Director.

In his new post, in addition to sales and marketing activities, Nichols is responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction and implementing best business practices and procedures. He also joins Apex’s ownership ranks as an equal equity owner and managing member of the limited liability company.

Prior to joining Apex in June, 2007, Nichols held executive management roles at Wonderware Software, the world’s foremost manufacturing automation software developer, ISS-Wonderware, a leading Wonderware channel partner, and Incuity Software, Inc., a pioneering business intelligence for manufacturing software provider.

“We’re pleased to have someone of John’s abilities, and 25-plus year track record bringing successful manufacturing automation and optimization solutions to market, step up and help us meet the goals Lonnie and I set for Apex,” said Marya Woods, Apex co-founder and Operations Director. Woods, along with Engineering Director Lonnie Purvis, founded Apex in 2005.

“I’m honored,” said Nichols, “that Marya and Lonnie have invited me to join the ownership and executive ranks of Apex. I have been impressed with their technical prowess, quality of service, business ethics, reputation, and the team they’ve built, from the very beginning of my association with them. I’m looking forward to helping add to what they have started.”

About Apex Manufacturing Solutions
Apex Manufacturing Solutions is a Boise, Idaho-based manufacturing consultant and systems integrator with extensive, successful experience implementing continuous process improvement, control, monitoring, and reporting systems in a broad range of manufacturing and process industries. Companies of all sizes, in all industries, use Apex manufacturing and automation services to identify optimization opportunities, improve production throughput, reduce waste, and increase uptime. Apex clients include global companies in the semiconductor, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, consumer packaged goods, lumber, paper, machinery, metals and mining, water, and energy industries. For more information about the company and its service offerings, please visit the web-site at www.apexmfgsolutions.com.

Editors, for additional information, please contact:
John Nichols
Managing Director
Phone: +1 (208) 284-8157

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:59 AM | Comments (0)

TruStile Doors Leads a Revolution in Green Design

When it comes to Green building, doors are an essential, but often overlooked, detail. Denver-based TruStile® Doors now offers over 350 styles of premium, eco-friendly MDF doors that are SCS certified to contain 82 percent recycled content. TruStile's design-oriented MDF doors are a cost-effective solution for residential and commercial Green builders.

Denver (PRWEB) February 20, 2008 -- In a housing market struggling to recover from decline, Green builders are experiencing an unprecedented revolution of growth. A leader in the Green building movement, Denver-based TruStile® Doors is educating builders, architects and consumers about the impact they are making on sustainability, healthful living and high design in an industry where doors are often overlooked as a Green building component.

"TruStile's MDF doors have been Green since our company started back in 1995," says Vice President of Marketing Chuck Tamblyn. "As a progressive company building a premium brand in the building products space, we made the strategic decision long ago to create design-oriented doors with eco-friendly construction. It's exciting to see so many builders and homeowners joining the Green revolution and realizing the critical role that doors play in renewable, sustainable development."

Susan Davis, a TruStile enthusiast, Green builder and owner of Spectrum Fine Homes in Mountain View, Calif., believes TruStile is at the industry forefront for sustainable building due to the company's variety of customizable, eco-friendly door options. "I love using the TruStile MDF product for interior and exterior doors for many reasons, including its Green options. The doors are built with stile and rail construction, but are still environmentally friendly -- from the recycled MDF content to the low-emitting binders and no-added formaldehyde option," says Davis. "I also love the fact that there are so many standard designs and options to customize."

TruStile recently provided Davis's company with unique exterior and interior door designs for a $500,000 Green-design remodel in Silicon Valley. "Doing the same old, same old gets tiring," says Davis. "With TruStile we can do something unique and different with the exterior, interior, glass and resin options, while maintaining design continuity throughout the home."

As a leading manufacturer of solid MDF doors made with true stile and rail construction, TruStile is certified by SCS® (Scientific Certification Systems) for using 82 percent recycled content in their MDF door construction, making them ideal for Green builders seeking LEED® certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. "TruStile MDF doors allow Green builders to adhere to sustainable building practices without sacrificing aesthetics or design flexibility," says Jason Mounts, Director of Marketing. "Our signature stile and rail MDF construction delivers an affordable, design-savvy product constructed with premium, eco-friendly materials and finished with superior architectural detailing. And, with our new MDF reclamation process, scrap MDF is ground up and donated to a number of agricultural partners for livestock bedding and other uses."

"People spend thousands of dollars on Green materials like reclaimed bamboo flooring and recycled dimension stone," says Mounts. "But the reality is that doors are found in every room in the home. TruStile eco-friendly doors are a comparatively cost-effective design choice, and have a huge architectural influence on homes and workspaces. Designers are pleased to discover that they don't have to sacrifice style for substance when it comes to our Green product line."

About TruStile® Doors
Based in Denver, TruStile Doors is a leading manufacturer of residential and commercial architectural doors in medium density fiberboard (MDF) and natural wood. With a made-to-order manufacturing process, TruStile offers customers style, selection and design flexibility with more than 350 styles and the ability to fulfill any custom design. TruStile's full-line of interior and exterior doors can be individually tailored to reflect personal design styles, adding beauty and character to any project. TruStile provides the shortest lead times in the industry and limited lifetime product warranties. For more information, visit www.trustile.com.

For More Information Contact:
Jason Mounts
Director of Marketing
720.322.8345

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:57 AM | Comments (0)

ICE-Flow GlyphWorks Adds Python Scripting Language

nCode International announced the latest update release of ICE-flow GlyphWorks, including the introduction of a 'GlyphBuilder' capability which uses the Python scripting language. This provides a unique way for users to add specific or proprietary methods into an "off-the shelf" analysis framework and effectively opens up GlyphWorks to a whole range of applications.

Southfield, MI (PRWEB) February 19, 2008 -- nCode International, a leading developer of data analysis software, data acquisition systems and durability solutions, today announced the latest update release of ICE-flow GlyphWorks, including the introduction of a 'GlyphBuilder' capability which uses the Python scripting language. This provides a unique way for users to add specific or proprietary methods into an "off-the shelf" analysis framework and effectively opens up GlyphWorks to a whole range of applications.

ICE-flow GlyphWorks data analysis software provides a graphical, process-oriented environment that enables engineers to rapidly extract useful information from vast amounts of measured data. Complete multi-step analysis processes can be easily created using individual function building blocks called 'glyphs'. The new GlyphBuilder capability provides a Scripting glyph which enables users to now program their own glyphs using Python.

GlyphWorks customers include many of the world's major automotive and aerospace manufacturers such as Ford Motor Company, PSA Peugeot Citroën and Lockheed Martin, who require the ability to process large amounts of test data. These companies often have proprietary analysis methods that cannot be included in a commercial software product. This new scripting capability enables them to cost-effectively retain the knowledge in-house while gaining the productivity benefits of using a standard analysis tool such as GlyphWorks. Other applications include the ability to add support for new or unusual file formats or accessing other third party tools.

Python is a powerful object-oriented programming language that is developed and maintained by a global community of open source developers. The language is the basis of applications used by tens of thousands of companies and organizations worldwide including, Google and NASA, and used in other engineering products such as ABAQUS. Python developers can easily take advantage of the graphical environment of GlyphWorks for visualizing and reporting engineering data including 3D displays and mapping of GPS data.

"The Scripting glyph in ICE-flow GlyphWorks empowers new customer specific functionality," says Jon Aldred, ICE-flow GlyphWorks Product Manager. "The Scripting glyph allows GlyphWorks users to rapidly build custom functions - and to incorporate these in GlyphWorks processes. The scripting capability truly unleashes the power of GlyphWorks and we expect this functionality to be rapidly adopted. Python provides an excellent choice for scripting because of its ease of use and wide acceptance in many industries including engineering."

The Scripting glyph is available for Windows 32-bit platforms in the ICE-flow 4.1 ISR3 update release and will be available across all platforms at the next major release in Spring 2008.

To learn more about the Scripting glyph visit www.ncode.com or to view a pre-recorded webinar, Create Your Own Glyphs with Python, visit www.ncode.com/WebinarDetail.aspx?webinar_id=40.

About nCode International
nCode is a leading developer of durability, test & measurement, data analysis, asset monitoring, and product design (CAE Durability) solutions. nCode offers a unique combination of data measurement and acquisition instruments, powerful analysis software, and services that help customers eliminate unexpected failures by measuring and converting durability, performance and operational data into information from which intelligent business decisions can be made that improve Product Life Performance (PLP) and reduce costs. Established in 1982, nCode has direct offices in Europe, North America, and Asia. For more information about nCode, please visit www.ncode.com.

nCode products include: ICE-flow GlyphWorks, Library, and DesignLife, SoMat eDAQ, and eDAQ-lite. The nCode Logo, nCode, ICE-flow GlyphWorks, ICE-flow Library, ICE-flow DesignLife, SoMat eDAQ, and eDAQ-lite are trademarks or registered trademarks of nCode International Corporation in the USA and/or other countries.

About Python
Python is a powerful object-oriented programming language that is developed and maintained by a global community of open source developers under the oversight of the Python Software Foundation. Python is very easy to learn and can significantly increase programmer productivity. The language is the basis of applications used by tens of thousands of companies and organizations worldwide, and its user base is growing rapidly. Additional information and downloads are available at www.python.org.

Python: Copyright (c) 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Python Software Foundation; All Rights Reserved.

ABAQUS is a trademark of Abaqus, Inc.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:57 AM | Comments (0)

Datalogic Scanning Announces New Family of Rugged Industrial Strength Handheld Readers

The PowerScan 8000 Family of Handheld Bar Code Readers is Designed to Withstand the Toughest Environmental Conditions in Demanding Applications

Eugene, Oregon (Vocus/PRWEB ) February 19, 2008 – Datalogic Scanning Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the PowerScan® 8000 Series of rugged industrial-strength handheld readers, which are designed and constructed to withstand the toughest environmental conditions and deliver performance to satisfy the most demanding applications.

A Handheld Bar Code Solution for Every Application!
You asked for it; we designed it with you in mind! The PowerScan 8000 Series of handheld readers come with your choice of

Corded or cordless models
Standard or Auto Range Laser with a range of few centimetres to over 10 meters
2D mega-pixel sensor for omni-directional reading of 1D, stacked, and 2D bar codes
Outstanding characteristics including ruggedness, durability, ability to withstand extreme environmental conditions, with additional optics and interfaces make this new product suitable for any application in the industrial market. There is now a PowerScan handheld reader for any tough environment.

Great performance is not enough; operator comfort is essential in any scan-intensive application; the PowerScan 8000 delivers unsurpassed ease-of-use with its improved ergonomically designed handle and well-balanced weight. For unmatched feedback in noisy environments, and superior good read feedback from any position, the high-performance Datalogic 3GL™ Technology (Three Green Lights) incorporates “GreenSpot™” Technology as well as “Double Good-Read LED™” Technology. The 3GL Technology is a distinctive characteristic of all PowerScan 8000 industrial handheld readers, showcasing the latest innovations in handheld reader technology by Datalogic.

Building on a Heritage of Product Excellence
“Now customers can take advantage of the very best technology the industry has to offer,” said Pietro Todescato, General Manager of Handheld Readers for Datalogic Scanning. “The new PowerScan series synthesizes and further enhances the ten years of design, technology, and experience based upon the PowerScan, Dragon™, and Lynx™ handheld readers. The new reader builds upon our long legacy of success and a demonstrated track-record of proven performance in demanding environments.”

Safety and Flexibility
The operator’s mobility is crucial in industrial applications, not only to increase efficiency, but to optimize safety. The Datalogic STAR cordless system™ increases productivity and flexibility in the work area by offering scalable solutions, from simple point-to-point applications to more complex networks and seamless roaming projects. Both an input and an output device, the powerful bi-directional communication protocol of the PowerScan 8000 handheld reader, combined with an optional display and three push-button keypad not only allow the operator to receive information, but to also actively interact with the host.

Datalogic Scanning has long been a pioneer in cordless handheld technology offering the broadest line of cordless scanners available today:

Dragon™ Mobile Series of industrial handheld readers (1998)
PowerScan® RF industrial handheld reader (2000)
Gryphon™ Mobile Series of general purpose handheld readers (2000)
QuickScan® 6500BT general purpose handheld reader (2006)
PowerScan® 7000BT SRI industrial handheld reader (2007)
QuickScan® Mobile retail handheld reader (November 2007)
PowerScan® 8000 Series of industrial handheld readers (February 2008)

Facts about Datalogic Scanning Handheld Readers:

A Datalogic Scanning bar code reader is installed every 36 seconds.
440,000 PowerScan® industrial handheld readers have been sold since 1998.
200,000 Dragon™ industrial handheld readers have been sold since 2000.
Over 2.5 million Datalogic handheld readers have been sold since 1998.
Over 30,000 customers have chosen Datalogic Scanning handheld readers.

For additional information about Datalogic Scanning products, please visit www.scanning.datalogic.com, email scanning @ datalogic.com, or call +1-800-695-5700 (toll-free in the USA only) or +1-541-683-5700.

About Datalogic Scanning, Inc.
Datalogic Scanning, Inc. is the recognized #1 worldwide leader in high-performance fixed position retail point-of-sale scanners and the #1 provider of handheld scanners in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), with the most complete line of general purpose and ruggedized handheld scanners available today.

Headquartered in Eugene, Oregon, Datalogic Scanning, a division of the Datalogic Group, serves multiple industries throughout the retail supply chain and distribution channel as well as manufacturing, government, healthcare, banking and finance sectors with a presence in over 120 countries.

PowerScan and QuickScan are registered trademarks of Datalogic Scanning, Inc. Datalogic is a registered trademark of Datalogic S.p.A. in many countries and the Datalogic logo, 3GL, Dragon, Double Good-Read LED, GreenSpot, Gryphon, Lynx, and the Datalogic STAR cordless system are trademarks of Datalogic S.p.A. All other brand and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Marilyn Junkins at +1-541-302-2131 or marilyn.junkins @ datalogic.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:55 AM | Comments (0)

Kinaxis Revolutionizes How Manufacturers Satisfy Customers and Drive Revenue Growth with Launch of On-Demand RapidResponse for Demand Management

New Service Enables Response to Daily Change inside the Sales and Operations Planning Horizon

Ottawa, Canada (PRWEB) February 19, 2008 -- Kinaxis™ Inc., the leading provider of an on-demand Response Management service to drive rapid and more profitable response to daily changes in demand, supply and product inside the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) horizon, today announced the availability of its new RapidResponse™ for Demand Management service.

RapidResponse for Demand Management is purpose-built for the unique challenges faced by sales, customer service and demand management organizations as they respond to daily, unexpected change while balancing customer satisfaction and operations performance objectives. When combined with the existing RapidResponse™ for Manufacturing solution, the integrated end-to-end RapidResponse service provides supply chain teams the tools for risk tradeoff from the individual order or forecast change down to the component supply level.

Despite large investments in Demand Planning, Supply Chain Planning and traditional Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) tools, decision-makers are forced to rely on manual efforts, complicated spreadsheets and other makeshift measures. The S&OP process produces a plan that organizations have difficulty with given the number of daily changes that occur inside the planning horizon. Customer-focused companies have quickly realized they can't "plan" their customers.

As noted by AMR Research, "Traditional closed-loop planning and execution may well be yesterday's news. Thanks to globalization, product proliferation and channel consolidation, discrete manufacturers find themselves in a new era of surprise and compromise." AMR Research continues to say, "In environments where decisions are high in risk and complexity, many find they need systems for collective risk tradeoff and response." - Response Management: Next Wave of Supply Chain Innovation? AMR Research, May 2007.

Kinaxis is addressing this Response Management challenge by empowering front-line decision makers to quickly sense demand and supply misalignments and drive more profitable responses by shaping demand and rapidly allocating finished goods supply accordingly. With RapidResponse for Demand Management, action teams utilize personal alerting, multi-enterprise visibility, collaborative "what-if" analysis and rapid decision support to achieve superior customer service and revenue attainment.

"Most companies are managing demand response across their fulfillment networks by brute force with poor results," says Douglas Colbeth, Chairman and CEO of Kinaxis. "Achieving excellence in responding to changing customer demands has become the number one challenge facing enterprises today. Solving the Response Management need in demand management and fulfillment operations represents the largest opportunity for companies to increase customer satisfaction, enhance margins and attain more predictable revenue across the entire value chain. Traditional Planning tools are all about what you hope for - RapidResponse enables companies to deal with reality."

Extending the Kinaxis Response Management solution to focus on demand management business challenges has been highly customer-driven. Kinaxis customers have provided strong validation of the distinct needs of the demand management user community and the urgent requirement for a strategic solution to address them.

Qualcomm
"At Qualcomm, our management and sales operations use RapidResponse to dynamically align supply and demand in the face of continually changing circumstances and growing demand," says Lisa Henderson, Senior Director of Information Technology for Qualcomm. "RapidResponse provides us tools to manage these changes as they occur and offers a solution path for future initiatives to provide advanced supply and demand balancing capabilities."

Toshiba Europe GmbH
"Toshiba Europe has used RapidResponse to improve its purchasing, sales and inventory (PSI) process," says Thomas Kossmehl, Senior Expert, IS Division, Toshiba Europe GmbH. "Using RapidResponse, we now have a consistent, succinct PSI process that dramatically enhances our ability to achieve our desired results. With reliable demand and supply data consolidated in one place, we spend significantly less time on data gathering and more time on analysis and decision-making - which is where the business value lies. RapidResponse has enabled Toshiba to be a more responsive organization, providing a level of flexibility never achieved before."

RapidResponse for Demand Management drives many compelling capabilities and benefits:

Compress the Time to Action Through Proactive, Exception-based Alerts
Exception-based alerts to projected misalignments in demand and supply (e.g., forecast change beyond tolerance, late demand impacting quarter-end, supply disruptions, late customer orders, etc.) enable demand managers and order fulfillment staff to quickly re-align supply and/or engage manufacturing operations to best satisfy customers and meet revenue/margin goals.

Ensure All Stakeholders Have a Shared View of Business Realities
Fully automated integration of demand and supply data from multiple sources including CRM, ERP, demand planning tools, supply chain management tools, spreadsheets and point-of-sale data, provides a single integrated view of forecast, sales orders, inventory and supply. Information can be organized in role-based views to ensure each stakeholder sees the information pertinent to their specific function.

Streamline Forecast Collaboration and Consensus
Automated capture, consolidation and roll-up of customer sales forecasts from disparate systems and sources across multiple distribution channels enables quick consensus for forecast development through internal and customer collaboration to speed demand sensing and more profitable demand responses.

Proactively Resolve Demand and Finished Goods Supply Misalignments
Demand management, sales and customer service staff can proactively resolve demand and supply misalignments and ensure that the right products are in the right place at the right time. Accurate order promise dates are quickly determined and constrained finished goods supply is allocated across multiple distribution channels to best meet customer commitments and revenue/margin objectives. New product introductions can be managed using "what-if" analysis of projected demand/supply changes to ensure a more profitable demand response and to exploit demand-shaping opportunities.

Power Next Generation Sales and Operations Planning
Quickly analyze the impact of daily demand and supply changes using "what-if" analysis to identify the best operational actions to drive effective response, ensuring S&OP business objectives are achieved. Integrated performance management capabilities proactively evaluate the impact of all decisions against the achievement of defined performance targets.

RapidResponse for Demand Management and the fully integrated and latest version of RapidResponse for Manufacturing are both immediately available.

About Kinaxis
Kinaxis delivers an on-demand Response Management service that enables customer-focused companies to achieve breakthroughs in operations performance and customer satisfaction by rapidly and more profitably responding to constant changes in demand, supply and product. Kinaxis RapidResponse combines personal alerting, multi-enterprise visibility, collaborative "what-if" analysis and rapid decision support to empower front-line supply chain staff with tools for risk tradeoff and response to daily changes inside the Sales and Operations Planning horizon. Global leaders such as Casio, Honeywell, Qualcomm, Raytheon and Toshiba use Kinaxis RapidResponse to establish superior responsiveness within their fulfillment networks and supply chains 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 05:54 AM | Comments (0)

American Elements Announces New AE Refractory Metals Product Group

Los Angeles-based American Elements announced the further expansion of its production facilities for all refractory metals and related metals such as beryllium, titanium, hafnium and zirconium.

(PRWEB) February 19, 2008 -- Los Angeles-based American Elements announced the further expansion of its production facilities for all refractory metals and related metals such as beryllium, titanium, hafnium and zirconium. The refractory metals include tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum and rhenium. A new sales product group, AE Refractory Metals™, will serve the growing demand for these metals with engineering and technical support.

Refractory Metals are a class of transition metals with extreme temperature and corrosion tolerance making them useful in many growing high technology applications including advanced lighting, superconducting materials, high temperature lubricants, catalysts and nuclear energy.

The new production capacity will affect deliveries beginning in Q2 2008 however orders from existing and new customers for current delivery are being processed now. This will expand American Elements' production of tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, hafnium and zirconium in all forms including rod, wire, ribbon, tube, sheet, and plates, as well as, high purity thin film coating materials for evaporation and deposition such as sputtering targets, pellets and foil.

For further technical and pricing information on American Elements products, please visit us at www.americanelements.com or contact your local American Elements distributor or American Elements U.S. corporate headquarters at (1)310-208-0551, FAX (1)310-208-0351. American Elements is America's leading manufacturer and supplier of engineered and advanced material products with distribution offices in Europe, Asia, South America and India.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:53 AM | Comments (0)

Collaboration is Key in Automotive Lighting

The automotive lighting sector is seeing accelerated technological development that is underpinned by an unusually high degree of collaborative activity, according to a just-auto.com report.

Bromsgrove, UK (PRWEB) February 19, 2008 -- The sector is huge. Every year, the automotive lighting industry supplies billions of dollars' worth of lamps, lights, bulbs, reflectors and related devices to the world's vehicle makers and a bustling aftermarket.

However, the lighting sector is unique in the degree of cooperation among its major and minor participants and its degree of global integration, according to the research.

This is due, in part, to the industry's vibrant and vigorous programme of symposia, congresses and conferences at which the latest research and technology is showcased and discussed in great detail among the industry's community of researchers, marketers, regulators, scientists, and principal consumers.

These research and development expositions form a framework within which working groups, particularly in Europe, can develop and commercialise new technology in a rapid and coordinated fashion.

Such working groups defined the parameters and sped the adoption of the world's first halogen headlamps in the early 1960s, the first H4 dual-beam halogen headlamps in the early 1970s, Xenon HID headlight systems in the early 1990s, and advanced AFS front-lighting systems in the early 2000s.

As a result of this type of research openness, life in the world's automotive lighting industry is rather like life in a small town: almost everyone knows what almost everyone else is doing, most of the time.

Everyone is working on advanced front-lighting systems and light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps and tail-lamps. Everyone offers BiXenon headlamps. Everyone can do a combination rear lamp that looks all red, but lights up in the three required colours.

Another report finding is that the automotive lighting industry has lately been undergoing rapid and significant change, under the combined influences of multiple forces.

Lighting regulations, once many in number and significantly different in technical prescriptions in the world's many markets, are now greatly reduced in number and substantially harmonised in content.

Aspects of lighting performance long left unregulated, such as pedestrian compatibility in crashes, are now being fast-tracked for regulation that will significantly affect the way lamps are designed and built. Markets have consolidated, as have vehicle makers and lighting suppliers, giving rise to regionally- rather than nationally-based players round the world.

Lighting technology has advanced at a staggering pace since the beginning of the 21st century, presenting an array of engineering and design options of unprecedented width.

At the same time, vehicle stylists and buyers have grown considerably more daring and demanding, so the wide range of options, considered a mere luxury until recently, is now a necessity. The emergence and stratospheric growth of both supply and demand for vehicles (and, therefore, for vehicular lighting systems) in developing nations has significantly pushed and pulled at the world's automotive lighting makers.

As a result, international and inter-company cooperation is at an all-time high in the industry, the just-auto report concludes.

More details of the just-auto report 'Global market review of automotive lighting - forecasts to 2013' are available by following this link:
http://www.just-auto.com/lighting.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:52 AM | Comments (0)

Bellwether Services Awarded Subcontract on $1.9B US Air Force Logistics Contract

Global Green Supply Chain and Lean Six Sigma Consultancy Firm Continues Unprecedented Growth in the Competitive Defense Consulting Market. Bellwether expands Environmental, Logistics, and Lean Six Sigma solutions to the US Air Force Logistics Market.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) February 19, 2008 -- Bellwether Services, a leading Green Supply Chain and Lean Six Sigma Consultancy Firm, is awarded a subcontract on the Design and Engineering Program II contract vehicle. The DESP II is managed by Hill Air Force Base in Northern Utah, and is a $1.9 billion Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity vehicle (IDIQ).

This USAF logistics contract provides design, logistics and engineering/technical support for a multitude of military command services. These services include components of the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Army Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM), and various other Air Force/Army commands and other government entities that have similar systems requirements.

The contract vehicle can be used by all which would include agencies such as DoD, Navy, Marines and OSD, as well as NASA, DOE, DOJ, DOT, DOS, EPA, Coast Guard, Homeland Security, FAA, FEMA, and even the US Forest Service.

Trapper Hedges, Program Manager, MTC Technologies states, "We welcome (Bellwether Services) our niche Environmental Supply Chain, Lean Six Sigma, and Logistics business partner."

"We have already enjoyed DESP II partnering opportunities with Bellwether's unsurpassed capabilities and hope to further exploit additional markets with their Lean Six Sigma capabilities coupled with superb past performance across a wide spectrum of DoD support activities."

"We are pleased to support our prime, MTC Technologies," explains John Wilkerson, Executive Director, Bellwether Services. "This contract supports our long term growth plan, in addition to continuing to actively serve our defense clients."

About Bellwether:

An internationally recognized Lean Six Sigma, Environmental Supply Chain, and Quality Audit solution provider, Bellwether is dedicated to numerous industries such as: Aerospace, Automotive, Beverage, Call Centers, Chemical, Consumer Products, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Food, Importers, Medical Devices, Pharmaceutical, Public Health, Telecommunications, Sales Centers, Transportation and Warehousing Companies

Founded in 2001 as Consult Quality, LLC, Bellwether is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business and Small Business Administration 8(a) consulting firm. Headquartered in Atlanta, Bellwether's affiliates are located throughout Georgia, Alabama, California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, and Virginia.

For more details view our website http://www.bellwether-services.com or call 1.888.536.4583.

Contact:
John Wilkerson
(sales @ bellwetherservices.com)
1.888.536.4583

Our Vision - Believe, Execute, Achieve

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

Versapack Demonstration at Interpack 2008

24-30 April, Düsseldorf, Hall 17, Stand B04

(PRWEB) February 19, 2008 -- Following its concept launch at the Total Exhibition in May last year Versapack - a compact case erecting and packing system - is set to be officially unveiled at this year's Interpack show.

Unlike traditional combined machines, designed by specialists in either case erecting or case packing, Versapack is a class above as it has been uniquely created by two of the leading companies in their fields - resulting in a system without compromise.

Developed jointly by robot manufacturer Quin Systems and end of line packaging manufacturer Endoline Machinery the Versapack is a combination of Quin's high speed automatic RTheta Casepacker and an Endoline 220 series case erecting machine. The effect of these machines working in tandem offers customers additional options for high-speed case packing in areas where automation may not currently be possible.

Mike Webb, Managing Director of Quin Systems, comments: "With the capability of up to 100 picks per minute, the Versapack is probably the fastest and smallest combined Case erector/packer on the market today. Combining the leading skills of the two companies in these two areas provides a result with no half measures"

Those attending this years' Interpack Show will view first hand the benefits of this distinctive machine which will be showcased on the Endoline stand - Hall 17 Stand B04.

Notes to Editors
The principle of Versapack is simple - an Endoline 220 series case erector frame is used to mount the picking head and product feed conveyor, which results in an extremely compact footprint. This has been possible due to the high speed of the Rtheta™ picking head, thereby allowing a simpler and more compact product collating area to be used.

Compact footprint; 1.8m long x 1.8m wide x 2.1m high
Offers a solution for 'standard' production line pitch of 2.5m
Modular infeed system can be added to handle flexible packs and shelf-ready packing configurations

Endoline Machinery and Quin Systems strengthened their allegiance last year by introducing a new compact case erecting and packing system - Versapack. The combined effect of Quin's high speed automatic RTheta Casepacker and an Endoline 221 case erecting machine working in tandem offers customers additional options for high-speed case packing in areas where automation may not currently be possible.

The Versapack can be supplied with a bespoke infeed system to allow products such as sachets to be easily overlapped to achieve a much tighter fit within the case.

For further information on the Versapack visit www.versapack.co.uk or telephone 0118 977 1077

Press enquiries to:
Quin Systems
Robin Maidment
Tel: 0118 977 1077
Email: rmaidment @ quin.co.uk

Endoline Machinery
Emma Scott
Tel: 01767 316422
Email: press @ endoline.co.uk

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:48 AM | Comments (0)

LaProxima Technologies, Inc. Announces the Launch of IPdragnet, an Enterprise Software Solution Specifically Designed for Professionals in the Investigating Field

LaProxima Technologies, Inc. today announced the public launch of IPdragnet, a powerful and cutting edge enterprise software tool designed for investigating professionals. This easy to install and use software allows private investigators, law firms, anticounterfeiting departments of brand owners, and law enforcement agencies to reliably compile and manage investigation records. In addition to launching IPdragnet, LaProxima announced a free, unrestricted 14-day trial for download, which is available at http://www.ipdragnet.com

Lincroft, N.J. (PRWEB) February 19, 2008 -- LaProxima Technologies, Inc. today announced the public launch of IPdragnet, a powerful and cutting edge enterprise software tool designed for investigating professionals. This easy to install and use software allows private investigators, law firms, anticounterfeiting departments of brand owners, and law enforcement agencies to reliably compile and manage investigation records. It is being used by some of the most reputable private investigators, law firms, and multi-national corporations to track information, identify relationships between records, link images and files for evidence tracking, and generate professional reports.

"After years of proven success with select leading brand owners, law firms and private investigators, the time has come to launch IPdragnet publicly. We are excited about the many features this product offers and the proven success this product has met with our existing clients," said Peter Sanzio, VP of Marketing for LaProxima Technologies, Inc.

"As a leading private investigation firm in the North East United States, reputation, productivity and professionalism is everything. IPdragnet serves as the intellectual work-horse of our organization,
classifying all our proprietary information. It saves us both time and money by securely tracking our data in such a way that is clearly discernable, instantly identifying relationships between investigational records that normally would take us hours to do," said Abacus Investigations & Security, an investigation firm based in New York, NY.

Among its many features, IPdragnet offers a Windows compliant, secure enterprise platform scalable to accommodate large and small organizations. Its fully networkable feature allows users to safely and reliably compile investigation information in one source and manage the data quickly and easily.

In addition to launching IPdragnet, LaProxima announced a free, unrestricted 14-day trial for download, which is available at http://www.ipdragnet.com

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

Pricing with Confidence Authors Name "Pricing Cheers and Jeers" Finalists: Top Five Blunders and Successes in Setting Prices Announced

Pricing blunders abound when the economy is down. The first response to the problem is price discounts. At the start, discounting seems to work, but over time, both revenue and profits decline. What's a manager to do? Learn from best practices. Some companies get pricing right and others do it wrong. Introducing the Pricing with Confidence "Pricing Jeers and Cheers", the finalists of the year's most bone-headed and inspired pricing decisions. The list is compiled by Reed Holden and Mark Burton, authors of "Pricing with Confidence: 10 Rules to Stop Leaving Money on the Table" (John Wiley, 2008).

Concord, MA (PRWEB) February 19, 2008 -- Pricing blunders abound when the economy is down. The first response to the problem is price discounts. At the start, discounting seems to work, but over time, both revenue and profits decline. What's a manager to do? Learn from best practices. Some companies get pricing right and others do it wrong. Introducing the Pricing with Confidence "Pricing Jeers and Cheers", the finalists of the year's most bone-headed and inspired pricing decisions. The list is compiled by Reed Holden and Mark Burton, authors of Pricing with Confidence: 10 Rules to Stop Leaving Money on the Table (John Wiley, 2008).

Jeers to Motorola

For allowing competitors with lower-priced phones to move ahead of the lead Motorola enjoyed with the Razor. To make matters worse, when Motorola fell behind in technology, it tried to buy market share by dropping prices on its high value phones. It didn't work because Motorola phones weren't cheap enough for the low value segment and it lost profits in the high value segments. A company which once commanded more than half of the handset market now enjoys less than 10 percent.

Cheers to Nokia

For its decision to offer phones at both the high- and low- price points. Nokia registered an 85 percent increase in net profits by being able to sell less expensive phones to tap the explosive India and China markets. At the same time, it offered fuller featured phones to go after the higher priced PDA segment. The result? Over a 40 percent global share of a very competitive market. Cheers to Nokia for knowing how to price for profits - even with low-margin phones.

Jeers to Dell

Dell used price discounting far too long in a declining market. It was clear to just about everyone that PC purchases were slowing in the primary markets of Europe, Asia, and the US. Since Dell has been slow to introduce dramatically lower priced products to go after the high growth markets in China, India, and Russia, it had to rely on its regular stable of products and markets for growth. Price wasn't the way to get there and Dell found out after losing revenue share and profits. Their reactions of adding new products for growth have been a day late and a dollar short--many days and many dollars.

Cheers to Hewlett-Packard

For its strategy to leverage its strengths in distribution and retail instead of pouring all of its resources to go head-to-head with Dell. HP's timing was perfect. It recognized that as PC buyers buy more notebook computers than desktops, they will want to touch the product before buying. The retail channel is the only place to do that. HP dropped its corporate advertising programs and poured those resources into channel programs. Prices are steady and revenue, profits and market share are up.

Jeers to United Airlines

For pricing policies that are alienating its most loyal business travelers. United yield management and price sensitivity studies, no doubt, show that a loyal group of customers will in the short-term pay more for a product. But if you overcharge your loyal customers by more than 100 percent without a corresponding increase in value, customers will desert in droves, which is what United will experience until it smartens up.

Cheers to Southwest Airlines

Unlike United, Southwest continues to focus on being an efficient airline that serves its customers with fair prices, on time departures and arrivals, and a reasonable box of snacks on each flight. Seats are roomy and comfortable. No assigned seats as yet, but customers who want to pay a little more can board first. The result? More business travelers are using Southwest. It's no surprise that both revenues and profits are up.

Jeers to Oracle

Oracle is growing primarily through large acquisitions and aggressive price discounting. Several years ago, they acquired PeopleSoft. Oracle continues its growth through acquisitions of over thirty companies. The question is whether Oracle will be able to successfully integrate those companies and extract synergies. Preliminary results are promising, but the integration will need to speed up to really be successful. Our guess is that Oracle will continue to use price to close deals just like it had to report prior to acquiring PeopleSoft. Acquisitions can only plug the leak in profits and revenue so long.

Cheers to SAP

SAP, on the other hand, is choosing to grow "organically" by adding services that customers say they value. Yes, Oracle is also acquiring some companies, but they are generally small ones that are being bought for their skill sets rather than their revenue. SAP has consistently tried to leverage and grow its value proposition with existing customers. SAP currently holds a 21 percent share of the global market against Oracle's 11 percent. This is a close game but we think that SAP is pulling ahead.

Jeers to Toyota

Toyota continues to have among the highest quality automobiles available. It has grown share with that quality. Yet we give them jeers for Toyota's continued focus on price incentives to move inventory. That might be reasonable in a growing market, but in a downturn, all it does is reward price-buying by customers. That undermines the image of a quality product. To make matters worse, Toyota dealers continue to be lousy representatives of such a high quality company, placing among the worst in the industry. Toyota needs to begin flexing its muscle and put better standards in its price discounting and dealer networks.

Cheers to Ford Motor Company

For the first time in history, Ford has reacted to an economic downturn not by increasing dealer incentives and customer rebates but by reducing production to match the shrinking demand. The result? Ford is the only one of the Big Six carmakers that did not increase the use of price incentives. Yes, it is still losing money but the losses are peanuts compared to GM's record losses.

About the Authors
Dr. Reed K. Holden is Founder of Holden Advisors. He consults to senior executives in Fortune 500 companies, and runs targeted sessions with management teams to jump-start change in go-to market strategies to improve profitability. For recent thoughts and comments and an opportunity to speak with Dr. Holden, please see his blog: Reed's Blog

Mark Burton is co-founder, vice president for Holden Advisors. As a formulator of the firm's project methodologies and analytical processes, Mark is the driving force in creating offering and pricing strategies for companies that are forging new markets ahead of the competitive curve. Mark also delivers Pricing with Confidence seminars to sales, marketing and product executives. For recent thoughts and commentary on current business events, please see Mr. Burton's blog: Mark's Blog.

About Holden Advisors
Holden Advisors is a pricing strategy consultancy and training firm that works with marketing, sales, pricing, and finance executives to improve clients' offerings, pricing, and sales processes to fuel strong profit and revenue growth. You can read more about Holden Advisors and sign up for Holden's newsletter at www.holdenadvisors.com.

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

New Modular Bar Die Systems for Series 1800 and 2200 from Eagle

Eagle introduces new modular bar dies designed to simplify installation and maintenance of bar equipment while also delivering great style and decorator options.

Clayton, DE (Vocus/PRWEB ) February 19, 2008 -- Eagle introduces new modular bar dies designed to simplify installation and maintenance of bar equipment while also delivering great style and decorator options. Configured so that underbar equipment such as Eagle’s popular 1800 and 2200 Series underbar equipment can be mounted to and supported by the bar die, the new offerings are available for both flat-wall and pedestal style underbar designs.

Eagle’s modular bar dies offer numerous user benefits and open up new options for bar system customers. The rugged, super-strong bar die design and construction eliminates the need for underbar legs in pedestal style bar configurations. It also completely encloses soda, beer, electrical and plumbing lines in a chase that is incorporated into the unit. This chase serves as a wall or front of the bar which is covered by panels that hide the lines. Panels are removable, providing easy access to the chase for ongoing maintenance or to make modifications.

The front panels of the bar die can be covered in a choice of decorative laminate or wood millwork finishes, in addition to stainless steel, thereby giving designers and consultants a wide range of options to fit any décor style. Decorative brass or chrome rails and fittings are also offered to complete the design. The result: a stunning bar setup that is strikingly attractive in addition to being functional and highly durable.

For more details on Eagle’s new modular bar dies and other innovative equipment solutions for bar installations, contact Eagle’s SpecFAB Division (ext. 3043) with sales inquiries or the Marketing Department (ext. 3129) with inquiries pertaining to marketing support. Telephone: (800) 441-8440. Web site address: www.eaglegrp.com.

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

NanoHorizons, Inc., Promotes Daniel Hayes to President and CEO

Nanomaterials Manufacturer Focuses on Expanding Relationships with Producers of Advanced Textiles and Medical Equipment

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) February 19, 2008 -- NanoHorizons™, Inc., an emerging leader in applied nanoscale materials, announced today the appointment of Daniel Hayes, PhD, as President and CEO. Hayes is a co-founder of the company who formerly directed research, development, and operations.

Hayes was instrumental in developing the NanoHorizons’ first generation of silver antimicrobial additives for textiles that led to important partnerships with Indo Poly LTD., Faytex Inc., and G.J. Littlewood. Now under the SmartSilver™ brand, these additives are used to impart antimicrobial and antifungal properties to yarns and fabrics and also to finishes, paints, foams and laminates. These versatile products have led to important new partnerships with Piedmont Chemical, Eversharp and others.

“Dan played a key role in NanoHorizon’s efforts to develop multipurpose silver nanoparticle products and move the company into advanced coatings and medical equipment,” said NanoHorizons Chairman, Stephen Fonash, Ph.D. “Under Dan’s leadership we anticipate continued expansion of our SmartSilver ™ brand in the fabrics and fibers arena while expanding our nanoparticle business in other sectors.”

Hayes steps up from his role as Vice President Operations and replaces Robert Burlinson, founding CEO of NanoHorizons, who remains on the Board of Directors. Hayes has a doctorate degree in Engineering Science from Penn State University where he also completed his undergraduate degree in life sciences.

About NanoHorizons, Inc.

NanoHorizons, Inc., (www.nanohorizons.com) with its solid foundation in applied chemistry and engineering, is a leader in the emerging field of practical nanotechnology. Developed for the medical industry and now entering the textile and apparel markets, NanoHorizon’s SmartSilverTM antimicrobial offers permanent bacterial control for natural and synthetic fibers and fabrics. NanoHorizons is privately held and headquartered in State College, PA. The company works closely with customers from its R&D laboratory, manufacturing facility, and technical support office adjacent to The Pennsylvania State University campus.

Keywords: nanotechnology, advanced textiles, SmartSilver

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

Leica Geosystems Presents the First Ever 2008 CONEXPO-CON/AGG PowerGrade Challenge Simulated Job Site Experience

Interactive simulations transform the showroom floor, putting industry professionals into the driver’s seat of today’s top technologies.

Norcross, GA (Vocus/PRWEB ) February 19, 2008 -- For the first time, attendees to CONEXPO-CON/AGG, the industry’s largest equipment and technology exhibitions, will have an opportunity to experience the Leica Geosystems PowerGrade Challenge, an amazingly realistic, simulated environment uniquely designed to demonstrate the power and possibilities of today’s most advanced construction solutions.

Rich Calvird, Product Marketing Manager for Leica Geosystems, says, “We’re changing the face of show floor exhibits, bringing the construction site to the fingertips of the industry. Through this interactive job site experience, attendees can evaluate and compare productivity benefits by actually performing simulated job site activities with both conventional manual and automated methods. This is a truly exciting first look into equipment and technology demonstrations of the future.”

Take the PowerGrade Challenge at the Leica Geosystems CONEXPO-CON/AGG, March 11-15, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada, at booths # (S-16805) and (S-17105). The daily winner of the PowerGrade Challenge will receive a Leica PowerBlade 2D indicate machine control system valued at $4,000 or credit towards a Leica 2D PowerSnap system.

Leica Geosystems -- when it has to be right
With close to 200 years of pioneering solutions to measure the world, Leica Geosystems products and services are trusted by professionals worldwide to help them capture, analyze, and present spatial information. Leica Geosystems is best known for its broad array of products that capture accurately, model quickly, analyze easily, and visualize and present spatial information.

Those who use Leica products every day trust them for their dependability, the value they deliver, and the superior customer support. Based in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, Leica Geosystems is a global company with tens of thousands of customers supported by more than 2,400 employees in 22 countries and hundreds of partners located in more than 120 countries around the world. Leica Geosystems is part of the Hexagon Group, Sweden.

Contact:
Andre Ribeiro
Director of Marketing
Leica Geosystems Inc.
Atlanta, GA 30092
United States
Phone: +(770) 326-9557
Web Site: www.leica-geosystems.us

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

New Web Site Improves Access to USC Consulting Group Resources

USC Consulting Group, LLC (USCCG) has introduced its new web site at www.usccg.com. The site features high-speed navigation across expanded and updated content, which is cross-referenced by industry and capabilities.

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) February 19, 2008 -- USC Consulting Group, LLC (USCCG) has introduced its new web site at www.usccg.com. The site features high-speed navigation across expanded and updated content, which is cross-referenced by industry and capabilities.

On the site, the operations management consulting firm showcases its 40 years of experience in business performance improvement via case studies, videotaped client interviews, pod casts, client testimonials, industry overviews, and white papers. The information runs the gamut of industries, from aerospace and chemicals to private equity and utilities. It also offers insight into the firm's extensive array of services, which include enterprise transformation, Lean/Six Sigma, business intelligence, supply chain optimization, and asset performance management.

"The new site enhances the visitor experience," said Gary Brown, USCCG director of marketing. "It's holistic design places related information no more than a click or two away. So visitors will quickly and easily find what they are looking for, no matter how they choose to navigate the site."

Tricycle Studios in Tampa, FL, designed and built the site.

About USC Consulting Group (USCCG):
USCCG is an independent operations management consulting firm with nearly 40 years' experience in the area of business performance improvement. It combines extensive subject matter expertise, gained in the course of successfully completing over 1,300 engagements, with enabling technology to drive and sustain superior results. The firm offers an array of services that include Lean/Six Sigma, enterprise transformation, supply chain optimization, process improvement, project management, value stream mapping, training and facilitation, blended learning solutions, modeling and simulation, and asset performance management. USCCG is a Microsoft Managed partner headquartered in Tampa, FL. It also has offices in Chicago, Montreal, and Toronto. For more information, visit www.usccg.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:52 AM | Comments (0)

QuadTech Opens New California Office

QuadTech Opens New Office in Irvine, CA, to Support Medical Accounts

Maynard, MA (PRWEB) February 19, 2008 -- QuadTech, a leading provider of electrical safety test and passive component measurement solutions, today announced that it has opened a new office in Irvine, CA, to support the growing demand for QuadTech products and services on the West Coast.

QuadTech's business with Medical Device Manufacturers based on the West Coast has increased significantly over the past few years. President and CEO Phil Harris says, "The Irvine office expands QuadTech's ability to offer local sales and technical support to a fast growing base of customers."

Adds Harris, "Our medical customers are facing more demanding compliance standards. They are tasked with getting new products to market quickly and efficiently, controlling costs and meeting increasingly tougher regulatory requirements and higher quality standards."

QuadTech's Medical Team has tremendous industry knowledge and a clear understanding of standards compliance issues. The medical team is able to provide solutions to customers that are vital for success in today's highly competitive medical manufacturing marketplace.

Shari Richardson, Director of Engineering - Medical Division, says, "A West Coast-based office creates an opportunity to build stronger relationships with current customers, and to establish relationships with a new customer base." Staffed initially by a medical applications engineer and a medical account manager, Richardson adds, "We can offer better technical support to our customers. We'll have two dedicated medical team members readily available to help customers with the complexities of ensuring that a device complies with IEC 60601 and to assist with other product safety testing needs."

QuadTech's Sentinel System Solution is a combination of hardware and software, providing fully automated electrical safety testing designed to streamline manufacturing processes and ensure compliance to the IEC 60601-1 standard for Medical Electrical Equipment.

The address for the Irvine, CA office is:
7 Chrysler
Irvine, CA 92618-2009

Phone: 949-215-3338
800-253-1230

Fax: 949-242-2777

About QuadTech:
QuadTech, an ISO 9001-Registered company, is a solutions provider enabling Medical Device Manufacturers and other manufacturing industries to test the safety and quality of their electrical products while ensuring compliance to FDA and other regulatory agencies. QuadTech offers a complete line of instrumentation and solutions including LCR meters, hipot and ground bond testers, safety analyzers, megohmmeters, milliohmmeters, systems and software, as well as calibration and repair services. Based in Maynard, MA, QuadTech has a worldwide network of direct sales and distributors who service and support customers around the globe. QuadTech is dedicated to doing everything in its power to assist the customer in achieving their testing objectives.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:49 AM | Comments (0)

Kyle Farley Named Aspens New Vice President of Manufacturing

Farley to Ramp Production to Meet Growing Demand

Albuquerque, NM (PRWEB) February 18, 2008 -- Aspen Avionics, Inc. announced today that Kyle Farley has joined the company as Vice President of Manufacturing. In this position, he will manage and lead Aspens growing manufacturing team, as the company brings the Evolution Flight Display System to market and ramps up production to meet demand.

Farley was most recently employed by S-TEC, where he was Vice President of Manufacturing Operations. In this position, he directed all aspects of manufacturing including production, manufacturing/test engineering, supply chain management, facilities and export compliance.

We have to mature our manufacturing process very quickly, to fulfill our large and growing backlog of orders for the Evolution Flight Display System, while ensuring high quality,” said John Uczekaj, Aspen Avionics President and CEO. Kyle is the right man for the job, and his outstanding experience and leadership will help meet the challenges of this critical period in Aspens growth.”

Prior to his tenure at S-TEC, Farley worked in a variety of manufacturing and production positions, including an eleven-year stint at Perry Equipment Corporation, also in Mineral Wells, Texas, where he managed purchasing and production. He has a BS in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

About Aspen Avionics, Inc.
Aspen Avionics specializes in bringing the most advanced technology and capability from the commercial and business aviation markets into general aviation cockpits—and budgets. Our products increase situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, making it even easier and safer to fly in both VFR and IFR conditions. The way we look at it, getting the latest avionics technology shouldnt always mean spending a lot of money—on equipment or installation. At Aspen Avionics, we design products to be affordable, easy to install, and easy to own. The company can be found on the web at http://www.aspenavionics.com, or may be reached at (505) 856-5034.

Note Aspen Avionics New Address: The company is now located at 5001 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:48 AM | Comments (0)

Word Sell, Inc. Completes National Customer Service Training for Elkay Plastics Co., Inc.

In today's uncertain economy, understanding customer needs is more important than ever. Training firm helps major industrial supplier take its customer care performance to the next level.

St. Charles, IL (PRWEB) February 18, 2008 -- Word Sell, Inc. (www.wordsellinc.com) recently completed an extensive customer service training program for Elkay Plastics Co., Inc. (www.elkayplastics.com), a leading national supplier of flexible packaging bags and film. The program, "Building Unbreakable Customer Relationships", was designed exclusively for Elkay Plastics and involved more than 60 participants in eight locations.

Word Sell, based in St. Charles, IL, creates and conducts modular, customizable training and coaching programs for sales, sales management and customer service personnel. Elkay expanded the scope of their program to include employees in several operational departments that engaged customers on a daily basis.

Gordon Tyler, Elkay's Vice President of Operations and Technology, noted that customer care has always been a top priority for the firm. "Today's customers are more sophisticated and demanding than ever before," said Tyler. "We are always looking for ways to better understand our customers and exceed their expectations. Word Sell's training is proving to be an important part of getting that done."

"The fact Elkay was willing to devote so much time and energy to customer care training speaks volumes about their organization," said Word Sell president, Brad Shorr. "Lots of companies train sales people, but how many make a real effort to develop the skills of their customer service personnel? Those are the folks who have the most contact with customers, and sometimes the most impact."

Word Sell has seen greater interest in sales and customer service training since the beginning of 2008. Shorr believes economic conditions may be the reason. "There's a growing perception that business activity is likely to be slow for the rest of the year," he said. "That being the case, companies want to develop the people they have rather than add to the staff. In addition, they want to do everything possible to retain and do more with existing customers. Our programs help companies do those things."

About Word Sell, Inc.
Word Sell, Inc., based in greater Chicago, provides sales and marketing support to small and midsize businesses. Emphasizing action, Word Sell helps firms put ideas to work quickly and effectively, and ensure sales and marketing activities are working in harmony. Its services include individual and group training and coaching, executive consulting and New Marketing support, including business blog development.

About Elkay Plastics Co., Inc.
Headquartered in Commerce, California, Elkay Plastics Co., Inc. provides innovative development, production and delivery of a broad range of plastic bags, packaging supplies and poly tubing for the healthcare, food services, and industrial packaging markets. Founded in 1968, the firm has become an industry leader and services customers across the United States through its nationwide network of service centers.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:47 AM | Comments (0)

Midbrook Offers Steam Venting Solution for Parts Washers

Midbrook, Inc., of Jackson, Michigan, the world leading provider of process specific, high volume aqueous part cleaning systems is offering an alternative to rooftop steam venting for parts washers.

(PRWEB) February 18, 2008 -- Parts washers that utilize spray or heating stages unavoidably generate steam, fog and mist during the cleaning process. Obviously, large amounts of steam on the factory floor are not desirable for health or production purposes. The steam in their face will bother workers and also risk the clean part being exposed to excessive humidity. This raises a concern- what to do with the excess steam produced by the washer?

An alternative solution to venting the steam out of the roof is the installation of a Midbrook Mist Reducer to the washer. Midbrook's Mist Reducer attaches to any washer. It is able to capture steam and fog that is produced in spray cleaning systems that use water with temperatures up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, condensate it and then return it back to the wash tank for future use. This, obviously, increases the efficiency of the washer by lowering costs of replacement chemistry and limiting the amount of water that needs to be added to the tank during production.

The Midbrook Mist Reducer can be installed using a minimal amount of equipment and requires limited labor to maintain. Initially, the output from steam is gathered and captured by the mist reducer via a fan that draws the fog and mist from the interior of the wash process house and delivers it continuously to the Mist Reducer.

Once the steam has been collected, the Mist Reducer generates turbulence within its cabinet. As a result of the turbulence, air eddies begin to form. The air eddies propel the small droplets of steam into the porous walls of filters, where they are trapped. At this point, they drain back into the washer and are re-used for their original purpose.

The mist reducer is a relatively uncomplicated assembly which is why it requires little maintenance and is cost efficient to run. It saves money in lost chemicals, and does not require expensive installation of a ductwork system to vent through the roof. By attaching a mist reducer to a parts washer, the washer will have improved efficiency and the cleaning process will be improved.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:46 AM | Comments (0)

'RAPID' Industry Expert to Discuss Direct Digital Manufacturing During Free Webcast

The Low-Volume Manufacturers Association is recommending that all its members and those interested in the RAPID industry register for the webcast scheduled for Wednesday, February 27, at 2 p.m. (EST)/ 11 a.m. (PST). RedEye RPM, the world's largest rapid prototyping and parts building service, is producing and hosting the one-hour webcast.

Beverly Hill, CA (PRWEB) February 18, 2008 -- Manufacturers, designers, engineers and others who stand to profit from the growing array of additive fabrication technologies - RAPID - can participate in a free webcast featuring one of the industry's leading visionaries.

The Low-Volume Manufacturers Association is recommending that all its members and those interested in the RAPID industry register for the webcast scheduled for Wednesday, February 27, at 2 p.m. (EST)/ 11 a.m. (PST). RedEye RPM, the world's largest rapid prototyping and parts building service, is producing and hosting the one-hour webcast.

Carl Dekker, currently president of Met-L-Flo, Inc., a respected additive manufacturing service center, and a past chairperson of the SME's Rapid Technologies and Additive Manufacturing Community (RTAM), will be the featured presenter. Dekker will explore successful applications for direct digital manufacturing, including: non-critical, simple geometries; non-critical complex geometries; structural, non-critical parts; and high complexity, critical parts.

"This is a wonder, free educational opportunity that RedEye RPM is making available to everyone with an interest - or just a curiosity - about our industry," says Dean Rotbart, L-VMA founder and director. "RedEye is a leader in educating the RAPID industry when it comes to available and emerging technologies, as well as trends and best practices."

Jeff Hanson, RedEye's manager of business strategy and development, will serve as host of the webcast, which will include a Q&A period at the end of Dekker's remarks.

Dekker teaches the Rapid Technologies and Additive Manufacturing Technologies Certificate Programs and is a steering committee member and chair of RTAM's Direct Digital Manufacturing Tech Group.

Both RedEye and Met-L-Flo are active members in the Low-Volume Manufacturers Association, a volunteer organization dedicated to showcasing the benefits of rapid-prototyping, rapid-manufacturing and other emerging additive fabrication technologies. For additional information on the association or the upcoming webcast, visit L-VMA at www.l-vma.org.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:46 AM | Comments (0)

Companies Must Address Urgent Succession Planning Now for Upcoming Baby Boomer Retirement

76 million boomers will retire in the next 5 years without enough replacement talent. FPC's recruiters nationwide have already been seeing the early effects of the massive baby boomer retirement wave and clients are scrambling to hire employees now who can grow into those positions.

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 17, 2008 -- FPC's recruiters nationwide have already been seeing the early effects of the massive baby boomer retirement wave expected in the next 5 years, when 76 million are expected to leave the workforce according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS.)

Ron Herzog, CEO & President of FPC said, "USA Today online had an article noting that the first boomer had recently received the first social security payment and put it in these dramatic terms - 10,000 people retiring each day. The mass retirement wouldn't be so bad if there were enough people coming into the workforce to enter those jobs left vacant due to the retirements - and those vacancies being discussed do not even include the additional jobs added due to the projected long-term economic growth." Unfortunately, the BLS projects that the pool of workers following the boomers is smaller, aggravating the situation even more. "Human Resources departments and Hiring Managers nationwide will be challenged to find enough qualified people to fill those positions once the retirements start. FPC recruiters have seen that some HR professionals have already been pro-actively addressing this issue."

Bill Martin, FPC's highest producing owner in 2007 and President of FPC of Greensboro, added, "Our clients haven't been able to find enough qualified grads to fill this pipeline so they've partnered with us to find people to back-fill the pipeline with 2-3 years of experience. Just about 20% of our recent placements have been these baby-boomer replacement positions and we expect that number to increase."

Why is this so urgent?
"The urgency is there because people of retirement age are typically in management or technically complex positions. This is particularly the case in technical manufacturing positions, where the learning curves are often steep." Said Mr. Martin. Mr. Herzog added, "Companies need new employees in those jobs now in order for them to develop the skills needed by the time the boomers retire over the next five years. The urgency is real."

Who is Being Hit the Worst?
"Many of our clients are manufacturing companies, which are expected to be among those hard hit due to their disproportionate number of employees older than 45 in management." noted Mr. Herzog.

What Can Companies Do Now to Prepare?
Mr. Martin responded, "Unless those jobs being vacated are filled pro-actively, those employees left behind will have to pick up the extra responsibility - leading to a number of other employee-relations issues. That means hiring professionals with 2-3 years of experience now, what we call "high-potentials". In our case, with people with Lean Transformation experience.

Many HR departments have the framework for succession planning in place, so one thing that may help to determine how and when to strategize with their hiring sources is to take a look around the company - what is the demographic make-up of your team? When does your retirement bubble burst? And then start pro-actively implementing strategic hiring plans to counter-act this workforce phenomenon."

Mr. Herzog summed up the situation, "The bottom line is the companies need to address this retirement crisis now in order to remain competitive."

About FPC
FPC of Greensboro serves Fortune 500 executive recruitment needs nationally with talent in Lean Transformation (TPS), Lean Six Sigma, Operational Excellence, Purchasing / SCM, Medical Device, Pharmaceutical, Chemist / Engineer's, Quality / Validation, Plant Management and H/R - O/D.

FPC of Greensboro is part of the FPC (Fortune Personnel Consultants) network of more than 65 franchise offices. Advocates for both clients and candidates since 1959, FPC recruiters are committed to bringing together the right individual with the right opportunity. For further information about FPC, call 800-886-7839 or visit the FPC Web site at fpcnational.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:44 AM | Comments (0)

CNC Information Site To Be Launched Building a CNC Community with CNC Videos, CNC Forums, CNC Machine Galleries

CNC Information Website is set to be launched in the near future. This CNC site will be based upon a CNC Community full of CNC users and DIY CNC hobbyists. The CNC Site will highlight CNC Video's, CNC Forums, CNC Machine Galleries, CNC Blogs, and much more.

Hobart, Washington (Bluehost/PRWEB ) February 17, 2008 -- A New CNC Information site is on the verge of being officially launched and becoming the premiere CNC Community for all Hobby CNC enthusiasts. Ivan's CNC Information website has been live for a few weeks now but it was only in the Public Beta stage. Ivan used this Public Beta stage to gather information from CNC Members on what they wanted in a website. After gathering this information, CNC Information is ready to give the DIY CNC users what they have asked for.

The official launch of CNC Information will take place in 14 days. This launch is set to come with a few special offers and promotions that are for CNC Members only. Membership is available to all who are interested and is currently free. Member's can join today by visiting: CNC Information

CNC Community Members will be privy to some exclusive benefits that are only found on CNC Information. These member only benefits include the ability to create your own member profile where members can share information on themselves and CNC Projects they are working on in their own CNC Shop. Members will also have the ability to visit and partake in forums, CNC Video's, and access to great CNC Information. Members who join before the official CNC Information Launch will get a Free G-Code Quick Guide just for signing up. Members who want o take advantage of this Free Offer can sign up at: CNC

Ivan Irons, the director of the CNC Information website, has created the free G-Code Guide himself for a handy reference to have in all DIY CNC shops throughout the world. Ivan's G-Code guide can not be bought, only given to those who sign up for membership into the CNC Information website before it is officially launched. Members can sign up 24 hours a day by visiting Ivan's CNC Information website at: CNC Community

Ivan will also have further bonuses for his CNC Community on launch day for only those CNC members that are signed up. This special bonus will be CNC industry secrets video series that cannot be bought anywhere. This video series will work for CNC Plasma Cutters, CNC Laser Cutters, CNC Mills, CNC Wood Routers and just about everything else CNC. It bridges CNC Commercial Parts and CNC Art Parts but will only be available for CNC Members. Ivan will be releasing more information on the launch of his new CNC Information website in the next week. In the meantime, users can sign up as a member to get their free G-Code guide and then be let in on the industry secret video series that will be available once the site is officially launched on March 1, 2008. Membership is free and the sign up page can be found on the CNC Information home page at the following CNC address: CNC

About CNC Information: CNC Information is a community CNC website that was created to bring users into a deeper understanding with CNC.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:43 AM | Comments (0)

NextSport to Partner with Six Flags Theme Parks to Launch In-Park Fuzion Scooter Riding Zones

First Fuzion Scooter Riding Zone Slated For Six Flags Discovery Kingdom In Vallejo, CA In Spring 2008

EMERYVILLE, Calif. (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) February 17, 2008 -- NextSport, the creator and manufacturer of the popular line of Fuzion performance scooters, announced today, that it has entered into a multi-year partnership with Six Flags Theme Parks to create in-park Fuzion Scooter Riding Zones with the first Fuzion Zone to be unveiled in Spring 2008 at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California.

“As all things related to board sports continue to gain popularity, a partnership with Six Flags is a natural fit to create an engaging consumer experience with our young brand as we share the same consumer audience that seeks a safe, yet exhilarating experience,” commented Ed Dua, President of NextSport. “The Fuzion Scooter Riding Zones will introduce a large audience of kids all over the country to the great new ride of the Fuzion performance scooter.”

The Fuzion Zones will provide Six Flags’ park guests the exciting opportunity to ride a Fuzion scooter in a custom designed and fully supervised Fuzion skate park. The Fuzion skate park will feature basic riding zones and a variety of different ramp and jump configurations to accommodate all levels of riders. Park guests will be trained and supervised by Fuzion trained park staff and a team of Fuzion riders to help facilitate a safe and fun experience for everyone.

Additionally, Fuzion Zone participants and observers alike will have the opportunity to watch members of the national Fuzion Pro Team demonstrate their skills during Fuzion exhibitions, followed by meet and greet sessions and autograph signings. And, eager and aspiring Fuzion Zone riders will be given the unique opportunity to win prizes and sign up to be a member of Team Fuzion.

“The creation of the onsite Fuzion Zone is another example of the powerful experiential marketing offerings available in our parks,” said David McKillips, Vice President of Corporate Alliances for Six Flags. “This partnership allows Fuzion to market its product directly to our guests and get invaluable one-on-one face time with their key customers.”

Six Flags will utilize their in-park signage programs, print and online promotions and radio and TV advertisements to showcase the park’s Fuzion Zones.

About NextSport Inc.

Founded in 2004, NextSport designs, develops, and manufactures innovative action sports products. The company’s flagship product line, the Fuzion performance scooter is sold in a wide range of sporting good, specialty and mass retailers including Dicks Sporting Goods, Toys R Us, Sports Authority and Target stores. NextSport is a privately owned company based in Emeryville, CA. For more information about NextSport Inc. and Fuzion scooters please visit www.nextsport.com.

About Six Flags

Six Flags, Inc. is the largest regional theme park company in the world -- a national brand with regional focus. Our 21 entertainment destinations in North America comprise theme, water and zoological parks. Last year, nearly 30 million guests spent a combined 250 million hours at Six Flags parks. Founded in 1961, we celebrated our 45th anniversary in 2006. Six Flags, Inc. is a publicly traded corporation (NYSE: SIX) headquartered in New York City. For more information, please visit, www.sixflags.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:41 AM | Comments (0)

Scot Lacek Puts IT Expertise to Work at USC Consulting Group

APICS-certified business intelligence specialist joins development team.

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) February 17, 2008 -- Scot A. Lacek, 45, most recently Visio sales specialist at Microsoft Corporation, has joined USC Consulting Group, LLC (USCCG) as a business development executive working out of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

Mr. Lacek's background includes highly successful sales and business development positions with IBM, CSC, Peoplesoft, and Oracle, as well as Microsoft. He has been instrumental in developing and launching a number of business intelligence solutions.

Prior to his Visio post, Mr. Lacek served as business development director for Analytix, Inc. and as senior analytic application sales specialist at Cognos Corporation. He held similar positions with IBM, Quest One Decision Sciences, Peoplesoft, Computer Science Corporation, and Oracle. He began his career in 1985 as a manufacturing project engineer with Westinghouse and later moved to Amdahl Corporation.

Mr. Lacek earned his Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from the University of Illinois and his MBA from Santa Clara University. He is APICS (American Production and Inventory Control Society)-certified in production and inventory management and holds a Series 7 license. He also is certified in System ESS software and Manugistics applications and is a domain expert in Oracle applications. Mr. Lacek is a member of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers (AIIE) and served as co-president of the Santa Clara MBA Association and secretary of the Santa Clara University MBA Alumni Board. He resides in Excelsior, MN.

According to David Riggs, a USCCG partner and vice president/senior regional manager, "Scot Lacek is a proven business development resource with a solid track record of success established while working at some of the best companies in the country. His deep knowledge of business intelligence systems will undoubtedly pay handsome dividends for our clients and prospects."

About USC Consulting Group (USCCG):
USCCG is an independent operations management consulting firm with nearly 40 years' experience in the area of business performance improvement. It combines extensive subject matter expertise, gained in the course of successfully completing over 1,300 engagements, with enabling technology to drive and sustain superior results. The firm offers an array of services that include Six Sigma, Lean transformation, supply chain optimization, process improvement, project management, value stream mapping, training and facilitation, blended learning solutions, modeling and simulation, and world class maintenance management and reliability services. USCCG is a Microsoft Managed partner headquartered in Tampa, FL. It also has offices in Chicago, Montreal, and Toronto. For more information, visit www.usccg.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:40 AM | Comments (0)

American Tire Corporation Successfully Presented Radial OTR Tires in Arizona

The global mining industry is suffering supply shortage of various sizes of OTR tires. As one of the most reliable giant OTR tire manufacturers, American Tire Corporation (ATC) was invited and successfully presented its radial OTR tires and Washington OTR tire plant at the quarterly meeting of Southwest Association of Master Mechanics in Mesa, Arizona.

Chino, California (PRWEB) February 17, 2008 -- American Tire Corporation (ATC) successfully presented its radial OTR tires and Washington OTR tire plant at the quarterly meeting of Southwest Association of Master Mechanics in Mesa, Arizona.

On February 15, 2008, Dr. Abraham Hengyucius and Mr. Brad Harris respectively introduced ATC's production and marketing program on behalf of ATC -- the manufacturer of Colorado OTR tires. This 1.5-hour presentation was started from the production section by Dr. Hengyucius who specified ATC's current and coming production, capacity for 63", 57", 51" and 49" radial OTR tires, manufacturing equipments, plant details and strategic objectives. The government support for both production and international marketing was emphasized. Then, Mr. Harris analyzed the current situation of global OTR tire industry, Colorado OTR tire's marketing strategy and on-site engineering support program