The latest report on U.S. automotive sales showed the majority of manufacturers—including Ford, GM, Nissan, Hyundai, and Honda—experienced increases in February. 08 March 2010
Computers and electronic products were among the top-performing categories in January, according to a recently released market sector report from the Institute of Supply Management, or ISM. 01 March 2010
Enthone Inc., a business of Cookson Electronics, recently became the Canadian distributor for Dipsol America, headquartered in Livonia, Mich. The agreement represents a significant step in the partnership between two of the world’s leading chemical suppliers. 28 February 2010
Industrial production in the U.S. increased 0.9% in January, with increases logged across several major sectors. . 22 February 2010
According to the newly released February 2010 Precision Metalforming Association Business Conditions Report, metalforming companies expect conditions to remain fairly steady over the next three months. 12 February 2010
Sales of cars and light trucks in the United States rose 6% in January, year over year. By comparison, January 2009 U.S. auto sales hit a 26-year low. 10 February 2010
Fourth-quarter results from several leading paint suppliers and chemical manufacturers reflect impact of rising demand and cost reductions. 08 February 2010
Metalforming companies are increasingly optimistic about business conditions as the new year kicks off. That’s according to the newly released report from the Precision Metalforming Association. 07 February 2010
The National Association for Surface Finishing, or NASF, in cooperation with the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Mich., recently kicked off the 11th Annual Bright Design Challenge. 01 February 2010
The Powder Coating Institute, or PCI, will hold an advanced two-day hands-on powder coating workshop Feb. 22–23. The event will take place at the headquarters of Nordson Corporation in Amherst, Ohio. 31 January 2010
The January 2010 Business Conditions Report from the Precision Metalforming Association, or PMA, shows metalforming companies are increasingly optimistic as the new year kicks off. 22 January 2010
With Grand Rapids, Mich., serving as the backdrop for SUR/FIN 2010, it’s only fitting that the conference programming reflect the major issues facing the domestic automotive industry. To that end, the National Association for Surface Finishing, NASF, has tapped the Center for Automotive Research, or CAR, to present a timely panel discussion focused on this key bellwether sector. 20 January 2010
A long spell of unseasonably cold weather pushed industrial production up 0.6% in December. This is slightly off from November, when industrial production showed a 0.9% uptick. 15 January 2010
The Process Cleaning Expo (PCx) 2010—the only event in North America dedicated to cleaning in the industrial manufacturing process—will be held in Louisville, Ky., at the Kentucky International Convention Center May 4–6, 2010. 13 January 2010
Ford Motor Co., Honda, Toyota, Volkswagon, BMW, Hyundai, and Kia were among the major automotive manufacturers reporting December sales growth. Increases ranged from the high single digits all the way up to 44% 07 January 2010
As manufacturing goes, so goes metal finishing—that’s a given. What remains somewhat of a mystery, though, is forecasting the precise point in 2010 when we can expect manufacturing employment and output to return to more respectable levels. 06 January 2010
Dörken Corporation USA, an operating unit of Dörken MKS-Systeme, Herdecke, Germany and a global leader in the manufacture of corrosion protection coating systems, trademarked under the name DELTA-MKS®, for a variety of parts including fasteners, springs, brackets clips and stamped parts, recently hosted an open house to unveil its new North American Technical Center in Grass Lake, Mich. 04 January 2010
Columbia Chemical is now offering COLTEC testing solutions for salt spray cabinets. New equipment including a state-of-the-art water deionization plant has been installed at the company’s world headquarters to manufacture COLTEC DI (deionized water) and COLTEC S-5 (5% sodium chloride solution). 04 January 2010
American Finishing Resources, LLC, or AFR, recently announced its Chilton Coatings Removal and Tooling Fabrication operations have become registered to the ISO 9001:2008 international standard. 03 January 2010
Industrial production in the U.S. increased 0.8% in November after having been unchanged in October. Manufacturing production advanced 1.1%, with broad-based gains among both durables and nondurables. 16 December 2009
Metalforming companies expect business conditions to remain fairly steady during the next three months. That’s according to the newly released December 2009 report from the Precision Metalforming Association. 15 December 2009
More exciting details are emerging regarding the conference programming for SUR/FIN 2010, set to take place June 14–17 at Devos Place in Grand Rapids, Mich. 14 December 2009
The AESF Council, the educational arm of the National Association for Surface Finishing, or NASF, has released is schedule of training courses for 2010. 14 December 2009
When the curtain lifts on SUR/FIN 2010 in Grand Rapids, Mich., June 15–17, attendees looking for the “same old, same old” are going to be a bit disappointed. That’s because the National Association for Surface Finishing, or NASF, has made significant changes that promise to enhance the overall experience for exhibitors and attendees alike. 09 December 2009
Automated Process Equipment Corporation, or APEC, has merged with West Michigan Powder Coating to form a new division within APEC. The new division retains the name of West Michigan Powder Coating but has moved operations to APEC’s facility in Lake Odessa, Mich. 09 December 2009
Mankiewicz Coatings LLC, a subsidiary of German-based Mankiewicz Gebr. & Co., announced plans to locate a new $2 million facility in Berkeley County, S.C. 09 December 2009
PMI index trends, along with recent GDP movement, provide encouraging signs of an economic rebound. 03 December 2009
A newly released report from the Federal Reserve shows U.S. industrial production increased 0.1% in October after having averaged monthly gains of about 0.9% over the previous three months. The leading sectors were primary metals, which jumped 3.5%, and machinery output, which edged up 0.2%. 19 November 2009
Metalforming companies anticipate a dip in business conditions and incoming orders. That’s the main findings from the November 2009 Precision Metalforming Association Business Conditions Report. 19 November 2009
A newly released report from the Department of Labor puts job losses for the month of October at 558,000, bumping up the unemployment rate to 10.2%—up from 9.8% in September. 11 November 2009
Rinehart Racing has entered into a new state-of-the-art manufacturing arrangement with Clearline Industries, LLC, for the manufacturing of its motorcycle performance exhaust product line. 11 November 2009
U.S. gross domestic product, or GDP, grew 3.5% in the third quarter, according to a newly released report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, or BEA. The increase, the first rise in a year, reflected higher consumer spending on durable goods—including automobiles—as well as investments in home building. By comparison, GDP decreased 0.7% in the second quarter. 01 November 2009
The 3rd quarter provided a mixed bag for several of the industry’s leading coating suppliers and chemical manufacturers. Preliminary numbers showed some are still feeling the effects of the global economic downturn, while others are recovering more quickly. 01 November 2009
The Sherwin-Williams Company and Wagner Systems, Inc., have formed an agreement designed to expand the relationship between the two companies, enabling product finishers using Sherwin-Williams innovative ProVisions™ program to purchase Wagner’s line of manual industrial powder coating equipment. 01 November 2009
General Motors Company, GM, is investing more than $230 million in four GM plants in the greater Flint, Mich., area to support the production of the fuel-efficient 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and Volt. The investment represents more than 500 jobs. 19 October 2009
Industrial production rose 0.7% in September after an upwardly revised gain of 1.2% in August, according to a newly released report from the Federal Reserve. 19 October 2009
Metalforming companies expect business conditions and incoming orders to plateau during the final quarter of 2009. That’s according to the October 2009 Precision Metalforming Association, or PMA, Business Conditions Report. 19 October 2009
Honda recently named DuPont Automotive OEM Coatings a Supplier of the Year for outstanding performance in providing products and services. Out of a base of 2,400 suppliers, only 12 companies were recognized. 14 October 2009
The AESF Foundation announces the last call for its Electroplating and Surface Finishing Course, scheduled to take place Oct. 26–29 at the Holiday Inn Express at 901 Jefferson Blvd. in Warwick, R.I. The deadline for registration is Monday, Oct. 19. 14 October 2009
Representatives from Elsyca, a Leuven, Belguim-based company specializing in numerical modelling technology to predict and optimize electrochemical processes such as electroplating, plans to hold a Lecture Series on “Transport Phenomena in Electrochemical Processes” at the world renown von Karman Institute in Belgium from Nov. 30–Dec. 4, 2009. 14 October 2009
Auto sales in the U.S. fell by 23% in September, according to newly released data from the U.S. Commerce Department. Hardest-hit were General Motors and Chrysler, whose sales fell by 45% and 42%, respectively, year over year. 07 October 2009
DYMAX, Corporation, a manufacturer of advanced light-curable adhesives, coatings, and curing equipment, has announced the appointment of Peter Zazzaro as global director of quality and regulatory affairs. In his new position, Zazzaro will report directly to Greg Bachmann, president. 07 October 2009
General Motors Company, GM, will add a third shift at three facilities—Fairfax, Kan.; Ft. Wayne, Ind.; and Lansing Delta Township, Mich. The additional shifts will result in the restoration of 2,400 jobs and enable GM to increase its domestic manufacturing plant utilization. 01 October 2009
Jeff Grodecki, technical support manager for Columbia Chemical, becomes the latest addition to the “Ask the Experts” roster on metalfinishing.com. Grodecki will field questions related to the categories of zinc and zinc alloy plating. 01 October 2009
ITW Gema and Alliance Surface Finishing, Inc., recently reached an agreement on a strategic global partnership to promote a new Alliance Surface Finishing-patented technology known as the Dual Coat System, or DCS. This new technology enables manufacturers to apply two different powder coat films within the same powder booth and then co-cure. 01 October 2009
Metalforming companies are somewhat less optimistic about the trend in general activity and in their expectations for new orders over the next three-month period than they were one month ago. That’s according to the newly released September 2009 Precision Metalforming Association, PMA, Business Conditions Report. 24 September 2009
Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has concluded her ninth overseas investment mission and fourth visit to Japan, meeting with company leaders from Denso to encourage the company to expand in Michigan. 17 September 2009
AkzoNobel adjusts Performance Coatings and Specialty Chemicals portfolios as part of a realignment that will see the launch of two new business units and the merger of two others. 17 September 2009
Henkel Automotive Surface Technology Group has entered into an agreement with HIT Solutions, whereby HIT Solutions will serve as a sales and distribution partner for much of the Midwest United States. 17 September 2009
Pittsburgh, Pa.-based Integran Technologies Inc., a leader in the development and commercialization of advanced metallurgical nano-technologies, has entered into a market development agreement with Bensenville, Ill.-based Magnetic Shield Corporation, which specializes in solving problems of magnetic interference, also known as low frequency EMI. 17 September 2009
MetoKote Corporation, an industry leader in protective coating applications—including electrocoat, powder coating and liquid paint—has awarded PPG Industries its inaugural Supplier of the Year 2009 Award. 09 September 2009
Ford Motor Co. plans to install a patented Fumes-to-Fuel system at its Oakville, Ontario, assembly plant—an innovative system designed to convert emissions from its paint shop into electricity. 07 September 2009
A newly released government report showed U.S. auto sales reached $3 billion in August, largely on the strength of government incentives such as the Cash for Clunkers program. Several automotive manufacturers experienced double-digit sales increases as trade-in incentives pushed overall industry sales to the first year-over-year increase in almost two years—all welcomed news to industry analysts. 02 September 2009
Metal Finishing magazine, the plating and coating industries’ technology magazine, is making it easier for finishers to connect with potential customers. Metal Finishing recently took the wraps off the new Finishers’ Directory, part of the newly revamped metalfinishing.com website. 02 September 2009
General Motors Company, GM, will invest $43 million in Brownstown Township, Mich., to manufacture lithium-ion battery packs for the Chevrolet Volt and other extended-range electric vehicles. According to GM, it is the first lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant in the U.S. operated by a major automaker, and it demonstrates GM’s commitment to deliver more fuel-efficient vehicles to consumers. 26 August 2009
The Powder Coating Institute, or PCI, and NACE International, The Corrosion Society, or NACE, will be partnering to produce The North American Industrial Coating Show to be held at the Indianapolis Convention Center, Oct. 27-29, 2010. 26 August 2009
The AESF Foundation has released the schedule for its Fall 2009 courses. Topics range from environmental issues to precious metal plating techniques. 26 August 2009
Columbia Chemical recently hosted three representatives from Ebara-Udylite Mexico to an intensive three-day training session at the facility's technical support center. Jeff Grodecki and Kristen Melnek lent their expertise in assisting Saul Angel Dominguez, Elena Gpe. Lozano Palacios and Adira Guadalupe Ramirez Delgado with the technical training. 26 August 2009
DuPont Powder Coatings recently launched a new website designed to give customers quick and easy access to information about its powder coatings brands and products. The easy-to-navigate design presents a bright and inviting appearance and includes comprehensive product, color and technical information as well as a digital color card showing the 400-plus RAL and standard colors and surface effects in stock and ready to ship same day. 26 August 2009
General Motors, GM, is increasing production at several North America assembly plants in response to increased sales. The decision maans will bring approximately 1,350 UAW and CAW employees back to the assembly lines. 20 August 2009
DuPont Automotive OEM Coatings has been named a GM Supplier of the Year for 2008. The honor, DuPont Automotive’s second in as many years, is in recognition of DuPont’s performance as a global provider of finishes. 20 August 2009
Metalforming companies predict a spike in business conditions during the next three months. These findings emerge from a newly released Precision Metalforming Association Business Conditions Report. 20 August 2009
A newly released report from the Federal Reserve showed U.S. industrial production rose 0.5% in July, a tangible improvement over June’s 0.4% decline. Analysts say the news supports hopes that the longest recession since the 1930s is finally drawing to a close. 20 August 2009
The Society of Vacuum Coaters, SVC, plans to hold its inaugural Topical Conference—also known as TopCon—on Nov. 3-5, 2009, at the Albuquerque Marriott, in Albuquerque, N.M. 20 August 2009
The U.S. government’s trade-in program, Cash for Clunkers, sparked a boost in demand making July auto sales better-than-expected—more precisely, the best performance since August 2008. GM, Chrysler Group, Fort Motor Co., and Honda Motor all said they were helped by the popular program, with Ford in particular showing a 2% increase year over year while overall U.S. auto sales rose sharply month over month. 06 August 2009
Dysol, Inc., manufacturer of the patented DS-Series line of environmentally compliant cleaning solvents, announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Socomor Finishing Solutions of France, a worldwide manufacturer of surface finishing products with plants in France, Poland and China. 06 August 2009
The Electrocoat Association and the Chemical Coaters Association International have joined forces to bring the finishing industry the 2009 Electrocoating Seminar, which is scheduled to take place at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport in Birmingham, Ala., Nov. 11–12, 2009. 06 August 2009
Just a few weeks after General Motors (GM) filed for Chapter 11 Protection, the company has announced its emergence from bankruptcy, leaner, refocused, and positioned to better compete in the global automotive marketplace. 17 July 2009
U.S. powder coatings demand is projected to expand 3.5% annually to 445 million pounds in 2013, with a market value of $1.2 billion. Meanwhile, volume growth is expected to significantly outpace the gains of the 2003–2008 period as durable goods shipments are forecast to rebound from a weak 2008 base. These findings are courtesy of a newly released study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland, Ohio-based industry research firm. 09 July 2009
Michigan governor Jennifer M. Granholm has announced an aggressive strategy to diversify the economy and attract investment in the state. The plan entails more than a dozen job-creating projects estimated to generate more than 11,000 new positions while retaining another 846 jobs. The plan will reportedly bring more than $247 million in new investment to communities across the state. 23 June 2009
After weeks of speculation, General Motors (GM) on June 1 announced plans to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The filing, which represents the largest Chapter 11 case in U.S. industry, will allow GM to sell various assets, restructure debt, cancel contracts, and close operations that normally would have to continue running. GM has amassed more than $172 billion in debt—nearly twice the value of its assets. 05 June 2009
The nation's industrial production fell 0.5% in April—the smallest amount in six months. Analysts believe this provides fresh evidence that the pace of the economy's decline is slowing. 22 May 2009
Auto sales in the U.S. continued on their downhill roll as most manufacturers reported high, double-digit sales decreases. Industry analysts see the trend in this key bellwether economic sector as further evidence of a deepening recession. 07 May 2009
Weeks after the Obama Administration facilitated the ouster of former General Motors chairman and CEO Rick Wagoneer as it pressed the company to construct a roadmap to return to profitability, the government-appointed Automotive Task Force has affected another development impacting the industry: Chrysler has essentially been forced into bankruptcy protection with the goal of sealing an alliance with Italian automaker Fiat. 01 May 2009
Hong Kong-based Process Automation International Ltd. (PAL), which supplies technologies and expertise in a variety of plating methods, has entered into a partnership with Elsyca, a Leuven, Belgium-based supplier of plating feasibility and tooling solutions. The goal, the parties said, is to provide a one-stop source for electroplating optimization solutions. 25 March 2009
The Obama administration plans to provide broad relief to the American auto industry with the creation of a $5 billion fund to aid troubled parts suppliers. The plan is in keeping with the government’s strategy to prop up General Motors and Chrysler as it seeks to stabilize the industry. 18 March 2009
Automotive sales in the U.S. continued their downward spiral as several major manufacturers reported high double-digit declines. 11 February 2009
U.S. automotive sales took another high double-digit dive as revenues among the leading manufacturers fell more than 35% in December. The news comes on the heels of a similarly dismal automotive report for November. 12 January 2009
Toyota Motor will idle its plants in Japan for 11 days in February and March to reduce output in the face of steeply declining global vehicle sales, the company announced recently. The Japanese auto giant said the suspension will affect production at all 12 of Toyota's directly operated domestic plants, which include four vehicle assembly plants and also factories that make transmissions, engines, and other parts. The stoppages are in addition to a three-day shutdown this month at these plants that Toyota had already announced. 12 January 2009
Earlier this month Atotech celebrated the grand opening of its new North American TechCenter for corrosion protection applications. The event, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Niagara Falls, included a customer seminar on new trends and technologies for electrolytic corrosion protection, zinc flake coatings for automotive fasteners, and Atotech’s involvement in sustainable development. 12 September 2008
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