A newly released U.S. Department of Labor report showed the economy lost 36,000 last month, holding the national unemployment rate at 9.7%. 07 March 2010
The U.S. surface finishing industry has lost a dear friend and a staunch advocate, with the recent passing of Si Gary, former owner and president of Scientific Control Laboratories, Chicago, Ill. 05 March 2010
American Plating Power, a leading manufacturer of rectifiers and power supplies for the electro-chemical industry, has announced the recent launch of a new website. 04 March 2010
Christian Richter, founder and CEO of The Policy Group, was recently named executive vice president of the National Association for Surface Finishing, or NASF. 27 February 2010
The West Michigan Chapter of CCAI, the Chemical Coaters Association International, plans to conduct a session at SUR/FIN 2010 in Grand Rapids, Mich. 21 February 2010
Columbia Chemical Corp., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of zinc and zinc-alloy plating additives, is pleased to announce ISO registration renewal with the updated ISO 9001:2008 certificate. 20 February 2010
Douglas Kielbasa has been named Technical Service Engineer, Performance Coatings, for the U.S. Central Region by Enthone Inc., a business of Cookson Electronics. 19 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
The unemployment rate fell from 10 to 9.7 % in January, as nonfarm payroll employment—down 20,000—remained unchanged from the previous month. This according to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor. 11 February 2010
The AESF Foundation, the educational arm of the National Association for Surface Finishing, is offering finishers customized courses for their employees. 09 February 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
The board of directors of Nordson Corporation recently named Michael F. Hilton president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 16, 2010. Hilton, who will also join Nordson’s board of directors, will succeed retiring president and CEO Edward P. Campbell, who will continue to serve as Nordson’s chairman of the board until the company’s Feb. 16, 2010 annual meeting of shareholders. 19 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
The Association Connecting Electronic Industries, or IPC, recently announced that rigid PCB shipments declined 11.3% and bookings were down 4.1% in November 2009 from November 2008. Year to date, rigid PCB shipments were down 24.8% and bookings fell by 21.3%. 05 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
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 Boeing 787 Dreamliner took to the sky for the first time on Tuesday, Dec. 15, ushering a new era in air travel as it departed before an estimated crowd of more than 12,000 employees and guests from Paine Field in Everett, Wash. The flight marks the beginning of a flight test program that will see six airplanes flying nearly around the clock and around the globe, with the airplane's first delivery scheduled for fourth quarter 2010. 13 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
The National Association for Surface Finishing, or NASF, has announced the members recently selected to the 2010 board of directors. 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
Newly released data from the Association Connecting Electronic Industries, or IPC, shows both shipments and bookings for rigid printed circuit boards were down in October. 03 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
Scores of surface finishers—and even a few suppliers—from Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire, were on hand recently for the 6th Annual New England Surface Finishing Regional, held at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis, Mass. 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
Benchmark Products, Inc., of Indianapolis, Ind., and New Surface Technologies, LLC, of Bedford, Ohio, recently announced the formation of Asterion, LLC, effective Dec. 1, 2009. Asterion will manufacture and sell the entire metal finishing product line of both companies. 11 November 2009
MetoKote Corporation, a provider of protective coating applications based in the United States, has chosen Germany as the site for its new manufacturing plant. MetoKote recently broke ground on the new facility in the Southern German city of Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg. The new investment, which represents $9.7 million, will also serve as a pilot project focused on reaching further customers in continental Europe. 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
Fanta Equipment, a leading fabricator of metal finishing equipment in North America, has launched a new website featuring its Fanta, Napco, and Udylite brands. The new site includes information on the custom capabilities, brand-name machines and replacement parts available from Fanta, Napco, and Udylite. 01 November 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
The Association Connecting Electronic Industries, IPC, has released its Worldwide Annual Printed Circuit Boards Report. The release projects double-digit declines for 2009. 14 October 2009
Joe Powder, the powder coating expert featured in the monthly “Ask Joe Powder” section of Metal Finishing magazine, will now be available to answer reader inquiries online at Metal Finishing’s dedicated organic finishing website. 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
Employers cut 263,000 jobs in September, bringing the U.S. unemployment rate to 9.8%—a 26-year high. That’s according to a report issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. 07 October 2009
Jordan Barab, acting chief of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, recently signaled his organization’s intent to implement the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, commonly referred to as GHS, within the United States. 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
ASM International, the materials information society, recently recognized select members for their distinguished contributions to the field of materials science and engineering via the announcement of the 2009 Class of Fellows. 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
On January 1, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, will, for the first time, require large emitters of heat-trapping emissions to begin collecting greenhouse gas, GHG, data under a new reporting system. This new program will cover approximately 85% of the nation’s GHG emissions and apply to roughly 10,000 facilities. 24 September 2009
The Chemical Coaters Association International, CCAI, has announced that beginning in 2010, it will host a new Finishing Technologies Pavilion at the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM tradeshow. 24 September 2009
The National Association for Surface Finishing, NASF, is inviting industry members to save the date for SUR/FIN 2010, set to take place June 15 –17 at the Devos Place Convention in Downtown Grand Rapids, Mich. 17 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
The last day to register for COATING 2009, which takes place in Nashville, Tenn., is Friday, Sept. 18. After that time, only on-site registration will be available. 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
Concurrent Technologies Corporation, CTC, recently won a competitively bid contract to participate in the support of the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center, or TARDEC, Omnibus Program. The contract is a five-year, multi-award, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract worth up to $430 million. 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
The U.S. economy lost 216,000 jobs in August, pushing the nation’s unemployment rate to 9.7%, according to a newly released Labor Dept. report. While job losses are never good news, analysts are nonetheless encouraged by moderation in the overall loss of jobs. 10 September 2009
The National Association for Surface Finishing, or NASF, is putting out the call for finisher exhibitors to participate in SUR/FIN 2010, set to take place in Grand Rapids, Mich., June 15–17. 09 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
The newly released Institute for Supply Management’s Index, a barometer of manufacturing inventories, rose more than 8% to 52.9 in August—up from 48.9 in July. A reading above 50 indicates expansion and growth, while a number below 50 means economic contraction. 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 Springfield, Mass., AESF branch, in conjunction with Valley Plating and Poly Plating, has announced this year’s New England Surface Finishing Regional is set for November. The event will be held on Friday, Nov. 6, at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis, Mass. 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
Service Filtration Corporation, or SERFILCO, Ltd., has announced that a Letter of Intent has been signed for the purchase of all assets of the Baron-Blakeslee Equipment Division of Enviro Tech International, Inc. 13 August 2009
The 6th Annual Southern Metal Finishing Conference, set for Sept. 14-15 at the historic Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, S.C., promises to offer a wealth of networking opportunities, education, and team-building activities. 13 August 2009
The Aluminum Anodizers Council, or AAC, is inviting attendees to learn about basic techniques for producing a quality anodized product at its upcoming Anodizing Essentials Workshop, slated for Oct. 6, 2009, at the Sheraton Fort Worth in Fort Worth, Texas. 13 August 2009
The Association Connecting Electronic Industries, IPC, has announced the findings from its monthly North American printed circuit boards report. 07 August 2009
President Barack Obama earlier this month nominated David Michaels, Assistant Secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. 07 August 2009
Second-quarter earnings reports from some of the largest chemical companies and coating materials suppliers, including BASF, Clariant, Dow, DuPont, and PPG, reflect diminished demand from key end-use sectors. 06 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
A newly released Commerce Department Report showed gross domestic product, GDP, slowed 1% in the second quarter vs. 6.4% in the first three months of the year. Economists and analysts say that’s an encouraging sign that the recession might be coming to an end. 06 August 2009
Haviland Products, which formulates, manufactures and distributes decorative, functional and specialty coatings for Fortune 500 companies nationwide, announced the acquisition of Wyandotte, Mich.-based Benchmark, Inc., a leader in the formulation and manufacturing of surface finishing chemistry since 1956. 06 August 2009
Effective July 1, 2009, Werner Auer took the reins as head of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies GmbH & Co. Auer, who was previously CFO of the Business Unit located in Linz, succeeds Richard Pfeiffer as CEO. 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
Dysol, Inc., has appointed a distributor for the MagChem line of engine overhaul, maintenance and lubrication products. 06 August 2009
Haviland Products Company has tapped Canadian Finishing Systems to be its exclusive surface finishing distributor to all of Canada. 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
The Electrocoat Association will hold its annual meeting Nashville, Tenn., at the beautiful Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center, located at 2800 Opryland Drive, on Sept. 29, 2009. 06 August 2009
The 2009 Powder Coating Forum is set to take place at the Embassy Suites in Cleveland, Ohio, from Sept. 16–17. 06 August 2009
Two of Germany’s most important industrial and surface finishing events—Paint Expo and parts2clean—have set dates for 2010. 06 August 2009
The eRulemaking Program has launched a significant upgrade to www.regulations.gov, the website that provides one-stop, public access to information related to current and forthcoming regulations issued by the federal government. 06 August 2009
NASF, the National Association for Surface Finishing, recognized more than a dozen individuals for their dedication, service, and technical contributions to the surface finishing industry during a special ceremony at SUR/FIN 2009 in Louisville, Ky., June 15–17. 01 August 2009
Jon Allen, Sr., vice president of RamQuest Software, Inc., has been tapped to deliver the keynote speech at the 6th Annual Southern Metal Finishing Conference in Charleston, S.C., Sept. 13–15 at the historic Francis Marion Hotel. 31 July 2009
Online registration is now open for COATING EAST 2009, the second innovative regional conference & trade show to be held in 2009 Sept. 30–Oct. 1 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn. 31 July 2009
SUR/FIN 2009, the premier technical conference and exhibition for the North American surface finishing industry, kicked off June 15–17 at the Kentucky International Convention Center. The three-day event offered more than 70 technical sessions, a special keynote presentation focused on the economy, new product demonstrations, and networking opportunities galore. 24 July 2009
A newly released report from the Federal Reserve showed U.S. Industrial production decreased 0.4% in June after having fallen 1.2% in May. For the second quarter as a whole, output fell at an annual rate of 11.6%, a more moderate contraction than in the first quarter, when output fell 19.1%. 24 July 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
Enthone, Inc., a business of Cookson Electronics, has acquired select assets of Westbrook Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Scarborough, Ontario. Specifically, Enthone has acquired exclusive rights and knowledge to all Westbrook intellectual property as it relates to the surface finishing industry. The asset acquisition substantially expands Enthone’s market presence throughout Canada, while further strengthening its portfolio of corrosion-resistant coatings for the surface finishing industry. 17 July 2009
Metalforming companies expect continued strengthening in business conditions during the next three months, according to the findings of the July Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) Business Conditions Report. 17 July 2009
It’s not too early to start thinking about technical presentations for SUR/FIN 2010, set to take place June 15–17 in Grand Rapids, Mich. The National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) is inviting researchers in the chemical engineering, material science, and/or surface finishing fields to submit abstracts for consideration by NASF’s Technical Committee. 17 July 2009
DuBois Chemicals, a global provider of sustainable cleaning solutions for safe, high- performing facilities, is participating in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Leaders program, thereby demonstrating its continued commitment to environmental improvement and providing sustainable cleaning solutions. By participating in Climate Leaders, DuBois has pledged to reduce its corporate-wide GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions and has passed the requirements of entering the program. 09 July 2009
Precision Quincy Corp., an industrial process oven manufacturer, has formed a strategic alliance with Dallas-based Pollution Control Products Co., a burn-off oven producer. Distribution will be handled by Essex Brownell, which will offer these complementary lines of curing and stripping ovens to better serve the motor, transformer, and motor repair industries, the parties said. 09 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
Reliable Silver, Inc., which has been fabricating metals products for industrial and decorative applications for more than 30 years, has rolled out a new pricing program governing its line of precious metals for plating. The program, which entails a value-added, customized pricing/service strategy anchored by a newly redesigned website, is designed to help finishers lower their costs and boost productivity in these challenging economic times. 09 July 2009
The East and West Michigan Districts of the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) have signed an alliance agreement with the Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration (MIOSHA) to promote the safety and health of workers in the metalforming industry. 30 June 2009
The Chemical Coaters Association International, CCAI, honored members for their service and dedication and installed its 2009–2010 officers and national board members during its recent annual meeting, held in Scottsdale, Ariz. 30 June 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
Luis Fernandez, the new vice president of Dow Coatings Materials, outlined the market strategy for the newly formed division of Dow Chemical Company. The unit was formed as a result of Dow’s acquisition of Rohm and Haas in April 2009. 05 June 2009
Attendees hailing from all over Latin America, Europe and beyond descended on the Transamerica Expo Center in São Paulo, Brazil, May 7–9, to attend the 30th anniversary of EBRATS, the country's premier surface finishing exposition and technical conference, organized by the Associação Brasileira de Tratamentos de Superfície (ABTS). 29 May 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
DISA Group, a leader in molding and casting technology, has merged with Wheelabrator Group, a leader in surface preparation technology, to create a formidable metallic parts enhancement company. The two companies, each owned by Mid Europa Partners, have been granted official approval by the German Bundeskartellamt to complete their merger process. 15 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
Senator Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) recently received the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence—an honor that recognizes federal lawmakers whose voting records have consistently supported manufacturing in America. The event was sponsored by Dixie Industrial Finishing Co., Inc., in Tucker, Ga. 01 May 2009
Many manufacturing entities in the New England region of the U.S. have been able to largely withstand the recessionary onslaught that has devastated other sectors of the country, particularly the Midwest. In fact, newly released figures show industrial facilities are growing, not shrinking. 23 April 2009
Deterioration in the global economy resulted in soft first-quarter earnings numbers due to lower demand in many of the end-use markets serviced by major paint manufacturers and chemical suppliers. Suppliers are hopeful that the second quarter earnings will be much improved as customers seek to replenish inventories. 23 April 2009
Optimum Anode Technologies, a newly formed business affiliate of Titan Metal Fabricators, has hit the ground running with a full complement of dimensionally stable anode coatings designed to meet or exceed the technical and operational needs of customers in a number of industries, including biotechnology, cathodic protection, chemical process, electronics, metal finishing, water and wastewater treatment, and specialty applications. 16 April 2009
Stephen Candiloro, Sr., one of the plating industry’s technical giants, suffered a fatal heart attack on Feb. 6. He was 77. During the latter half of his 60-year career in plating, Candiloro was the technical heart of the team that propelled Epner Technology, Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y., into its second century as one of the world’s leading high-tech contract electroplaters. 08 April 2009
On April 1 the Dow Chemical Company announced the completion of its acquisition of Rohm and Haas. The acquisition is a major step in Dow’s strategy of growing its performance products and specialty portfolio to deliver more consistent earnings growth. 08 April 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
Columbia Chemical Corp. has been granted approval by the Boeing Company as a supplier of cadmium brightener for applications on all models of their commercial airplanes. Columbia Chemical’s COLCAD 100 brightener for cadmium plating is designed to produce brilliant, uniform deposits in both rack and barrel plating applications while providing long operating life with low-cost bath operations. 11 March 2009
Forty-two percent of responding companies cited changes in their customers’ sourcing patterns from Asia back to North America or Europe in the past two years, according to the results of a survey conducted by IPC, the Association Connecting Electronics Industries. 18 February 2009
Automotive sales in the U.S. continued their downward spiral as several major manufacturers reported high double-digit declines. 11 February 2009
The tentacles of global economic recession have reached the chemical and paint industries. The latest earnings reports among the majors reflect softening industrial demand. 04 February 2009
The U.S. government has reported that gross domestic product (GDP)—the broadest measure of economic growth—contracted at an annual rate of 3.8% during the fourth quarter of 2008. While that was better than the 5.4% drop analysts had expected, the fall-off represents the worst decline in GDP since 1980. 02 February 2009
The manufacturing outlook for the airline/aerospace industry for 2009 is starkly different from the scary projections coming out of the automotive industry. According to a newly released report from the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), the category encompassing civil aviation, defense, and space is expected to see growth in the 2–3% range this year. Albeit modest, analysts say it is welcomed growth nonetheless. 19 January 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
Enthone, Inc., a business of Cookson Electronics, has announced the opening of its Semiconductor Applications Center in Taoyuan, Taiwan. The Semiconductor Applications Center represents a multi-million dollar investment that further enables Enthone to deliver customer-driven solutions to the dynamic wafer fabrication marketplace. 22 August 2008
DuBois Chemicals, the industrial division of JohnsonDiversey, Inc.—a leading global provider of cleaning and hygiene solutions—has launched Sustainable Cleaning Solutions, a program designed to reduce customers’ total cost of ownership through products and applications that are lean, green, and clean. 08 August 2008
The Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI) honored members for their service and dedication at its annual meeting held earlier this summer in Clearwater Beach, Fla. During the event, the association also installed its 2008–09 officers. 08 August 2008
More than 40% of manufacturing and purchasing personnel have no understanding of the REACH regulation as it affects their companies. The same holds true for nearly one-third of senior management and 29% of engineering personnel. (Even 28% of environment, health, and safety personnel have no understanding of REACH’s impact.) All this according to the newly released results of a survey on “REACH Preparedness,” conducted by IPC, the Association Connecting Electronics Industries. 01 August 2008
Nordson Corp., Westlake, Ohio, earlier this week announced that it has signed a license and distribution agreement with Greensboro, N.C.–based Sensory Analytics, a leading developer of innovative coating measurement systems. The distribution agreement enables the exclusive use of certain Sensory Analytics SpecMetrix coating measurement technologies within new Nordson’s coating measurement offerings for container manufacturers. 25 April 2008
Ian Sellars, the owner and managing director of Elcometer, and one of the founders of the modern coating inspection industry, passed away last week. He was 70. 25 April 2008
Sirius Technology, Inc., and Taskem, Inc., announced that the two companies have merged. The deal, effective April 1, 2008, will result in a new company to be called Coventya, Inc. 28 March 2008
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